While planning your wedding, getting lost in the big details is easy. Odds are that your mind immediately thinks about your wedding attire, venue, vendors, floral arrangements, etc. While these are crucial, we’re here to remind you that the small details are just as important. This is especially true when it comes to your reception tables.
Designing your wedding table is like completing an intricate puzzle. You want every detail to piece together beautifully and create a memorable tablescape. You’ll want to play around with different colors, plate shapes, menus, and even centerpieces. If you’re unsure where to start, these wedding table settings will be the inspiration you need to pull off an unforgettable tablescape.
You can now cross ‘wedding table decor’ off your planning checklist. But that’s just the beginning. Trying to nail every decor detail on your wedding day can be overwhelming. That’s why we put together a wedding reception table checklist to ensure no detail gets overlooked.
Image by La Vie Studios. Keep scrolling to see how to address the dress code for a wedding
When it comes to wedding planning, choosing the perfect dress code is just as important as selecting the venue, flowers, and catering. A well-thought-out dress code not only sets the tone for your big day but also helps guests feel comfortable and confident in their attire. However, what was once a simple concept has become far more complex. We’re seeing countless new dress codes pop up, and explaining your vision to your guests may feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’re breaking down how to address the dress code for a wedding, from including it on your invitations to wording it on a wedding website. We’re also touching on the various types of dress codes to consider, and one of the biggest questions you may be asking yourself–is it okay to give your guests a color palette?
Because you don’t have much room on a wedding invitation, it’s important to be clear and specific about what you want the dress code to be. Make sure it’s easy to spot, and use clear language that leaves no room for ambiguity. For example, use terms like “black tie,” “casual,” or “cocktail attire.”
Offer Additional Information
After you’ve listed your dress code, consider offering a brief note or line beneath it to explain it further. For instance, if your dress code is black tie, consider adding a line that says, “Please wear formal evening attire” or “Men wear a tuxedo, and women wear a floor-length dress.” The same can be said for a casual dress code. You can write something along the lines of “Dress comfortably to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.”
Point to Your Website
If you’re doing both invitations and a website, you can also point to your website on the invites. Mention the site and any necessary information (like if you have an FAQ page on the site that may answer any questions they may have). This way, your guests know how to find it and always have it to reference as needed.
Wedding websites provide a much larger space to describe your dress code. We suggest creating a dedicated page on your wedding website to detail each dress code option. If your site does not have multiple pages, we recommend putting the dress code under the welcome message with all the other must-know info.
While you should follow the advice we mentioned for invitations, you can also provide examples of what is acceptable and what should be avoided. This could be through photos or a bulleted list. This is also a great place to put a color palette example if you’re having guests wear specific colors (i.e., pastels). You can easily make one on Canva and upload the image to the site as a visual.
Offer Shopping Tips
If you want to take it a step further, suggest where guests can shop for appropriate attire, especially if your dress code is a little more unique (i.e., boho chic or 1920s glam). However, this is not necessary, and your guests won’t expect it, so don’t fret if you don’t have ideas.
Mention Weather Considerations
Lastly, it’s important to mention weather considerations. If your wedding is outdoors or in a specific climate, advise guests on how to dress comfortably. Suggest that they bring jackets and shawls if you know it’s going to be cool, or opt for small hand fans and sunglasses if it’s going to be warm and sunny out.
Is It Okay to Give Your Guests a Color Palette?
While we’re on the topic of dress codes, there’s been a trend that we’ve seen go around that could be considered… controversial. More and more couples are choosing to give their guests a color palette to ensure that their big day looks cohesive. If you’ve been wondering if it’s okay to do so, we’re here to help. The answer is absolutely. It’s your big day, and if you want your guests to wear all black or an array of pastels, there’s nothing wrong with that. While guests may be a little annoyed that they have to buy a new outfit for the day, they’re there to celebrate you. They’ll get past it.
