So how can you ensure you’ll take the proper steps to create the perfect themed wedding? Today we’re here to help you and offer examples with guides to inspire you. 

1. Think About What Type of Wedding You Desire

If you want a wedding that involves dipping yourself in a milky bath of petals in your wedding dress, then be sure to add it to your list. Creating a dream wedding list will help in the initial planning stages of your wedding, and then from there, you can discuss what you’d like and test the waters with ideas. During these mindmap stages, you’ll narrow down to the essentials and a clear theme to build the wedding. 

2. What Type of Person are you and your Partner?

Before you decide for sure you want a theme it’s always good to think about what types of people you and your partner are. For example, if you’re both ‘show ponies’, dressing up in a costume might be the perfect way to tie the knot, but if you’re reserved, going for something more traditional or minimal might be the better option. 

3. What is Your Wedding Budget Situation 

When it comes to themed weddings that are not traditional, the decoration and extras to give a wedding its star theme often lead to a bloated budget. So when you start to get excited about your wedding theme, if you’re concerned about spending a lot, think about ways to maximize your budget without overspending. This factor could mean saying no to an expensive alien costume or a skeleton waver that costs several hundred dollars and instead looking for secondhand or DIY crafts.

Check out ways to save on your wedding budgets at Thorum.

4. What are Examples of Themed-Weddings?

Now that we’ve got the essential planning out of the way, it’s time to look more specifically at the theme you’ll be harnessing for your wedding. But what themes can you possibly apply to your wedding? We will list some examples below from our 2022 wedding theme guides archive, so if you find a piece perfect for you, you’ll be able to use our guide to get started.

• A Castle and Medieval Themed Wedding

If you consider yourself at heart a knight in shining armour or a beautiful princess lounging in a tall tower, then a medieval or castle-themed wedding might be the perfect theme for you. You can dress up, rent out a castle, or have wedding entertainment such as a jousting tournament or big ballroom reception. The rustic aesthetic of romantic castles doesn’t even need much to look great in wedding photos and is a unique life story to tell when people ask where you got hitched. 

• A Victorian-Themed Wedding

For those of the refined pallet who are forever living in a romance novel by Austin or who love the history of Victorian times, then a Victorian wedding is a possible theme for you. Throw yourself into the world of Queen Victoria as you try on old-fashioned attire, dance and eat a lot of cake. What about your place of celebration? Well, you can frolic about in dining halls and rows of flowers that will adorn every surface of the lordly estate (or an equivalent venue).

• An Ancient Roman and Greek Wedding

You can’t go wrong with one of the world’s oldest officially recognised legal celebrations with historically-inspired weddings. Whether you like Greece or Rome, or both, you can use these ancient cultures to give you inspiration for a truly unique marriage experience.  You could even take a trip to one of these famous lands and learn Greek or Latin to say ‘i love you’ as part of your wedding rites. However big you decide to go, just perhaps leave out the public entertainment of real gladiatorial games!

• The Ultimate Garden Wedding

If you relish in the natural beauty of the outdoors, then a wedding that takes advantage of this scenery cheaper option for budgets could be a great choice. For those with a large enough plot of land, you could even host it in your backyard to save money on hiring a venue. By allowing yourself, the private space at home, you can spend longer decorating and doing as many trials as you see fit until you’re ready to do the real thing!

• A Musical Wedding

Any wedding can be musically inspired or themed! If music is essential to you, then ensure you think about it carefully for your special day. This matter could be creating the perfect wedding playlist or going further to create a whole wedding event that breathes the air of a beautiful evening at an opera. Whatever you desire, we have a guide for you if you need music! 

And if you decide you want to dress up, any traditional ballgown or tuxedo will add to the classic attire of a 19th-century trip to the ball. Plus, if you know a good band, they could add to this entertainment at your reception. 

• A Dream Foodie’s Wedding

If you’re a big foodie, you’ll be very particular about the food you’ll be serving at your wedding. What if you went further and made your whole wedding theme about the celebration of the fuel that keeps us going? 

You can do this in many ways, from offering nibbles to a delicious main menu; however, have you considered edible decorations? For example, perhaps every flower that wraps around the venue is also made of pure sugar and thus edible. Or maybe you’ve picked a natural spicy variety of flora? 

One way to make food a critical part of your wedding theme is to think beyond just ‘food’ and consider something like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or a celebration of world cultures through food. 

