Simple Ways to Make Your Wedding a Little More Chic

When you imagine your wedding, do you want it to be simple and traditional? Or, would you prefer it to be modern, chic, and maybe even a little edgy? If you fall into that second category, you’re in luck. These easy-to-follow tips can help you make your wedding cool, sophisticated, and absolutely unforgettable.

Take Fashion Risks

If you want an ultra-cool wedding, you have to be willing to take a few risks. One of the easiest ways to do something daring is to buck the standard wedding fashions. Instead of a flowing gown, consider a cute cocktail, a dazzling pantsuit, or a smashing evening gown. You can also encourage your wedding guests to go bold with their fashions. Plus, who says your bridal party has to match? Letting everyone make individualized fashion choices can help create a cool wedding aesthetic.

Go Minimalist

If you’re getting married in a gorgeous natural setting, like the beaches of Maui, there’s no need for over-the-top decor. In fact, many couples are opting for a modern, minimalist approach. Not only can it make your wedding a little more hip, but it can also help you save money too.

Capture Candid Moments

It’s not enough for a wedding to simply be cool. It also has to look cool on camera. After all, photos are where your wedding will live on long after the big day is over. Remember, the best photos are going to be candids that show you and your partner and your whole wedding crew in action. Of course, that’s not to say that you have to skip the posed photos. Just aim to make those different and unique as well. Black and white images or non-traditional shots, like you and your soon-to-be spouse standing in strong poses atop a table, can help project your desired aesthetic.

You deserve a wedding that’s as cool and original as you are. So, don’t be afraid to tackle tradition, take chances, and think outside the box. If you stay true to yourself and your style, your wedding is sure to look the way you want.

Post-Wedding Dress Ideas

Once you’ve tied the knot and said, “I do,” you’re left with a big, probably poofy wedding dress taking up space in your closet. For some brides, that’s not a problem. They’ll take it out and stare at it from time to time, happy to have it close at hand. Others, though, prefer to do something with their dress. If you’re in this second category, consider these creative ideas for making use of your gown after the big day.

Have it Professionally Packaged

If you want to keep your dress but don’t want it hanging in your closet, professional preservation is a great option. There are many companies that will package up your dress in a way that keeps it safe, compact, and ready for its next adventure, whatever that might be. Whether you want to hand it down to a future child or just keep it perfect forever, professional packaging is the way to go. Just make sure to clean it ahead of time. After all, sand from the beaches of Maui or stains from your wedding cake are not quite the memories you want to cherish.

Make Something Amazing

Are you the crafty type? If so, why not get creative with your wedding dress? There are many fun ways to upcycle that gown and give it a new purpose. You can work portions of the dress into a quilt, use the fabric in an art project, or turn it into a baby blanket. The choice is yours, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box and do something different.

Give it to Someone Who Needs It

Your used gown could be your chance to give back. You can have it repurposed into a prom dress for a young girl in need. Or, you could find a bride-to-be on a budget and gift it to her. There are also many charities that will gladly accept used wedding dresses as a tax-deductible donation.

Wear it in a New Way

Just because something starts out as a wedding dress doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. You can easily change your dress into something new to wear, either on your own or with the help of a professional seamstress. From fluffy skirts to cute sundresses and cocktail gowns, the sky’s the limit when it comes to redesigning your dress. You can even dye it a new color for a totally new look.

Your wedding dress is yours and will remain yours long after the ceremony is over. That means you can do with it what you like. Whether that’s keeping it for the memories, creating new ones, or just letting it go, it’s your decision to make. Do whatever feels right for you, and you should have no regrets.

Looking for a Creative Wedding Treat? Consider Cake Pops

Wedding cake is undoubtedly the most standard wedding dessert. However, it’s not the only sweet treat you can serve. In fact, many couples are skipping the wedding cake altogether in favor of cupcakes, cake pops, and other decadent desserts. Whether you want an alternative to the traditional wedding cake or something to serve in addition to it, cake pops are a great choice for a variety of reasons.

They’re Affordable

Cake pops are small, cute, and, depending on where you get them, surprisingly affordable. You can even make them yourself if you’re minimally skilled in the kitchen and have the time. Whether you buy them or take a DIY approach, you’ll undoubtedly save money, especially if you use them as a wedding cake substitute.

