You're a week away from saying "I do"—and trust us, we know you're soready. But with seven days to go, there are a few seemingly small but important tasks that need to be checked off your list so they don't fall through the cracks. You don't want to be at the altar ready for your groom to break the glass and then realize that there's no glass, right?
1. Overcommunicate With Your VendorsTo make sure everyone is on the same page (so they don't need to call you or your point people on the day-of) call every single wedding vendor and confirm, then re-confirm each arrangement you have with them, including, but not limited to:
4. Schedule Any Beauty AppointmentsYour fingers will likely be texting all week, which makes it even more crucial to keep your nails fresh. Make any minor beauty appointments you want done that week. Think: a mani-pedi, waxing, massage, blowout and facial. This goes for your groom too—make sure his hair is trimmed and face is shaved (if that's the look he's after). Any experimental beauty treatments (like facial peels, lasering, hair coloring and drastic cuts) should be done a few months in advance, just in case they don't turn out as expected. 5. Arrange Help for Any Guests Who Need ItIf you have any ill or elderly guests coming to your wedding, it will be meaningful for them to know you're so glad they can attend. Show your love by making sure they have proper transportation to and from the airport and your wedding events and that they have a comfortable place to stay. You can ask family members, friends or attendants to help with any pick-ups and drop-offs. 6. Hand These Items OffGetting married also means having a lot of important things to distribute among your family and attendants.
8. Deliver Welcome BasketsWhether it's you or an attendant, deliver your welcome baskets for guests to the hotel concierge. Make a list of names, delivery instructions and any additional information you have to prevent any mix-ups.
0 Comments
This article originally published on The Knot.com What’s the difference between an event stylist and a wedding coordinator? We tapped a Maryland-based wedding planner for a rundown of every type of planning service you should know about (before you hire someone).
by Maggie Seaver Think there’s only one type of wedding planner out there? Think again. From day-of coordinators to destination event designers, you have a wide range of pros and services to choose from to bring your celebration to life. If you’re overwhelmed by the abundance of vendor options, services, price points and unfamiliar terminology, relax—you’re in the right place. Here to clarify all your questions and offer helpful industry expertise is Danielle Couick, owner and principal planner of full-service event planning and design firm Magnolia Bluebird Design & Events based in Rockville, Maryland. What are the various types of wedding planning pros a couple can choose to hire for their day?Planner: “This pro is organized, efficient, timely and logistically minded—budget development and tracking, timelines, floor plans, contracts, deadlines and production schedules are second nature to them,” Couick says. “They recommend, procure and manage your wedding team. They’re on-site from start to finish to coordinate and execute the logistics and all the finer details.” Designer: “A designer is a creative, a dreamer, and aesthetics are their strength,” she says. “They see both big-picture and small details. They should listen to your needs and desires, assess the logistical parameters of your wedding, view your space and understand your ideal budget. They’ll develop a cohesive and stylish look, feel, mood and overall aesthetic of your wedding day in a realistic way.” Event Stylist: “I find an event stylist’s point of view is that of a camera lens or magazine spread,” Couick says. “They can work independently or with your planner or designer to develop the overall aesthetic and create the mood of your wedding. On-site, an event stylist will style and stage your attire and accessories, invitation suite, tablescapes, props, bars and more for the most aesthetically pleasing photograph or guest experience.” Couick also stresses how important is to factor in function along with style. “Just because it looks great in a photo doesn’t mean it’ll work realistically or logistically,” she says. If you’re set on hiring a stylist to stage those print-worthy shots, communicate this wish to your planner and photographer (and/or videographer. You might need to hire more shooters—or hire your photo team for an extra day—to capture both those styled detail shots and your organic real-life wedding moments. It’s a lot to snap in one day. Coordinator or On-Site Event Manager: “This pro is organized and focused on logistics and will often step in closer to your wedding day (anywhere from four to eight weeks out). They review final vendor contracts; finalize day-of needs (such as your various details, payments due and gratuity distribution); schedule and conduct the final walk-through; finalize your day-of timeline, floor plans and guest count; manage your vendor team on-site; and execute both the wedding rehearsal and actual day,” she says. How do types of services differ among various pros? And what’s the best way for a couple to decide if it’s the right fit?