First looks are becoming somewhat of a wedding tradition—which is interesting because it negates an old practice of not seeing each other on the wedding day before walking down the aisle. If you’re considering a first look with your photographer, you may be wondering just what makes them so popular. We have a range of reasons for why couples have been loving this new tradition.

It Provides Some Privacy Before Spending Time with Your Guests

One of the biggest reasons why couples love having a first look is that it provides a few sweet moments of privacy. This will prove to be a rarity on your wedding day, with so many guests to greet and mingle with. Plus, if you don’t do a first look, the moment you see your fiancé for the first time will be at the altar, which is a much more public way. It really depends on your preferences! However, many couples value having a few sweet stolen moments for the two of them that they’ll forever remember!

It May Calm Your Nerves

There can be a lot of nervousness associated with seeing your future spouse for the first time with every wedding guest watching. That’s totally normal! To mitigate those nerves, you may want to choose to do a first look. This takes some of the pressure off of the moment and allows you to see your future spouse by yourself, making it a breeze when you’re ready to walk down the aisle.

It Offers an Opportunity for Beautiful Photos

First looks allow you to get more great photos of you and your spouse than if you decide not to see them until the ceremony. This is because you’ll be so much less rushed than you would be after the ceremony before heading to your reception. First looks are super popular for this reason alone, as they alleviate a lot of the stress around the timeline on your wedding day, which can be pretty hectic. Your photographer will also get to capture more raw emotion by shooting your first look, as you may be more likely to hold back during a ceremony in front of all of your guests. There’s nothing better than seeing the progression of a big first look reveal once you get your wedding photos back!

You’ll be “Fresher”

Since a first look comes before any of the official wedding festivities kick off, you’ll look as fresh as possible for this big moment and for these photos. This is a big reason why a lot of people love doing these. Your hair and makeup will look fresh and you won’t have to worry about keeping it absolutely perfect for that big reveal to your future spouse if you decide to do a first look.

It Allows You to Attend the Cocktail Hour

A first look is a great way to ensure that you get to actually attend your cocktail hour. Many couples end up missing this fun part of their big day to take portraits together, but if you do this photo shoot before the ceremony, you’ll have a much better chance of actually being able to enjoy your cocktail hour and use it as time to mingle with your guests.

You’ll Be More Present During the Ceremony

Another big reason that couples love doing a first look is that it allows them to be more present during their ceremony. This is because you’re not nearly as focused on seeing your soon-to-be spouse or posing for the camera in this moment. Instead, you can really take in what’s going on around you and enjoy the moment that you officially become husband and wife!

The post Why First Looks Are so Popular appeared first on Weddingbee.

There are many beautiful and unique ways to celebrate your matrimony, and planning a special sand ceremony is one of them. A sand ceremony is a ritual performed during the wedding service that uses sand to represent the union of the bride and groom. The tradition entails the couple pouring sand from separate containers into a unified one, which symbolizes two people coming together in marriage. It’s a lovely aspect of your big day—and no, you don’t have to be married on a beach to perform it! The sand ceremony emerged as an alternative to the unity candle ceremony, which is a popular tradition in the Catholic faith that involves the couple lighting two candles individually before lighting a central candle together. While some couples find sand from a beach they might be married upon, others might gather sand from a beach that holds special meaning for them, although it doesn’t have to be. (You can buy sand online if you want!) If a sand ceremony feels right for you, here are some tips on how to plan the perfect one.

Who Can Perform a Sand Ceremony?

Anyone can! Because it’s non-religious you can do it either on your own as part of your ceremony or you might ask your officiant to include it and and tie the ritual in with what they have planned for you.

What You Need

Luckily, all the items you need for a sand ceremony are accessible and inexpensive. You’ll need:

• A table situated where you will perform the ceremony
• Two different colored sands, one for each person
• Two small vessels (glass jars) for the bride and groom, containing their respective sands
• A large glass jar or container for the sand to join together

How it Works

The basis of the sand ceremony is that the couple takes turns pouring their sand into the empty bigger jar to combine grains that cannot be separated. A poem or a meaningful passage is then shared afterwards.

When to Perform It

You can do the sand ceremony whenever you want on your big day, but since it symbolizes the couple joining together as one, it’s usually done before the exchange of vows (or as part of it) and after the ring exchange. However, you could choose to do it any time—whatever works for the flow of the ceremony!

How to Make it Special

While it’s a timeless ritual, there are ways you can personalize the sand ceremony. Some couples choose to perform it themselves, including taking turns reading what the ceremony means to them. You might choose to have your officiant read some chosen words about your unity. If you have a blended family, you might also ask your children to be a part of the ritual. Choosing the different colored sand, as well as the location from which it comes, could also be unique to your relationship. Of course, the jars can also be a personal touch.

What to Do with the Sand Afterward

The best part about a sand ceremony is that it becomes a keepsake for your home together. Lighting a union candle is wonderful, but there’s something special about displaying the sand in your home as an endearing memento of your wedding and union for years afterward.

A sand ceremony is a poignant and powerful symbol of union that goes beyond a beach wedding trope. A special sand ceremony is a beautiful ritual that stands for an everlasting union, and is a keepsake that both you and your spouse can cherish forever.

The post How to Plan a Wedding Sand Ceremony appeared first on Weddingbee.

Guest books are such a fun wedding tradition. However, in today’s world, there are so many new ways to put your own spin on it. Forget a normal book and pen—non-traditional guest book ideas have made their mark! Here’s eight creative ideas you may want to choose from for your own wedding.

Custom Illustration

Have a cool illustration done that your friends and family can sign for your guest book. This could be an illustration of you and your fiancé, your wedding venue, or the location of a special shared memory. This will look beautiful framed in your home after all the signatures are present!

Voicemail Guest Book

Find a vintage phone that’s in working condition and set up a voicemail for it. Leave it out with a sign that tells guests to leave their message after the tone. Guests can speak their message to you on here, which is such a cool and personalized way to spin your guestbook!

Polaroid Guest Book

For this idea, you’ll need a few Polaroid cameras, film, and a blank guest book (or album with blank paper pages). Place them at your guest book station alongside fun washi tape and pens. Guests can take photos, tape them into your book, and leave their message next to it. This is a small twist on a tradition that makes it more modern and fun to look at than a bunch of signatures.

Wine Cork Guest Book

If you and your future spouse have a shared love for vino, this might be the perfect guest book for you. Collect wine corks that your guests can sign at the wedding reception, and then assemble them into the shape of your choosing, such as a heart, initial, or even a circle. Adhere them onto decorative cardstock or other sturdy material. This will look lovely in your home after the wedding as a decorative piece of art!

Photo Book Guest Book

Have a photo book made to use as your guestbook, using photos from your engagement shoot or from throughout your relationship. Guests can sign alongside the photos throughout the book. This will be a beautiful keepsake and will act like your own little coffee table book after your wedding has passed.

Custom Puzzle or Jenga Blocks

Have a custom jigsaw puzzle printed with simply your names and wedding date in the middle. Make sure the puzzle is assembled before the wedding, and leave permanent markers for guests to sign with and leave their messages. This will be the perfect rainy day activity for you and your new spouse, and as you put the puzzle together, you’ll be able to read all the sweet messages you received! Another fun game you can do this with is a Jenga set. Leave it out during your reception and ask everyone to sign a block!

Perfect Postcards

This idea is for the couple who has perpetual wanderlust. Have a station with postcards from around the globe. Your guests can each sign one and then you’ll have a bunch to look at after your wedding day has come and gone. Use them to inspire your future travels, and during your trip you’ll think of whoever wrote you the message associated with that postcard!

Piñata Guest Book

Do something fun and festive with a piñata! Ask your guests to write their message on a provided piece of paper, fold it up, and place it in a piñata. Then, reading your messages will be super fun as you’ll get to burst it open.

These are just a few unique wedding guest book ideas. Really, the sky is the limit when it comes to what you can do for this aspect of your big day, so use the chance to really get creative!

The post Non-Traditional Guest Book Ideas appeared first on Weddingbee.

Every culture has their own nuanced wedding traditions—and American weddings are no exception to that rule! Learn what some of the most common of these are below so that you can decide which you want to include in your upcoming wedding.

1. A Bride in White

Brides wearing white wedding dresses is one of the longest held traditions of an American wedding. A huge amount of women in this country opt to follow this tradition, which actually comes from England. Queen Victoria had a fancy and public wedding in the mid-1800s. There, she wore a white dress made of British silk and lace. This gown captured the eyes of the public, and ever since brides across the world have been dressing in white for their walk down the aisle. Although now women tend to put their own spin on the look and dress tends have come and gone, the heart of this tradition has stood the test of time.

2. The First Dance

Another beloved and long-held wedding tradition in America is the first dance. This is one of the most exciting parts of a reception for many couples! This is where newlyweds share a special dance as husband and wife in front of their guests to the song of their choice. This is another tradition that originated in Europe. During the 1700s, noblemen would throw lavish balls and whoever was in attendance with the highest rank or social standing would kick off the party with a first dance. Along the way, that became a tradition for newly married couples at their reception.

3. The Bridal Bouquet

Bridal bouquets are more than a beautiful arrangement! They signify a long-standing American wedding tradition. The bouquet is meant to signify the emotions of the bride during the wedding. This tradition has been around for a long time and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere any time soon!

4. Matching Bridesmaid Dresses

This tradition dates back to Roman times. When it began, matching outfits meant good luck and were common at weddings. This was because people then believed that evil spirits would attend the wedding in an attempt to curse the bride and groom. In order to confuse these intruding spirits, bridesmaids would dress identically to the bride. Although the tradition and the reasons behind it has changed a bit over time, it’s still a common American wedding occurrence for bridesmaids to wear the same, or similar, dresses.

5. Tossing Rice

We all know about the tradition of tossing rice at the bride and groom after their wedding ceremony. This originated because marriage was symbolic of an expansion, meaning that the newlywed couple was going to start a family. Rice symbolized fertility and prosperity. It was believed that tossing it at newlyweds conveyed best wishes and good luck. While this tradition has been modified by many couples in today’s world, the heart of it stays the same. Couples today opt to have different things—like dried lavender, confetti, or even blown bubbles—tossed towards them, or some go with the trusty original rice!

6. The Wedding Poem

A very common American wedding tradition that brides still practice today follows a famous wedding poem of sorts. It dictates that brides must have, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue” for their big day. The something old represents the couple’s past lives. To contrast, the something new symbolizes the couple’s upcoming happy future. The something borrowed means that something from a happily married couple should be incorporated into the look of the bride in the hopes that their good fortune will rub off on the newly married couple. Finally, the something blue is to represent fidelity.

It’s fun to incorporate long-held American wedding traditions into your big day. It’s even more fun to put your unique and modern twist on them, so feel free to shake them up while still honoring their special meaning in the wedding world.

The post 6 Common American Wedding Traditions appeared first on Weddingbee.

When you’re immersed in the hustle and bustle of planning a wedding, the last thing you want is to argue with your partner. Yet, it’s common for couples to squabble over the music for their marriage ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Differing tastes, favorite artists, and disparate visions for pivotal moments can sometimes lead to frustration. So, how can couples approach wedding music collaboratively, and have fun in the process? As you broach the topic of wedding music with your soon-to-be-spouse, here are three things to remember.

Think Bigger

Music is an important component of a wedding, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Optimally, your music should fit in seamlessly with the vibe and spirit of the rest of your special day.

Imagine, for example, that you’re planning a black tie affair in a cathedral, with the cocktail hour and reception taking place at an upscale hotel nearby. Chances are, songs in the country music genre don’t really fit into that vision. As another example, suppose you’re planning a more casual outdoor ceremony, with a reception featuring food trucks and carnival snacks. It’s unlikely that any classical music pieces fit the bill for that theme.

As you talk about wedding music with your future spouse, keep in mind your holistic vision for the day. If the two of you are aligned on that, conversations on music will be more seamless as well. What does the wedding look like, feel like? Is it glamorous? Timeless? Quirky? What makes it special for the two of you? And how can you amplify that feeling through music?

If you’re not quite on the same page on a broader scale yet, back up and rethink themes that meld both of your personalities, families, and interests. After all, the day is all about celebrating your unity!

Divide and Conquer

Most weddings are divided into two main events: the ceremony and the reception. The ceremony is where the actual “marrying” takes place. The reception is the after-party. And many times, couples will host a cocktail hour in-between.

Why is this important to point out? Because it illustrates that there are many opportunities for both partners to take ownership of the music in a certain portion of the wedding. For example, perhaps one of you plans the ceremony music, the other plans cocktail hour music, and you collaborate on the reception playlist.

Zooming in further, you can even divvy up music-planning responsibilities on a more micro scale. Maybe you’d like to pick out the specific songs for the “big moments” in the reception, like the couples’ entrance or cake cutting, and let your partner pick out songs to fill the gaps between. Or maybe the main ceremony music is really important to your fiancé, and you can pick out all the prelude songs.

By dividing and conquering the music for different parts of the day, you can ensure that you both have a say-so in the repertoire.

Communicate Clearly

When it comes to weddings, most brides and grooms have one or two elements of the day that are very, very important to them. Some people are sticklers for good photography or videography. For others, it’s all about the food. And for others (maybe even you, if you’re reading this article!), the music is the crux of the whole event.

If this does sound like you, and music is something you’re feeling anxious about, communicate that clearly with your partner so they understand how important it is to you. Recognizing what each of you values most about the big day—and where you’re willing to compromise—is a helpful step in understanding where to collaborate or compromise.

By the same token, if there is a particular song or band you have your heart set on for the wedding, say so! Perhaps you always dreamed of a certain song for your first dance or processional (the moment when you or your spouse walks down the aisle). Or maybe there’s a particular genre of music that you really want represented at some point during the special day. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to speak up about it early on in the planning process so you can discuss and build a song list that makes both of you happy.

The post Here’s What a Couple Should Discuss Before Selecting Wedding Music appeared first on Weddingbee.

If you’re worried that your wedding reception venue is too small—don’t! There are many ways to make the most of a small area to ensure that your party feels expansive and to make sure that everyone has the space they need to truly enjoy every minute of your big day.

Don’t Overcrowd it with Decor

Adding a lot of different decoration pieces can make a small space feel crowded. Keep things minimal and simple. Don’t hang any art or flowers from the ceiling and if you’re hanging things on the walls, go with one or two dramatic pieces over multiple smaller ones.

Move the Bar Outside

If possible, see if the bar for your event can be set up right outside the reception room. All the space this will save can be put to good use for the dance floor and guest tables.

Avoid Oversized Furniture

A lot of couples love using furniture pieces like couches or big armchairs during their reception. However, this is not the best choice for a small space because of the square footage they take up. Opt not to include these in order to make the most out of the square footage of your venue.

Consider Different Table Shapes

You may need to play around with different table shapes to see what works best in your reception area. Round tables and rectangular tables are very different and you may find that one makes better use of the floor than the other. Or, you may find that a combination of the two is the winning ticket to maximizing the space.

Use Translucent Materials

Translucent materials, such as glass votives and vases, help guests to see as much of the room as possible, making it seem larger. You can even use translucent chairs to aid in this. Known as “ghost chairs,” these are popular and aesthetically pleasing, making them a wonderful choice all around.

Use Bistro Tables

If you decide to have passed trays for food rather than a traditional sit-down meal, you can make use of bistro tables instead of having traditional tables at your reception. This can certainly save space!

Decorate with Mirrors

Hang a few mirrors strategically in order to make your reception space seem bigger than it is. These will reflect light, look nice, and do a great job opening up the space.

Use Short Centerpieces

Short centerpieces are less overwhelming in a small space than larger ones. Choose these over tall arrangements to keep things feeling open. This also helps guests to be able to see the entire space of the room better, which also makes it feel bigger. Small arrangements can be just as lush and pretty as tall arrangements, so don’t fret over that. (Plus, they’re usually less expensive, so that’s a good thing, too!)

Hire a DJ

Opting to have a DJ as your musical entertainment instead of a band can save you a ton of space, not to mention money! That makes this a good decision all-around.

Use the Right Colors

Avoid using bright and bold colors in your reception space if you want to make it seem bigger than it is. Neutral colors in light shades and shades of white help to keep things light and airy, preventing the space from feeling overwhelmed with color. The same goes for patterns in your linens and decor—they’re best avoided when trying to make the most out of a space. Instead, go with solid colors.

Consider Folding Tables and Chairs

Folding tables and chairs can be used during your reception when people are eating. Then, once dinner is over, they can be put away to make more room for the dance floor.

The post How to Make the Most of a Small Space Reception appeared first on Weddingbee.

Wedding receptions come in all forms, and something that’s gaining a lot of traction as of late in the wedding world is brunch receptions. These are a fun new twist on a traditional reception, and you may be wondering if one of these is the right type of event to celebrate your marriage. Read below to learn all the pros and cons of brunch weddings!

The Pros of Brunch Wedding Receptions

There are quite a few upsides to having a brunch reception that are worth exploring!

The Food Costs Less than Dinner Receptions

Reception brunches are great if for no other reason than they cost less than typical receptions in which dinner is served. It’s no secret that weddings can be expensive, so anything that helps save a few pennies is a good thing! Brunch receptions don’t cost as much because of a few reasons. First, there will be less chance of overcharges for events that run all night long, which can happen with more traditional wedding receptions. Additionally, catering costs can go down as breakfast and lunch food is simply more cost-effective than dinner items. There’s usually less meat and alcohol served overall at these events in comparison to evening receptions, and typical breakfast items like eggs and fruit offer a lot of bang for your buck when serving a crowd.

There’s Better Venue Availability

These days in the wake of wedding cancellations because of COVID-19 lockdowns, it’s been really competitive to nail down a date at a venue that you want. However, if you plan your wedding events for earlier in the day, there’s a larger chance that the venue of your choice will have wider availability. This is especially helpful if you’re looking to have a short engagement and host a wedding sooner rather than later.

It’s a Whole Day Affair!

A brunch wedding can allow you to celebrate all day long, whether it be with your guests or just with your spouse after your official reception ends. Once your reception is technically over, you can feel free to plan something more casual and optional to keep the party going with your guests. Alternatively, you may want to enjoy the rest of the day privately with your spouse, which is a special way to commemorate this moment in your life!

It’s a Unique Wedding Experience

Sometimes it can feel like all weddings are the same, so a brunch affair can make your big day feel more special and unique. It’s quite the fun twist on a traditional reception, with different food, a different ambiance, and perhaps even different attire! The possibilities are endless, allowing you to get really creative when planning.

The Cons of Brunch Wedding Receptions

Take these cons into consideration as you debate planning a brunch reception.

You’ll Need to Wake up Extra Early

A brunch wedding usually requires quite an early wakeup, particularly for the bride and her bridesmaids. You’ll need to start getting ready even earlier than you would for a traditional wedding and reception. If you’re not much of a morning person, you’ll definitely want to think this over before saying “I do” to a brunch reception.

It’s a Different Experience than an Evening Reception

If you’re considering a brunch reception, it’s important you understand that it will look different than a typical evening wedding reception. This may not live up to the vision you’ve always had for your wedding day. For instance, your reception may not have much dancing or a huge party vibe if it’s in the morning hours. If that usual wedding ambiance is important to you, think it over carefully before committing to a brunch wedding.

You May Be on a Strict Timeline

It’s possible that a brunch reception can cause you to be on a stricter timeline with your wedding day. Because there may be another event the night of your wedding at your venue, it may be imperative for you to stay on schedule. On the other hand, when you have an evening reception, there may be more flexibility if you run over time. If you think there’s a chance you may want to extend the event, this is definitely something to consider.

Brunch weddings are certainly a fun twist on a traditional wedding and allow couples to not only do something different, but save money and have more location availability while doing it. However, the cons are also something to think through as you consider this type of wedding.

