• Spaciousness. “When it comes to the search for your perfect wedding venue, there are a few things to look for that will instantly help alleviate future stresses in wedding planning! The 2 most important items that need to be tackled first when it comes to wedding planning are the date and venue. The date is a personal decision that planners mostly have no control over. The venue will define your number of guests, style, theme, and most times the vendors you can, or allowed to use. We always say that we can make a large room look smaller but cannot make a small venue bigger. If you are uncertain about your number of guests, go for the bigger venue. Decor, lighting and other tricks of the trade will allow you to make the room to be more attractive. A tight room will cause luck or inability to be creative.” – Ariel Becker, Executive Planner, Becker and The Co. 
• Built-in features. “Does it have beautiful features built-in that provide a lot of ambiance that will fit your wedding? Is the space large enough for a ceremony and reception without having to move everyone off-property while you perform a flip? Is the in-house F&B team or kitchen designed to make the food elements easy to produce and serve? Does the venue provide high resolution photographs, a virtual tour, and floor plans? At each step of the journey, you’ll appreciate working with a venue that anticipates challenges and has creative ideas, processes, and building elements to address them.” – Vijay Goel, COO, 440 Elm
• Convenience. “Seek out a venue that is convenient for you and your guests. Consider accessibility, parking, and nearby accommodations, as a well-located venue will save you and your guests time and effort. It is important that the venue can comfortably accommodate your guest list. It’s wise to choose a location that can be adapted to your needs, whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large celebration.” – Sarah Kuhlberg, Creative Marketing Director, Colette’s Catering & Events

• Ample parking. “Ensure there’s sufficient parking for all your guests or options for valet service.” – Jessica, Lead Planner, First Class Events
• Both indoor and outdoor spaces. “This versatility allows you to have a backup plan in case Mother Nature has weather plans that go against your day-of plans, ensuring a stress-free day regardless of what the skies decide.” – Sarah Kuhlberg, Creative Marketing Director, Colette’s Catering & Events
• Flexible vendor policies. “While some venues have preferred vendor lists, it’s essential to know in advance if there are required vendors you must use at the venue. This can help you manage your overall budget and know in advance if you’ll have the flexibility to bring in your own vendors if you have specific preferences. We operate with an open vendor policy, with exception to our bar services, to provide more flexibility for our couples.” – The Old Barn at Brown County

• All-inclusive packages. “Yes, this is a thing! There are venues that offer everything from in-house catering and bar services, to decor, and even wedding planning services. Choosing a venue with these options can significantly simplify that planning process and reduce the number of vendors you need to coordinate with.” – Sarah Kuhlberg, Creative Marketing Director, Colette’s Catering & Events
• Something that fits your creative energy. “A Creative Canvas venue will have a mix of space, rentals, and recommended/preferred professionals to take a vision and run with it creatively (generally for a premium to luxury wedding) without having to much infrastructure to the point where every wedding there looks the same. An All-Inclusive Venue is generally more of a mass production/retail approach to weddings where set packages allow for very simple planning and minor modifications but you’re unlikely to get the extended time or creative support to do anything out of the box. A Blank Canvas Venue tends to be very hands off and the sheer logistics of having to bring in everything and figure out what works can consume creative energy in the challenges of logistics. Pick the venue philosophy that matches best to the amount of creativity/personalized experience you want to showcase at your wedding vs. a desire for retail-type price quotes in a pre-configured set of tracks.” – Vijay Goel, COO, 440 Elm
• Accommodations for the weekend. “Having a space to stay on site can be super helpful in keeping wedding weekend stress at bay! You won’t be rushing because you’re already where you need to be. This can be beneficial to your vendors as well, especially hair, makeup, photography, and videography!” – The Old Barn at Brown County
• Transparent pricing. “Avoid hidden costs by choosing a venue that provides clear and upfront pricing, including any potential overtime charges. Some venues will charge extra for the pretty white draping or string twinkle lights that you’ve fallen in love with. Ask in advance what is included and what is extra so you can plan your budget!” – First Class Events