“As a planner and designer, I want to learn about you, your needs, goals and budget to determine if we (my company, our values, services, vision and skill set) are the right fit for you,” Couick says. “This should be mutual and true for the company you hire as well (you shouldn’t just hire a ‘yes man’). I’ve listed the five most common levels of planning service from least to most comprehensive.” Styling ($–$$): “Consulting on the creation and design of the aesthetic and visuals of your wedding day or day-of details. Styling can be limited to full-scale creative design to on-site visual styling.” Why you’d hire a stylist: “If you want to enhance your chances of having your wedding published. You obsess over the details. You want the extra-special finishing touches without the worry of making them happen.” Month-of Coordination or Day-of Planning ($–$$): “Don't let the name fool you. Coordinating your wedding effectively and professionally requires experience, skill, time and some advanced planning, so month-of coordination usually starts four to eight weeks from your date,” she says. “You’ll plan and procure all your vendors, needs and details, then a coordinator steps in to finalize the outstanding elements, troubleshoot as necessary, manage your vendor team and execute your wedding rehearsal and wedding day.” Why you’d hire a month-of coordinator: “Because you know the ship won’t steer itself on your wedding day. You want a pro to handle the details, troubleshoot any problems without you knowing and keep your timeline [flowing] for a stress-free and happy day.” Partial Service—Two Ways ($$–$$$):1. You could hire a planner to tap them for vendor recs, but you would do the contacting, negotiating and managing. Your planner would be there to provide design support and on-site execution. “It feels like a win-win because you’ll get good referrals from a trusted source, plus your planner’s creative eye,” Couick says. “What it lacks is the professional, real-time guidance of someone managing and negotiating these elements on your behalf with big-picture focus.” 2. You could hire a planner to assist with coordinating a few, versus every, detail. “You get the professional support you need where you need it most, [but] it lacks a more cohesive bird's-eye view of your overall wedding,” Couick says. Why you’d hire a partial planner: “You want a little more support beyond just your wedding day, and you know you need a pro to get you there.” Full-Service ($$$–$$$$):“A full-service planner (also called a turnkey or bespoke planner) helps you plan everything from start to finish—for the wedding day only or for a weekend of events,” Couick says. “They help [craft your] budget, create and manage your planning timeline, recommend, procure and negotiate with vendors and review, facilitate and attend site selection and walk-throughs. They also help manage your guest list, timelines, floor plans, event design, etiquette and on-site management.” Why you’d hiring a full-service planner: “You see the value in having a professional guide you through the process and handle all the details. You understand the myriad of moving parts, trust the process and know an experienced pro is the best way to plan wedding weekend without losing your mind.” Destination ($$$–$$$$):“In addition to the full-service scope of planning, this pro can help you scout the perfect location, venue and vendors; support your guests with travel and accommodations; design trip itineraries; and navigate cultural differences, laws and regulations.” Why you’d hire a destination planner: “Because getting married on a pristine shoreline or at a centuries-old manor across the pond is the most beautiful vision you can think of—but travel itineraries, customs, language and cultural barriers, and logistics for a weekend of events for your entire guest list is not. You want the entire experience to be as flawless as the wedding itself.” Can one pro offer more than one type of service? “The short answer is yes—these roles are not mutually exclusive,” Couick says. “Planners can be designers, but not all designers are planners. Planners and designers can be stylists, but not all stylists are planners or designers. Planners can be coordinators, but not all coordinators are planners. Planners can be a designer, stylist and coordinator, but the reverse is not true.” We know it starts to sound a bit like a riddle—but all of this is due to the fact that the role of a planner is by nature a more comprehensive one than say, a stylist, whose services are very specific. What are some common misconceptions couples have when looking for the right type of pro for their wedding?“Between Instagram and Pinterest, we live in a highly tailored and curated world—but remember, your wedding is real life, not a cropped studio shot,” Couick says. “Also, as the wedding market becomes more saturated with novice planners, designers, stylists and coordinators, I’m finding couples are buying into something that sounds good or checks the boxes, rather than relying on a trusted, experienced professional to guide and elevate their experience. There’s truth in the sayings ‘you get what you pay for’ and ‘time is money.’” So make sure you understand exactly what you’re getting. This article originally published on The Knot.com
We're not saying you need to jump into wedding planning immediately after your engagement—but after celebrations have ceased (for the most part) and the confetti's been cleaned up, it might be time to start spreading the word about your wedding details. Of course, you want your guests to be able to mark their calendars and save the date, but you also want them to get excited for what's to come! And the easiest way to do that is to create your wedding website. Seriously, we mean it when we say it's easy—for you and your guests. All you have to do is pick a theme (we have over 100 designs here at The Knot), add your details once you have them (like your venue, date and time) and you'll be set. Turn on your digital RSVPs so your guests can easily add plus ones and meal choices—without ever having to step foot in a post office. You can also add the details about your accommodations (like your hotel block!) and things to do in the area (to guarantee your guests are never bored during your wedding weekend—not that they would be otherwise). The best part? When you create your registry on The Knot, it syncs with your wedding website—turning it into a one-stop shop for your guests trying to buy you gifts. Lastly—and this is a big one—your guests get a 20 percent Rent The Runway discount when you give them a code found on your wedding website dashboard. Now, what were you waiting for again? Go create your wedding website here. This article originally posted on Brides.com