The post Brunch Wedding Reception Pros and Cons appeared first on Weddingbee.

You have the ring and the date—now it’s time to bring your wedding vision to life! The planning process can be a lot of fun and today’s couples have a wealth of resources available to make their dream day come true. However, it’s very easy for a reception budget to skyrocket in price without even realizing it. Whether you have a generous budget or a more modest one, wedding costs can add up quickly. Here are some reception budget crushers to avoid.

1. The Guest List

A high numbered guest list is the fastest way to drive up the cost of your reception. Many couples find it difficult to limit their guest list for fear of leaving someone out, but don’t realize that each person has a number on their head. Think about it this way: each guest who attends requires food, drink, and a seat, and each of those items have individual costs. The first thing to look at when the budget starts getting out of control is the guest list and who you can leave off. Prioritize invitations for those close family and friends who you know you want there to celebrate with you. Any other guests who don’t fall into the must invite category can be sorted into two sub-categories: would like to invite and wouldn’t be heartbroken if they didn’t attend. This process should help cut down the list and save you money right off the bat.

2. Catering

The typical reception begins in the late afternoon or evening. This means that guests are arriving to your reception right about dinner time and are expecting some type of refreshment.

A couple hidden fees that come with catering are taxes and gratuity. Many catering companies will give a price per person and will add on the tax and gratuity in the end, inadvertently sticker shocking couples. Because quotes are just quotes until caterers get the final head count the week or two weeks before the wedding, couples sometimes have a much different number in their heads than what they are slapped with. At that point, it’s too late. The guests have RSVP’d and there’s not enough time to change the menu.

It’s always a good idea to ask the caterers up front what the taxes and gratuity charges are. Typical gratuity for weddings is between 15-18% for the total guest count. Sales tax is based on individual state requirements. Some caterers add additional charges for the type of service such as a plated meal, buffet, or carving station. It’s also smart to keep in mind that market pricing of food items, typically meat and seafood, can change all the way up until your final payment is due. The best way to overcome this hidden budget crusher is to update your caterer with the guest count throughout the planning process and ask for updated quotes. This way you can keep track of the taxes, gratuities, and price adjustments as they are happening.

3. Alcohol

You have the food—now let’s pop the champagne! Having a bar option at your reception can add a lot of fun to the party, but it doesn’t mean you have to pay for unlimited drinks for your guests all night long. Open bars are a major budget crusher because they are unpredictable. An open bar means that guests are allowed to drink whatever is available at the bar, all night long, at your cost. The worst part? You don’t know how much it’s going to cost until the night is over and have essentially crushed your reception budget. Never fear! There are many options for bar service. You can set limits, choose to serve only certain kinds of alcohol, or choose to have guests pay for their own drinks. The same taxes and gratuity that caterers charge is added to bar packages as well. It’s important to communicate your budget with your bar service. Give them a distinct number that you would like to not exceed after all is said and done. They will be able to guide you in the process to make sure you stay in budget.

4. Rentals

The most deceiving budget crushers tend to be the extras—the things that are always a part of a wedding that no one thinks about like the linens, tables, chairs, and décor items. The best way to get a handle on these surprise costs is to start with the venue. Many venues offer tables and chairs up to a certain amount of people at no additional cost, and some even include linens in a basic color variety. These details may seem small, but when you need to source all these items from a rental company, it gets spendy quick! Be sure to ask your venue when booking what they include and how many guests their supplies accommodate.

If you’re having your ceremony and reception at the same location, ask if the chairs for the ceremony will be needed for the reception. Moving chairs from one location to the other can eat up time and add a bit of chaos. If you need to rent extra chairs, it’s best to know that up front. Linens are another surprising cost. If the venue doesn’t supply them, they can cost between $9 and $20 per tablecloth to rent. Don’t forget about delivery charges and cleaning fees that may come along with linen rentals.

Keep in mind that many décor items can be rented as well as purchased. Purchasing items brand new can be very expensive! Renting items that you’ll only use for one day can save you some money and will be less of a hassle when you don’t have to try to resale them once your big day is over.

5. Entertainment

Receptions are where are the party’s at! Whether you decide to have live music or a DJ to entertain your guests, these services can range from a modest $500 to upwards of $10,000. Live music is a reception statement maker, but can be costly.

Another thing to keep in mind about live music is that it’s often LOUD. If your venue is in a residential neighborhood or within certain city districts, there could be noise ordinances. If the band is playing too loud at your wedding, guess who gets slapped with a fine? That’s right: you! It’s good to have a plan before going down that road.

DJs are another fantastic option to entertain your guests. But there are additional costs for things like lighting, ceremony music, dance floors, and mics for toasts. These little things add up quickly, just like the rest. When getting quotes from DJs, be sure to ask what each of their packages include and get their advice on what they think your party may require. They are the experts in the field of entertainment and can quickly tell you what would fit your reception vision best.

Creating a budget and having great communication with your vendors are the best ways to avoid spending more than you want. Do your research, get detailed quotes, and hire trusted vendors and you are on your way to a perfect day without breaking the bank!

The post Five Wedding Reception Budget Crushers appeared first on Weddingbee.

Your wedding reception takes a lot of careful planning, and for that reason it’s easy for a few things to slip through the cracks. Make sure you don’t overlook these items that are sometimes last on the list!

1. A Do Not Play List

While you’ve likely spent a lot of time picking out special songs you do want played at your wedding, you’ll also want to provide the DJ with a list of songs you don’t want played. If you don’t have any you have a strong feeling against, then this isn’t necessary. But, at the minimum, it’s something to consider.

2. Extra Seating

It can be tough to remember that people will naturally float around during your reception, so you’ll want to have a few extra seats to account for this at your reception. That way, there’s no game of musical chairs when people mingle from one table to the next. You may also want to consider ensuring there is some good “lounge” space for guests to enjoy themselves in. This will allow them to be away from the dance floor comfortably.

3. Vendor Meals

Your vendors will need to eat too, as they’re going to be starving from the hustle and bustle of your big day! Make sure to account for this with your venue so that their meals are set and ready for them when the time comes.

4. Potential Vendor Overtime

Speaking of vendors, you may want to check with them to know if they’d be open to doing more time at your event at the last-minute if need be. They may be especially true for your photographer and entertainment. With that being said, it’s good to know ahead of time if this is even an option.

5. The Right Lighting

The lighting at your wedding reception is something you’ll want to ensure you have set before the big day arrives. Having this right lighting—whether it’s twinkle lights, candles, or even uplighting—can really help set the mood and ensure that all of the decor you carefully chose has its moment to shine during the duration of your event.

6. Bathroom Baskets

It’s always nice to have bathroom baskets with little toiletry items for your guests to use at your reception. Simple things like spray deodorant, hair ties, mints or gum, bandages, and Advil are great items to have in these baskets so guests can use them if they’re needed.

7. After Party Planning

Some of your guests may want to keep the party going after the reception comes to a close. Make sure to have a general plan or at least suggestions for your guests. This could be as simple as scoping out the local bar scene so that you can pick a place to go with people if you choose to after your reception ends.

8. Comfortable Shoes

You want to ensure guests dance the night away at your reception, and one great way to help with that is to provide comfortable dancing shoes. Have inexpensive flip flops in a variety of sizes in baskets at the front of the dance floor for guests to use so that they can keep going all night long!

9. Packing Items Up

There will be a bunch of items you’ll need to retrieve from your reception once it’s over. Your guest book, gifts and cards, your bouquet, and even the top layer of your wedding cake are all things you’ll want to grab once the party is over. Make sure to assign a point person for this so you don’t have to worry about it. Ask someone from your wedding party to take care of it for you before your big day arrives so you’ll know that it’s set.

Your wedding reception is bound to be tons of fun, and covering all of your bases in planning it means you’ll be able to enjoy every minute and be in the moment on the big day.

The post 9 Things to Not Overlook When Planning Your Reception appeared first on Weddingbee.

When it comes to getting hitched, the members of Generation Z are proving themselves yet again to be birds of a different feather. According to a recent survey, nine out of 10 Generation Zers still see themselves getting married in the future, however, 92 % of them prefer to be financially stable before they say, “I do.” Maybe their practicality and inherent career ambitions explain why Generation Z is doing things differently when it comes to planning weddings; young couples are doing away with anything traditional and instead, in true Gen Z fashion, are embracing wedding concepts related to personalization and uniqueness. If you’re planning to attend a Generation Z wedding, or curious about what’s next in store for the future generation of weddings, here are six things you won’t see at a Generation Z wedding.

1. A Large Guest List

Gen Z is all about keeping their weddings close and intimate. In fact, many Gen Zers would prefer to elope or hold a small ceremony at city hall or in a backyard. So, don’t expect 100+ people at their wedding—it will be more like 30 people or under. And if you’re one of those invited, consider yourself special!

2. Lots of Plastic and Single-Use Items

Environmental impacts are important to Gen Z, so it’s likely they will be more eco-conscious when it comes to prepping and planning their weddings. You won’t see a lot of plastic or unnecessary single-usage items at their weddings like confetti, plastic cups, or decor that will be thrown out once the night is over. You can bet that there will be a ton of compostable and recyclable items being used with an emphasis on conservation and sustainability.

3. Tons of Wedding Gifts

Similarly, since Gen Z is more socially conscious, they are acutely aware of the privileges that they have compared to others. Recent surveys have shown that members of Generation Z are likely to include a charity in their wedding registry as a way to give back and use their wedding to make a social impact. It won’t be surprising to see if a number of Gen Z weddings do away with a registry altogether and insist on guests donating to an organization of the couple’s choice as a gift.

4. A White Wedding Dress or a Tuxedo

While Gen Z brides are definitely open to wearing a white wedding dress, don’t expect that a white one—or even a dress for that matter—is going to be the norm. Gen Z members love to express themselves authentically. They’re not ones to adhere to tradition just for tradition’s sake, so if a bride doesn’t want to wear white or a dress, or a groom doesn’t want to wear a tux or a suit, then they just won’t! Don’t be surprised if you see a range of more casual clothing or loud and expressive fashion at a Gen Z wedding.

5. Typical Decor

Not surprisingly, Generation Z is all about the latest trends in technology, and they want their big day to reflect that. You can expect a lot less of the traditional decor we’re accustomed to—like small decor items and accoutrements, floral walls, paper menus and place cards, etc.—and instead you will see a lot more digital additions like smart mirrors, video walls, digital signs, and digital menus.

6. A Wedding Party

Because Gen Z wants to keep their weddings as low-key and personal as possible, it’s safe to say that gone are the days of huge wedding parties. Most Gen Z weddings might include a best man and a maid of honor, or even an eye witness or two to their matrimony, but you won’t see a large group of color-coordinated bridesmaids and groomsmen.

You will definitely feel like you’ve stepped into the future at a Gen Z wedding. However, with a new twist on old traditions, it will be exciting to be a part of a new generation of happy couples who are getting married the way they want to.

The post 6 Things You Won’t See at a Generation Z Wedding appeared first on Weddingbee.

Your wedding invitation arrives, and the dress code reads: black-tie. What does that mean? Simply put, a black tie wedding means you’re going to have to get majorly dressed up (which, yes, might mean including a black tie). But a black tie wedding is more than wearing formal dress attire. It’s typically the most traditional and sophisticated type of wedding to which one can be invited. It’s fancy as heck, and is an opportunity for you to feel like royalty for the night. But if that makes you break out into a cold sweat, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered on what you need to know when it comes to a black tie wedding.

What do you wear to a black tie wedding?

Typically, guests are asked to wear a tuxedo or an evening gown to a black tie wedding. You really can’t overdress for a black tie affair, so if you have been saving a really chic suit or dress for a special occasion, then this would be the one.

While a tux should be the first choice for men, a nice suit is an acceptable substitute. A dinner jacket is also a fine choice. No matter what type of suit you’re wearing, you should definitely include a black tie or bowtie (hence, the phrase “black tie”). For women, a full-length dress is the norm. So, no mini-dresses or skirts. If you don’t have a long evening gown, you can definitely choose a tasteful dress that hits just above or below the knee; just ensure it’s elegant and feels elevated enough to fit in with the vibe of the evening.

Shoes are to be kept classic and timeless, whether you choose a pump or a high-heeled sandal. Accessories are another must at a black tie wedding. After all, this is a time for you to literally shine with any bling you might have. Elegant embellishments, pearls, gemstones, and diamonds are all welcomed at this type of fancy soirée.

As far a color palette goes, aim for muted and neutral tones and colors, like black, white, grey, and navy blue or deeper jewel tones like emerald green and ruby red.

What to expect from a black tie wedding

Traditionally, black tie weddings are an evening affair and start after 7 pm. Expect the wedding to be held at an elegant venue, like an ornate ballroom or a fabulous hotel, as to ensure the ambiance is luxurious and filled with opulent details. While the color palette is traditionally minimal (think black and white, cream and navy, or delicate pastels) the vibe will look like something out of a Hollywood extravaganza. Beautiful romantic candlelight, rich tablescapes, and glam linens and decor galore. Don’t be surprised if there’s large buildouts, draping, and customized floral walls. Anything that screams luxury belongs at a black tie wedding.

A cocktail hour is standard and you can expect a top-shelf bar and a signature drink for the couple. Wine will also be served in addition to champagne for toasts. The menu is usually highly stylized and elevated. Artisanal dishes are the norm at a black tie wedding, and you might even find yourself almost afraid to touch the food since it will be presented so beautifully!

When it comes to entertainment, don’t be surprised if you’re treated to something a little more upscale than a DJ or an online playlist. A live band or string quartet (or both) are popular choices for music. Of course, there will be dancing—just probably not the type you might expect at a more casual event. There might even be extravagant touches of entertainment like a fortune teller, dancers, or a firework display.

Being invited to a black tie wedding might cause a bit of anxiety for those who feel a bit intimidated by the magnitude of it all, but you needn’t feel that way. Attending a swanky party such as a black tie wedding is one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that will leave lasting memories. Plus, it gives you the excuse to finally wear that very fancy dress!

The post What Is a Black Tie Wedding? appeared first on Weddingbee.

Weddings change so much over time, but it seems like a major part of these momentous occasions as of late is to ensure that guests have a top notch experience. This leaves us wondering—is an amazing guest experience a new wedding tradition that couples are embracing when planning their big day? Below, we explore some of the different ways brides and grooms are creating an unforgettable experience for their guests, making it seem pretty set in stone that this focus has become somewhat of an expectation at weddings.

Welcome Bags

Welcome bags are just one example of the guest experience taking a front seat at weddings these days. These are artfully curated for guests to ensure that they have everything they could possibly need to enjoy this event. From Advil to ward off a hangover to snacks to water bottles to alcohol nips, these bags are known to hold all kinds of goodies for guests to enjoy. Some couples even include items like Uber or Lyft gift cards to help guests get around, or vouchers to grab breakfast the morning after their event. There’s no limit to how elaborate these bags may be, making them something that definitely enhances the guest experience!

Unique Dining

Wedding dining has been taken to the next level, especially in the era of COVID-19 when many couples are opting for smaller weddings. Individual charcuterie cups, gourmet and personalized menus, and themed meals have made an appearance at weddings as of late. These are all fun ways to ensure guests enjoy their dining experience at weddings, really bringing the cuisine and presentation to the next level. Couples are also concerned with guest dietary restrictions, for instance, ensuring there are gluten-free and vegan options for those who prefer to keep certain diets.

Enhanced Entertainment

While music has always been a tenant of wedding receptions, now couples are going above and beyond when it comes to booking entertainment for their big day. Besides just a run-of-the-mill band or DJ, couples are going for other entertainment options as well. Think: a performer such as a magician, comedian, celebrity impersonator, niche musician, or dancers to entertain guests while they eat dinner. There are truly no limits to how couples are finding ways to entertain their guests.

Reception Add Ons

Entertainers aren’t the only special thing gracing wedding receptions these days! Couples are also opting to have more out-of-the-box items for their guests to enjoy. This could be a live painter at the reception, photo booths, tarot card readers or fortune tellers, a live wine and spirits tasting, or a cigar bar for guests to enjoy. Another hit that stands out is a “build your own” station, where guests can put together things like flower bouquets or crowns, terrariums, or other items as a take home gift and activity all in one. This is another area where the sky’s the limit of how guests can be wowed with extras that also serve as an activity.

Late Night Eats

Another thing that adds to the guest experience is late night eats at your wedding. This can be anything from pizza to grilled cheese. Most couples go with a more casual dining option for their late night fare, and many bring in some of their favorite fast food, or food specific to the locale where the wedding is taking place. Other couples go for something sweet like cookies and milk or donuts. Another way to make the guest experience even better is to have take-home boxes available or to have items delivered to hotel rooms after the reception has ended as one last surprise.

These special aspects of weddings go to show that the wedding guest experience is top of mind for many engaged couples—and there are so many ways to take this to the next level!

The post Is an Amazing Guest Experience a New Wedding Tradition? appeared first on Weddingbee.

An adventure wedding is exactly what it sounds like—an adventure! You can think of it as a modern twist on an elopement, although it doesn’t have to be an elopement per se. The idea of an “adventure wedding” became more popular over the last two years as couples sought a way to make their big day extra special despite all the COVID-related restrictions. But the idea is not new. Basically, instead of taking a walk down the aisle to say your vows, couples are taking entire journeys before they tie the knot. Think: hiking up to the top of a mountain, sailing to an island, or skydiving into a park.

It’s a Way to Show Your Dedication

The concept is romantic, in a way, as the “adventure” is almost symbolic of your commitment to your spouse and the energy you put into the journey shows how hard you’re willing to work to make it all happen. By committing to an adventure wedding, you’re basically saying that your partner is “worth the effort.” It’s safe to say that the experience can be bonding and leave you with plenty of picturesque moments to remember. If you and your significant other don’t mind getting your hands (and outfit) a bit dirty, an adventure wedding may be perfect for you.

It Doesn’t Have to Be an Elopement

Although adventure weddings can include other guests, it’s ideal for those keen on small weddings or elopements (or if you simply want an excuse to keep your guest list small). Most couples who opt for this wedding style want to keep things private, which is no different from an elopement. However, some do want to include others on their adventure, but keep the guest list small. For example, the couple may want to take a hike up the mountain on their own (alongside maybe a guide and/or a photographer), but they’ll have their loved ones waiting at the top for the actual ceremony. Alternatively, you can keep the ceremony private and invite everyone to a reception or after party at a more accessible location.

You can take things up a notch, though. If you have adventurous friends or family members, you can organize a group activity that allows others to come with you. Hikes, rafting trips, or even zip lining are fun options that most people can participate in.

Look Your Best

Many couples love the idea of taking their journey in their actual wedding outfits. Yes, that means as a bride, you can wear a white dress on your hike, for example. So, think about function over fashion when choosing what to wear. And, it should be obvious, but prepare for things to get a bit dirty. It’s also probably best to wear comfortable shoes, depending on what adventure you choose to embark on. You can pack a pair of heels for the actual ceremony if you want to change into something nicer for the actual vows.

In addition, don’t forget to touch up your hair and makeup before you officially tie the knot. It’s likely that things might get messed up a bit on the way. Therefore, pack a small toiletry kit with basic essentials.

Consider Hiring a Professional Photographer

Ideally, one that’s in shape and willing to embark on an adventure with you. Sure, you can rely on selfies, but many couples who hired a professional to document their journey claim it was a fantastic decision. After all, you’ll likely encounter plenty of scenic moments. It’ll also be easier to enjoy all of it and focus on the experience if you don’t have to worry about taking your own pictures and videos.

Always Double-Check Regulations

One last important thing to note: as with any venue, you should make sure you don’t need special permission to conduct a marriage ceremony. Even with parks, you likely need to apply for a permit to be able to marry there, especially if you’re organizing an event with guests.

