As you plan your wedding, you likely will have a lot on your mind. From flowers and entertainment to guest accommodations, there seems to be a never-ending list of to-dos when it comes to planning every detail of your big day. This means that something important may be somewhat neglected during this time: your health. One way to keep healthy during this exciting yet hectic time is to start a regular vitamin regime. There are a range of vitamins and supplements you should take to stay healthy leading up to your walk down the aisle.

A Trusty Multivitamin

Multivitamins are something we should all be taking regularly, but your wedding planning process is a great time to start taking one if you don’t already. This will give you a well-rounded dose of vitamins and supplements to keep you healthy during this crazy time of your life.

B Vitamins

B vitamins can be found in foods like nuts, seeds, dairy, meats, and in many fruits and vegetables. The importance of this vitamin is that it helps the health of your skin and hair, which many brides in particular are concerned with during their wedding planning process. B vitamins are also important for your brain, heart, nervous system, and immune system. A lack of this vitamin could lead to suboptimal outcomes such as stress and depression, making this one a must.

Vitamin D

Associated most commonly with spending time in the sun, vitamin D is another to add to your regime as your wedding ramps up. This is particularly important during the fall and winter, when a lack of sunlight is a prevalent problem. Taking vitamin D can help prevent the “winter blues,” so this is one to add to your list.

Magnesium

Known as the “anti-stress” supplement, magnesium will help keep wedding stress at bay. That’s because this supplement helps to naturally balance hormone levels, promoting a more relaxed state of mind. This is best taken before bed. Magnesium can also help relieve symptoms of headaches and, for some, aids in digestion.

Zinc

During your wedding planning process, and especially once your wedding festivities draw closer, you’ll want to avoid falling ill with a common cold or something worse. Zinc can aid in that, giving your immune system a natural boost. Zinc also helps your body recover from strenuous workouts. So, if you’re hitting the gym hard to get your wedding body in check, that’s just one more reason to take zinc regularly.

Iron

It’s quite common for women to be deficient in iron, and it’s something important to watch. This vitamin is vital to the health of your skin and hair. It’s also important to get enough iron since, if you don’t, you’ll end up utterly exhausted. Consider an iron supplement or, if that’s not something you’re interested in, you can also get your share of iron by eating lots of leafy greens, sunflower seeds, tofu, eggs, and even dark chocolate.

Elderberry

Elderberry isn’t a supplement that everyone knows about, but it’s an important one to add to your pre-wedding regime nonetheless. This supplement is another that’s known to help the immune system function properly through its natural substances called flavonoids, which reduce swelling and work against inflammation. Some studies have also found that this supplement can relieve symptoms associated with the flu such as fever, headache, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue.

Fish Oil

If you’re concerned with ensuring that you have long, shiny hair for your big day as well as strong nails, fish oil is a vitamin to consider adding to your arsenal. This supplement contains a large amount of fatty acids that will aid in giving you luscious, shiny hair and reducing the brittleness of nails.

It’s not always easy to stick to a vitamin regime, but doing so will ensure your optimal health on your big day. Plus, you’ll likely love the results so much that you’ll continue the regime long after you walk down the aisle.

The post Get Healthy Before Your Wedding with These Vitamins appeared first on Weddingbee.

With a new year comes a new start, including our skincare routine. Retinol and vitamin C have been all the rage when it comes to skincare ingredients in past years, but what’s trending in 2023? We all want our skin to look its most glowing best self—especially on our wedding day. So, it helps to know what we can look forward to with the latest beauty products so our skin is ready to shine as much as we do this year. Here are eight new skincare ingredients to try this year.

1. Green Tea

You love your cup of green tea on a rainy day; now get ready to see more green tea in your skincare! Known for its anti-oxidant properties, green tea in skincare is said to help in reducing pigmentation, protect against UV radiation, reduce inflammation, and even reduce sebum protection, which makes it a fab choice for those who are looking for both anti-aging and acne-prone products.

2. Sunflower Oil

Oils continue to trend and thanks to their moisturizing benefits, they probably won’t ever go out of style. Now sunflower is joining the ranks of rose hip and jojoba and will be popping up in your skincare due to it being non-comedogenic (it doesn’t clog pores), absorbing easily, soothing, and bringing an instant glow.

3. Peptides

Peptides are the new retinoids. They’re made up of small numbers of amino acids—the building blocks of larger protein molecules—and are helpful when it comes to stimulating collagen and elastin production to smooth out those fine lines. Peptides also help with reducing uneven skin tone, redness, and inflammation. As a result, your skin will have more elasticity, clarity, and suppleness.

4. Fermented Ingredients

You know fermented ingredients like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha are good for your gut—but what does that look like for your skincare? Similarly, fermented ingredients in your skincare provide benefits to your skin by balancing the skin’s microbiome. Now, plant-based ingredients like rose, millet, fig, barley, and soy are being fermented to help with everything from inflammation to wound healing to strengthening your moisture barrier, similarly to how the probiotics work in the food in your fridge.

5. Niacinamide

Niacinamide had a moment in 2021 and will continue to dominate skincare ingredients in 2022—and for good reason. The water-soluble form of vitamin B3 with antioxidant effects can do everything from improving wrinkles and texture to aiding in skin elasticity, reducing hyper-pigmentation, treating acne, and brightening skin tone. And if that weren’t enough, it also helps with reducing pores and oil production.

6. Prickly Pear Seed Oil

Another oil is creating waves in skincare ingredients this year from the prickly pear plant, which is a species of cactus. The oil contains linoleic acid, which helps hydrate the skin, protect the skin barrier, and prevent water loss so your skin remains glowing and hydrated. Its antioxidant properties also protect against UV rays and other environmental toxins. Prickly pear seed oil is also known to reduce redness and inflammation, and helps to treat acne.

7. Japanese Indigo

Also known as Dyer’s knotweed, this plant is popping up in skincare products thanks to its healing and anti-inflammatory properties, and is especially healing for skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.

8. Sunscreen

Sunscreen will continue to find its way in all sorts of beauty products from serum to moisturizers as skincare experts and dermatologists continue to recognize it as a skincare requirement. Wear sunscreen daily to not only protect your skin from the sun, but help reduce the risk of skin cancer, reduce the signs of aging, and avoid redness.

There is a ton of new skincare ingredients to look forward to trying this year as you can see from the list above. If you have any questions whether they are right for you, it’s always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist, or skincare expert.

The post 8 New Skincare Ingredients to Try This Year appeared first on Weddingbee.

It’s a common misconception that both lab grown diamonds and Moissanite are fakes. It’s also a misconception that a lab grown diamonds and Moissanite are the same thing. Neither is true. While lab grown diamonds are not formed within the earth naturally, they are still diamonds by industry standards. Meanwhile, Moissanite is an entirely different stone altogether. (Cubic zirconia, on the other hand, is considered a diamond simulant.)

For a number of reasons, naturally mined diamonds are losing a bit of their luster in society. For many, this may be because of the actual monetary cost of a diamond—but human rights issues and the environmental aftermath of mining for these rocks is also a concern. Of course, if you’re a traditionalist, something other than a diamond ring may seem like a foreign concept.

This is why in recent years, couples have started seeking out less pricey and more sustainable options for rings, without straying from the “diamond engagement ring” concept. If this sounds like you, you might consider lab grown diamonds or Moissanite for your engagement ring or wedding band. But before you do, you should know the difference, as they are not the same.

What is a lab grown diamond?

A lab grown diamond is chemically the same thing as a natural diamond. Both are made of pure carbon. The only difference is that it is created in a lab versus mined from the earth. Visually, they are the same. Even an expert won’t be able to tell the difference unless they have professional equipment.

While lab grown diamonds tend to have better clarity (AKA fewer inclusions), they are still prone to them. So, just because it’s manmade doesn’t mean it will be perfect. As previously stated, however, these are still classified as real diamonds so it is possible to find one with a proper certification, if that is important to you. And best of all, these are authentic diamonds that are conflict-free. So, if you’re concerned about environmental or humanitarian issues but still want the real thing, this may be the best choice for you.

What is a Moissanite?

Moissanite can occur naturally, but it is very rare. It was first discovered in 1893 by Dr. Henri Moissan at a meteorite crash site in Arizona. Most Moissanites today are made in a lab. Whereas both mined and lab grown diamonds are made from pure carbon, Moissanite is actually silicon carbide—meaning it’s made from both carbon and silica, making it an entirely different crystal than a diamond. Believe it or not, a Moissanite’s unique composition makes it about twice as radiant and noticeably more colorful than any other diamond.

What is the difference between a lab grown diamond and Moissanite?

If you’re considering a diamond but aren’t keen on the mined version, you might be stuck deciding between a Moissanite or a lab grown diamond. Let’s look at some of the key factors that might help you make a choice.

Price

Budget-conscious couples might find a Moissanite more attractive than a lab grown diamond because the price difference is rather noticeable. Whereas the price for a lab grown diamond ranges around 30-50% more than that of a mined diamond, Moissanite is notably cheaper—as little as 5-10% of a mined diamond. Both have little resale value, but even natural diamonds will likely get you around 50% back from their original cost unless your stone is of a certain significance.

Hardness

A diamond is rated a 10/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making it the hardest substance in the world. A Moissanite comes very close, ranging from 9.25/10 to 9.5/10, so it’s safe to say that it deserves second place. At the end of the day, both are equally as durable and suitable for even the most active lifestyle. Both are certain to last a lifetime.

Color

Moissanite naturally comes as colorless or with a slight yellow tint. However, lab made Moissanite can sometimes be coated with a limited range of shades. If a unique color is important to you, you might be better off choosing a lab grown diamond, as they can be made in every color.

Environmental and Social Impact

Couples are becoming increasingly interested in diamond alternatives, especially considering the reputation they get for destructive mining practices, unsafe working conditions, and child and slave labor. For this reason, a Moissanite can be the perfect option if you love the look of a diamond, but are concerned about ethics surrounding them.

Is a Moissanite worth buying over a diamond?

Unless having “the real thing” is important to you, a Moissanite may be a smart purchase. It’s significantly cheaper and, one might argue, equal or even better looking than a diamond itself. Ultimately, an engagement ring is (hopefully) a once-in-a-lifetime purchase so there’s no reason not to splurge on a classic. But we hope the comparison between the two above will help you in making the best decision.

The post What’s the Difference Between Lab Grown Diamonds and Moissanite? appeared first on Weddingbee.

Believe it or not, a setting can drastically impact the ring’s and stone’s appearance. Depending on the shape and size of your rock, the right setting can make it look more impressive to the eye while the wrong one can have the opposite effect. The setting is also necessary to consider with respect to your lifestyle, as some may not be suitable for an active person.

A ring setting refers to the way the diamond and/or stone is secured to the band. There are many types, and each has its own benefits and downsides. When choosing a diamond ring, the setting is often overlooked, especially if the ring is not custom-made. However, it is an important aspect to consider for a number of reasons. To understand this better, let’s look at some of the most popular ring settings to find out why.

Prong Setting

The prong setting is by far the most popular setting out there, especially for solitaires. The main stone is secured in place by either four or six “hooks” at the edges. Four prongs show off the diamond more and it’s a style best reserved for bigger stones that don’t need additional embellishment. The minimal amount of metal maximizes a stone’s light exposure so it sparkles more. And since it uses very little additional metal compared to other settings, it might shave some money off the final bill.

Six prongs, on the other hand, can give the diamond a bit of a visual size boost. It’s also more secure than a four-prong setting and may be worth it if you’re worried about losing an expensive gem. One iconic version of the six-prong setting is the Tiffany setting, coined by Tiffany & Co. in 1886, which has the stone set higher than normal above a plain metal band.

The main downside of any prong setting is that it may overshadow the diamond if your stone is very small (less than 1/2 a carat). And as mentioned before, the prongs provide minimal security for the stone if one of them comes loose.

Bezel Setting

Arguably the most secure setting, the bezel setting is best suited for someone that fears accidentally snagging their ring but still wants a big central stone. This is because the diamond is completely encircled by a thin metal frame around its perimeter. Done right, it can also give the illusion that your stone is bigger than it actually is.

Halo Setting

Possibly the second-most popular setting, the halo setting features a larger diamond in the center, encircled by smaller stones. This is a great choice if you want your centerpiece to appear bigger than it is. The combination also adds additional sparkle to the ring and creates a unique overall look. Another reason why the halo setting is a top option is that it is more budget-friendly as it’s much cheaper to buy several small diamonds compared to one big one.

Cluster Setting

The cluster setting is quite similar to the halo setting except there is no large stone in the center. Instead, multiple small diamonds are arranged in such a way that they appear to be one big rock. This is also a very popular option as the combination of small stones in lieu of one big stone makes the ring much cheaper. And since each of the stones is individually secured, they will be less likely to get damaged or snagged on clothes.

Cathedral Setting

On the other hand, if you’re not worried about your ring sticking out too much, you might want to opt for a cathedral setting, which essentially just means the diamond is set higher above the band than normal. From the side, it will even look like the stone is framed, adding a dramatic boost to the overall appearance and maximizing light exposure. This is optimal for those who plan on stacking multiple bands together and offers more opportunity for a unique design around the centerpiece.

Pavé Setting

Another relative of the halo, the pavé setting has one large solitaire diamond front and center, and smaller stones around it. The main difference is that the smaller stones are placed side-by-side on the wedding band instead of around the diamond itself. This adds more sparkle to the ring without coming off as being “too much” and doesn’t distract from the main stone. The pavé is often combined with the halo setting for a more striking visual effect.

Bar Setting

Instead of having one centerpiece stone, the bar setting has multiple stones separated by metal plates along the band. It’s one of the best options for active people as there are no gems sticking out and the risk of snagging the ring on anything is minimal. It’s a popular contemporary option without being too minimal.

Tension Setting

Considerably the most unique option, the tension setting features a diamond compressed between two ends of the band, giving the illusion that the stone is almost floating. This setting is only suitable for the hardest gems, such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, because the pressure may crack softer stones. The main downside to this setting is that it makes the ring difficult to resize in the future.

Channel Setting

Similar to the bar setting, the channel setting has a line of diamonds along the wedding band, but no metal separating the individual stones. Instead, the diamonds appear to be “sandwiched” between two very thin bands of metal. It is also very durable and non-obtrusive but provides less light exposure (hence, less sparkle) to the stones.

Which Option Is Best for Me?

As you can tell, a lot should be considered when choosing a setting. Think about your day-to-day lifestyle, fashion preference, and the shape and size of your diamond to start. It may be best to go to a shop and try on various options to see what fits you best. If you’re unsure, always feel free to consult with the salesperson, sharing both desires and concerns, as that’s what they’re there for.

The post Diamond Ring Settings 101 appeared first on Weddingbee.

The holidays can create a beautiful backdrop for a winter wonderland wedding. Sparkling twinkle lights and glistening snow can orchestrate a perfect day. Sustaining a beauty routine during the winter months can be more difficult though, especially in the middle of planning a wedding. A drop in temperatures can dry out hair and strip skin of its natural moisture. Here are a few quick tips to stay wedding-ready even in frigid weather.

Use a Humidifier at Night

As the indoor thermostat switches to heat, the moisture in the air evaporates and skin begins to dehydrate. A humidifier will increase humidity and help restore lost moisture. Sleep next to it for supple morning skin from head to toe. As a bonus, humidifiers can also help clear sinuses and colds.

Drink a Lot of Water

A pre-wedding beauty routine should always include staying hydrated by drinking lots of water. During the winter, a body is more prone to dehydration. Be mindful of your daily water intake and continue eating fruits and veggies high in water content.

Use a Hydrating Facial Mist

Keep a hydrating mist as part of your daily skincare routine. Look for one with hyaluronic acid, which attracts and keeps moisture in your skin.The refreshing spray will give a dry face an instant lift. (As a bonus, it’s also perfect for a quick hair mist to defuse static.)

Use Hand Salve

Dry hands will rejoice with a quick application of hand salve. This ointment is typically a cream or balm and therefore more long-lasting than regular lotion. A few over-the-counter favorites are Burt’s Bees Hand Salve and Udderly Smooth Moisturizing Cream.

Be Mindful of Gloves and Mittens

Protecting your hands, feet, and face from the winter elements is a no-brainer. But now, with an engagement ring, your hands have company. Ring prongs can get caught on the glove lining, thick yarn, or just feel uncomfortable in gloves or mittens. Fleece gloves are a good option, or you may want to consider investing in a quality leather pair that doesn’t put undue pressure on the ring. Also, remember to be mindful as you take gloves off and have your ring sized and regularly checked for loose stones.

Take Lukewarm Showers

A steamy, hot shower sounds ideal on a snowy, winter day. However, it’s better to shower with lukewarm water during the winter season. WebMD defines lukewarm as between 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, go one step farther and moisturize the skin immediately after a shower, which will help lock in moisture.

Book Laser Treatments

As you prepare for the honeymoon, you may be considering laser hair removal. This process uses highly concentrated energy to terminate hair follicles. According to spa experts, it’s easier to begin laser sessions in the winter because the treated person is required to stay out of the sun for 4-5 days after the service. Tanning, sunbathing, and increased sun exposure is not recommended during the process.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Yes, even though the weather is cold and sun is a rarity, dermatologists still recommend applying sunscreen. Harmful rays are active even in the winter, especially in colder areas where they can reflect off of the white snow.

Use Cuticle Oil

Dry cuticles can become cracked and painful. An easy fix is a cuticle pen that brushes on oil to smooth and nourish nail beds. Keep one on your bedside table, at your office desk, and in your purse so you can always use it whenever you think of it!

Use Lip Cream

There are a variety of services and products to prevent chapped lips and increase their natural moisture. Specialized creams and collagen sheets can be found in most spas or beauty stores. These products provide targeted hydration and softening for the lips—an essential for the wedding day! Don’t forgo the sunblock here, either. Opt for a daily lip balm with sunscreen.

Prevent Static

Static and winter go together like peanut butter and jelly. With no humidity, the dry winter air can increase the electrons stored in the hair. Pulling a sweater over your head or taking off a scarf and hat will create a perfect opportunity for static. Lotion is an easy and quick trick that can help combat static anywhere. Simply rub excess hand lotion through your hair or under clothes. A travel-size Static Guard spray is perfect for a wedding day emergency kit or packed in a honeymoon suitcase.

Many of these simple items can be purchased at any local drug or superstore. Using these quick tips to prep for cold weather can ease some beauty stress as the wedding approaches.

The post Wedding Beauty Hacks for Winter appeared first on Weddingbee.

You’ve finally done it: you found “the one.” You can’t wait to shout it from the rooftops and plan an amazing wedding to celebrate your love for each other. But, then you remember that your parents can’t be in the same room as one another, and your moment of joy slightly dissipates.

Whether your parents have been divorced for 20 years or six months, it can be tough to plan a wedding with them in which everything goes smoothly. However, with a little careful planning and a firm message that there will be no drama, things should go as planned and you won’t feel like you need to elope to get away from the arguing. Here are a few tips on dealing with divorced parents when planning your own wedding.

Be Firm Early On

In order to avoid embarrassing meltdowns or drunken scenes at your wedding, be sure to be firm with your parents early on in the planning process. Let them know that this is your wedding and that everyone will be civil—or else. By being clear with them from the beginning that this day is about you and your betrothed— and not about years or even decades old arguments—you should hopefully squash any potential disruption.

In addition to talking to your parents, be sure to talk to other family members who can offer support such as grandparents, aunts and uncles, or close friends of the family. However, be careful not to seek the assistance of those family members who may harbor resentment toward their ex daughter- or son-in-law, as that can just add fuel to the fire.

Organize Finances

Traditionally, the bride’s parents pay for the wedding, but this isn’t necessarily the trend anymore. Couples often fund the wedding themselves but still may seek the help of family, as these events can get pricey. If your parents are going to assist you with the finances of the wedding, you should be clear on who is paying for what.

Dealing with finances and divorced parents can produce a lot of tension quickly, so talk to them separately about what they each would feel comfortable paying for. If and when a parent makes a snide comment about what your other parent is or isn’t paying for, be sure to deal with the issue directly; do not let it slide. Make it known that this behavior won’t be tolerated, so that it will hopefully cease to continue.

Invite Whomever You Want

No matter how the marriage ended or how long ago it ended, it still might sting for one parent to see the other in a different happy relationship or marriage. Even though everything might have gone all wrong and they’re truly better off without each other, they always pictured this day for you being spent as a family unit, welcoming a new family member together. When someone else is now included in this picture, it can cause friction.

Weddings are filled with high emotions, and some of them are appropriate (such as joy), and some of them are inappropriate (such as jealousy). If your dad is re-married or has been coupled with someone for years and this person is a large part of your life, you should not feel as though you need to apologize for inviting them. This is your day and you get to invite anyone you want. However, if one or both of your parents has just recently started dating someone, it might be best to gently ask them to leave their dates behind, particularly if the other parent is still single.

Anything you can do to decrease the amount of tension between your parents is a good thing. There are no right or wrong moves here; it’s really just about what makes you and your future spouse most comfortable.

Seat Them Appropriately

If your parents are able to get along and sit at the same table without too much drama, then go ahead and feel comfortable seating them together at both the ceremony and the reception. However, if you fear the exchange of 20 years of resentment coming across at the dinner table during your first dance, then it might be best to seat them separately.

Tradition dictates that if the parents are divorced, the mother should sit in the front row of the ceremony and the father should sit in the second row. If this sounds like it would fit your needs, then go ahead and make it happen. Put seats between them filled with grandparents or special aunts and uncles if that better suits your situation. Whatever you can do to keep the focus on the celebration is best.

Limit the Toasts

Tradition says that the father of the bride should give a toast at the wedding to say thanks to everyone in attendance or to share a few thoughts about the lovely new couple. However, it might be best to let both parents give the toast or neither. You definitely don’t want to be accused of favoring one parent to speak over the other, and you also don’t want to risk them saying anything embarrassing or snide, which can be a mood killer. You know your family best, so your judgment should be trusted above anyone else’s on this aspect of the wedding.

Clue in Your Photographer and Videographer

Family photos are a huge part of the wedding ceremony and reception. You want to capture all of the special moments, and many of those include family members. When dealing with divorced parents at your wedding, you should clue in the photographer or videographer who may automatically assume you would want a picture with the entire family together.

Map out a plan of appropriate photos and get the opinions of your parents, if necessary. Be as detailed as possible with your photographer on how family photos should go down, and you should be in the clear.

Focus on the Good

Even though your parents being divorced isn’t an ideal situation, be sure to focus on the good during your celebration. This wedding is a celebration of love—a love that you want to share with everyone—and you’ll be amazed at how people will be willing to set aside differences just to be around that. Your family’s history is just that: history. Focus on what your union means for your family’s future. Though it may not be what anyone thought it would be, it also might be better.

