How to plan a winter wedding Weddings take place throughout the year, but some months have traditionally proven more popular times of year for happy couples to tie the knot. Summer was long known as the most popular season for weddings, but that trend has shifted in recent years. According to the 2020 WeddingWire Newlywed Report, 36 percent of couples get married in the fall, making autumn the most popular time to say “I do.” Though October and September are the two most popular months to marry, budget-conscious couples may want to consider getting married in winter. December, January and February are the least popular wedding months, but the experts at WeddingWire note that getting married during the slow season has its benefits. Vendors, including wedding planners and venues, may offer their services and facilities at discounted prices in winter to account for the slow season. And guests might be thankful to have a fun event to look forward to during a time of year when social schedules tend to be less busy. Many wedding components will stay the same regardless of when couples walk down the aisle. However, couples may need to take a few things into consideration as they begin planning winter weddings. • Avoid holiday weekends. Just because social schedules are not always so busy in winter that doesn’t mean couples can pick any winter weekend to tie the knot. The holiday season, which begins on Thanksgiving weekend in late November and lasts until New Year’s Day, is a hectic time of year for many people. Avoid holiday weekends like Thanksgiving and the weekends before or after Christmas and New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day. These weekends already are busy travel times, so couples might not be able to get guest-friendly rates on hotel rooms, and some guests may already have plans to visit family. In addition to the December holidays, avoid the first weekend in February. That’s Super Bowl weekend, and many people may be reluctant to travel on the day of the big game. • Research local weather. It’s impossible to predict the weather, but savvy couples can research local weather in the town or city where they’re getting married to determine when is the most travel-friendly month to host their weddings. Some regions get heavy snowfall in January, while others may be more susceptible to late winter snowstorms. Couples with a lot of out-of-town guests should choose a winter weekend where snowfall is unlikely so guests don’t have to endure travel delays on their way to and from the wedding. • Purchase wedding insurance. Wedding insurance is a wise investment for every couple, but it can be especially valuable for couples tying the knot in winter. Each policy is different, but wedding insurance policies should protect couples’ investments if storms force local officials to declare a state of emergency that prohibits travel. Make sure the policy covers both cancellations and postponements. Winter weddings can help couples save money. Planning such affairs may require paying attention to details that would not garner much consideration during other times of year.
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Planning your Valentine’s Day proposal February 14 is a day dedicated to love. And for couples who are pondering their futures together, Valentine’s Day may seem tailor-made for wedding proposals. According to a survey of 1,000 married adults by James Allen, an online diamond and bridal jewelry retailer, people really love getting engaged on Valentine’s Day. Forty-three percent of Millennials report favoring Valentine’s Day for proposals — whether they’re doing the asking or being asked. There are a few things to keep in mind when considering whether or not to pop the question on Valentine’s Day. Here are some ideas for planning the proposal. Make it your own Even if the proposal is taking place on one of the most popular days of the year to get engaged, interject some personality into the occasion. Include important elements that are dear to the person to whom you are proposing, such as favorite flowers or a preferred restaurant. Restaurant reservations may be hard to come by on Valentine’s Day, so you may want to select a more private meal at home or something catered unless you want to share your proposal with a crowd. Visit possible locations in advance Think about where you would like to propose and visit those areas at different times of the day. Timing a proposal during sunset with the rays creating a warm glow on a park bench or on the incoming tide can make it more magical. Adjust proposal area plans for busier crowds expected on Valentine’s Day. Have the ring at the ready Jewelry shops are in demand around Valentine’s Day, so be sure to choose and have the ring sized well in advance of the proposal. This ensures the ring will be ready in time. If the ring will be a surprise, get hints beforehand to understand your loved one’s design tastes. Consider bringing a friend along when shopping to offer support and advice. Use chocolate to your advantage Boxes of chocolate are ubiquitous on Valentine’s Day. Nestle the ring inside of a box of truffles or another favorite confection and have the question “Will you marry me?” attached