If it’s not your first time tying the knot, there are probably a number of questions running through your head. What can you do again? What should you do differently? And what just totally doesn’t fly? We asked our wedding experts to walk us through eight of the biggest questions that couples ask when planning a second wedding. Whether it’s your first wedding and your partner’s second, vice versa, or you’ve both been down the aisle before, if one of you has previously tied the knot, there are definitely a few details that aren’t as cut and dry as they are the first time around. Thankfully, wedding planner Amy Nichols, owner of Amy Nichols Special Events, has first-hand experience to help guide you. “I just got married for the first time, but it was my now-husband’s second marriage. These are the big things we took into consideration as we planned our wedding,” Nichols says. Is it alright to have a big wedding? It depends! Says Nichols, “If you both previously had larger weddings, and they were less than five years ago, it might not really be appropriate to have a large wedding now. However, if it is one of your's first weddings, then it might be OK.” Ultimately, it is up to the two of you to choose how big or formal your second wedding might be. “One thing to be sensitive to is if there are children from the previous marriage,” Nichols adds. “If they're young or may be uncomfortable in a large wedding setting, this might be something to take into consideration. For my recent wedding, my husband had two tween/teenage sons from a previous marriage and we chose to have a smaller wedding. We both felt it would be ‘easier’ on the kids if it wasn’t a big, over-the-top affair.” Can we have a religious ceremony? “This is something you ultimately should decide together as a couple and with your clergy person,” says Nichols. “Every religion is different in terms of what is considered respectful and acceptable when it comes to second marriages.” Know that some faiths may be opposed to having a religious ceremony for your second marriage—and may not allow you to hold the wedding in a house of worship. Can the bride wear white?“ Sure! It is her wedding day, and if a bride wants to wear white, she should be able to wear whatever she'd like,” Nichols states. Can we have a wedding shower or bachelor/bachelorette parties? This is a trickier one. “In my opinion, if it is the bride's first wedding, yes, you can have a shower or a bachelorette party. If it is the bride's second wedding, in theory she would already have many of the things ‘needed’ for starting adult life in your own home, such as pots and pans, etc.—which are some of the most common shower gifts,” Nichols explains. Of course, many couples choose to get new housewares to reflect their new relationship and marriage. “Feel our friends and family out on this one,” says Nichols. “If someone is offering to host a celebration for you and everyone is enthusiastic about the idea, it’s okay to have a shower. I just would recommend keeping the guest list on the smaller side.” Nichols also wants brides who are marrying for the second time to know that some friends may opt to not buy a second shower gift—and may skip the wedding present, too—if they were there for the first wedding, and that is 100% okay on their part. “It’s also important to be sensitive to any female friends or relatives who have not gotten engaged or married yet,” Nichols continues. “It may sting a bit if you’re asking her to be a bridesmaid (again) or host a shower (again) when she hasn’t had her ‘turn’ yet.” Should we invite our exes and their families? In which instances?“Generally my advice would be no, unless situations are such that you are still very friendly and close with your former spouse and/or his or her family members,” says Nichols. “In the event that your second marriage is after the death of your previous spouse, I think inviting your deceased spouse’s family is a very nice gesture. Just know that it might be a hard situation for them, and that they may not attend.” Long story short, it depends on the nature of your relationship with your former spouse, as well as how long ago your previous marriage was. “For most couples, I think the answer here would be no,” Nichols concludes. See More: How Real Brides Involved Their Children in the Wedding Ceremony Can we have a registry? You may have heard otherwise, but the answer is actually yes! “Even if you specify that you do not want gifts, there will still be family members or friends who want to buy you something to mark the occasion, so you might as well help them find something you’ll love and use,” Nichols says. “Focus on things you really need and want. If you’ve already established a home, skip the basics like bakeware or pots and pans. Use this as a time to select new china, new everyday dishes, or something else that is important to you.” Or you can go for an alternative registry, instead. “Sites like Zola allow you to register for experiences or larger-ticket items for ‘group gifting,’ and stores like REI and Home Depot also have registries.” So if you’re in the market for home improvement items or would love new gear for your camping honeymoon, think outside the big box stores! We don’t need anything for our home—can we ask for money instead?“Whether it is your first wedding or your fourth, you should never ask for money,” says Nichols. “However, there are couples who truly only want to receive money. The best way to get this message across would be by word of mouth, or by using a cash fund registry site.” Are there any wedding traditions we should skip? This is totally up to you. “Some traditions might be really important to you, like toasts and a first dance,” Nichols says. “Others might feel trite, like a bouquet or garter toss. Include the traditions that feel meaningful to you, and skip the rest.” Article originally published on Brides,com Chances are, you've been dreaming of your wedding gown since for as long as you can remember. If you want to make sure reality lives up to your dream, it's important to start planning and shopping for your wedding dress early on. Here, we've compiled a wedding dress timeline that leaves no detail overlooked. The average engagement length is just over twelve months, so our wedding dress timeline fits that length. If you're engagement period is shorter, this timeline still works — just compress it! (And if you're getting started wedding dress shopping with less than nine months to go, consider focusing on a finding an off-the-rack gown or a scoring a dress at a sample sale, which will spare you the wait time for custom-order dresses.)