The post How to Deal with Divorced Parents When Planning Your Wedding appeared first on Weddingbee.

You’ve met their parents, and maybe you’ve even spent a fair amount of time with them. Because you want to like your potential new family so much, it can be frustrating to realize that something about their personalities really bothers you. The logistics of navigating the wedding-planning process, life as a newlywed, and family occasions moving forward is a lot to consider. It can feel overwhelming to imagine disliking any of your new family. You want your relationship with your spouse to last forever and their family is important to them. So, what do you do now?

Isolate the Issues

When the interaction with your in-laws gets tense or actually hostile, it can be tempting to assume that things will never get better. However, there is usually a root cause, even if you are feeling quite hurt and don’t want to think about it. One of the best things to do, once you aren’t interacting with your in-laws, is to find a way to take your mind off the interaction and blow off some steam. Chat with a friend who doesn’t know your in-laws, go to the gym for a long run, go a round with the punching bag, or watch some of your favorite comedy show.

Try to think as objectively as possible. What are your in-laws’ issues, and what might be your own issues? They can be entirely at fault and still have a particular reason why they are behaving this way. Are they afraid that their child is pulling away from them? Do they have built-up expectations for what an “appropriate” spouse looks like? Figuring out what the problem is can help you to find ways to avoid the sensitive topics or interact with them differently when they are in a better mood.

Figure out What Works Well

Another proactive approach is to keep trying new activities with them. If everyone is just sitting around after a holiday meal and it leads to bickering, suggest an afternoon of mini-golf, bring a puzzle along to work on, or find half-price tickets to a new movie through a discount website. If they have their own ideas about what will be fun, then agree to their plan to get on their good side. However, a lot of times people end up waiting for someone else to suggest an activity, so if you bring a variety of ideas with you, you might discover which activities will elicit a positive response from your in-laws, and still be fun for you as well.

Build up Positive Experiences

Successful activities can become holiday traditions, and that can be one of the best ways to cement a more positive relationship with your in-laws. There are ways to promote these positive memories in your in-laws’ minds. Christmas gifts that feature photos of your times together, or even just a quick Facebook Memory share, reminds them that there have been some good times together. Don’t overextend these kinds of attempts, but every once in a while promote a positive relationship.

Accept What you Cannot Change

There is a great possibility that some of your interactions with the in-laws will soften over time, and you may discover that they were simply nervous in their early meetings with you. However, there are bound to be quirks that you neither like nor can change about them. The truth is that all people have quirks, and we somehow manage to get along anyway. If these personality issues continue to make you feel hurt and angry, it may be wise to write out how you feel and talk to your spouse to be able to sort out what can be done about it.

There may be a point at which a behavior should be addressed. For example, asking an in-law to stop making disparaging remarks about your appearance. But unfortunately, someone’s personality is something you may or may not be able to change. That being said, if an in-law is unpleasant in a long-term context, there is nothing wrong with politely finding ways to avoid them. In big family gatherings, it is perfectly fine to gravitate to other people, and choosing to visit less frequently when someone is behaving unpleasantly.

It’s a Balancing Act

Overall, your spouse’s parents are incredibly important to them, and getting along with in-laws you don’t like is a balancing act. Grant your spouse needed time with his or her family, while also giving yourself the space you need to not feel annoyed, angry, or frustrated. Choose a middle ground and take proactive steps to try to assuage the problems. You will have done all you can and, with any luck, you will grow to have a more positive relationship with those in-laws over time.

The post I’m Not Sure I Like My In-Laws, Now What? appeared first on Weddingbee.

The holidays are a magical end to the year when time slows down and most people get to enjoy a few days off work with family and friends. Unless, of course, you’re shuffling around from place to place, with presents piled high in your car, arguing about how little time you’ll have with your family because you’ve spent the afternoon with your spouse’s family.

Even though the holidays are beautiful, they can tend to be a bit stressful, especially if this is your first year to divide them between two families. After the wedding is over, not only do you gain a spouse, but you also gain his or her whole family. Though you may be overjoyed to have a brand new family to celebrate with, you may also be a bit sad at the thought of spending less time with your own.

Sometimes who “gets you” for a holiday can be contentious, but hopefully with a little planning, a little compromising, and a little bit of standing up for yourself, you should get through the season just fine. Here are a few common holiday scenarios for newlyweds, and how to navigate through each of them.

When You Live Close to Both Families

Though living close to both families may seem like planning will be a breeze, think again. When you live close to both families, the tendency is to think that you can do every single event. If you’re game, then you should absolutely go for it. However, it’s important to remember that the holidays are also about slowing down, spending quality time with family, and doing things you enjoy together. So if you can’t make your your aunt’s Christmas cookie baking party on Tuesday after work, don’t stress out too much. If you have a scheduling conflict, be honest and direct to make your plans known. Be sure to communicate to your spouse which events are the most important for you so that you can avoid conflict. Your spouse may just not understand how meaningful Christmas Eve ice skating is until you explain it. A good solution for reducing the amount of events you attend is to consider having a gathering at your house so that you can see a bunch of your family members all at once without having to drive all over town. However you choose to spend your holidays, just remember to relax and have fun instead of focusing on all of the hustle and bustle.

When You Live Close to One Family, but Far From Another

When you live close to one family and far from another, the simplest thing is, of course, to just stay in town. However, because you get to see one family often throughout the year, you should definitely try to make an effort to see the long-distance family for the holidays if it’s ever in your budget. Living away from family can be very difficult, so if it’s your spouse’s family that lives across the country, be sure to take their feelings on where to spend the holidays into special consideration. Even though you may hate to miss your grandmother’s special Christmas morning breakfast, your spouse may just miss seeing his or her family on a regular basis. Try to make plans to see the in-town family before or after your holiday trip and if it makes sense, invite the out-of-town family for a holiday visit so that you can all spend time together.

When You Live Far Away from Both Families

Living far away from both of your families is a challenge no matter what time of the year, but it can get especially tricky during the holidays. Though you may dream of waking up on Christmas morning in your childhood bedroom with the smell of your dad’s famous cinnamon buns baking in the oven, your spouse may be fantasizing about watching A Christmas Story and drinking eggnog with his family on Christmas Eve—which just so happen to be 10 hours away from your family. The reality is that you may have to switch off holidays between families. If you spend Thanksgiving with your spouse’s family, then maybe you’ll spend Christmas with yours. If you and your spouse have a fairly large home and you feel comfortable hosting everyone, then maybe a new tradition can start. However, this can get tricky with divorced parents or siblings who also live far away and have their spouses to consider as well. (See how complicated this can get so quickly!) Another option may be to go early in the month with one family and spend the actual holiday with another family. Whatever way you decide to go about it, the most important thing to remember is that you are not going to make everyone happy all the time. However, at the end of the day they will be glad to see you at any time of the year, no matter what the occasion.

The post Whose Home for the Holidays? How to Divide up Family Time appeared first on Weddingbee.

One of the most interesting unknowns when you get married is how well you’ll get along with your spouse’s family. Depending on your situation while dating, you may or may not have spent a lot of time with your future in-laws before the wedding day. You may barely know each other and then—just like that—you’re related! So, how do you go about fitting in with this important group of people? Here are some ways to start your new familial relationships off right.

Be Open

First and foremost, try your very best to enter your new family with openness and excitement. It’s completely normal to feel nervous or overwhelmed with the potential weight of these relationships, but the reality is that your new in-laws will be in your life for the foreseeable future, so it’s a good idea to start off open and ready to show everyone the awesome person you really are. Be ready to share your passions and interests with your new family. There’s almost no better way to show someone who you really are than to share your passions with them! Showing up and being open about who you are can be a huge step to bonding with your new family.

Read the Room

Along with being open, it can be very helpful to be able to read the room, if you will, and adapt to the scenarios around you. Stay true to your personality and who you are, of course, but adapt to the energy you’re feeling around you. If it seems like your in-laws like to have a quiet hour after dinner to hang out and relax, that may not be the best time to suggest blasting some karaoke tunes. Bringing your own flavor and unique character to your new family is essential, but being able to figure out the best times to do that will make a huge difference as well, and will most likely make the process of fitting into this new group of people much faster and easier.

Establish Practices to Build Rapport

Have you heard that your mother-in-law just adores going to the theatre? Is your sister-in-law obsessed with finding new coffee places? Take them! It can be super helpful to figure out things that both you and your in-laws enjoy, and then take the time to make a habit of doing those things! It doesn’t have to be expensive, or cost any money at all. It can even be as simple as finding a TV show you both love and then texting them about the latest episode after it airs. Simple things like this help to establish rapport and give you all common ground to start to build your relationships. It may seem like a simple thing, but sometimes with time and consistency, the simplest things become the most special.

Embrace Their Traditions

It can be extremely meaningful to your in-laws if you really embrace and get excited about their traditions as well. Is there a certain food that is always cooked on different holidays in their home? Ask if you can learn to make it some time! Are there traditional activities they always do, songs they always sing, or games they always play? Learn them and be excited about them! Although these things may seem new and different to you, they are quite possibly extremely important to your new family, and it can be very touching and meaningful for them to see you embracing and celebrating their traditions alongside them! And really have fun with it—sometimes you may not realize how much you’ll truly love something until you jump in headfirst! So make that recipe, learn that song or game, and honor the traditions of your spouse’s family. Who knows, you may find that you like some of them so much that you want to continue them in your family, too!

Give it Time

Probably the most important thing to remember as you pursue relationships with your in-laws is that, like any relationship, it will take time. It may take consistency and a little bit of grace for all involved before you start to really feel like you fit in with your new family, and that’s okay. It’s all a part of the process and if you have patience and keep at it you are much more likely to have a positive relationship for years to come! Soon enough, it may be hard to even remember those days when you felt awkward or out of place. When in doubt, just give it time!

The post How to Fit in with the In-Laws appeared first on Weddingbee.

One of the most magical parts of getting married is that you get to choose someone to be your family. Once you’re married, you’re now tied to each other in ways that mean your daily lives are dependent on each other.

Being a new family means that there are many reasons why a meeting or two could really help you organize your new life together. This can be just the two of you, if you have no children or other dependents, or it might involve others, if family members, friends, roommates, or children are living in your home as well. Anyone who is impacted daily by the way you live, work, and play is a good person to have in the room for discussions of how things will be different now that you two are married. Family meetings are good for a variety of purposes, both serious and fun.

Sharing Stories

A family meeting is a good way to make sure that everyone gets a chance to tell each other about positive achievements or experiences. Even if it is just the two of you, the moments of coming home from work might get obscured in the flurry to get dinner ready and relax after the day. By the time you think to discuss a positive part of your day, you may have forgotten what happened or see it as no longer relevant. Family meetings make a space for those great moments to get spoken aloud, and even more importantly, they set aside time so that family members can listen to each other fully when thoughts and ideas get mentioned.

Combining Calendars

Family meetings are also essential for combining calendars. If one of you is more organized than the other, there can be misunderstandings that just create tension during the newlywed days. Instead, set up a weekly meeting where you can go over what each person has on the calendar, both that week and looking forward. By having a set time for this calendar combination, you avoid double-booking yourselves and you might even get an idea for a fun date night or two in the process. Some couples prefer a set of physical planners that you compare to each other, but for the high-tech among us, using a calendar application can have the added benefit of issuing reminders on your phone that make sure everyone shows up. The traditional wall calendar that both people can write on also helps, but make sure that you still take time to discuss what “Meet up with the Smiths” actually entails before the day of the event.

Keeping the Relationship Healthy

Having a family meeting as a couple is also a great way to continue the work that is done in pre-marital counseling. Counseling allows you to make sure you are at the same place in the relationship and expecting similar things, and a family meeting gives you a place to talk about your relationship. Certainly, some people think that being married is a chance to stop talking about their relationship, but in truth, more things will change in that first year of marriage than you might realize. If you have experienced disappointment or surprise at some aspect of living together, bringing it up in a meeting rather than waiting for it to explode as a fight can be a proactive step that keeps you treating each other well. Having parts of the meeting set aside in an order—for instance, calendars, relationship talk, recent positive experiences—allows you to start with the harder things and end on a good point with each other. Even people who dislike relationship talk can agree that it is far better to be transparent and open when things are not very problematic than waiting for them to grow into something unmanageable.

Planning for the Future by Solving Problems

Another reason to have family meetings early and often is to start solving problems and planning for the future. A family meeting is a great place to develop a wish list for future vacations, home improvement projects, or a timeline for when you want to have children. All of these things aren’t meant to be on one single family meeting agenda; rather, by addressing a few small topics each time you meet, you get a little more prepared for the future. This is even more important when more than two people share a household: if a child or a roommate finds mold in the bathroom but has no time to get the information to you, the problem gets worse, but if they voice the concern in a family meeting, a plan can be enacted and everyone feels heard and respected.

Family meetings may seem out of reach if you are very busy, or overly formal if everything seems “perfect” as newlyweds, but making this a habit early on can avoid so many misunderstandings and conflicts; why not set aside time for your family? It doesn’t have to be traditional and around the dining room table, you can have your meetings by a fire pit in the backyard or in the living room with a board game planned afterwards! Make it a habit whether that be weekly, monthly, or bi-monthly, and see the quality of your marriage and daily life improve!

The post The Importance of Family Meetings as Newlyweds appeared first on Weddingbee.

Whether you got married last month or last year, every couple needs a chance to recharge during a romantic getaway. Even if you can’t afford to jet set to Europe or have an island vacation for a week, there are still plenty of great spots close to home that are perfect for a quick vacay. Here are a few suggestions for the best road trip destinations all over the United States.

West Coast

Big Sky, Montana might be a bit of a drive from the coast, but the time it takes to get there is worth it once you see just how breathtaking it is. About an hour outside Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky offers amazing ski resorts, scenic drives, eclectic restaurants like Andiamo Italian Grille and Horn & Cantle, and spas to help you relax in the beautiful countryside. For lodging, you can stay anywhere from a luxury penthouse suite to a tent underneath the city’s namesake.

The Santa Ynez Valley is on the central coast of California, and is just a few hours away from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Besides the beautiful backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the San Rafael Mountains, there is wine tasting galore (check out Beckman Vineyards), boutique shopping, craft beer at Firestone Walker Brewing Company, as well as pastries and traditional Danish food in a charming little town called Solvang. The Santa Ynez Valley is the perfect place to unwind and do as much (or as little) as you like.

The Midwest

South Haven, Michigan is located right on the coast of Lake Michigan and is just a short drive from Chicago or Detroit. Grab a beach chair and spend the day unwinding at Dyckman Beach. After a few hours of basking in the sun, do a tasting at one of the city’s several wineries or breweries. Or, if you get tired of the beach, there are plenty of arts and entertainment options, including a used and rare book store, several art galleries, and even a drive-in movie theater.

Madison, Wisconsin is the ultimate college town, but that doesn’t mean that you’re required to attend a keg party during your stay. Visit the Chazen Museum of Art or catch a performance of the Madison Ballet for a bit of art and culture, or check out one of the area’s beaches on Lake Mendota and try out a new water sport. Finish off the day with cocktails at the Ivory Room piano bar before you head back to one of their charming bed and breakfasts.

The South

Oxford, Mississippi is known for William Faulkner, great food, and amazing cocktails. A small town with big city amenities, Oxford provides everything you need for a weekend away (especially for those who have an affinity for Southern literature). Some must-do’s while you’re in town are staying at beautifully decorated The Graduate Hotel downtown on The Square, perusing Square Books, and eating at City Grocery. You can visit William Faulkner’s beautiful home called Rowan Oak and see where he crafted his masterpieces, and then sling back a couple of beers at The Blind Pig.

Georgetown, Texas is in the middle of Hill Country, just outside of Austin. It’s one of the most charming downtown squares in Texas, with buildings in a classic Victorian style. In addition to breathtaking views of Texas Hill Country, Georgetown has entertainment at The Palace Theater, beautiful artwork at the Georgetown Art Center, and plenty of wineries in town or close by. Take a romantic bike ride through the downtown square or come for one of the city’s many festivals throughout the year for a truly quaint small town experience. Or, if your adventurous side needs a day out, consider taking a trip to the Inner Space Cavern. Tours for all kinds of enthusiasts, from simple walks to serious spelunking, go on every day.

East Coast

Lake Placid, New York has it all: the mountains, the water views, and romantic dining spots. Perfect for the adventurous couple, Lake Placid has hundreds of trails for hiking in the summer and plenty of lakes and rivers that are great for kayaking, boating, and paddleboards. In the winter, Lake Placid is a ski and snowshoeing destination as well. If you’re hungry, head to KANU for innovative American cuisine or grab a local brew at Lake Placid Pub & Brewery.

Newport, Rhode Island is famous for its unbelievably beautiful mansions and its breathtaking coastal scenery. Take a brisk morning walk together on Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile trail of mansions along the coast perfect for those couples who love to talk architecture and design. If you’re feeling thirsty on your trip, visit the state’s only rum distillery or grab a beer or a glass of wine at one of the area’s many breweries or wineries. Cuddle up on a couple of beach blankets at Easton’s Beach, and spend a memorable evening watching the waves and the sunset.

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Despite the cold temperatures, there is something so exhilarating and beautiful about winter. It offers stunning inspiration for hosting a luxurious winter wonderland wedding. This is an amazing way to channel your inner ice queen while celebrating one of the best days of your life. (It can even double as a holiday celebration for you and your loved ones!) To get you started, check out this list of essential elements for a winter wonderland wedding.

1. A Blue Color Palette

From the clear blue skies to icy lakes, shades of blue are iconic of the winter season. They also happen to provide the perfect color palette for a wonderland wedding. Fortunately, there are so many beautiful shades of this color that you can choose from. Lighter versions are ideal for creating a frosty, breezy atmosphere, while darker shades exude a majestic ambiance. Whatever you decide to go with, blues will create an ethereal wintry atmosphere. However, don’t feel that you need to let winter’s blue hues limit your choices. Feel free to add contrasting shades. Adore jewel tones? Burgundy or evergreen matches well with deep navy blue.

2. A Red and Green Color Palette

Alternatively, you can go down the more festive route with a vibrant red and green color palette. This combination is perfect for adding a cozy touch to a luxurious winter wedding. It works especially well if you love regal yet rustic elements. Think cabins, sparkling pine trees, and billowing wall hangings. As with the blue color palette, keep in mind that you can pick various shades of reds and greens. For example, a deep red and emerald green makes for an amazing December combo. Depending on your personality, you can add an accent of pink or eggplant purple.

3. Faux Fur

The chilly temperatures of winter call for lavish touches of faux fur. To incorporate this into your bridal attire, wear a faux fur stole or jacket for the ceremony and photographs. This will instantly add a regal element to your outfit. Take it up a notch by having your bridesmaids wear similar faux fur stoles or jackets. These pieces will look amazing when photographed against a frozen lake or snow-capped pine trees. You can also use faux fur in your reception. Drape the bride’s and groom’s chairs with coordinating faux fur. Adorn the gift table with a faux fur table runner. If you have sofas at your reception, add faux fur blankets or pillows to emphasize the theme.

4. Metallic Finishes

Regardless of your color palette, metallics are a must-have for any winter wedding. In a way, the shine mimics the look of ice and snow. Metallic finishes can also amp up the luxury factor of your wedding, emphasizing the wonderland feel of the event.

The key to incorporating metallic finishes is to be mindful of where you use them. Metallic is a powerful element by itself, after all. You can use it in small doses in many places or use it sparingly in one place that makes an impact. For instance, use it in smaller items such as centerpiece vases and candle holders. Consider brushing the edges of paper name cards with a wash of metallic paint for a subtle, beautiful touch. Otherwise, you can save the metallic for the table cloths as a serious “wow” factor.

5. Rhinestones

Like metallic finishes, rhinestones are reminiscent of ice and snow. It’s also a crucial element for creating an imperial winter wonderland atmosphere. When the light hits rhinestone décor, it will create a beautiful wash of light that will illuminate your big day.

To use rhinestones, think of them as an accent. Add rhinestone embellishments to the petals or center of your bouquet’s flowers. Incorporate them into your outfit with a pair of statement earrings or necklace. A sparkling rhinestone brooch can be used to hold a fur stole together. Centerpieces can be adorned in a similar manner; add rhinestone buttons to the containers or actual blooms.

6. Twigs and Pinecones

When a wedding revolves around a season, it only makes sense to bring in bits of nature. Twigs and pinecones work especially well as wedding décor. The best part is that they are extremely easy to find. With some patience and time, you can find twigs and pinecones in your own backyard or during a trip to the park. This is an awesome way to make use of natural elements in a resourceful way.

Wondering what to do once you collect them? Twigs work beautifully as simple, minimalist centerpieces. They can also be arranged in vases with flowers and leaves. Pinecones, on the other hand, can be sprinkled across tables or displayed in bowls. They can also be used in garlands or as place card holders. Both twigs and pinecones can be embellished with metallic, glitter, pearls, or rhinestones.

7. Glitter

Glitter is the perfect way to add major sparkle to any event. For best results, the glitter that you choose should match one of the shades in your color palette. This will limit the risk of clashing colors. Instead, it will emphasize the palette. Luckily, glitter can easily be incorporated into wedding décor. Glitter-covered candles are an excellent way to add sparkle and shine to your reception. Menus and paper name cards can be brushed or dipped in glitter. If you prefer cleaner designs, consider creating “glitter blocked” paper items. This entails the same concept as color blocking, but uses glitter instead of solid colors. Large letters representing you and your significant other’s initials look especially beautiful when covered in glitter. For natural elements, dip feathers or twigs into glitter and add them to centerpieces. Want to make more of an impact? Drape tables in glitter fabric for an unforgettable reception.

8. Snowflake Motifs

Last but not least, snowflake motifs can really bring a wintry event together. They work especially well on paper items, such as the invitations, menus, and place cards. You can also hang them from twigs, trees, or create a garland of glittery snowflakes. Paper snwflake punch-outs and sequins can also be used as confetti during the couple’s send-off. By using snowflake motifs in small doses, it can emphasize the winter theme without looking overly tacky.

The post 8 Essential Elements of a Winter Wonderland Wedding appeared first on Weddingbee.

When you think of winter, you certainly don’t think of flowers—so when it comes to a winter wedding, flowers are a worrying issue. What’s even available? Don’t settle at your winter wedding; check out this list of in-season flowers.

Calla Lily

Here’s one that almost everyone’s heard of. When you think of Calla lilies, do you think of spring? Well actually, these wonderful blooms are readily available for your winter wedding! The perfect winter flower, these blooms are show stoppers with their curving bell shape and cream color.