A white tie dress code is the most formal option you can give your guests. Men are expected to wear tuxedos, while women should wear elegant evening gowns. Accessories like bowties, formal heels, jewelry, and a classic clutch are a must. This is one of the less common dress codes. However, if you feel like going all out, we say go for it. It’s important to note that this is different from black tie.
Black Tie
So what’s the difference, you may be asking yourself? While women are expected to still wear floor-length dresses that hide their ankles, the dress can be a bit more informal so long as it still touches the floor. Men are to wear tuxes, a bowtie or vest, and formal dress shoes. If the wedding is in the summer, guests also have the option to wear a white tuxedo jacket.
Cocktail Attire
Cocktail attire is a step below black tie and offers guests more flexibility in what they wear–that’s why it’s one of the most popular dress codes used. It’s the perfect balance between casual and formal, allowing men to wear suits and ties and women to wear floor-length, tea-length, or midi dresses. Separates are also more acceptable under this dress code.
If you’re looking to do cocktail attire for your big day, but you don’t mind your guests dressing up if they want, you can also list it as black-tie optional. Not sure what that is? That’s okay, we have a whole blog about it!
Casual
A casual dress code is exactly what it sounds like–laidback. It’s ideal for relaxed, informal weddings. These dress codes are typically used at an outdoor or beach wedding and include slack and dress shirts, summer dresses, and shoes such as wedges or dressy sandals. Although the name is deceiving, unless a couple okays it beforehand, jeans are not acceptable.
Final Thoughts on How to Address the Dress Code for a Wedding
These are just four of the most common dress codes. We could go on and on, listing the countless options that fall under the umbrella of these terms. Instead, when deciding on your dress code, go with your gut. Remember that while setting a dress code is helpful, it’s equally important to consider your guests’ comfort. Always be mindful of factors like the venue, weather, and your guests’ preferences when choosing a dress code.
If you want specific patterns, colors, and silhouettes, make it known. There’s nothing wrong with listing with one of the above dress codes and then expanding on your vision (especially if you have the space to do so on a wedding website).
Addressing the dress code for your wedding can be done easily through invitations and your wedding website. Choose a dress code that aligns with the tone of your wedding and your vision as a couple, and provide your guests with the information and guidance, and you’ll end up with one stunning celebration. Need help with your wedding website? We got you! Here’s everything you need to know about setting up your wedding website.
Imagine a wedding in the lush green mountains, where nature’s beauty sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration. This Waialua Valley Farms wedding inspiration is a stunning example of just how breathtaking a mountain wedding can be. With a fresh color palette, airy florals, effortlessly stylish fashion choices, and a touch of rustic charm, every aspect of this shoot embodies the free-spirited, bohemian vibe but with an elevated and elegant twist.
The sweeping views, stretching out over the lush and captivating North Shore mountains of Oahu, served as the ideal backdrop for an intimate ceremony. The wooden backdrop panels, adorned with cascading white floral garlands and scattered ground arrangements, created a magical setting for a heartfelt vow exchange. For the outdoor reception, the tablescape was filled with vibrant blooms, earthy accents, and elegant gold settings. Completing the enchanting scene were rattan pendant lights, providing the perfect finishing touch to this picturesque celebration.
What truly ties this enchanting scene together is the couple’s attire. The groom looked dashing in a beige suit, while the bride was an absolute vision in her off-the-shoulder dress with puff sleeves and a sweeping skirt. To get a closer look at all the stunning details the creative team behind this styled shoot put together, scroll through these captivating photos captured by Hand and Heart Photography. There’s so much inspo you can use to create your own romantic outdoor celebration in nature.
Photographer’s Thoughts On This Waialua Valley Farms Wedding Inspiration
Our latest photoshoot beautifully combines the free-spirited bohemian style with the tropical charm of Oahu’s Waianae Mountain Range. This captivating session, set in the heart of paradise, captures the essence of the bohemian spirit blended with spring colors and a touch of island vibes.
We want to thank Hand and Heart Photographyfor capturing and sharing this Waialua Valley Farms wedding shoot with us. It’s proof that with the right vendor team, no wedding vision is impossible to pull off.