• A Traditional Indian-Inspired Wedding

If you’re Indian or love Indian culture, perhaps you’d like to give certain aspects of their wedding traditions a go. Of course, be careful with trying to appropriate their traditions as a cheap gimmick culturally; however, if you keep this in mind but there are no problems with wanting to celebrate your union with Indian inspirations regardless of your cultural affinity.  At its essence, an Indian wedding is bright and colorful, with a celebration of love with complex cultural traditions laid out to help the married couple into their next stage in life. 

• A Traditional Church Wedding

In the western world, you can never get more traditional a wedding theme than in a church under the sacred eye of God. There are likely many churches in your area, each with their strengths and weaknesses for providing a venue and adequate space for a wedding. Churches have some of the most beautiful and complex interior designs, which always look great, making it easy to go without decorations. In addition, we can’t deny that they create some of the most straightforward ways to get married, with a priest and enough seating for giant gatherings. 

• The Spooky Season of  Halloween Wedding

The time for Halloween is almost upon us (at least at the time of writing this), so perhaps you want to add a little spook or embrace your gothic side? Time to throw aside the royal doors to a traditional church wedding and step out into the cemetery to embrace the burial grounds of your ancestors. You can get betrothed between the headstones, welcome your guests with a plastic skeleton, dress like you’re about to brew a potion or wear the dirty suit of a gravedigger. The possibilities of having a horrific wedding are endless.

• A Wedding in the Metaverse

So you’ve found yourself fascinated by the metaverse? What if we told you that people now get married in virtual spaces, which is becoming very common and super easy? If you are the type of person that spends their whole life online, this could be the perfect option to get hitched. You might have friends worldwide, so this would allow them to attend your ceremony in a virtual space, and there are even priests that offer VR Chat services!

• A Science Fiction Wedding!

So you consider yourself huge space nerds? I’ve seen plenty of people just like you, and you know what they did? They got themselves married in a sci-fi-themed wedding, and it looked like something truly out of this world. So embrace the extraterrestrial inside of you, hire a UFO and consider an extra spacey venue like an alien-themed bar or somewhere in the desert of Nevada. You can’t go wrong with getting hitched around guests dressed as aliens, you both dressing as your favorite sci-fi villains, and trying to spy a UFO at dark. 

• An LGBTQ+ Wedding Bash

If you and your partner find yourselves in the Queer sphere, then you might decide to embrace your identity by having an extravagant rainbow wedding. This sentiment is done in many ways, from adorning your venue with rainbows, unicorns, and pride flags, to wearing a suit (as a woman) or dress (as a man), breaking gender roles.

• How to Wed Like a Viking

Taking one final step back in time, we have a Viking wedding theme guide! If you want to embrace your inner nordic soul, take some tips from the old books of Freya and the mortals she helped wed will help send you in the right direction. Then, imagine the romantic scene as you wear furs and traditional Norse clothing, wrapped in each other’s embrace under the natural woodland setting, with ceremonial swords at your side. 

Final Remarks

This guide shows that the critical steps to fulfilling the dreams of a themed wedding are very straightforward. You just need to consider your budget, the types of people you are, and whether you even want a theme. Of course, if you want a theme, it’s one thing to pick the choice but another to push it into action, so plan it wisely! And even if the steps seem daunting, the results will be worth it. 

The post The Key Steps to a Themed Wedding appeared first on Top Dreamer.

1. Polka Dot

Polka dot print is one of the most classic and safe options (next to floral) for a wedding guest print. This versatile print is usually found in natural prints with popular colors being black, white, white, neutral tones, and cream. This timeless print has had an uplift over the last couple of years with more adventurous colorways such as greens, oranges, and blues. Polka dot print is the perfect print whether you are looking for a bold bright print or something more reserved you are sure to find a polka dot print that suits your style. 

2. Floral

When talking about wedding guest prints, it doesn’t get more popular than floral prints. This go-to print is considered romantic, and whimsical, and will match any wedding venue.  From oversized peony prints, watercolor style pastels, and delicate ditsy styles, floral prints can be found in so many different styles, colors, and patterns. Trending loud bright prints with oversized petals, busy overlapping watercolor flowers, and vintage-inspired tulip prints. If you are looking for floral wedding guest dress options, visit https://www.dancingleopard.co.uk/collections/wedding-guest-dresses. 

3. Neutral

When in doubt neutrals are always an option. Although not considered a print. A classic neutral-toned dress can take you from the start to the end of the season and onto the next season. If you are looking for a dress that will never go out of fashion, a neutral coloured dress is for you. Neutrals don’t have to be beige, creams, and browns, navy is also a great option for a neutral.  If you want to choose a neutral then opt for a more interesting silhouette to create a subtle statement. 

