If shopping is your weakness, you’re going to love this portion of your wedding planning journey. It’s time to grab your computer and start setting up your wedding registry. This is your chance to scroll through your go-to websites and start loading up a long list of all your must-have items. We’re talking everything from kitchen appliances to home decor and everything in between.
Creating the ultimate wedding registry should be a fun task to cross off your planning checklist. That’s why we’re here to help. But before we dive in, here’s a sneak peek at the online stores to kick off your shopping experience.
Junebug Tip: You can never have too many home goods. Another great option for guests to add to their registry is miscellaneous items that they can put together for a gift basket. Companies like Kosterina make premium olive oil, vinegar, olives, and even skincare–the perfect start to a basket.
Junebug Tip: You can never have too many home goods. Another great option for guests to add to their registry is miscellaneous items that they can put together for a gift basket. Companies like Kosterina make premium olive oil, vinegar, olives, and even skincare–the perfect start to a basket.
Maybe you’re scrolling through these wedding registry gift ideas, and it hits you that you’ve pretty much got the whole list covered. Perhaps you’re daydreaming about that epic honeymoon and thinking, “Hey, a little financial help would be great.” Whatever it may be, asking for cash isn’t off the table. If this sounds like you, check out our guide on asking for money as a wedding gift.
Ali and Jesse’s wedding adventure started with a clear vision—a grand summer camp celebration. However, their initial venue plans hit a surprise snag when someone took over their contract. Fortunately, destiny had a better plan in store. Their Camp O-AT-KA wedding became a dream that surpassed all expectations. With the support of their trusted team of vendors, they orchestrated a weekend filled with heartwarming nods to their love story, fantastic live music, delicious comfort food, and memorable moments with their cherished ones.
The ceremony was a picturesque moment as the couple exchanged their vows in a charming birch chapel, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing a stunning backdrop of the property, enveloped by lush trees. The magic continued at the reception, where vibrant, electric florals and whimsical details, like clouds suspended above the dance floor, blended seamlessly with the rustic elegance of the venue.
From the very beginning, this couple was determined to break away from tradition. Their weekend affair was a testament to their unique personalities that made it truly spectacular and one-of-a-kind. To relish every beautiful detail from this personality-packed event, keep scrolling through these stunning images captured by Kindred Weddings.
How Burning Man and Nature Shaped Their Camp O-AT-KA Wedding Style
We met at Burning Man, which is all about self-expression and following curiosities. We also lived in an RV, traveled around the U.S. for over a year, and spent a lot of time deep in nature. Those two ideas informed the way that our wedding style and look and feel came together. We wanted bright, electric colors and whimsical touches like clouds hanging above our dance floor contrasted with the rustic beauty of Maine and the birch chapel that caught our eye during the venue search. It was also non-negotiable for us that we had a venue where guests would stay on-site, and we could hang out with friends and family all weekend for a complete, end-to-end experience.
Unconventional Wedding Attire to Showcase Their Personalities
For Jesse’s velvet green tux, we saw photos from a styled shoot at our venue, and both fell for the unconventional look and thought green would be so sharp against the natural background of the camp setting. I wanted flexibility and wanted a dress that was both simple and sophisticated. From the beginning, I knew I wanted straps, a deep V, and some removable flair, which I found in the form of a custom 8-foot-long removable train and worked with Rebecca Shoneveld to design. I have never been one for much hair or makeup or the idea of not looking like yourself at your wedding. My very talented girlfriends came to my rescue and got me wedding-ready with a very natural look.
From Venue Setbacks to a Venue Dream Come True: How They Landed on a Camp O-AT-KA Wedding
We searched high and low for a venue, given we got married essentially during the rush of post-COVID-lockdown-rescheduled-wedding-palooza. We loved the birch wedding chapel at Camp O-AT-KA in Sebago, Maine. Our initial venue fell through quite dramatically (someone essentially bought out our contract), and we were so lucky to have made, in the end, a much better choice in Camp O-AT-KA. We envisioned a summer camp wedding from the beginning. We love how playful it is and knew it would bring many of our guests slightly outside their comfort zone, which is always a good thing.