They Can Be Wrapped

You’ve probably seen cake pops wrapped up just like lollipops in the store. That’s because, once these treats are prepped, they can easily be packaged without spoiling the taste. That means you can make them in advance of your big day if you’re pressed for time. Plus, your guests can take them home as a fun keepsake.

They’re Mess-Free

Cake pops are truly a bite-size treat. As a result, they don’t leave a lot of mess behind. If you’re worried about crumbs on you or your guests’ attire, cake pops are definitely the way to go. As an added bonus, they’re portable, so your guests can munch and mingle at the same time.

They’re A Smart Choice

While cake is never really healthy, cake pops are at least a little more diet-friendly than standard slices. They’re tiny, which means your guests won’t feel too full to enjoy some dancing after you say “I do.” They’ll also give more calorie-conscious guests the chance to indulge, at least a little, without all the guilt of cake. Your guests are also more likely to finish them, which can cut back on wedding day waste.

Whether you’re getting married in Maui or just your hometown, cake pops are easy to come by, yummy, and a whole lot of fun. So, why not consider adding them to your wedding day menu? You and your guests are sure to love every last bite!

Adorable, Wearable Bridesmaids’ Gifts

When someone agrees to be your bridesmaid, it’s a major honor. The best way to say thank you is with a thoughtful gift. Fortunately, there are all kinds of presents available. However, the best gifs tend to be those that people can actually use, over and over again. So, why not give your bridesmaids something they can wear? There are lots of fun options to choose from.

Bridal Bathing Suits

If you’re getting married somewhere tropical, such as Maui, bathing suits are a wonderful gift idea. From matching bikinis to tasteful one-pieces, you can celebrate your bridesmaids and your wedding destination with swimwear. Plus, you can even do a fun swimwear photo session on the beach or by the pool.

Pajamas

On your big day, bridesmaids spend a lot of their time getting ready. They have to get their hair and makeup done, which can take quite a while. Help your bridesmaids get prepped in style with cute pajama sets. You can even throw in matching robes to add to the fun. And, after the wedding day is over, your bridesmaids can still relax and slip into their cozy jammies whenever they like.

Jewelry

Jewelry is a fun, easy wedding-day gift. You can wrap up earrings, bracelets, necklaces, or even a combination of jewelry to show your bridesmaids how much they mean to you. Everyone is sure to love your picks. This gift can also come in handy in case anyone forgets jewelry to complement their bridesmaid attire.

Personalized Purses

Personalized purses and bags are yet another meaningful way to show your appreciation. You can have bags printed with each bridesmaid’s name, the wedding date, or even a special photo. Don’t be afraid to get creative. Also, remember that each bridal bag doesn’t have to be the same. You can do something a little unique and different for each bridesmaid in your party.

Everyone wants to feel appreciated, especially when they’re going out of their way to be there for you and celebrate your special day. So, be thoughtful and creative as you come up with bridesmaids’ gifts. As long as you think with both your heart and your head, you’re sure to give these lovely ladies something they’ll treasure.

Fabulous Wedding Flowers

Planning a wedding involves making lots of tough decisions. One decision you’ll want to make early on is which wedding flowers you want. After all, some flowers can be hard to find at different times of the year. But, if you plan ahead, you give yourself a greater chance of getting the flowers you truly want. If you’re not sure which flowers to choose, don’t panic. Here are some great options for modern couples.

Roses

Whether you’re getting married on the beaches of Maui or in your own back yard, roses are a very popular wedding flower. They’re a symbol of romantic love and have been a classic choice for decades, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. These flowers are easy to find and can last through long ceremonies in all kinds of weather. They’re an excellent, stress-free option for brides and grooms who want a simple but stately choice.

Peonies

Peonies are pretty, delicate, and sweet, making them an easy wedding favorite. However, these flowers can be quite expensive. So, unless you have a high wedding budget or just really have your heart set on them, they’re probably not for you. If, despite these details, you’re still committed to peonies, start your search for a florist early. These beautiful buds can sometimes be hard to find, especially during the off season.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers have become a popular wedding flower in recent years. They’re bright, happy, and beautiful. They also symbolize good luck, which every couple can use on their special day. Plus, they’re easy to find and often quite affordable, especially if you’re getting married during sunflower season. Many brides and grooms even create an entire sunflower theme and take photos in colorful sunflower fields.