to the inside of the box. Hire a photographer Work with a photographer to capture the moment, whether it’s a professional photographer or a friend enlisted for the task. This way you can be fully immersed in the moment as it unfolds, and then look back on the experience from a different perspective when the photos are printed. Valentine’s Day is a popular time for wedding proposals. With a little planning, the occasion can be even more special. The notion that “timing is everything” is applicable in many situations, perhaps none more so than on a couple’s wedding day. Many couples spend months, if not years, planning their weddings in the hopes that all that hard work will ultimately result in a day they will cherish forever. The sheer volume of things to do on a wedding day can make couples feel overwhelmed. Those feelings can be overcome by emphasizing timing on the day of the wedding. Wedding day timelines will differ depending on variables that are unique to each couple’s wedding, but the following are some factors to consider as couples organize the big day. • Venue(s): The schedule couples adhere to on their wedding day will be greatly affected by their choice of venue. Does the venue have somewhere on premises for the couple and their party to get ready? Are the ceremony and reception being held at the same venue? Before creating a timeline, consider the location of the ceremony and reception venue(s) and the accommodations each provides. Getting to and from multiple facilities won’t be an issue if couples choose a multipurpose venue where they can get ready, tie the knot and dance the night away all in one place. Couples who will be moving from venue to venue throughout the day must build the time it takes them and their party to get about into their timelines. • Wedding party: The size of the wedding party also bears consideration when planning a wedding day timeline. Large parties will require more time to get ready, and that should be factored into couples’ timelines. Large parties also may be harder to corral and transport from place to place, so couples should build some extra time into their timelines to account for that. Small wedding parties can be easier to manage, so couples with small parties may be able to begin their timelines a little later in the day than those with large wedding parties. • Weather: Weather is the most unpredictable variable couples need to plan for on their wedding days. As the wedding day approaches, couples can monitor the day’s forecast and then make any necessary changes to account for inclement weather. Getting around in a rainstorm will likely take longer than moving about on a sunny day, so some minor tweaks to the timeline may be necessary if storms or another type of inclement weather is in the forecast. Couples can access wedding day timeline templates on various websites. But it’s important that couples remember that their weddings are unique, so online guidelines might not be realistic. A careful consideration of a handful of variables specific to couples’ weddings can help them craft timelines that make their big day go smoothly. Weddings are great opportunities for people to gather and celebrate the melding of two families into one. Weddings are a melting pot, and while the ultimate goal is for all guests invited to mingle and have a good time, preexisting relationships may cause some wedding-day interactions to be strained. However, with careful planning and some best behavior on the parts of all involved, getting hitched can go off without a hitch. It’s possible for guests who may have tumultuous pasts to keep the peace, but this also can be ensured through careful seating arrangements. This is just one factor couples need to consider when deciding where guests will sit and dine at receptions. It’s important to avoid some common mistakes. Mistake #1: Not having a seating plan. Let guests sit where they want and chaos may ensue. People may think they’re entitled to certain seats, may hop into seats vacated by someone getting up to use the restroom or any number of other scenarios. Seating arrangements also ensure everyone is accounted for across the room. Mistake #2: Seating families separately. Unless there are rifts between certain family members, it’s best to seat parents and children at the same tables. Mistake #3: Trying to force new friendships. Avoid trying to figure out who will get along by creating a potpourri table. A cousin in a band will not necessarily want to sit next to your coworker who plays guitar simply because they have a shared love of music. A wedding is not the time to try to create new friendships. If it’s meant to be, they’ll connect in a more organic way. Mistake #4: The dreaded kids’ table. Young children can probably get away with sitting at a dedicated kids’ table, although it may mean their parents have to interrupt their experiences by checking on their kids throughout the night. A bigger faux pas is to sit teenagers or twentysomethings at the kids table even if they seem like youngsters to you. Set a strict cut-off age for a children’s table. Mistake #5: Being too strict in seating. It’s one thing to direct couples or singletons to specific tables, quite another to assign