Twelve Months to Go It's tempting to dive headfirst into wedding dress shopping as soon as you get engaged, but you'll save yourself some potential headaches if you plan out a few things first and take the time to do some research. At the twelve-month mark, figure out the following details so you'll be ahead of the game when you start the actual shopping process. Determine Your Wedding Venue and Date It's important to know your wedding date before buying a wedding dress, because certain styles that would be gorgeous in a fall or winter wedding just won't work for a spring or summer affair. Nail down your date so you can plan accordingly. Similarly, knowing where you're getting married can also be a huge help. As with the wedding date, the venue will definitely influence your gown choices. What is perfectly chic at a boho beach wedding won't look quite right at a sit-down ballroom reception. Alternatively, however, you can work backwards: If you've had your heart set on a certain style of wedding dress for as long as you can remember, you might want to disregard the following and let your dream dress influence your date and venue decisions instead. For example, if you've always envisioned long, lacy sleeves and a faux fur muff, you're probably going to want to pick a winter wedding date. Or, if you've always imagined a subtle look, with a simple flowing dress and a flower crown, you might choose the beach or a field as your venue. The sky's the limit, and it's entirely up to you — just make sure to coordinate the vision of your dress with the vision of your overall wedding! Set a Budget for Your Dress and Accessories It's never a good idea to start wedding dress shopping without a budget in mind. Imagine falling in love with a wedding gown that's way out of your price range? Figure out your wedding dress budget right off the bat — that way when you head out shopping, you can let your salesperson guide you to the dresses that fit your budget. Be sure to factor in the cost of wedding dress alterations, tax, and shipping (if applicable), as well as accessories including your wedding veil, undergarments and shoes. Start a Pinterest Board and Figure Out Details You Like Though you don't need to decide the exact style or silhouette of your dress before you start your search, you do want to figure out a list of things you like and don't like. Having a vision board, whether it's physical or digital, can be useful (and fun!). 12-10 Months to Go Start Your Dress Search You know those episodes of Say Yes To The Dress, where the bride-to-be brings her entire girl gang wedding dress shopping? It looks fun, but that can quickly get out of hand with all the opinions coming your way. Consider limiting the number of people you bring with you. Stick to your mother, grandmother, the person you're closest with on your spouse's side, and your most devoted and open-minded best friend. Everyone's viewpoint is not needed and can make the joyous moment even more complicated than it needs to be. You might even want to head out shopping on your own! Chances are you'll be making multiple trips, so you can also change up your shopping companions. As you shop, evaluate fabrics and silhouettes to figure out what you're really into. What you loved on Pinterest might not suit you in real life. Keep your options open and at least try on different materials and gown shapes so you can experience them all. You might find your dream dress is even more magical once you try it on, but you also might discover a hidden gem in a style you never even considered. 9 Months to Go Make a Final Decision and Buy Your Dress The time has arrived to actually decide on the perfect dress and put in your order. And while nine months out might seem really early, it's actually not — unless you're buying off-the-rack at a sample sale, wedding dresses are typically custom-ordered, which means you've got to give the designer ample time to create and ship the dress, as well as leaving enough time for alterations, which 99% of wedding dresses will need. 6 Months to Go Figure Out How Your Wedding Day Hairstyle and Choose a Wedding Veil The perfect wedding hairstyle can either make or break your bridal look. It's best to know exactly what you want far in advance, especially as you've already selected your dress. Are you opting for a veil and any embellished hair accessories? Will you be donning an updo, sleek chignon, or loose curls? There are so many possibilities to consider, but you'll have more than enough time to get everything in order if you plan ahead. Buy Your Wedding Shoes Wedding shoe shopping will definitely be one of the more fun task of the entire process. Perhaps you'll want a custom-made pair from your favorite designer, or need to take time deciding whether you'll choose a pointed-toe pump or ankle-strap sandal. You'll also want to have enough time to break those bad boys in before you walk down the aisle. A few days of wearing them in the house will ensure you'll be ready to dance from sundown to sun-up. The six-month mark is a good place to get your shoes, because you'll need them before your first fitting. Choose Your Something Borrowed, Something Old and Something Blue For your big day, you might want the shoes you're buying at this point to be blue, or you might want to wear your grandmother's vintage clip-on earrings. These are the pieces that will make your wedding ensemble truly special, so you'll want to decide on them early. Get Your Undergarments You'll also want to have your undergarments with you once you go to your first fitting, so you'll need to take care of this detail, as well. You will need to pick up a specific kind of bra based on the style of your dress's back and neckline, as well as choose the proper shapewear for the occasion. You might also need a petticoat to make your dress fluff out. This is also a good point at which to order your garter belt. Three Months To Go The First Wedding Dress Fitting If you were wondering when to get wedding dress altered, three months out is your answer! Sticking to your wedding dress fitting timeline is really important from here on out. You want to make sure your seamstress has ample time to perfect the fit of your dress. Timing is everything here and bringing