Roses

These are absolutely timeless and classic. They are the perfect winter wedding flower because they’re so versatile. Not only are they widely available, but they come in tons of different shades. Large and beautiful, they add value to almost any arrangement.

Carnations

While not everybody’s favorite, these flowers are actually extremely useful, hardy, and can fill in an arrangement or bouquet nicely.

Alstroemeria

Commonly called Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas, these flowers feature small blooms and come in multiple shades. They are fun yet elegant flowers with adorable spotted markings.

Chrysanthemums

These flowers look great in bunches and come in a few beautiful shades. The best color for winter is probably their dark red variety, which never disappoints.

Orchids

Here’s one you may not have thought of. Orchids are typically seen in homes or fancy Japanese restaurants. Who knew they could also work for weddings? There are some really cool bouquet ideas that include this exotic flower that you’re going to want to check out. Orchids come in some unique colors as well that will help you pull off any look you’re going for.

Poinsettia

This flower is traditionally seen around the Christmas holidays. While it’s less traditional for weddings, if you’re going for a holiday look these aren’t a bad choice.

Gerbera Daisy

You’ve probably seen these daisies around somewhere. They carry a fun, almost cartoon-ish look that’s perfect for happy occasions, such as a winter wedding!

Helleborus

Also known as the Christmas Rose, these flowers are dainty and come in a few different shades. There are even some varieties that are multicolored with a beautiful purple edge. They look absolutely gorgeous when squished together, and when placed this way are reminiscent of peonies.

Lily

The great news about winter weddings is that lilies are still available at this time so if you dreamed of a wedding with lilies, you’re in luck. Lilies come in a few different common varieties. There’s the stargazer that is typically available during the winter along with the Casablanca lily, an all-white variety. These may be perfect for your winter wedding, especially the Casablanca, which could give your bouquet a soft snowy look.

Phlox

Phlox are another flower that are easy to acquire during the winter months. If you haven’t seen them before, their blooms are tiny and grow in bunches together. Their colors range from white to a bright fuchsia. The white could be perfect for a winter-themed wedding. If you’re going for a brighter look more reminiscent of spring or summer, you can always choose the purple or pink variety.

Evergreens

Don’t forget about winter’s true flower: pine. Although evergreens are not technically a flower, their wonderfully deep green branches can certainly be used like one. Add a few evergreen sprigs to your bouquet to add some seasonal flair, or even as a tablescape item.

Queen Anne’s Lace

Commonly mistaken for a weed, these wildflowers are a diamond in the rough when winter weddings are concerned. These large white blooms that resemble lace are the crisp elegance you need for your wedding. Not only do these flowers add tremendously to the look of an arrangement, but they also help to fill up any empty space making everything look more full and luscious.

Limonium (Statice)

Here’s another great filler flower. Limonium, also commonly called Statice, is a deep purple color that would go perfectly with white flowers. It’s a hearty flower that holds up in a bouquet or other tight arrangement. Unlike the Gerbera Daisy, Limonium don’t require any support in an arrangement. They hold up on their own and always look fabulous.

Some may be turned off from the idea of a winter wedding because the season itself is dark and barren. This doesn’t have to be the case for your winter wedding, though! You can make your celebration however festive you like with these excitingly versatile blooms. With a little research, you can easily find some of these flowers for sale near you that will help achieve the ambiance you want.

The post Seasonal Flowers for a Winter Wedding appeared first on Weddingbee.

When you look at wedding pictures, it’s easy to assume everything is perfect, from the hair to the shoes. However, a long-term investment that’s easy to miss is healthy skin. Not only does taking care of your skin make you look great on your wedding day, but it also makes you feel more present if you don’t have to worry about it. While makeup is great for hiding blemishes, it looks even better on skin that is already healthy, moisturized, and clean.

Start Your Skin Regimen with Nutritious Food and Water

One of the easiest ways to care for your skin are to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink a lot of water. Fruits and vegetables, in addition to being very healthy in many other ways, provide many of the nutrients and vitamins that are necessary for healthy, functional skin. Water prevents you from getting dehydrated, which can show up on your skin. These two things are simple, but will do more for you than many other beauty tips can. Another perk is that eating healthy foods and drinking lots of water can help improve your sleep patterns and calm your nerves, making wedding planning and preparation better in other respects.

Cover Your Skin in Wind and Cold Weather

To protect your skin, you also have to think about the weather and dress appropriately. Windburn makes your skin dry, itchy, and painful. Wearing wind-breaking clothing when it’s windy is a must, especially during cold months. On the other hand, sunburn causes skin to flake off and can contribute to skin cancer, so wearing plenty of sunscreen is a good idea. Don’t be fooled by the cold weather—you can still get sunburned in the winter if you have prolonged exposure to the sun.

Choose the Right Skincare Products

When it comes to skin products, it can be confusing to know what will make your particular skin healthy and happy. It’s important to learn about your skin type. According to WebMD, most people have either oily, dry, combination, or normal skin. Knowing your type allows you to figure out what your skin’s biggest issue is, whether it’s losing moisture or overproducing oil. Make sure to choose a product that doesn’t exacerbate whatever issues your skin is prone to.

All skin types benefit from being clean and moisturized, but the kind of cleanser or moisturizer that will work for you may not be effective for other people. If you’re just starting out, get some test sizes of a few different moisturizers and cleansers.

You may already know what your skin needs and have had success in keeping it healthy in the winter. It may be best to stock up on your favorite products and not change anything right before the wedding happens. If you have chronic winter skin issues, now is the time to turn over a new leaf and find the products that will work for you, while you have time to analyze their effectiveness.

Choose to eat and drink in a healthy way. Protect your skin from the elements with the right outer gear. Use nourishing products to keep your skin healthy. Doing these things will ensure that you are ready for the big day. All those wedding day smiles will be even more beautiful when you’re confident in your beautiful skin.

The post Keeping Your Skin Healthy Before a Winter Wedding appeared first on Weddingbee.

When the wedding festivities are over and the honeymoon is just a sun-kissed memory, you’ll find that life still has many expenses. Most people know the importance of keeping a tight budget for the wedding, given how expensive they can be. However, it’s also valuable to figure out how your new life together will be funded and where each of you are in your journey toward being debt-free. The following tips can help you and your new spouse avoid going into credit card debt, which can be expensive and difficult to pay off.

Establish Your Income and Credit History

One thing that can be strange at first is simply talking together about money management. After all, we rarely share the facts about our income and assets with anyone outside our families. Your new spouse has just become your closest family member, so a heart-to-heart meeting about the sources of income and history of money in your lives is invaluable. In fact, it’s probably best to have discussions about money management before you’re married.

If you discover that you are in a slightly more favorable financial position than your fiancé or spouse, make certain you are expressing love and not being judgmental towards them. The last thing you want early in your marriage is to create feelings of shame around important financial conversations.

Note Your Fixed Monthly Costs

Once your joint monthly income is determined, move on to the fixed costs for each month and ask these questions:

• Do you have a car payment?
• Do you have student loan payments or other loans?
• How much is your rent or mortgage payment?
• How much are your total utility charges?
• What are your monthly insurance premiums?

Calculate the total monthly amount of fixed costs by documenting the payment data from automatic payments and regular monthly charges to figure out what the total amount is. Get the most recent statements and balances for more accurate figures. Consider using a spreadsheet to track this information on a monthly basis and share the document with each other. This total amount of fixed expenses is a goal, since it must be paid monthly. Over time, you can decide if certain expenses are worth it to you or if they can be eliminated or reduced. The money saved can be put into a savings or retirement account.

Consider How Connected You Want Your Finances to Be

One important aspect of choosing to be debt-free is still making a choice: Are you going to have separate finances or joint finances? A lot has been discussed on the subject, but there are a variety of reasons why keeping separate accounts could make sense. You should establish some ground rules on how separate accounts will work for your joint financial plan.

Some people choose not to combine their finances in order to preserve some privacy with what they do with their money. There can be misunderstandings if you aren’t sure who is responsible for certain expenses and how much money each person will have left over. Sharing your complete financial picture might be a good exercise while trying to stay out of credit card debt, even if you ultimately decide it isn’t the best idea for you to completely share your finances.

Make a Plan to Reduce Expenses and Increase Income

Couples facing credit card debt should begin with reasonable amounts for their expenditures. Avoid the temptation to use your credit cards to buy something now, while planning to pay it off sometime in the future. Credit card debt can quickly spiral out of control when the interest rates are high enough to make it difficult to pay back the money quickly. Once you’ve made an accurate accounting of your finances, determine how you can decrease expenses and simultaneously increase your monthly household income.

Sometimes only one of these two options are available, but either option may feel like a sacrifice. Taking a shift on a Saturday in order to make sure you can afford the rent can be sobering at first. Later on, luxuries can be added back to your lifestyle and work hours can be reduced as you find more imaginative and helpful ways to cut expenses or increase income.

Keep Track of Your Progress to Financial Success

Track your finances on a tracking application like Mint, which can really help you see how your money is spent and the impact of any hypothetical changes to your financial plan. As you review your progress each month, it will be easier to identify which luxuries cost more than expected and which luxuries are sustainable expenses. When you see savings begin to increase, it will feel so good. In fact, it can be a bit addicting to see your savings balance go up every month!

Choose a Challenge to Work on Together

Once you’ve had some initial success, it can be difficult to keep up the momentum and stay out of debt. However, there are many challenges that can temporarily change your financial routine and remind you why you have chosen to make smart money decisions. Try to use only cash for a month, choose to not to eat out for a few weeks, or give yourself daily spending caps.

The financial challenge that works with your schedule and still gives you a way to connect with your financial plan is a good option to start with. Apply any money saved through the challenge toward outstanding credit card balances (pay off the highest interest rate cards first) or into a savings account as an emergency fund.

Celebrate Your Financial Success

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Fall weddings are so beautiful for so many reasons. Just think about all the great décor inspo! When you have an autumn wedding, all that you need for décor can be found around you. Think pumpkins, hay stacks, and, last but not least —colorful leaves. Rich yellow, orange, and red leaves are a beautiful way to express any autumn theme and are so versatile. It’s easy to pull off the perfect seasonal feel with the expertly executed addition of this little accessory. If you’re stuck on how to best use these little beauties, we have tons of ideas.

1. String Them into Banners

String up your leaves with twine and hang them like pennant flags. Simple and effective! You can even glam it up by spray painting the leaves gold.

2. Line Glass Jars to Use as Candles

You can create beautiful candle holders with leaves. Paste the leaves to the inside of a glass globe, jar, or holder with Mod Podge. The light from your candles inside will shine out through the leaves and look amazing.

3. Write on Leaves to Make Place Cards

Utilize fall leaves by creating place cards with them. You can write the guests’ names on them in a beautiful gold calligraphy for a nice touch.

4. Use Them to Accent Hair Pieces

This one is more for the bridal party, but offers a lovely cohesive look. Make (or have a florist make) hair accessories with fall leaves. You could do leaf combs, headbands, or even flower crowns with leaf accents.

5. Use Them in Boutonnieres

Fall leaves can easily be incorporated into your boutonnieres with other florals or greenery, making them a subtle statement and nod to the season.

6. Decorate the Cake with Fall Leaves

Can you imagine the possibilities? Utilizing fall leaves as decor on your wedding cake can be as simple as placing some around the base with some other decor elements. If you want to make more of a statement, place them artfully on top with or without a cake topper.

7. Use Them as Table Decorations

You can use fall leaves in an elegant and simple way by placing them on your reception tables à la confetti. If using white tablecloths, their colors will pop.

8. Use Fall Leaves in Bouquets

Leaves can go everywhere, including the bridal and bridesmaids bouquets. They can add some much texture against soft petaled florals.

9. Decorate the Ceremony Arch

Use fall leaves to create the perfect arch under which to say your vows. However you want to accomplish your look, by stringing the leaves like flowers or adding them as an arch accessory, your altar and ceremony will scream autumn.

10. Line the Ceremony Aisle

One way to add a fall touch with leaves to your wedding is by lining the edges of the ceremony aisle with them. Organize these leaves by color and you can create an ombré look for a modern touch.

11. Create Leaf Initials

Use fall leaves to decorate your and your fiancé’s initials. Cut wood or cardboard as a letter template and glue the leaves on in an attractive pattern. Hang them up above your gift table or in front of your sweetheart table.

12. Accent Picture Frames

For any frames or pictures you include in your day, decorate the edges with leaves. Seal them with an acrylic sealer so they don’t dry out and break off, or spray them with paint for a different appeal.

13. Accessorize Balloons

Wrap balloons with a square piece of gauze and tie the bottom with fall leaves and flowers. Then, hang them around your venue for splashes of color.

14. Create Photobooth Props

Everyone knows photo booths are big hits at weddings, but how do you keep your fall theme incorporated into the photos? One way is to decorate all your photo props with fall leaves. Think leaf masquerade masks and leaf decorated crowns.

Fall leaves can feature into almost every portion of your wedding day. It’s easy to create an awe-inspiring look when there are leaves everywhere. And that’s the great thing about fall leaves: the more you use, the better everything looks. You almost can’t go too big with these fascinating fall accessories. So make like a tree and leaf!

The post 14 Ways to Use Fall Leaves in Your Wedding appeared first on Weddingbee.

The day after your wedding, all you really need to worry about is eating leftover cake and snuggling with your new spouse. The honeymoon is supposed to be your opportunity as a couple to rest and relax after a stressful lead-up to the wedding. However, sometimes honeymoon travel stress can get almost as crazy as wedding planning! Whether you’re going across the world or across town for your honeymoon, we have some tips to help make the trip worry-free.

Set a Budget

Set a budget immediately so you know whether you can go all-out or need to scale back from your dream getaway. Don’t worry that a lower budget will take away from the experience, however. There’s plenty you can do to lower your vacation costs.

Many times if you book a package deal, you’ll save money in comparison to buying everything separately. Going all-inclusive can often save you money as well, but always read the fine print. Know what the money covers. Does it only cover food and not alcohol? Do you pay for your flight separately? Does the destination have free WiFi or do you need to pay extra to upload your pictures? Many deals hide these little things and it will cost you if you’re not paying close attention.

Check discount travel websites to see which has the best deal, or hire a travel agent. This may take some money away from your budget, but an agent knows the ins and outs of the industry and can get you the best deals.

If you’re traveling overseas, also consider including an international phone plan in your budget.

Pick the Destination

Picking the destination is often the hardest part of the entire planning journey. Discuss together what each of you would like to do. Do you want it to be romantic, peaceful, or filled with adventure? Do you want to go on a cruise, travel overseas, or stay close to home? List your top five destinations and make a pro and con list for each place. Also, remember to take into account the weather during the month you plan to travel. Hurricane season isn’t the best time for many tropical locations, and roaming through vineyards on the West Coast might not be fun in summer temperatures of 100 degrees.

Do careful research on destinations you’re unfamiliar with; looks can often be deceiving. It isn’t hard to make a dump look like paradise with Photoshop. Check reviews and see what people have to say about the area, company, or resort. Of course, remember that one negative comment among a few hundred is probably not a dealbreaker.

Also be sure that you know what you’re getting into traveling internationally. Bring the correct currency; you don’t want to be stuck with American dollars where they only take pesos. And, know a basic understanding of the local language. English is fairly widespread, but you don’t want to be stranded with no way to communicate.

Plan for Bad Weather

You’ve presumably already tried to book for the best weather wherever you’re going, but weather isn’t always perfect even in paradise. Be ready to take shelter and just enjoy the moment if needed. The first two days of my honeymoon, it poured, so we found other things to do on the island. We didn’t let black skies bother us at all because we were having a blast playing board games in the lobby and cuddling inside watching a movie.

Pack Medication

You never think about medication until you truly need it. Don’t get stuck with a pounding headache and no pain relievers or an uneasy stomach without some help. Take a mini medicine kit with the basics: pain relievers, diarrhea medication, nausea medication, digestion aids, bandages, eye drops, ear drops, etc. Again, we learned the hard way. My husband developed a wicked case of swimmer’s ear and was doubled over in pain. Be prepared for any illness or injury that may pop up before you’re doubled over in misery.

Take Extra Money

Bring extra money for souvenirs and other items. Even if a place says it’s all-inclusive, it doesn’t actually include literally everything. If you do have a last-minute emergency, you want to know that you can take care of it. We ran out of sunscreen on the second day of the honeymoon, but there was no department store around the corner. We were stuck with buying a lovely 28 dollar bottle of sunscreen from the resort’s souvenir store.

And then there’s the optional things. You will also want to buy souvenir items and often resorts offer add-on services like a couples massage or round of golf. We also had a sweet photographer popping up to take priceless photos each day. At the end of the trip these photos were shown to us on a CD which we could purchase for a whopping 12 dollar per photo. The resort even offered to take a “complimentary” newlywed photo session. What they didn’t explain was that while the session itself is free, you still had to purchase the photos. You simply can’t resist buying that perfect sunset shot, so just make sure you have enough extra to spoil yourself on the little things.

The post Tricks for Making Honeymoon Travel Easier appeared first on Weddingbee.

The meal at the reception is easily one of the biggest pieces of your wedding budget, and let’s face it—feeding over 100 people isn’t exactly cheap. So, how exactly do you feed that many people without sacrificing the quantity or quality of the food? Here are a few tips on planning your wedding catering without busting your budget and still getting a delicious meal.

Take a Good Hard Look at Your Guest List

If it’s still relatively early in the wedding planning process and your guest list is still only tentative, you might want to consider paring it down for the sake of your budget. Although the thought of cutting guests from your list might be difficult, if you are on a pretty tight budget, it might be necessary.

Start by going through your guest list and picking out acquaintances and friends you haven’t spoken to or seen in a while. Think about people like college classmates that you haven’t seen since graduation, coworkers you never see outside of work, and high school buddies you only talk to on Facebook. If they haven’t even met your spouse-to-be, this makes it an even easier decision to take them off the guest list.

It might seem like an impossible task, but go through your guest list with your parents and see if there are any family members who probably wouldn’t be able to make it, or who you haven’t seen since you were a baby (such as distant cousins of your parents whom you only see at reunions).

Once your guest list is a bit more manageable, your wedding catering bill should go down considerably.

Plan for Brunch or Lunch Instead of an Evening Meal

A great way to save money on the food at your reception is to avoid serving the meal at dinner time. Dinner tends to be the heaviest and most expensive meal, whereas meals like brunch or a light lunch can be a little easier on your wallet. Plus, with brunch and lunch foods you can afford to be a little more creative. Try a make-your-own sandwich bar for lunch, or a DIY waffle station for a brunch wedding reception.

Serve Heavy Hors d’oeuvres Instead of a Meal

Most everyone would love to have a five-course meal concocted by a master chef at their wedding reception, but unfortunately for most of us, that’s just not going to fit in our wedding budgets. Instead of serving a plated meal or having a large buffet filled with expensive entrees, think about serving heavy hors d’oeuvres to your wedding guests.

Choose crowd-pleasing options like sliders, wontons, fried chicken tenders, a hefty cheese and cracker tray, bruschetta, shrimp cocktail, or toast points that will fill up your guests without spending too much money on food.

If you decide to go this route, be sure to space out when your hors d’ouevres are served throughout the evening to avoid running out of food too early and having a room full of hungry guests.

Go with a Main Vegetarian Dish Instead of a Meat Entrée

Even if you’re a regular carnivore, you might want to consider going with meatless entrées at your wedding to save money. Ordering meat (especially great cuts of meat) is going to be much more expensive than just having a vegetarian entree like pasta, enchiladas, or quiche.

Resist the Temptation to DIY

Typically, choosing the DIY route for your wedding is the cheaper (and often better) option, but be wary of cooking your own reception meal. You might save a marginal amount of money, but cooking food for a large group of people is extremely stressful.

Trust us. You don’t want to be worrying about prepping the food when you’re supposed to be primping for your ceremony and enjoying the day with all of your loved ones. Instead, rely on the services of a professional caterer who will provide serving trays and make sure everything is the right temperature. They can also work with you on your budget and provide suggestions on how to make your dollar stretch a little further with the right menu plans.

The post How to Plan Wedding Catering on a Budget appeared first on Weddingbee.

It’s easy to fall in love with a wedding venue: those beautiful flowers, the perfect ribbon accents, or the woodsy decor are enough to draw anyone in and make them feel charmed. Once you’ve seen that venue in pictures or in person, it can be easy to rationalize in spite of the guidelines they offer: “Sure, we need space for 90 guests, but they say it will go up to 80… surely we can make it work?” or “We don’t need 190 guests’ worth of space, but look at those gorgeous windows! Our 120 guests will love it!” Here are a few ways to think about your wedding venue to make sure that you choose one that is truly the right size.

Have You Estimated Your Guest Count Accurately?

This is the first and most important part of getting an appropriately sized venue! While many think that they can count up the names on their guest list and go ahead with confidence, the truth is that the number will fluctuate. Consider some factors that could affect your final guest count. How far away is this venue from the guests’ homes? The farther away, the fewer of them will choose to attend. Are you offering plus-ones to single guests? If so, expect that some, but not all of them, will take you up on it. Have you possibly given your future mother-in-law or your own mother the option to invite some of their close friends? This can add to the list, especially if they aren’t clear with how many people are in each of the families they invite. Count children as well, since most children over the age of three will require a meal and a seat. Obviously, the number you land on will still be an estimate, and venues know this, but it’s good to estimate as well as you can.

Does the Venue’s Recommendation Change Based on the Structure of Your Reception?

Receptions can be so many things: passed hors d’oeuvres in a standing space with tall tables, picnic tables for a barbecue dinner, or round dinner tables for a cloth napkin banquet. These different choices also imply different spaces: the same wide-open room that can seat 140 for dinner may hold 200 for a cocktail hour. Talk to your venue about how you envision the reception and ask for their personalized recommendation on what can fit.

How Does the Venue Charge for Guests, Especially If You Go Over Your Count?

If you have a wedding venue that provides the catering, it’s more important than ever to get an accurate guest count and to hash out the contract details. After all, if a venue rarely hosts weddings of less than 150 guests and usually charges per-guest, your wedding for 120 people may end up being more expensive if they reserve the space at the 150-person rate. Make sure that if you choose “too much” venue for your guest count, you know what kinds of extra costs might be associated. Conversely, if you choose a charming little venue and try to squeeze extra guests in, make sure you are prepared for both the additional per-person rates and any extra things that must be added, like linens or rental table fees.

Will the Space Feel Empty or Crowded with Your Anticipated Amount of Guests?

This is much less a practical concern and much more an aesthetic one. Make sure that you discuss with the venue’s coordinator to find out if the space has held groups of your wedding’s size in the past. They will be able to tell you that, yes, they opened the sliding glass doors onto the patio and a few extra people didn’t feel like a problem at all, or no, having so few people in such a large space made it feel like no one came to the wedding. It’s a sad reason to turn down a venue completely, so if you get an answer you don’t like, talk about ways that the space can be partitioned or added to in order to get the open-but-bustling feeling you want for a wedding venue.