The post What Is an Adventure Wedding? appeared first on Weddingbee.

Wedding invitations are a big part of planning your special day, and this has been tradition for quite some time. But, that doesn’t mean invites haven’t evolved over the past few years, especially. Particularly when it comes to invitation wording, there are new customs in this aspect of your wedding stationery that you should be aware of before you approve your proof and stamp the envelopes.

Wedding Website Information

A new wedding tradition that has really blown up in recent years is the addition of a wedding website. These have become the expectation and they’re a simple place to post pertinent information and updates for your guests. But, how will your friends and family know you even have a website or how to get there? Your invitation, of course! This is something to add into your invitation suite, but it’s most commonly mentioned on an insert that is separate from your actual invitation. On the insert, you can denote something like, “Please visit our wedding website for further details” and then include the URL.

Ditch the Formalities

While it’s still perfectly acceptable to be formal on your wedding invitations, many couples are now ditching the line traditionally stated, “We request the honor of your presence.” Instead, brides and grooms are going with a more casual line such as, “We’d love nothing more than for you to share in our celebration,” or even cheekier language such as, “Please join us as we get hitched.” Really, the new tradition is that anything goes for this line, which allows couples to show their personality!

Denoting the Hosts

While traditionally the parents of the bride would pay for the wedding, things are so different these days. While sometimes that’s still the case, other times the groom’s family pays, it’s a combination of the two—or many couples even pay for their own wedding! With that being said, there are new rules surrounding how you should denote the hosts of your wedding on the invitation.

First of all, you can be less formal than what tradition calls for. If one set of parents is hosting, you can write something like, “John and Jane Smith invite you to share in the marriage of their daughter, Samantha Marie, to Jacob Michael Johnson, son of Jared and Lisa Johnson.”

If both parents are contributing financially, you can write something like, “John and Jane Smith and Jared and Lisa Johnson invite you to share in the marriage of their children.” Both of these are more casual as they don’t use the Mr. and Mrs. titles (although you can if you want to) and they include both sets of parents.

If the couple is paying for the wedding as well, the invitation can say something like, “Together with their families, Samantha Smith and Jacob Johnson invite you to share in and celebrate their marriage.” This is a great blanket term that covers all bases when multiple parties are contributing financially to the event.

Finally, if the couple is hosting the wedding for themselves, something simple like, “Join us for the wedding of Samantha Smith and Jacob Johnson,” is a great way to denote this on an invitation. If you want something more clever or unique, you can go with, “We are tying the knot. Join us for the wedding of Samantha Smith and Jacob Johnson.” Really, you can get as creative as you want to with this.

Are Kids Invited?

Many couples are opting to add a line to their invitation suite about whether kids are included in the festivities. If kids are not invited, you can add something more cheeky like, “We love kids! Just not on our big day.” If you want something more formal, you can add a line like, “To allow all guests to relax and enjoy themselves, we have chosen to make our special day adults only. We thank you for your understanding.” Either way, it’s totally appropriate to include this information on your invitations.

If you want to let guests know that children are welcome at your event, you can also denote that on the invitation. Something like, “We’re so excited to celebrate our marriage with your entire family!” would be appropriate.

The bottom line for wedding invitation traditions is that they’ve become a lot more lax in recent years. Much of the formality has disappeared—although you can still go formal if you want to! Do what feels right to you and your personality as a couple when it comes to your wedding invitation, and you’ll never regret it.

The post New Wedding Invitation Phrasing appeared first on Weddingbee.

So much planning goes into each and every wedding, and they always end up being amazing and memorable days for the couple tying the knot. It goes without saying that many brides pour their heart and soul into planning the perfect day, and no detail goes without thought. There are definitely things that some brides have noted, however, as something they’d change about their own wedding day if they could. If you’re in the depths of wedding planning, here’s what some brides commonly wish they’d done differently, so you can learn from their mistakes!

1. Not Hiring a Videographer

While videographers cost extra money on top of a photographer, many brides end up wishing they’d hired one to capture every precious moment of their big day. A wedding video, no matter how long or short, allows you a different perspective on your day after it passes, which you’ll always be grateful for!

2. Not Doing a First Look

A lot of brides who opted not to do a first look wish they’d done one on their big day. First looks allow couples to get more photos together and to have a less rushed schedule after they actually say “I do.” Although first looks go against tradition, they definitely make logistical sense!

3. Not Enjoying the Reception Food

Many brides and grooms are so busy during their wedding that they don’t even taste the food they’re serving their guests. Many brides report that they regret not taking the time to taste the food and have a good meal on their big day. Make sure you carve out some time to eat at your own wedding!

4. Going too Formal

While a formal affair may be alluring when you’re wedding planning, you may wish you went for something more casual once the event comes around. Many brides noted this about their black tie affairs—but this completely depends on your preferences and what you envision your big day to look like.

5. Wasting Money on Favors

Wedding favors are cute and enticing when you’re purchasing them, but you’ll soon learn that they end up left on guest tables or eventually thrown away. Brides note that they wish they’d saved that money or put it towards a different aspect of their big day.

6. Missing Cocktail Hour

This kind of goes back to the first look regret. Many couples end up missing most, if not all, of their cocktail hour while taking photos, which turns into an eventual regret. Plan your schedule to ensure you can attend the majority of this time to enjoy drinks and apps and to mingle with your guests.

7. Not Practicing Your Bustle

Bustling your wedding dress is usually the job of one of your bridesmaids or someone else close to you. Many brides note that they wish they’d either practiced it more or written down instructions on how to do it. In the moment of getting this done, it can be confusing and stressful, and it’s definitely not something you want to have messed up!

8. Inviting too Many People

A lot of brides note that they wish they would have chopped their large guest lists down to fewer people for their big day. Small, intimate weddings sometimes allow couples more freedom to enjoy their big day and interact with those closest to them, so this is definitely something to consider.

9. Not Getting Enough Candid Photos

Of course you want posed wedding photos, but candids end up being some of the best shots from the momentous occasion. Many brides and grooms note that they wish their photographer snapped more candid photos and less posed ones to have as a keepsake from their wedding.

There are endless details to settle for your big day, so this list can help narrow down some of them to ensure you don’t make any mistakes you’ll wish you went a different direction on. But no matter how things turn out, you’ll love your wedding day and all the memories it helps you create with your new spouse.

The post 9 Things Brides Wish They Could Change About Their Wedding appeared first on Weddingbee.

It’s the moment you’ve both been waiting for. The processional (the part of the ceremony in which you or your spouse will walk down the aisle) is a big, beautiful moment in your wedding ceremony. Everyone stands up, excitement ripples through the room, and the music swells. But what song is playing?

When you think about a wedding processional, you may envision tried and true classics like Pachelbel’s Canon in D or Mendelssohn’s Wedding March. These are lovely choices, but recent years have yielded some contemporary song selections that are perfect for couples who want something more unique.

Here are 10 contemporary songs that are perfect for couples seeking a fresh twist on their wedding ceremony.

Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey

Popularized by the 2013 film The Great Gatsby, this dreamy song features lyrics that juxtapose the reality of aging with the lasting nature of true love. Listen to it on YouTube here.

Key lyric: “Will you still love me when I’m no longer young and beautiful? I know you will.”

Love Story by Taylor Swift

There’s certainly no shortage of love songs by Taylor Swift, but this take on the tale of Romeo and Juliet provides the perfect backdrop for your own love story. Your band or musician should be able to play a slow version that provides a better pace for walking down the aisle; for example, check out this cover on YouTube here.

Key lyric: “Marry me, Juliet; you’ll never have to be alone. I love you and that’s all I really know. I talked to your dad, go pick out a white dress. It’s a love story, baby, just say ‘yes.’”

All of Me by John Legend

John Legend’s love ballad topped charts in 2014, and why not? The simple piano melody, set against the message of loving someone without reserve, makes it a modern classic that is perfect for a wedding. See the music video on YouTube here.

Key lyric: “All of me loves all of you. Love your curves and all your edges, all your perfect imperfections. Give your all to me; I’ll give my all to you. You’re my end and my beginning; even when I lose, I’m winning.”

Never Enough by Loren Allred

The best song from 2017’s The Greatest Showman (Yes, the BEST song…I said what I said), this sweeping melody is about realizing that without the person you love, nothing on earth will make you feel complete. This song would be a lovely processional choice instrumentally, or with vocals. Listen to the soundtrack version on YouTube here.

Key lyric: “Darling, without you…all the shine of a thousand spotlights, all the stars we steal from the night sky will never be enough.”

Somewhere Only We Know by Keane

This 2004 song from alternative rock band Keane is all about meeting the person you love in a secret place. The lyrics’ references to nature might make it a cool choice for an outdoor wedding ceremony, and a slowed cover of the song would be especially beautiful on piano and violin. Listen to the song on YouTube here.

Key lyrics: “I came across a fallen tree; I felt the branches of it looking at me. Is this the place we used to love? Is this the place that I’ve been dreaming of?”

Halo by Beyoncé

Give Queen Bey a spot at your wedding with her smash hit, all about letting down your walls for someone and believing in love again. See if your band or musician is willing to cover this pop song in a slower, richer tone. For example, check out this cover on YouTube here.

Key lyrics: “Everywhere I’m looking now, I’m surrounded by your embrace. Baby, I can see your halo. You know you’re my saving grace”

The Only Exception by Paramore

True love can melt even the most skeptical heart, and that’s what this song is all about. The happy, lilting melody is especially good on acoustic guitar. Listen to it on YouTube here.

Key lyrics: I’ve always lived like this, keeping a comfortable distance. And up until now I had sworn to myself that I’m content with loneliness because none of it was ever worth the risk.

But you are the only exception.”

Sweet Creature by Harry Styles

Sweet Creature is a gorgeous, meaningful song for a wedding. It’s a good reminder for couples to find strength and comfort in the love they share, no matter what difficulties arise. This is another great selection for guitar and vocals. Listen to it on YouTube here.

Key lyrics: “Two hearts in one home. It’s hard when we argue; we’re both stubborn, I know. But oh sweet creature, sweet creature, wherever I go, you bring me home.”

Is That Alright? by Lady Gaga

In the shadow of the better known Shallow, this song from the 2018 version of A Star is Born is a hugely underrated love song about spending your life with someone and treasuring every moment with them. Listen to it on YouTube here.

Key lyrics: “I want you to look right in my eyes; to tell me you love me, to be by my side. I want you at the end of my life. I want to see your face, when I fall with grace, at the moment I die. Is that alright?”

Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran

When you’re just moments away from marrying the love of your life, this beautiful song about enduring love could be the perfect background. A piano version of the song could be especially beautiful as you or your spouse walks down the aisle. See the music video on YouTube here.

Key lyrics: “People fall in love in mysterious ways; maybe just the touch of a hand. Me, I fall in love with you every single day, and I just want tell you I am.”

The post 10 Modern Songs for Your Processional appeared first on Weddingbee.

For many, weddings are a bit different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One aspect that has changed quite a bit is the way food is served to guests at receptions. Since keeping guests healthy is a top priority these days, this is something to learn about as you plan your wedding.

1. Tastings Are Outside or at Home

Tastings are pretty different nowadays, but they’re still happening for couples who are planning to tie the knot. Instead of wedding menu tastings occurring the way they normally do—at your venue, with the coordinator or catering manager—they’ve been adjusted to be more COVID-19 friendly. For instance, many venues are having tastings outside if possible to allow for better social distancing. Other venues are allowing couples to pick up their tasting items to go and to eat them at home or wherever they are comfortable doing so.

2. There Are New Safety Standards for Catering Staff

An important thing to discuss with your catering team is what safety measures their staff will be taking at your wedding to protect yourself and guests. It’s not abnormal for catering staff and teams to wear PPE like face masks and gloves while serving guests. Many catering companies are requiring temperature checks and health questionnaires before each shift as added protection. These measures all help to put you and your guests at ease throughout your event.

3. Appetizers Are More Individualized

Another way wedding food has changed over the past year and a half is that now guests receive more individualized apps during cocktail hour. Passed small bites on one large communal plate or board are just currently not in vogue. Instead, individualized “bento box” style appetizers are becoming popular. Really, anything that guests can grab and that’s meant for just one person is a good option for health and safety measures surrounding COVID. This could be anything from charcuterie cups with skewered meat and cubes of cheese to cups with chips and dip in them. Feel free to get creative with this aspect of your wedding food to do something that’s safe, yet will really blow guests away!

4. Plated Meals Are the Go-To

As mentioned above, fewer couples are opting to serve their guests via buffets or stations at weddings. With that being said, there are definitely more plated meals served at these momentous occasions. This is regarded as the safest method of feeding guests at weddings as of late, causing methods such as buffets and even family style meals to fall by the wayside for the time being.

5. Buffets Are More Controlled

Buffets and stations used to be popular ways to feed guests at weddings. And while they can still be done, many believe there should be more safety precautions in place at this time to make them a reality. One safety measure is to have guests served from the buffet by catering team members rather than having guests serve themselves. Buffet lines should also be kept short in order for guests to maintain social distancing measures. Buffets are definitely on the decline due to COVID, but it’s nice for couples to know that they’re still possible with a few stipulations if they had their hearts set on this type of dining at their wedding.

6. Pre-Plated Desserts Are Now Common

Dessert bars were a huge wedding trend that couples and guests alike were loving for quite some time. Although they’re still desirable and tons of fun, they’re not exactly COVID-19 friendly. For that reason, many couples are opting to have dessert pre-plated and served to guests at their tables instead of allowing them to choose their dessert pieces themselves. This doesn’t mean that guests have to have strictly a piece of cake, though. Couples can choose to have guests served virtually any dessert of their choosing, such as donuts, cupcakes, or even curated cups of candy.

Wedding food is much different than it used to be due to COVID-19, as now keeping the health and safety of guests is top of mind. That doesn’t mean you still can’t provide a delicious food experience for your guests, though!

The post 6 Ways Wedding Food Has Changed Because of COVID appeared first on Weddingbee.

Whether it’s your engagement ring or wedding band, you definitely want to keep your diamond sparkler in tip-top shape. To assure it stays in the best condition possible, you need to take good care of it, which includes regular cleaning.

Cleaning your diamond ring is about more than just maintaining its look. Dirty jewelry can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can actually cause skin irritation! And while your diamond is unlikely to be damaged by regular wear, everyday residue from soaps, lotions, or food can harm the precious metal band.

Although professional cleaning is a must on occasion, you will want to learn how to do regular maintenance yourself at home. Professionals recommend cleaning a diamond ring at least once a week on your own. Luckily, it’s not that hard and doesn’t require any fancy concoctions or harsh chemicals. Some dish soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush are all you need!

How Often Should I Clean My Diamond Ring?

As mentioned above, it is best to do a simple at-home cleaning at least once a week, but this depends. Of course, you can do a cleaning whenever you feel that your ring is losing its luster or you start to notice buildup. Your lifestyle will be a factor in this. If you wear your ring continuously and participate in a lot of outdoor or manual activities, cook regularly, or use a lot of skincare products on your hands, your ring will accumulate dirt and grime quickly.

Even with regular at-home maintenance, you will want to take your diamond ring to a professional at least once or twice a year. This is because there is often a barely noticeable buildup of dirt and debris between the stone and the mount that is difficult to remove on your own.

How to Clean a Diamond Ring at Home

The best and easiest way to clean a diamond ring requires just a few basic household items you probably already have. These include:

• Dish soap or another soap-based cleaner
• Warm, almost hot water
• A clean, soft-bristled toothbrush
• Lint-free, cotton or linen cloth
• A cup or bowl

Here are the steps:

1. Squirt a soap-based cleanser in your cup or bowl, and fill the rest with warm, almost hot, water and mix.
2. Place your ring into the mixture and leave it to soak for 20-40 minutes.
3. Take out the ring and use the toothbrush to gently scrub the ring all over.
4. Once done, rinse the ring under warm water.
5. If there is still visible buildup, repeat the process with clean water.
6. Once satisfied, dry the ring.
7. Use a polishing cloth all over once dry.

There are only a few things to note. First, make sure the soap you use is free of moisturizers as these can leave a film on the ring that will dim the overall sparkle—exactly what you’re trying to avoid. Second, make sure you use a new and soft-bristled toothbrush and set it aside exclusively for cleaning purposes. And third, do not use paper towels to dry your ring. Use a 100% cotton or linen cloth instead as other materials can scratch certain metals. You can also let it air dry.

If you’re still not satisfied with your ring’s look after a couple of scrub downs, you can also let it soak overnight in plain, unflavored vodka. A shot glass amount will do. After, just let it air dry.

How NOT to Clean a Diamond Ring

There are a few things you should avoid using on your diamond ring. Most importantly, avoid harsh chemicals such as acetone, bleach, or chlorine. While these may not harm the diamond, they can damage the metal or change its color. It is also a bad idea to use any powder-based or abrasive cleansers such as baking soda, toothpaste, or scrubs, as these can scratch most metals.

In addition, ultrasonic cleaners can also be dangerous to use because the vigorous vibration can shake the stones loose. While these are commonly used by professionals, the jeweler will usually double-check the stone both before and after the cleaning to assure no damage will occur during the process.

Take Care of Your Ring

Even with regular cleanings, you should take care of your ring on a daily basis to minimize the amount of necessary cleaning. For example, take it off when washing dishes or make sure to wear gloves. It’s also a good idea to take it off before using lotions or cremes or when cooking, as these habits always leave residue on both stones and precious metals.

In addition, if your ring is under warranty or special insurance, read the policy and see if you’re required to have regular maintenance appointments. And don’t forget to get a professional look at the piece every now and then. With all of the tips above, your precious diamond ring should remain in perfect condition for many, many years.

The post How to Clean Your Diamond Ring appeared first on Weddingbee.

Backyard weddings have definitely become a hit in the last few years—and for a good reason. The concept combines many of the latest trends such as sustainability and low-key celebrations. It’s also a popular choice for budget-friendly couples as backyard weddings are likely to save you a lot of money in the venue department. Let’s be honest—whether you rent an outdoor space or use your own backyard, it will be far cheaper to do so than having a reception at a hotel or similar event setting.

If you’re keen on saving money, renting all the event essentials for your special day can help trim your costs rather significantly. For starters, keep in mind that this is a one-time occasion, so buying everything new without a plan to use it again can put a decent dent in your wallet. (Not to mention, it’s also not the most sustainable option if you’re the environmental type.)

Even if you push the money subject aside, there are a few key must-haves that you’ll need to have at your party, especially if you’re hosting a wedding at a private home. So, if you’re planning a backyard wedding, consider these key rental categories when setting up your special-day venue.

Furniture

Furniture probably comes to mind first when thinking about wedding rentals. Unless you’re having a very small wedding, it’s unlikely you’ll have enough tables and chairs for all your guests. And you’ll likely need a second set of chairs for the ceremony alone.

In addition, it’s worth considering adding extra furniture to your rental list, which includes extra cocktail tables (high and low), as well as comfy lounge furniture such as sofas, coffee tables, and rugs. Feel free to add a few blankets and pillows, too.

With all of the above, do prioritize function over fashion, as no one wants to spend the entire night in a wobbly chair not made for the outdoors. You may also want to have a few extra tables for gifts, favors, and the guest book.

An Indoor Area

Whatever the weather may be, you should always be prepared for the worst. It is always a great idea to have some sort of indoor space that allows your guests to escape the rain, sunshine, or even wind. Since it’s uncommon for most homes to be able to house a large party, you will want to rent an enclosed or covered tent just in case.

And if you really think the weather may turn sour, you might also want to consider either heaters, fans, fire pits, or portable ACs.

Dishes, Glassware, and Utensils

Depending on the size of your guest list, it will likely be cheaper to rent dishes and silverware than buying them from scratch. (How often will you need 30+ plates?) With wine glasses and stemware, you can inquire about rentals from large wine shops. If you make a large purchase with them, you can often borrow glassware for free!