your gown in too late may result in having too little time for alterations. This is when you figure out if your dress needs to be taken in or out, as well as determining whether the hem length needs to be lengthened or shortened. The seamstress will also add bustle points to the dress so that dresses with trains can seamlessly transition during the reception. You'll want to bring your jewelry, undergarments, shoes, and any other accessories you can to make sure everything will be flawless on your big day. Six Weeks to Go The Second Wedding Dress Fitting Most brides have two to three fittings to make their dress absolutely perfect, so you'll head your wedding dress alteration timeline will require a trip back to the bridal salon. Most of the difficult work is done during your first fitting, thus the second is for more minor revisions to your dress — like smoothing out the hemline for instance. You'll want to walk around in the salon with your gown on to ensure you are happy with the length, fit, and any alterations that were completed since your first wedding dress fitting. Two Weeks to Go The Final Wedding Dress Fitting This is where it all comes together! Make sure you wear waterproof mascara because you will shed a few tears seeing yourself so close to absolute bridal perfection. You'll want one person you're incredibly close to by your side — like your mother or maid of honor — to bask in the joy, as well as to take a couple of pictures for your scrapbook. Find a Place to Store Your Wedding Dress for Safekeeping You will not only want to keep your dress safe, but you'll also want to hide it from your spouse, so it will be a total surprise once you walk down the aisle. Keep in mind that if your dress is embellished, separate your veil so no rips occur. Place it in a bag that will allow for the fabric to breathe and examine it to ensure it's perfect. Alternatively, some wedding salons allow you to store your dress there until the big day, which, in some cases, might be easier! One Day to Go Gather Up Everything You'll Need Your veil, jewelry, dress, and shoes should all be in one place, so you never lose sight and misplace a piece altogether. You'll also want to have a steamer and a bleach pen on-hand, just in case something unfortunate happens. Keep a needle, white thread, and clear fishing wire on hand, as well, in case there are any snags in any of the delicate fabric, or a bustle point comes loose. Pro tip: Pack everything (other than your dress) in a small suitcase so it's easy to haul around. The Day-Of Give Yourself Ample Time to Get Ready This is your moment! You'll need at least a half an hour to slip into your dress, so add extra time into the day. Wedding dresses take time to put on, especially those with multiple buttons, hooks, and intricate details. You should be relaxed and not rush for even a second. Visit Brides.com for these beautiful Wedding Cakes
There are few things we appreciate more than a decadent wedding cake—both in taste and style. Dessert trends come and go, but nothing takes the place of a delicious cake that satisfies more than one of your senses. That said, we’ve rounded up 50 gorgeous cakes that promise to do just that. Our favorite kind of wedding cake is the kind that makes a statement by adding to your wedding decor. For bohemian brides, we’re loving delicate flower wreaths, organically placed leafy vines, or anything with an earthy feel. If your style is more contemporary, a sleek, smooth finish and geometric details, such as a repeated tile pattern, hexagonal tiers, or triangular adornments, will always do the trick. If you’re more of a classic bride, traditional white isn’t your only option; hand-painted florals, watercolors, and subtle ruffles all evoke a timeless touch. And no matter the cake style, gilded accents and metallic foil always add a hint of glam and a dash of chic, while greenery, whether a topper of eucalyptus, cascading foliage, or wreath of ferns, brings organic beauty. If your reception is outdoors, take inspiration from your surroundings. A festoon of fresh blooms is a natural way to infuse some garden whimsy, fondant oyster shells and watercolor blues bring in some coastal charm, and semi-naked cakes take cues from the naturalistic elegance of the woods. The seasons can also serve as a solid source of inspiration: Light pastel flowers are a standard for some springtime flair, fresh greenery or citrus serves up some summertime whimsy, rich, moody hues are ideal for an autumn affair, and icy blue and white details mirror the coolness of a winter wedding. See more: Go Bare: 39 Naked Wedding Cakes This article was originally published at HiCharlie.com We’ve come a long way since the Mad Men-esque era of the 50s and 60s, when financial security for women came exclusively in the form of a man. At least that’s according to the findings of a new survey from Charlie. We surveyed 533 single (defined as never married) women ages 18 to 40 in to find out how they think about finances when it comes to finding “the one.” According to the results, women are waiting until well into their relationships to have the “money talk.” If they don’t like what they hear, bad news: most women view potential beaus or belles with a large amount of debt as more of a liability, than an anchor. The majority of single women these days don’t believe that marriage is necessarily the ticket to financial stability. But to understand where we’re at now, it’s important to take a look at where we came from. A Brief History of Women’s Financial Rights Back in the “good old days,” our grandmothers had little choice but to attach themselves to a man — for better or for worse — in order to gain financial security. Not surprisingly, these unions weren’t always the most compatible. Oftentimes, men controlled the paycheck and the checkbook, and that in turn controlled the women they supported. Thankfully, things have changed over the years due to hard work from civil rights activists. Sweeping changes were made to make things fairer for everyone, including people of different races, religions, nationalities, ages, and — gender. Here are a few milestones:
Women are More Reluctant to Marry Debtors One of the biggest standout statistics from our survey was that 58% of single women would be hesitant to marry a partner with a lot of debt. Given the massive increase in student loan debt among college graduates these days, that’s a tough prospect. Take the graduates of the class of 2017, for example. Among students who had to take out loans (about two-thirds), the average debt burden after graduating was $28,650, according to The Institute for College Access and Success. And that’s before you add on credit card, mortgage, or other debt. An important factor here is debt-to-income ratio. A doctor, for example, may pop out on the other side of med school with six-figure debt, but he or she may also be able to make a six-figure salary right out of the gate. Someone with $100k worth of debt after studying underwater basket weaving, however, may be a different story. Similarly, it’s important to take into account what type of debt someone has. Did they take out a student loan with the aims of getting a high-paying job? Or did they take out a series of payday loans to pay for a bad gambling habit? Or do they have credit card debt from splurging on habits they can’t afford? Context is important and can help women suss out potential marriage partners who may still be very financially-responsible despite carrying a large amount of debt. Women Don’t Like Having “The Talk” Early On In a Relationship Understandably, learning the finer points someone’s debt situation can be a little tricky , even if it is important. We have so many emotions and tensions surrounding finances, and for good reason. Few of us were taught good skills and behavioral habits for managing our money, and even fewer of us were raised having open and healthy conversations about finances. That’s why it’s no wonder that many women prefer to have the money talk later on in their relationship, once they’ve developed a lot of trust with their partner. In fact, according to our survey, 48% of single women said finances should only be discussed at all in a serious relationship. Discussing finances early can save a lot of heartache later on. Some things may be easy to spot early on, like a penchant for buying pricey gifts on every date despite your beau (or belle) driving a beater. But other things, like past bankruptcies or foreclosures, are more difficult to catch. The only way to know is by opening up and having a conversation about what’s important to you. After all, many people list whether they’re interested in kids, overseas travel, or expensive hobbies in their dating profiles. Yet, 74% of single women specifically would not want to see financial measuring sticks like credit scores or student loan debt in dating profiles. Most Women Don’t See Marriage As The Ticket to Financial Stability We know women don’t necessarily want to tie themselves down to a heavily-indebted spouse. And we also know women can do (virtually) all of the same things as men, like renting an apartment, having a meaningful career, travel, opening a bank account, or buying a house. These two factors combined have led to a grand conclusion: 66% of single women don’t see marriage as the only path to financial security. And that’s a good thing. There are so many things that can happen by putting all of your financial eggs in one basket. Your marriage could (sadly) end in divorce. Your spouse could develop new bad financial habits. Plus, it’s no secret that pensions are becoming a dying breed, making it more important than ever for everyone — men and women — to save for their own retirement. Whether you’re currently married or not, it’s important for everyone to retain some semblance of financial independence. You can do this by considering a prenuptial agreementor considering whether combined — or separate — finances are right for you. Some experts even advise each spouse — even stay-at-home-moms — to keep a separate “freedom fund” to kick-start their newly-single life in case it’s ever called upon. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a relationship that’s not working because you can’t afford to leave. Women’s Attitudes Towards Relationships and Money are Changing, and Often for the Better It’s no secret that the relationship between money and marriage is changing, and for women this gives us insight on why they may be more hesitant to lock down a marriage partner. After all, if you can retain your own financial independence in a marriage, why else marry (or stay married) but for love? A lifetime of happiness — financial and otherwise — is something that we can definitely get on board with. Published and seen in Brides.com What's not to love about weddings from a guest perspective!? Dancing, great food, open bars, being surrounded by loved ones...the list could go on. But wedding party favors really seal the deal when it comes to leaving a memorable impression on your guests. Your nearest and dearest will fondly remember how much they loved the tunes at the reception or how beautiful you looked in your wedding dress, but take-home wedding favors for guests to pick up on their way out serve as their very last physical reminder of your nuptials (besides your future wedding Instagrams, of course). Plus, these gifts go way beyond a thank-you card in showing your friends and family how grateful you are that they attended your wedding. Moral of the story: Make your wedding favors count (and reusable!). If you're at a loss for where to start, we've got your wedding party favor needs covered. Having a destination wedding? Treat guests to personalized luggage tags as a way of thanking them for their travels. Want to impart your love of food to guests before the wedding is over? Stock up on "Midnight Snack" paper bags to fill with your favorite sweet treats for friends and family to munch on post-wedding. If you're having an outdoor spring or summer wedding, take inspiration from your blooming surroundings and gift your guests seed packets. Foldable fans are another great option for 2019 summer weddings. They'll keep guests cool at the ceremony and reception, and also serve as a lovely keepsake from the day. Moreover, floral smudge sticks are also the prefect, trendy wedding party favors for 2019 weddings. Your guests can use them to banish negative energy from their homes after the big day. Only good vibes