Have You Exhausted Venue Options or Are You Falling in Love with Every Venue You See?

This is an important self-reflective question, since it informs whether or not you commit to a high-demand venue quickly. If you aren’t sure, and don’t want to waste deposit dollars, it is often best to sleep on any venue decision. Not only can you take some time to make sure you aren’t overreacting to the beautiful chandeliers, but it also gives you a chance to be reminded what the other options are, or to look for other options. Your best bet if there is something wrong about your venue is to search for other options. If you realize that everything else is substantially less perfect, you will feel more at peace with committing to this venue and working to resolve any issues.

After asking yourself these questions, you’ll be much better prepared to tackle any other concerns that come your way with choosing the perfect wedding venue.

The post How to Choose the Right-Sized Wedding Venue appeared first on Weddingbee.

For many couples, a fun part about planning a wedding exists is ordering personalized swag to go along with their big day. This has become more popular in recent years and there are now more options than ever when it comes to ordering items that set your day apart. Think of it as personally branding your event! Here are some of the best places to source these items so that you can work out all the details of your big day with ease.

What Kind of Wedding Swag Do you Want?

There is so much wedding swag out there that it can be hard to decipher what you should incorporate into your event. Some commonly personalized items at weddings include signature drink menus, koozies, matchbooks or matchboxes, cocktail napkins, welcome bags, favor tags, barware, labels, and barware. As for what to actually have printed on these items—you have options! Consider a custom wedding crest, your couple monogram, simple text with your names and wedding date, a portrait of a pet, or anything else meaningful to you. You can really take this in any direction you choose, so feel free to get creative with it!

Get Designing on Zazzle

Zazzle is a great place to order almost anything with a logo, monogram, name, or saying on it. From cocktail napkins to matchbooks to koozies to t-shirts, you can add the image or text of your choice to pretty much anything. The site makes it easy to design items with their custom design tool, too, which is just an added bonus! Or, if you designed an image elsewhere, you can upload it and add it onto blank products. This is a print-on-demand platform that produces items as they’re ordered, which makes it easy for them to supply these super custom products. It’s up to you and your imagination when you use Zazzle for all of your customized wedding products!

Support Small Business Owners on Etsy

Another great place to order customized wedding swag is Etsy. This requires a bit more research to zero in on exactly what you want and which sellers can offer it to you. The good news is that most sellers are willing to design and customize items to your heart’s content. Or, you may find something that perfectly matches your vision with no customization. This is a great platform to look for personalized pet portraits if that’s something you want to incorporate into your wedding. Plus, it’s an amazing way to support small business owners!

Explore What “For Your Party” Has to Offer

For Your Party is another that’s easy to use and has a lot to offer in the way of personalized items. Some of their top choices are cocktail napkins, matchboxes and matchbooks, stadium cups, coasters, plates, and napkins. They have so many pre-made designs that it makes it easy to find something well suited for your event, or you can use their design tool to whip something up yourself if you so choose!

Check with Your Stationery Designer

Your stationery designer may be able to design, create, or order personalized items for you at a cheaper price than you’d be able to source yourself, so make sure to check with them on this one! For instance, they could order custom stamps for your invitation suite as well as stadium cups with your wedding crest on them. It definitely doesn’t hurt to ask! Since they will likely be the one designing art to accompany your pieces, they very well may be best suited to help with this, too.

There are so many options for personalized wedding items that will elevate your event to the next level. The best part is that you can be creative in what you want to include and the method of personalizing it to really match the personality of your event!

The post Where to Buy Personalized Wedding Swag appeared first on Weddingbee.

So your wedding is over (crying emojis all over the place!) and you’re just coming off of that honeymoon high. What now? What are the first few things you should do as newlyweds post-epic celebration? Here’s a checklist with some key “to dos” that will get your new marriage off to a wonderful start!

Preserve Wedding Momentos

Hopefully some of this will have been done by your besties right after the reception, but make sure you’re preserving the items from your wedding that you want to treasure for years to come. Maybe one of your parents or someone in your wedding party handled freezing the top of your cake for your anniversary, but now’s the time to pick it up and get it in your freezer so you’ll have it next year! You’ll also want to make sure you’ve had your bouquet preserved, and even your wedding dress can be specially cleaned and professionally stored away for maximum safety for years to come. Another idea? Put your paper goods (like your save the date, invitation, wedding program, and any other supplemental items) into a shadow box for display in your home!

Change Your Last Name

If you’re choosing to change your last name, it’s a great idea to get started on it as soon as possible after your big day. It can be a long, time-consuming, semi-complicated process, so getting it over with ASAP will save you some sanity. Dragging it out will just increase its annoyance level and make you live in weird name limbo, which is no fun. The sooner you can visit the DMV, your bank, and every other place where your name change will be relevant, the better!

Write Reviews for Your Vendors

Before you get too far away from your amazing day, make sure to check in with your vendors and—if you loved them—offer to send testimonials their way! Most vendors get the majority of their business from positive word-of-mouth, so if they were great, be sure to not only let them know, but let others know as well! Many wedding websites, as well as business sites, have places where you can publicly review vendors’ services as well. Make sure to leave a completely honest review, the good and the bad, as it will help future couples make decisions on who to choose for their big day!

Move in Together / Make Your House a Home

Whether you’re moving in together for the first time after your wedding or you’ve lived together for years before the big day, what better time to give your place a new look than after your wedding? Really take some time to make your house into a home by melding your personal styles, doing a house or room refresh, and adding new decorating elements. Don’t forget your wedding photos; now’s a great time to put together a wedding album if your photographer doesn’t provide one for you, and it’s an even better time to order a giant canvas or create a gallery wall from your wedding day!

Change Pertinent Account Information

This step is a bit more boring than perhaps some of the others, but it may very well be one of the most important, as you want to make sure you have all of your logistical things in place for your new married life. If you or your spouse have relevant health or bank accounts, retirement funds, or insurance policies, now’s a great time to make sure you’ve adjusted any access or beneficiary needs. If you or your spouse have children from a previous relationship, it may be especially important to review important documents, including wills, in case there need to be adjustments made given your new family situation. As I said, this is a more boring and cumbersome step, but you’ll be glad to have it handled, and peace of mind is so important when starting your brand new marriage!

Write Thank You Cards

Now that the dust from your big day has settled, it’s time to take a moment and thank everyone who helped with your amazing day. Thank yous for gifts and cards are of course included in this, but it’s also a great time to thank everyone who participated in the day itself, like your officiant or your wedding party, as well as any vendors who were extra special. A handwritten card really means so much and is the least you can do for someone who made your day wonderful!

Start Some New Traditions as a Family

This might be the most fun item of all: decide on some new traditions to start as a family! Do you want to start a particular event or activity surrounding a holiday? Or do you want to plan a yearly vacation to a certain location? Now is the perfect time to start discussing and dreaming with your spouse about the traditions you want to establish as a new family unit! Have fun planning and scheming for ways to make every day—not just your wedding day—amazing!

The post Do These 7 Things as Newlyweds Right After the Wedding appeared first on Weddingbee.

There are a lot of traditions around weddings; just consider the popular saying, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” I’m sure a dozen others come to mind, too! In fact, there are so many wedding traditions that there are even some centered around the wedding cake alone. Which of these do you want to be a part of your big day?

White Icing

Everyone knows that the traditional white wedding dress is supposed to symbolize purity and innocence, but what about a traditional white wedding cake? The reason wedding cakes used to always be white was more out of convenience, since sugar is white and cake icing is made from sugar. As time went on, extremely white icing became a status symbol for the wealthy, since the whiter the frosting the more refinied, and therefore the more expensive, the sugar. Of course, now wedding cakes come in all different colors, but this tradition still holds strong.

Multiple Tiers

Ever wonder why wedding cakes have so many tiers? Part of the reason is to have lots of cake to serve to guests, but there’s also a history lesson in there. In the medieval times, spiced buns would be stacked as high as possible. If the bride and groom could kiss over this giant pile of pastries without knocking it over, they would have a lifetime of wealth to look forward to. Of course, piles of pastries eventually became tiered cakes. But the dessert tower is actually also making a comeback these days as towers of cupcakes or as more classic, cultural desserts like the French croquembouche cream puffs.

Cutting the Cake

At many weddings, the bride and groom will gather their friends and family to witness them cut the wedding cake. This tradition is considered a special moment, as the newly wed couple complete their first task together. However, this task used to be the bride’s alone, as it symbolized her losing her virginity. As wedding cakes became bigger and more elaborate, brides had to start getting help from their husbands. Now, this is a much-anticipated activity at the wedding reception. It offers an adorable photo opportunity and delicious cake is served!

Feeding Each Other and the Cake Smash

Once the cake is cut, it’s time to eat it! But first, the bride and groom traditionally feed each other a bite. This cute kindness is a sweet symbol of commitment for one another, showing their love and adoration. This tradition has actually evolved into something new in recent generations—squishing cake into one each other’s faces! While not all couples are into this one, it’s a fun, silly, modern take on the tradition.

Cake Toppers

Wedding cake toppers have a long tradition, although its origins aren’t exactly known. But, as the story goes, the figurines stand in the center of the top tier to show the importance of the love between the bride and groom.

Saving the Top Tier

Decades ago, married couples typically had children much younger than they do today. In fact, many couples would have their first child within their first year of marriage. And so, the top tier of their wedding cake would be saved for that child’s christening. Now, couples still choose to save the top layer of their wedding cake to enjoy together on their one-year anniversary. To do this successfully, it’s important that it is well wrapped in plastic and then sealed inside an airtight container. To keep it looking perfect, however, the cake should be placed in the freezer just long enough to freeze so it won’t smudge, and then wrapped once it’s frozen. Some bakeries have taken to offering small anniversary cakes to replace this tradition, as many couples opt out in order to spare themselves the trouble. That way, you can have your cake and eat it, too!

The Groom’s Cake

The exact origins of this tradition are debated, but the groom cake has long been a mainstay at weddings in the southern United States. Groom cakes are usually made of a dark chocolate cake to contrast with the traditional white cake, but these days they are treated as a place to showcase individuality and personality. This tradition is making a comeback and growing in popularity as well as spreading to other areas.

Sleeping with Cake Under the Pillow

Back in the day, single people looking to find true love would put a piece of wedding cake under their pillow because they believed if they did, they would dream about their future partner that night. This tradition is almost 300 years old now, from a time when pieces of the groom’s cake would be given out as wedding favors.

Wedding Cake Charms

This cute little tradition is actually used during bridal showers, but since bridal showers are another wedding tradition, it makes sense to share it here, too.

The tradition dictates that gold or silver charms are baked right into the cake or laid underneath the bottom layer. Each charm has a special meaning, so when the guests finds theirs, they each receive that specific luck. The charms that are commonly used include a heart for true love, a clover or horseshoe for good luck, a flower for blooming love, a ring for an upcoming engagement, a baby carriage for children, a telephone for good news, an anchor for travel and adventure, a money bag for good fortune, wedding bells for future marriage, a rocking chair for a long life, and a picture frame for a happy life.

Traditions can be fun to incorporate into your wedding ceremony, and they can mean a lot to many couples. While they should not be treated as rules every couple must abide by, you may wish to share in some of them when it comes time for cake at your reception!

The post Wedding Cake Traditions appeared first on Weddingbee.

Sunshine, breezes, trees, flowers; these are all things often experienced at an outdoor wedding. Other things an outdoor wedding provides: bugs, sunburns, a cold bum. An outdoor wedding can be a beautiful choice, but it does come with its own set of challenges. I firmly believe that if you consider all the downsides and prepare accordingly, you can have a wedding day outside that is enjoyable for everyone.

1. Nobody Can Hear You

This is a big one. Guests want to enjoy your ceremony. They want to hear your vows and cry at how beautiful love is. But none of this can happen if they can’t hear you! Not only will guests be chattering to each other about how they can’t hear, but they will also be a little irritated. It’s not a feeling you want your guests to experience on your big day.

Make sure your wedding guests are seated close enough to hear everything. If you’re unsure, spring for microphones. You may think having mics is kind of annoying, but how annoying would it be if your guests won’t hear any of the beautiful words you worked so hard to write? You can get handheld mics, a mic on a stand, or body mics. If you’re still on the fence about this, think about your grandparents or other elderly people you’ve invited who will already have a hard time hearing even with microphones.

2. The Beautiful Sun, Shining Right in Your Eyes

The sun can be such a beautiful thing…except when it’s in your eyes and you’re trying to watch a wedding ceremony. Think about your venue and the time of your event. Will the sun be in your guests’ eyes during that time and in that location? Even worse, will it be in your eyes? Don’t say “I do” with your eyes closed or watering. You’ll want to be able to see your loved ones in the audience and your fiancé clearly with no distractions.

Figure out what time the sun will be at eye level and plan accordingly. Also, maybe position your ceremony at an angle that works best with the light. If you have to, go out to your venue and check the lighting to help give you a better idea of what will work best. If you absolutely cannot avoid this issue (for instance, if you have a fixed ceremony spot and time), I would suggest putting a tent over the space. This is a great solution if you already have a tent rented for the reception. If you don’t want to block the views, you could maybe offer sunglasses as a fun favor. The sun can be a pain no matter what you try, but it doesn’t have to be a big deal if you do something to help guests out.

3. Not Considering Temperature

Think seriously about temperature. I know a November wedding is beautiful in some places, but in northern Wisconsin, for example, it can be a tad cold. I’m not saying you can’t have an outdoor wedding in November when it’s chilly or in July when it’s burning hot, but you need to takes steps to keep guest comfort levels high. If it’s hot, provide shelter from the sun. I recommend having a building that is air conditioned for guests to slip into if they’re feeling overheated. Huge fans are another great way to ensure guests can access cooler air. You could have ice packs ready or cute handheld fans.

If it’s cold, there are lots of things you can do too to mitigate guest discomfort. You can offer hot drinks like hot chocolate and tea. You can provide blankets for the ceremony that are cute and match your theme. Again, it might be a good idea to provide a warm space for guests to escape to when they’re just feeling way too cold. I know Mother Nature doesn’t always behave how you want her to, so just know this and take the necessary precautions.

4. You May be Seated, Never

I’ve attended weddings where they expected me to stand for a 30-minute ceremony. It’s not nice to do this to your guests, especially the ones who are in heels or who are elderly. If you need your guests to stand for some reason, keep the ceremony short. Also, if it will be a seated ceremony, provide nice chairs. Forcing your guests to sit on tree stumps or hay bales, while super cute and theme-friendly, is not very comfortable. Check out your seating situation before your wedding. If those chairs you rented for cheap aren’t great and your ceremony is an hour long, make some changes. Rent cushions or do something to make your guests’ comfort a top priority.

5. Forgetting That Bugs Exist

Think about nature. While it can be beautiful, it can also be buggy. We all know that mosquitoes are the absolute worst. Consider hiring a company to spray for bugs at your venue before your wedding day. This could help diminish the sheer amount of them. Consider your venue and maybe even go out there to check out bug levels. Another way to help guests with the pests is to provide bug spray. You don’t want bugs to be all over you, either! White dresses appeal to bugs in a big way, so take precautionary measures.

Overall, the best way to ensure a great outdoor ceremony experience is to consider the frailest among your guests. In every decision, factor in your grandma who is 80 years old, can’t hear well, and probably can’t handle too much heat. Also, think about how you would feel as a guest at your own wedding. Consider including those items that will help keep people comfortable and happy. Come up with creative ways to present bug spray or fans if you think they’re tacky and will throw off your theme. You can include practical items in your day without sacrificing the integrity or the feel. You can have the perfect outdoor ceremony that everyone will love, if you’re prepared!

The post Don’t Make These 5 Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Mistakes appeared first on Weddingbee.

A handshake and a smile might seem like it’ll seal the deal on your wedding day must-haves, but when something goes wrong, those aren’t enough. Vendors and couples both need to know what to expect from each other. Having these expectations in writing is imperative for a worry-free wedding day. Contracts can give you confidence that everything is under control even if something goes wrong, but it is important to know exactly how a vendor contract can do this. There are a few things you must outline in each contract in order to be sure both parties are on the same page.

General Vendor Contract Information

Some vendors offer formal contracts drafted by lawyers. There might be a lot of jargon you won’t understand, so make sure to go over each line with them so that there are no misunderstandings. Many smaller vendors offer an informal contract, which is usually just a simple agreement outlining what to expect from both the vendor and the client. Even if you are working with a friend, you need to get expectations in writing. It might seem strange asking a friend to sign something, but there is a fine line between friendship and business. Don’t do yourself a disservice by relying on word of mouth to get the job done.

What to Include

Both formal and informal contracts should include the date and time of the wedding. This ensures there is no doubt the vendor will be available for your wedding. Costs should be broken down so that you know exactly what you are purchasing, meaning your vendor cannot add random charges later. There should be a clause for any expenses that occur outside of the contract.

There is often a payment plan outline as well, so you will need to include the dates by which each payment must be made to the vendor. Then, you each need to sign the contract. If changes occur after signing the initial contract, you both update the contract and sign. This protects both the vendor and the client. Make sure each party gets a signed copy of the contract.

Cancellations and Refunds

You don’t want to think about the worst, but you simply must when it comes to wedding plans. If something happens with the wedding and you have to cancel the vendors, you must have a cancellation and refund policy in place to protect yourself. On the flip side, you need a policy in place in case the vendor cancels on you. This policy needs to state exactly how much money will be returned to you if you cancel as well as how much the vendor pays you back if they cancel.

In most cases, you will have made a deposit. The clause needs to state how much of this deposit you get back depending on how close the date is to your actual wedding date. If the vendor cancels and does not follow the cancellation policy, you can take the company or person to court to get a refund.

Liability Clause

A liability clause protects the vendor from issues out of the vendor’s control. Most contracts will include a clause that states that the vendor will try to find a replacement in the event of an emergency (such as a fire, transportation problems, an illness, and/or an accident. Again, you don’t want to think the worst, but always be prepared for any event.

Code of Conduct

Many contracts include a code of conduct. This usually states the vendor will dress in the proper attire, arrive on time, and behave professionally.

The Wedding Dress

The bride’s dress is one of the most important contracts to consider because if you don’t have a dress, you might be getting married in your t-shirt and jeans! Make sure the contract states precisely when the dress will be complete with full alterations. Include whether there will be charges for any extra fittings or fabrics. Alternations are not usually included in the price of the dress, so read the fine print.

The Wedding Planner

The wedding planner usually runs the entire show, while a day-of coordinator only makes sure the day of the wedding runs smoothly. If you hire either a wedding planner or day-of coordinator, you should outline exactly what is expected from him or her. Most planners will consult with other vendors, review contracts, manage the budget, and ensure all payments are made to vendors. If he or she is going to be involved with the rehearsal or the rehearsal dinner, outline this as well. On the actual wedding day, most wedding planners will continue to coordinate with vendors and keep you on a strict timeline.

The Wedding Cake

A cake seems like an easy thing; it sits there, looks pretty, and then you eat it! However, a wedding cake can get complicated. The contract must state exactly how many guests the cake should serve. Many times, a bride wants flowers or decorations on her cake. The vendor must state whether they will provide these things or if the bride must provide them. Also, many times a baker will request that the room be a certain temperature so the cake will not freeze or melt. Larger cakes often include fake layers. The entire cake should be outlined in a contract so that you know how many fake layers, colors, and flavors should be expected.

Photographer and Videographer

You will probably meet with your photographer and/or videographer a few times to discuss your expectations. Many times, these individuals or companies will offer different packages, so make sure you outline exactly what you want in a package. Most photographers give you the rights to the photos once they are produced. This means you can make copies on your own without having to go through the vendor. This is an important thing to get in writing so that there is no problem when you want to go and order a few pieces of canvas art and/or an entire wedding album full of professional wedding photos. It is also important to include how you will get the photos—as in will you get them as digital files, on a CD, a USB drive, or website.

You also need to clearly outline the time frame in which your photographer/videographer will cover the event. If the vendor goes over the designated amount of time, outline a fee for a certain amount of hours. You can also include the amount of time it will take to receive all of the shots. This is important so that you are not expecting the photographer to have the shots edited in a week, while the vendor knows it will take closer to a month.

The videographer and couple should also agree on how many cameras are included and what wireless audio equipment is needed for a certain number of people. The photographer and videographer will usually include in the contract that they cannot be held liabale for bad lighting or camera angles or equipment malfunction.

The Venue

The venue will outline all expectations of the bride and groom. Contracts with venues need to include the number of people expected at the wedding. They may also include rules about bringing in outside vendors, lighting, sound, and even decorations. They will have set times for when you can come in to decorate before the event as well as for when you must have everything cleared out and leave. There might be an alcohol policy and/or certain restrictions regarding serving alcohol. If the venue includes catering, the amount of food to be served should be outlined as well as the size of the portions. State if there are overtime charges and gratuity included. Taxes should also be outlined so that you are not left in sticker shock. Many times, larger vendors carry their own insurance, but some venues will ask that you have your own insurance. You can speak with your insurance provider about adding this rider.

Music

DJs and/or bands often have specific instructions on what kind of music they play and when. Your basic contract should state the time they arrive and leave. Sometimes, weddings are still going strong at the time DJs planned to leave, so make sure you include charges or instructions in case this happens. If you want the party shut down no matter what at that exact time, make sure it is in writing so you don’t get a random charge should the DJ decide to stay. Make sure they include details on their equipment and its use at the venue. There are usually clauses that include how the musicians comply with the venue and its rules.

Flowers

Wedding florals can get tricky. Make sure the florist knows exactly what type of flowers you want and how large you want them. If they show up with tiny white flowers and you were envisioning rows of huge blossoming white flowers, you have a problem. Take the time to meet with the florist and discuss your exact vision and expectations.

You should both be clear on the amount of flowers you will need for bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres. Centerpieces and other decorative flower pieces should also be accounted for. If you need vases or additional ribbon, this should be included in the contract. The florist cannot be held accountable for accessories just because you think something is obvious. Keep in mind that weather can be a factor in just how perfect flowers turn out for your wedding, so make sure there is something about weather in the contract. Since flower availability can easily vary, list any substitutions just in case something happens.

The post What You Need to Know About Wedding Vendor Contracts appeared first on Weddingbee.

Shortly after you’ve said yes to the ring, you will undoubtedly have moments in which someone asks when the big day is. Whether you’ve thought about this very question for years or you haven’t thought about it all until you got engaged, setting the date for the wedding is without a doubt one of the biggest decisions you will make during your wedding planning. It can set the theme and ambiance—and maybe even the cost of your big event. So, how do you choose when your wedding will be? What sorts of things will you need to take into account? How will it affect the rest of the plans? Here are a few ways to help you and your future spouse decide what time of year to get married.