4.  Animal Print

Animal print and wedding guest dresses may not sound like a bit of an odd combination but when it comes to animal print it’s all about the tone and silhouette. With traditional neutral animal print designs now being referred to as a new neutral, traditional leopard and animal prints are becoming popular wedding guest prints. Usually seen in oversized prints, small ditsy prints, and green, orange, and deep red bases, it’s a great print to consider for a winter or autumn wedding.

5. Colour Blocking

If prints are too much but neutrals are too little, then color blocking is the happy medium. Usually seen with contrasting colors, color blocking creates a statement while also keeping a clean and minimalist. Popular color combinations include pink and red, orange and green, and orange and pink. 

The post 5 Prints To Wear This Wedding Season appeared first on Top Dreamer.

A wedding dance is a celebration of love in front of your loved ones and is a great way to begin the marriage life. It is also possible to get moving in ballroom by enrolling in dance classes. Below we discuss why you should consider a wedding dance.

1. It Creates a Special Bond with Your Spouse 

Most couples dance after getting legally married since it is fun and creates a special bond. Other couples go the extra mile to have full choreographies in their weddings, which is a great surprise to your guests.

It is advisable to choose a song both you and your spouse love and speak about what you share. You can also rehearse before the wedding to keep you in check during the event. A wedding dance has a certain closeness that creates a sense of happiness.

2. It Is an Excellent Way to Begin Your Marriage 

A wedding dance is a great way to start your marriage life. The music and dance will create a memory that will linger in your mind for years. This dance also has a sense of awareness that reminds the couple why they are there. 

Dance is an excellent way to keep mischief and love alive in your marriage. 

3. Dancing Classes are Fun

Dancing is not for everybody. There is no better feeling than beginning your marriage with something you worked on with your spouse. Dancing lessons are a great way to create memories with your loved ones. 

This is because the song is mutually loved, and the couple shares a stage. Dancing is a skill you can use at other places, meaning people should consider taking these classes. 

Why you Should Take Dance Classes Before Your Wedding

Wedding dances have many advantages and below we discuss why you should take classes.

1. It Creates a Bond

Couples feel overwhelmed and tired in the final days of the preparations. They have less time to enjoy the moment due to the tight schedule. However, this season is sacred, and the couple should bond more. 

Wedding dance classes will give you a break from the tight schedule and share more time with your spouse. This will strengthen the bond as the day approaches. 

2. It Lowers Stress

Wedding preparations are hectic, and couples go through a lot during that time. These dance lessons are a good way to lower the stress of these preparations. 

3. Makes a Lasting Impression 

Your wedding should create a lasting impression on your visitors even if you are the main attention. These guests travel from far, and you should appreciate them by putting a show. 

Final Thoughts

Weddings are fun ceremonies, and dance should be part of it. Wedding dances have many advantages, and we have discussed a few above. Consider taking these lessons to make your wedding memorable. 

The post What are the Benefits of a Wedding Dance? appeared first on Top Dreamer.

Add Florals To Create Unforgettable Visual Experience

Florals are an essential element to make your wedding venue more special. You can use them in the sweetheart table, the ceremony space, or around chairs where guests will be seated during the reception. Florals for weddings are restricted to fresh flowers and dried ones. Go for wedding floral packages that offer a range of options to choose from. Packages can include fresh flowers, decorative pieces, candle holders, and centerpieces. Consider using them as the backdrop of your cake table or bar area where guests will be mingling with one another. Moreover, you can also ask the florist to advise on maximizing their beauty.

Add Unique Decor Elements To The Guest Book Area

If there is an area that will capture the attention of most guests at your wedding, it has to be the guest book area. Give this space a personal touch and make it memorable by including some unique decor elements you love. You can also ask the wedding artist to design something based on your personality. These could be your favorite quotes, lyrics from a song, or even family crests. Keep in mind that guest book areas often double up as seating, so make sure what is included there will not impede any guests during their seating process.

Invest In Unique Lighting To Set A Romantic Mood

Lighting is often overlooked by couples searching for decoration ideas, yet it is crucial when considering what type of wedding ceremony you are planning to have. It can be anything from candles to twinkling lights strung on trees or over tables, depending on your preferences and the style of your wedding space. Go for lighting that reflects your personality. For instance, if you are hosting a rustic wedding interior design, twinkling string lights over the centerpieces and trees for a romantic effect. If you are planning a vintage wedding theme, candles will work to set a warm and inviting tone.

Bolster Your Wedding Decor With Personalized Items

Personalizing the space is a way to make your wedding venue decor ideas more reflective of your couple’s style. You can do this by using items that have significant meaning behind them, either for you or those closest to you. The sweetheart table is ideal for such memorabilia as it ties into the personable touch that it gives to all guests present during the first dance. Place old family photographs on the guest book table so guests can write their wishes in one place where loved ones can see them later. Display personalized wedding details such as monograms and initials on the seating board for a cohesive look.