When Elizabeth and Josh decided to tie the knot, they wanted to keep things cozy and invited just 30 of their nearest and dearest to party with them. But they added a personal twist to their big day. They tossed aside the rulebook and went for a wild and colorful vibe with an explosion of flowers. It was like a rainbow had a dance-off with a garden. Their goal was simple. To make their 1212 Germantown wedding feel more like a nontraditional bash than a stuffy wedding. And they absolutely nailed it.
The pair hit a little bump in the road when their first wedding venue bailed on them, but they lucked out and found a new spot just a block away. With their awesome planner by their side, they turned this unexpected twist into a fabulous success story. Picture this: a historic front porch transformed into a colorful floral wonderland with color-blocked arrangements as the ceremony backdrop. And the fun didn’t stop there! For the reception, they mixed and matched textures and patterns, covering the tables in blue plaid linen and filling them with vibrant centerpieces and candles. To top it all off, they brought a touch of the outdoors inside with a window pane greenery backdrop.
Their wedding was a fun and carefree affair, filled with color and great style. If you want to dive into all the nitty-gritty details, scroll through these fantastic snapshots captured by the talented Sarah Bill. Whether you’re planning your own garden wedding or just seeking some fresh inspiration, these creative ideas will surely add that extra sprinkle of magic to your big day.
The Inspiration Behind Their Colorful Dinner Party Inspired 1212 Germantown Wedding
We kept the guest list to 30 people and went with a wilder, more colorful design for the day. We wanted to throw a fun dinner party that included a wedding. Our goal was to have something nontraditional. The most memorable part of the day was the flowers. There were so many flowers, with so much color everywhere in the venue. Everyone had an “oh wow” moment when they entered the reception. We had bright flowers, an off-white wedding dress with flowers on it, and blue plaid tablecloths. It felt fun. I’m proud that the day was very representative of who we are. It was fun, carefree, and easy.
Tying Everything Together With Floral-Themed Wedding Fashion
I wanted a fun dress. I picked an off-white wedding dress that was sequinned and had bright embroidered flowers on it. We found the perfect matching tie for my husband. He got so many compliments.
A 1212 Germantown Wedding Filled With Personal Touches and Sentiments
Our friend Sam was our officiant. He knew us personally, so his speech was very special to us. We hand-wrote vows to each other and exchanged them when we arrived home from the wedding. We also did a remembrance table with pictures of all our grandparents at their weddings.
A Venue Cancellation That Turned Into a Blessing
We initially chose a small house in the Germantown neighborhood of Nashville, where I had lived for six years. That venue canceled, and we luckily found a new one a block from the original venue. It wasn’t our first choice, but it worked out well. Having a planner saved our entire wedding. She kicked it into overtime, found us a new venue, and redesigned the whole wedding. Everything went perfectly the day of.
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A Balancing Act: How They Navigated Their $20K 1212 Germantown Wedding Budget
We decided how many guests we would have and then set a budget based on that. Our budget was $20K. We went slightly over budget. I definitely splurged on the flowers, but everyone said it was worth it after seeing them. I saved on my dress, which was Before by Sarah Seven, and was $700.
Embracing Pittsburgh Tradition with Cookie Table Favors
Our wedding favors were a cookie table, a Pittsburgh tradition (where I am from). There were champagne bottle cookies, golden retriever cookies, and homemade ones from my best friend. We had to-go bags that said Midnight Snack on them.
Congratulations to Elizabeth and Josh on their colorful dinner party-inspired 1212 Germantown wedding. And many thanks to Sarah Bill for flawlessly capturing each enchanting detail and cherished moment.
When planning a wedding, things sometimes go differently than planned. Which is why having an experienced team of experts is so important. They can handle unexpected changes and challenges, ensuring your big day goes smoothly. To find reliable and trusted pros, take a look at our carefully selected list of the world’s best wedding vendors.