Decide What Season Suits You

Sometimes the best way to choose a wedding date is just to figure out what season you love and feel the most comfortable with. Do you like to spend your days soaking up the sun by the water? If so, a summer date might be the best time of year for you. Do you daydream of wearing thick sweaters and sipping cider by the fire? Well then, it sounds like a fall wedding might be in order. Are you counting down the days until you can go skiing or build a snowman? Consider getting married in the midst of a winter wonderland. Do you love when everything blooms and the weather starts to warm up? A spring wedding might just be in your future. Choosing a season you love will make you more relaxed, which is exactly what the bride should be aiming for on her wedding day.

Choose a Significant Day

Many couples choose the time of year they get married based on a special day in their relationship (such as the anniversary of a first date), or maybe even a special day in their family (like a grandparents’ or parents’ anniversary). Some cultures, such as the Japanese, even have some days that are lucky and unlucky to get married. If you and your betrothed decide to go with a significant date, be sure to note it in your wedding program or have the minister mention it during the ceremony. Little details like this make your wedding more unique and memorable for your guests.

Choose a Holiday

If you want to set your wedding apart, consider choosing a holiday for your wedding date. A New Year’s Eve wedding could be a romantic way to ring in the year with friends and family, or maybe you could plan an Independence Day wedding that would end with a night of looking at the fireworks. There are many holidays (such as Labor Day or Memorial Day) that provide people with three-day weekends that are a great opportunity for those who need to travel to the wedding and who maybe need an extra day to recover after the festivities. While this may not work for everyone, a holiday wedding could be a fun and unforgettable way to say “I do.”

Check with the Wedding Party’s Schedule

Another way to determine what time of year you get married is to check in with the bridal party on what dates will and won’t work with their schedules. Of course, you have to ultimately decide based on what’s best for you and your future spouse, but it’s always good to have a list of dates to avoid such as around Tax Day, around the holidays, at the beginning of the school year or at a busy time in work schedules. Though you can’t accommodate everyone’s schedule perfectly, it’s always best to check with your wedding party to make sure that they can all be in attendance on the big day.

Determine What’s Best for Your Budget

The most popular months to get married are June, August, September, and October. Because of this popularity, these months will be more competitive—and therefore more expensive. Picking a wedding date during the “off season” could end up saving you some money. If you are sticking to a strict budget, this could be the biggest determiner in setting the date. However, be mindful of the convenience for you and your guests. For example, if you live in the South, it may not be wise to schedule a wedding during the dead of summer. Or if you live in the Northeast, it may not make sense to schedule a wedding during peak blizzard season.

Choose What Works for You

Whatever date you decide to go with, remember that it’s your decision. Family and friends will love to gather with you to celebrate your marriage no matter what time of the year, so be confident that whatever season you choose, it will be a great time for a wedding!

The post How to Decide What Time of Year to Get Married appeared first on Weddingbee.

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While most couples know that having a schedule for the wedding itself is a good idea, it’s also not the worst idea to make some detailed schedules for the whole week. Everything in the lead-up to the wedding will be done with a combination of excited emotions and many, many well-wishers, so being able to refer to that schedule can be a real help to staying on track and not wasting time. Here are some sections of a wedding week schedule that you might find useful as you plan for your own big day.

Make Sure You’re Prepared for Guest Arrivals

If you want anything to be ready when people arrive at homes or hotels, schedule a time to get it into position early, whether it’s something as necessary as a sturdy handrail for older family coming up steps or welcome baskets delivered to hotel rooms. Such ideas can be fun when the wedding is months away, but they need a specific moment to be done. If possible, schedule time with one or two nearby bridesmaids for a week before to make sure you aren’t assembling gifts or activity suggestions for travelers a week before the big day.

Plan for the Informal Moments

It’s good to figure out what you and your guests will be doing within the lead-up to the big day when you’re not at pre-wedding events or finishing last-minute craft projects or tasks. Make a plan for the time between when everyone arrives and the first official wedding event. Even if you know some guests will have their own activities planned, you can be a good host by providing a list of local activites and sites to see should anyone be arriving a day or two before the wedding itself.

Also think about what you want to do as well: would a pedicure with your sister make you happiest? Do you need to plan time for a nice long run or yoga session to calm your nerves? Make sure you schedule in self-care because other activities may crowd it out otherwise.

Focus on Key Transitions for the Day-Of

Often this part of the schedule is handled by a wedding planner, but for your own sanity it might be nice to have a copy yourself. The biggest key in this schedule is for the people who are responsible for each transition, such as the bride walking down the aisle or the announcement that the cake is being cut. If you don’t have a planner, make sure everyone knows their personal cues to keep things moving at the pace you desire.

Don’t Forget About Rehearsal Details

Rather than starting your schedule with the rehearsal itself, schedule all the things you’ll need to prepare for it, including transportation for everyone involved, maps and/or directions for getting from the ceremony venue to the restuarant, and transportaiton for any physical items that need to be on hand for the rehearsal and dinner. Make a plan for when you intend to slip out to make sure you get some shut-eye before the big day, too.

Leave the Day-Of Schedule with a Trusted Friend

For afternoon and evening weddings, the morning of a wedding can look very different: some people are busy decorating their venue while others can do that on a previous day, and many last-minute tasks may start to pile up. Having a good schedule will help you make sure that every item is assigned to a willing volunteer and gets checked off the list. Having a trusty friend hold on to the list while you are pulled in many directions is a great idea.

By making sure that your wedding week is scheduled, you are actually more free to enjoy your experiences with friends, family, and your fiance, knowing that you aren’t forgetting anything and everything will happen in good time.

The post How to Make Your Wedding Week Schedule appeared first on Weddingbee.

Wedding dresses, wedding dresses, wedding dresses! Sometimes the search can take months. Then you find the perfect dress—it’s got the detail and neckline you so desperately wanted. So you buy it. You spend hundreds or thousands for that one beautiful moment when you walk down the aisle and everyone oohs and ahhs. Then suddenly, your moment is gone! The dress has served its purpose. So what do you do with it? There are many answers to this question. Some keep it for future generations or for the memories. Others may decide to get some of their investment back and sell it. Some even trash the dress with paint or roll in the mud with it on (I’m not kidding). But if you do decide to sell your wedding dress, here are some things you might want to know about the process.

You Won’t Get all Your Money Back

When it comes to reselling any item of clothing, you have to lower your expectations a bit on what you’ll get back from the initial purchase. Chances are, you won’t get the full amount you paid for it, including fees and alterations especially. Once you’ve bought that dress and worn it, the dress is now used. It’s sort of like a car: once you drive it off the lot, its value depreciates. My advice here is really simple: don’t overlist. If you price the item too high, you won’t get any money back at all because no one will buy it. They’ll see that the dress has a price tag similar to a new dress and click away from your listing.

Here’s the thing: people who are shopping for used wedding dresses don’t want to pay full price. If they did, they would just buy a new dress. Try to put yourself in the shoes of someone trying to find a good deal. Of course, you want to price the dress so that you make a good deal yourself, but just don’t go crazy with it.

The Better it Looks, the Better Response You’ll Get

If you take a low light picture of the dress hanging on your dirty closet door, you might not get as much response as you could. With a better photo and more effort into making the dress look presentable, you could get a lot more views and more potential buyers. If you were looking for a dress yourself, would you jump on one that looked gross or would you purchase one that had lots of pictures and looked basically new?

If you’re absolutely not a talented photographer, try this: hang your dress on a blank wall near a window. The pictures will turn out great because there is no clutter in the frame and the natural light from the window will make all the details easily visible. People want to know what kind of product they’d be getting if they bought your dress. Anticipate all of your potential buyer’s questions and answer all of them with lovely pictures and lots of description.

Be as Descriptive as Possible in Your Listing

Speaking of descriptions, you should try to be as detailed as you can about your dress listing. I’m serious—don’t leave anything out! Buyers want to know about every button and decorative stitch. Description is great for customers, but it’s also a good idea to help with visibility of the listing itself. A lot of sites use hashtags or your descriptions to group dress listings into search categories. The more you accurately describe your dress, the more categories your dress will be listed under. This is good because it means more online traffic to your listing. If you get lots of people to look at your listing and you’ve taken great pictures of it, chances are someone will bite.

You Won’t Get it Back

You know this: once you sell your dress, there’s no going back (at least with most sites). Spend time really deciding whether selling your wedding dress is the best option for you. You can always sell it later. They say within the first couple years of your wedding, your dress is worth the most because it’s still in fashion. But even this time frame gives you a moment to pause and really think about what you’re doing. Some keep their dresses because they want their future children to wear it if they so choose, and some just want to put it on occasionally and dance around in it. Whatever the reason, you might end up deciding to keep the dress. Give the decision a few weeks and at the end of those weeks if you still are sure you’re fine with letting it go, then go ahead and list it!

Selling your wedding dress is big. Sometimes the money you gain from selling it is even bigger! You may use it to fund part of your honeymoon or start the process of buying a new house. Whatever your reasoning, take comfort in the fact that somewhere out there, someone is marrying the love of their life and adding more beautiful memories to your dress.

The post Selling Your Wedding Dress? Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on Weddingbee.

On a typical summer beach outing, you make sure to take along all the essentials including sunscreen, cool beverages, sunglasses, and a good book. The beach is the perfect place to relax, but you have to be prepared in order to make the most out of it because if you don’t, it could mean sitting in the sand sunburnt, wet, cold, and hungry. The same goes for a beach wedding. With the proper preparation, saying your vows on the sand against the sound of the waves is an ocean breeze.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

If you’re planning a beach wedding, one of the first things on your mind is probably what you’re going to wear, as it’s usually different than what couples wear who are getting married in more traditional venues.

For clothing, you will want something semi-formal as opposed to a full-on wedding dress and tuxedo. Large, heavy dresses will suffer from the sand and spray and will simply be too hot for comfort in most beach weather. For men, the same goes for a tuxedo and even traditional suit. Instead, consider a more minimal dress in lightweight fabrics and maybe even shorter lengths. For men consider ditching the jacket altogether in favor of a simple buttoned shirt or vest combination. This will give you both less sweat and stress, as well as less complicated clean-up later.

Usually, it’s better for a bride on the beach to wear an up-do if she has longer hair, or at least pull the hair back away from her face. This will eliminate hair tangling as a result of the ocean breeze and the constant need to brush it out of your face for photos. For shoes, sandals are almost always a good choice, or consider staying barefoot! Typical “wedding” shoes can slow you down in the sand and just feel awkward.

Consider Public vs Private Beaches and Accessibility

Depending where on the beach you go and when, you might notice a lack of parking spaces for you and your guests. Make sure during planning that you take this into account. Sometimes, it’s better to choose to be wed at a tropical resort over a normal beach to avoid this problem completely. Or if you do choose to have the wedding take place on a public beach, consider a low season date. This way parking and space are ample, while people are not. It also helps to pick a spot you are familiar with instead of a completely new place, so you know what to expect the day of.

A public beach is just that: public. So, when you arrive on your wedding day (or rehearsal day) you might see that other people have already snagged your location. With a beach wedding, you risk having strangers in close proximity to your ceremony and guests. If you’re choosing to have your wedding ceremony at a public beach, this is something you’ll just have to accept.

When considering your wedding guests, be sure to take accessibility into account. Chairs, rails, and helpers can make a beach wedding possible for people who may have trouble getting around. Speaking of helpers: if you are able to hire a wedding planner, look specifically for someone who has experience with beach weddings. Their advice during planning could be priceless and save you from many headaches.

Realize that Beach Weather Can Be Unpredictable

When setting your date, do some research to plan around the weather. But since beach weather can be completely unpredictable, do what you can to prepare. If the weather was supposed to be one way but turns out another, know it is out of your control and don’t let it ruin your fun! If you do get the ideal conditions, ensure that guests aren’t facing the sun during your nuptials. If there is no way of avoiding the rays or you just want to be extra careful, provide pairs of sunglasses and / or sunshades.

If you enjoy spending time at the beach as a couple, such a location can be the perfect wedding ceremony venue—if you leave make the right preparations. Allow yourself to remember why you chose to have your wedding at the beach, and it will be pure bliss.

The post How to Have a Stress-Free Beach Wedding appeared first on Weddingbee.

Let them eat cake! Guests may be happily dancing and toasting to their newly married friends at the reception, but food is always on everyone’s mind, especially cake and dessert. Fortunately, there are several ways you can cut your spending when it comes to dessert at the wedding, without giving up too much. My husband and I knew we wanted to have lots of desserts for our 250 guests, but we also knew we didn’t want it to break the bank. There are a lot of tips and tricks we learned that will ensure you get the most goodies for the smallest price.

The Traditional Wedding Cake

There are many tips and tricks to saving money on the centerpiece of your reception menu. Wedding cake is usually priced by the slice, so you can cut down on the amount you need by telling your baker it must serve about 25 people less than your actual guest list; not every guest will have a piece. You can also supplement the cake with more cost-effective desserts to make up the difference, too. We had the cake and a few other options, and while there wasn’t a crumb to be found at the end of the night, we never heard complaints about anyone going home hungry.

The biggest cost saver is a “behind the scenes” sheet cake. Decoration of a huge, elegant wedding cake is what eats up a large part of the cost, and a plain sheet cake can taste just as good at a fraction of the cost. Your wedding cake can still be several tiers high, but the secret is to make some of those tiers fake. Then, you have the illusion of a huge, beautiful cake when what the guests will actually eat is being cut into slices from the sheet cake.

Also, don’t be afraid to communicate your budget to your baker. I saved a lot of money on my beautiful cake by giving the baker artistic freedom and she found ways to make it look amazing without the extra cost. I told her I wanted a tall, white cake with roses and she went wild and made that cake into a piece of art. She saved me money by getting some leftover roses from my florist, cutting them down and placing them in a cascading fashion around the cake. Real flowers actually cut costs by saving the baker time and resources from having to construct detailed flowers from fondant or icing. Details add time and time adds money.

Shape also adds money, so keep it simple! If you want a wedding cake made to look like a white swan, you’re going to reach deeper into your pockets. Extra layers of icing must be added as well as extra ingredients.

A Candy Buffet

It’s a genius idea to pair together wedding favors and dessert. Adding a candy buffet means guests can happily customize their goody bags to eat at the wedding or take home. Candy can get expensive when you’re buying multiple bags, so try to hit the sales after any holiday. Our wedding was in July, so I shopped the “Day After Easter” candy sales with a vengeance, stocking up on jelly beans, Starbursts, and Skittles. This might not be the best way to buy chocolate, however. If you want it, buy some closer to the actual wedding date and be careful with the temperature as you store it so it doesn’t melt.

Place the candy in glass containers with serving spoons, which you can find at the dollar store as well as cheap glass containers. The goody bags can be bought at the dollar store as well and personalized with cute tags you can print from home.

The Groom’s Cake

This is primarily a tradition in the Southern United States, so you may opt out of a groom’s cake altogether. However, if you do choose to have this in addition to the main wedding cake, remember that it doesn’t have to be nearly as elaborate. We went all out on the beauty of the bride’s wedding cake, so we wanted to make sure the groom’s cake was just plain tasty. If you know someone who makes amazing desserts, ask them if they would be willing to bake a groom’s cake for the wedding, which isn’t the main attraction so it doesn’t have to be an intricate masterpiece.

Since my husband’s mother bakes a mean, moist cake, we asked her to make us a few regularly sized cakes for our guests in different flavors. My mother-in-law isn’t an artist ,so there wasn’t going to be any elaborate decoration. We just added some of the leftover roses from the wedding cake to dress it up without spending an extra dime.

Other Dessert Hits

Pies are a great alternative dessert because they aren’t too hard to make and are pretty affordable. You just have to be careful about choosing fruit that is in season. Pies are a huge hit at rustic weddings for that extra special touch.

Doughnuts at weddings are all the rage right now. (Haven’t you heard of people standing in a line for hours to get their hands on a gourmet doughnut?!) They’re basically the new cupcake, and they are usually less expensive.

Mini bundt cakes are another fun, cute dessert option. Many times guests will even share one of these, so you don’t need one cake per guest. Cupcakes are another popular dessert choice. Note that a cupcake is often the same serving as a slice of cake and will be enough for many.

The post Money-Saving Tips for a Wedding Dessert Budget appeared first on Weddingbee.

While most couples don’t even want to think about the chance of rain on their special day, it’s better to prepare for the worst than try to deal with it as it happens. If you’re busy scheduling a spring, fall, or even winter wedding, accept that there might be rain and consider the ways you can handle it.

1. Make Plans

Hosting an outdoor wedding can be absolutely gorgeous; full-greenery, blue skies, and twinkling stars complete the perfect backdrop for any occasion. But considering most wedding dates are set months in advance, you can never predict how the weather will turn out. In fact, you probably couldn’t predict it even a few days away. That’s why it’s best to make plans in case your perfect sunshine-y day turns gray. You might even want to consider it for an indoor wedding too, for those much anticipated outdoor photographs and the journey from your lodging to the venue.

2. Purchase Wedding Insurance

Wedding insurance won’t brighten the weather, but it might brighten your spirits. Having insurance for your wedding could save you a lot of stress if the weather turns for the worse. For example, if you need to cancel your wedding due to terrible weather, such as a hurricane, a wedding insurance policy will usually cover it. Wedding insurance covers a multitude of things including if your ceremony or reception site is damaged or inaccessible because of bad weather. If this happens, they should cover the cost of rescheduling the weddings and all the details involved.

3. Include Rain Cards in the Invitations

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, you really should include rainy day cards as an insert for your invitations. These cards should describe any alternate plans you have in place for your wedding in case it gets rained out.

4. Water-Proof Your Makeup and Hair

No bride wants her hair to frizz or makeup to run. There are a few tips and tricks you can use when doing your own wedding makeup. For starters, make sure to use primer on your skin after cleaning it to help make your makeup last longer. You should also use waterproof makeup (which is a given for any teary-eyed bride), but also make sure you use an invisible powder to set your makeup once it’s done. Finally, there are makeup sprays you can purchase that help set and seal your makeup for the day. When it comes to your hair, just make sure you use a humidity resistant hairspray.

Of course, if you plan on hiring a professional makeup artist and hairstylist, they probably already know all the tips and tricks for long-lasting makeup and hair, even in wet weather. You might want to ask them if they can stay for touch-ups though, if that’s an option.

5. Rent a Tent

You should research tent rentals ahead of time. That way if Mother Nature decides to rain on your parade, you’ll be ready. Just make sure you ask the tent rental company if they have an emergency phone line for events in progress or same-day rush orders available. If it fits in your budget, it might even be a good idea to rent one ahead of time either way. It never hurts to have somewhere shaded and dry to hangout during an outdoor wedding. And if you’re hosting your wedding at an outdoor venue, they might already have a back-up plan in place for these situations, so be sure to ask.

6. Get Umbrellas and Boots

Assuming you will be able to tell if your wedding day is going to get rained out ahead of time (even if it’s just the night before), you could always purchase cute rain boots and umbrellas for your wedding party and guests. There are a lot of adorable options when it comes to rain boots. Whether they have floral prints or polka dots, you should be able to find something that goes well with your bridesmaids’ dresses.

Having umbrellas to offer your guests is a kind gesture as well, for those who didn’t think to bring their own. They don’t have to be big or expensive, as long as they keep you dry. However, you can of course get fancy when it comes to your own umbrellas as the bride and groom. Adding umbrellas and rain boots to your wedding gives you the opportunity to have some fun, so why not?

7. Have Towels on Hand

By the start of the day you should have an idea if there’s a chance of rain. If there is, consider bringing some towels along for you and your guests. Even with umbrellas available, it helps to have something to dry off with, even if it’s just to wipe off a few drops of water on your shoulders or down your back.

8. Have Fun with the Photography

There are a lot of gorgeous shots of rainy weddings, so have no fear–you can still capture beautiful photos of your special day even when it’s wet outside. When looking for a photographer, it might be helpful to ask them if they know what to do in case it does rain. An experienced wedding photographer should not only know what to do, but how to get creative with your photos by using the rain and lighting to their advantage.

9. Go with the Flow

We have no control of the weather, but we can control how we handle it. If your picture-perfect sunny wedding day turns cloudy, don’t let it dampen your spirits. Instead, accept it for what it is, go with the flow and have fun!

The post 9 Tips for Making a Rainy Wedding Day Work appeared first on Weddingbee.

If you’re big into crafting, then you’ve probably considered DIYing at least some parts of your wedding celebration. From the food to the décor, your crafty touches could be everywhere—but just pause for a second before putting your hands to work. There are some major pitfalls and hazards to avoid when it comes to wedding DIY projects. Don’t let your hobby create more stress and hassle than you can handle! Here’s our best tips for DIYing your wedding without losing your mind.

1. Don’t Be a Perfectionist

Your bridal party and family will thank you. If you get too caught up in the details, you let the crafts get the better of you. Getting super nitpicky is a surefire way to frustrate everyone including yourself—which is not how you want to start off your big day.

2. Don’t Go too Big

By big, we mean literally. For some reason, when it comes to DIY weddings, people go a little crazy on the ideas. You made a two-story statue of you and your fiancé? Well, how are you going to get your masterpiece to the venue? Don’t get carried away, and you won’t have to fret over the logistics of your projects.

3. Don’t Get in Over Your Head

Don’t go too crazy with the amount of projects you take on. Be reasonable about what you can accomplish and set yourself up for success. When you overcommit, you can’t put your best work forward. Remember that your guests will appreciate quality, not quantity.

4. Don’t Make a Ton for Certain Areas and None for Others

Let’s say you make really cute table place cards and name tags, but don’t make anything else for the reception to help carry out your theme. This will make your DIY décor seem a bit out of place. By spreading out your ideas, your little DIY touches will be everywhere. Your guests will be impressed and immersed in the awesome feel you’ve created.

5. Don’t Use Multiple Themes

It’s really easy to go Pinterest-crazy and want to make all the things from all different styles, but it’s really not advised. You’re asking for stress with all the chaos and added cost from buying a wider set of supplies. Furthermore, the aesthetic will be much more cohesive if you stick to one theme. If you let yourself go all over the place, you’ll have a lot of crafts from all different looks. This is OK if you’re going for an eclectic feel, but most prefer to focus their efforts on one specific look to make it the best atmosphere possible!

6. Do Make Enough Quality Items

Make enough stuff that you love so that if one thing goes wrong, it’s not that big of a deal. Let’s say you make table cards, but the wind is blowing them all away. Disaster, right? Wrong. Your table chart is on point, so the cards are just a bonus.