specific seats. Do not dictate exactly where at the table a guest should sit. Some people arrive early, others late, and it is up to them to work out how to arrange themselves at the table. Mistake #6: Failing to get family feedback. Always check with your parents and future in-laws as resources about how to seat certain guests. They’ll likely know who will make the best table-mates, especially if couples are not familiar with everyone on the guest list. Mistake #7: Not being aware of disabilities or needs. Be conscious of guests’ needs. An elderly relative may not be comfortable in front of the DJ table. A person in a wheelchair may need easy access to and from the reception room. It’s important to be mindful of these special needs. A seating plan for wedding receptions is an important consideration so that every guest can feel comfortable. The question was popped; the engagement ring presented. What’s the next step on the road to the wedding? Saving should definitely be on couples’ minds. A wedding is likely the most costly party couples will ever throw. According to The Knot’s 2019 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding in 2019 was $33,900. There are many different costs associated with weddings. Some are predictable, while others are unexpected. Investopedia says the vast majority of couples budget too little for their weddings and also end up spending more than they had planned. Various strategies can make it easier to save for a wedding and avoid a post-wedding financial hangover. Get informed It’s impossible to budget for a wedding and ultimately save without knowledge of what services and items cost in the region where you live. A wedding in New York City will be expensive, while a wedding in Mississippi will cost a lot less, indicates SuperMoney’s guide to wedding costs. Conduct some research and find out what photographers, florists, transportation providers, reception halls, and wedding wardrobe vendors charge for common services. This will paint a vivid picture of what a wedding may cost in your area. Flesh out the budget Once you have gathered estimates, you can then figure out a financial goal. This also is when you can determine where to rein in spending and where you might want to splurge. If having a video memory of the wedding is not a top priority, you can skip videography services. If you have a special flower that you like, you may want to budget more for that bloom even if it isn’t in season. Set up a dedicated savings account One of the easiest ways to save for big-ticket items like a wedding, home purchase or other financial goals is to use an automatic savings account that may be available through your bank or employer. An automatic savings plan will pull a set amount from a personal checking account into a savings account through auto-draft. The bride and groom can link individual checking accounts to one savings account to contribute jointly. Avoid overspending An analysis of your spending habits will likely reveal areas where you can scale back so you can devote more funds to wedding savings. Do you need a takeout coffee in the morning or can you brew a pot at home? Might you be able to scale back on streaming services? Do you feel comfortable buying less expensive store brand groceries over name brands? Small cost savings can quickly add up. Add up gifts Factor in deduction of expenses that other people will commit to covering for wedding expenses, but only if you have concrete confirmation. A parent may host the rehearsal dinner. One’s relative may offer to pass down an antique wedding gown to wear. But rather than simply removing these gifts from your savings calculations, keep them as a safety net to put toward unforseen expenses. Saving for a wedding can be challenging. But various strategies can help couples plan their dream weddings without breaking the bank. Weddings join the lives of two loving individuals so they can share their future with one another. Various elements help make weddings both momentous and magical. Some weddings adhere to themes that are designed to make an impression and showcase couples’ personalities. Floral arrangements are key components of wedding themes, as they help to establish ambiance at both the ceremony and reception. Flowers can easily help couples achieve a desired vibe, whether that’s rustic, romantic, modern, or even whimsical. Skilled florists may use a variety of flowers and foliage, as well as dramatic displays to help create the couple’s wedding day vision. According to an internal study from the wedding advice and planning resource The Knot, which surveyed more than 27,000 couples who got married in 2019, the average cost of wedding flowers was $2,000 in 2019. However, the cost of floral arrangements can vary depending on the scope of the arrangements and choice of flowers, including whether they’re in season or not. It is essential for couples to spend time vetting potential florists to find one who will produce their desired vision at a price that fits their budget. These guidelines can make the process go more smoothly. • Establish your theme early on. Floral arrangements will complement and enhance other elements of the wedding, including color scheme and the wedding