These three wedding flowers are strong choices, but there are plenty of other possibilities as well. From blossoming, attention-grabbing hydrangeas to gorgeous gardenias and more, lots of flowers can add beauty to your big day. Spend some time exploring these and other flowers to find your perfect floral. Your wedding is sure to be better and brighter as a result.

Don’t Forget These Honeymoon Essentials

Wedding planning requires a lot of time, energy, and work. In fact, it takes so much effort that a lot of couples give it their all and forget about the honeymoon in the process. Whatever you do, don’t make this mistake. Your honeymoon is the fun part. It’s a joy-filled time to celebrate your new life with the one you love. So, start planning for it early, and, while you’re at it, plan your packing list too. To get you started, here are some must-have essentials.

Appropriate Attire

You’re probably going to take a lot of pictures on your honeymoon. Furthermore, you, your children, and even your future grandchildren are going to look at those photos for years to come. Thus, you want to look your best in every image, which means packing appropriate, attractive attire. What you’ll need can vary depending on where you’re going. After all, a packing list for Maui is going to look very different from a packing list for Paris. Thus, just think about where you’re heading, what activities you’ll be doing, and the kinds of clothes that will make you feel your best without being stuffy or uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid to buy a few new outfits either. Just like a wedding, a honeymoon is a special occasion, and it’s okay to go all out.

Just-in-Case Items

The more you plan, the more prepared you’ll be. That’s a good sentiment to live by when it comes to your honeymoon. With that in mind, try to think of any little need that might pop up, and prepare for it. If you’re prone to an upset tummy, for instance, go ahead and pack some antacids, especially if you’ll be trying new foods. Also, bring along essential just-in-case items, like bandages, sunscreen, and an extra phone charger. Sit down with your partner and talk about other trips you’ve taken and items you wished you’d had. Then, add those to your list. Friends and family members can probably give some good suggestions as well.

Something to Stash it All In

Those just-in-case items only work if you have something you can easily carry them in. So, as you pack your suitcase, be sure to add in a comfortable backpack, a roomy purse, or something else you can easily transport from one honeymoon adventure to another. Also, try and choose something that’s compact so that it doesn’t take up too much room in your luggage.

When you’re in the midst of wedding planning, honeymoon prep may be the last thing on your mind, but it’s a necessity. Get those travel plans set in place and then tackle the gathering and packing jobs. The sooner you get it done, the sooner you can stop stressing and start enjoying.

Don’t Be a Bride-zilla: Follow These Tips to Keep Your Cool

When you’re planning a wedding, it’s normal to get overwhelmed and stressed from time to time. But, you can’t take that frustration out on others. If you do, you might be dubbed a bride-zilla (or a groom-zilla). Worse yet, you might find yourself with very few wedding guests in attendance. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your cool and keep the peace.

Be Considerate

Your big day may be all about you and your partner, but you still need to be considerate of others. If you’re having a destination wedding in Maui, for example, give everyone plenty of advance notice. That way, they can plan ahead, book their flights, and make other necessary arrangements. Also, be upfront with your bridal party about any expenses they’ll be responsible for so there are no surprises. A good rule of thumb is to try and think like a guest or wedding party member. If there’s something you’d like to be informed of ahead of time, share that information with those who need to know.

Don’t Do Everything Yourself

If you like to be in control, you may be tempted to handle all your wedding responsibilities on your own. However, this can lead to excess stress, which can increase your chances of being short-tempered with those you love. You’ll feel a lot better and treat everyone a lot better if you ask for help when and where you need it. Even better yet, consider hiring a wedding planner to do the really tough work for you.

Let Go of Perfectionism

It’s natural to want everything to go perfectly on your wedding day. After all, it’s a day you’ve dreamed about. But, life isn’t a dream. It’s life, and nothing ever goes 100% according to plan. The sooner you accept that and resolve to go with the flow, the better. Plan well, do your best, but also be willing to laugh off the little imperfections that might pop up. One day, they’ll be fond memories.

As you can see, there are many things you can do to keep a calm head in the weeks leading up to your wedding. Try these strategies, and take some time out to relax and unwind when you need it. You’ll feel better, and your loved ones will benefit too, which means everybody wins on your wedding day.

