Round Up: Our Favorite Budget Wedding Planning Tips

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Consider Wedding Packages

Believe us or not, a wedding package can save you a lot of cash. As they include everything from venue and food to host and the decorations, they come out to be much affordable than buying individual items. Moreover, it will take away a lot of efforts that you need to put in when finding things for the venue. The best part? Wedding packages can be customized to your need and the theme.

Buy In-Season Flowers

Wedding flowers can easily run you up in thousands. To cut costs, make sure to order the ones that are in-season. Not only will it help you save money but will also be beneficial for the mother earth as blooms that are seasonal can be sourced locally helping to keep the transportation emissions low. Also, if your creativity allows, order loose stems and consider making the arrangements by yourself. Trust us; it’s not as difficult as it sounds. Alternatively, you can order flowers online at much cheaper prices instead of a traditional florist.

Trim Your Guest List

One of the easiest ways to cut your budget is by trimming your guest list. We agree that wedding is a celebration, but it’s also a very intimate moment. When budget is a concern, stick to a guest list that doesn’t go beyond immediate family and closet of friends. Not only will it help you save tons of cash, but you will also end up spending this meaningful day with those you value the most.

Choose an Off-season Date

Weddings can be celebrated at any time of the year, but if you plan your big day choose off-season wedding date the savings can be significant. During off-season the wedding vendors hunger for business. This provides couples an opportunity to negotiate better pricing and save significantly.

A budget wedding does not mean you have to skimp on style. All it requires is a little imagination, creativity, and of course cutting on those extras. Let us know what’s your take on planning a memorable evening without going overboard?

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Wedding Checklist: Summer Last Minute Tips

Image Via: One Fab Day

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The Wedding Cake

Of course you haven’t forgotten the cake! However you need to remember that it’s going to be hot, so your cake’s icing shouldn’t melt. You should take care and instruct beforehand exactly when the cake should be brought out. After all, so much effort must have gone in getting your gorgeous wedding cake ready!

Image Via: Silver land Jewelry

Stock Up Extra Water

Don’t forget to add extra water bottles in your last minute checklist! The heat is going to be intense and to top it there is going to be dancing, partying and running around. Sure some throats are going to get extra thirsty. Catering for extra water will just help.

Image Via: Wedding Star

Check With The Weather Guys

Believe me, unexpected weather pops up on days when you really don’t want it to. And your wedding day is just too important for it to be ignored. As a lot of summer weddings are set in the outdoors, check with the weather department for unexpected storms, rain etc. If they do give you a hint about unexpected changes, make alternate arrangements to avoid last minute shockers.

Be Bug Ready

Summers come with loads of bugs and insects. The chances of bug attacks increase if your wedding is set in the outdoors. Don’t be hassled. Just include bug sprays, bug deterrent candles and lamps in your last minute summer wedding checklist, to keep the nasty insects away.

Image Via: One Wed

Keep The Flowers Fresh

Chances are that you have already ordered the flowers and decided flower arrangements with your florist. However keep the heat in mind. Ask the flowers to be delivered just in time, so that they can be used before they wilt and dry away. Have a flower decoration plan ready.

Image Via: Charlton Park Florists

A wedding checklist is more of a personal thing as needs and requirements vary from wedding to wedding. For, instance some of you might want to include things like practicing to walk in your wedding shoes, creating a seating arrangement plan for your guests, assigning duties to close friends ,etc. So just build upon the list and create a personal one for yourself. Also do share with us, if you think of anymore points that need to be considered for a summer wedding.

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Spring is a popular season for weddings. Everything is in bloom and bright sunny days abound. It is a time of renewal, rebirth, and new chapters in life. If you are planning a spring wedding, it is important to make the day memorable. Here are a few ways to go about planning a gorgeous spring wedding.

Tips for Planning a Gorgeous Spring Wedding

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Invitations

Choose a nice spring motif such as a bird or a peony and print it on the invites. This will wow your guests and remind them of the season. Use a casual, engaging font that reflects the fun of spring. Tie up your invites with ribbons in your wedding colors instead of the normal wrap or belly band.

Color Scheme

Image via: Weddbook

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If you are tired of seeing the same colors at spring weddings, give yours a refreshing look by pairing pastels with contrasting colors. Pair lime green with lavender, chocolate brown with pink, or sky blue with brown. Choose one or two colors for your spring wedding decorations to make an elegant impression.

Reception

The number of guests will dictate the best venue for your reception. A small room is perfect for a small guest list but can suffocate a large party. On the other hand, a large ballroom can create unflattering echoes for a party of 80 but nicely accommodate 300 people. If your guests love to dance, avoid small restaurants and areas with noise restrictions.