Outdoor Lighting

Lighting is commonly forgotten until it’s too late. This is why it’s important to double-check your planned venue for how well lit it is after sunset. You want your guests to focus on the party instead of worrying about stepping into a ditch, right? Lighting options for the outdoors are quite endless, believe it or not. String lights are a popular choice, but you can also opt for something fancier such as chandeliers, or something more fun like lanterns and tiki torches. If you choose to have something beyond the basics, inquire if the rental service will install the lights for you as well—most rental companies will offer this service.

Extra Toilets

If you’re hosting a marriage ceremony and/or wedding reception with over 20 guests, or if you have limited access to indoor facilities, you will definitely need to consider renting portable bathrooms. These don’t have to be plain old Porta Potties—there are plenty of classier bathroom rentals available these days that are suitable for even high-end events. You can take things up another notch by adding decor and essentials such as hairspray, lotion, and deodorant to the counters. And make sure to tack on a couple of extra hand washing stations as well.

Catering Equipment

While many catering services will bring the majority of their own cookware, this isn’t always the case. Always inquire if your catering company will bring their own serving trays, chafing dishes, etc. Unless the catering service will have access to a kitchen, you might also want to set up a separate tent for the cooking staff.

Depending on what you’re serving, you may need an extra fridge, pantry for food storage, grills or BBQs, or maybe something as simple as a coffee maker. For this reason, always think through your reception menu well before the big day.

Linens

Believe it or not, when it comes to tablecloths and napkins, it’s better to rent. It is simply not worth it to spend your money or personal time cleaning, pressing, and folding all of it. And just like with the dishes, you will unlikely need this amount of linens again in the near future.

Generators

Electrical capacity is also often overlooked when planning a party at a private home. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the average home isn’t capable of handling a massive gathering. All the extra lighting, speakers, catering equipment, and other non-standard additions can give your electrical meter a serious hit. Trust us—no one needs a blackout on their special day.

For this reason, it’s highly recommended that you rent a generator or two, depending on the size of the party. Many home improvement stores, such as Home Depot or Lowe’s, offer this service and you can consult one of their staff to determine exactly how much power you’ll need.

The post What to Rent for a Backyard Wedding appeared first on Weddingbee.

Getting married in your hometown isn’t that uncommon, but if you’re planning an event where you grew up, you may be worried that it won’t feel special enough for you or your guests. If this is the case for you, know that there are many ways you can make your hometown feel like more of a destination so that you get the best of both worlds out of your big day.

Choose a Unique Venue

The first way to make your hometown feel like a destination for your wedding is to choose a unique venue. While you and many of your guests may have been to many places around town, choosing somewhere slightly unexpected for a wedding can make your day feel like you’re worlds away. For instance, choose a museum or aquarium as your reception space for something unexpected and different. This will give your wedding a whole different feel than if you chose a run-of-the-mill banquet hall.

Go With a Theme

Destination weddings usually have some kind of underlying theme. For instance, a wedding on a Caribbean island usually has beach vibes and tropical tones. Giving your hometown wedding some kind of a theme will make it feel like more of a destination event, without even leaving home! No matter what theme you choose, it’s bound to make a difference in this department as long as you stick to it wholeheartedly. Consider a theme that plays off some of your shared interests with your future spouse, like a bookish theme if you both enjoy reading or a Hollywood movie theme if you’re both movie buffs. This makes your wedding feel like it’s transporting guests to a world away!

Have Multiple Celebrations

A trademark of destination weddings is that there are usually multiple celebrations for guests to attend. Doing this for a hometown wedding will give it more of an out-of-town feel. Incorporate a welcome party into your wedding weekend or a farewell brunch the day after your wedding. These events can be as casual or as formal as you’d like, but having things like this for your guests is sure to make them feel like the celebration is extra special. You can definitely make these optional for your friends and family and you don’t even have to monetarily pay for them fully. Invite loved ones to come to a bowling night and give each guest a free drink or food ticket or two—but let them pay for their own bowling if they choose to participate. This gives guests the option of getting together an additional time to mingle at a low cost to you.

Include Welcome Bags

Welcome bags are a special touch for guests that many couples include when they’re having a destination wedding. However, tying the knot in your hometown doesn’t have to mean that you can’t give your guests a welcome bag to enjoy. Leave them for your out-of-town guests at the hotel, or hand them out at a welcome party or any pre-wedding event. This will definitely give your event a more out-of-town feel and will make guests feel cared for and special.

Serve Unique Food

Transport guests to a different place by simply offering unique food at your reception. You can do this by having a cocktail party with food that follows for a particular cuisine theme or by going all-out with special food at your reception. Or, perhaps you’d rather have specialty desserts from around the world! Whatever you decide, this is sure to be a hit with your guests that makes them feel like they’ve landed somewhere completely different than your hometown.

You don’t need to leave the confines of your hometown to feel like you had a destination wedding. Simply use these ideas to transport yourself and your loved ones to a different place as you celebrate your marriage vows.

The post How to Make Your Hometown Wedding Feel Like a Destination appeared first on Weddingbee.

The announcement of an elopement may come as a surprise to many of your friends and family—even if they saw it coming. And some may even deem it “selfish” since a lot of people would like to be part of your special day. Ultimately, many of us want to share the celebration with our loved ones, so the etiquette for having a post-elopement party becomes all the more important.

While you’re certainly not required to have a reception if you decided to elope, many couples choose to. If you’re one of those couples, here’s all you need to know about hosting an event to celebrate your new marriage after it’s already happened.

Spread the News

It’s polite to announce your elopement as soon as possible or when you feel comfortable. This doesn’t have to be a formal announcement—a social media post or email will do for most people—although you will likely want to (and should!) tell your closest friends and family face to face. At the same time, if you do decide to host an “after-party” for your friends and family, you should decide on a time and place sooner than later. And for that, you should send out proper save-the-dates, whether by snail mail or email. You can do this at the same time as your marriage announcement, as long as you have something booked.

Of course, sometimes life gets in the way and you can’t host a proper party until much later. If there’s no possibility to do so within several months, you may want to consider a vow renewal and a more proper reception on your first wedding anniversary.

It’s Not “Go Big or Go Home”

Since you’re already married, you’re not required to have a large or formal gathering. A casual gathering such as a picnic, BBQ, or potluck will do. It’s also quite trendy to have a “champagne and cake” affair with just drinks, small bites, and, of course, a wedding cake. And if you want to make it even easier, just book a restaurant and invite your closest friends and family. Many also recommend repeating the ceremony just for show so that those who might feel left out will still feel like they were there on your big day. Of course, if you don’t think this is necessary, then don’t do it!

Feel Free to Dress Up

While you’re not required to wear a wedding dress or suit, you’re free to—there aren’t many times when you can enjoy it, so why not? If it feels too formal, it’s still recommended to have at least a semi-dressy dress code such as cocktail attire for your post-elopement party, unless it feels out of place for the setting and venue. Adding a special event element will make the day much more official and soothe any of your guests’ feelings of missing out on being with you during the actual ceremony.

You Might Get Gifts

Some consider it tacky to have a registry or ask for gifts after an elopement, so it might be better to leave that detail out, especially if you’re having a more casual post-marriage ceremony gathering. However, you should be prepared that many of your invitees will want to get you a little something just because. In which case, you may want to have a small registry prepared or, alternatively, ask them to donate to a honeymoon fund or charity of your choice.

Share the Joy

Entertainment is arguably one of the most important aspects of a post-elopement party. One of the easiest forms of that are speeches. You should put a bit more effort into your speech, should you do one, as it offers you the opportunity to share the details of your elopement with all your friends and family. It’s also important to add a tidbit that your elopement was not meant to be offensive and simply a personal choice between you and your spouse.

In addition, it’s a good idea to share some photos or videos of your elopement and share any relevant details. And if you want to go above and beyond, get your guests a little parting gift that reflects some semblance of your elopement. For example, if you got married in France, maybe give everyone a bottle of wine from the region where you tied the knot.

Send a Thank You Note

Gifts or not, it’s still important to send a thank you note to all attendees. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but a short handwritten “we’re glad you could join us” will do.

The post Etiquette Tips for Hosting a Wedding Celebration After Eloping appeared first on Weddingbee.

The year 2021 is dubbed “the year of the wedding after party”—quite a 180-degree turn from 2020, which is said to be the year of the Zoom wedding. Couples today are keen on making the most out of their special day by prolonging the celebration as much as possible. This is where the wedding after party comes in.

What exactly is a wedding after party? The most common version is a casual or semi-formal gathering after the reception. However, some couples who aren’t fond of staying up too late choose to organize it for the day after the wedding. Meanwhile, those who got married amid coronavirus restrictions are basically making it into a second wedding celebration.

With any of the options, the affair is definitely not a formal one; it’s all about having fun. Brides often opt for short dresses or jumpsuits, while the guest dress code rarely exceeds cocktail attire. A wedding after party is a great opportunity to step away from tradition and be a bit more adventurous. If you’re considering an after party as an addition to your big day, here’s all you need to know about hosting one!

Do You Need Invitations?

Who you choose to invite is up to you, but typically couples leave it open-ended and welcome everyone who attends the wedding ceremony and/or reception. If you’re having your after party on the day of or the day after your wedding, consider adding the details on a separate card in your invitation to get a headcount of who’s coming.

Should your afterparty be a separate occasion from your actual wedding, you will want to send out a save-the-date as well as a proper invite, but since it’s a casual event, feel free to skip the stationary and go the email route. However, if you’re timing it to match with your wedding anniversary, it is a good idea to get something printed.

What Venue Should We Choose?

With a wedding after party, your venue choices are essentially unlimited, but will depend on how many people are coming. You don’t need to rent out a proper event space. Feel free to go casual with a backyard picnic or a BBQ at the park. For something more fun, why not rent a party bus or book a private section at a nightclub?

What Is an Appropriate Dress Code?

As previously mentioned, a chic cocktail style is the go-to dress code, but you can be as casual or as formal as you’d like. Most brides, for example, are seeking out shorter, more functional dresses that reflect their personal style along with fashionable accessories such as sparkly heels and statement jewelry. Some, however, choose to make the most out of their ceremonial look. It’s entirely up to you. For guests, base it on the venue and plans for the evening, but encourage everyone to have a bit of fun with their outfits.

Is Entertainment Necessary?

Wedding after parties allow you lots of room for creativity, meaning you’re not limited to traditional wedding entertainment. As music is a must-have, make sure to hire a DJ (unless you have friends with great music taste) in lieu of a live band. But, you may want to go a bit above and beyond with additional things to do. Why not have a karaoke hour, book a stand-up comedian, or host a movie screening? Or, to keep your guests busy, rent out some games such as a pool table, dart boards, mini-golf courses, or even good ol’ arcade machines.

What About Food and Drinks?

There’s no need to go all out with catering—it’s supposed to be a party, after all. Think small bites such as sliders, fries, and tacos—basically, easy-to-eat appetizers that are satisfying. Remember that your guests will likely be drinking so there should be plenty of snacks on hand. If your after party is held on a separate day from your reception, you may want to serve some more substantial foods as well. If you don’t want a big hassle, a food truck is worth considering. And as far as drinks go, consider going for an open bar if you want the best party atmosphere.

Should We Expect Gifts?

Lastly, many couples who are having a wedding after party as a secondary celebration are curious if gifts should be expected. If you received them for your actual wedding, you should probably not count on it. However, some guests may want to bring you a little something, especially if it’s your anniversary. It’s best to avoid mentioning a registry since the after party is more of a casual gathering. But, if you didn’t have any formal event to begin with, you might want to create one in case guests ask.

The post How to Throw a Wedding After Party appeared first on Weddingbee.

Creating your dating profile may seem like an intimidating task with a lot of pressure associated with it. After all, this serves as your first impression on dating apps, which is a huge gateway into the world of finding a partner. But have no fear! There are definitely ways you can build a pristine dating profile that will attract the type of partner you desire while allowing you to stay true to yourself. Learn more about exactly how to do this below.

Choose the Right Photos

Picking the right photos for your dating profile is really important. While no one should judge a book by its cover (or, a potential partner merely on his or her photo) it’s still the first thing that a potential date sees when they look at your profile! With that being said, you want the right pictures. The first way to do this is to ensure variety in your photos. Aim to include five to seven pictures and make sure this includes shots where your face is clearly visible and you’re not wearing sunglasses. You want people to see what you actually look like! Also make sure that you’re using somewhat recent photos that aren’t outdated.

You also want to use photos that show what you’re like as a person and what your interests are. For instance, include a photo of you with your pet if that’s something you’re passionate about or a photo of you hiking if that’s a favorite hobby. This is a great way to demonstrate things that you love without having to write it down. Posting natural photos like these rather than somewhat forced selfies is a good way to stack your profile for success.

Another important dating profile photo tip is to keep the focus on you rather than having photos with many different people in them. That can be confusing, causing potential partners to wonder which person they’re even supposed to be looking at!

Have a Friend Help Out

Your friends will probably know how to brag about you better than you can! Have them help write at least a first draft of your personal summary so that you can see all the good they see in you and how it can translate over to your dating profile. Even if you end up rewriting some of it, this can provide a great jumping off point!

Keep it Positive

Your dating profile is somewhat like your resume or cover letter for dating. For that reason, you want to keep things upbeat and positive! After all, who would want to hire a job applicant who seemed negative and like a huge downer? It’s the same thing with dating! People will be more drawn to someone who has a positive profile. Everyone wants to be with a partner who will make them smile!

Be Cheeky

It’s totally OK to be a bit cheeky and humorous on your dating profile. Show your fun side and let your personality shine through on your bio so that people can get a feel for your sense of humor. This will also help your dating profile to stick out in people’s minds.

Don’t Go Overboard

Remember that these days, most people have short attention spans. Plus, you don’t have a lot of room to write a novel in your dating profile on most platforms. Keep your personal summary short and sweet and only include important information that you want to convey to potential partners. Don’t fill your profile with fluff—it will cause viewers to stop reading and you won’t get your most important information across effectively.

Update Your Profile Regularly

As time goes on, you’ll figure out more and more about yourself and what you’re looking for in a potential partner. For that reason, you should constantly be updating your profile and keeping it fresh and a true reflection of yourself. Whether this means updating your pictures or your summary, keep things current for the best results.

Be Genuine

Most importantly, when it comes to creating your dating profile, you want to be genuine and true to your real self. You want your profile to attract the kind of partner you’ll ultimately want to stay with, and if they don’t like you for who you really are, that’s not likely to happen. Finding your perfect match starts with having a genuine profile where you’re never trying to be someone you’re not. The right person will love you for who you are, not who you pretend to be on your dating profile!

If you make the creation of your dating profile something fun rather than a chore, you’re sure to attract dates that you’ll enjoy getting to know and be well on your way to meeting the love of your life.

The post How to Create a Perfect Dating Profile appeared first on Weddingbee.

Many couples dream about tying the knot in a religious venue of their choice. While most have a solid picture in their mind of what a church wedding will be like, there are many ins and outs to these affairs that may not be well known. Take a look at our guide to everything you should know about saying vows in a church.

You May Need to Be a Church Member

If you’re not a regular and established member of a particular church, it may be tougher than you anticipate to have your wedding there. Many churches don’t allow non-parishioners to host their weddings a their establishment, or they may put couples on a waiting list to book their ceremony. Some may require a donation from a couple that doesn’t frequent their church in order to permit their ceremony. Every church is different, so check with the one you’re interested in if it’s not your home church.

There May Be Photography Rules

Something many couples don’t realize is that different churches have different rules your wedding photographer will have to abide by during your ceremony. For instance, some churches don’t allow photographers to use the flash feature inside. There also may be some angles they can’t take photos from or they may not be allowed to walk down the aisle of the church. Make sure to ask your specific venue about their rules for photographers and to share them accordingly so no one is surprised on the day of.

You’ll Need Documentation

Many churches require that you and your future spouse provide the right documentation in order to host your wedding ceremony there. For instance, proof of your religious sacraments could be a necessity. Additionally, if either the bride or groom were previously married, records of an annulment or divorce could be needed as well. Finally, it may be necessary to prove that both the bride and groom are of the same faith in order to tie the knot in a church.

There Could Be Music Limitations

You may want to hire your own choice of musicians to perform at your wedding ceremony, but some churches don’t allow this. It’s not uncommon for churches to have designated instrumentalists that they use for all wedding ceremonies. Furthermore, many churches have a preset list of songs to choose from for wedding ceremonies, so you may not have full control of what music is played. This is another thing that varies quite a bit from one church to the next, so inquire with your ceremony venue specifically to learn their rules.

Holidays Affect Availability

Before you solidify a date with your reception venue, make sure you have your church locked in for that same date. Religious holidays are usually off-limits for wedding ceremonies at most churches. This is definitely something to be aware of and plan around. Keep in mind, though, that even if you can’t tie the knot in a church on Christmas Eve or Easter, holiday seasons usually mean there are great decorations in the church. So, getting married around a holiday could be to your advantage and allow you to spend less on decor, which is something to consider.

There May Be a Dress Code

Dress codes vary from one church to the next, but it’s definitely something to inquire about for your wedding. For instance, some churches require that your shoulders be covered, while others are more lax on this. This could apply to the bride, bridesmaids, and guests. You’ll want to make sure you’re dressed appropriately and that you let your guests know what the appropriate attire is as well.

Getting married in a church isn’t as simple as just showing up there that day! Make sure you have a full understanding of what your requirements are for the church you’re using so that you’re not taken by surprise.

The post What to Know about a Church Wedding Ceremony appeared first on Weddingbee.

Weddings have not remained untouched by the COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas big crowds, dancing, and close social interaction were completely normal at weddings before 2020 came around, the same can’t currently be said for these celebrations. There are so many ways these momentous occasions have been changed due to the pandemic. We’re delving into how wedding etiquette has been altered due to the virus that took the world by storm.

1. Elopements Are More Accepted

Elopements used to be a bit taboo; after all, family and friends naturally want to be included in this huge milestone for a couple. However, now they’re more common than ever. It’s been a completely normal occurrence for couples to elope and then have a delayed celebration for their wedding, which is not how things were before the pandemic struck. A separate party to celebrate an elopement may have been seen as tacky by some previous to COVID-19, but now it’s completely normal.

2. Plus-Ones Aren’t Guaranteed

Before COVID hit, it was expected by many to receive a plus-one with their invite to a wedding, but those assumptions are currently a thing of the past. This is because many couples are opting to keep their celebrations as small as possible to reduce their own exposure and the exposure of their guests to crowds. For that reason, guests are less likely to be able to bring someone that the couple doesn’t know directly to their wedding.

3. Guest Lists Are Downsized

Given how the COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving, it’s not uncommon for couples to have to downsize their guest lists, even after sending out save the dates. While uninviting an originally included guest was previously a huge faux pas, it can now be a pretty normal occurrence. As infection rates rise, couples need to do what they can to keep themselves and their guests safe. Unfortunately, many times this involves paring down the guest list to a more intimate affair.

4. Receiving Lines Are Out

Receiving lines were previously a must for many couples and were seen as a great way to greet guests and accept their congratulations right after the marriage ceremony. However, given the fact that person to person contact (hugging, kissing, and even shaking hands) is currently somewhat frowned upon, these are a thing of the past. Many couples will opt to skip receiving lines altogether.

5. Multiple Celebrations Are the Norm

Because couples are looking to have more intimate guest lists, it’s more common for brides and grooms to plan multiple celebrations instead of one large reception. This is something that would have previously been seen as tacky, but given the fact that this is a safe way for guests to celebrate without being exposed to a big group, it’s now not only completely acceptable, but encouraged by many!