• A highly regarded preferred vendor list. “Are they well-regarded wedding pros that you’ve already been following on Pinterest or Instagram? A great group of professionals will generally make a well-planned experienced group who can focus on beautifully executing the custom details come event day.” – Vijay Goel, COO, 440 Elm
• Aesthetic and ambiance. “Beyond the practicalities, choose a venue that aligns with your vision and aesthetic for the day. Whether it’s a rustic barn, elegant ballroom, or beachfront setting, the venue should resonate with your personal style.” – Caleb, CEO, Fitzgerald Hospitality Group
• Availability of decor and rentals. “Some venues offer in-house decor and rental items like chairs, tables, and linens, which can save you the hassle of sourcing them separately. Our goal with our venue is to be as much of an oasis for our couples as we can be. This is why we have onsite accommodations and also include handcrafted farmhouse tables and chairs!” – The Old Barn at Brown County
• Quality of in-house catering. “If the venue provides in-house catering, sample their menu beforehand to ensure the food meets your expectations. We are a preferred catering partner at some of the top venues of Indianapolis, IN including The Sixpence and The Conservatory at Evergreen. We know how important food is for your wedding which is why we offer a complimentary tasting for up to 6 people before you sign a contract with us! This will help you see our versatile menu and make decisions about what you’d like.” – First Class Catering
• A spacious bridal suite. “A comfortable space for the bride and bridal party to get ready can make the preparation process more relaxed and enjoyable. It is also a huge benefit to your photographer and videographer because they’ll have plenty of space for detailed photos (dresses, flat lays, etc.) and getting ready photos of you and your favorite people! Clean design and lots of natural light make this even better, chefs kiss!” – Becca Davis, Adam and Becca Photo & Video
• Clear expectations for the rental. “Understanding if your venue has multiple events each day or allows only one event will be an important decision in your process. While larger venues may be able to accommodate multiple weddings and events at once, it may be confusing for guests and vendors to know which space is the right one! It’s also important to understand the venue’s rental timeframe and what that means: when can your florist and event planner gain access? When does the music have to stop? When does everyone have to be out? Are you responsible for cleaning up before the final end time or does the venue handle that? This will help in planning the sequence of events and ensuring you don’t feel rushed.” – Caleb, CEO, Fitzgerald Hospitality Group

Now that you know how to choose a venue that keeps your wedding day stress-free, it’s time to turn your attention to your guest list! For expert tips on managing your list with ease, be sure to check out our next article, Pro Tips from Top Wedding Industry Experts Regarding Your Wedding Guest List.

The post What to Look For in a Wedding Venue to Make Your Wedding Day Stress Free first appeared on Inspired By This.

1. Choose a location with meaning.

“The setting for your engagement photos should reflect who you are as a couple. Whether it’s where you had your first date or a destination that holds sentimental value, the backdrop should resonate with your story. For destination engagement shoots, embrace the local culture and beauty—shooting in a location like Italy adds layers of romance and timeless style (but I’m probably biased because I love working in Italy!).”

2. Timing is everything.

“Light can completely transform your photos. Schedule your session during golden hour—just after sunrise or before sunset—for the most flattering, beautiful imagery. If you’re doing a destination shoot, consider the season and the destination’s natural light to ensure you capture the best possible moments. And definitely consult your photographer as they will know best!”

3. Coordinate – don’t match!

“For your attire, aim for coordinating outfits that complement each other rather than matching exactly. You want to look cohesive, not like you’re in a uniform. And for destination shoots, consider colors and styles that work with the scenery—flowing fabrics and soft neutrals are great against a backdrop like the Amalfi Coast or rolling vineyards in Tuscany.”

4. Incorporate your destination’s charm.

“A destination engagement session allows you to showcase elements of your chosen location. Whether it’s the cobblestone streets of Florence, the cliffs of Santorini, the vibrant markets of Marrakech, or stunning Old San Juan in Puerto Rico, embrace the environment! Your photos will not only celebrate your love, but also highlight the adventure of traveling together.”

5. Relax and trust the photographer.

“This moment is about celebrating your connection, so let go of the pressure to pose perfectly. Trust your photographer to guide you and capture authentic moments. If you’re abroad, work with a photographer who knows how to find the hidden gems and unique angles of your chosen destination to elevate your shoot. And use the engagement session as the way to get to know your photographer so that on the wedding day you are all comfortable and there is a mutual energy of confidence and familiarity. It makes such a difference!”

Feeling ready to tackle your engagement session? Get inspired by some of our favorite sessions we’ve shared, like this one at Greencrest Manor or this playful one in the Pacific Northwest.

The post 5 Things a Wedding Planner Wants You to Know Ahead of Your Engagement Session first appeared on Inspired By This.

Image via By Julietta

Maya Holihan, founder & CEO, of EWedded shares,

Make a preliminary list first.

“You certainly don’t have to have the same guest list for your ceremony and your reception. However, there are a few key things to keep in mind, if that’s the choice you make! First, we recommend making a preliminary list, with your fiancé, for both the ceremony and the reception. This is the best way to figure out who each of your must-include people are. Then, start to narrow it down into two separate lists – one for the ceremony and one for the reception.

Another key thing to remember is to be clear with your guests. No, you don’t have to explicitly say “you’re not invited to this portion of our wedding”. We DO recommend, however, creating separate invitations so that it’s very clear what exactly each guest is invited to. This should include if an invitation to the ceremony only, the reception only, or both. It’s better to avoid the risk of confusion to ensure your day is exactly what you’re envisioning!”

Image via Sweetlife Photography

Andaleeb, from Atelier Azure, shares a few pro tips,

Figure out where the overlap is.