Image via: Pinterest

Cake

A tiered white cake covered in flowers spells spring. You can also go for one covered in sugar-dipped cherries. Choose a light and fluffy flavor like strawberry shortcake with pink fondant topped with strawberries. Berries are in season during spring and offer fresh taste and bright color.

Image via: A sweet Design

Lighting

Bright overhead lights can blind your wedding guests. Dim lights are advisable as they make people look better. Place pillar candles in the middle of your floral centerpieces for dim lighting. Arrange votive candles around the centerpieces for added lighting. You can also use colored light bulbs which soften people’s appearances.

These superb tips can help you to achieve the wedding of your dreams. Send unique invitations, use vibrant spring wedding decorations, and choose the best venue for a day that’s truly unforgettable.

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Autumn is one of the most popular seasons to plan a wedding. Beautiful natural foliage and mild temperature makes for a great autumn wedding. The crispy air, charming light, and natural colors are unbeatable. In fact, you can use the season itself as the theme of your wedding. Here are some autumn wedding ideas to get you started.

How to Prepare this Season for your Autumn Wedding

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The location

Autumn is a beautiful season, and depending upon your location, there is nothing more gorgeous than an outdoor fall wedding.  You can look for a vineyard, an apple orchard, or any outdoor setting that has a view of natural foliage. If you are planning an evening wedding, keep the odds in your favor and consider an old church or a barn.

Image credit: Blissful Gatherings

Invitations

Incorporate the theme of your wedding on the invitations and let your guests know that yours is an autumn wedding. Select a bold color background such as red, orange or deep green and embed it with dried flowers or leaves. You can also select a paper that has printed fall motifs-falling leaves, tress, or pumpkins. To keep it simple yet elegant, opt for a classic white inner invitation card and have an olive green colored outer envelope. Finish the invites using creative embellishments such as length of golden raffia or an autumn leaf.

Image via: Etsy

Centerpieces

Instead of flowers or other common centerpieces, why not decorate the tables with fall favorites. You can either pick up the orange pumpkins or opt for the ‘Boo’ pumpkins, which are white in color. Stack them in a vintage style vase for that super stunning effect. Alternatively, you can use caramel apples wrapped in cellophane. Tie a place card on it with a golden ribbon and let it serve a multiple purpose-centerpiece, place card holder, and favor for your guests.

Image credit: Jessica Colaluca

Wedding cake

When it comes to an autumn wedding, you can really serve anything. But, to add to your wedding theme, consider a spiced chocolate cake. A chocolate cake, finished with marzipan fruit is also a great idea. Alternatively, you can omit the cake completely, and serve pumpkin or apple pie.

Image credit: Marta McCall

When preparing for an autumn wedding, remember to maximize nature. Embellish it with your personal style and taste and have a day to remember!

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Are you all set for your wedding day? One of the biggest preparations needed is the reception. It’s where you will share with your guests the love that you celebrate to forever. The wedding reception will provide the general mood of the moment where you tell the whole world about your commitment to love each other until the end.

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Choosing the best wedding reception may require your time and efforts. You have to make sure that the venue is a perfect place for your guests to celebrate with you on your special day. This is very essential since you don’t want to worry about anything on your wedding day. In planning for your wedding reception, here are important questions to ask your caterer:

1. How will you handle last minute request?

Even the most organize couple will have to anticipate a last minute scenario. There’s a possibility that some guests will show up in a short notice. You can’t say no especially if these are your relatives or colleague.

2. What’s their management style?

This is very essential because you want to know who to call and in-charge of everything. This person should be on the look of all the personnel and can decide on urgent matters.

Image via: We Love Wedding Food

3. What’s your server-to-table ratio?

With this concern, the more servers per table the better. You always want that your guests feel comfortable and relax as much as possible. This way, their focus will only be on the celebration and not on something else.

4. What are the inclusions of your per-person package price?

The answer will help you decide on what you need to add on your preparations. This will also allow you to assess whether the price is reasonable or not.

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5. Can we see the banquet event order?

This is to give you an idea that everything you requested are taken care of. You will see how the caterer plans about your reception including the food, table setting and the entire venue. You can make the necessary adjustments ahead if this is provided.

These are very important questions that you need to ask to your caterer. You have to make sure that you won’t have to settle for last minute concern regarding your reception on your wedding day. Have a pressure-free and romantic wedding day!