Vivian and Daniel dreamt of crafting a woodland wedding that was truly one-of-a-kind. Pulling inspiration from the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli, their wedding was far from ordinary. It was all about fun, enchantment, and crafting lasting memories. Picture this: tying the knot among towering trees, surrounded by moss-covered rocks, in a secluded, fantasy-like setting. This is the story of how they turned their dream of an Emerald Forest treehouse theater wedding into a beautiful reality.
In the heart of the forest, their ceremony was a fairytale come to life. A wooden arch adorned with colorful florals and lanterns added vibrant flair to the lush surroundings. After the pair exchanged heartfelt vows, bubbles filled the air, creating a whimsical exit. But the enchantment didn’t stop there. The reception was equally magical, set in a dreamy movie theater beneath towering trees. Golden string lights and starry skies illuminated the scene, while popcorn, cozy blankets, and a crackling fire pit made the night truly unforgettable.
Their wedding was filled with love, and the beautiful pictures taken by Junebug member TMInspired tell the whole story. Keep scrolling to see every special moment. We’re confident that after seeing these photos, you’ll want to pin them to your wedding mood board.
Creating a Whimsical Studio Ghibli-Inspired Emerald Forest Treehouse Theater Wedding
We wanted a forest wedding where I could create a fairytale, whimsical wedding. We also wanted a smaller wedding due to our budget and what we wanted for the wedding. We found the venue by googling unique wedding venues in the US, and it was the first result! We were going for a jewel-toned, colorful, fairytale wedding with a hint of Studio Ghibli. Since we were in nature and the forest, we wanted to have a lot of flowers to create a whimsical feel, which was also in the wedding dress. We focused on making the wedding fun, cozy, and relaxing/chill, with many activities, movies, snacks, a fire pit, a tree house, and cozy blankets. Three things made our venue the most memorable one yet. We ziplined into our wedding! And honestly, it was so fun!
Crafting a Fairytale Wedding Look: Embracing Forest Elegance with Studio Ghibli Flair
From the start, I envisioned our wedding as a fairytale unfolding in a forest, much like the whimsical settings in Studio Ghibli films. With this dream in mind, I carefully selected my dress and shoes to match this magical theme. I aimed for simplicity in jewelry, allowing my dress and shoes to take center stage while maintaining an elegant touch. My goal was to veer away from the traditional wedding look, opting for softer colors in my dress and his suit to contrast the vibrant florals and decor. I chose color-coordinated jewelry to complement the dress, including a Sakura flower bracelet and a blue sapphire necklace, which also served as my something blue. For my overall bridal look, I opted for a natural style, considering the natural surroundings, as a glamorous look wouldn’t quite harmonize with the forest setting.
Personalizing Every Aspect of Their Emerald Forest Treehouse Theater Wedding Ceremony
We personalized everything about our ceremony. We had a friend officiate our wedding, and we found old examples of the officiating script that most applied to our forest wedding, edited it, and wrote our stories and our own vows. I built our arch flowers and bought Vietnamese Hoi An lanterns from Vietnam for the arch as a nod to my Vietnamese heritage. We did a rope-tying ceremony to celebrate Daniel’s Irish/Scottish roots, where we tied three ropes into an infinity loop.
Adding Personalized Touches to Their Emerald Forest Treehouse Theater Wedding
I took on a lot of DIY projects to make our wedding uniquely ours. I handled all the floral arrangements except for my bouquet and the boutonniere. Additionally, I created all our signs using a Cricut machine for the mirror welcome sign and Canva for designing some other signs. To bring these signs to life, I had them printed as pictures at Walgreens (by the way, they always have great discounts on picture printing). For our vow books, I found them at TJ Maxx and used the Cricut to add his and her vows to both books. As a final touch, we personalized charcuterie cups with our initials and filled them with various delicious snacks, including dried fruits, nuts, charcuterie meat, and cheese. We found the brown cups on Amazon.