“Determine how many guests lists you have and what the overlap is between them. Is it a difference between the ceremony guest list and the reception guest list, or do you also have a rehearsal dinner, a farewell brunch or other ceremonies to consider? There will likely be some overlap in guests between these lists. Ultimately, you need the number of guests receiving the complete invite & the number of guests receiving only the reception card (or the “edited” invite)”

Image via Brogen Jessup Photography

When in doubt, hire professionals to help.

“Our most important tip for more complex weddings with multiple events is to hire professionals to help with the specifics. It’s so easy to overlook the details of how your events are separated for your guests – especially if you are planning the wedding all at once. It really helps to have people on your team who have created this type of invitation in the past – and we are always happy to help!”

Be clear with your wedding website.

“If it’s not possible to have two wedding websites, you may need to wordsmith your website text to explain. This is to make sure more intimate events are not viewable by the larger guest list. Kind but also clear verbiage like, “We look forward to celebrating our wedding with you! We have opted for an intimate ceremony at our home with a larger reception at The Ritz Carlton Hotel. We can’t wait to see you there!” This verbiage is helpful for those guests wondering why their invitation card only mentions the reception.”

Images via RT Faith Photography

Different cultures provide opportunities for different guest lists.

“As invitation designers, we often see different guest lists for different wedding events in our work, especially when there are different cultures. Our clients choose this strategy for their weddings for many reasons. Sometimes couples want a more intimate ceremony with just family present, budgetary concerns, health concerns, logistical and geographical concerns, or even language and cultural differences for different events. The key to pulling this type of wedding structure off well, is clear and gracious communication. Here are some tips on creating invitations for this situation without offending anyone.

Plan your invitation and communication to avoid giving any information about an event they are not invited to. Instead of a single card, your invitation suite will likely require multiple cards one for each event. You will also need separate RSVP cards for each event or guest list. And you may even need separate details cards if you are including any event specific information. All of these pieces can be brought together in one “folio” or “pocket for a clean and elegant look for the guests invited to everything.”

Image via Carmen Lopez Photography

Ashley Lachney, owner of, Alston Mayger Events, shares,

Put yourself in your guests’ shoes before you make any decisions.

“While there are specific situations where a smaller ceremony and larger reception works, I always encourage my couples to put themselves in their guests’ shoes. Would you want to be asked to participate in an event (and, let’s face it, spend money on travel, getting ready, and a gift), only to be told that you won’t be invited to witness the exchanging of vows? Your friends and family want to be there to bear witness to your love, so most of the time, it’s a no-brainer to include the same folks at both ceremony and reception.”

Image via Ximean Zermeño Photography

Jenna Miller, Creative Director of, Here Comes The Guide,

Keep invites crystal clear.

“Technically, no, your guest list doesn’t have to be the same for your ceremony and reception! If you want a super intimate ceremony followed by a big fabulous party, you can absolutely make it happen. The only etiquette caveat is that whoever is invited to the ceremony must also be invited to the reception. But it’s totally acceptable to invite guests only to the wedding reception. Just make sure your reception-only invitations make it crystal clear that it’s for the reception—only! For example, instead of inviting guests to “witness” your marriage, invite them to a “reception to celebrate” your marriage. You can then invite the VIP ceremony guests via an additional paper insert, an email, or a phone call.”

Image via LAR Weddings

Nora Sheils, Founder of Bridal Bliss, and Co-Founder of Rock Paper Coin, shares,

Don’t prioritize cost savings over feelings.

“While etiquette has changed quite a bit when it comes to the wedding world, one thing remains true – treat your guests with respect and give them a positive experience at your event reigns king! Planning a small ceremony and a larger reception is more than acceptable. Many couples cringe at the thought of people watching them walk down the aisle. Keeping the ceremony small makes it much less stressful. However, asking guests to attend your ceremony and then not inviting them to the reception isn’t going to fly. It may be a cost savings, but I can guarantee you that you will have many offended guests.”

Image via Anoki Art Photography

Lauren Lemke, Executive Event Designer at Amy Abbott Events shares,

For destination weddings, the rule of thumb is that all guests should be invited to both.

“If you are planning a destination wedding, all guests should be invited to both the ceremony and reception. The only exception to this rule is when it comes to children. I have noticed a trend where children are invited to the ceremony and cocktail hour, then head back to the hotel with the babysitter or grandparent before dinner. This is a nice compromise for those couples who are looking to have an adults’ only party. It also allows the parents of the children to spend a care free night on the dance floor with the bride and groom.”

Image via LAR Weddings

HoneyFitz Events shares,

It’s nice to be all-inclusive if your ceremony and reception are at the same venue.