Meaningful Ceremony Touches: Handpicked Playlist and Symbolic Tree Planting
Our ceremony was one of our favorite parts of the day. We don’t think there was a dry eye in the house (especially not ours). Ali is a musician, so using music to set the mood was important to her. She picked unique, personal songs to be played on piano by a friend. We also ceremoniously planted a tree to symbolize the strength and depth of our love and life together. It is now in our backyard, and we look forward to watching it grow.
Navigating the Complexities of a Weekend Celebration With the Help of Their Wedding Planner
We took on a relatively big project of a weekend-longdestination wedding where everyone was staying on-site and traveling from out of town (including ourselves – we lived in New York City). It was exactly what we wanted, and it was a lot of work to get there. We hired the most amazing wedding coordinator, and we absolutely couldn’t have done it without her. We chose not to go the full planner route due to cost, but in the end, we might have done it differently, given the complexity of our particular venue and the surprising stress of planning a full weekend.
From Flowers to Sticky Toffee Pudding: Crafting a Wedding That Truly Reflected Them
People still tell us it was one of the more unique and fun weddings they’ve attended. We are biased, but it was the wedding we wanted, and we are so proud that we could bring our vision to life and share it with our family and friends. There was very little cookie-cutter about our wedding. It reflected us as individuals and a couple, from more obvious choices like flowers and music to finding someone amazing (Lisa from Cakes for All Seasons in Biddeford) to making us sticky toffee pudding as our wedding dessert instead of a traditional cake.
Congratulations to Ali and Jesse on their colorful weekend-long Camp O-AT-KA wedding. And a big thank you to Kindred Weddings for capturing this fun celebration’s incredible details and unforgettable moments.
As this couple did, choosing a venue that matches your wedding vision is crucial for setting the right mood and style for your celebration. To help you make this critical decision without too much stress, take a look at our guide for finding the perfect venue. It’s designed to simplify the process and make your wedding planning journey smoother.
Keep scrolling to know the pros and cons of engagement ring shopping as a couple. Image by Julieta Rabadan
Choosing the perfect engagement ring is a big deal. Traditionally, it’s been a secret mission, but today, many couples decide to go on this adventure together. If you’re a team that tackles life’s decisions together, then shopping for an engagement ring together might be a great idea. But if you love the idea of a surprise proposal, trusting your partner’s choice can be just as special.
If you’re considering going engagement ring shopping as a couple, prepare for an exciting journey. If you’re not sure that it’s the right choice for you, we’re weighing the pros and cons of shopping together to help you decide.
The Pros of Engagement Ring Shopping With Your Partner
Getting the Ring Size Right
One significant benefit is hitting the bullseye with the ring size. We’ve all experienced the dilemma of purchasing a gift, be it clothes, shoes, or anything else. When you shop together, those size-related problems become a thing of the past. Determining the correct ring size is extremely important, and it’s not something to guesstimate. It saves you from the headache of having to get it resized after the proposal.
You’ll Have Options
You’ll have a range of choices when it comes to creating your ideal ring. You can choose the specific gemstone and design, or you can explore different styles and share your favorites with your partner. Collaborating on the design and selection process allows you to craft a one-of-a-kind, personalized ring, minimizes the risk of any surprises, and enhances the chance of discovering the perfect ring that truly symbolizes your love story.
Engagement Ring Shopping Together Eases Some of the Stress and Pressure
Shopping for an engagement ring with your partner is a great way to ease stress and pressure. You can have open conversations about your preferences and budget, making everything more straightforward. It’s like a team effort where you both have a say. If you don’t want to buy the ring together, you can compromise by not making a final decision on the spot. This way, you can enjoy the process together while still getting an element of surprise.
Having a Second Opinion Can Simplify the Search
The number of options can be overwhelming. With so many choices, getting a second opinion is a great idea. At first, the whole process might feel intimidating, but having your partner by your side can make it much simpler to pick the perfect ring. They can help you sort through the options until you find the one.