here! The wedding favor options are truly limitless, so be creative and add your own personal spin. Choose gifts that reflect you and your spouse, but that your guests can also enjoy once the wedding festivities have died down. Shop our top wedding favor picks for your own nuptials, which will suit any wedding style without breaking the bank. Pro tip: After you've pegged the perfect guest gifts, pair them with an equally prominent display to ensure everyone remembers to pick one up as they leave. Happy wedding favor gifting No Ugly Crying HandkerchiefYou'll want to give these wedding party favors to your guests during the ceremony so they can put them to good use during your tear-jerking vows. SHOP NOW: Etsy, $10 Let Love Grow Custom Seed Wedding FavorsYour guests can plant these seed wedding favors in their backyards or in planters, and will always remember your wedding when they catch a whiff of the resulting blooms. SHOP NOW: Etsy, $15 for 15 Jar of MatchesCelebrate the fact that you've found your perfect match by gifting your guests jars of matches. We love the brightly colored tips on these matches, as well as the cute included gift tag. Courtesy of LaPasoBienPalm Personalized Hand FansHaving a summer wedding? Your guests will love these personalized hand fans! They'll help keep them cool and they're the perfect Instagram accessory, too! SHOP NOW: Etsy, $8.50 Love and Riches Lottery Ticket Wedding FavorSlip a scratch-off lottery ticket in these favor bags and seal with the personalized sticker. This inexpensive wedding party favor might have a huge payoff for your guests! SHOP NOW: Amazon, $8 for 20 WATCH NOWMeghan Markle Gets a Wedding Makeover Rose Floral Sage Smudge StickRid your guests' homes of negative vibes and energies with these floral sage smudge stick wedding party favors. SHOP NOW: Etsy, $15 Ella Celebration Key Bottle OpenersThese vintage skeleton keys are actually bottle openers. Thanks to these wedding party favors, guests will always remember your big day when they open a cold one. SHOP NOW: Amazon, $34.95 for 50 Flower Pressed Shortbread CookiesLori Stern's signature shortbread cookies feature edible (and not to mention, Instagrammable) handpicked flowers. Guests can grab 'em on the way out to munch on during their trip home. SHOP NOW: Lori Stern Food & Cakes, $48 for a dozen Courtesy of SALTEDDesignStudioWedding Hangover Kit BagsA wedding favor that your guests will definitely be grateful for come morning! Stash some Advil and mints inside these wedding hangover kit bags, and you're good to go! SHOP NOW: Etsy, starting at $0.99 Love Is Brewing Wedding StickersBuy your favorite coffee beans in bulk and individually wrap them with these adorable sticks, and you'll have your guests' morning cup of coffee covered! SHOP NOW: Amazon, $14 for 36 Pressed Flowers Botanical PrintsWe love pressed flower details at weddings! Pretty prints set out in frames on your escort card table would make the perfect wedding party favors. SHOP NOW: Etsy, $50 for six Agate Slice Calligraphy Place CardsKill two birds with one stone with wedding favors that also double as place settings. What guest wouldn't love taking home a keepsake that's personalized with their own name in calligraphy? SHOP NOW: Etsy, $4.50 Hot Chocolate in a Tube Wedding FavorPerfect for a winter wedding, these cute little tubes contain everything you need for the perfect cup of hot chocolate. SHOP NOW: Etsy, $2.56 Clear Macaron BoxesWhat's better than plain old macarons? Macarons paired with a clear box, custom sticker, and wrapped with a gold bow, duh. SHOP NOW: Etsy, $7 for 10 Pack of Assorted 2.5" CactusA take-home plant is just as on par with to-go food when it comes to wedding party favors, and friends and family will love having a bit more greenery in their lives. SHOP NOW: Amazon, $69.99 for 20 Midnight Snack Craft Paper BagTreat your loved ones to post-wedding dessert served in pretty paper bags. Nothing says "thanks for coming" better than a take-home bag of mini donuts or cookies. SHOP NOW: Etsy, $15 for 20 Jam Jar Wedding FavorsTurn up the jams on your wedding party favors. Guests can reuse this spread and decorative jar long after the wedding. SHOP NOW: Custom Love Gifts, $4 Wedding Favor Personalized Popcorn BagsFor another way to curb late-night snack cravings, create a station for serving on-the-go bags of popcorn. SHOP NOW: Etsy, $20 for 20 Let love glow! Your guests can use these tea light lanterns to add some flickering ambience to their homes for years to come. SHOP NOW: Etsy, $165 for 50 Mint To Be Wedding Favor BagsStock up on your favorite breath mints and stash 'em in these cute bags for an ultra fresh favor that will definitely come in handy after the wedding. SHOP NOW: Etsy, $0.80 Mini Champagne Label Wedding FavorEncourage guests to pop some bubbly in honor of your new marital status. Buy mini bottles of your favorite champagne in bulk, and attach this personalized sticker for the finishing touch. SHOP NOW: Etsy, $15 for 8 Luggage Tags Wedding FavorsIf you and your partner are travelers at heart, reflect your love of excursions through practical favors that might just inspire some wanderlust in your guests. SHOP NOW: Etsy, $95 for 20 Concrete Planter with InitialsTake standard succulent wedding favors up a notch with a planter dedicated to you and your future spouse. Guests can work on improving their green thumbs while keeping your wedding day in mind. SHOP NOW: Etsy, starting at $14.90 by Bride.com