theme. If your wedding theme ties into a specific season, you will work with the florist to find blooms and other pieces that coordinate. For example, winter weddings with white, ice blue and silver color schemes may coordinate with white ranunculus flowers, dahlias, dusty miller foliage, and viburnum berries. • Bring swatches and photographs to consultations. It is easier to explain color palettes to a florist with examples in hand. Show the florist the types of arrangements you prefer and have actual fabric swatches from bridesmaid gowns or groomsmen vests so that colors can be complemented. • Create a list of desired items. Florists may sell items a la carte or have packages of common floral pieces for wedding celebrations. Types of floral arrangements include bridal bouquet, bridesmaids’ bouquets, maid of honor bouquet, corsages for mothers/grandmothers, boutonnieres for groomsmen and fathers/grandfathers, flower girl headpiece, petals to sprinkle, table centerpieces, altar arrangements, pew or chair decorations, and cake decorations. • Go easy on aroma. Tread lightly when selecting blooms that have strong aromas. They may be beautiful, but many people are sensitive to smells. Allergies also may be exacerbated by flowers with strong aromas. Discuss options with the florist before proceeding. • Explain your budget. Research the average cost of floral arrangements and let the florist know what you can afford. This can help the florist narrow down options or make substitutions that fit your theme and your budget. Couples can take certain steps as they choose floral arrangements for their weddings. Cost should not be the only factor in the decision, even though it is an important one. Various components combine to make weddings beautiful and memorable. Couples rely on photographers to capture the smiles and moments that helped make their events unique and to ensure the big day is remembered for years to come. The trusted wedding resource The Knot notes that an internal study found that, among 27,000 couples who got married in 2019, an average of $2,400 was spent on a wedding photographer to document their big day. Couples who want to find the best photographer for their wedding day can ask several questions before making their final decision. What style do you specialize in? Photographers may be able to shoot various styles of photos, but may specialize in a specific type. For example, some photographers specialize in photojournalism, while others may excel at portraiture. Going with a photographer who has the most expertise shooting the style you prefer will help produce the desired results. Who will be shooting my wedding? Certain photography studios have several photographers working under one roof. Just because you meet with one does not necessarily mean that photographer will be on site, unless it is specified in the contract. Have you ever worked at my venue before? Photographers may be familiar with several local wedding venues and houses of worship. A photographer who has experience working in the locations where couples will tie the knot and subsequently celebrate might produce the best results, but lack of experience with particular venues need not exclude other professionals. Can we see a full gallery of a recent wedding? According to Brides magazine, unlike an album or a highlight gallery, a full gallery provides a better sense of a photographer’s style and attention to detail. Will photos be color balanced and retouched? Skilled photographers are capable of capturing winning photos. But photos can be enhanced further in the studio with retouching software to bring out specific effects. Some photographers will polish all proofs, while others only will work on the images ultimately ordered. Confirm retouching details before signing the contract. What’s included in the photo packages? A detailed price list helps you compare one photographer to another and decide which elements are covered. Additional prints, having a photographer’s assistant, ordering albums for the parents, or ordering a large framed print can alter costs significantly. Explore all prices to ensure you’re getting the best value. In addition, consider how many hours of event coverage are included in the price. What is the payment timeline? Photographers may accept deposits for their services but expect a different timeline of payment. Some may require payment in full before the wedding, while others may offer a payment plan that includes a final payment when picking up proofs or albums. Wedding photography is one of the essential elements of a wedding and helps tell the story of couples’ special day. Asking key questions can help couples find a photographer who will produce the desired results. In this digitally-driven era, photographs have become an integral part of our lives. They capture precious moments, evoke emotions, and serve as a nostalgic reminder of the past. However, as time passes, photographs can deteriorate, lose their original quality, or suffer damage. That's where photo restoration services come into play. With advanced tools like Photoshop Services, Photo Editing, and Photo Restoration Services, we can now revive and enhance our cherished memories, ensuring they remain intact for generations to come. 1. Preserving Family History: Photos hold immense value when it comes to preserving our family history. They provide a visual narrative of our ancestors, their experiences, and the events that shaped our lives. Photo restoration services allow us to breathe new life into old, faded, or damaged photographs, ensuring that these invaluable memories are not lost forever. Using Photoshop Services, professionals expertly repair cracks, scratches, tears, and discoloration, bringing back the original charm of the images. 