Stick To A Theme That Reflects Your Relationship

Have a beach-themed wedding? Many couples choose to have a wedding theme, especially those who may have met or first started dating during a specific time of year. If you are having a particular themed wedding of the season, use the color scheme from that time throughout your venue decorating ideas. In addition to using flowers and other natural accents, you can also use rustic elements such as wood table tops and picnic-style seating at the reception area for an even more personal touch. Use waves crashing against rocks as décor for either your ceremony backdrop or centerpieces at the reception tables to give your guests a personalized visual experience.

Seating Guests In A Unique Way

You may also consider decorating the chairs where guests will be seated during the ceremony or reception. You can cover them with simple fabric that matches the colors of your wedding, but you could also change things up by introducing another type of décor element to each chair. For example, you could attach a floral wreath to the backrests for an elegant touch. If you are hosting a garden wedding, use lace covers to mimic the look of soft petals gently falling on top of each seat. The same approach can be used for any other type of event.

Implementing a concept that will carry through your wedding venue decor ideas can make for a more cohesive look while showing all guests how much thought and effort you put into planning the event. If you are having trouble coming up with unique wedding venue decor ideas, consider using natural items or personal touches to add a special touch to your wedding space, and don’t forget to use these tips as a source of inspiration when brainstorming ways to decorate your ceremony and reception area.

The post Unique Wedding Venue Decor Ideas That Will Impress Your Guests appeared first on Top Dreamer.

Let’s take a look at some tips to help you create your budget and stick to it.

1. Allocate Your Wedding Funds Accordingly

It’s important to first consider where your wedding funds should go. Before the wedding, you’ll want to think about the engagement ring. This isn’t something you’ll want to put a hard limitation on. Finding the perfect engagement ring is important. They’ll have it for a lifetime, rather than one day.

2. Talk To Your Family

Oftentimes, family members will offer to pay for parts of the wedding. Have a conversation with your family about how they intend to help.

Their financial support will tie into your overall wedding budget and alleviate some stress from tapping too far into your savings.

3. Plan for an Off Day

The weekends tend to be more popular times for people to have weddings. This dramatically increases the prices. For you to plan your wedding without spending a small fortune, consider having your event during the week.

While it may not be as convenient because people will have to take off work, you can be assured that the people who can attend will be the people you want there.

4. Consider Other Wedding Expenses

Certain elements of wedding preparation aren’t always initially considered in the budget. Setting up the event with vendors is one thing. However, you still have to think about the tear down and clean up. If you don’t have people readily available to help, you may have to pay extra for your venue to hire a cleaning crew.

There are also travel expenses for your vendors, such as a photographer from out of town or a live band that needs to transport their equipment. Always talk to your vendors about any hidden expenses that may be tied into the cost before signing any contracts.

5. Keep the Ceremony and Reception at the Same Place

Many traditions have the wedding ceremony at a church or separate venue from the reception. This can cost thousands of unnecessary dollars.

Instead, talk to the venue and see if you can extend the time to host both the ceremony and reception under the same roof.

6. Be Careful With Credit Cards

It’s easy to think you can just charge certain things to your credit card and eventually pay them off. Unfortunately, things can add up.

If you’re not responsible for how you use your credit cards for these expenses, you could end up with more debt and have to pay a substantial amount of interest down the road.

Plus, you also have other life responsibilities aside from just your wedding. Don’t forget to consider all of your regular monthly bills and potential life circumstances.

7. Edit Your Guest List

Experts say you should account for $7 for every invitation you send. For every plate at your wedding, you also need to account for at least $25 to $30 per person. That doesn’t include every person who intends on drinking at the open bar or partaking in dessert.

Every guest counts. If you want to trim back on expenses, first take a look at your guest list. The smaller and more intimate your wedding, the more affordable your venue and all other wedding expenses will become.

Conclusion

There are several creative ways you can be smart with your wedding funds. It starts by creating a wedding budget. The hard part is sticking to it. 

Have a conversation with your partner before making any commitments with a venue or other vendors to ensure you can financially support your daily livelihoods while making your dream wedding a reality.

The post 7 Tips to Create a Wedding Budget – and Stick To It! appeared first on Top Dreamer.

Between navigating the legality of a marriage license to how you’ll get all of your guests to your destination, the list goes on. 

Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of tips to save you stress so you can still have your dream wedding abroad.