6. Over-Communication with Guests Is Key

Due to the pandemic, brides and grooms are now forced to over-communicate with their guests about a range of topics. For instance, are they requiring masks at their event? Are there any contingency plans should they have to postpone? Are vaccinations required for all guests? Is the wedding going to be indoors, outdoors, or a mix of the two? Will there be dancing? For the safety and comfort of guests, these questions are top of mind. Whereas previously couples didn’t need to give many specific details about their big day to guests, now they need to be pretty explicit so guests can make an educated decision surrounding whether they’re comfortable attending.

7. Bridal Fashion Is More Colorful

Although somewhat unexpected, COVID-19 has somehow changed wedding attire! Brides are now opting to change up what they’re wearing from a traditional white gown to something bolder or out of the ordinary. Many speculate that this stems from the darkness that COVID-19 brought with it and the yearning to do something fresh and exciting. It could also reflect that these celebrations in general have changed, and what’s acceptable to wear has changed along with it!

Wedding etiquette has changed in many ways due to the pandemic. One thing’s for sure: with COVID-19 still a force in the world today, wedding celebrations will continue to change and evolve.

The post 7 Ways Covid-19 Has Changed Wedding Etiquette appeared first on Weddingbee.

Dating can be a lot of things. From an alluring adventure to a daunting disappointment, navigating the modern dating waters can be confusing and exhilarating all at the same time! When you’re searching for your perfect life partner, one thing that can be frustrating is hitting a dating plateau. If this is your current situation, don’t worry! It’s totally normal, and there are ways to move past this stage of your dating journey and onto happier times.

Take a Break

Dating can be fun, but it can also be exhausting. It’s not easy to find someone who fits perfectly with you, and it can take a lot of unsuccessful dates to find “the one.” It’s normal to feel burnt out on playing the field, so it can be helpful in moments like those to take a break from dating altogether. The break can be as long or as short as you wish, but doing so can help you press the “reset” button and come back refreshed and reinvigorated for the process. Enjoy time off from dating to spend more time with your friends and family, focus on personal goals, take some time for self-care, and just put the prospect of finding a boyfriend or girlfriend out of your mind completely.

Focus on Yourself

Dating can put a lot of focus and emphasis on others. While you search for your soul mate, you’re likely putting a lot of thought into the people you’re dating. If you’ve reached a plateau in the process, start focusing on yourself instead. Redefine what you want out of dating. Analyze what about the process makes you happy and what you want to change. Then, put these discoveries into action! Make sure you’re only dating people who can help you meet these personal goals and make the process as enjoyable as possible.

Change Your Methods

These days, there are so many ways to meet people! Thanks to technology, you can use dating apps to meet people in your area with just a few taps. If you’re facing a dating plateau, consider changing up the methods of how you’re meeting people. For instance, use a different dating app, revamp your dating profile, or ask a friend to set you up with someone. Maybe you’re even being too critical when selecting people on your apps. Mix it up by allowing a trusted friend to control your app for a few days to choose your dates. They may just choose someone you wouldn’t have that you’ll be surprised by. These simple changes can make a big difference!

Get out of Your Comfort Zone

Another great way to ease the stress of a dating plateau is to force yourself out of your comfort zone. Perhaps this means swiping right on matches you usually would ignore. Or, it could mean switching up the types of dates you go on. Instead of meeting a prospective partner for a drink or dinner, mix it up with a walk, a picnic in the park, or a night at the bowling alley. These small alterations to your dating habits can jostle you out of a plateau.

Take the Pressure Off

Many people find themselves putting a lot of pressure on the dating process. While the ultimate goal may be to find a life partner, it doesn’t mean that’s the only thing you should focus on while dating. If you’re facing a dating plateau, shift your focus to enjoying the journey rather than focusing solely on the idea of getting to your final destination. Set your expectations to having fun or meeting someone cool in the process instead of needing to meet someone to marry ASAP. When dating is all about checking off boxes on your to-do list, the fun can easily be lost.

Dating plateaus can be discouraging, but using these tips to escape a lull in the process can make dating fun again!

The post How to Get Through a Dating Plateau appeared first on Weddingbee.

Enforcing a wedding dress code is no easy piece of (wedding) cake—mostly because people can easily interpret terms like “business casual” or “black tie optional” in a myriad of ways. For some guests, “business casual” might mean wearing a pair of jeans with a nice top—which may not be exactly what you have in mind. Likewise, one guest might choose to wear a short summer dress as “black tie optional,” which might not be appropriate in a sea of more elegant gowns. It’s not the end of the world if your guests don’t dress according to your dress code, but you definitely want them to fit the vibe of the day or evening. After all, you don’t want anybody to feel uncomfortable or out of place!

So, how do you make sure your guests know your wedding dress code without being totally overbearing? For starters, remember that it’s your day; you’re allowed to establish a dress code! Secondly, keep in mind that helping your guests stick to the dress code will only make it easier for them to choose an outfit and feel more aligned with the celebration. Read on for tips on making sure how to get your guests and their wardrobe coordinated with your big day.

1. Have a Themed Wedding

Throwing a themed wedding is a pretty easy way to get everyone to dress cohesively. Whether it’s a Great Gatsby soirée or a ’90s prom throwback, asking your friends to be involved in this way is a great way for them to stick to a dress code and have fun while choosing the perfect outfit for the night. Plus, having a theme is both specific enough and open enough for wardrobe choices.

2. Be Specific in Your Wedding Invitation

Include the dress code on your wedding invitation. This is the bare minimum of information that your guests will expect, so don’t leave them hanging!

3. Address the Details on Your Wedding Website

Your wedding website is the best place to list everything and anything that’s important for your big day, which includes your wedding dress code. If you haven’t already, consider having a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page where you can list answers to all the routine wedding day questions, including those about what to wear. Be specific and include examples. If you want “business casual,” include a brief note about what that looks like to you. For example, “Long dresses, long skirts, and dress pants are acceptable; jeans and short skirts are not.” If sticking to a certain color palette is important to you, include that in the wedding invitation, too. For example, “Formal Attire in Black, Grays, and Blues. Please refrain from wearing white.”

4. Encourage Guests to Discuss Wardrobe Choices

“So, what are you going to wear?” Everyone loves to know what everyone else is wearing, especially when it comes to big events. No one really wants to under- or over-dress. Encourage your guests to share what they’re planning to wear with others so they can get an idea of how their outfit might coordinate with the crowd.

5. Familiarize Yourself and Guests with Dress Code Terms

From “business casual” to “cocktail attire,” there are more than a few dress code terms that not everyone is completely familiar with. If you need a refresher with what “business casual” attire means, don’t be afraid to remind your guests, either. It’s not helpful to assume everyone knows what you mean by “cocktail attire” (especially if you’re not sure what it means, either!).

6. Share a Pinterest Vision Board

If your guests are visual learners, it couldn’t hurt to share a Pinterest vision board of what you’re imagining your dress code to look like to help inspire them and plan accordingly.

When it comes to making sure your guests know your wedding dress code, having parameters and being specific isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it helps people understand what you’re expecting of them and makes it easier for them to choose the best outfit for your big day.

The post 6 Tips to Help Wedding Guests Know Your Dress Code appeared first on Weddingbee.

One major frustration that brides and grooms experience when planning a wedding is trying to track down overdue RSVPs. Knowing who’s coming to your wedding is important for many reasons, including giving your caterer an accurate headcount, figuring out how many items you need for things like favors, and for creating a seating chart. However, it could be kind of awkward to ask people whether they’re coming or not when it comes to inquiring with those who haven’t replied yet. Luckily, there are several simple ways to go about this.

Ask Someone to Help

People who aren’t planning on attending your wedding will likely feel really bad if they have to say no directly to you or your future spouse. For that reason, it could be a good task for someone in your wedding party or a close family member to help with. This takes a bit of the pressure off of the guests. Ask the designated person to reach out via text or email to guests who haven’t yet replied. You can even create a shared document for them to annotate as they hear from people to simplify the process.

Divide and Conquer

Especially if some of those late replies are from people you don’t know super well, you may want to divide and conquer when it comes to tracking down these answers. Ask your future in-laws to ask those who haven’t replied from their side of the guest list and your parents to handle those who haven’t replied on your side. This makes for quick work to get the answers you need.

Put a Reminder on Your Wedding Website

A gentle reminder on your wedding website urging guests to submit their RSVP is a good way to nudge any stragglers to give their answer. This is simple to do and can help alleviate the awkwardness of having to follow up with individuals.

Go Electronic

Having an electronic RSVP option is one way to make it easy for guests from the start, negating the need to even track down late responses. For instance, include a QR code with your invites that guests can easily scan upon opening the invite to give their answer. Or, just direct guests on your invite to your wedding website to submit their RSVP. If you did go with a strictly paper reply, though, you can help track down tardy RSVPs by emailing those who haven’t replied a day or so after the due date has passed. Send a somewhat generic email to the group of late repliers by blind carbon copying (BCC’ing) everyone so there is anonymity. Direct guests to your site and have an electronic option set up there. This could be a simpler and easier way for guests to give their answer about their attendance.

Reach Out Directly

Yes, it might be a little awkward, but as a somewhat last resort, you may just have to reach out directly to those who haven’t replied. Shoot these individuals a personalized text explaining that you understand if they can’t make it. You’d be surprised by how many individuals put off replying simply because they feel bad their answer is no! Send something short and sweet like: “Hey there! Hope you’re doing well! Did you receive our invitation? Are you joining us on (date) for the wedding? We hope you can make it, but if not we completely understand. Just trying to nail down those final numbers!” A simply message like this could be the key to getting the answers you need.

This can definitely be a sticky situation, but at the end of the day, you need to lock in your final guest count numbers and sometimes these actions are needed to get that job done!

The post How to Track Down Overdue Wedding RSVPs appeared first on Weddingbee.

Figuring out how much alcohol to buy and serve at your wedding can be challenging. Many brides and grooms don’t even know where to start when it comes to this topic, and it may end up being quite a guessing game if you’re not clued into different methods of how to figure this one out. Luckily for anyone purchasing alcohol for their reception, we have some great tips and tricks for ensuring you buy the perfect amount to serve your guests.

Decide What Kind of Bar You’re Offering

As the fist step of figuring out how much alcohol to get, you’ll want to decide what type of bar you’re offering your guests. There are several different types of bars you can go with. First, an open bar is the least restrictive and means that guests are free to order pretty much any drink of their choosing. Next, a limited bar typically includes a variety of beer, wine, and a signature cocktail. That means guests don’t have a choice of any liquor or mixed drink they want. A cash bar denotes that guests have to pay for their drinks. Most brides and grooms opt not to use this method as it can be seen as impolite. Finally, a non-alcoholic bar is pretty self-explanatory: it means there won’t be alcohol served and your guests will stick to soft drinks and any “mocktails” you may want to serve.

No matter which type of bar you’re going with, you’ll simply need to decide on it before you move forward figuring out how much alcohol to purchase for your wedding.

Know Your Crowd

The next step in figuring out how much alcohol to purchase is to know the crowd that makes up your guest list. Take inventory of how many people attending your wedding actually drink. For instance, if there are a lot of underage individuals attending your wedding, you won’t need to account for them in purchasing liquor. If you’re inviting a lot of individuals that you know don’t drink, this is a factor to consider when deciding on final numbers.

You’ll also want to consider what you know about what your guests like to drink. If you know a lot of your friends enjoy beer but not wine, take that into consideration. You know your friends and family and their habits best, so use this information to your advantage when it comes to planning out how much alcohol to purchase.

Know the Rule of Thumb

There are general rules of thumbs for what you can expect an average drinking wedding guest to consume at your wedding. Research shows that most guests consume two to three beverages each during the first hour of your reception and then one drink per hour after that. Obviously, some guests consume more than this and others consume less, but this can be used as a general guideline.

Use an Alcohol Calculating Tool

A wedding alcohol calculator is a handy tool that you can use to get some rough numbers what to buy and how much. This tool takes a lot of factors into account and can provide you with a good estimate of what to purchase, but remember it’s not foolproof and you know your guests best. Use your best judgement and use the numbers this calculator gives you as strictly a guide.

Don’t Forget Mixers

You don’t want to forget the ever-important mixers if you’ll be serving a variety of hard alcohol at your wedding. This includes things like soda, seltzer or club soda, limes and lime juice, tonic water, juice, and triple sec. These are very important to have a stock of to properly allow the bar staff to make drinks, so don’t forget to include these items in your plans!

These tips make guessing the right amount of alcohol to stock your wedding bar less of a stress and a much simpler equation!

The post Calculating How Much Alcohol to Serve at Your Wedding appeared first on Weddingbee.

Getting divorced can be an emotional and tiring journey. While you may think you know everything about separating from a spouse, there’s a lot that people don’t understand about this life event. Learn below what no one tells you about parting ways with your husband or wife.

1. You May Have Second Thoughts

Although a lot of people don’t talk about it, many people experience second thoughts when it comes to going through a divorce. This questioning can come while you’re in the thick of the divorce or even after it’s final. Many individuals say it’s hard for them to not second guess themselves once their ex has a new flame or relationship. This is completely normal and something you’ll have to work through one way or another during the process.

2. Your Finances Will Completely Change

During your marriage, you likely had combined finances with your spouse or at least split payments for things one way or another. Once you are divorced, you’ll likely be in a different financial situation. You’ll need to ensure you have a handle on all monthly bills and that you save properly for retirement. If your spouse handled all these items prior to your divorce, make sure you gain an understanding from him or her surrounding where you need to step in after the separation occurs. Also consider working with a financial advisor during this adjustment to ensure all of your ducks are in a row.

3. There Will Be Boredom

The process of getting divorced can be trying and filled with a lot of “drama.” Between lawyers and breaking the news to people about the separation, it’s definitely a busy time in anyone’s life. However, not many realize that after the divorce is signed, sealed, and delivered, there can be a lot of boredom. Perhaps this quiet time is welcomed by some after going through a divorce, but it’ll definitely be there and will shift you into a new routine different from the one you had when you were married.

4. There May Be Unexpected Reactions from Others

Telling your family and friends about your impending divorce may be tough, and you may receive some reactions you weren’t expecting when you do break the news. While some individuals may be shocked and upset by it, others may let you in on their true feelings about your spouse if they’d previously held back on what they thought of him or her. This, again, is all a normal part of the process.

5. You May Lose Some Friends

One of the unfortunate things that accompanies a divorce is the loss of some friends. This is especially true with “couple” friends that you and your spouse used to hang out with together. While this may be a hard pill to swallow, remember that other friends will come along and this is a normal occurrence when divorces happen.

6. You’ll Need to Double-Up on Essentials for the Kids

If you have children and they’ll be spending time with both you and your ex after your divorce is finalized, you’ll need to have two sets of essential items for them. You’ll want a set of all of their must-haves at each home, and this is sometimes something that’s overlooked during the time of divorce.

7. Moving on May Take Awhile

Moving on from a divorce isn’t something you’re going to do overnight. This is a major life event and a separation from someone you’ve likely spent a big part of your life with, as well as many milestones. Don’t beat yourself up if this process takes longer than you expect. Many people describe a divorce as something similar to a death, in which there’s a grieving period for those involved. Be gentle with yourself as you rebuild and work on your own emotions coming out of a marriage.

Going through a divorce is tough work, but knowing what to expect can help with the healing process.

The post 7 Things No One Tells You About Divorce appeared first on Weddingbee.

No one wants to have regrets when it comes to their wedding day. After all, it’s one of the most special and memorable events of your life. (Not to mention all the time and planning that goes into your big day! And, yes, money.) But as the saying goes, “Even the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Sometimes your wedding doesn’t go according to plan—but that’s OK because we have some tips on how to have zero regrets on your wedding day.

Set your priorities and let the rest go

When it comes to wedding planning, set your priorities and must-haves and then let the rest go. If you know what you absolutely need in a venue, for example, then put your time and energy into finding the best place for you. But that also means you can be a little more relaxed when it comes to other things like selecting the band. Realizing that not everything on your wedding planning to-do list has to be 110 percent will let you off the hook a bit. This way, you’re committing to what is most important to you and can compromise on the things that aren’t, which will not only let your day run more smoothly but also allow you to go to bed at night knowing you did the best you could.

Accept that not everything has to be perfect

Yes, you certainly should have the wedding of your dreams, but reality isn’t always perfect and neither will be your wedding—and that’s not a bad thing! Craving and demanding perfection is only a recipe for dissatisfaction and unhappiness. When it comes to making choices, whether it’s your cake or decor, focus on what fits the best rather than what is the best. What meets most of your standards and requirements? After all, we can never know what’s the absolute best choice. Maybe there’s another wedding dress you like—but maybe there’s not! Allowing some wiggle room and grace when it comes to wedding planning will make you happier and more at peace.

Focus on experiences and not things

Having the perfect cake topper or the prettiest bouquet doesn’t matter when it comes to the experience of your wedding had by you and your guests. Remember that your day isn’t about having the perfect wedding, but committing to your union and spending time with your closest friends and family. It’s easy to get caught up with the little details, however, at the end of the day no one will remember if the napkins matched the color palette. Focus on how you can make your wedding meaningful and memorable for all involved and less about the small things.

Plan the wedding that you want

It’s so easy to get carried away with others’ expectations of our wedding, especially family and friends. Heck, even images on Instagram and Pinterest can make us second-guess our choices. We might even change our minds about what we want in order to fit in with what everyone else’s weddings look like. This will no doubt lead to some regrets if you’re not true to your original vision. When in doubt, plan the wedding that feels right to both you and your fiance, no matter what.

Be present on the big day

Being present on your wedding day is something you’ll always be grateful for, so make sure you keep that in mind! It’s not every day that all the special people in you life come together to celebrate your love. Cherish the time with your new husband or wife and your inner circle and soak in every minute. You’ll be glad that you did.

Having zero regrets on your wedding day is possible when you worry less about perfectionism and focus more on the meaning behind your celebration. Don’t sweat the small stuff and instead lean into the magic of your wedding and what it means to you—and you’ll definitely have a day to remember and cherish always.

The post How to Have Zero Regrets on Your Wedding Day appeared first on Weddingbee.

If you’re looking for ways to decrease the carbon footprint of your big day, one of the best things you can do is make it plastic-free. It’s a simple but impactful action that can make a big difference. In fact, plastic-free weddings might be the new trend. Princess Eugenie of York’s royal nuptials made headlines in 2018 for going plastic-free, and if that is any indication, going green might be the new ‘white’ when it comes to weddings. If you’re looking to host a wedding with as little plastic usage as possible, here’s some tips to help get you started.

Choose Reusable Cups and Straws

Cups and straws are easily disposed the most at weddings. And the larger the wedding, the more trash it will accumulate. A more eco-friendly alternative is providing your guests with reusable cups and straws, like metal or glass. You can make it fun by choosing colors that vibe with your wedding’s palette. You might even personalize the cups and straws to not only make it easier for people to identify their drink, but to take home as wedding favors. Another tip is encouraging guests to reuse their same cup throughout the evening as they make trips to the bartender or have guests fill their own cups at a pre-mixed cocktail station.

Connect with the Right Vendors

Ideally, you want to work with people who share your values and who can create the vision you have for your wedding. It’s important to ask vendors, such as catering, if they have plastic-free alternatives. (You’ll also want to ask your venue if they have recycling and composting bins, too.) If you need some help, “eco-friendly” wedding planners are becoming more common and can be found easily with a Google search.

Make Sure all Accessories Are Plastic-free

If you stop to think about it, almost every accessory at a wedding, from the confetti to the cake topper to the balloons, is made from plastic. So, what to do? First thing’s first: ditch the balloons. They might look pretty and make for a fun photo op, but they wreck havoc on the environment and can kill wildlife if mistaken for food. Instead, decorate your space with greenery, florals, and DIY banners. When it comes to confetti, choose biodegradable alternatives like rose petals or a favorite spice. As for your cake topper, choosing an edible or floral one is easy!

