It’s finally starting to warm up; the bees are buzzing and the sunshine is out! Which also means that you’re probably starting to notice all the spring and summer flowers coming into bloom. Flowers can be a nice touch to a wedding, but they can also come with a high price.
Here are some ways you can incorporate flowers into your wedding without breaking the bank:
BRIDESMAID CORSAGES:Instead of purchasing a full bouquet for each bridesmaid, consider the simple alternative of using a corsage. They are less expensive than bouquets, which can really make a difference if you have a large bridal party. There are also many different styles of corsages and even different ways of wearing them. For instance, instead of wearing them on your wrist, you can wear them on your upper arm, which is a very trendy style for 2017. Several places will be able to make an arrangement to match with your wedding colour palette, but Best for Bride is one of few bridal shops that also can provide you with this service. You can check out the lovely corsages they have to offer here!
SILK FLOWERS: Some people may hesitate to consider using fake flowers for their wedding, but I’ve been to several weddings where the bride and groom chose to use silk flowers and people were amazed at how real they looked. Also, if you go with this option you can both buy them from people who previously used them for their wedding and sell them to people after your wedding – it’s a win-win all around.
SINGLE STEM FLOWERS:Another option for those who cannot part with real flowers is to use single stems of flowers. For example, instead of a whole bouquet for each bridesmaid, you could purchase one bouquet of single stem flowers and have each bridesmaid carry a single flower. Single roses, tulips, and peonies create a very delicate and romantic look and people are opting into this trend now more than ever.
FLORAL ACCENT:No one said you have to have flowers, real or fake. You could add in the element of flowers in other ways, such as a simple floral print overlay for the tables in your reception hall. Another way to add une touche de fleur is to incorporate it into your bridal wear. Best for Bride has several dresses that feature floral aspects, whether it be floral appliqués on a wedding dress or veil, or even floral print bridesmaid dresses as seen below. Check out dresses on the site here to see the unique flower inspired styles Best for Bride has to offer!
Any of these options would look amazing at your wedding, so before your splurge on tons and tons of real, expensive flowers, Y Knot consider some of these options first!
Author Bio: Chantel, the Founder of the Y Knot Jump the Broom blog, considers herself to be just “an everyday girl who has a passion for weddings.” More than just focusing on all the hustle and bustle that weddings bring, she hopes her blog will bring you back to the heart of it all—LOVE—and maybe even inspire you to say, “Hey, Y Knot Jump The Broom?”
Now that you are newly engaged and finished celebrating your engagement party with your dear folks, are you all set to dive into wedding planning? Just wait a second! There are certain things that you should be aware of, before you start wedding planning. These will help you save a lot of money, as well as make your planning process a lot easier.
Today, let us take a look at a handful of helpful tips to use when planning your wedding. Trust us, it will save you a lot of confusion and regrets later. And, here they are!
1.Booking the venue—what to remember
While factors like matching your wedding theme, the ease of reaching the location and number of people it can accommodate are all relevant factors, there are some things to remember, if you are on a budget. They are:
Peak wedding months are expensive: June to August is peak wedding season, and everything is at a premium cost during this time. Consider getting married earlier in the year, when winter is no longer as severe, and spring is just about to arrive. Or, you can consider early fall for your wedding, as venues often slash their prices this time of the year.
Don’t hesitate to ask for a discount: Don’t assume that the price you receive on your venue is final! Even if it is just falls within your budget, don’t quickly jump at the quote and book the venue right away. Negotiate with the venue manager and find out if there is any possibility of getting it at a lower price. If you are lucky, you may get yourself a better bargain.
Look at alternatives, before visiting your preferred location: This helps in two ways. First, you will know which option you will consider, should your first choice not work out. Secondly, it allows you to know what else is on offer, and make a wise decision based on it. As with anything wedding related, it is a good idea to research and explore your choices before you settle down with what you actually choose for the wedding.
2.Wedding planner—what are the options
Booking a wedding planner will make your wedding planning a lot easier. However, you should know that there are different options, and depending on what you choose, the service you receive and the price you pay will be different. So, let us take a look at what are your options.
Event planners: This is the whole package, where the planner will be involved in every aspect of planning your wedding. They will literally do your job for you, and will be responsible for executing everything at your wedding and making sure there are no hassles on the day. Event planners are quite expensive, as they will be working on your wedding for several months and you have to compensate them for their time and effort.
Part-time planners: This is where you do not outsource the entire wedding planning process, but only selected aspects that you aren’t able to handle yourself. This is more budget-friendly, as you can delegate the tasks that you do not have the time for, and pay only for it. Since you will be doing the greater share of the work, you will find it much cheaper than booking an event planner. If you are naturally organized and want to personally oversee your wedding details, this may be the right option for you.