1. Hire a Destination Wedding Planner

To have your wedding at a dream location, you’ll need to understand what types of questions to ask your venue. Say you want to have a waterfall wedding in another country, but you don’t speak the language or understand the currency. Hiring a wedding planner is always recommended to ensure your big day is flawless.

2. Choose Your Location

First and foremost, you have to make a decision as to where you’ll be having your destination wedding. There is a big world of possibilities out there. In order to narrow it down, think about what you want your dream destination to look like. Is it on a tropical beach or in a European city? Is it somewhere adventurous or in a glamorous art gallery? At the end of the day, it’s about what the two of you want for your special day.

3. Visit Ahead of Time

Just like you would visit venues before booking, you’ll want to do the same thing wherever you decide to have your destination wedding. By visiting the country ahead of time, it will give you an opportunity to see venues and meet with local vendors in person. Plus, it gives you the advantage of not having to acclimate to an entirely new culture or environment, instead of stressing about it the week of your wedding.

4. Consider the Difference in Seasons

Just because it’s winter where you are doesn’t mean you’ll have a snowy wedding where you plan to get married. Consider the difference in seasons. Some popular tropical areas where people want to have their destination wedding have rainy seasons that may put a damper on your big day or will require you to have a plan B in case it rains. Check the local weather for the time of year you are planning to have your wedding.

5. Understand the Laws 

This is one of the biggest issues people find themselves confronting when planning a destination wedding. They don’t have a proper understanding of the laws and regulations where they’re getting married. Every country is different. You’ll need to be familiar with local permits, what type of documentation is needed for marriage licenses, as well as how it applies back in your home country or state.

6. Don’t Expect Guests to Attend

Having a destination wedding means it is going to be more expensive for your guests to attend. For example, someone who travels all the way from the United States to Europe for your wedding will probably want to make the most out of their plane ticket.

This means they’ll stay longer than a day or two. They’ll need to cover accommodations, transportation, food, and other expenses. Plus, they’ll need to take more time off work.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of being able to take on this endeavour for your wedding. Don’t set the expectation for people to attend. They may not be in a good financial situation or have someone to watch their kids for an extended period of time.

7. Consider Skipping a Registry

As mentioned, a destination wedding is incredibly expensive. Because of the added expenses that are put on the guests who do attend your wedding, you may want to consider skipping out on a gift registry. Think of it as a courtesy. It’s a gift in itself that they took the time and money to be able to accommodate your dream wedding. 

8. Don’t Forget About Wedding Insurance

Just like with any wedding, things can go wrong. But if you’re planning a destination wedding in another state or country, you’ll want to secure wedding insurance. Not only will it provide you with financial protection if something comes up (like a global pandemic), but it will also give you emotional reassurance to make sure you, your partner, and your guests are taken care of in the case of an emergency.

The post  8 Tips to Plan Your Destination Wedding appeared first on Top Dreamer.

So, think of your wedding website as a one-stop shop for all of that (plus fun stuff like sharing your engagement photographs and telling the story of how you met)! We can go into further detail later. All you need to do is to start with a reliable and seamless wedding website builder.

Here are top 5 reasons of building a wedding website, as well as how to share it after you’ve done so.

• Practicality matters for your guests.

Let’s face it: some attendees are likely to misplace their invites. It’s easier to point them to a website with everything they need than to give them the overview yourself. You won’t have to respond the same questions repeatedly since your website will supply information that isn’t contained in your paper package.

• Updates that are simple and painless. 

Do you have any last-minute information to share? It’s no issue. It’s considerably easier to add it to your website than it is to contact everyone individually. If your website or app enables it, send out warnings to visitors. If not, send a brief email to your visitor listserve asking them to monitor the site for updates.

• Organize your information. 

Wedding preparation maybe a little, well, erratic. Having a location to record and review all of your day-of details may be a lifesaver for both you and your guests.

• Seamless communication. 

To avoid an avalanche of questions by phone and text, have everyone go to the website for all of their questions.

• Sets the tone of the day

Your wedding website is like a preview of the big day. Customize your wedding website to mirror the big day’s design and feel to offer your guests a preview. Most wedding websites provide a variety of themes to choose from, so select one that best fits your wedding concept.

From picking the right design to organizing RSVPs, here’s how to make the ideal wedding website.

• Choose the Right Templates

If you’re not certain how to make a wedding website, look into bespoke web design businesses. After deciding on a wedding website builder, choose a template. Select the one that best defines you and your S.O. You may also get free themes that match your invitation suite if you construct your wedding website with Wix.

• Customize Your Site

Choose a color palette that complements the entire wedding theme, as well as a website layout that you enjoy after you’ve decided on a wedding website design (most companies offer multiple images and text layouts to choose from).