How To Make That “Just Married” Moment Truly Magical

In movies, brides and grooms rush out of a church and down the steps toward their painted, decorated cars. In the process, they’re showered with birdseed. But, movies aren’t real life, and you’ll find that many venues frown on birdseed. It attracts wildlife and can leave a big mess behind. Plus, do you really want to pick birdseed out of your hair for days to come? The good news is that birdseed isn’t the only option for a magical “just married” moment. There are plenty of other things you can use to celebrate your big event.

Give Confetti A Try

Colorful confetti is becoming an increasingly popular option at weddings. Many couples like to choose confetti in their wedding colors. Even better, if you make the confetti pieces large enough, they’re easy to remove from your clothes or body. However, just like birdseed, confetti can get messy, so you’ll need to have a dedicated sweeper or clean-up crew onhand to tidy up after the celebratory moment. As an added bonus, it’s easy to keep a piece or two as a sweet souvenir.

Make Some Music

If making a mess isn’t your style, consider a more eco-friendly (and much noisier) option. You can supply your well-wishers with small bells, which they can ring as you run out of the venue. It makes a lovely noise, especially if you have a lot of guests in attendance, and everyone can keep their bell as a fun keepsake if they like. You can even have the bells engraved with your names, the wedding date, or other sentimental reminders.

Light it Up

For night weddings, a little light is just the thing for the perfect send-off. Imagine your guests waving candles or, if you’re a concert fan, lighters in the air. Sparklers or, for a modern touch, phones can do the trick as well. Some couples even opt for glow sticks for a fun, neon touch. In any case, light is an easy, mess-free, and very pretty choice for your big farewell to single life.

Whether you’re saying “I do” in Maui, Mexico, Montana, or anywhere in between, you just have to have that special moment at the end of the ceremony. How you do it, though, is up to you. Don’t be afraid to get creative, think outside the box, and dare to be different. Your wedding is sure to be all the more special for it.

Don’t Forget the Wedding Decor

Don’t Forget the Wedding Decor

When you’re planning a wedding, it seems like there’s a million things to do and remember. In fact, many couples feel overwhelmed during the planning stages, which makes it easy to forget something. Fortunately, this handy guide to wedding decor can help you remember the must-haves on your big day.

Wedding Programs

Whether you’re getting married in tropical Maui or your own back yard, guests will want a keepsake of your wedding. And, for some couples, wedding programs are the perfect solution. Programs double as a type of decor, and your guests can take them home as a souvenir. Ideally, programs should include basic information about your wedding, such as the date and members of the wedding party, and a rundown of the day’s events. Of course, programs are optional, so don’t feel pressured to include them if you don’t want to.

Table Decor

Tables need a lot of dressing up to make them look special. That’s probably why so many couples leave out an item or two in this category. To avoid forgetfulness, you can hire a service to dress and decorate your tables. If you take a do-it-yourself approach, remember that you’ll need, at a minimum:

● Tablecloths

● Decorative centerpieces

● Placemats

● Plates

● Silverware

● Glasses

● Napkins

Ceremony Decor

Your ceremony is where the magic happens. Thus, pay careful attention to all the decor surrounding the “I do’s.” You’ll want some kind of backdrop or arch to draw attention to you and your partner, as well as decor for the altar and the aisle. Some couples also like to dress up each individual seat.

Ultimately, you need a lot of decor to pull off a pretty wedding. This guide can help you start thinking about what you’ll need. Remember, too, that you can always hire a wedding planner to reduce your risk of forgetting something. And, if you do leave something out, don’t panic. Your wedding day should be less about the decor and more about celebrating and declaring your love for your partner. If you can keep that in mind, your wedding will be beautiful no matter what.

Alcohol Alternatives to Serve at Your Wedding Reception

Alcohol Alternatives to Serve at Your Wedding Reception

These days, wedding receptions are less about following tradition and more about doing what’s right for you and your partner. As such, a lot of couples are forgoing the traditional alcoholic beverages often found at wedding celebrations. Instead, they’re opting for mocktails and other alcohol-free drinks.

Some couples choose an alcohol-free reception to keep everyone on their best behavior or because they live an alcohol-free life. Others like that skipping the alcohol keeps costs down. Whatever the reason, if you're planning a dry wedding or just trying to add in a few non-alcoholic options, here are some drink ideas that could work for you.