Rent as Much as You Can

One of the easiest ways to reduce your plastic usage is to rent wherever possible. Dinnerware is one way to go since you’re being more sustainable by relying on reusable rentals—or even consider using plates and utensils made from environmentally friendly materials, like bamboo or palm leaves. Refrain from plastic tablecloths and instead choose cloth. Decor is another option that’s best for renting. This way you’re recycling items that can be used over and over again, and aren’t headed for the landfill after a single usage. DIY decor is another sustainable option, especially if you’re using materials that you already have. Basically, you want to skip your acrylic and plastic decorations for timber, bamboo, paper, metal, or glass and rent as much as you can.

Shop for Eco-friendly Wedding Fashion

Plastic can be found everywhere, including our clothing! Synthetic fabrics like polyester involve plastic. If you’re keen on being as plastic-free as possible, you might be interested in wearing a sustainable wedding dress made from compostable or organic fabrics. Another option is shopping vintage or renting your wedding and bridesmaids dresses—which is both better for the environment and your wallet.

Hosting a plastic-free wedding can be a little tedious, but it needn’t be difficult. If you’re committed to doing your part to help our Earth, making some small tweaks and replacing plastic with reusable and more sustainable options is pretty easy when you see things on a bigger scale. You’re celebrating your big day, while also celebrating the planet!

The post How to Host a Plastic-Free Wedding appeared first on Weddingbee.

Getting married somewhere you’ve never been can be a tricky situation, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. This occurrence is becoming more and more popular due to COVID restrictions. There are so many ways to make an informed decision about a wedding venue without even having to step foot on the property. As long as you follow the steps below to ensure you’re comfortable with your decision, you’ll be able to gain a better understanding of whether a wedding venue that you haven’t physically laid eyes on is for you or not.

Inform Yourself as Much as Possible

If you have your eyes on a venue you can’t go see in person, you’ll want to start gathering information on it. You should go about this in several ways. First, reach out to the venue via email or phone and request information on their wedding packages. Hopefully they have in-depth documentation on all things wedding-related so you can get a firm grasp on what weddings look like there, what packages they offer, how many guests they can accommodate, and what the cost is.

Next, request a video tour. This is likely the best way to see the venue from afar. They may even have a virtual tour recorded that you can watch, noting questions for the venue during the viewing and then asking them after. Every venue goes about things like this differently, so see what they have to offer.

You’ll also want to read as many reviews of the venue as you can to see what others liked and didn’t like about their experience. Use sites like The Knot, Wedding Wire, and even TripAdvisor to get a better understanding from real clients of all that the venue has to offer.

Finally, use platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to search the venue and see what others have posted about it. This gives you a completely real look at the venue from the point of view of real visitors, which can definitely be helpful!

Make Sure the Venue Checks all Your “Must Have” Boxes

After you’ve gathered information on the venue, you’ll want to figure out if it checks all the boxes for your wedding requirements. First, are there dates available that work for your wedding timeline? Next, can they accommodate everyone on your guest list? There are other important things to consider too, such as your budget. Are there other vendors in the area you’d feel comfortable using if you choose to get married here? First, make a list of what’s important to you for your wedding. Then, see if this venue meets those needs. You can’t shape a venue to fit what you want, so don’t compromise on the important stuff!

Weigh the Pros and Cons

If the venue has everything you need and you’re excited by what you’ve seen, you’ll next want to weigh the pros and cons that you know of surrounding the venue. This is where you should also examine if you know enough about the venue (even without seeing it) to make your final decision. Remember that every venue is going to have a range of pros and cons, so just be honest with yourself about whether this particular one hits all the marks.

Go with Your Gut

Overall, you should go with your gut when it comes to choosing a venue, whether you see it in person or not. If you’ve done all the research, gotten the answers you need, and feel confident in a venue that you’re considering from afar, go with that feeling! If something feels off or makes you feel uncomfortable, there’s probably a reason for it. Don’t ignore your intuition when it comes to planning from a distance (or at all, for that matter).

Choosing a wedding venue sight unseen can be intimidating and maybe even a bit nerve-racking, but it’s definitely possible and can work out great as long as you do the research on the front end.

The post Should You Get Married at a Venue You’ve Never Visited? appeared first on Weddingbee.

Weddings are steeped in tradition. Some of the age-old wedding customs are still so special, but as time has passed there’s been a lot of changes. For example, the bride doesn’t always have to wear white! Nor does she always have to be walked down the aisle by her father. Now that it’s 2021, we can toss out a lot of the old wedding etiquette rules doled out by Emily Post (and others) and embrace and create some new ones that have a more contemporary vibe. Here are five new wedding etiquette rules that you might want to follow to revamp your big day.

1. You don’t need to host all those pre-wedding events

Breathe a sigh of relief with this one. Back in the day, there might be an engagement party, a bridal shower, separate bachelorette and bachelor parties, a rehearsal dinner, the wedding itself—and maybe another luncheon with the bride’s family, a lingerie shower with the bride’s friends, or a morning-after brunch. That’s a lot of parties—not to mention a lot of time, money, and energy that you and your wedding guests might not have. The good news? You don’t need to host all of those parties. In fact, you can do away with most of them. Be true to the ones that feel right to you. Maybe it’s just a co-ed shower for both the bride and groom. That’s totally fine! People today have limited time (not to mention money) to get together socially for a variety of reasons, so your friends will probably thank you.

2. Keep your bridal party small

Gone are the days when your bridal party consisted of everyone from your life, ranging from your first grade best friend to college roommate. Couples are now warming up to a smaller wedding party with some people even opting to have only a maid of honor and best man. This way, you’re saving yourself the stress of logistics, like trying to figure out fittings and wedding duties. You’re also going to save yourself a lot of money, which is always a good thing.

3. Your groom can plan the day

Today’s weddings are no longer considered the best day of the bride’s life. It’s the groom’s day, too—so why shouldn’t he be involved with what it’s going to look like? Make sure both parties are heavily involved with the planning of the day. As a result, not only will your wedding truly reflect your bond and each of your taste’s, but planning it together will only bring you closer.

4. Ask guests to leave their cell phones at the door

This new rule is growing in popularity for a number of reasons, whether it’s privacy issues or just wanting the day to be more intimate and connected. We know: you love the idea of having your own wedding #hashtag. And you definitely can still have that! But this way, you can share your wedding on your terms and feel like your guests are truly present with you.

5. Focus on your guests

Traditionally, weddings have been focused on the bride, and maybe a little on the groom. But now, weddings are more guest-oriented. Let’s face it: if you’re insisting on a large wedding with your closest friends and family, considering their enjoyment only makes sense. While your big day can totally still feel and look exactly how you want it to be, it’s important to think about your guests’ experience, too. What will dazzle them? What will make them feel comfortable? What will make them remember this night for the rest of their lives?

It’s always a good idea to change traditions up, like the ones mentioned above, to make your wedding feel more modern and personal to you. However, keeping a few of the standards—like the first dance—will never go out of style.

The post 5 New Wedding Etiquette Rules appeared first on Weddingbee.

With Covid-19 still present and vaccinations in full force, the term “vaccine etiquette” has become rather commonplace among those planning a wedding or any other special event.

What does vaccine etiquette refer to? Basically, it’s what you should or shouldn’t ask, and how to act around those who have or have not been vaccinated. Although vaccinations are now available to most of the general public, one cannot assume that everyone has had it or even wants to get it at all. This may cause a number of issues when planning a large gathering, especially if you have local regulations that must be abided by. Here’s all you need to know about how to address vaccination topics in regard to your special day.

Vaccination Requirements

Can you require all your wedding guests to get vaccinated? Yes, if it’s required by local regulations, and yes, if you feel that it will make you or your guests safer. Nobody can stop you from requiring your guests to be vaccinated, however, be prepared for some backlash from those who either can’t or choose not to get vaccinated. Instead, it may be better to offer an alternative, such as a PCR test 48-hours prior to the event. If you really want everyone on your guest list to attend, it’s better to offer both options.

Don’t Forget About the Vendors

If you are requiring everyone at your event to be vaccinated, then you need to address this topic with your wedding vendors ahead of your booking. Once you sign the contract, there is no legal requirement for them to get the vaccine and if you cancel because of it, you’ll have to deal with the required fees. But, again, as an alternative you can potentially request a PCR test, ideally also before you sign the vendor contract.

Wedding Invitations

As unglamorous as it is, if you’re requiring that all guests have the vaccine, you need to make that quite clear on your wedding invitation. You may want to include an additional “health card” or add on a few lines to your RSVP card which will allow guests to state whether they’re vaccinated or if they are opting to take a PCR test instead. There are numerous reasons why someone may not have had a vaccine, and asking specific questions may come off as prying, so tread lightly if someone declines your invitation. It is not your right to know of someone’s vaccination status just because you want them to partake in your special day.

Mandatory Masks

If you choose to have masks at your wedding, either require them for all guests or make them optional for everyone. It’s not a good idea to require non-vaccinated guests to wear masks while allowing those who have had it to do as they please. This situation can cause a clear divide between your guests and invite judgement, which will likely not create the celebratory environment you want at your wedding.

Table Seating

As with masks, it’s not a good idea to create a segregated environment with seating at your wedding between vaccinated guests and unvaccinated guests. Also, it makes very little sense since most likely everyone will be interacting with the other group at some point or another. Instead, many experts suggest that you seat people alongside those they’re familiar with or comfortable sitting next to, such as family members, and leave the open interaction for the rest of the reception. It may also be a good idea to have open seating, so that people can decide for themselves who they interact with, while having smaller tables so that social distancing is possible.

Conversations Over COVID

Lastly, many wedding experts believe it’s wise to keep all coronavirus-related conversations off the menu during any event, much like with religion and politics. The topic is still far too heated and best avoided during special events. Some even advise that it’s a good idea to include a phrase such as, “Please avoid all COVID-19 and vaccination-related topics during the event,” on your invitation or wedding website.

The post Covid-19 Vaccine Etiquette for Weddings appeared first on Weddingbee.

There’s no doubt that a wedding of any size and in any location can quickly add up to an expensive affair. It can be tempting to spend seemingly endless money to make this once-in-a-lifetime event unforgettable. Along with that urge sometimes comes the accumulation of quite a bit of debt, specifically on credit cards. It’s easy to fall into this hole when you’re planning a wedding, but there are many ways to prevent it from happening as you plan your big day.

Set a Realistic Wedding Budget and Stick to It

Wedding budgets are tough, but it’s really important to set a realistic one at the beginning of the planning process. Talk with your fiancé and whoever is financially contributing to your wedding and decide what you can realistically afford. From there, get quotes from vendors and figure out how they fit into your budget before you book anything. Setting a budget at the beginning and getting a feel for how much different vendors cost allows you to prioritize things within your budget before you officially start spending.

Set a Maximum Guest Count

The price of a wedding goes up the more people are invited. It can be easy to keep adding a person here and there to your guest list. However, this quickly adds up. Make sure that once you decide on your venue and understand how much it will cost per person, you and your fiancé agree on a hard maximum number when it comes to your guest list. This will help you to avoid spending unexpected money and will greatly assist when it comes to staying within budget.

Open a Separate Bank Account for Wedding Funds

Opening a checking account specific to your wedding finances can also prevent overspending. This allows you and everyone else involved in the planning process to see exactly how much money is available at any given time to spend on the wedding. When you happen to leave all funds in an account that goes towards other expenses as well, it’s easy to ignore that established budget and spend whatever you want.

Check in Often on the Expenditures

When you’re planning a wedding, it can get confusing when multiple people are involved in making decisions and spending money towards the event. For this reason, it’s important to check in often on spending with your future spouse and whoever else is involved. Revisit the budget, update where money has been spent, and get a clear idea of how much money is left. Talk often about how that money will be spent and definitely discuss any unexpected expenses so you can adjust the budget accordingly.

Don’t Get Caught up in Emulating Weddings on Social Media

On the internet, it’s easy to compare yourself to what others are doing. Looking at sites like Pinterest or Instagram are useful for finding inspiration for your wedding, but spending too much time fawning over the weddings of others on these sites can really tempt you to spend more money than you should on your event. The more ideas you see, the more you’ll want to implement for your wedding, even if they’re really unnecessary additions to your big day. Living in that comparison game is a slippery slope, so be aware when you’re getting too sucked into others’ weddings on social media.

Remember What the Day is all About

At the end of the day, your wedding will be unforgettable no matter how much money you spend. That’s because it’s a special, once-in-a-lifetime day of committing to the person you love the most. Remember that as you plan, using it as a curb whenever you consider overspending on something you think you “need.” A lot of those little details you may consider splurging on aren’t anything you’ll even remember when you look back on your wedding day, so try to keep that in perspective as you plan.

Do yourself a favor and take these steps to prevent yourself from going into debt over your wedding day. It’s the best wedding gift you can give yourself!

The post How to Prevent Wedding Debt appeared first on Weddingbee.

Micro weddings have taken the industry by storm thanks to a few factors. Most notably, many couples are opting for more intimate affairs due to COVID-19 and the hesitancy to be in large groups. Additionally, however, more and more couples are realizing that they’d rather spend more time at their event with the people who mean the most to them, rather than a larger group. Whatever your reasoning may be when planning a micro wedding, there are so many things you can do to make your small affair have a huge impact. We’re diving into some of those ideas below.

Create Customized Guest Gift Bags

One way to make your micro wedding truly special is to provide each guest with completely customized gift bags or baskets to welcome them to the event. These can be in lieu of favors and can really make an impact on your loved ones. Include handwritten cards for each guest, their favorite snacks, photos of you together, and whatever you think will make it memorable. You can also include fun mementos from the location of your wedding, such as something that’s local to the city or state.

If you are looking to give each guest a personalized message but don’t want to put it in a gift bag or basket, another option is to leave a personalized note on each place setting at your reception. This is a special memento of your event that your guests will appreciate more than they would any favor.

Book an Amazing Venue

A great thing about micro weddings is that the intimacy of the event allows you to choose truly any location. For instance, rent a villa overlooking the sprawling water in the Virgin Islands where your guests will be welcomed with rum punch and dance the night away by the pool. You could also go for a European wedding at a Tuscan villa where guests will be wowed by wine and views for the entirety of the trip. The world is truly your oyster when it comes to choosing the destination of your micro wedding, which can take a small event and make it into a fun vacation for you and your guests.

Micro weddings are also a great opportunity to choose a less conventional wedding venue than you might with a larger guest list. For instance, rent out a theater, a quaint café, or your favorite antique shop and turn the space into your dream venue.

Host a Holiday Weekend Event

If you’re keeping your event to mostly family, you may want to consider having your wedding over a holiday weekend. For instance, host your micro wedding the weekend of Thanksgiving to make it convenient for all! Since you’ll likely be celebrating Thanksgiving with your whole family on Thursday anyway, extend the celebrations and get married on Friday or Saturday. This allows you all to spend the entire weekend together for multiple celebrations in one. What could be better than that?

Serve Gourmet Cuisine

Another way to bring your micro wedding to the next level is to have truly gourmet cuisine at the reception. At many weddings, it’s hard to serve mind-blowing food because it can be tough for kitchens to produce world class meals in mass quantities at do-able prices. However, when you have a small guest list, you can (perhaps) splurge on what you serve your guests. This allows you to handpick a chef and curate a menu that exactly meets your tastes, providing your guests with a dining experience they likely haven’t had at a wedding before.

There are so many ways to bring your micro wedding to the next level and the great thing about these intimate affairs is that you have complete freedom to shape it into whatever you want it to be. Use these ideas as a jumping off point in planning your own perfect day!

The post Big Ideas for Micro Weddings appeared first on Weddingbee.

Between finding outfits for your engagement party or photo shoot, wedding shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner, your wallet could feel pretty slim! Plus, that still leaves you needing to find an actual wedding dress and day-of accessories. With that being said, it’s not cheap to dress for your wedding festivities, but obviously you want to look your best for all of these special events. Thankfully, there are ways to save on your wedding wardrobe without skimping on style. Here are seven ideas to get great bridal outfits while leaving room in your budget for other things.

Enlist the Help of Social Media

A great way to save some money on wedding wardrobe staples is to enlist the help of social media. Find a Facebook group either in your neighborhood or city for people getting married. Many times, you can find others looking to sell clothes they wore for their wedding that you may be interested in purchasing for your own festivities. This is a great way to get items for a steal that have likely only been worn once or twice.

Swap With a Friend

One easy way to save money on your wedding wardrobe is to swap pieces with a friend. This can be someone who simply has a great closet or who recently got married and has white “bridal” (or whatever theme you want!) outfits you found yourself admiring. At the least, if your friend has the same shoe size as you or great taste in accessories, you can ask to borrow a few of these pieces. Remember that every penny counts!

Shop Your Own Closet

When you’re getting married and celebrating your upcoming wedding, it may feel like there’s a lot of pressure to buy things that are brand new. However, you likely have forgotten items in your closet that may be perfect to wear to some of these events! Before you browse online or in-store, check out what you already have in your closet that you may be able to wear. It may get you some use out of items you already own and save money at the same time.

Invest in Great Staple Pieces

If you are buying new items, opt for some solid staple pieces that can be accessorized differently to get different looks. This helps you to buy just a couple things that can be worn in different ways instead of a wide array of outfits, which can get expensive. For example, a sleek white jumpsuit can be worn several times with different shoes or hair accessories. Doing this will make the outfit look completely different from one event to the next!

Go Vintage

You may be able to build a beautiful wedding wardrobe on a budget by shopping for vintage items instead of going with brand new clothing. Not only is this more friendly for your wallet, but it’s also a great way to do something good for the planet! Vintage clothing is especially great if you’re dressing for any kind of a theme—maybe for a night of your bachelorette party! Find vintage clothing on sites like Etsy or at local vintage shops or shows in your area. If you find multiple items from one shop that you like, ask if the owner will grant a discount for purchasing several garments. It’s always worth asking!

Visit Thrift Stores

Similar to looking for vintage pieces, check out thrift and consignment shops in your area to find items to wear at a fraction of the price. Half the fun of this experience is the search; you never know just what you’ll find as you scour these shops!

Rent Your Outfits

Another budget-friendly option is to rent outfits for wedding-related events from platforms like Rent the Runway. This allows you to wear a more “high ticket” item for a fraction of what it would cost to buy it. Plus, this keeps you from clogging up your closet with items you’ll only wear a few times.

There are so many ways to avoid spending a ton on your wedding wardrobe. Take advantage of these ideas to save some cash while still looking and feeling great.

The post Creative Ways to Save on Your Wedding Wardrobe appeared first on Weddingbee.

A major trend in the wedding world right now is customized jean jacket (or denim jacket) for the bride-to-be. These are perfect to wear to pre-wedding festivities like a bachelorette party or wedding shower and can even be worn on the big day to add some flair to wedding photos. The personalization is what makes these a fabulous bridal statement piece. Adorned with a future last name or a saying like “Future Mrs.,” these jackets are fashionable and a fun memento of such a special time.

Another exciting thing about these jackets is that they can be an easy DIY project. Whether you want to paint one yourself or embroider it, it’s totally doable. If you have an embroidery machine on hand, Brother Sews Ambassador Laura Pifer has a simple tutorial to guide you through creating your own bridal jean jacket. Laura is a Brother Sewing Ambassador, blogger, and designer of DIY fashion blog Trash to Couture. Trash to Couture was created in 2010 to inspire a less wasteful approach to the mass-produced fashion mainstream through DIY tutorials and repurposed fashions.