• Post the Important Information

Don’t feel obligated to have all your wedding plans finalized before starting your website. Consider your wedding website as an addition to your saves the dates—the only thing you need to provide is your wedding date. You can start building your website after you’ve decided on wedding date (and maybe a venue and time).

• Share your Photos

After writing your welcome message and love tale, add images. Pick your best photographs from the proposal and your engagement session and upload them to your wedding website. There’s no better way to personalize your site than by posting photos of yourself. Your loved ones will also appreciate seeing your favorite photos together. (Pro tip: Include early pictures of your relationship so everyone may marvel at your changes.)

• Get RSVPs

Your wedding website may also gather RSVPs. With The Knot’s virtual response add-on, your guests may effortlessly book their position on your site. Having all replies in one spot also makes keeping track of the guest list easier.

• Include Your Registry

Guests will want to offer you gifts for your engagement and wedding. Since this isn’t a necessity, it’s considered impolite to provide registry information on formal invites. Regardless, your loved ones will want to peruse your wish list for things you’ll enjoy (and use). Link your register to your wedding website to make buying easier.

• Share your Website URL

Print the URL to your wedding website on your save-the-date cards or give it to your guests through email. In case of visitors’ questions, make sure your close relatives and wedding attendants are aware of your webpage.

• Update Your Website

Keep updating the website as plans come together—it’s the simplest, most beneficial method to communicate information with your visitors. If any details change, be sure to update the site and alert visitors through email. Remember that an up-to-date wedding website will be more beneficial to your guests.

Congratulations, and wishing you a wonderful wedding!

When you have the correct tools, wedding preparation doesn’t have to be so tricky! Our top advice for streamlining the wedding planning process while producing something genuinely lovely that will last a lifetime is a wedding website.

The post Benefits of a Wedding Website and How to Create One appeared first on Top Dreamer.

Destination weddings are also viable solutions for LGBTQ couples living in a region that has not yet legalized same-sex marriages. A wedding is one of the most profound milestones of your life, and it is understandable how everyone wants it to be perfect.

Destination weddings can be pricey, but they are feasible on a budget with the right planning and strategies. To help you plan your ideal wedding on a limited budget, this article will discuss economic tips for destination weddings.

Assess Your Budget

For every wedding, the budget plays a key role. You and your partner’s finances will dictate every aspect of the wedding, so it is best to sit down and determine the estimated expenditure for the wedding before you make any plans.

To have a clearer view and be realistic, make a list of necessary activities and items that correspond to the lowest and highest prices. The list should cover all of the catering costs, transportation costs, rental fees, decor, entertainment, etc.

The traveling costs, hotel expenses, and costs that will be incurred by your guests might fluctuate. To get an idea of the costs and other useful wedding tips, read various online articles on sites like https://www.loveyouwedding.com/.

There are certain items or activities that are not really necessary. For instance, if you are working within a tight budget, then you do not need luxurious limousines to take you from place to place.

It is important to know your limits and affordability. It can be very easy to go overboard and spend excessively when you do not have a firm idea of how much money you have for your wedding in your bank account. To save your costs, know where to draw the line.

You do not need a limited edition boutique wedding gown or designer shoes that will cost you a kidney. You will only get to wear such a fancy wedding gown only once in your life, so it is not that practical to splurge on an outfit that can’t be worn to other events. 

Choose Your Destination Carefully

Researching all of your options regarding the location and the timing of the big day is a crucial step. Location is very essential for homosexual or queer partners as they have to get married in a state that legally acknowledges gay marriages.

Timing is very important and plays a huge role in the pricing and budget as prices increase every year. Therefore, it is a good idea to book the destination one year or two years ahead.

It is best to schedule the wedding off-season. Prices increase dramatically during the peak season, so it is wise to avoid this time. The accommodation rates for hotels increase between 25% to 50%. Scheduling a wedding for the destination’s shoulder season is another viable option.

Shoulder season is the time between peak season and off-season. Some couples opt for this season over the off-peak seasons as the weather and climate are usually better, and the standards aren’t compromised.

The weather can be problematic during the off-peak seasons. For instance, hurricanes are prevalent in the Caribbean during the off-season (mid-April to mid-December).

Scour the internet and look up recommended destinations for favorable weather conditions during the off-season. Sites like Lonely Planet are incredibly insightful regarding various wedding destinations.  

A great location for destination weddings during the off-season is Cape Town in South Africa. The scenic views of the white sandy beaches and captivating green landscape make it the perfect destination.

The hustle and bustle of the tourists and the general crowding in the nightlife and beaches start to reduce by February. Most of the tourists start leaving the region, and consequently, the prices go down. You can enjoy a quiet beach with less wind. 