Imitation Alcohol

It might surprise you to learn that there are many drink brands that specialize in mimicking standard alcohol without the actual alcohol. For example, Pentire makes a gin-like beverage while WIlfred’s offers up a Campari-style drink. These are just two of many popular imitations. So, if you want to serve drinks that are alcohol-like without the inebriating effects, do your research on these and other faux alcohols to find your favorites.

Virgin Mimosas

Nothing beats the sweet, tangy taste of a mimosa. Luckily, you can capture that same flavor without adding alcohol. All you have to do is mix complementary juices together, and you can get as creative as you like. Grape juice and orange juice make for an awesome combination, as do pineapple juice and orange juice, but the choice is yours. As an added bonus, these refreshing drinks pair perfectly with an outdoor wedding. So, if you’re thinking of getting married on the beaches of Maui, put this option at the top of your list.

Soda Bars

For brides who want a “bar feel” without alcohol, soda bars can be a lot of fun. You can give guests a chance to pick their favorite sodas and add in fun flavors, like a hint of cherry or a squeeze of lime. You can rent a soda fountain specifically for this purpose or even hire a mixologist to create some customized sodas.

As you can see, there’s no need to offer alcohol at your wedding reception if you don’t want to. There are plenty of other great drinks you can serve. So, make the choice that’s right for you and then dance the night away!

Make a Lasting Impression with these Unforgettable Wedding Favors

Make a Lasting Impression with these Unforgettable Wedding Favors

Weddings are magical events. Part of what makes them so magical is sharing them with the people you love most. Luckily, you’ll have photos and maybe even a video to remember your big day. But, what about your guests? They want a keepsake too, which is where wedding favors come into play. These favors don’t have to be extravagant, but they should show that you’ve put real thought into them. So, with that in mind, consider these fun, unforgettable wedding favors.

Fancy Fans

Remember those ornate handheld fans you played with when you were a kid? Well, they’re making a comeback in the wedding circuit. They can be made of paper or woven material, and you can print your names, the wedding date, or other details on them. As an added bonus, these fans work well if you’re having an outdoor wedding in the summer months, making them a perfect fit for brides getting married on the beaches of Maui.

Seeds

For a simple but sweet wedding favor, consider handing out flower seeds. Many couples purchase or create custom packaging for their seeds to make them stand out. Plus, you can encourage guests to plant them in their yards or gardens. That way, they'll have a growing, green reminder of your special day.

Personalized Glasses

Everyone uses drinking glasses, so giving them as a wedding favor is sure to be a hit. You can choose from wine glasses, tumblers, coffee mugs, shot glasses, and more. Even better, you can imprint your wedding date, a photo, or your names on the glasses to add to the charm. Then, guests can remember your big day with every sip.

Edible Treats

For something truly sweet, give your guests an edible take-home treat. From fresh cookies to prettily packaged candies, everyone will enjoy something to nibble on. You can put them in a pretty, reusable gift bag or other custom packaging to give your guests a more lasting memento.

Remember, there’s no rule that says you have to hand out wedding favors. So, if you can’t find something that speaks to you or are trying to cut costs, it’s okay to skip them. If you do decide to give favors, however, these ideas are a great place to start.

How To Choose The Right Wedding Officiant

How To Choose The Right Wedding Officiant

A lot of people are involved in making a wedding a success. One of the most important of these people, however, is the officiant. Simply put, this is the person who officiates or conducts the wedding ceremony and oversees your vow exchange. Officiants can be religious professionals, or they may simply have the legal ability to perform a wedding ceremony. Either way, you’ll want to put care into choosing the best one for your big day.

Pricing

Unless you have an unlimited wedding budget, you’ll want to inquire about an officiant’s pricing structure. For example, is the fee all-inclusive? Or, if you’re having a destination wedding, like in Maui, are there extra fees for travel? You need to know what you’ll be expected to pay and what is included in the price. From there, you can compare an officiant’s fees to average officiant fees in the area to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

Personalization

The best wedding officiants don’t approach every single ceremony in the same way. Instead, they’ll take time to get to know you, your preferences, and the general “vibe” you want your wedding to have. Whether that’s a very serious and formal feel or something more casual and laid back, pick an officiant who is going to match your desired energy and put emphasis on what you want.