Step 1 – Gather Your Materials

To get started, gather your materials. You’ll need an embroidery machine (Laura recommends the Brother PE800), a 5X7″ embroidery hoop, a pacesetter heavy weight cut-away stabilizer, a pacesetter adhesive tear-away stabilizer, embroidery font design, embroidery designs for the border or selected motif, and a denim jacket. Try to find a jean jacket that isn’t very stretchy, as stiffer denim tends to work better for this project.

Step 2 – Make a Sample Design

Decide what you want your jacket to say and look like in this step. To start, Laura recommends making a sample of the lettering and design using similar fabric and stabilizer. This way, you can see how it will look stitched out. Using the PE800 for designing makes it easy to add and edit the design directly on the screen.

Step 3 – Lay Down the Jacket and Measure

Lay the jacket out flat on a sturdy surface and press it. Most people choose to embroider the back panel. You’ll want to measure the center and mark from top to bottom to ensure your design ends up perfectly centered. Mark a horizontal line for the location of the first word as well as where you want the bottom of the lettering to fall. It’s helpful to use your design sample created in step one to help with this.

Step 4 – Hooping

For this step, Laura suggests using a Heavy Cut-Away Stabilizer. Cut enough to cover the whole embroidery surface plus an extra one to two inches. Spray the stabilizer with a temporary spray adhesive and place on the back of the jacket. Hoop so the center marks align with your center markings and the embroidery design will fit in the embroidery area. Place the hoop and jacket in the embroidery unit, ensuring that the sleeves and other parts of the jacket are out of the way of the hoop area.

Step 5 – Embroider

Now, let the machine work its magic! Press embroider and watch it stitch away. Depending on what your design is, you may need to re-hoop before embroidering the second line of the design. If that’s the case, Laura cites that you should mark a horizontal line where the top (of the largest letter) of the lettering should hit. Repeat the embroidery process for this additional word as well as any motifs or border you choose to add to the jacket.

Finally, a fun touch is to add your wedding date under the collar of the jacket so that if the collar is popped up, it’s visible. When embroidering this section, pay close attention to the machine to ensure the jacket doesn’t inadvertently move.

An Alternate DIY Method: Paint!

As mentioned above, if you don’t have an embroidery machine or are looking to go a different route for your jacket, you can opt to paint it instead. To do this, use acrylic paint on clean denim. You can use a Sharpie to outline your design directly on the denim and then paint the interior of the outline. You can also feel free to use stencils for this project. Let the paint dry completely, and then throw the jacket in the dryer to help heat set the paint onto the jacket so that it doesn’t flake off.

However you choose to create your bridal-style denim jacket, it’s sure to encompass your personality and be a style piece that brings you an abundance of joy and memories well past your wedding day.

The post How to DIY a Customized Bridal Jean Jacket appeared first on Weddingbee.

October is the most popular month to say I do—and not just this year as couples hustle to rebook postponed celebrations thanks to the global pandemic. Fall has historically been coveted by to-be-weds due to the changing leaves and crisp air. It also tends to be less rainy in most parts of the country, making it the ideal time to wed outdoors. Flower options are endless, seasonal foods are delicious, and there’s less calendar conflicts with summer vacations in the rear view. Planning a fall soiree? Read on for our favorite trends of the season and how to make them yours.

Color Pairings

Fall is full of rich color inspo for wedding palettes. Earth tones are the new preferred neutral and play well with bolder hues and metallics. Jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, sapphire and amber complement in-season florals, while also feeling luxe. If you want to lighten things up, sage, dusty blue and cream pair nicely with classic fall hues like burnt orange or berry. Don’t be afraid to choose a handful of colors—there’s no rule that says you only get two! Or choose one strong hue and vary the saturation of your other colors for a monochromatic look (think: wine, eggplant, plum, and mauve).

Venue

On the heels of Covid-19, more and more couples are seeking indoor/outdoor spaces for their I dos. Fall is the perfect time to bask in nature thanks to cooler temps and gorgeous natural surroundings. A vineyard, outdoor patio, or a cozy barn are excellent venue choices. Historic houses or a brewery with tenting potential is another way to take advantage of the season. Look for a space that represents who you are as a couple and can accommodate your guest count, and have a Plan B you like just as much (in case of a cold front).

Decor

Nature really shows off in the fall, which means you need less in the way of decor, especially if you’re celebrating al fresco. Rustic elegance is having a moment—a mix of high/low elements allows for a casual ambiance with touches that elevate the overall look of the event. For example, set up reclaimed wood farm tables under a canopy of twinkle lights, or craft a luxe lounge space in a corner of the barn, complete with plush cushions and cozy blankets to keep guests comfortable as the temperatures drop.

Florals

Show stopping arrangements are trending, and with fall’s floral bounty, it’s easy to see why. Florists are mixing fresh and dried stems for a textured look. Garden roses, chrysanthemums, calla lilies, and dahlias all bloom during the fall months along with a variety of berries and colored greenery. Pampas grass and baby’s breath are finding their way into centerpieces and bouquets, and making a big statement. Gourds, pumpkins, and fruit (think: pears and apples) are also trending as a tabletop decor moment. If you want to forgo any Halloween vibes, opt for white pumpkins or green gourds mixed with purple and yellow florals.

Catering

Incorporating seasonal flavors in your menu ensures you have the freshest offerings for your guests—and fall is a season with so much culinary potential. Consider including favorites like pumpkin, pears, apples, figs, and root vegetables into the mix. Serve a spiked cider or a mulled wine as your speciality sip. Individual portions remain supreme as caterers work to keep guests safe. Charcuterie boards, passed plated apps and personalized desserts (think: mini pies or a jars of cake) are big hits with couples looking to wow guests. If you’re celebrating outdoors, consider ending the night with campfire smores. And edible favors are always a hit—send guests home with DIY jars of jam, candy apples, or a bag of warm apple cider donuts.

Fashion

Nontraditional ensambles continue to trend with couples. Bridal runways were filled with square necklines (90’s throwback!), billowy sleeves, and capes. High-low hems and transformative pieces (think: skirt that transforms to shorts) are also hot as are romantic gowns with embellishments. Traditional suits are getting a bit of a modern day twist with luxe fabrics like velvet, satin, and jaccard. The statement jacket is also having a moment with grooms and groomsmen—jewel tones like rust, teal, and emerald are top picks. Pearl accessories have also made a classic comeback. Borrow a pair of drop earrings from your grandmother for an instant, on-trend, “something borrowed.”

Paper

Your wedding invitations are the first hint guests have into your celebration’s style and vibe. If you’re planning to play up the season for your event, use your invites to set the stage. Consider including an autumnal icon, like an acorn, a pinecone, or fall foliage in your paper suite. Don’t be afraid to incorporate patterns into the mix, too—plaid and check designs feel right on target. Colored paper or envelopes add a surprising punch, while metallic foil (think: gold or copper) elevates all correspondence.

The post 2021 Fall Wedding Trends appeared first on Weddingbee.

Now that we’re over halfway through 2021, it’s a great time to examine some of the most popular bridal accessory trends this year has brought with it. Take a look below at the hottest bridal accessory trends of the year so far to see if any of them fit in with your vision of your bridal look as you prepare to walk down the aisle.

Embroidered Veils

Veils are a staple bridal accessory, but this 2021 bridal trend elevates them. Brides are loving to personalize their veils with embroidery, whether it be a flower pattern or something personal, such as a monogram or wedding date. This is a subtle yet impactful way to wear something special on the big day.

Drop Earrings

Earrings are all the rage this wedding season, and drop earrings are playing a starring role. Particularly popular are earrings that feature diamonds, pearls, and beading. This selection of jewels is elegant and makes a nice statement no matter what the bride’s dress looks like or what hair style she opts for.

Colorful Jewelry

Jewelry in bright and bold hues is on trend for 2021. Stones in a rainbow of colors or pieces with colorful beading are more popular now than ever. These pieces are usually versatile and can be worn throughout a wedding weekend rather than just on the big day.

Belts

It may seem strange to think of wearing a belt with a wedding gown, but this 2021 bridal accessory trend is actually super stylish. Modern leather belts in a white or ivory hue can be artfully added to many sleek dresses. Belted sashes are another way to take advantage of this trend. Finally, sparkly banded belts add another layer of glam to any bridal look.

Sheer Capes

Another chic bridal accessory trend is sheer capes. These are a great alternative to a veil for something stylish and unique. Many designers have begun making different iterations of these, even with embroidery and artful designs to bring the look to the next level.

Flower Crowns

Due to the nature of many weddings in 2021 being smaller, more intimate, and outdoors, flower crowns have become a huge bridal accessory trend this year. These have a boho feel to them, but can be customized to match the style of nearly any bride. Whether you opt for delicate flowers or bold, bustling blooms, flower crowns make a gorgeous statement and are a perfect natural accessory.

Barrettes

A great hair accessory that is surging in popularity with brides is barrettes. These are usually more understated, working well to hold hair together. You can find these embellished with florals, jewels, or pearls to complement your look.

Hairpins

Speaking of hair piece trends, hairpins are another big bridal accessory trend this year. These are versatile in the fact that they can go with either retro or classic dresses. These look great in an updo or braid and add a pop of pizzazz when scattered about in hair, providing a pop of sparkle or texture. Another great thing about these is that they’re very affordable in most instances, so they’re a budget-friendly way to elevate your look!

Floral Veils

Veils are always in bridal style, but different trends come and go with these staple headpieces. The newest upgrade to the classic veil is floral embroidery, whether that means veils have a floral trim or flowers embroidered all over them. This is a sweet touch for a spring or summer wedding.

Vintage Jewelry

Everything old is new again! There’s been a revival of interest in vintage jewels, particularly for brides to incorporate into their wedding day style. Vintage wedding and engagement rings, brooches, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets all have their place in this 2021 trend. Plus, the hunt for the perfect vintage piece for your wedding day is half the fun!

Make use of these trends to create your dream bridal look, complete with all the accessories you could ever need!

The post 2021 Bridal Accessory Trends appeared first on Weddingbee.

Scientists have discovered that scent is the sense tied most closely with memories, and it goes without saying that you want to commemorate your wedding day with your own signature scent. Plus, as you embark on one of the most important days of your life, choosing a scent that will help you smell great allows you to feel your best. Choosing what perfume to wear may seem like a big decision, but thankfully there are a wide range of classic scents to choose from to match perfectly with your preferences.

Marc Jacobs Daisy

This fresh and playful scent has been described as sunshine in a bottle. The smell of Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume brings happiness to mind with just one spritz. This is perfect for outdoor spring weddings.

Tocca Florence

Tocca perfumes give off distinct scents, and their Florence variation is no exception! Inspired by old-world Paris, this beautiful perfume has notes of bergamot, gardenia, and blonde wood.

Dior Joy

This fragrance radiates joy with its airy scent. Dior Joy features vibrant notes such as florals, citrus, and musk, pairing together to create a lovely and classic fragrance.

Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede

Jo Malone is a popular brand for modern perfumes with a classic air to them. With so many choices in their line of scents, Peony and Blush Suede definitely takes the cake as a classic choice for your wedding day. Both soft and luxurious, it’s made for special occasions such as a wedding!

My Burberry Blush

If you’re looking to outshine the smell of your wedding flowers, this classic perfume choice is perfect for you. It smells like a rose, including hints of rose, pomegranate, and apple. It’s a crisp scent that’s not too overwhelming.

Atelier Cologne Grand Neroli Cologne

This company is newer to the scent scene, but don’t discount their lovely scents that are perfect for a bride. The citrus neroli scent that is warmed with a touch of vanilla in this fragrance goes well with a fall or winter wedding.

Ralph Lauren Romance

It doesn’t get much more classic than Ralph Lauren, as this lifestyle brand epitomizes preppy style and sheer elegance. This fragrance is known to be unique and modern thanks to its fruity notes of bergamot lychee, red apple, and black currant. The name of this perfume itself fits perfectly with a wedding, after all!

Diptyque L’Eau Des Hespérides

Diptyque makes a wide range of beautiful scents. This one is classic and fresh with notes of lemon, peppermint, and bitter orange blast. This is ideal for spring weddings with its energizing and bright aroma.

Gucci Bloom

If you’re looking for something floral but not too blousy, Gucci Bloom is the perfect bridal perfume. It’s vibrant and fresh, making it perfect for absolutely any type of wedding.

Oscar de la Renta Something Blue

This perfume is perfectly named for a wedding, making it the perfect bridal fragrance. This scent is sweet thanks to its combination of fruity and floral notes. It also is contrasted in sweetness with notes of bourbon vanilla and white musk. To finish it off, notes of mandarin, lychee, and lily of the valley are included for a well-rounded scent.

Tom Ford Sole di Positano

This perfume is definitely a splurge, but could be worth it for such a special occasion and beautiful fragrance. The fragrance mixes freshness with a sensual feeling thanks to its notes of musk and green moss. This is certainly a scent you’ll never forget!

Estée Lauder Modern Muse

For a more bold scent, check out Modern Muse by cosmetic giant Estée Lauder. Exotic woodsy scents and vanilla are combined with tuberose, giving way to a warmly toned scent.

The scent you choose to wear on your wedding day will always be special, no matter how many years later you spritz it on. You want to choose something classic that will be available for years to come so that you can always use it to be transported back to that special day.

The post Classic Perfume Choices for Your Wedding Day appeared first on Weddingbee.

In recent years, weddings have changed a lot. There will always be trends and themes across the board that make their way into the wedding world, but technology seems to have changed weddings for the better in a myriad of ways. Learn how you can enhance the experience of your guests by taking advantage of the latest and greatest technology to hit the wedding industry.

Make Use of QR Codes

Everyone is familiar with QR codes, and especially during the COVID era, they’ve become more useful than ever. With that being said, they’ve made their way into the wedding industry, and they can really enhance your day, and the days leading up to your wedding, for guests when you put them to use in a smart way. For instance, use a QR code to allow guests to easily RSVP from their phone when they receive your invitation. This saves you money on RSVP cards and is simpler for guests than having to remember to stick their response card in the mail. This can be easily facilitated via site like RSVPify or even by using a convenient QR code generator.

Another way to incorporate QR codes into your big day is to make one available for guests to scan to see wedding photos as they’re being uploaded during and after the event. This is a great way to source images from guests, too, giving everyone a central location to view and add photos from your big day. Consider printing the QR code on favor tags or on every table for guests to easily scan and utilize.

Finally, use QR codes on your thank you notes to allow guests an easy way to access your professional wedding photos for their viewing, or you can even create a fun thank you video that guests can view through the code. QR codes are a versatile, simple, and a fun way to add some flair to your day and make the experience even better for guests.

Photo Booths

Another technological innovation that has taken the wedding industry by storm is photo booths. These are super fun for guests to use during your event, and there’s no shortage of options out there of photo booths for your particular event. Thanks to celebrities like the Kardashians who frequently using photo booths at their events, hosts and guests alike have developed love for these popular add-ons. These can be really high-tech with touch screens for easy automation, or some may be manned by a photo booth monitor for the duration of the event. Photobooths can be as luxe or as bare bones as you decide, but either way they’re sure to be fun for guests and for you to see all of their photos afterwards, too!

Simplify Your Registry

Gone are the days of having clunky, spread out registries across different websites. Instead, you can now create a much more centralized registry on one master site that still allows you to register at multiple stores. This is easier for both the couple and guests, allowing a more holistic look at everything a couple is registered for, rather than having to toggle between sites, search multiple times, and so on. Sites like Zola and the Knot offer easy-to-use platforms for facilitating this with your registry.

Live Streaming

Another great way to enhance the guest experience for those looking to enjoy your wedding day from afar is the ability to live stream the ceremony. This can be easily done and, in large part thanks to COVID restrictions, has become super popular in the recent year or so. Use sites like Facebook with their “live” feature or other more specific platforms. You can work with your videographer to make this happen or take more of a DIY approach and enlist in the help of a family member or friend to record the wedding and be in charge of the live feed. Whatever way you decide to do this, it’ll be a special moment for those looking to take part in your big day without actually physically being present.

Technological advancements make life easier, and weddings are no exception to this rule! Your experience and that of your guests is sure to be enhanced by these tech innovations.

The post Wedding Tech to Improve the Guest Experience appeared first on Weddingbee.

Your wedding day is filled with little details that make up the bigger picture of what you envisioned as your perfect day. As a bride, there are so many individual pieces that go into what you wear and how you look as you walk down the aisle to begin the rest of your life. While the market is flooded with trendy and modern bridal accessories, there are a host of more classic options that more traditional brides may want to wear on their big day.

1. Something Blue

We all know the traditional poem, “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” referring to items brides should incorporate into their wedding day look. The something blue is where you can really get creative, from wearing blue shoes to blue stones in your jewelry to a blue ribbon on your bouquet. Put your own twist on this classic tradition and add the color blue into your look.

2. Blusher Veils

Blusher veils are perhaps one of the most classic bridal accessories you can have! This mid-length veil covers the bride’s face until she’s reached her future spouse at the end of the aisle. Once worn in ancient times by brides to protect against evil, today it serves as a symbol of modesty and purity. Brides can find the perfect blusher to match their style, as they’re available as either a classic and plain blusher or those that are more over the top and embellished, too.

3. Lockets

Another traditional bridal accessory is a locket. This can be worn as a necklace, on a charm bracelet, or even tied onto your bridal bouquet. Inside, put a picture of your new spouse as something sweet and sentimental. You’ll treasure this piece of jewelry for years to come!

4. Pearls

This white jewel is another classic bridal accessory that never goes out of style. The best thing about pearls? They can be worn in so many more ways than the classic necklace. Incorporate pearls into your wedding day look in the form of a necklace, earrings, or bracelet. You can also use more creative methods, such as wearing a headband embellished with pearls, finding shoes that have pearls on them, or even getting a pearl embellished veil. Whichever way you choose to wear them, pearls add a layer of tradition to any bridal look.

5. Headbands

Bridal headbands may come off as trendy, but they’re actually a classic accessory to complement your wedding day look. A white headband to match your dress is a great headpiece to go with if you’d rather not wear a veil. There’s no shortage of headbands on the market that are perfect for brides, either. From sequined options to those embellished with ribbons, feathers, or eyelets, you’re sure to find the exact headband that will match your bridal vision perfectly.

6. Monograms

This is a more Southern tradition, but having something monogrammed with your married initials is a classic bridal accessory to consider. This is most frequently done in the form of a monogrammed ribbon that goes around the bride’s bouquet, giving a subtle yet artful detail for the big day. Another option would be a monogrammed handkerchief to have on hand.

7. Birdcage Veils

These short veils are a classic way to make a nice statement. Birdcage veils give off a vintage look and a definite sense of flair for any beautiful bride.

8. White Gloves

White gloves are a traditional accessory that some brides opt to wear. These come in many different styles these days, from sheer tulle gloves to lace trimmed pairs to gloves elegantly embellished with pearls.

9. Family Heirlooms

The ultimate classic bridal accessory to add to your wedding day look is something that’s been passed down to you by a family member or someone special. This could be anything – a piece of jewelry, a borrowed veil, or a brooch. The possibilities are endless! This can serve as your “something borrowed” and will always be special to you as a unique connection between yourself and the person you borrowed it from on such a monumental day of your life.

There’s no shortage of classic bridal accessories that do their part to elevate your look as you say “I do.” These all add a touch of tradition while simultaneously allowing you to maintain your personal sense of style.

The post 9 Must-Have Classic Bridal Accessories for Your Wedding Day appeared first on Weddingbee.

With international travel being more complicated now than ever thanks to COVID-19 travel restrictions, more and more newlyweds are choosing to experience their honeymoons within the United States. Fortunately, there are many honeymoon-worthy destinations that don’t require a passport. The U.S. Virgin Islands—commonly referred to as USVI—have become a hotspot within the nation to celebrate recent nuptials, and for good reason! Learn more about this amazing location below to see if it’s the right spot for you to unwind after you tie the knot.