2. Bringing Loved Ones Together: There are times when we wish to include a loved one in a photograph, even if they were not present during the original capture. With Photoshop Services, it is now possible to add a missing family member or friend to a photograph seamlessly. Whether it's a group picture or a special occasion, this unique service allows us to recreate moments and honor the presence of those who hold a special place in our hearts. 3. Erasing Unwanted Elements: In some instances, photographs may contain unwanted objects or people that detract from the overall appeal of the image. With professional photo editing and object removal services, we can effortlessly eliminate these distractions. Whether it's removing an ex-partner from a cherished photo or getting rid of unsightly elements that spoil an otherwise perfect shot, Photoshop Services offer the perfect solution. 4. Merging Photos for a Seamless Story: Have you ever wished you could combine multiple photos to create a single, comprehensive image? Photo merge services can turn this dream into reality. Whether it's merging group photos, panoramas, or creating a composite image for a special event, professional photo editing experts can seamlessly merge different elements to create a cohesive and visually stunning composition. 5. Restoring Damaged Memories: Time, environmental factors, or accidents can cause significant damage to our precious photographs. However, with the help of photo restoration services, we can repair these irreplaceable memories. Professional photo editors utilize their expertise in Photoshop Services to repair torn edges, reconstruct missing parts, and restore the overall quality of the image, ensuring that even the most damaged photos regain their original glory. Preserving our memories is vital, as they hold a special place in our hearts and provide a tangible link to our past. Photo restoration services, such as Photoshop Services, Photo Editing, and Photo Restoration Services, play a crucial role in ensuring that our cherished photographs remain intact for future generations. From repairing damages to adding missing loved ones, these services allow us to relive and share our memories while preserving the essence of the moments captured. Embrace the power of photo restoration services and Crystal Image Photography safeguard your precious memories today. 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Brides and grooms once felt compelled to conform to the trappings of traditional weddings. From uber-romantic vows to pastel colors to the penultimate white tiered cake, various wedding components were long considered must-haves. But modern couples are increasingly expressing their individuality, and even embracing more edgy and adventurous elements, when planning their weddings. According to The Knot, a leading bridal resource and information site, today’s weddings are not what they were just a few years ago. Bold colors, exotic cakes and nontraditional foliage, are just some of the elements modern couples are embracing to set their weddings apart. Adventurous locales Vineyards and catering halls can be great places to tie the knot, but couples who like to push the envelope are looking to more adventurous locales to impart their unique spin on their weddings. Sharing vows atop a mountain crest at the end of a favorite hiking trail or on a roller coaster at a theme park that harkens back to a first date are some adventurous places to tie the knot. Outside-the-box menus Couples may want to break with tradition by offering a wide selection of foods at their receptions. These foods can include items that fit with their specific ethnic cuisines, gourmet comfort foods (think cocktail franks wellington), or foods that fit with their dietary choices, such as organic or vegan options. Work with a caterer to provide a variety of tasty choices. Bold wardrobe choices Brides can put new spins on their gowns by adding color and texture. Sequins, bold embroidery, shorter hemlines, and whatever adventurous fashion style you want to impart can be considered. If white isn’t your thing, that’s okay, too. Yellow and slate gray look great together. Gentlemen can choose to wear a black suit or any combination of color and style they want to make a dramatic impression. Full of flavor Cakes don’t have to be white with white buttercream. In fact, couples can make things even more tasty by incorporating favorite flavor combinations into their cakes. For example, a chocolate and caramel filling reminiscent of a candy bar might be something to consider. Modern couples are embracing bold, unique and edgy components when planning their weddings. Putting an