“Guest lists for your wedding day can be challenging to navigate. Some couples opt for more unique and personal celebrations and there are ways to address the question of the guest list. Some couples choose to have an intimate civil or church ceremony with limited guests in attendance. Then, later on, have a full-blown reception, where they expand on the guest list. Inversely, if a couple is looking to limit the number of guests in attendance for the reception, an option to consider is having the ceremony and reception in different locations or on different days. This allows for the opportunity to adjust the guest list. As a general rule of thumb, if your ceremony and reception are being held at the same venue, it’s nice to be inclusive with all guests.”

Image via Sarah Sayeed

Charlotte Ricard-Quesada, La Fete shares,

Consider splitting the reception list.

“Having a separate ceremony and reception guest list is a very common thing in the UK. However, it still seems to be a huge question elsewhere in the world. The UK takes it one step further where the reception is split into two further guest lists: dinner and dancing. The rule goes that your family and very close friends are at the ceremony. It should be intimate and simple. You then have more friends and secondary family meet you for cocktails and the meal. This should be fun and everyone should be able to connect with the speeches given. Then, you can invite work colleagues, or people that are obligation invitations to the dancing. They can mingle, enjoy the party and essentially cost a lot less, than if you had invited them earlier. The best part? Everyone is still expected to give some sort of gift to the couple.”

We hope you found these pro tips from top wedding industries helpful for your wedding planning journey! We think you’ll also love these ’10 tips for the morning of your wedding‘.

The post Pro Tips From Top Wedding Industries Regarding Your Wedding Guest List first appeared on Inspired By This.

Image via Jaimee Morse Photography

Build some cushion into your wedding budget.

“It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll run into some hidden fees or other unexpected expenses, so make sure to give yourselves a cushion. We recommend using about 5% of your total budget as a buffer to cover any unanticipated costs.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director, Here Comes The Guide

Prepare for an inbox explosion.

“You may want to consider creating a separate email address specifically for your wedding, because all the e-newsletters, wedding show follow-ups, vendor correspondence, etc. can get pretty overwhelming. It’s much easier to have it all in one place – where both you and your fiancé can access it – without having it clutter up your main inbox.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director, Here Comes The Guide

Choose delivery options whenever possible.

“Planning a wedding requires a lot of coordination, and scheduling a million deliveries. But sometimes you forget about yourself, and that means picking up your suit or tuxedo before the wedding. Don’t worry, now you can get that delivered too! With new online options you can plan the wedding looks for you and your entire wedding party online, and get them delivered to everyone weeks before the wedding. No more panic attacks when you realize you didn’t schedule your suit pick up the day before the wedding if you get it delivered directly to you!” – Matt Ramirez, SVP of Marketing, Generation Tux

Factor in plenty of time for your gown order – and alterations!

“Unless you purchase a perfectly fitted and ready-to-go gown, you’ll need to begin your dress search 9-12 months in advance of the big day. To be safe, you’ll want to allow 6-8 months to receive a custom-made dress. And leave plenty of cushion for alterations, with your first dress fitting scheduled at least 3 months out.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director, Here Comes The Guide

Image via Analy Photo

Keep vendor contact information on hand.

“Use a service like Google Drive to keep a running list of all your vendors along with their contact information, in case you need to get in touch with them quickly (or on the go!). These files are hosted online, can be shared with anyone, and can be accessed anywhere from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director, Here Comes The Guide

Ensure your vendors receive a meal.

“Don’t forget to report how many vendors will be staying for the duration of your event to ensure they will get a vendor meal! Your vendor team works hard to bring your wedding vision to life, often enduring 12+ hour shifts with little to no break. Make sure you devote a small portion of your planning to them and ensure they are well-fed during your event so they can perform at their best for you! This small gesture goes a long way (and is often a required part of a vendor contract) – so don’t forget them!” – Alexandra Denniston, Owner & Lead Planner, Eventlightenment Planning

Check with your venue on décor limitations.

“You may love how sparklers look in photos, but many venues just don’t want to deal with the fire hazard. Your barn wedding venue could use some sprucing up, but they may not allow you to hang anything from the rafters. And rice is no longer thrown during weddings because birds can choke on it! Read your venue contract carefully and talk with your venue manager about the vision you have for your wedding as there may be restrictions on what you can and can’t include.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director, Here Comes The Guide

Create a must-have photo list!

“I recently got married and after two COVID cancellations, you would think I would have had all the details completely knuckled out! The best piece of advice I would give is to have a list of photos you would like taken with certain guests, and pass this to your photographer. We absolutely adore our photos but there are some guests we missed out on photos with that we would have loved to have as treasured memories!” – Kristy Breed, Director, Le Rose Stories

Image via Analy Photo

Have an RSVP-tracking strategy in place.

“The struggle with tracking RSVPs is real, people! You’d be surprised by how many guests will fail to write their names on the RSVP reply card. All you’ll know is that 2 people are coming, and they both want the salmon. To circumvent this problem, write a little number on the back of your RSVP cards that corresponds to your own numbered guest list. That way you’ll know who each reply card belongs to.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director, Here Comes The Guide

A “thank you” for your bridesmaids.