Day-of coordinator: Even if you are handling everything about your wedding yourself, a day-of coordinator should definitely be considered. This is because you do not want to worry yourself with last-minute details on your wedding day. If you want a stress-free wedding day, a day-of coordinator can take charge of managing the various factors on that day. They will see that everything progresses smoothly and as per plan, leaving you to enjoy your wedding as you should.
Once you choose which of these services meets your needs best, again discuss the charges with the people you consider for the job. Compare the rates for an all-inclusive package with one for customized services, and choose the one that is best for your budget and needs.
3.Before paying for Wedding Entertainment
Choosing between a DJ and a band can be really confusing. You may be under the general impression that a DJ costs much lesser than a band. However, it can be quite expensive to book a good DJ who can actually make your party come alive. There are ways in which you can get a reasonable quote for a band too, and here are some tips for that.
Look for experienced student groups: If there is a music school in your area, you may be in luck. Student groups are usually energetic, exciting and just as efficient as a trained band in creating a lively party atmosphere. The bonus is that they cost much less. So, if you are up for the risk, look around for such a band.
Ask for the breakup charges: Instead of just being shocked by the overall quote from a band, ask them for the breakup costs. If it includes transportation, see if you can arrange a cheaper alternative and save some cash that way. Also, look at the list of musicians and ask if you can downsize to just those who you actually need.
4.Before you go wedding shopping
Wedding dresses are crucial to transforming you into a splendid bride, however they can be quite pricey. Before you step into the shop, do your research and know your options. Here are some ways to make the most of your wedding dress budget.
Consider more than one style: If you keep your options open, it is easier to find a dress that falls within budget. Do your research ahead of time, and identify which styles will look good on you. Then look at dresses in these styles and choose the one that you are satisfied with, both in look and in price.
Look at the clearance and sale section: Many bridal shops like Best for Bride, will always have dresses on discounts and on sale. Before you look at the latest collection, it may be a good idea to see what is available in the sale section. You may find a dress that is quite similar to what you love in the current collection, at a fraction of a price.
Wait for trunk shows: Trunk shows are a bride’s dream-come-true, especially if you are in a standard 8-12 size group. These shows allow you to find the dress of your dreams at a reduced cost. If you are engaged for a year or more, it is likely that you will come across at least one trunk show during this time. So, call up the boutiques in the area and find out whether they have one scheduled in the near future. Put off your wedding shopping session till after wards, so you can take a chance and hope to find your wedding dress at the trunk show.
Save on alterations: When you fix your wedding dress budget, you also have to account for the alteration charges for the dress. It is highly unlikely that you will perfectly fit into a dress you find off-the-rack. So, you will have to pay extra to alter it to fit you. However, you will have to pay less on alterations if you take care of the following factors
find a dress that is closest to your actual size, neither too big nor too small
not make expensive custom changes, like altering the neckline or design feature as any amount of rework will cost more money
Rent your dress: If you really want to make the most of your wedding dress budget, consider renting the dress instead of buying it. At shops like Best for Bride, the rental section has ample choices in different sizes. You can rent the dress along with the accessories for a fraction of the original cost, and not worry about boxing or caring for the dress afterwards and put the money to some other use. Alternately, you can also scour the internet for unused dresses on sales, that usually are a great bargain as they are brand new, but not as expensive as a fresh piece in a shop.
5.Before you take any pictures
Wedding photography is an essential for every wedding, and you can choose from different types and packages based on your preferences and budget. Before you even set out to look for a photographer, consider how you want your wedding photographs to be captured. The different types of wedding photography include:
Traditional: The classic portrait style photographs with group pictures in specified poses.
Casual: Candid photography, where the photographer captures casual and original moments of the day, and shoots from unconventional angles. The photographer aims to recreate the memories of the day, by capturing the wedding with the most relevant and unique pictures that characterize the wedding.
A mix of the two: Here, the photographer uses both casual and posed portraits to completely cover the wedding.
Art-style: Here the focus is on creating one-of-a-kind photographs that transcend into the realm of art. It is anything but traditional.
Depending on your personal taste, you can decide upon the type of photography to have at your wedding, and then find photographers who work with the style you choose. Some tips to help you, before you start shortlisting photographers are as follows.
Compare packages and custom deals: You may not always require all that is included in a photographer’s package. If this is the case, ask if you can have a custom quote based on what you require. This is also useful if you need an extra service from what is included in a package deal.