individualized spin on the ceremony and reception can make couples even more excited to tie the knot. Proposing marriage is a momentous occasion in anyone's life, and making it extra special by planning a destination proposal can turn the event into an unforgettable adventure. The scenic beauty, the thrill of travel, and the element of surprise all come together to create a magical memory that you and your partner will cherish forever. In this blog post, we'll explore how to plan the perfect destination proposal, step by step, ensuring a romantic and memorable experience. Destination Selection Choosing the perfect destination for your proposal is a pivotal decision that can greatly influence the overall experience. To make this choice meaningful, consider your partner's travel preferences and your shared history. Think about the destinations you both have dreamed of visiting or those that hold sentimental value for your relationship. Whether it's a charming European city, a tropical paradise, or a serene mountain retreat, the destination should resonate with your love story. Additionally, think about the practical aspects of your chosen destination. Check the weather and tourist seasons to ensure that your proposal aligns with the best time to visit. You might also want to explore local customs or traditions related to engagements and incorporate them into your proposal to add an extra layer of significance. Remember that the destination sets the stage for your proposal, so take your time researching and selecting the perfect spot. Creating the Right Atmosphere Timing is crucial when planning a destination proposal. It's not only about Choosing a Fake Engagement Ring for a Surprise Proposal but also about the specific moment within your trip. Consider the weather conditions, the tourist season, and the availability of accommodations and activities at your chosen destination. Research when the destination is at its most enchanting and whether there are any local festivals or events that could add to the ambiance. Secretly Seek Local Assistance Planning a destination proposal, especially in a foreign location, can be a logistical challenge. This is where seeking local assistance becomes invaluable. Locals or professional planners who are familiar with the area can provide you with insights, help with logistics, and ensure that your proposal goes off without a hitch. Local assistance can also be essential if you want to incorporate cultural elements into your proposal. They can guide you on respecting local customs and traditions, ensuring that your engagement is not only memorable but also respectful of the destination's culture. Photography and Videography Documenting your proposal is essential to preserve the memory of this special moment for years to come. Consider arranging for a professional photographer or videographer to capture the event. Many destination proposal packages include this service, ensuring that every emotion and reaction is beautifully documented. Practice Your Words When planning a destination proposal, it's not just about the location; it's also about the heartfelt commitment you're making. To ensure that your proposal is a touching and meaningful moment, take the time to practice what you'll say. Write down your thoughts and rehearse your words in advance. While it's essential to express your love and commitment, remember to keep it genuine, sincere, and personal. Speak from the heart, sharing why your partner means the world to you and why you want to spend the rest of your lives together. In conclusion, planning the perfect destination proposal is a thoughtful and romantic way to begin the next chapter of your love story. By considering your partner's preferences, setting a realistic budget, choosing the right destination, and carefully planning the details, you can create a proposal that's both memorable and meaningful. The combination of a beautiful location and a heartfelt commitment will make this moment truly special and unforgettable for both of you. |
About CrystalCrystal Vandegrift is a wedding photographer covering Virginia, D.C. NC and Maryland. Interested in being a guest blogger on our site? Contact us below!
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Pictures were one of my top priorities for my wedding. I spent a lot of time reading through photographers and even contacting some. I was also pretty nervous, I had never been professionally photographed before. Crystal and her team were SO easy to work with and immediately took away the nerves. I trusted her completely and I am so happy I did. Cannot recommend enough! Ellen - Yorktown VA
If you're looking for an amazing photographer who is relaxed, has experience, and knowledge look no further. Crystal took our engagement and wedding photos. Not only were her photos amazing, but she is extremely responsive to messages and will even help you when planning your big day. It was important to us to work with a photographer who has experience with same sex couples, and Crystal and Casey did a great job capturing everything for my wife and I. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. - Emily - Nellysford, VA
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