United States Virgin Islands Overview

This string of islands is located in the Caribbean Sea about 40 miles from Puerto Rico. They’re comprised of three islands: Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix. You can easily travel to these islands; Saint Thomas and Saint Croix have their own airports and Saint John is easily accessible via ferry from Saint Thomas. As mentioned above, these islands don’t require U.S. citizens to present a passport upon arrival, and they’re completely open as of right now (although social distancing measures may be in effect from one place to the next). Each of these islands has their own unique feel, but they all boast relaxing vibes, beautiful beaches, and amazing scenery.

St. Thomas: Shopping and Resorts

St. Thomas is a beautiful island with a lot to offer. Commonly renowned as a great island for shopping, the capital city Charlotte Amalie has many designer stores. Charlotte Amalie typically receives many cruise ship visitors, but that is currently pared down due to a lack of cruises with COVID-19. Out of the three USVI islands, St. Thomas is the one with the most mainstream resorts to choose from. There is a Ritz-Carlton as well as a Marriott, among other resorts and hotels.

St. Thomas has absolutely gorgeous beaches that will take your breath away. Visit Magens Bay, Coki Point, or Sapphire Beach to fully relax as you bask in the island sun. The waters of the USVI are known for amazing snorkeling to observe sea life, and St. Thomas is no exception to this. The island has a lot of other things to do, such as visiting historic sites like the 99 Steps and hikes to sites like Drake’s Seat. Clearly, there’s no shortage of things to do in St. Thomas!

St. John: Island Vibes

St. John is a smaller island close to St. Thomas that’s accessible by ticketed ferries from Crown Bay or Red Hook in St. Thomas. These ferries run every hour or so and are quick and inexpensive. Stepping onto St. John is like being transported to a tropical oasis where you can enjoy genuine island vibes. The town of Cruz Bay is small, but it’s packed with local restaurants, beach bars, and boutiques. St. John is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including world famous Trunk Bay. A large majority of the island is national parkland, leaving lots of opportunity for breathtaking hikes where you can observe nature at its finest. There are even wild donkeys all around the island that you may be lucky enough to run into on your travels!

There is a Westin resort on the island of St. John, but the rest of the lodging options are either boutique hotels, such as the romantic Gallows Point Resort right in Cruz Bay, or vacation rental options through sites like St. John Villa Rentals.

St. Croix: History and Famous Beaches

The final island of the USVI trio is St. Croix. This island has its own airport and scenery just as gorgeous as its two sister islands. Beaches such as Davis Bay Beach and Buck Island are famous on the island. The island has a great boardwalk, Christiansted Boardwalk, which features many different bars and restaurants with outdoor seating boasting beautiful views. St. Croix is rich in historical sites, which makes for fun adventures. For instance, visit Fort Christiansvaern to learn about the roots of the island.

There aren’t many resorts in St. Croix, but it’s all a part of the island’s charm to stay somewhere with a more boutique feel. The Tamarind Reef Resort is a great option for a honeymoon, as is the Buccaneer Resort. Finally, Chenay Bay Beach Resort has its own little cottages perfect for a romantic experience.

The USVI is an amazing place to celebrate your newfound marriage with sun, sand, and one-of-a-kind experiences you’ll never forget!

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Navigating your wedding reception seating can be tough, as there are so many intricacies to putting guests in the perfect place. Although the very idea of creating a seating chart can be intimidating, there are ways to simplify the process and make it an absolute breeze (including eliminating the idea altogether!). Below, we tackle some of the commonly asked questions on this topic so you can soon cross this item off your wedding to-do list.

What if we don’t want a seating chart?

Many couples debate whether they actually need a seating chart for their wedding reception. This is a valid question, and if you’re having a buffet or station-style dinner, you can definitely opt to let guests sit where they please rather than assigning tables or individual seats. You can certainly go this route—but if you decide to do this, make sure you use signage at your reception to let guests know that they should seat themselves so they aren’t left wondering what to do. (However, make sure that you and your future spouse actually do have designated seats so that you always have somewhere to sit throughout the night without having to search for an empty spot!)

Before you commit to the idea of not having assigned seats, though, think through some of the logistics and potential problems. First off, think about people who will be attending your wedding who won’t know many others there. You don’t want anyone to end up without someone to sit with, as it could cause an awkward and uncomfortable situation for those guests. Also keep in mind that you may need to have more seats than guests since people may not always completely fill a table.

You can certainly skip the seating chart if you feel strongly about it, but this typically works best for smaller weddings rather than larger ones and usually isn’t recommended for plated dinner receptions.

Should we assign seats?

Some couples choose to assign individual seats to their guests rather than just tables. This can be done at very formal events such as black tie weddings. It’s common practice for more casual events to stick simply to assigned tables.

What’s the difference between a place card and an escort card?

Speaking of assigned seats, you may find yourself wondering what the difference is between escort and place cards. Escort cards are used to let guests know which table they’re sitting at. These should be displayed near the entry of your reception so that guests can find their name and locate their assigned table. Place cards are left on a guest’s place setting to denote an assigned seat. If you use only escort cards, guests will have an assigned table, but will be able to choose whatever seat at that table they prefer.

Who should the bride and groom sit with?

This is really up to personal preference! The couple of honor can choose to sit at their own private table, referred to as a “sweetheart table.” This allows the bride and groom to be the focal point of the reception, as this table is usually in a prominent spot. It also gives the bride and groom some time by themselves on such a special day, which can get a little hectic!

If a sweetheart table isn’t your thing, you could instead opt to sit with individuals from your wedding party. Some couples choose to sit with their maid of honor, best man, and their respective dates. Others choose to sit with their entire wedding party. Really, whoever you sit with on this momentous occasion is up to you—there’s no right or wrong way to do it!

These questions and issues may seem confusing when they first arise, but rest assured that others have had the same inquiries. Use this guide to help simplify the seating chart process for a smoother wedding reception that everyone can enjoy.

The post 4 Answers to Wedding Reception Seating Questions appeared first on Weddingbee.

As of right now, COVID-19 travel restrictions have still made it tough to travel freely around the world without worrying about the ability to enter other countries. While that can make planning your dream honeymoon a bit more complicated, it doesn’t mean that you have to give up the idea of exploring Europe to celebrate your marriage. Croatia is one of the European countries that is widely open, making it easy for Americans to visit. Luckily, the beautiful scenery and wealth of activities in Croatia make this the perfect honeymoon spot. There is so much to do and see in this beautiful country, and once you learn about everything it has to offer, you’ll be ready to book your trip.

Beaches: The Perfect Spots for Relaxation and Snorkeling

Croatia offers a stunning 3,600 miles of coastline. This means there are many areas to swim and sun, offering the perfect spot for relaxation. Some of the most picturesque beaches to consider are Zlatni Rat, Bacvice (located in Split), and the Pakleni Islands, which are a short boat ride away from Hvar (which boasts its own pretty coastline).

Something that many tourists don’t realize is that Croatia’s beaches are also great for snorkeling. Head south of Pula to Cape Kamenjak to experience some of the country’s clearest waters. Pay a visit to the Odysseus Cave, which is a great place to plunge into the water as you explore the sea.

Historical Sites: Explore Thousands of Years of History

Like many other places in Europe, Croatia is rich in history. In Split, the 1,700-year-old Diocletian’s Palace is worth visiting as it will take your breath away. Dubrovnik was constructed between the 1300 and 1400s, surrounded by old city walls that withstood the great earthquake of 1667, acting as a living time capsule of the city’s roots. Croatia is also home to one of the most well-preserved ancient Roman amphitheaters in the world, which resides in Pula. It’s not only visited by thousands of tourists daily, but live shows are still hosted there from time to time.

Exciting Nightlife: Enjoy Restaurants and Live Music

If you’re looking to hit the town during your honeymoon, Croatia has a lot of options for that. The capital city Zagreb is filled with lively pubs as well as clubs with live music and DJs. Popular destination Split also has nightlife options, although with a more chill environment. Finally, Dubrovnik is known as a celebrity hotspot with iconic restaurants. In this area, check out 360°, which is one of Croatia’s best restaurants with an unforgettable cocktail bar.

Wineries: The Origin of Zinfandel

Tourists may be surprised to learn is that Croatia has beautiful wineries worth exploring. The coast and interior regions of Croatia both have great wineries. Istria is a great place to visit, and borders Italy. Central and South Dalmatia are even known to be the origin of the zinfandel grape!

Culinary Experiences: Get Your Caffeine and Street Food Fix

There are many different culinary experiences worth exploring in Croatia. First, like many other European destinations, the cafes are not to be missed in this country. Zagreb is filled with an endless array of charming places to get your caffeine fix.

Zagreb also has a burger hotspot called Rougemarin. Mundoaka is filled with amazing street food that attracts quite the crowd, but the payoff is well worth the wait! Split is another spot with world-class restaurants, such as the family-run Konoba Hvaranin, which merits a reservation in advance to secure your spot.

Pop Culture: Game of Thrones Fans, Take Note!

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll love taking in some of the sights that Croatia has to offer. Specifically in Dubrovnik, you can find extensive spots that were used as filming locations for this iconic show. Explore King’s Landing to see these spots, where memorable scenes such as the Battle of Blackwater Bay were filmed.

Croatia is a European honeymoon hotspot right now, not only because it’s open to visitors, but also because of its natural beauty, abundance of activities, and rich culture.

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We are slowly starting to return to normal—a new normal following a global pandemic. Weddings are back and we’re here for it. The last year forced engaged couples to get creative and overcome a slew of challenges to say “I do.” The resulting creativity and emerging trends proved love conquers all. And while we’re ready to trade fist bumps for hugs and dance the night away, there are a few pandemic trends we hope stick around.

1. Planning with Intention

With so many restrictions in place, couples were forced to focus on what was most important. In doing so, many chose to use their purchasing power for good, partnering with wedding pros whose values mirrored their own. Some traditions were kept and others were traded for new rituals that felt more in line with the couple’s interests, hobbies, and personalities. The result was one-of-a-kind celebrations that guests will remember for years to come. Celebrating your way should be the new norm.

2. Outdoor Affairs

Pandemic restrictions forced many weddings out of traditional venues and into the great outdoors. From backyards to open fields, guests had an opportunity to safely distance, wander and be one with nature. Sunsets gave way to romantic twinkle lights and star studded skies—built in decor and ambiance. Couples leaned into the more casual vibe of the setting, opting for comfort food, lawn games and bottled beverages. Mother nature is always a good idea when it comes to weddings. Bonus: Your photographer will love the natural light, ensuring everyone looks their best in photos.

3. Souped up Wedding Websites

To-be-weds have been using wedding websites to convey important information to guests for years, but during the pandemic, these information hubs became essential. They offered up-to-the minute details on postponements, venue changes, and more. Because guests were spending so much time online, couples turned the volume up on their site’s designs and content. The “how we met” story became a video musical montage, and the gallery pages included dozens of pictures spanning the couple’s courtship and beyond. Spotify playlists were created, interactive guest books launched—the website wasn’t just about the particulars of ceremony start times, it was about fun! Fast forward to the wedding day, and it became a continuation of the online party.

4. A Riot of Color

There will always be a place for white at weddings, but the joy of gathering in person resulted in vibrant infusions of color. Throughout the pandemic we saw elopements and minimonies decked in jewel tones and bright hues with flashes of metallics. Couples weren’t afraid to experiment, choosing unexpected pairings and making bold statements (think: table linens, wedding party attire, altar installations). The result were true celebrations that felt #extra in the best way. There are no rules when it comes to color—choose your favorite hues to incorporate in big and small ways on your wedding day.

5. Virtual Elements

The addition of virtual elements to wedding celebrations wasn’t a substitute for in-person attendance, but a darn good alternative during the last year. It allowed guests who couldn’t be there in-person due to CDC guidance or health restrictions an opportunity to be a part of the celebration. Couples got creative, hiring an emcee to keep virtual guests entertained pre-ceremony and joined their online guests for toasts and well wishes. Adding a virtual element to your ceremony or reception allows guests who are unable to attend in-person a way to feel connected to the occasion (your elderly grandmother who doesn’t fly will thank you). Ensure your venue has a strong Wi-Fi connection and enlist help from a pro to set up the perfect camera angle for an unparalleled virtual experience.

6. Food for One

With buffets and communal food stations off the table, couples had to rethink feeding their guests. What resulted were true culinary triumphs, like the charcuterie board for one and the individualized dessert. Everything was thoughtfully assembled and artfully served. In addition to being Insta-worthy, these personalized portions made guests feel extra special. No waiting in line, no jockeying for the last crackers on the cheese board or forced sharing—a total home run. Roaming drink carts were another hit, delivering signature sips to guests at tables to avoid gathering at a bar. Both trends are worthy additions to any celebration in our book.

7. Satellite Entertainment

With social distancing in full effect, couples were forced to mix up their entertainment. Enter performances: instead of crowding a dance floor, guests were able to enjoy a performance from their seats (think a concert-style reception). Cocktail hour extended into the evening too, with roaming magicians, caricature artists, and fortune tellers. In addition to delivering on a very memorable evening, the entertainment was carefully distanced providing a safe experience for guests. We’re down for a dance party any day, but alternative entertainment is pretty fun, too.

The post 7 Pandemic Wedding Trends We Love (And Hope Stick Around) appeared first on Weddingbee.

A summer wedding is such a fun way to celebrate your love. With warm weather, blooming trees and flowers, and a more relaxed state of mind, many couples decide to tie the knot during this season. You may have a few worries for summer specific wedding disasters, though. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to mitigate summer-related issues before they even occur, making your wedding day a breeze.

1. It’s Super Hot

The most common issue where summer weddings are concerned is likely the worry of it being too hot. With the sun beating down, it can feel suppressive for you and your guests alike. While we can’t control the weather, there are some things to avoid the heat taking a toll on your big day. The first thing to do is be well equipped for the heat. That means having fans as well as water stations at the ready for guests to utilize. For any part of an outdoor event, have umbrellas set up so that there’s shade available to keep everyone at a good temperature. You can also get creative with heat mitigation. Do this by creating programs that are in the shape of a fan for an outdoor ceremony to help guests keep cool. Another option is to provide guests with handheld fans as wedding favors to use during the event.

Another way to work against the heat is to plan for at least part of your event to be indoors. Even if you’re enjoying outdoor amenities or spaces during the course of your event, having an air conditioned space as a part of the event as well offers great relief and makes the heat a lot more bearable.

2. It’s Super Humid

Another issue that the summer weather presents is humidity. This can be an issue not just because it can make you really hot, but it can cause extremely frizzy hair. No bride wants to deal with that on their big day! There are certain precautions you can take to safeguard your look against the humidity, though. For instance, consider getting a keratin treatment leading up to your wedding as a great shield against the humidity. On the day of, make sure your hair stylist uses a humidity shield to help ward off frizz. You may even want to have your hair stylist stay for touch-ups for after the ceremony if it takes place outdoors to help control any frizz for the remainder of the day.

3. There’s a Summer Storm

Another big worry concerning summer weather is that there will be a big storm the day of your wedding. Summer is known for its thunderstorms with heavy winds and torrential rain. This threatens to ruin any outdoor elements of your day and also poses the risk of a power outage. To plan for these problems, you can have a solid indoor backup plan for any parts of your day that are planned for outdoors. This is important to do upfront when you first choose your venue to ensure that there are both indoor and outdoor plans that you’re happy with. As mentioned above, we can’t control the weather!

4. You’re Sunburnt

Another potential summer wedding disaster is that you or your future spouse are very sunburnt for the big day. This would cause discomfort and might not be the look you want in your treasured wedding photos that will last a lifetime. This is another case in which the best way to work against the issue is prevention. Always use SPF leading up to your wedding when you’ll be spending time outdoors, even if it’s not very sunny. Also, have a hydrating skin spray as well as aloe on hand to use in the case of an accidental burn. If you do happen to get a burn on your face, ensure you use creamy, hydrating makeup the day of your wedding to avoid flakiness or peeling.

5. Flowers are Wilting

The heat of the summer could cause your wedding flowers to wilt. This would definitely put a damper on the aesthetic of your day. The best way to protect your flowers against this, though, is prevention. Work with your florist to choose flowers that match the look you’re going for but that are also known for their ability to stand up to the summer heat. This will help prevent disappointment, wasted money, and wilted flowers in your bouquet or decor.

While these wedding day emergencies are all prevalent in the summer, planning for them helps mitigate the risk of experiencing any of them on your big day.

The post How to Plan for 5 Potential Summer Wedding Disasters appeared first on Weddingbee.

Vacationing outside of the United States right now is a bit tricky due to lingering COVID-19 travel restrictions and lower vaccination rates in other countries. For that reason, many couples are opting for U.S.-based honeymoons rather than traveling abroad and dealing with all of that red tape. A honeymoon hotspot that has come about as a result of that trend is the Florida Keys. This southernmost spot has so much to offer in their string of islands and could make for the perfect place for you to toast your new marriage.

What Do the Keys Have to Offer?

You may be wondering what makes the Florida Keys a great honeymoon location. Well, these islands are versatile in the fact that Key West itself is bustling and busy—great for couples looking for a lot of action. To counter that, some of the other Keys are more relaxed and laid back, offering serene relaxation. All of the islands are rooted in the beauty of nature, surrounded by water and offering activities like water sports, fishing, snorkeling, and a lot of sightseeing. (And of course, let’s not forget the warm weather!)

Key West: Charm and Entertainment

As mentioned above, Key West is perhaps the center of activity in the Florida Keys. Duval Street is both historic and chock full of things to do, such as shops, historical sites, bars, and restaurants. There’s no shortage of nightlife in Key West, from drag shows to hoppin’ bars that are known to give visitors a memorable time. The island also has a lot of charm to it; from boutique bookstores to delicious donut shops, you’ll love every experience you have in Key West. You could spend an entire week in Key West and not run out of things to do, as just walking along Duval Street or along the water offers endless entertainment and fun.

There are tons of places to stay in Key West, from big name resorts, like the Waldorf Astoria or Hyatt Centric, to boutique hotels like Parrot Key Hotel & Villas. There are also many charming B&Bs that are the perfect place for a romantic getaway, such as The Conch House.

Islamorada: Laid Back Romance

You may recognize this lush and beautiful island as the filming location of the popular Netflix show Bloodline, but it’s also the perfect laid back romantic escape to enjoy as newlyweds. Enjoy the beach, go snorkeling with the sea turtles, or kayak to the smaller surrounding island of Indian Key. Islamorada also has wonderful dining options, which is a perfect way to mark the special occasion of a honeymoon.

Islamorada has lots of boutique hotel options, such as Casa Morada, Amara Cay, and Cheeca Lodge. These are all bespoke and romantic, making them a great place to make memories as newlyweds.

Little Palm Island: A Relaxing Oasis

For a completely luxurious experience, splurge on a stay in Little Palm Island, which is a resort island that was recently completely redone. This resort features a romantic and relaxing spa, sweeping views of the sea, its own restaurant, and chic suites. Each suite boasts an ocean view and its own private decks and outdoor showers, which is a nice touch. Plus, this resort is adults-only, making it the perfect oasis for a couple of honeymooners.

Duck Key: Unique Adventures

A lesser-known part of the Florida Keys is Duck Key. This island features a resort called Hawks Cay, which is a wonderful place to spend a few days. Here, you can swim with dolphins, go on water excursions including fishing trips, enjoy the spa, or watch boats come in at their onsite marina. Although Hawks Cay doesn’t feature a traditional beach, it has a saltwater lagoon for a more unique experience. Guests can rent their own cabanas to enjoy a special waterside day to commemorate the special occasion here. Plus, getting to Duck Key is easy: it’s just about an hour from Key West itself.

The Florida Keys are very versatile, offering something for everyone. Consider flying south to the Keys for an unforgettable honeymoon.

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