Top Tip For A Stress-Free Wedding Day: Embrace the Moment
As you approach your wedding day, take a deep breath and savor every moment, for the day will pass by in a flash, and you might forget a detail or two as I did with my veil. But what truly matters is that you’re marrying the love of your life, which makes the day perfect, no matter what. To ensure you capture all the photos you desire, create a list and share it with your photographer. This will help you get those coveted shots during the most flattering light. Also, plan your day with photography in mind. On the day itself, don’t let minor hiccups bother you; instead, relish in the moment’s magic. Our wedding day was enchanting, and I still can’t believe we made it happen.
A Unique Wedding Ending: Movie Night, Surprises, and Sweet Treats
Instead of dancing the night away, we chose a different path—we had a movie night that perfectly fit our Spirited Away theme. And let me tell you, the after-dark surprise was the icing on the cake! I won’t give away any spoilers for future brides and grooms, but it’s an incredible way to cap off your night. If it happens to rain, it adds an extra touch of beauty, especially if you bring a bubble machine along. As a sweet treat for our guests, we gave out Seattle chocolates because we find them delicious and because we wanted our guests to enjoy them and share in the delight. After all, who can resist good chocolate?
If you and your partner want your wedding to authentically represent you as a couple, you can make it memorable by being creative with the theme, choosing a unique venue, and adding some surprising touches. For an in-depth guide on planning a wedding that stands out and is personalized to your relationship, be sure to check out our guide on planning a unique wedding.
Keep scrolling for our top picks to buy bridal accessories online. Image by Alexa Frankovitch.
We’ve found the best places to buy amazing bridal accessories online because we understand that when you’re planning a wedding, it’s easy to forget some of those important finishing touches. That’s why we’re here to do the shopping for you and gather a list of the best places to purchase bridal accessories online. Whether you’re the bride, a reliable bridesmaid, or just someone who loves a bit of sparkle, get ready for some serious online shopping.
Picture this: You, in your coziest spot, browsing through pages filled with tiaras, veils, necklaces, and more bling than you can imagine, all from the comfort of your own home. No rush, no crowds, just you and your screen, on the hunt for that special something to make your wedding day even more fabulous. Whether you’re into classic elegance or trendy boho vibes, here are our favorite spots to buy bridal accessories online.
Best Places to Buy Bridal Accessories Online
Etsy
If you’re on the hunt for bridal accessories that are as unique as you are, Etsy is the place to be. It’s like a giant treasure chest filled with handcrafted gems, from custom-made veils to personalized jewelry and even hand-painted shoes. Brides who crave those one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect their style often turn to Etsy for its endless selection of artisanal goodies.
Picture this: bridal accessories that blend elegance with a touch of bohemian magic. Anthropologie’s collection is all about those whimsical, romantic, and dreamy designs. Imagine delicate flower-adorned headpieces and vintage-inspired jewelry that add a sprinkle of enchantment to your wedding look.
Who says you can’t be stylish without breaking the bank? Lulus is your budget-friendly buddy for chic bridal accessories. They’ve got a range that covers everything from timeless classics to trendy, up-to-the-minute options. You’ll love Lulus for keeping you stylish and savvy without maxing out your wedding budget.
For plus-size brides who want to rock their bridal look with confidence, ELOQUII is here to make it happen. Their collection is all about stylish, plus-size-friendly accessories, from sleek belts to elegant boleros. ELOQUII ensures every bride feels like the radiant star they are on their special day.
Ready to make a fashion statement on your wedding day? Revolve has your back with designer bridal accessories that scream sophistication and glamor. It’s all about top-notch brands and fashion-forward designs that’ll have you shining like a star.
When it comes to convenience and variety, Amazon’s got your back. It’s like a virtual shopping mall for bridal accessories, from the basics to those unique, eye-catching finds. Plus, with customer reviews and ratings, you’ve got all the guidance you need to pick accessories that perfect your wedding look.
If you dream of luxury on your big day, Net-a-Porter is your ultimate destination. It’s a world of designer bridal accessories that radiate elegance and opulence. From stunning headpieces to lavish jewelry, Net-a-Porter allows you to elevate your wedding look to the highest level of luxury.