You can watch whales along the coastlines from July to September. Cape Town also has a temperate climate throughout the year, so the weather conditions are favorable.

However, it is a bit dangerous in some outside areas, so it is best not to do anything extreme or very adventurous. Moreover, South Africa legalized gay marriages back in 2006. Cape Town is one of the most queer-friendly cities.

Short Guest List

Shorter guest lists mean fewer expenditures on food and accommodations. You and your fiancé should decide who you want at the wedding. Only include the ones you treasure and cannot imagine your big day without. Avoid including the plus one option if you are really in a pinch.

Inviting everyone is not an option when it comes to saving money. It is better to plan a small-scale and intimate ceremony from the beginning. There are many places on the coastlines around the globe that offer various packages.

Some of these can cover accommodations for thirty guests within a few thousand dollars, including food and the nuptials. Besides, you can get to spend better quality time and properly socialize with your close ones when you have a smaller number of guests.

Consider All-Inclusive Packages

Sometimes it gets very overwhelming by dealing with all the different aspects of the wedding like hiring the photographer, deciding on a caterer, finding the right decorator, etc. The long to-do list can make anyone feel frazzled.

Consider doing a destination wedding in a resort that offers all-inclusive packages. There are numerous resorts and hotels that provide incredible deals, covering all the services necessary for a successful wedding ceremony.

Usually, the all-inclusive wedding package covers the venue itself, the music, photography, flowers, decor, food, and more. This eliminates individual costs and makes the whole event budget-friendly.

Some deals include catering for all meals in the ceremony. This also cuts costs significantly, and you do not have to worry about each guest’s meal.

Go Local

After deciding your destination, it is best to opt for everything local. The local cuisine, beverages, decor, and other components will be more affordable. Besides, embracing the local scene will make the whole experience fun and exciting for everyone.

Ask for recommendations from the locals and do your research on which local foods and beverages you should incorporate into the wedding. The local breweries and wineries should have something that you and your guests will like.

If you are in a tropical place, fresh fruit juices and coconut water will be very cheap. Everybody loves refreshing drinks, and fruit is healthy, so it’s a win-win situation.

Try out various local foods and settle on the ones that both fall within your budget and taste good. The versatile flavors and change of palate will surely make the event memorable. 

You can also consider having local music for your reception and hire regional musicians or a band. The local flowers and the wedding decor will add an exotic flair or an elegant look depending on the location.

Incorporating the regional aspects will not only save on costs but will also make your wedding a great way to spend a vacation for everyone involved.

People will be looking forward to attending your wedding when the whole event is affordable and embraces the local features of the destination.

Surroundings as Natural Backdrop

Instead of splurging on artificial decorations, embrace nature and take beautiful pictures in the picturesque surroundings of a destination wedding. The breathtaking beauty of the natural environment speaks for itself. Capturing photos with the local surroundings as the backdrop highlights the true essence of destination weddings.

You can also skip the placement of centerpieces, expensive silverware, and bouquets. Everyone will be busy admiring the natural views, and they will not pay much heed to these unnecessary details.

Honeymoon in the Same Destination 

Most honeymoons are spent on beach getaways. How about having a beach destination wedding and honeymoon in the same place? Eliminate the costs for another vacation and honeymoon by extending your trip for your honeymoon.

Many resorts and hotels provide special perks to honeymoon packages when you have your wedding on their grounds. Some may even give you an option to go to one of their associated properties nearby. You might even get an upgraded room with better amenities for a change of scenery.

Final Words

You can have your dream wedding without spending a fortune. To carry out a beautiful yet cost-efficient ceremony, it is best to do your research and make strategies. Be realistic and do not go overboard. Set a limit and make plans accordingly. 

All soon-to-be-married couples should make informed decisions to avoid any losses. Destination weddings are amazing, and everyone can have fun when it is well-planned.

The post Planning a Destination Wedding on a Tight Budget appeared first on Top Dreamer.

Focus on Must-Haves

Creating a budget is a method of giving you a starting point for when you plan your wedding. Remember that if you spend too much on the reception, you have to cut back on that fantastic honeymoon. For this reason, it’s best to know what your must-haves are and focus on those rather than on the things it would be nice to have.

Find a Venue That’s Awesome and Unexpected

If your venue is inside, great! If it’s outside, you might want to get one of the great wedding tents in the event that it rains on your special day. As far as finding a venue goes, look to family and friends for glorious backyards or ask if they own a lake house. Maybe there’s a great park in your area or you live near a beach. Any of these places would be great for a wedding reception.