7. Do Make Interactive Crafts

A good party really comes down the personalization. If you want your guests to feel valued at your wedding, you’ll create opportunities for them to feel like they were thought of. Good news, a DIY wedding is the perfect setting for just such a scenario.

I was recently in my cousin’s travel-themed wedding, and she had a lot of amazing crafts. One of the coolest things was her paper airplane section. She had this adorable vintage picture frame with instructions on how to fold a paper airplane. Along with this was a large board, decorated, with holes in it. The goal was to fold your own airplane and try to throw through the holes for points. The planes fit in with the travel theme and it was a neat feature. It’s the little touches and opportunities for your guests to experience that will make the event that much more enjoyable and memorable.

You don’t have to do something this time-consuming, especially if you have hundreds of guests, but there are lots of other opportunities to personalize. Use your keen DIY senses to figure out how to make your guests feel like you thought of them.

8. Do Involve Your Party and Friends in the Making

Release the reins a little bit and let your friends and family help you get your projects done. If you’re truly doing a DIY wedding, you’re probably already feeling overwhelmed with all you have to do by hand. Any crafter knows these things take a long time. If you try to do it all on your own you will probably burn out, so plan for some crafting sessions with friends who won’t mind helping you out. Lure them with wine and snacks and put those hands to work.

If you follow these guidelines for wedding crafting, you can pull it off! I know personally what it’s like to be the glue-covered crafter in the middle of the night, rushing to get multiple different projects done. So, don’t forget what you’ve learned today and DIY your wedding with grace!

The post 8 Tips for DIYing Your Wedding appeared first on Weddingbee.

The average cost of a wedding in the United States is between $20,000 and $35,000. For the majority of us, that’s a lot of money to spend on one day—which is why so many couples are opting to go the DIY route.

No doubt, having a DIY wedding can save you thousands in the long run, and many projects are worth the time spent to cut costs. However, not all projects are cost-effective; some can actually cost you a lot more than just hiring a pro! If your DIY wedding goal is to save money, avoid these expensive projects:

Linens

For some people, the idea of making their tablecloths, runners, and napkins might seem like a good way to cut on costs. What they don’t realize is that the price of nice fabric is quite costly when you don’t buy in bulk, costing around five dollars or more per yard. That adds up pretty quickly when you need 100 yards or more. And that doesn’t even include the price of thread and other things necessary for sewing projects.

Assuming you’re looking to DIY linens because neither your venue nor caterer provide any, just know that it’s a lot cheaper to buy them. Even renting linens can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 per table depending on the material and size. A lot of people manage to buy tablecloths for their wedding in bulk for around $200 total. Once the wedding is over, you can wash and re-sell them to get a portion of your money back.

Dinnerware

Some people like the idea of using vintage plates from yard sales and thrift stores, but if you’re doing this to save money, you might want to rethink your choice. Trying to find matching plates will leave you more frustrated than just seeing the bill at the end, and even using mixed plates will add up quicker than you think

In order to buy enough plates just for dinner, you will have to hit up a lot of places, as most sales won’t have more than a handful. In most thrift stores, dinner plates often go for about a dollar each. While that doesn’t sound like much, you can rent a dinner plate for a third of that price from many special event rental companies. And you won’t have to worry about washing them before or after the event!

Decorations

In most cases, decorations are an easy DIY wedding project you can do for very little cost. However, it’s easy for DIY decor to take over your budget. Craft supplies aren’t always cheap and it can be very easy to get carried away!

If you’re not someone who already crafts regularly, you might have to go out and buy all the supplies needed to get started. You also risk wasting money on failed projects. A lot of DIY decorations look easier to make than they actually are, and if it doesn’t work out, you won’t want to display sloppy work at your wedding. Be realistic with what you are capable of doing, and make sure to add up the cost of supplies before running to the craft store to make sure your DIY decorations are actually going to save you in the long run.

Floral Arrangements

Creating your own floral arrangements is one DIY you may want to leave to the professionals, and here’s why. First of all, flowers are delicate and need to be cared for just right. If you purchase them too soon, they could die before your wedding, which would be a waste. If you purchase them really close to the time of, you’re going to have a lot of last-minute work to do. On top of that, you might not even save much on the cost of flowers. Florists typically buy their stock in bulk and receive wholesale prices. As a retail consumer, you’re going to be paying more for the same product.

Hiring a florist is going to save you a ton of hassle, and since they’re experienced your floral arrangements are guaranteed to look good. If you’re worried about fitting flowers into your budget, don’t be afraid to be very honest about what you can afford and find someone who’s willing to work within that figure range.

Photography

No doubt, hiring a photographer can be super expensive. On average, many wedding photographers charge $2,000 or more. As such, a lot of people consider forgoing the price of a photographer to enlist a few friends to capture their day.

This is a big mistake. Chances are, your photos are not going to turn out as good as you want them to and you won’t be able to get that opportunity back. On top of that, unless you or someone you know already owns a quality DSLR camera combined with various lenses, you’re looking at thousands of dollars just in equipment rental to try to capture your moments with quality. Then, consider the cost of photo editing software and the cost of prints and you’re looking at even more money. Photographers are expensive for a reason, and they’re worth the price compared to doing it yourself.

The post When Is Wedding DIY Not Cost-Effective? appeared first on Weddingbee.

A bridesmaid’s journey is fraught with hurdles and expectations. As a bridesmaid, you have to constantly balance between the bride’s vision and your own limitations. There are a lot of decisions to be made as a bridesmaid. Where will you get your dress altered? What type of shoe should you buy? Who should you flirt with at the wedding? And lastly: should you take the bride up on her offer of a professional makeup artist? There are ups and downs to getting your makeup done professionally for the big day. Let’s take a look at them.

Does a Professional Makeup Artist Fit in Your Budget?

Money: the root of all evil or happiness? Whether you have some to spare or not might weigh into your decision on this one. It’s true that you should probably stick to what everyone else is doing, but if all the other bridesmaids are willing to spend a lot, does that mean you should? If the bride has left this decision up to you, you’ll want to take your wallet into consideration. How much do you anticipate spending on this wedding? Did the dress cost you a pretty penny? Is it possible you could do it yourself or have someone else do it for free? If so, you may want to think about how good “free” can feel when all is said and done.

Consider Time Management on the Wedding Day

When you’re in a wedding, time management is crucial. There are often events leading up to the wedding day, and that doesn’t take into account the traveling you might need to get to everything. You have to think about your energy levels and what kind of time you’re able to give to the wedding. Getting your makeup done professionally will probably take a big chunk of time on the actual day. Usually, there’s an early call time the bridal party has to adhere to for everyone to get their hair and makeup done, which you may be able to avoid if you do it yourself.

Just Because it’s Professional Doesn’t Mean You’ll Like the Result

Consider this: you might end up taking the time and spending the money to get your makeup done professionally—and then hate the end result. It might be better to do your own makeup if you want more control. Just be honest with yourself!

Are you the kind of person that doesn’t like a lot of makeup? It might be hard to get the balance right. A lot of times, a makeup artist is thinking full glam. You may have to negotiate and clearly explain what you want, and run the chance that it still may not be what you were looking for. Keep in mind that the bride gets a trial run on her makeup—but bridesmaids do not. Take this into consideration when thinking about professional vs DIY.

Be Honest About Your Own Makeup Skills

The best time to hire a professional is when you have no idea what you’re doing. It’s one thing to DIY, but it’s another to DIY and mess it up, especially on the wedding day. (Not everyone is a YouTube makeup guru!) A professional may be able to give you that look you always try to give yourself, but simply can’t. Give yourself a break and be honest if you probably can’t do this yourself.

Consider What the Bride Would Be Happy With

While you’re definitely considering yourself and all the money and time it takes to have your makeup done professionally, what about the bride? Chances are she’s the kind who appreciates the assurance of a professional’s work. It’s calming for a bride to know that her bridesmaids will be taken care of and the job will look professional. You may want to go ahead and book that makeup appointment just to help out the bride with her peace of mind.

Take Advantage of the Indulgence and Relaxation

When you get a service done versus DIYing it, there’s just an inherent peace about it. DIY is great when you have the time and patience, but why shouldn’t you get the star treatment alongside your friend on such a special day in her life? You want to wake up, put on your bridesmaid robe and sip a mimosa while someone paints your face. You’ve worked hard (and partied hard) for this wedding and you deserve to be treated!

When you’re standing up there in front of all the wedding guests, are you going to be happy you spent the money on a professional, or are you going to be fuming that the process took too long? Are you thinking, “I should have just done this myself!” Or will you be blissfully enjoying the ceremony with a DIY face? It’s hard to know and it all depends on your personal circumstances. Figure out where you land on the spectrum of money and skill and make your best decision based on what you read above. Happy makeup-ing!

The post Should You DIY Bridesmaid Makeup or Hire a Pro? appeared first on Weddingbee.

The average wedding now costs about $35,000 a pop, so naturally you might be looking at creative ways to cut costs. Luckily, DIY projects are still a huge trend in weddings and are a great way to save you some major cash and keep you well below max budget. However, just because you can DIY a project doesn’t mean that you should. Don’t go overboard on DIY projects and stay up until 3 a.m. the eve before your wedding to bake your own wedding cake. Keep it simple with these six items to DIY instead of buy, and leave the rest of the wedding up to the experts.

1. Wedding Favors

You could buy some cute personalized wedding favors online, but after the shipping costs and price markups, this is definitely a project that is easy and cheap enough to justify its own DIY.

For a whimsical and bohemian wedding, make up a few batches of jam over the stove and put them in cute little jars with a personalized tag to give to your guests as they leave. Or, for a wedding reception that will be a huge party, pack a cute and kitschy little hangover kit for your guests—complete with ibuprofen, Gatorade, and a power bar (which will come in handy for those who are traveling home the next day). A kid-friendly wedding calls for the old standby of a make-your-own goody bag with candies that are in your wedding’s colors. Stock an area of the reception hall with pretty vases, some scoops, and plastic candy bags with twisty ties so that your guests can have a sweet treat on the way home.

2. Desserts that Accompany the Cake

Unless you are a professional baker, you might not want all the pressure of making your own wedding cake. However, there’s no sense in paying a bakery’s exorbitant prices to fill out the dessert table when you have a perfectly good oven. You’ll want to have other dessert options for those who don’t like cake (or for those who have a serious sweet tooth), but the desserts don’t necessarily have to be fancy. For a spring or summer wedding, bake a few fruit pies or make some individual fruit turnovers for a sweet and flaky after-dinner treat. For a fall or winter wedding, make caramel covered apples, pumpkin rolls, or have a DIY s’mores bar for a cozy outdoor wedding.

3. Homemade Photo Booth

Renting a photo booth is a fun and easy way to get guests moving around and having fun at your reception—the only downside is that they can often be a huge expense. Skip the rental and create your own photo booth by making a background with ribbons or paper streamers in your wedding colors. Make or buy props at a thrift store for your guests to wear in the photographs as well.

As for the actual camera, you could either have your guests take their own photos on their phones, or you could provide a simple point and shoot camera on a tripod for them to use. Upload all of the photos to social media after the wedding is over or print them out and mail to your guests along with your thank you note.

4. Decorations

Decorations are probably one of the easiest things to DIY and also one of the best wedding projects you can do way ahead of time. Depending on what your theme is, you can let your imagination go absolutely wild when creating decorations for your wedding. Some popular, yet easy and cheap, decorations are banners with your last name, ribbon garlands, chalkboard or wood signs, terrarium centerpieces, and stacked book centerpieces for the couple who loves to read. Of course, you can go to Pinterest or read a number of online tutorials for advice on making your own wedding decorations, but don’t be afraid to get creative and make something that’s truly original and reflects your personalities.

5. Photo Album Guestbook

Though the traditional guestbook is nice, it can seem a little old fashioned and generic for the eclectic and unique modern wedding. Create a photo album with pictures of the two of you and leave enough space for your guests to sign each individual page with a message. A photo album is something that you’ll cherish and actually be something that you’ll want to flip through on an anniversary or whenever you want to remember your special day.

6. Table Numbers and Place Cards

If you have a specific seating arrangement in mind for your guests, creating table numbers and place cards is a cinch. All you need to do is have a word processing program on your computer, a design idea, and some cardstock. If you’d really like to step it up a notch, you can get more creative than paper and use anything from books to small DIY flags to let guests know where they’ll spend the evening celebrating.

The post 6 Wedding Things to DIY Instead of Buy appeared first on Weddingbee.

So, you’re getting married! Besides planning for the perfect ceremony and reception, there’s one more important and exciting event to consider: the honeymoon! Your honeymoon is the ultimate vacation; if you have a dream destination or activity, now’s the time to head out and do it! And the possibilities are endless. You could take a trip overseas or to a tropical island or—if you’re the extra adventurous type—go on a road trip with your new spouse! Although at first glance a road trip might not be the most exotic or exciting of honeymoons, it can actually be one of the most wonderful options for your first trip as a married couple, and here’s why!

Freedom

Going on a road trip for your honeymoon means you have ultimate freedom on everything involved: where you stay, what you do, what you eat, how long you’re on the road, when you leave, etc. Pretty much everything is up to you! Do you want to stay and hang out with all of your friends and family the morning after your big day? Do it! When you’re going on a road trip, you can leave when you want to! You can drive as far as you want to! You can even do as much advanced planning (or not) as you want to! A road trip gives you the ultimate in vacation assets—freedom and flexibility.

Do you love to relax on the beach? Ride giant roller coasters? Visit National Parks? See plays? Eat Thai food? Whatever you want to do and see, you can on a road trip. Plot a course or just see where the wind takes you! You can even theme your road trip. If you and your sweetheart know you love going to the movies, make it a mission to go to 10 different movie theaters along the way. Or if you know you want to spend lots of time relaxing, search online for the best spas along your planned route and visit as many as possible. Just because you’re on a road trip doesn’t mean it can’t be tailored to exactly what you love. In fact, it might be the easiest way to do precisely what suits you and your new spouse best.

Adventure

Road trips are the ultimate fuel for adventure. Their unpredictability and plethora of activity options make this a great choice for a fun-loving couple who wants to figure it out as they go along! Consider downloading an app like Roadside America or RoadTrippers to help find unique and interesting places to stop along the way. Half (or more) of the fun of a road trip is the time it takes to get to your destination, so don’t ignore the importance of seeing a road sign for a cool attraction and turning off the highway to check it out! What better way to start the adventure that is marriage than by exploring new places together?

Uninterrupted Time Together

Quite possibly the greatest benefit to choosing a road trip for your honeymoon is the enormous amount of one-on-one time you get to spend together! And not just time being in the same place, but talking, listening to music, telling stories, reliving your phenomenal wedding day, and getting to know each other even more than you ever have! There’s nothing better than spending a beautiful day with the windows down, wind blowing through your hair, belting music at the top of your lungs, or holding hands over the middle console while you tell each other childhood stories and embarrassing moments and tales of the trips you’ve taken and the ones you dream of taking someday. Do not underestimate the sheer magic that is spending hours upon hours of uninterrupted time together, especially at the start of your marriage!

Teamwork

Nothing will teach you teamwork and togetherness better than a good old-fashioned road trip. From choosing where to stay or who’s driving, to helping each other pack the car or helping the driver open a beverage or choosing a radio station that you both love, it is a HUGE bonding opportunity to work together in such a fun way. Especially after what can often be a stressful time with wedding planning, it’s really fun to get to work together on something where only the two of you have an opinion. The low-key, mellow vibe of a nice road trip honeymoon can be a really great contrast to the overwhelm of wedding planning.

When you’re deciding among the many wonderful choices for a honeymoon trip, consider the benefits of using this vacation time to take a road trip! Whether you like adventure, flexibility, or just spending lots of one-on-one time together, a road trip can be a great fit for many couples starting off their married lives! Happy adventuring!

The post Why a Road Trip Honeymoon May Be the Best Ever appeared first on Weddingbee.

Pinterest makes a DIY wedding look simple and easy. From the perfect invitations made by hand to the gourmet food that looks like Martha Stewart made it herself, a DIY wedding can seem a lot easier than it actually is in real life. There are many pros and cons to taking on the task of creating your own fairytale. It could end up being the wedding of your dreams—or you might want to jump out the window before the wedding bells even ring. Here’s some things to consider when it comes to DIYing a wedding.

Pro: DIY Keeps Costs Low

Not every couple has the means to throw money at all the necessary wedding expenditures. However, many venues have a minimum price ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 that you must spend on renting the location and supplying food/alcohol. Anything with the word “wedding” attached seems to triple the price as well: a normal cake becomes a $400 “wedding” cake. Even a simple white dress at the department store can skyrocket in price just by displaying it in the formalwear department. People know couples want a perfect wedding and will spend money to get it, so they cash in on that willingness.

Doing things yourself is a huge price saver. Designing and printing your own invitations can save hundreds of dollars. Buying flowers wholesale and arranging them yourself can actually save thousands! Decorations made by you and a few friends can cut costs drastically as well. Compare the prices of things already made on Etsy with the materials you would need to construct something similar on your own.

And that $400 wedding cake could be made for less than half the cost if you enlist help. Know someone who’s always sharing pictures of amazing birthday cakes they make for their kids? Call them up and see if you can collaborate on a delicious wedding cake!

Con: DIY Requires a Lot of Time

DIYing often isn’t expensive, but it does cost time. It’s almost impossible to throw a dream wedding together quickly on a small budget. Designing invitations, researching wholesale flower prices, making playlists for the reception, and searching for the perfect mason jars will take hours—there’s just no getting around that.

Keeping up with the wedding budget and to-do list can overwhelm a bride quickly. You need to understand that details take time. If you already know that the stress of making place cards and tying twine around every single wedding favor will likely have you pulling out your hair, it may be best to bring in the pros.

Con: You Might Procrastinate on DIYing

Taking on all of the details yourself can lead to stress, which in turn leads to procrastinating. It might seem easier to put things off until the last minute, but as mentioned previously, wedding details take lots of time and effort. Your hand can only address so many envelopes until it simply gives out! Pushing your to-do list’s limits might mean some things just won’t get done before the big day.

Pro: DIY Gives Your Wedding a Personal Touch

One of the best parts about doing things yourself is getting to put your fingerprint on every detail. The perfect personalized invitation in your mind can’t be found on any random website; centerpieces arranged by hand with special flowers and playlists filled with your favorite songs as a couple are details only you can bring to the wedding. Addressing 100 invitations in your own handwriting gives the wedding an extra touch that makes each guest feel special. Your wedding doesn’t have to look like every other wedding photo you’ve seen to be beautiful, and it shouldn’t if you want it to truly be yours!

Con: DIY May Cause Rifts in Relationships

Doing things yourself means enlisting the help of friends and family members rather than contracted workers. Make sure that anyone who has agreed to help out understands the time commitment and effort required to pull off your fairy tale. Loved ones often ask if they can help, but they don’t always understand just how much work you really need done. There may be a significant amount of pestering involved to keep everyone on track. If a friend volunteers to make 200 cupcakes, stay on his or her radar as the date approaches.

Trusting loved ones to cut out decorations and supply you with dinnerware might not be the best decision. There is often a fine line between friendships and working relationships, so tread lightly when using your loved ones as a resource.

Pro: DIYing with Others Creates Lasting Memories

Crafters love to get together to make seasonal decor or work on special projects, so the excitement of making wedding decor is like another realm of Heaven for them. Bonding together over creativity while you laugh and tell old stories creates lasting pre-wedding memories. Have a few glasses of wine and start a production line of crafts. Work with your computer whiz friend to design the invitations, get with your grandmother to find her best recipes, and utilize your mother’s sewing skills to make the perfect garter.

Con: DIY Can Easily Cause Stress

Magazines and websites make cute favors and decorations seem like child’s play. In reality, those paper flowers aren’t so easy to cut evenly, and those floral centerpieces have thorns slicing through your hands as you try to arrange them in a vase. Make sure you aren’t getting in over your head when you start choosing all the details because planning a wedding should be one of the best times of your life, not a stress fest!

The post The Pros and Cons of DIYing Your Wedding appeared first on Weddingbee.

A lot of couples opt for backyard weddings because of their affordability, intimacy, and opportunity for memorable experiences. Deciding to celebrate your special day in your own backyard definitely has its benefits! However, whether it’s your own house or a friend’s or family member’s, there is a lot to consider.

Keep Your Officiant in the Loop on the Venue

Be sure to let the officiant you want to hire know immediately that you are planning a backyard wedding. Not all officiants are willing to give you their blessing outside of their place of worship.

Ensure the Logistics of Your Space Make Sense

Choosing to host your wedding in a backyard, whether it’s yours or someone else’s, can seem like the perfect way to cut costs and make the day easier. In reality, backyard weddings have their own set of challenges, logistics being one of them.

Before you make a final decision to open your home to wedding guests, ensure your yard is actually big enough to accommodate all of the people you plan to invite. And not just your yard, but also your driveway! The logistics of your backyard as a wedding venue also includes the layout of the space, how many chairs and tables you can comfortably fit, where you can put the dance floor and DJ booth, and the overall flow.

Know What Permits and Insurance Are Required

Although paperwork is not the most exciting part of planning a wedding, it’s important to know which permits you need in order to host your wedding in a residential setting. What exact permits you need will depend on where you live. If you’re not sure, call your city and check. For some places, a liquor permit is required if you plan on serving alcohol.

Two other things to think about include insurance for your personal belongings and any rental equipment, liability insurance, and noise restrictions. Every city has their own local bylaws about allowable noise allocations, and specific hours for when outdoor music must be shut down.

Let Your Neighbors Know About Your Plans

Unless you live a fair distance from your closest neighbors, chances are that you need to take into consideration your neighborhood. Hosting a large party in your backyard could be a disturbance to those who live around you, whether it’s people parked on the street or loud noise. The polite thing to do is alert your neighbors well in advance that you’ll be hosting a backyard wedding so they aren’t shocked on the day-of, can plan for it, and even offer up their concerns for you to consider.

Make Sure You Have Enough Restrooms

Depending on how many guests are expected, you might need to rent a portable restroom to accommodate all their needs. For a backyard wedding with only 30-50 people attending, a house that has 2 or 3 bathrooms should be enough. However, if you have a guest list of 100 or more people, you’ll want to look into extra options. Luckily, there are fancier bathroom rental options available these days.

Take the Food and Food Prep into Consideration

As with any kind of party, food is a huge factor in keeping your guests happy. For smaller, more intimate weddings, a potluck dinner might be just right. Home cooking is also an option if you’re only expecting a small group of close friends and family. If you’re planning a larger guest list, you should consider hiring a caterer. That way, you don’t have to worry about cooking or even clearing the dishes, which will make the day so much more enjoyable for you. Make sure to work with the caterer in advance so they know if they’ll have use of the kitchen or will need to provide extra accommodations depending on your menu’s needs.