Now that you’ve had a blast shopping for your fabulous bridal accessories online, it’s time to turn the spotlight on the groom. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. After finding the perfect bridal accessories, why not explore our list of places to buy wedding suits and tuxedos for grooms online, followed by our favorite groom accessories? Your big day is all about looking your best together, so why not make it a joint fashion adventure!
Planning a wedding can be a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, as Stephanie and Alexander discovered in their quest for the perfect celebration. Their plans took an unexpected detour when Alex’s suit colors clashed with their original vision. But this sudden change ultimately led them to their modern Cape Hotel wedding. Inspired by their Caribbean roots and love for wine, their choice reflected their refined tastes and paid homage to their shared experiences and passions. And it turned out to be an amazing decision!
With its unparalleled views of the sea and the surrounding tropical landscape, the luxury resort became the ideal venue for their special day. With asymmetrical floral pillars framing the ocean backdrop, the terrace was ready for a romantic waterfront ceremony. The following reception seamlessly combined modern architecture, minimalist decor, and natural elements. To achieve a vineyard-like vibe, they completed the look with an installation of greenery and candles in glass baubles hanging above a tablescape covered with gauzy linen, white blooms, and more candles.
And to top it all off, the couple filled their day with personal touches—from handwritten thank-you notes for each guest to heartfelt tributes for absent loved ones. They made sure every detail had meaning and purpose, and you can see all these special moments in the stunning photos taken by Junebug member Daniela Ortiz.
We’ve been together for eight years, so our tastes are similar. We both love a clean, modern style. When we picked our wedding colors, we went for classic seasonal greens, whites, and a touch of gold. Since we both lived in Europe and enjoyed wine, we wanted our reception to feel like a vineyard, honoring the beautiful venue. It was just the right size and matched our vision perfectly. We’re both from the Caribbean and wanted to include our heritage in our wedding. We had Caribbean-inspired drinks and played mostly Caribbean music. We aimed to give our guests an unforgettable experience rather than just a typical event.
How They Found Their Dream Wedding Location
We decided to hire a wedding planner who took us to visit three potential venues. All of them were beautiful, but the third and final one truly took our breath away. When we approached the entrance of the Cape Hotel, we exchanged glances and instantly felt that this was where we wanted to exchange our vows. The stunning views, delightful fragrances, warm hospitality, and outstanding cuisine won us over completely. Our priority was staying true to ourselves amidst the overwhelming array of options on social media. The key was choosing a venue that authentically represented who we were.
Making Their Cape Hotel Wedding Ceremony Special and Unique With Personal Touches
Our most cherished wedding moment was when we exchanged our vows. Being naturally private and reserved, we read our vows to each other privately before the ceremony, accompanied by our pastor. This allowed us to truly absorb each other’s words without the pressure of an audience. During the ceremony, we shared traditional vows with our guests. We also added personal touches to our wedding, crafting custom programs that told our love story and other details about us. To honor our Caribbean heritage, we conducted a sand ceremony, symbolizing our eternal union by blending two vases of sand. Our sister-in-law read 1 Corinthians 13:4–8a, one of our favorite Bible verses, and our pastor, a close family friend, played a unique role in the ceremony.
Navigating the Challenges of Planning a Destination Wedding
Planning a destination wedding was challenging, especially when choosing the right venue in Mexico. We knew we wanted to marry there but struggled to pick a city. We considered Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and Cabo San Lucas, and after visiting them all, we decided Cabo was the perfect fit for the atmosphere we wanted. It was a proud moment because we come from a small Caribbean island, the Cayman Islands, where many people choose to get married. We wanted something unique and had always admired Mexico. We overcame language barriers with the help of our amazing wedding planners. They made everything turn out as we’d imagined, sometimes even better. We were grateful to our guests for making the not-so-easy trip to Mexico, and seeing our friends and family come together to celebrate our special day brought us immense joy.