Experience

Experience is not an absolute must in an officiant. After all, some people have friends or family members do the job. With that said, experience definitely doesn’t hurt. If you’re going to go to the trouble of hiring a professional, look for someone who has performed diverse weddings in the past. If possible, ask to see videos of them officiating so you can get an idea of their style. You can also read reviews or talk to other couples who have used the officiant. Generally, the more couples an officiant has served, the more likely they are to be adept at the job.

Your officiant plays a big role in how your wedding goes. So, as you’re choosing the flowers and the decor, don’t overlook the importance of hiring the right officiant. It can ultimately make a major difference in how satisfied you are with your special day.

Should You Make Your Own Floral Arrangements?

Should You Make Your Own Floral Arrangements?

When you’re planning a wedding, you have a lot of tough choices to make. For example, you’ll have to decide what kind of flowers you want and how much you can spend on them. And, because florals can be pricey, some couples prefer a DIY approach. In fact, making your own wedding floral arrangements has become quite popular. It does take some real time and work, though, and not everyone is up to the task. If you’re considering designing your own arrangements, think through this decision with care.

It’s An Investment

DIY floral arrangements can help you save money, but they probably won’t help you save time. You’ll need to watch videos or read articles to learn how to craft even the simplest arrangements. Then, you’ll need time to actually sit down and get the job done . . . all while still planning your wedding. Unless you’re confident that you can take the time to do the job right, it’s probably best to stick to a professional. Also, DIY approaches tend to work best when you have plenty of friends who are willing to pitch in and help.

There May Be Some Limitations

Unless you’re a professional florist with professional connections, you can’t always get every flower at every time of year, at least not easily. Flower availability may also be dependent on your wedding venue. For example, if you’re getting married in Maui, sticking to local tropical flowers makes the most sense. Thus, be prepared to face and work within a few limitations when you create your own bouquets.

Expect Imperfection

When you use a professional florist, there’s an expectation that your arrangements will be perfect. If they’re not, you can send them back and request changes. When you’re making your own arrangements, you’re in control. You’re also the only one to blame if your arrangements don’t turn out exactly like you hoped. And, since you’re not a professional, be prepared for some imperfections. If you’re okay with that, then go ahead and craft away. If not, it’s time to call a florist.

There’s no right or wrong way to prepare for your wedding. It’s all about what you want and what you feel comfortable with. If you’re leaning toward DIY flowers, that’s perfectly fine. Just have realistic expectations so you aren’t met with unwanted surprises.

Happy 4th of July from Your Aloha Wedding

Happy 4th of July from Your Aloha Wedding

Searching for a Wedding Dress? Try These Tips

Searching for a Wedding Dress? Try These Tips

Finding the perfect wedding dress can feel like a daunting feat. If you’re still searching, take a deep breath. Your dream dress is out there. You just have to find it, and, luckily, these tips will help you do just that.

Tip #1: Think Outside the Box

To start with, know that your “dress” doesn’t have to be a dress at all. In fact, many brides are bucking tradition and thinking outside the box these days. If you find an evening gown, a cocktail dress, or even a fancy pantsuit that you love, go for it! Many of these options may work quite well, especially if you’re getting married outdoors. A short dress on the sandy beaches of Maui, for instance, is a wise choice.Opening yourself up to non-traditional ideas will give you even more possibilities to choose from.

Tip #2: Design It Yourself

If you’ve been shopping for forever and can’t find anything you love, consider designing your own dress. This is particularly easy if you’re a skilled seamstress. Even if you’re not, there are designers who can make something from scratch or embellish an existing dress. The costs can vary somewhat, though, so you’ll want to make sure your designer plans fit into your budget.

Tip #3: Go Vintage

There’s no rule that says your wedding dress has to be brand new. Many brides take pride in wearing dresses passed down from their mothers or grandmothers. Others enjoy showing off their style in vintage dresses. There’s also no shame in buying a secondhand dress from a thrift store or borrowing one from a beloved friend.

Tip #4: Rent A Dress

When you buy a wedding dress, you have to store it for life. The only other alternative is to sell it, which can be hard for sentimental brides. If you don’t want to deal with that kind of decision, consider renting a wedding dress. There are many companies that rent gorgeous dresses and allow you to wear them on your special day before shipping them back. The upside is you’ll save a lot of money and you won’t have a dress taking up space in your closet for years to come.