Discuss how many hours you will need the photographer to cover your wedding: Before you meet with a photographer, be clear on how much time you will need his services for. You must make sure that he will be available for the important events both at the start and the end of the day. If he charges overtime rates for staying beyond certain number of hours, and in case your wedding goes on for longer than anticipated, make sure you know in advance.
6.The food factor
There are many factors that decide the food expenses you will have to incur. Factors to consider when choosing your caterer are as follows.
Choice of menu: Remember that gourmet meals will cost more than standard meals. So, let the choice of cuisine be one of the guiding factors in determining your food budget. The overall presentation and whether the dishes have to be created fresh on-site or can be prepared in advance will also decide the catering cost.
Buffet or plated-style: Buffets and plated meals, both have their own pros and cons. The sensible and budget-friendly option is to have a mix of both styles. This means you can use shared platters for the main meal, while individual portions are served as starters. This will minimize wastage and maximize the value for money.
This brings us to the end of the various factors that will prevent a headache for you, later. Do your research and plan the possible workable options for each of these choices, and you will be able to work it out very easily.
Best for Bride is a wedding shop that brings you the latest and trendiest in wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses and attire for the wedding party. We also have invitations, wedding favors and services like wedding cakes, décor arrangements and florists. Visit our online bridal shop to learn more about all our services, and also find out about the latest offers, discounts and sales we have. Experience the best of bridal shopping with our seasoned bridal consultants who will assist you in finding the dream gown for your big day. For a fun-filled and enjoyable experience, contact us today and book your appointment.
Wedding season falls between spring and fall for a reason – couples adore the clear, blue skies, warm (and mostly consistent) weather, and that laid-back summer feel that stays with people even if they do have to go to work every day.
Summer is nostalgia and swimming pools and catching fireflies after sunset. It’s ice cream and palm trees and sweet peach tea. It’s such a fun season myself. Vincent and my team here at Pixan Photography came up with more than 100 summer wedding ideas to inspire couples to get married then.
And if there’s one place that embodies summer the most, it’s the beach. Balmy breezes toes in the sand, salt-water skin.
The beach is such a perfect place to be during summertime, many couples figure, ‘why not spend one of the biggest days of our life there too?’
If that sounds like you and you’re planning a beach wedding, you might wonder what kind of gown is best.
Undoubtedly, a beach wedding has all kinds of pluses, but it also comes with its negatives. And sometimes, the pluses can also be negatives, so you should put extra time into choosing a wedding gown that will work wonderfully oceanside.
As a Mexico destination photographer, Pixan Photography shoots many beach weddings…a lot. Along the way, the Pixan team and I have made a few keen observations about the top considerations a bride will have when choosing a beach-ready wedding gown, and I’m ready to spill the beans.
So put on your sunshades, slather on the sunblock, and keep reading for how to choose a wedding gown perfect for a beach wedding.
TYPE OF SAND
One of the first things you’ll want to think about while shopping for a beach wedding dress is what kind of beach you’ll call your own (for the wedding day, of course).
Where is the beach, and what kind of sand does it have?
Coarse sand will not do well for long trains and trailing dresses.
Fine sand is easier to walk through, and there’s not as much worry about rips and tears in the bottom of the dress.
STYLE OF VENUE
Take a good look at your overall venue and select a gown that matches the formality of your venue, decor, and theme.
If you’re splitting time between a ceremony by the sea and a reception indoors and don’t plan to squeeze in a costume change, you’ll want to choose a dress that can transition between the two.
What kind of venue is it?
A simple cabana gives off a different feel than a ballroom with an ocean view.
What is the build of the ceremony space?
A wedding on the beach doesn’t necessarily mean a ceremony in the sand. Some venues own beach real estate and have built their custom structure right on the sand.
If the ceremony space is fully tiled, built on a wooden deck or a raised dock to the water, you’ll have fewer concerns about the style of dress because you won’t be walking on sand, except perhaps in a beach photo shoot.
What is the wedding theme?
The same goes for the decorations and wedding theme. If you’re aiming for a laid-back beach vibe and your reception space is decorated in bright colours and bohemian details, you’ll probably want to steer clear from a more formal, sleek silk wedding gown and go with one that embodies the same laid-back chic feel of your wedding.
How far will you need to travel to reach the venue?
Lastly, think about how far your venue is from home and all the little things that come with having a beach wedding.
Will you have to check your dress at the airport or drive it cross country?
Is it easy to pack and move? Will it wrinkle?
Will it cost a fortune to get to your destination? A dress that is lightweight and fold-friendly is your best bet.
Packing Tip: When travelling with skirts and dresses, you’ll minimize wrinkles and creases if you roll the item rather than fold it. Or, if you’re flying with wedding attire, consider packing it in a garment bag.