Incorporating Special Tributes and Creative Keepsakes Throughout Their Cape Hotel Wedding
Our wedding date is a special combination of our parents’ anniversary dates, a tribute to the strong marriages that inspire us. We thanked each guest with handwritten thank-you notes during the reception, making them feel loved and appreciated. These notes differed from the usual post-wedding thank-yous and lifted everyone’s spirits. We included unique decorations like candles with their names and a photo of Steph’s mom on her bouquet to honor absent family members. We also created a photo book showcasing the day we got engaged for our guests to enjoy. To capture heartfelt messages, we had an audio guest book for guests to leave phone messages. Despite the challenges of traveling with luggage, we added personal touches like designing wedding programs and bar signs for the cocktail hour and reception.
Wedding planning comes with its ups and downs. You can plan everything perfectly, but something may still go wrong. Alex and I agreed that what truly mattered was getting married and having a great day, which we did. It’s easy to get caught up in the details and others’ opinions, especially with Pinterest around, but honestly, none of that truly matters in the end. Don’t let the downs overshadow this once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s okay to feel all the emotions, but remember to have fun, too. On the day, everyone told us it would go by in a blur, and we wouldn’t remember much. So, we made sure to have special moments just for us, like reading our private vows and taking a few minutes together before entering our reception, to make the day even more meaningful and unforgettable.
Congratulations to Stephanie and Alexander on their modern Cape Hotel wedding, with nods to their favorite people and things. A special thank you to Junebug member Daniela Ortiz for capturing all the special moments that made their celebration one for the books. To see more of her exceptional work, check out her profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers.
Take inspiration from this couple’s story. If your wedding isn’t exactly how you imagined it, don’t hesitate to make adjustments. It’s perfectly fine to pivot and find a new path that aligns better with your vision. Plan a day that authentically celebrates your unique love using our guide as a starting point.
Pooja and Chris’ adventure led them to Portugal, where they were captivated by the charm of Lisbon and the Algarve. When the moment came to tie the knot, the decision was crystal clear. Opting for a stunning seaside castle—their Forte da Cruzdestination wedding seamlessly blended elegance, cherished traditions, and heartfelt details.
In a picturesque corner within the historic fort, they exchanged vows against a backdrop of lush greenery. The festivities continued with a breathtaking reception on the terrace, where the color palette drew inspiration from the blue shades of Portuguese tiles. The tablescape came alive with lush white blooms and gold accents, beautifully contrasting with the aqua-colored table covers. As the night unfolded, guests dined, danced, and reveled under the enchanting glow of twinkling lights.
This wonderful celebration brought their love story together with the natural beauty around them, making it an event you definitely don’t want to miss. You’re in for a treat when you see all the gorgeous details captured by Memorelle.
How Their Forte da Cruz Destination Wedding Came To Be
Chris and I visited Portugal in 2018 as one of our first trips together. And fell in love with the warmth and ease of Lisbon and the Algarve. When we decided to have a destination wedding, it was clear that returning to Portugal would make the most sense to celebrate our marriage and our love. I particularly wanted something on the coast with a view of the expansive ocean. Between the blues of the sea and the famed Portuguese tile, it was easy to come up with a color palette that highlighted different hues of blue. We wanted the vibe to feel relaxed but elegant so people could dress up and have fun.
Incorporating Meaningful Indian Traditions Into Their Forte da Cruz Destination Wedding Ceremony
our celebrantcreated a bespoke ceremony for us that incorporated Indian traditions with personal touches. We included a garland exchange and seven circles–some of the most important Indian traditions–but we also wrote our own vows to each other. We also loved String Quartet Solutions’ music background for the ceremony, including classical tracks and pop songs with a string quartet twist. It was the perfect mix of tradition and staying true to ourselves.
Critical Steps for a Memorable Destination Wedding: Practical Tips and Advice from the Newlyweds
It was really helpful to visit our venue, meet our planner in person, and do a tasting with our caterers before the wedding. So be sure to add that to your wedding timeline and budget. You may also want to do a practice shoot with your photographers. We did not, which was still wonderful. But we loved our photographers and would have liked to spend more time with them. It’s also helpful to decide on an organizational system–whether it’s a dedicated email folder, printed-out files, or a big Excel spreadsheet–so you can keep track of your to-dos and budget.