“They’ve been your right hand girls through it all – finding your perfect dress, planning showers and bachelorettes, and a listening ear for those stressed-out-bride moments. Now it’s time to thank them with a gift they’ll actually want to use beyond the wedding day. The Crew Apparel Co. takes the classic robe to the next level, with beautiful prints, modern lettering, and the softest peachskin jersey fabric. They’re photo-worthy while sipping a glass of bubbly on the wedding morning, and the perfect piece to lounge in after the big day. Total comfort combined with effortless style. Paired with one of their coordinating totes or oversized makeup bags, they’re ideal for keeping the essentials in one place on the wedding day, and everyday. Total #giftgoals for your girls.” – Caryn Leith, Founder + CEO, The Crew Apparel Co.

The overall timeline of the day.

“Another detail that’s often overlooked is the timeline of the day. What time do you need to be at the ceremony venue? When will the reception start and end? Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get ready and build in some buffer time in case there are any delays! For example, your makeup artist could arrive late for your appointment because of traffic. Things happen, so you need to be prepared. It’s also a good idea to communicate your timeline to your wedding party and key vendors so that everyone is on the same page.” – Allie Calzada, Allie the Wedding Officiant LLC

Bring your MOH to the final fitting.

“Or whoever will be bustling your dress. They’ll learn how to do it and get a bit of practice at your final fitting, so that it won’t take as long (or be as stressful!) on the day of.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director, Here Comes The Guide

Image via Simple Lace Photography

Have backup plans.

“One of the most important details to remember is making sure you have a solid backup plan. What if it rains on your wedding day? What if there’s a power outage at the reception venue? Having a plan B (and even a plan C!) will help to ensure that your wedding day goes off without a hitch, no matter what.” – Allie Calzada, Allie the Wedding Officiant LLC

Put together a wedding-day emergency kit.

“This is a small makeup bag filled with “just in case” items that can fix most of those little wedding-day problems. Got a pounding headache pre-ceremony? Pop an Advil. Corner of your eyelash coming unglued? Whip out that tube of DUO. Did you spill some red wine or bust a seam? Luckily you’ve packed some Shout Wipes and a mini sewing kit! From double-sided tape to deodorant, an emergency kit can be a real lifesaver on the big day.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director, Here Comes The Guide

If you are planning to assign seats for your reception, don’t forget about a way to direct guests to their tables.

“Whether it is table numbers or creative table names. No matter if you are customizing something or just doing something simple, this is a necessity if you are going to assign seating at your reception and could become problematic if you don’t have a method planned ahead of time.” – Alexandra Denniston, Owner & Lead Planner, Eventlightenment Planning

Bring along your rings and marriage license.

“Many couples forget one (or both) of these items on the day of. Sure, your wedding is going to be a fun party, but the main point of it is to actually get married. So don’t forget to bring your rings and marriage license to the ceremony, along with a pen so you can sign it!” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director, Here Comes The Guide

Image via Simple Lace Photography

Friendships and family dynamics.

“Another detail to remember is thinking about certain friendships and family dynamics. If you know that your divorced grandparents don’t get along, it might be a good idea to seat them at separate tables. If you have a Maid of Honor who is prone to drama, try to keep her away from any potential conflict areas. And if you know that your parents have different ideas about how the wedding should go, make sure you sit down with them in advance and come to a compromise.” – Allie Calzada, Allie the Wedding Officiant LLC

Factor in your gratuities to the overall budget.

“Make sure that you include gratuities in your budget so that there’s enough money to set aside later on. Some vendors will include gratuities in their prices, but others may not include them at all, so make sure to look over your contracts. Even if you’ve included gratuities in your wedding budget, it’s easy to forget about them on the big day. Have the tips ready to go in labeled envelopes. Then, have a trusted individual such as your wedding planner, Maid of honor, etc. to pass the tips out on the wedding day.” – Anna Rodenbeck, Co-Founder & Lead Coordinator, Whitehead + Co.

Designate someone for “wedding photo round-up” duty.

“During your formal portraits, it’ll be handy to have a close friend or family member in charge of gathering together the necessary VIPs for their photos.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director, Here Comes The Guide

Bring along some comfy shoes.

“Yes, your Jimmy Choos are magnificent. But no, they’re not exactly dance-floor friendly. Bring along a fun pair of Converse or cute-but-comfy wedges so you can dance the night away without being crippled by blisters.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director, Here Comes The Guide

The post The Most Overlooked & Forgotten Details When Planning Your Wedding first appeared on Inspired By This.

Image via Generation Tux

Find an unconventional wedding venue.

“Want to set the stage for a nontraditional wedding? Start with an out-of-the-box venue! You know, the kind of place that makes your wedding an experience rather than simply an event. From summer camps and retreats to stadiums, museums, and even treehouses, there are a wealth of unique and alternative wedding venue gems just waiting to be discovered.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes The Guide

Take your wedding lingerie to the next level with a boudoir shoot on your wedding morning!