FABRIC & DETAILS
Now, let’s talk fabric.
Think light and airy fabrics like organza, chiffon, charmeuse, cotton, and crepe, which all provide breathability and movement, not to mention they’ll dreamily billow in the breeze, which makes for stunning wedding photos.
For more lightweight fabric options, as well as heavier ones, check out The Knot’s epic Dress Fabric Glossary.
You can also attain airflow by choosing a dress with a lace bodice and a skirt with slits.
Be mindful of lace trim, as it can easily pick up debris, like sand and everything that has washed up. If you’ve been drooling over lace or highly detailed elements, consider a dress that features these in the bodice, not in the skirt’s trim.
Keep embellishments to a minimum. The more frills you add to your dress, the heavier it will get. If you want to add sparkle, consider a simple draping neckpiece or a garter belt with a little bling that wraps around your waist.
DESIGN
The overall design of the gown will influence your comfort significantly, so it’s probably a factor you don’t want to ignore.
Although you may have fallen in love with a certain style of dress, it might not serve you well on the beach.
Keep the dress volume in mind. Ideally, you want something lightweight, something you can move in, especially during dancing time.
The heavier a dress is, the harder it will be to walk through the sand. Plus, heavy = hot, and with the possible humidity your area might have, hot, sweaty, and sticky is not something you want to endure.
As for silhouettes, A-lines and shift dresses, and shorter lengths are ideal. Short wedding dresses eliminate straggling sand and other debris you might pick up on the beach.
If your heart is set on length, consider a shorter dress with a longer, lightweight veil to bring in that dramatic trailing effect.
Just as it is important to know what to wear, it’s equally important to know what not to wear. Mermaid (I know, it seems so appropriate, but trust us!) silhouettes, ball gowns, and empire dresses should be avoided.
When comparing bodice types, consider that crop tops with a separate skirt, strapless dresses, halter tops, and backless dresses will do wonders for keeping you cool.
Even though that quarter-sleeve dress you may have your eye on seems like a lovely fit, think about how it will feel when you’re under the summer sun. And let’s not even think about sweat stains. No thanks!
COLOR
This decision might seem as easy and breezy as a day at the beach – white, obviously – but keep in mind that there are various shades of white. Even non-white colours can be beautiful, especially in a tropical setting.
A champagne or ivory dress in the bridal salon might look different once you’re strutting it in front of your home mirror. Different light spectrums will change the colour of your dress, even if just slightly.
Since you’ll most likely be spending a lot of time under blue skies and sunshine, take your potential wedding gown into natural light to see what it looks like to the naked eye and in photographs. Better to be safe than sorry.
And if you have a beach nearby with sand the same tone as where you’ll be wed, bring fabric swatches in shades of white, ivory, champagne or whatever other color you’re considering to compare against the sand. Because sand tends to fall in these same shades of neutral colours, your dress could blend in too much in your beach wedding photos. Finding a shade that contrasts well against the sand will enhance your photos drastically.
DECIDING ON YOUR IDEAL BEACH WEDDING GOWN
To recap what we’ve covered: your beach wedding gown should ideally be lightweight, cool, and easy to move around in; should match the formality of your venue and wedding theme; look great under natural light and against a sandy beach backdrop; and most importantly, look and feel beautiful on you!
With all that in mind, in the end, you have to go with your gut and pick the dress you’re gaga about. This is a day you’ve been dreaming of for years, so you may just throw all caution to the wind and get the dress you’ve been pining over, regardless of the drawbacks.
And, you know what? That’s OK! It’s your day to experience as you wish. Hopefully, these tips will simply give you some insight into considerations that can maximize your comfort and enhance your wedding photos too.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vincent owns Pixan Photography, a team of destination wedding photographers in Mexico who are as passionate about their clients as they are about their work. When he’s not shooting destination weddings, Vincent loves travelling the world with his wife and son.
The food that is served at your wedding has an important role in determining the overall wedding experience. Most of the guests, if not all, will look forward to the food that is provided on your wedding day. So, you do not want them to be unhappy with the meal offered while everything else was done to perfection.
Most wedding vendors offer a wedding tasting session before you book your order. With this option, you can actually see, taste, and experience the food that will be served on your wedding day. We suggest that you take your caterer up on this offer of wedding food tasting and make sure everything is just right, so there are no regrets later.
As with anything wedding-related – from the bridal shower gifts to choosing the perfect ring, there is a catering tasting etiquette that you should adhere to. We will be looking at the do’s and don’ts of wedding food tasting etiquette. But before we move to this list, let us first try to understand what you can expect at your tasting session.