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

]]> https://stagetecture.com/wedding-reception-planning-5-questions-to-ask-your-caterer/feed/ 1 51198 https://stagetecture.com/3-of-the-best-reasons-you-need-a-wedding-planner/ https://stagetecture.com/3-of-the-best-reasons-you-need-a-wedding-planner/#respond Thu, 25 Jul 2013 17:00:38 +0000 https://stagetecture.com/?p=50911  Entry #2682, July 25, 2013

When my husband proposed two years ago, we were busy people in the middle of our career, education, and travel plans.  My search for a wedding planner was purely to alleviate the paperwork and tasks that I couldn’t fit into my schedule.  I quickly learned that a good wedding planner is so much more than that!

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Here are the three biggest reasons, from personal experience, that you should hire a wedding planner you trust.

Image via A Touch of Bliss Events

Stress

I knew a planner could take the reins on a few things, but I had no idea how much a great one will do for each bride.  I was able to enjoy the entire process, just doing the fun parts (more cake samples, please).  My family and friends appreciated that I spent quality time with them instead of morphing into a bridezilla those last few months.  I am forever grateful for the time I had with them while the planner took care of the details.

Image via A Touch of Bliss Events

Style

Most brides have a clear vision of their wedding inside their head… From the age of 8.  Even though I did not, I still had a theme in mind.  With her years of experience and current knowledge of trends, my planner turned those big ideas into a venue, menu, and details like escort cards that were far more imaginative what I would have achieved.  A great planner is a great listener; she should make your ideas better with her industry know-how, not ignore your sense of style!

Savings

When I hired a planner, I thought I was adding an expense to my wedding budget.  What I didn’t realize was that successful wedding planners will have lots of vendor contacts that often give better deals for brides referred through the planner.  I can truly say that with all of the vendor discounts I received through my planner, I saved more than the cost of her services.  Not to mention time saved combing through reviews to find reliable florists and bakers!

Overall, my day was completely relaxed and fun, and the months leading up to it were all about time with loved ones rather than planning stress.  Do yourself a favor and make the best decision of your entire wedding (other than your partner) and hire a planner!

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

If you crave a simple, rustic atmosphere of the countryside, consider a country themed wedding to mark your union. Apart from being a lot of fun, rustic country wedding is a perfect choice for a different, untraditional celebration. You can take inspiration from Mother Nature and add your personal touch to exhibit your unique style. Here is how you can pull off a perfect rustic country wedding and have your guests talking for years to come!

Image via: Sun Kissed Tangles

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The Venue

If the weather permits, an outdoor setting can add a lot of flavor to a country style wedding. There can be nothing more romantic than saying your vows and celebrating your union in the midst of beautiful flowers and trees. Look for an open field of wheat or daisies or a farmhouse meant for hosting events. Alternatively, if indoors is the only option, a renovated clean barn decorated with strings of twinkling lights can be great idea.

Image via: Mary Margaret

Wedding decor

Since it’s country themed wedding, incorporate woodsy, nature inspired elements to the décor. Use items like raffia, twigs, and corn on doorways, arches, and aisles. You can also create a wooden archway and adorn it with pumpkins and apples. If yours is an evening wedding, line up the aisle with lanterns or votive candles placed in mason jars. For the reception, consider mismatched dinnerware, distressed wooden chairs, and wooden signs or chalkboards to guide your guests.

Image via: Favor Coutre

Image credit: Tammy Dellinger

Wedding invitations

Invitations have the power to set the mood for an event. Flower prints with a warm background like forest green or sunshine yellow can lend your invites the ultimate rustic look. If possible, handwrite your invitations on a recycled paper for that eco-friendly, rustic feel. You can also create your invitations using a picture of the wedding venue as the backdrop. Rest assured, your friends and family will know that this wedding is not to be missed!

Planning a country theme wedding is fun and often inexpensive. Work around with these tips and suggestions to create a memorable, rustic event.

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Over the years, themed weddings have gained much popularity. Couples who wish to create a unique and memorable experience, a personalized wedding can go a long way. If you are looking for a modern and chic wedding feel, nautical can be an elegant and romantic theme for your wedding day. Here are some ideas to pull it off effectively.

Image credit: Stacey Peery

Color scheme

The first thing that springs to our mind when we think nautical is navy blue and white. However, these aren’t the only colors to rely on for your wedding. Be bold and use touches of red, yellow or coral. They blend wonderfully with navy colors. You can also consider shades of beige as they make a great background color for nautical theme.