It’s the Ideal Start to Making Major Financial Decisions Together
Talking about the budget for your engagement ring while shopping together is a smart move. It’s not about setting limits but about being on the same page. Your engagement ring is a significant investment, and discussing the budget openly ensures both of you have a clear picture of the costs. This approach helps you make the purchase comfortably, just like you would with other important financial choices. It’s also good preparation for marriage, as it’s about teamwork and making decisions that work for both of you.
The Cons of Engagement Ring Shopping With Your Partner
It Won’t Be a Surprise
If you pick out the engagement ring together, the element of total surprise during the proposal is a bit lost. You’ll know it’s in the pipeline, even if the exact moment is still a secret. If the thrill of a completely unexpected proposal is what you’re after, shopping for the ring together might not be the right path.
It Breaks Tradition
Traditionally, one person secretly chooses the ring, but when you shop together, both of you decide. If you like the idea of a surprise and find it more romantic, you can still have it. You can involve your loved ones–like your mom, sister, or best friend–by sharing ring pictures with them and asking for their help. If you know that a proposal is in the near future, there’s nothing wrong with letting your partner know that you’ve discussed what you like with friends and family.
Your Partner’s Personal Touch May Get Lost
Your partner might really want to make the ring special with their own design. If you’re not too picky about how it looks, wearing a ring they’ve chosen can mean a lot. It shows that they put thought and care into finding something that suits you, even if you didn’t give them specific instructions.
It Might Lead to Overspending
Having your future spouse with you can create pressure and give the seller an extra advantage. They might use lines like, “Wouldn’t you like your partner to have the grandest diamond?” Cue your soon-to-be spouse looking at you with those irresistible, pleading eyes, and you may find yourself spending beyond your intended budget.
Prolonged Decision Making
With so many options out there, you and your partner might not see eye to eye on what makes the perfect engagement ring. Sometimes, getting another opinion can make the decision-making process more complicated. And you might start second-guessing your initial choice, which isn’t ideal.
Tips on Making the Most Out of Engagement Ring Shopping
Start Your Search Online
Begin by exploring online, whether on a jewelry designer’s website or social media. It’s a great way to discover what you like and don’t like. Once you’ve figured out which rings you want to try and how much you’re willing to spend, you can then think about visiting physical stores or looking into custom ring options. If you plan to visit a store in person, remember to call ahead and ask if their rings match your budget. You don’t want to waste time or be disappointed if you discover the store you visited is way too expensive.
Turn Engagement Ring Shopping into a Romantic Experience
Instead of treating ring shopping as just another task, transform it into a memorable and romantic outing. Start with a leisurely brunch or end the day with a romantic dinner after visiting a few jewelry stores. Check if the stores you plan to visit offer special engagement ring shopping services, like private appointments with champagne.
When Only One Partner Prefers Engagement Ring Shopping Together
In situations like this, finding a middle ground is essential. If your partner isn’t keen on shopping together, consider collaborating with family and friends and have your partner liaise with them directly. Alternatively, you can create a mood board with your favorite rings, fill your Instagram feed with inspiration, or take photos of engagement rings you like. Offer your soon-to-be fiancé some hints to set them up for success.
Maintain the Element of Surprise
Shopping together doesn’t automatically mean sacrificing the surprise factor. Even if you’re actively engaged in picking out the ring, the specific time, place, and manner of the proposal can still be kept under wraps, adding an extra touch of excitement.
Do What’s Right For You and Your Partner
When you shop for an engagement ring together, it’s about making choices that suit your special relationship. It means talking openly, balancing old and new traditions, and respecting each other’s comfort. It also means being flexible and embracing your unique love story. Whether you choose the ring together or go for surprises, it’s all about celebrating your love in the way that feels right for both of you.
Now that you’ve got everything you need to know about engagement ring shopping as a couple, it’s time to jumpstart your ring search by exploring our curated list of engagement rings. Once you’ve found “the one,” remember to protect this precious symbol of your love with ring insurance. Ultimately, whether you decide to shop together or keep it a surprise, the key is to do what feels right for you as a couple.
Junebug Weddings uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. We also use cookies to show advertising that is most relevant to you. If you continue you agree to the use of cookies on Junebug Weddings.
Terms & Conditions
.jpg "Photographers")