Long Engagements

Once he’s given you that magnificent ring, it can be difficult to not just get right into planning the wedding. However, there are quite a few good reasons to have a long engagement. First and foremost, waiting gives you a chance to save for the wedding of your dreams. Also, if you try to book things like a venue, caterer, and florist in a hurry they might charge you more, especially if they have full schedules. Also, if you have a difficult-to-book venue in mind as your ideal place, it might be easier to book a long time beforehand. 

Limit the Guest List

This one might be easy to overlook, but in the COVID era, it’s an important one. Limiting your guest list can also save you a lot of money. It can be difficult because you each have family and friends and second cousins once removed, and they all have significant others they’ll want to bring, and it goes on and on. Decide on how many guests you want based on venue size and what you are comfortable with, don’t go over that number. It can be brutal trying to stick with it but stick to your guns, that third cousin you see once a decade isn’t going to confront you 8 years after your wedding the next time you see them because you didn’t invite them. 

Nontraditional Foods

An easy way to save money on the food at your reception is to have homemade food. If you happen to have a chef among your friends and family, good for you, ask them to help. If you don’t, there are other ways to save money. If you’re going to have a bar, either have a limit or have people pay for their drinks. Instead of salmon and lobster, have comfort foods like sliders or mac and cheese. Think about how much more fun you’ll have eating sliders than eating lobster.

Our new normal might add a bit of additional stress to couples who are newly engaged, what with travel restrictions, guest list limits, postponements, etc. However, it also gives them plenty of time and opportunities to save a bit of green. While you might not have the ability to have that flash mob with 200 people, your bank account will certainly show a difference.

Make the most of your backyard reception or micro-wedding. Hopefully, the tips you’ve just read for wedding receptions will be a benefit to your budget while making your reception a bit more enjoyable and memorable.

The post Planning the Ideal Wedding Reception appeared first on Top Dreamer.

Warmth is Vital

You’re going to be out and about more than usual. Even if you think you can handle the cold, you might be in for a surprise when you try to hold an event in cold weather. While you’re probably trying to choose a relatively mild winter day for your wedding, the weather can be unpredictable at times. You need to make sure everyone is as warm as possible. This means making sure your clothes and bridesmaids are warm. You also want to let guests know they need to dress warmly as well.

A True Winter Venue

A stunning venue may look spectacular in the summer or spring, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be a good place during the winter. Outdoor wedding venues are usually avoided unless heat lamps and multiple heaters are provided. Even if one opts for a winter outdoor winter wedding, it should be outside for a short period before the event is moved indoors to give folks a chance to get warm. A suitable venue will have a few energy backups. Some of the most popular winter wedding reception venues include the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, or the Mountain Top Inn and Resort in Chittenden, Vermont, just to name a few. These locations have what you need to make the perfect wedding happen in the middle of winter.

Factor in Travel

Traveling and getting to the wedding venue are factors you would probably think about with any type of wedding planning. The problem is that during the winter, you have to put extra thought into this. Of course, you have to give everyone clear directions and maybe invest in some signage to lead your party to your wedding. During the winter, you also have to factor in the time to get to your venue. Driving in bad weather conditions can be a bit challenging, and that means guests might take longer to get there. This is especially true if they’ve never driven in a snowy region. It might be a good idea to suggest winter tires so that vehicles are winter-ready.

One Venue Way

A regular wedding celebration usually splits the ceremony and reception. It makes sense that folks do this since it makes the event feel bigger and exciting. Driving somewhere else for the reception adds a sense of adventure. This is something you want to avoid during the winter. Asking your guests to go out in the cold just to drive to another location is asking a bit too much. Some guests may not appreciate that. If that isn’t enough, driving in the snow can be challenging. Some of your guests may take longer to get to the reception. You don’t want to deal with this problem, and the good thing is you don’t have to. You could just make sure the venue you choose to get married in is versatile enough to hold your reception as well.

Add the Coat Check

Everyone is going to have a coat, and this is something you should factor in. What you can do is add a coat check so that coats are placed somewhere safe. If it snows, the snow from coats will fall off in a safe location rather than somewhere in the wedding venue. If you’re indoors, dropping water on the floors is not a good thing. With folks having fun and eating, you’ll also be giving your guests peace of mind by providing a coat storage room. The last thing you want is for people to ruin their coats because the coat was too close to all the action.

Winter weddings can be a true wonder. They can be so memorable, and if you plan yours right, then that’s what you’ll have. Hopefully, you have the time to follow these tips, or you can just have your wedding planner take care of everything for you.

The post Winter Wedding Planning Tips appeared first on Top Dreamer.