This is the moment you've been waiting for. Holy moley, you have an engagement ring and you're getting married! It's so surreal, yet definitely happening, and like it or not, the hours, days, and weeks following that proposal are guaranteed to be a whirlwind. There are so many things to think about, so many people to contact and so much to get done. Don't be overwhelmed. You have plenty of time to plan the rest of your lives but if you're like most newly engaged people, you'll be itching to share the news with all your friends and dive into the actual wedding planning part headfirst. Pinterest boards, bridal magazines, blogs, dress shopping, venue hunting...the list goes on and on. Years of watching wedding movies couldn't have prepared you for what's to come (trust us, it's totally different). While the average engagement lasts a year to a year-and-a-half, there are certain things you'll want to get done stat — no matter how long you plan on being a fiancé. So where do you get started? There's no strict order to follow as long as you tackle the immediate to-dos. Committing the rest of your life to the love of your life is scary and amazing and the best kind of stress, however, it's a major, major milestone, and planning a wedding together is the icing on the cake — we promise! Call Your Parents And your siblings and BFFs too (unless you are keeping your engagement under wraps for a while). The last place they should have to hear about your new status is on social media, so give them a ring personally and tell them the happy news. Chances are, mom and dad already know what's up and have been waiting by the phone patiently for your call. Get a Manicure Your hands will be in the spotlight for the next couple of weeks, which means your manicure best be on fleek. Or, if you're going for the natural look, make sure your nails are clean and shaped. Otherwise, friends will be focusing more on your chipped nail polish than your gorgeous engagement ring. Not cool. Post a Ring Selfie A picture is worth a thousand words, right? If you're ready to share with the world that you're engaged, open up that Instagram! Take a ring selfie or a sweet pic of you and your fiancé to share the love. Even better—if the actual proposal was caught on film, nothing is better than that look of surprise. And don't forget to make it Facebook official! Cheers!Round up some of your best friends and family and go out for a celebratory drink, or have a special date night solo if that's more your style. You're engaged, and that's totally worth toasting. Get Your Ring InsuredWe know, we know — it's not exactly the most romantic or exciting thing in the world, but it could wind up saving your butt in the long run. When added as an extension to your homeowner or renter's insurance policy, it's surprisingly inexpensive. Take A BreatherDon't jump into wedding planning right away! Take a week or two to let the news really sink in and to just savor the moment. Trust us, you'll have enough stress over the next twelve (or so) months to last you a lifetime. Get Your Ring SizedIf the ring fits, great, and if not, you'll want to take it to your jeweler stat to get it sized — especially if it's practically falling off your finger. After all, you'd hate to throw thousands of dollars down the drain mere moments after saying yes. Think About A DateThe most desirable wedding dates and venues get booked far in advance so if you're hoping to get hitched in the next year or two, it's a wise idea to start thinking about dates now. Find out what works for both your families and if there are any potential conflicts. Research Wedding VenuesRemember: You can't book a date until you've nailed down your dream venue! Do some research online first, or maybe you already have a place in mind and can call to get more information on pricing and availability. Determine Your Wedding SizeWhether you're going big or keeping it small, being on the same page about this one is so important. Get your family's input if it matters to either of you or if they'll be footing the bill. Once you've agreed on a rough guest count and budget (we'll get to that next), you can commit to a venue. Discuss a BudgetMoney talks, but unfortunately, no one likes to talk about money. It can be, well, awkward. However, before you can really move forward with any of your wedding plans, this is a discussion that has to be had, be it between you and your spouse, or you, your spouse, and the parents. Build A Wedding WebsiteAt the very least, look at your options and decide whether you'd prefer to create your own from scratch or use one of the many wedding website templates out there. Check out the pros and cons, and then pick together. Gather InspirationCreate a Pinterest board, Google Doc, save photos on Instagram, or create a folder on your computer to compile imagery of your favorite wedding elements. Keep it to yourself just for organizational purposes, or share with your wedding planner, mom, friends, fiancé, and whoever else to view and contribute. Choose Who Will Be in the Bridal PartyHow many bridesmaids or groomsmen do each of you want? Are you cool with having odd numbers or is an even number a must? Does one of you (or both) want a bridesman or groomslady? Will you have a maid of honor or best man? No matter what, you need to discuss these things before one of you starts popping the question to friends. Interview Planners and/or VendorsIf you're considering bringing a professional planner on board to help with logistics and décor, ask around for references and do a little online research, then set up some interviews. For the vendor referrals alone, a wedding planner is totally worth their weight in gold! Or, for smaller affairs, go directly to the source and check out a few vendors on your own. Check Out Trunk Show SchedulesHave your eye on a specific wedding dress designer? You don't have to make a mad dash to try on dresses just yet, however, you may want to peep their trunk show schedule to see when they'll be in town (or where you'd have to travel to) and how much of a discount you can score on the new collection. Plan An Engagement Party(If you want one at all.) Do you want to plan it or hand the reins over to parents or friends? Do you want to go low key and have it at your home or in a friend's backyard? Would you rather everyone meet at your favorite bar for drinks or rent a space for a catered dinner? Either way, just make sure to do whatever fits the vibe of your relationship! Relax!Do something fun, just the two of you. Mini golf, bowling, ice skating, a trip to the beach — whatever floats your boat and brings out the kid in you both. Wedding planning can be insanely stressful from the get-go, so try to find the humor in things and take some time to laugh, reconnect, and remember why you're getting hitched in the first place. |
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!
Categories
All
We love Instagram! Check out our feed below and follow us!
|
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
Read more reviews here.