Don’t Forget About Lawn Care and Landscaping

Outdoor weddings offer gorgeous backdrops full of nature, but having a group of people in your yard can cause quite a bit of damage to your lawn. Expect to do some extra lawn care in the weeks after your wedding.

Before the wedding, remember to spruce up your yard since it will act as the backdrop to your celebration. Don’t forget to budget for this cost, but do consider that a beautiful backyard may require less money spent on decor. Sprucing up a yard for a wedding is often a win-win for many engaged couples. Also, don’t forget to budget your time for this aspect of wedding planning, as well. If you don’t have the time to do it yourself, consider hiring a professional landscaper.

Consider Hiring Vendors, Even if You Want to DIY Everything

A lot of people choose to do a backyard wedding because they want to DIY everything. This can be a really difficult task, especially if you don’t round up some help. Think of some things you might want to hire someone else to take care of, like a DJ. Planning a wedding is a big undertaking, but more importantly, you don’t want to be running around taking care of any surprise issues on the day-of. Vendors to consider hiring include a caterer, DJ or live band, photographer, florist, and baker.

Have a Backup Plan for Inclement Weather

You should always have a backup plan whenever you arrange an outdoor event in case of bad weather. If you’re planning on hosting a wedding in your backyard and it starts to rain, are you able to all go inside? Or will you rent tents? Plan this out well in advance so you don’t have to panic on the day of your wedding.

Have a Cleanup Plan

Usually when you have your wedding ceremony and reception at a venue, they take care of the cleanup. If you’re planning on hosting a wedding at your house, you need to figure out who’s going to take care of the cleanup afterwards. You could opt to do it yourself, but that wouldn’t be a very fun way to spend the first moments of your honeymoon. For a smaller wedding, consider enlisting the help of your close friends and family, or for a larger wedding, look into hiring a cleaning service to get it done.

The post How to Get Married in Your Own Backyard appeared first on Weddingbee.

You’ve just received an invitation to a wedding—congratulations! Most likely, you’re going to have a really good time. However, since you are an invited guest, there’s a few pitfalls possible at any wedding. With high expectations and a specific vision from the happy couple, you have an obligation to help to be part of the pleasant and memorable atmosphere. Here are a few basic ways to be the perfect wedding guest by following some proper etiquette.

RSVP as Quickly as Possible

After taking a moment to check your calendar and budget, consider your intentions—then let the couple know your RSVP. Many brides and grooms are choosing to have an online RSVP option, making it even easier to give them a heads-up that you are coming. Anyone who has put together a guest list and agonized over where to seat people at tables knows that it is such a blessing to know as soon as possible who is coming. Also, the longer you’ve confirmed you’ll be there, the better the anticipation of the big day will be for you!

Don’t Bring a Plus-One without Permission

While single people love being able to bring a date to a wedding, many couples choose to not add plus-ones to invites that aren’t for engaged or married couples. This is often a way to save money and keep an intimate affair. While this can be frustrating as an invited guest, especially if you barely know anyone else who will be there, it’s a good way to show your support by honoring the couple’s request. You can also choose to decline the invitation without making a fuss if you don’t think it will be any fun without your date. Only if you are truly close to the bride or groom would it be appropriate to bring up the option of a plus-one. If they still say no, the polite thing to do is to accept the decision. They are under the stress of wedding planning, and they don’t mean to hurt your feelings.

Dress Appropriately

Look for hints from the couple or from the invitation as to what will be appropriate dress. The maid of honor may be able to offer some assistance, explaining the “vision” for the wedding as well. You are under no obligation to come to the wedding, but if you want to be there, choose an outfit that will help you harmoniously blend in with the crowd. It’s the kind thing to do for the sake of your friends and family, as well as for the wedding photographs that will be taken that day.

Bring a Card or Gift to Show Appreciation

Most likely, the bride and groom won’t notice immediately, or possibly at all, if you don’t bring a card and/or gift to the wedding. It’s actually completely appropriate to send a gift or card up to a year after the wedding! That being said, the couple goes to quite a bit of effort and expense for the day. They would derive a lot of joy from knowing you support and love with a card or small gift. If there is no budget issue, try to plan ahead for what you want to get them, so that you aren’t left with a registry full of items that are hard to find or too expensive.

Drink in Moderation with no Unannounced Toasts

No matter how much you love them, unannounced toasts bring alarm to brides and grooms because they have a wide variety of people in the room. A toast that hasn’t been asked for or discussed ahead of time is likely to be a bit too spontaneous to go well. On a related note, rein yourself in at the open bar. There is plenty of room to enjoy oneself at a wedding without making yourself a burden on those who should also be enjoying themselves.

Make New Friends at the Reception

It’s tempting to feel sorry for yourself at a fun and festive occasion when you don’t have a date or any close friends or family present. The good news is that most people at weddings are open to making a new friend or two, so make the best of your situation and add to your circle of friends. Try to amuse yourself with new acquaintances and other interesting wedding guests.

Turn off Your Phone

Many people document their lives on social media these days, but professional photographers are having a harder and harder time taking wedding photographs that don’t include a bored person on a phone in them. Unless the bride or groom asks you to take photos, turn your phone off for the entire ceremony and preferably the reception, too. You avoid the risk of a ringtone interruption, and you’ll be more in the moment.

While there are exceptions to these rules, one way to show love and support for the couple who are getting married is by doing things that make it easier for everyone to have a good time. Consider it one way that you can contribute to the happiness and the successful start of the marriage of the newlywed couple.

The post Wedding Guest Etiquette 101 appeared first on Weddingbee.

It’s often said that weddings are all about the bride and groom: it’s their day. While it’s true that the whole reason for the occasion is the marriage of two people, families play a significant role in the big day as well. From helping to plan and footing the bills to listening and offering support during the stressful process, families are something to be thanked and honored during a time of wedding excitement. Here’s a few ceremony traditions that you can customize for your own special people to honor them during the celebration.

Bridal Escort

One of the most well-known ceremonial family traditions is for the bride to be walked down the aisle by her father. This stems from the historical “transfer of liability” from the father to the groom for the bride’s wellbeing. Brides were historically under the charge of their fathers until they were married off. Now, as a society we have come a long way and no longer see women as financial liabilities (thank goodness!), but the tradition is still one of the most popular ones to uphold. It stands as a symbolic blessing passed from the bride’s family to their spouse. The “blesser” could be anyone who has held a meaningful role in her life, particularly if a father has not been present or has passed. A mother, uncle, or even a close friend can hold the honor of escorting the bride down the aisle and passing off a blessing for the union.

The Importance of Mothers

It’s a lovely gesture to give the mothers a bit of credit during marriage ceremonies. Traditionally, the father of the bride escorts her mother down the aisle before circling back to escort the bride, but anyone you designate could honor the role. Feel free to include the mother of the groom, as well! Weddings are particularly important to mothers who often have worked hard to ensure the big day has gone to plan. It’s nice to give them credit where it’s due.

The Bridal Party

A long-standing tradition is that of the bridal party, who continue to hold important roles for the wedding ceremony. This tradition stems from early Roman times when superstitious couples thought they needed protection and support to ward off anything or anyone who would stop the marriage. Today, this tradition is fairly similar to its historical roots. Bridesmaids and groomsmen are a chosen group of people to support and help the couple on the wedding day. Many times, this includes closest members of the family with a sister as a maid of honor or a brother as a best man. These are the people who will stand by you through thick and thin and whose support you couldn’t see yourself embarking on the journey of marriage without. Similarly, younger family members are included by acting as designated flower girls or ring bearers. These youngsters may not offer a lot of support, but they sure do feel special when chosen to act the part!

Reserved Seating

It should go without saying that family members should have prime seating at weddings—but that’s not always the case. Reserving the first two rows on either side of the aisle could be considered more of an etiquette tip, but should also be noted as a tradition. Guests love to have a great seat for marriage ceremonies so if there aren’t reserved signs, you could run the risk of shuffling guests around in order for granny to get her seat. It’s worth prioritizing, even if it’s not the most exciting tradition.

Unity Ceremonies

Unity ceremonies are a great way to celebrate the combining of two families into one. The ceremony symbolizes that the bride and groom are no longer individuals, but joined as one with all their family members included. This particular tradition includes family members on a more intimate level. It’s especially nice for couples who come from varying backgrounds or for those who have children prior to the marriage and are blending into new familial roles. Some popular ways to perform these ceremonies use sand, candles, water, or even paint as mediums to combine. The final products are lovely mementos that can be kept as a reminder of everyone’s commitment to the union.

Memorials

Sometimes, not all family members are able to be present at the wedding ceremony. Some may have passed on, but are still important pieces of the family. To honor those special figures, a rose can be placed on a seat at the ceremony to symbolize their presence. Other items that can be used in place of a flower could be a small framed photo, a personal token like a watch or piece of jewelry, or maybe even a small memorial poem. This special ceremonial tradition can instill a lot of comfort during a time of heightened emotions.

Including your family in any of the above traditions serves as a way to honor loved ones and thank them for their support. While not all families look the same, we all have special people in our lives that continuously love and support us. It’s a lovely gesture to involve these people in your special day to express your gratitude. The nod is surely not to be forgotten anytime soon.

The post 6 Wedding Ceremony Traditions that Include Your Family appeared first on Weddingbee.

The knot has been tied and the honeymoon is (sadly!) over—and now you’re surrounded by boxes and boxes of votives, mason jars, and all of those DIY projects you spent months agonizing over before the big day. So, what do you do with all of your leftover wedding decor now?

Sell it on Craigslist or Social Media

The best way to get rid of your leftover wedding decor is to make a little bit of your money back that you spent on those hundreds of pre-wedding trips to your local craft store. Unless you did something pretty off-the-wall or unique with your wedding decor, there’s a good chance that another bride or groom local to you will eagerly snatch up your leftovers. List your votives, vases, table runners, table numbers, or any other leftover craft supplies on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other resell apps that seem to crop up all the time!

Although you won’t be able to get back all of the money you spent on your wedding decor, a nice chunk of change and clearing out space in your garage never hurt anyone.

Donate it to Another Engaged Couple

Chances are that if you’re of a certain age, you most likely know someone else who is also about to get married. Weddings are expensive (as you well know), and anything you can do to help your fellow bride or groom out when it comes to cost would be an extremely kind gesture. You may also consider just gifting your stash of wedding decor items to any friends or family members who are in need of it. Can’t think of anyone offhand? Ask friends to see if anyone they know is in need of some wedding decor.

Recycle It

Weddings are stressful events, and it’s completely understandable if you are so sick of thinking about and looking at your wedding decor that you want to torch it or throw it in the trash (no judgment)! But you should really be tossing things into your recycling bin, if possible. If your items are large or unable to be recycled, consider donating them to your local charity organization. Whatever you do, don’t toss your used items in the garbage so that they’ll only end up at the landfill.

Use it in Your Everyday Decor

You may have tailored every piece of decor to look perfect for your wedding, but there’s no reason why you can’t use it in your home as well. If you have a bunch of leftover candle holders and candles, those can easily be used on the coffee table, on top of the bookshelves, or your mantle. If you had special signs for your chairs at the reception, put those over your headboard in your bedroom. You could also take any leftover flowers, press them, and put them in a shadowbox to hang on the wall.

And don’t even think about putting that guest book away in some dusty old closet—keep it out on the coffee table or a bookshelf so that you can pull it out and relive your wedding day memories! Even think about framing your table numbers, invitations, and any other paper product you may have used in your ceremony or reception.

Taking little details from your wedding and incorporating them into your everyday decor is a great way to remind yourself of your special day and of all the hard work you put into making it happen.

Use it for Future Craft Projects

If you have the space to save your materials, re-use your glass, fabric, lace, and anything else you have left over to tackle some DIY projects for the holidays or for everyday use around your home. Search for ideas on Pinterest and you’ll find that the options are endless for re-using your supplies.

Save a Few Pieces and Use Them on Anniversaries

What sweeter way to remind yourselves of your wedding than to pull out a few pieces that you used on special occasions? Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, your anniversary, or just a fancy date night at home, arranging a table filled with candle holders and table decorations from your wedding is a great way to remember that beautiful day and your commitment to each other. Breaking out the wedding decor will feel romantic and special and will be worth the closet space you’re sacrificing to keep these treasures.

The post What to Do with Leftover Wedding Decor appeared first on Weddingbee.

Writing wedding vows is typically one of the most stressful parts of wedding planning for couples. Just writing a letter to a loved one can be intimidating! Capturing how you feel—not to mention articulating these deep feelings without sounding clichéd or corny—can be incredibly tough. Not to mention, there’s the pressure of delivering those words to your loved one with all your friends and family present. The tougher the process, however, the more satisfying the results often are. Here are a few tips to get you going.

A Starting Point

For many of us, any time we sit down to write a letter, we feel a little bit like the orcs from Lord of the Rings when the sun rises—completely frozen. Our advice? Give yourself plenty of time to sculpt these words, to get the tone down, to choose the best joke or anecdote, and to smooth everything over once you’ve got the content down.

Even if you’re anxious or feel strange writing these out a month, or months, before the ceremony, you will thank yourself later. Beginning the process of creating your wedding vows long before you feel pressure can help you write vows that feel most like you. And knowing you have them composed, besides scoring you major points with your significant other, will give you some extra peace of mind as the big day approaches.

“But I work well under pressure. Plus, I want to keep the vows simple.”

We’d argue that the best way to keep your vows concise and true to your personality is creating them without any pressure. Try jotting down a draft of your vows at least a month before the ceremony, so that you can get your thoughts on paper, let them sit awhile until you have fresh eyes again, and follow through with or hone these initial thoughts.

“Flowery, complicated vows aren’t for me. I’ll write a few notes down, but I want to speak from the heart, not read off a notecard.”

If you’re a talented public speaker or part of a local improv guild, then be our guest. Otherwise, we find that the people who tend to ramble during vows are the ones who haven’t written their speeches out or practiced much.

Read Your Vows Aloud

This is a critical part of the process. Practicing your vows aloud won’t make you sound robotic; it’ll make you sound organized. The result will show that you respect your words and thoughts, and your audience, enough to put some work into them.

Reading vows aloud is a great way to see if you’re writing something you’d never say, if a sentence is too long and convoluted, or if you might be insulting someone without intending to. Try reading them to a friend in-person, and get some honest feedback. If this isn’t possible, at least try reading them out loud to yourself. You’ll be surprised how different an experience the words sound when vocalized, compared to reading them silently to yourself.

Study Up

Now that we’ve talked about process, let’s talk about what actually goes inside these declarations of love. Before we go into the meat of the marriage vow, we recommend you read as many vows as possible, so that you can get an idea of what you like and what you don’t. It’s also a great idea to discuss expectations for your vows with your significant other, so that you’re both on the same page. You don’t want to end up writing a novel, only to find your significant other wrote a few lines on a napkin. Set up the expectations before you really start the process.

The Vows Themselves

Feel free to include what you want and leave off what you’re not so into. And don’t be afraid to get creative! Keep in mind that wedding vows are typically one to two minutes long, which doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for embellishments or long stories.

Here Are a Few Major Components of the Vows

Reflections on how your fiance has changed your life, inspired you, or helped you grow

An anecdote on how you met, or any first impressions you had of each other

Hopes for the future such as family additions and how you expect to help each other grow in the coming years

A call to action, or some kind of promise

Here’s What to Avoid

Clichéd, overused, unoriginal language (ask a friend for help if needed)

Anything too personal or embarrassing. Picture the oldest, or most uptight person at your wedding, and think about how you’d feel if you were reading these to him or her

Long stories with unnecessary details. Try to keep anecdotes crisp, humorous, and entertaining

Writing vows anyone could have written

Using language that is dry or too formal (here’s where reading the vows aloud beforehand comes in handy)

Using words you can’t quite pronounce (see above)

Making references a lot of people won’t understand

Embarrassing your partner too much. You might want to leave any bedroom references, political side notes, or exes out of the conversation

In the End…

You’re not just sitting down to write some useless words to mark the task off your to-do list. You’re taking a moment to think about who you are, who your fiance is, and what this relationship means to you. If you can’t come up with anything to say, or aren’t good with words, that’s fine. Just take a moment to check in with yourself on how you’re feeling before such a massive day, and go from there. We promise, you’ll do just fine!

The post How to Write Your Wedding Vows appeared first on Weddingbee.

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been asked to officiate the wedding of a friend or family member. It seems that this is very much an up-and-coming trend. (And who knows, maybe it’ll lead to a fun little side gig in the future?)

Believe it or not, becoming an officiant in the States can be rather easy. However, it’s not something you should leave until the last minute because the process can take time. You need to plan ahead. So, if you’re serious about taking on the responsibility, here are some basics you should know.

(Disclaimer: because international laws vary quite widely, this article will solely focus on the USA.)

Do Your Own (Legal) Research

For starters, you should register in the state you reside in, but each state requires different qualifications. Some might need you to take a course, while others might need you to be part of the local clergy. But if you’re lucky, the entire process can be done entirely online. However, the couple that’s proposed to you may not be aware of local laws, so it’s always best to do your own research before you accept. Do it early, too! While some states can register you as an official officiant quickly, others might take their time.

You shouldn’t just focus on your residential state laws, either. If the couple in question is getting married in a different state, you have to double-check the laws of the wedding location, too. Just because you’re qualified to be an officiant in your home state, doesn’t mean you can perform a wedding outside of it. In some cases, you might still need to be approved in the second state or city, and possibly even the venue!

Get Officially Ordained

While this may sound intimidating, it’s generally straightforward. In fact, as mentioned earlier, it can be as simple as filling out a form online. And it can be completely free!

The first step in getting ordained will be finding an organization that will make you legitimate. In order to do this, though, the organization has to be legit as well. This means a bit more research on your part, which could be just checking if they’re registered under 501(c)3.

There’s more to it, however. It is ideal if the organization lines up with our beliefs and values. For example, if you are not religious, seek out a non-denominational source. In addition, not all organizations are recognized across state lines, even if your state allows you to officiate outside its borders.

And again, it is important to look up local laws, as you might not be able to become an officiant in your state unless you’re a civil servant or a member of the clergy. If that’s out of the question, you might be out of luck. But if that’s not the case, there are a number of non-denominational organizations that will not only grant you the right, but help you along the way. The American Marriage Ministries (AMM), aside from being a go-to for getting ordained, comes highly recommended for giving insight into the legality of things and providing useful tips to guide you through the process.

Prep and Plan

Once all the paperwork is done and over with, the next step is to start planning for the wedding itself. Being an officiant is more than helping the couple recite their vows—there are other duties involved!

As an officiant, you are expected to take on a handful of duties including preparing the ceremony. Meet up with the couple far ahead of the wedding to understand their vision for their special day. Ask if they’ll be following a traditional script or reciting their own vows, what kind of formality they expect, what you should wear, and what part they expect you to play during the ceremony.

After the plan is in place, make sure you spend a good amount of time writing the script and outlining the ceremony process. Depending on the couple, you might also be expected to take on a few minor tasks such as asking the guests to be silent and turn off their phones, or requesting the guests to sit and stand as appropriate.

And, of course, make sure to practice, practice, practice! And always have a backup plan even if you think you have the script memorized. Pro tip: never read from a phone or tablet—always have a paper print out.

Know the Pre/Post-Nuptial Responsibilities

On a side note, a hired officiant may also be liable for a few added tasks before and even after the ceremony. This is why it’s wise to have a proper meeting to chat about what’s expected beforehand. For starters, it is often the responsibility of the officiant to make sure the couple gets their marriage license approved—which might mean getting a blood test in some states for both parties. And should the ceremony take place, the officiant should also be there to see the union signed, stamped, and verified by witnesses, as well as make sure everything is filed correctly and on time.

The post How to Become a Marriage Officiant appeared first on Weddingbee.

Fall is a crisp and beautiful time for a wedding, but since many popular flower choices may not be in season, you’ll have to turn to other ideas for table centerpieces at your reception. Using more fall-friendly options can also add a special seasonal touch to your wedding. Try these centerpiece ideas to make your wedding reception tables lovely and fall-appropriate.

1. Marigolds and Other Fall-colored Flowers

Can’t stand the idea of centerpieces without flowers? You don’t have to! Marigolds and other flowers that come in some of the beautiful golds and oranges associated with autumn can be a great option. If you get potted marigolds instead of cut flowers, you can expect that they will stay beautiful long after the ceremony and reception are over.

2. Leaves, Vines, and Berries

One of the best options available for a fall-themed centerpiece are either preserved or fabric leaves, vines, and berries. The season is well known for being a colorful one that celebrates oranges, yellows, reds, and dusty greens, which you can also use as overall colors for your wedding decor. By adding a sprig of leaves here and there to your centerpieces, you can keep the botanical elements alive without even needing flowers.

3. Pinecones and Candles

An inexpensive option for centerpieces and decorations in general is to select pinecones and arrange them artfully with some beautiful votives. To ensure that no creepy-crawlies remain in collected pinecones, bake them in a 200-degree oven for about 30 minutes. This also can help more tightly-closed pinecones spread out a little, creating a fuller cone. When combined with some of the other available options such as leaves and gourds, pinecones and candles can be downright magical at a cozy autumn wedding.

4. Branches, Mason Jars, and Twine

Not sure how to “tie it all together” for your fall wedding centerpieces? One of your best options is raw fiber twine. Even a simple knot looks rustic and beautiful when made out of a natural fiber, and just a quick wrap of twine around the neck of a vase can give it an extra special touch. If your centerpieces need something else, there are a few other options you can try. Many people enjoy using branches and twigs of various thickness to fill out the space or gather together other elements. An especially popular design lately has been a thick branch with cuts made to insert votives. Another popular addition, especially if you are leaning into the rustic theme, is the use of mason jars. Whether you incorporate them in their natural state as vases or spraypaint them a color that matches your decor, mason jars are versatile and have gained a popularity for being reminders of a simpler time.

5. Acorns, Walnuts, or Cranberries in Vases

For the creative type, making a medley of beautiful autumn items and placing them in a clear bowl or vase can make for an understated and lovely centerpiece. Some people choose to mix cranberries and whole unshelled walnuts, while others simply gather beautiful whole acorns and fill vases with them for a minimal approach. The colors and warm contrasts make for a unique take on the traditional wedding reception centerpiece, and most of the items are reusable afterwards (though the acorns probably should just go right back outside for the squirrels!).

6. Pumpkins and Gourds

One of the most clever uses for those autumn pumpkins is as a centerpiece! Rather than carving toothy grins, put your artistic side to work turning pumpkins and gourds into beautiful artwork that can be illuminated from within with a votive. Everything from lacy cut-outs to a simple heart can make a great design for a wedding pumpkin. If you aren’t interested in carving, you can paint designs on gourds and pumpkins just as easily, and with light-colored pumpkins and gourds, there are many options for getting these vegetables to match your chosen wedding colors.