“If you’re already treating yourself to some beautiful wedding lingerie, pajamas, or a bridal robe, ask your photographer about adding a mini boudoir shoot on your wedding morning. These photos will make for beautiful keepsakes for you and your fiancé and will be such a special way to remember one of the most memorable days of your life! Plus, it’s an epic confidence boost on the day you’re heading down the aisle – trust us!” – Kristy Breed & Helen Semovski, Director & Designer, Le Rose Stories

Image via Le Rose Stories

Turn a heartfelt toast into a custom song for guests.

“Toasts are often a frightening prospect for parents, members of the wedding party, and even brides and grooms. The idea of saying something meaningful, memorable, honest, and entertaining feels like an impossible task! Having a team of professional, award-winning songwriters create a piece of music takes all the pressure off, and ensures an unforgettable moment. As the writer Hans Christian Andersen said, “Where words fail, music speaks.” A Heartsongs is the perfect way to express how you really feel – without being put on the spot during the big day, and without having to write it yourself.” – Rebekah Powell, Founder, Heartsongs Music

Choose a bold color rather than classic black for your groom’s look!

“Instead of classic black, we love when grooms choose a different color for their wedding day look. Navy and grey options are probably the most popular aside from black, but we’re personally fans of incorporating fashion trends you love into your wedding day. A dark chocolate brown option creates a punch of visual interest for your groom, and is an awesome option especially for cool weather weddings! Picture a deep mahogany suit paired with accessories in shades of burgundy, rust, or marigold – what a great way to make sure your groom stands out on his big day!” – Matt Ramirez, SVP of Marketing, Generation Tux

Image via Le Rose Stories

Creatively customize your ceremony.

“The wedding ceremony is the most tradition-laden part of the day, so don’t be afraid to mix things up here. Sing your vows if you’re musically inclined, let guests sit wherever they want, walk down the aisle together, hire a celebrity impersonator as your officiant, whatever! To legally tie the knot, you just need your fiancé, an officiant, and a marriage license. Everything else is fair game.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes The Guide

Get creative with your first dance.

“A Heartsong is also a perfect alternative to first dances. After years of attending weddings or even just a particularly busy wedding season, the most special moment of your dream day can be a blur to your guests. There are only so many ways you can make a traditional ceremony or reception stand out. An original song that tells your love story – written by a team of #1 award-winning songwriters – creates an unforgettable, transcendent moment that you get to share with your guests. This way, your guests aren’t just spectators to your dream day, but active participants experiencing your joy and love alongside you.” Heartsongs Music

The post Modern Day Alternatives to Classic Wedding Traditions first appeared on Inspired By This.

As a result, looking for ways to transform your home for a holiday micro wedding? Photographer Angela Sue gives 5 ways to make it happen below!

With intimate micro weddings quickly becoming the go-to approach to pandemic weddings, Perfectly Bubbly Events set out to bring an intimate, home gathering inspiration shoot. Moreover, the goal was to showcase how couples can still have the wedding of their dreams right in their homes. She imagined this festive color palette to elevate holiday joy and bring some soft tones to the season. Consequently, here are 5 ways you can transform your home for a holiday micro wedding.

01. Make your fireplace or mantle the backdrop for your ceremony.

If you were planning your own holiday micro wedding, what better venue for an intimate gathering than your own home? Imagine your fireplace and mantle is your ceremony location with a warm fire or beautiful white candles burning behind you for that romantic feel. Thanks to Orange Blossoms Floral, you could even have a beautiful holiday garland cascading down. Add a stunning festive wedding sign with calligraphy by Sun Love Co framing the two of you as well. Perfectly Bubbly Events envisioned this as Christmas Day with loved ones intimately gathered by the fire and a professionally designed Christmas tree by Freshly Fuji. Stunning, right!?

02. Let your Christmas tree be a focal point in your decor.

Speaking of Christmas trees, Freshly Fuji took our vision for a pink Christmas micro wedding and brought it to life. This 10 foot tree really brought out the spirit of the season for this in–home micro wedding. All the colorful ornaments and snowflakes put a cozy finishing touch on this couple’s love story. From custom calligraphy garlands by Sun Love Co to pink velvet reindeers, this Christmas tree was the perfect accessory to a stunning ceremony vignette.

03. Host an intimate dinner party around your dining table.

After your fireside ceremony, you might invite your loved ones to the dining room where the modern farmhouse Christmas vibes continue. More holiday garlands, blush taper candles and gold votives from Orange Blossoms Floral drape this romantic tablescape featuring elegant velvet linens, glamorously gold place settings and natural wood Veronique chairs from Pleasanton Event Rentals. Thanks to Fantasy Sound Event Services, we can even feature a stunning chandelier to really bring home the intimate dining experience. Can’t you imagine your friends and family gathered around this beautiful setting in your home?