Wedding decorations

For centerpieces, incorporate seashells in some way or add tropical fishes to vases and top it up with colorful flowers. You could also choose to place mason jars wrapped in pretty fishing net on each table. Pop in a white pillar candle to complete the look. For other decorations, use dominant navy colors as an accessory. Forget the traditional white colored tablecloth, and enhance the furniture with navy blue or grey colored linen. Matching cutlery and glasses will surly come alive. Finally, tie an anchor onto a folded napkin to place it on each setting.

Wedding cake

The wedding cake is mostly a bit of a highlight. It plays a significant role to set the mood. So, to live up to your nautical theme, decorate each tier with pearls, shells, and anchors. If you would like to go with a traditional white wedding cake, simple navy blue and white stripes around the base will make it look elegant and delicious.

Image credit: Southern weddings

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Wedding favors

Image credit: Audrey Snow Photography

Wow your guests with complementing wedding favors. A chocolate bar with customized wrapper, packed in a navy blue organza or tissue pouch can make a sweet edible favor. Alternatively, anchor or shell shaped cookies can have your guests talking for years to come. Another interesting idea is to pop in some mint candies in blue striped or polka dot metal boats for that typical nautical feel.

These are just a few ideas to make your guests feel as if they are at the sea instead of a banquet hall. With a little creative planning, nautical theme will surely lend elegance and romance to your wedding ceremony.

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Wedding preparation isn’t all about the bride and groom. You also have to work on wedding accessories and things that come in boxes. The wedding favor boxes come in handy but heavy inside. It will definitely help provide a lot of help for future married couple in building a family.

Since these wedding favor boxes are given to your guests, all of them should look gorgeous. It’s one way of presenting them beautifully to your guests and encourages them to do the favor. For this wedding DIY project, you only need to have a few materials and tools. It’s so easy to make and you will surely have fun working it out.

DIY Wedding Idea: Floral Wedding Favor Boxes

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Materials and Tools Needed

• Paper box
• Printer
• Glue
• Pair of scissors
• Stick glue and gun
• Gift tag
• Wedding Gift Wrapper
• Lace
• Double-sided tape

Image via: Exclusively Weddings

Procedure

1. Create or download a box template on your computer. Print them according to the dimension of your paper box for proper fitting. If you don’t want to print or download, you may opt to find a wedding gift wrapper with great design as an alternative.
2. Cut the template accordingly. Make sure that you cut it neatly for better result.
3. Glue the template in your paper box slowly but surely. It pays to have it done smoothly and have a nice output that quickly but messy result.
4. Wrap the lace around in one side to provide accent. It would be best if you choose the color motif of your wedding.
5. Using a stick glue and gun, attached the gift tag.

That’s everything you need to do! Always make it simple and elegant. Also, stick on your wedding motif. It will allow harmony with all the wedding accessories and settings. Feel free to write your message using a pen for a more personalized approach.

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Centerpieces are a great way to liven up your wedding reception tables. While elaborate ones can be impressive, unique and creative centerpieces can help you show off your personality and pump up your style. Let’s have a look at some simple but stylish garden inspired centerpieces that will not only complement the theme of your occasion, but will also enhance the mood you wish to create.

Image credit: Monica Gordienko

Mason jars

When it comes to outdoor weddings, mason jars can be much more than just a piece of container. Wrap them with a tissue paper or complementing slipcover, and put a candle inside for that simple and unique look. You may also fill mason jars with wildflowers or straws to create a perfect outdoor wedding centerpiece.

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Inspired from Nature

Cut colorful birds from patterned paper and stick them on fallen tree branches. Put them in a simple vase and use this centerpiece for an outdoor wedding table. Your guests will be delighted to see the birds revolving in a gentle breeze.

Image via: 100 Layer Cake

Favor tree

Treat your guests to scrumptious sweets displayed on a beautiful table tree. Make colorful cardboard cones and hang them from tree branches with matching ribbon or raffia. Fill the cones with chocolates or candies for your guests to savor.

Takeaway plants/fruits 

Using living art as wedding centerpieces is fun and quick way to dress up your table. During your selection, make sure that pots complement your table settings. Even though flowering plants are always a safe bet, blooming orchids, miniature roses, or lilies will too have your guests gazing. At the end of the evening, allow your guests to take these potted plants back home as favors.

Image via: Intimate Weddings

Beach theme

Whether you are that fortunate one to actually get married on the beach or you just want to incorporate this theme into your big day, this beach theme inspired wedding centerpiece will help you make a big statement. Pick a large vase and fill it with sand. Throw in some seashells, flowers, and place a large candle in the center. The vase will keep the candle from blowing off.

These are just few ideas that will get your creative juices flowing. When it comes to outdoor weddings, table centerpieces are quite easy to create, all you need is to get a little creative and think outside the box!

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.