As you can see, there are all kinds of ways to secure the wedding attire of your choice. Consider these ideas with care and then do whatever works best for you. After all, it’s not what you wear that matters. It’s how you feel when you say, “I do.”

Should You Write Your Own Wedding Vows?

Should You Write Your Own Wedding Vows?

Your wedding vows consist of pledges and promises that you make to your spouse-to-be. They can be funny, romantic, heartfelt, or a combination of all three. Because so many couples desire personal, meaningful vows, it’s not uncommon for one or both people to write their own. If you’re trying to decide whether that’s right for you, consider these questions.

Are You Good With Words?

There’s a reason that people sometimes hire professional vow writers. Writing is hard work, and it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. So, before you grab a pen, be honest with yourself about your writing ability. If you’re good at communicating through words, then go for it. If writing isn’t your strong suit, however, you may want to stick to the basics or have a more seasoned writer lend a hand.

Are You Okay With Getting Personal?

Writing your own vows is one thing, but saying them out loud, in a room full of people, is something else entirely. As you craft your vows, think about how comfortable you feel with actually speaking them. If you feel scared or uncomfortable at the thought, you may want to rethink your decision. After all, you can always write a letter to your partner and share it privately. Some couples even find this more meaningful than publicly sharing their private feelings.

Do You Dare To Be Different?

For some people, tradition is best. If you’ve always dreamed of saying more standard vows and having a more traditional wedding, that’s perfectly okay. Writing your own vows is fine too, and you don’t necessarily have to stick to what you think vows are supposed to sound like. There really are no rules, so if you want to sing your vows, put them in a poem, or do something else a little off the beaten path, the choice is yours to make.

Whether you’re getting married in beautiful Maui or your own back yard, the words you say matter. They matter as long as you say them from the heart, regardless of whether you wrote them or not. So, do what feels right for you and your partner, and then put your heart into whatever you choose to say. That’s a surefire way to guarantee wedding success.

Creative Wedding Party Proposal Ideas

Creative Wedding Party Proposal Ideas

If you’re planning a wedding, there’s a good chance that you or your partner “popped the question.” These days, however, “will you marry me?” isn’t the only proposal. A lot of couples plan wedding party proposals, where they formally ask their friends and family members to serve as members of the wedding party. If you like this idea, consider these fun proposal ideas.

A Group Invite

Some couples pop that special question individually to each prospective member of their wedding party. And, while you could do that, you may find it easier to do a big “group ask.” If so, there are many ways to go about a group proposal. You could gather everyone for a party and then surprise them with the invite. Some couples like to play a special video with the question included, while others hand out small cards or gifts with the question inside.

Say It With Song

If you’re the creative or musical type, consider coming up with a little “will you be in the wedding party?” song. It’s a fun way to ask this meaningful question, and you can deliver it how you want. You could sing it personally to each person or record yourself singing and send out the videos. Some people post the song to YouTube or burn it on a CD and then surprise their loved ones.

Send a Bouquet

For those who love flowers, why not send a bouquet or even a single flower to each person you want in the wedding party? You can include a card that asks them to be a part of your big day. Even better, your flowers can represent your upcoming wedding. If you’re getting married in Maui, for example, you could send Hawaiian flowers, or you could choose flowers in your wedding colors.

When asking people to be in your wedding party, the sky's the limit. You can keep things simple and sweet or go all out. Just make sure you ask in a way that won’t break your wedding budget before you even get started. Hopefully, no matter how you ask, you’ll get a lot of “yes” answers from the people who mean the most to you.

Planning An Outdoor Wedding? Make A Backup Plan

Planning An Outdoor Wedding? Make A Backup Plan

Outdoor weddings can be amazing, especially if you’re getting married somewhere scenic and beautiful. For example, it’s hard to imagine anything better than saying “I do” on the island of Maui. However, outdoor weddings do come with some degree of risk. There’s always the possibility of rain, extreme heat, or other upsets. For this reason, make sure you have some kind of backup plan in place.

A Rain Date

Many couples are insistent upon having their wedding in the great outdoors. As such, they’ll set a rain date in case the weather doesn’t cooperate on their big day. This is an alternate day on which to have their wedding. Some venues will actually build a rain date into your wedding contract, often for a small fee or a refundable deposit. Of course, if you’ve staked out a public outdoor location for yourself, you can change the date as needed, but it’s still smart to map out a rain date so your guests can tentatively plan for anything unexpected.