7. Mix and Match

While many people will want to go simple with just one of these options, most of these items work well together. You can choose to fill a glass lantern with pinecones, fall leaves, and acorns, surround it with candles, and add a few mason jars of marigolds all in the same centerpiece. The best thing to do with nontraditional or autumnal centerpieces is to make them your own.

With a combination of these timeless items, you can not only make beautiful centerpieces, but also have beautiful leftover decorations after. Use them in your own home, or give them away to your wedding guests after the celebration is over; it saves on clean-up and is a beautiful memento of your special day!

The post 7 Fall Wedding Centerpieces appeared first on Weddingbee.

Succulents! They’re very hot right now and for good reason. For one, they’re adorable, but they’re also versatile and not very fussy. Nowadays, everyone wants to do something different and some brides are opting for succulents instead of flowers. If you’re considering this too, but aren’t sure you can get the same versatility out of succulents, think again. There are tons of different types out there (start looking on Pinterest and you’ll immediately see what I mean). Some of these little plants are super fun, with crazy colors and shapes leading to so many possibilities. But how does one pull off succulent décor for a wedding? Grab your watering can and trowel and we’ll dive right into it.

What Are Succulents?

Let’s start with the basics. Succulents are plants that retain water, which is what causes them to have that thick-leaved look. They are notoriously hearty plants with cool looking spikes and other neat traits like vibrant colors. If you’re thinking about growing your own for some DIY wedding florals, know that in the spring, succulents like lots of sun as well as lots of water to quench their thirst. In the winter, they prefer a nice window full of sunlight and only need to be watered about once every month, depending on the variety.

Getting Your Succulents

So you know how to keep them alive, and you want to use succulents in your wedding, but you don’t know the best way to go about that. There are a few different options on how to go about including succulents in your wedding day look.

Since succulents are easy to care for and you may choose to grow your own, never underestimate the benefits of getting a head start. Plan early and begin growing your plants so they can fill out like crazy. Growing your own can reduce your decor costs and bring a nice personal touch to your celebration. However, this may only be feasible if you have the room to keep a bunch of succulents around your home.

Using fake succulents works, too! You can still accomplish a lot of decorating ideas with them and then utilize real ones for favors or things like that. That way, you don’t have as much responsibility for growing and taking care of them. This route is perfect for those who don’t have green thumbs and don’t know anyone who could help.

Sometimes, the professionals are the best option for getting the right touch, so ask a floral shop to do succulents for you. Poke around and see if any of your local florists offer these plants as part of their catalog. The only concern with this route is it could become pricey pretty quickly, especially if you’re asking them to do special things with the succulents. However, it would be way easier than doing it yourself.

How to Decorate with Them

Decorate by using a combination of large pots and small touches throughout. You don’t have to go too crazy; get a few big containers overflowing with succulents from any garden store to act as statement pieces. From there, you can add the little touches in other parts of the décor. This method strikes the balance between having to care for a bunch of succulents and using fake ones. They can look especially nice if you decorate the pots themselves. Or, you could cover them with burlap for a rustic look or tie a ribbon on for a more sophisticated feel.

Tips and Tricks

Know your type! Picking a variety of succulents is important. You can find some here and there at your local greenhouse or garden store, but you’re bound to find a greater array online. Just make sure you buy from reputable sources. Try to find a site that looks like it’s dedicated to purely garden-type sales or, even better, one that focuses on just succulents. This way, you’ll know they know what they’re doing.

Compliment your succulents with other plants, especially if they aren’t filling out like you want. A bridal bouquet of a couple succulents surrounded by softer and more delicate flowers looks beautiful!

Don’t forget about color! Pick succulents that have coloring to match your theme. This will tie them in nicely with the rest of the wedding feel.

These amazing plants can be a great part of almost any theme. What creative ways will you DIY succulents in your wedding?

The post How to Use Succulents in Your Wedding appeared first on Weddingbee.

The “coastal grandmother” trend started on TikTok and seems to have taken the world by storm this summer! This means that it applies to more than your beach attire, but also other parts of your life such as the way you decorate your home, the music you listen to, the media you consume, and, yes, the style and vibe of your wedding. If you’re loving all things coastal grandmother and want to incorporate the trend into your wedding day, you’ve come to the right place! There are many creative ways to do so, so read on to learn them all.

What Is the Coastal Grandmother Trend?

You may be wondering what this coastal grandmother trend is really all about. The trend was coined on TikTok at the beginning of the season, and it’s really taken off since then. This style gravitates towards sophisticated neutrals, light and breezy linens that are simple to wear, and style that is commonly associated with being seaside. Many followers of this trend associate it with the style of a Nancy Meyers movie—Something’s Gotta Give, The Holiday, It’s Complicated, and Home Again.

Send out Simple and Elegant Invitations

Your invitation suite is a great way to embrace the coastal grandmother trend and to set the tone for your event. Focus on suites with simplicity and elegance while incorporating botanicals, greenery, or coastal elements. For instance, Paper Source’s Coral suite is a great example of this or their Green Garland option is another suite worth checking out to be on theme.

Choose a Light and Breezy Wedding Dress

As a bride, embracing the coastal grandmother style is another way to really bring that aesthetic to the table for your wedding. For instance, when choosing your wedding dress, go with something that’s light and breezy. Something flowy rather than stiff or super form-fitting definitely fits this trend. Soft, billowy fabrics that are comfortable yet elegant are a must. You’ll also want to embrace the simplicity of the style, although light embellishments are welcome on the dress, too.

You can also embrace this style in your other wedding-centric outfits, too! For instance, opt for a light and breezy rehearsal dinner dress and the same goes for your attire for your wedding shower and bachelorette party. Keep in mind that all of these pieces should be classic, simple, elegant, and comfortable to wear.

Use Garden Fresh Flowers

Flowers are a big part of weddings, and they also are a natural fit with the coastal grandmother vibe. Your wedding bouquet should look like it was freshly picked from your garden to play into this trend, with big blooms in neutral shades that are overflowing rather than being in a super formed shape. You can also attain this aesthetic with the flowers you use in your ceremony and reception. For your ceremony, consider a lush floral arch as the focal point of your ceremony (besides you and your future spouse, of course!). For your reception, overflowing floral arrangements flanked by candles also helps to achieve the desired aesthetic. You want these arrangements to be striking yet simple in nature, avoiding too many different color combinations or adornments to stay true to this specific style.

Embrace Coastal Elements

What would the coastal grandmother trend be without the “coast” part, right? If you’re having a wedding in a seaside location, then this will be naturally embedded into your event. However, if you’re not, you can still incorporate more coastal elements into your big day. Consider adding oyster shells or sea glass as decor or even as your place cards to add to this feel. Also, use rattan and wicker where you can to give off a vibe that is reminiscent of a beach house. These easy additions can really make your wedding feel like it’s by the sea, even if it’s not.

Your coastal grandmother wedding may be following a trend, but it will also stand the test of time. That’s because coastal grandmother itself is defined as classic and elegant style that’s rooted in comfort, which is always stylish, chic, and desirable.

The post How to Use the Coastal Grandmother Trend in Your Wedding appeared first on Weddingbee.

The aisle has been walked, the vows have been said, and now it’s time to dance the night away. But when you imagine getting down on the dance floor, what do you picture? Do you see a DJ taking requests, playing old favorites, and reading the mood of the crowd to select the music? Or, do you envision a wedding band playing all your favorite covers, entertaining the crowd from a stage, and giving your reception a little bit of flair?

Choosing between a band or a DJ for your wedding sets the tone for what kind of reception you want to have and ultimately what kind of experience your guests will have at your wedding. There are several factors to consider, but the decision needs to be made. When it’s time for you to face the music and pick between a band or a DJ, here are a few things to consider.

Choosing a DJ for Your Wedding

Although DJs may get a bad rap for being a bit corny, they are indeed wedding professionals. Not just anyone can get up there on the mic and entertain (not annoy) a crowd for several hours without missing a beat. But not only do DJs know how to work the speakers and stereo equipment, entertain a crowd, and get the music going, but they also are a bit of an emcee for the evening.

They’ll let your guests know when you’re about to cut the cake, have the first dance, or when you’re about to leave for the evening. They can also be one of your most reliable wedding vendors and know how to step in when something goes awry. For example, if your string quartet is over an hour late for your ceremony, your DJ may be able to jump in and have some ceremony music at the ready just in case they don’t show up (which just so happened to go down at this writer’s wedding).

Most likely, your DJ has an infinite selection of music. If you have very specific taste in music (or you just don’t want certain things to be played), then have a consultation with your DJ before the wedding so that he or she can get a better picture of what kind of reception you want to have.

However, DJs do have a reputation for being corny for a reason. If having someone enthusiastically encourage your guests to do the Electric Slide isn’t your thing, you may not want to hire a DJ. This is a person who is going to have control of the microphone and speaker system for a few hours at your reception, so you should be 100% sure you’re comfortable with the person before you sign a contract.

Choosing a Band for Your Wedding

Hiring a live band for your wedding is sure to be an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. A live band will provide entertainment as well as the soundtrack for your ceremony and can really liven up the atmosphere of a wedding. However, it’s not without its caveats. Hiring a band takes considerably more effort than going to Google and looking for a DJ. But if you are committed to having live music, then it’s well worth the time to search for a good wedding band.

First, think about which local bands (to your wedding venue) you have seen and liked. If you’re thinking about hiring a band for your wedding, you want to make sure that they can play not just their own original material, but also cover the classics that your guests will want to hear at the reception. Although you may love all of their original material, it’s best if they can play some crowd pleasers that everyone knows and loves to really get the party going.

You’ll need to set up a meeting with the band to ensure that they perform at private events and figure out how much everything will cost. It is likely that hiring a band will be more expensive than hiring a DJ because of the amount of people and equipment involved. After discussing expenses, you’ll also want to go over their song catalog and whether or not you can add to it. Go over a song list and break down when everything will be played (giving them a little bit of wiggle room if need be). Additionally, you’ll want to discuss whether or not the band members will need to be fed and what other extra costs could be incurred.

One more thing to consider with a band is to figure out whether or not they are prepared to entertain a wedding crowd. Be sure to ask them if they’ve performed at weddings before, and if they would feel comfortable making announcements about when dinner will be served, when the couple will be doing their first dance, etc.

Not Sure Which to Choose? Consider Making Your Own Music

Many modern couples are skipping both the band and the DJ and are making their own playlists for the reception using Spotify or Apple Music on a phone or tablet that’s hooked up to a speaker. This is one of the only ways to ensure that every song you want to be played will be played (and none of the ones you don’t want). The only drawback to DIYing your music is that you won’t have someone on the microphone guiding your guests through the reception. If you choose to go the DIY route, be sure to ask a friend or family member who is comfortable on the microphone and with the technology if they would like to play emcee for a night.

The post How to Choose Between a DJ or Band for Your Wedding Reception appeared first on Weddingbee.

We’ve all seen pictures of a beautiful bride in her gorgeous flowing gown with bright red tan lines accenting her shoulders and back. Whether a day at the lake turned you into a lobster or you went a little too crazy with the sunbathing at your destination wedding location, there’s ways to help cover and treat a sunburn for your big day. There’s no promise you won’t be left with some gnarly tan lines, but at least you won’t be a tomato in your wedding photos.

Moisturize and Calm Your Skin Immediately

Bright red skin doesn’t just look painful—it is! Alleviate the pain with proper skin care. If you just start to throw makeup at the redness, you’ll only leave the actual skin irritated and unsupported in the healing process.

Soothe your burned skin and begin to moisture as quickly as possible. Wash your face or body with a mild cream cleanser and cool water. Don’t reach for anything that contains alcohol. Not only will it burn, but it will dry out the skin even more. Aloe is a great place to start when applying treatment to your skin. Aloe often takes away a bit of the sting and will even help the inflammation go down, meaning you aren’t left as red.

Put a heavy moisturizer on the skin instead of regular lotion to hydrate it as much as possible. You will need to reapply this throughout the day because the skin is so thirsty that it’s just absorbing every bit of these products. Drink a lot of water as well. Anything you can do to hydrate your entire body will help heal your skin. You can also pop an aspirin or Tylenol to help with inflammation.

Make Use of Bronzer

It may sound crazy to apply a bronzer over red skin, but it could be the secret to the perfect color. Bronzers help you look darker without bringing out the red in your skin. The only problem with using bronzers is if you’re trying to be rid of tan lines on the shoulders and back next to your pristine white dress. Be very careful when applying the bronzer and always put a layer of moisturizer underneath so it sticks to the product instead of your dress. Keep a good balance and make sure the color isn’t too dark, overshadowing your entire face.

Make the Most of Primer, Foundation and Concealer

There is no magical way to fade a sunburn. It’s natural to want to just throw as much foundation as possible at your skin in hopes it will erase any redness, but this could actually make it look worse. It’s best to begin with a light application of primer. If you can find a primer that has a green or yellow tint, you’ve hit the jackpot because these colors help neutralize redness.

You want to make sure any products you use are cream-based instead of powder. Powders provide more of a matte look and will accentuate the dehydration your skin is feeling. While you’re at it, mix your moisturizer with foundation to hydrate your skin while working on your tint. If your sunburn is more of a spot job like “raccoon eyes” from wearing shades in the sun, concealer is your best friend. You can dab a bit on the darkest areas and blend with your foundation.

Play up Other Features

If your face is bright red, bring out the best in your eyes and lips—but don’t wear the candy apple red lipstick or fun pink eyeshadow. Neutral colors are best when you’re trying to downplay a sunburn on your face. Put on a few extra layers of mascara to stand out against a more natural eyeshadow. Highlight areas of the brow bones and lash lines so they sparkle, taking the attention away from your red cheeks and nose. Play with different colors to see what works best with your face. This isn’t your normal skin tone, so your everyday makeup colors can make your entire face look different. You don’t need to look like a different person just because you’re trying to cover up a sunburn.

Don’t Forget About Treatment After the Big Day

You want to prevent peeling as much as possible, but sometimes the skin is so sunburned that there’s just not enough lotion in the world to keep it from peeling. Other times, you have hope! Lotions with Vitamin E as well as ceramides work best to keep skin from flaking. You can put aloe on your skin throughout the day. Even though it feels a bit sticky, it does wonders for your skin. Always put moisturizer on your skin before applying makeup. Keep downing that water and try to stay away from alcohol as much as possible. You’re probably headed to your honeymoon filled with fun fruity drinks, so just be sure to drink water alongside the alcohol. Keep sunscreen on your skin at all times to prevent further damage.

The post How to Treat a Sunburn Before Your Wedding appeared first on Weddingbee.

Fake weddings are not a new phenomenon. For decades, many entertainment-focused cities, such as Las Vegas, have hosted fake wedding shows where you could buy a ticket to attend some actors’ nuptials and pretend to be a guest. Drinks and dinner, included—all you need to do is dress your best.

Now, if you think most weddings are boring, these are everything but that. Half of the other guests are hired actors and they’re instructed to keep the show going. So, it’s not unusual for a long-lost lover to show up mid-vow and confess their love. How’s that for drama?

Today, fake weddings are becoming kind of real. Because much of the modern generation isn’t keen on tying the knot in a legal sense, fewer younger people are having weddings. At the same time, they still want to honor a relationship (if it’s worth it) and party. Or if all else fails, just have an excuse to dress up, dance, and have fun with one’s besties. And best of all? They’re taking all the tips from the fake wedding “shows” with them.

What IS a Fake Wedding, Really?

In a quick definition, a fake wedding is just that—a wedding that’s…fake. It has all the aspects of a typical wedding, such as the happy couple, ceremony, reception, cheesy toasts, and maybe even silly favors to take home. The only difference is the couple at the center stage is not legally getting married. They’re just putting on a show for their friends, families, and favorites to enjoy! Depending on the event, the couple may be legit in reality, or they could just be paid entertainment.

It gets better, however. Let’s pretend you’re attending an actual friend’s “fake wedding.” We’ve mentioned hired actors before, often inserted as fake guests to keep the vibe going. The hosts are very likely to do that to make things interesting, but they also may ask YOU to take part as well. As in… show up as a character of your choice and play the role for the night (if you’re up for it, of course). Think of it as nothing less than a fancy Halloween party.

Where Did This Start?

Although the idea has been around for a while, the concept really hit it off in Argentina back at the start of the new millennium. At the time, marriages were on the decline and if you know anything about the local culture, it’s that they love their weddings. And so, “falsa bodas” (fake weddings in Spanish) were born. Not much later, the craze went viral worldwide. You can, partially, blame TikTok for this—anything that starts trending there quickly hits the hashtags! So, we can’t blame the new generation for wanting to be a part of it.

It’s Not Just Fake Weddings

If there’s anything that you can learn from social media, it’s that anything can be faked. So, in addition to fake weddings, young couples are faking other things before making them real. For example, it’s not unusual for someone to propose to their partner with a fake ring these days. The intent, of course, is not to be untruthful, but to stay financially safe. For example, what if the other person says no? Or what if they really dislike the ring? Better safe than sorry!

Fake Weddings Are Not Just for Kids

While “fake weddings” may sound like a silly Millennial or Gen Z thing at first (especially considering how expensive real weddings can get), you might not want to be so judgmental at first glance. If you’ve ever had (or thought about) a vow renewal, you’re officially part of the fake wedding group. After all, are they not the same thing? They clearly are, since various Vegas chapels that offer vow renewals now offer fake weddings under the same tab.

Other couples are also hosting fake weddings so they can have their cake and eat it too. In other words, they will host a fake cultural/traditional wedding to please their parents, and have a real ceremony and reception in their own style later on—or vice versa.

What Happens if I Get Invited to a Fake Wedding?

First, determine if it’s a fake wedding between a couple you know or if you’re just booking tickets for an entertainment show. If it’s the latter, just dress up, buy the ticket, and go. If it’s the former, you should try to figure out if it’s just an unofficial celebration or if it’s a night of live-action theatre. If the fake wedding is purely for kicks and giggles, feel free to ask if you can take part in the fun.

As far as gifts, you’re unlikely obligated to bring anything considering this is not a formal affair. However, since this is technically a party, don’t be surprised if there’s a cover charge, which includes both food and drinks, attached to your invitation.

Let us know if you end up at one of these and what you thought about it—we’re curious to hear your thoughts in the comments!

The post What’s Going on with Fake Weddings? appeared first on Weddingbee.

Back in the day, it was unheard of to have a joint bachelor and bachelorette party. Today, this is no longer the case. In fact, most modern couples have a rather wide shared group of friends, and even if not, those friends are mixed in gender. So, what happens to the traditional bachelor and bachelorette party scenario in that case? Many modern couples choose to combine them! Yes, joint bachelor and bachelorette parties are now a thing and they’re quickly rising in popularity. If you’ve contemplated having one in lieu of the traditional separate events, you should absolutely do so.

What Is a Joint Bachelor/Bachelorette Party?

A bachelorette and bachelor party is meant to be a celebration for the bride and groom in which they can enjoy their last days of being unmarried with their closest girl and guy friends. However, since many couples cohabitate long before their marriage, most bachelor/bachelorette parties in the 21st century have turned into nothing more than a pre-marriage get-together.

It’s also not so abnormal these days to have friends of the opposite sex, so if you have shared friends between you and your partner, it’s not fair to make them choose between which party to attend.

So, here comes the birth of the mixed bachelor/bachelorette parties, which are sometimes called “bachelorx” parties or “bach” parties. Essentially, it’s a pre-ceremony celebration in which neither partner has their own event.

Why Consider a Mixed Bachelor and Bachelorette Party?

There are a few reasons to combine a bachelor(ette) party with your fiancé. For starters, it can save you a lot of money. Hosting two individual events (no matter what they’re about) will likely cost you a good ammount of cash.

Second, it’ll offer you an opportunity to spend more time together, especially with one another’s friends. If you haven’t met many of your significant other’s close buddies, this will be an excellent opportunity to do so. Likewise, it’s a great way for both groups of friends to intermingle and become friendly, making newlywed life easier when you plan social events.

Third, it can save you from any embarrassing situations that may come with the territory. If you’re not the type to want to get kidnapped and taken to a strip club or be greeted by genitalia-shaped balloons, you might consider a joint party as a safe haven.

What Are Some Ideas for a Joint Bachelor/Bachelorette Party?

Should you and your fiancé choose to join forces, there are tons of ways you can celebrate your relationship as an engaged couple. Here are a few ideas.

Amusement Park

There’s nothing quite like a few rollercoasters, carnival games, and funnel cakes to make you feel like a kid again. And isn’t that the whole point of the bachelor(ette) party—to celebrate what you might be missing by getting hitched?! An amusement park date is the perfect option by these standards, as it allows people to spend as much time together or apart as they want. You can follow this up with a trip to the bar, and you’ll likely be labeled as the most fun couple in town!

Camping Trip

Even if you’re not the outdoorsy type, a camping trip should still be on your consideration list (you can always make it simply an overnight trip). Spending time in nature helps people bond, especially once you remove all the modern distractions. If you’re bold enough to camp in more remote areas, the challenges of setting up a tent or starting a fire will make for fun stories later on. Regardless of whether you go for a long weekend or overnight, the fact that you’ll be required to socialize instead of looking at your phone will improve the groups’ relationships. Don’t forget to bring a few board games and marshmallows to boost the entertainment aspect!

Interactive Activities

Following up on the idea of a camping trip, you can also opt for something more suitable for an urban audience, such as an escape room, murder mystery dinner, or even a game night at home. You can also call dibs at a spot at the local park and compete in a simple sports tournament (while having a picnic, of course). As a suggestion, make the teams random so it’s fair.

Wine or Beer Tasting

While it doesn’t have to be wine, a tasting of any type of drink is always fun to attend. Not to mention, it’s the perfect mix of casual (as in, people won’t be too stressed to show up) and fancy (as in, they’ll want to look their best). It’s also a great option for couples on a budget since many distilleries offer special deals for group tastings that include not only drinks but food—and some even expand those deals for overnight stays. If this sounds like your type of occasion, it’s highly recommended you book the vineyard or distillery far in advance.

Strip Club

Although it might sound cliché, this option can actually be a lot of fun, depending on who attends. Strip clubs tend to have good deals for groups, with great music and tons of entertainment whether it’s people-watching or monitoring the stage. Overall, for most customers it’s just an adult-only getaway they can count on. And best of all, the clubs are so used to bachelor(ette) events, that they’ll happily cater to your wishes.

The post How to Have a Joint Bachelor and Bachelorette Party appeared first on Weddingbee.