04. Include multiple stunning looks for different parts of your day.

Even if you’re planning for a holiday micro wedding in your home, you can still dress for the red carpet. Our bride wore not one… not two… but THREE stunning gowns designed by Enzoani provided by Garnet and Grace Bridal Boutique. This romantic modern farmhouse Christmas wedding welcomes all dress styles you could imagine! From beautiful horsehair ballgowns with intricate and jaw-dropping embroidered material to extravagantly beaded form-fitted dresses with sexy Disney princess vibes. We even dressed our bride up in a two-layered Enzoani gown. This is perfect for the bride interested in two distinct looks for her ceremony and reception. It was paired with a Blue by Enzoani cape for that extra couture feel.

To complement her stunning gowns, our beautiful bride wore her natural curls like a rockstar with various accessories designed to coordinate and highlight the best parts of each gown. And on top of that, she wore these beautiful, over-the-top sparkly, wintery bridal booties by the one and only Betsey Johnson. This new line of Betsey Johnson bridal heels is to die for—we couldn’t resist including this in our vision for an in-home intimate Christmas wedding!

05. Elevate your faith traditions with unique bridal touches.

Moreover, if all these glamorous and Hollywood-worthy details weren’t enough, Orange Blossoms Floral even designed a very unique type of bouquet style for brides and grooms who want to stand apart. Inspired by American actress Grace Kelly, and the Bible adorned with flowers that she carried during her nuptials to Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956, Orange Blossoms Floral created a present day interpretation of the iconic design. The 2020 version features clusters of blush florals, strings of stephanotis, and cascading knotted satin ribbons.

Consequently, transforming your home for a holiday micro wedding may seem like a large task. As a result, we hope the process becomes easier with these 5 tips. Look at how beautiful the end result can be. Furthermore, incorporating the holiday season can happen with ease! Finally, looking for even more inspiration? Then, check out this Romantic Micro Wedding With Tasteful Balloon Details!

The post 5 Ways To Transform Your Home For A Holiday Micro Wedding first appeared on Inspired By This.

Photographer: Brett Loie Photography
Event Planner: Feathered Arrow Events
Florals: Inessa Nichols Design

Get Customized Proposals and Bids

At WedBrilliant, we try to balance having your perfect wedding and not breaking the bank or starting out your lives together in debt! That’s why you can post all your wedding needs on WedBrilliant.com and get customized proposals and bids from wedding pros like hairstylists, photographers, caterers and cake designers who can help you make your day magical, within the budget you’re working with! Once you receive bids from vendors, you can select the vendor that best fits your vision and your budget. With WedBrilliant, you can get a good sense of what services and products will actually cost and select vendors to work with who are available on your dates and can help keep you financially on-track! – Melissa Wilmot, Founder & CEO, WedBrilliant 

Set a Budget from the Start

The best way to avoid wedding debt is to set a budget from the start and stick to it! Laying out a budget and knowing what that number is helps you to not look at venues or vendors that may be way out of your price range. It’s so easy to fall in love with a place or a vendor and then realize you can’t afford it. It sets you up for disappointment. I also tell my couples to really think about what is important to them and spend their money there. At the end of the day, if certain details or decor are not as important but flowers are, allocate more of your budget towards that instead. It’s important to know what you can spend so that you don’t go into debt and stress out about money after the wedding. – Kari Dirksen – CEO + Lead Planner, Feathered Arrow Events 

Photographer: Deyla Huss Photography 
Event Planner: Bridal Bliss 

Cut Things that Don’t Impact Guest Experience

I always counsel my couples on what they can cut if they’re feeling pinched: things that don’t impact guest experience. Do away with favors, the floral that is in low-traffic areas, and shave the hors d’oeuvres offerings down to three during cocktail hour.”-Ashley Lachney, Owner of Alston Mayger Events

Rainy Day Fund for Your Wedding

Just like you keep a normal savings account, a rainy day fund for your wedding isn’t a bad idea either. This can help with the sticker shock of having to add a tent last minute due to weather, or pay for your photographer’s extra hours if needed.” – Ashley Lachney, Owner of Alston Mayger Events

Utilize spreadsheets and software like Rock Paper Coin

The easiest way to stick to a budget is to actually create one before anything is booked! So many couples book their venue and realize they have overspent after it is too late and it sets them up for failure. Determine your budget, and stick to it! Utilize spreadsheets and software like Rock Paper Coin to keep you organized and easily track where all your funds are going. You can also automate payments to ensure no late payments will be due in the future! – Nora Sheils, Founder Bridal Bliss 

Photographer: Wild Whim Design and Photography 
Event Planner: Feathered Arrow Events 
Florals: Shin Dig Chic 