Take Cover

A little rain doesn’t have to put an end to your outdoor wedding. If you’re prepared with tents, temporary structures, or other sheltering elements, you can still enjoy your wedding no matter what the weather does. In fact, you may even want to use tents or other features regardless of the weather. They can make an outdoor wedding feel more intimate while offering protection from the sun.

Indoor Options

If you’ve planned an outdoor wedding, it’s probably because you had your heart set on it. But, if worst comes to worst, it’s nice to know you can move your wedding indoors if you need to. Ask your venue about an indoor space you could use in case of emergency. Or, scope one out for yourself and secure the necessary permissions just in case.

Hopefully, you’ll never need your backup plan at all. But, it’s better to have one and not use it than to need one and not have it. So, do the smart thing and make a contingency plan. It won’t hurt, and it may just help.

What Wedding Day Expenses Should You Cover?

What Wedding Day Expenses Should You Cover?

It’s no secret that planning a wedding costs money. However, attending a wedding can be costly too. This is especially true for people who are actually in the wedding. Plus, costs can rise even more if it’s a destination wedding. If you’re getting married in Maui, for example, guests should be prepared to pay for airfare and a hotel stay.

The key is to make sure your guests and wedding party members understand what is and is not covered by you. You also have to make sure you’re taking care of at least some of the expenses so your guests don’t feel cheated.

Floral Arrangements

To start with, couples should not expect their wedding party members to pay for anything flower-related. This includes any floral displays, individual bouquets, and boutonnieres. If you want these things in your wedding, you’ll have to take care of the cost yourself. Asking your guests to foot the floral bill or even part of it is considered rude.

Food

Before you panic, know that engaged couples aren’t expected to pay for every single meal their guests have leading up to the big day. However, you should be prepared to feed your attendees at least twice. It’s customary for couples or their families to pay for the rehearsal dinner and any food at the wedding reception. Keep in mind that you can cut costs by preparing the food yourself. Furthermore, you don’t have to serve a full meal at the reception if you don’t want to.

Gifts and Mementos

When people attend your wedding, they expect to leave with at least a small souvenir. Thus, be prepared to spend money on favors for all guests and gifts for each member of your wedding party. Again, you don’t have to go all out or break the bank. Something small and thoughtful will do the trick just fine.

Weddings do come with some expense involved. That’s true whether you’re saying “I do” or just sitting in the audience. As long as everyone understands this fact and pulls their financial weight, your special day should be a huge success.

Dreaming Of A Destination Wedding? Try These Tips

Dreaming Of A Destination Wedding? Try These Tips

Are you dreaming of a destination wedding? If so, you’re in for a lot of fun. Destination weddings can be a blast to plan. However, they do take some real work and thought. As long as you plan with care, though, your dream destination wedding can become a reality.

Research Your Destination

The key factor in a destination wedding is, of course, the destination! Whether you’re thinking about Maui or Jamaica or anywhere in between, research prospective destinations thoroughly. Know the average wedding cost in your chosen area, approximate flight and hotel costs, and even what the weather is like during your wedding month. You can also look into fun activities, tourist sites, honeymoon packages, and other offerings. The more you know, the easier it is to pick a destination that’s just right for you.

Plan Away

Once you’ve picked a destination, start planning. The sooner you do this, the better. Depending on your destination, you might need to purchase a passport, help loved ones arrange travel plans, or request extra time off work. A lot of things have to fall into place for a destination wedding to happen, so don’t wait until the last minute to get your ducks in a row.

Make Some Local Connections

When you’re hosting a wedding away from home, finding the help you need can be challenging. You’ll need lots of locals, like caterers, decorators, and florists, to help put your wedding together. If you’ve booked a nice hotel or already have your venue, reach out to the staff for local recommendations. You can also make phone calls and arrange video chats to find and hire providers without being there in person. Or, if your budget allows, you can hire a local wedding planner to take care of all of that for you.

Do destination weddings require a little extra work? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely! A destination wedding can feel like a living fairytale, and if it’s what you want, go for it. As long as you’re prepared and willing to tackle each challenge that comes your way, you can have the magical wedding you’ve always wanted.