Know How Much Everything Costs

Working with a planner will also help you stick to a budget. He or she can help you create an accurate budget to start–they’ve done this before and they know how much things cost! That alone will set you on the path to success and along the way if you are considering an item over budget, he/she can help you reallocate funds in your budget or put you in check if it’s going to blow it. – Nora Sheils, Founder Bridal Bliss

Wiggle Room for The Items You May Love

We like to call it the wedding faucet! Sometimes it just keeps going, especially the last month. To avoid this, try to make payments throughout the year to your vendors so you are not hit with big remaining balances the month of. We also like to budget an additional 10% on top of your original wedding budget. This way, you have some wiggle room for the items you may love. The easiest way to get back to your desired budget is the guest list. If there are cousins of cousins you may not have seen in 15 years, then maybe reconsider the invite. This will save on meal cost, decor, flowers and maybe a whole table! – Erica Trombetti, Infinite Events 

Do Research

Plan your budget for the long term, and not “as you go”. Do research and make sure you plan for all expenses along the way. Our general rule of thumb is that the venue, catering and bar come to roughly 50% of the total wedding budget with the other half being used for all of the vendors and decor. You’d be surprised at how many people think the venue cost is the total wedding budget only to be surprised later when they start working on vendors! – Valarie Falvey, Kirkbrides 

The post Wedding Debt is a Real Thing, Here’s How to Avoid it first appeared on Inspired By This.

The photographers Katie & Alec shared,

This shoot was inspired by subtle notes of French romance. Custom cheese boards, a Monet-inspired invitation suite, delicate feminine details, and touches of lavender all played beautifully off one another. 
Nestled in the rolling hills of California Sunstone Winery was the perfect setting for it. Its European-inspired architecture made us feel like we were in France for the shoot. The crawling rose bushes up the side is what we couldn’t get over! 

We also played heavily on those feminine, pastel colors. Pinks, purples, and blues were incorporated throughout the design in a fresh way that didn’t feel like the typical pastel wedding day. The hand-torn wedding invitations were our favorite way these colors were incorporated. Each piece of the invitation suite felt so intentional and really held its own as far as design, texture, and color. 

When brides see this shoot we want them to see how they can use feminine tones without having to do it in the same old way. They can play off of fun textures, include unique details like cutting boards, and bring as much color to their day as they want to! Even if that means a colorful dress.

The post Vineyard Wedding Inspiration in Santa Barbara first appeared on Inspired By This.

.01 – Blush Ruffle Gloves

Ruffle gloves, and just gloves in general have been making an appearance in the bridal fashion world. We are just going to say it, these will not be for everyone but we are big fans! Not only are they as fun as can be, but they offer an option to add some fun details to your look.

.02 – Bliss On Swimsuits

If you are getting married, you are likely going on a honeymoon, probably somewhere tropical. Are we correct in that statement? If so, we cannot recommend Bliss On Swimsuit more. They specialize in all things bridal swimsuits, and we happen to think they have the best option on the internet!

.03 – The Mrs.Clutch Totes

A timeless favorite by many, The Mrs.Clutch is designs these totes with tradition in mind. They say it best, “Each heirloom-worthy handbag is designed to be a signature piece not only on your wedding day, but a signature piece for any occasion”.

.04 – Starburst Stud Bridal Earrings

If these starburst stud bridal earrings, didn’t grab your eye, then we are not sure what will. These stunners feature a modern twist on a timeless diamond cluster earring.

.05 – Pearl Bridal Scrunchie

We are convinced that scrunchies will never go out of style. These pearl bridal scrunchies have to be the most chic bridal accessories we have seen yet. Designed by Jade Oi, we will never get over this gorgeous accessory.

.06 – Ma’am Ruth Heels

Ma’am (no pun intended) if you don’t have fun bridal heels, that are also comfy, then what are you doing? These Ruth Terra-cotta Colored Heels by Ma’am are our current picks. They are as chic as can be, and have the ability to be worn with special occasions following your wedding.

The post Bridal Fashion Accessories We Can’t Get Enough Of first appeared on Inspired By This.

Lisa from Willow Jaymes Events shares,

This is our Brick & Ivey Photo shoot. I designed this for their new venue. A neutral brick and wood venue that allows weddings to be designed in any way imaginable. I love using elements that contrast each other. We used heavy concrete planters filled mixed with olive branches and oversized candle holders. We added very delicate hanging globes with tea lights in them to the head table, along with small concrete votives, large concrete vases holding beautiful bold florals. Across the sweetheart table we used heavy mixed greenery and pepper berry mixed in. The guest table had an overheard arrangement of the same greenery. The mix of bold & heavy and light and airy details made this romantic modern shoot unique.

Did this stunning cake sweep you off of your feet? Check out why we think you should opt for a fine art cake for your wedding.

The post Whimsical Wedding Inspiration in the Heart of Atlanta first appeared on Inspired By This.