Taking Care of Their Guests Needs Throughout their Forte da Cruz Destination Wedding Weekend
It was essential to us that our guests had a chance to enjoy themselves, so we tried to take care of them as much as possible over the wedding weekend. Adding a welcome event the night before the wedding and taking care of transportation to both the welcome event and the wedding itself helped achieve this. We’re delighted that everyone had a wonderful time at our wedding.
We loved our wedding favors! We collect magnets from every country we visit, so as a wedding favor, we gave out Portuguese tile magnets for people to remember the day by.
Congratulations to Pooja and Chris on their Forte da Cruz destination wedding. And a big thank you to Memorelle for capturing all the stunning details many couples can pull inspiration from.
If a faraway wedding is on your mind, then a destination wedding could be just what you’re looking for! Adjust your budget to cover travel, lodging, and more, and check out our guide for planning the perfect destination celebration. We have all the information you need to make your dream wedding a reality in a distant paradise.
William and Nate had a clear vision for their wedding day: they wanted every little detail to be meaningful and reflect their unique love story. With Nate’s signature art style as the basis of their wedding theme and the help of their amazing team of vendors, they created a magical black tie affair that was both glamorous and filled with a touch of whimsy. Florals, fashion, and fun took center stage at their Villa Veintiseis wedding–and to say that they hit the mark would be an understatement.
Set within the garden oasis of the historical villa estate, the couple exchange vows underneath towering tropical foliage and a lush floral arch. After the ceremony, the celebration continued at the covered pavilion. Tying the decor to the surrounding natural landscape, their reception featured tablescapes of billowing blooms and a floral installation as a focal point, all illuminated by twinkling lights.
Not only that, the pair added a stylish flair to their dreamy affair with their show-stopping attire. Nate dazzled in a blinged-out white suit adorned with a floral lapel, perfectly complementing William’s classic look—a white suit paired with a lavender bow tie. If your dream wedding features lush foliage, vibrant florals, and chic fashion, these gorgeous photos by La Vie Studios are a must-see. This celebration is filled with inspiration that you won’t want to miss!
Nate knew he wanted to brand the wedding, and I requested that I’d use his signature art style. We knew we wanted a wedding that was trendy and cemented in time. Think of 80’s wedding photos but in the modern era. A creative black tie wedding felt like the perfect fit–glamorous and whimsical. Our wedding planner was able to make all of our unconventional ideas come to fruition and guide us along the way. When we tell you the amount of detail and time she spent on putting this wedding together, it was above and beyond. She was very easy to work with, and since she works in Miami and New York, she got the vibe and aesthetic we wanted perfectly.
Their Villa Veintiseis Wedding Fashion That Perfectly Showcased Their Personalities
When you are a same-sex couple, there are no rules on how to dress for your wedding day. We came up with two rules: the first rule was that we both had to be in white, and we couldn’t know what the other person was wearing until our first look at the wedding. Luckily, we both picked out outfits that complemented each others beautifully. Nate decided to go a little more blinged out, where he customized a bespoke white suit from Suit Club NYC, adorned his hair with Swarovski crystals, and chose a big crystal brooch instead of a tie. He also had a shoe change from vintage-heeled white Gucci loafers during the ceremony to the blinged-out oversized Gucci sneakers at the reception. I went with up-and-coming genderless fashion designer Tanner Fletcher. Tanner has a more vintage and classic feel to their designs, reflected in my suit. A double-breasted suit in satin adorned with a rose pattern and a lavender bow tie. Funny enough, I also chose Gucci shoes—the queercore brogue.
Creating a Personalized Ceremony by Incorporating Meaningful Traditions and Surprise Vows
We worked closely with our officiant to create a unique and personal wedding ceremony. We are both very spiritual, and we had that reflected in our ceremony. Something special we did was a mantilla ceremony, a Spanish tradition of placing a cloth, or veil, over the couple’s shoulders and having a prayer said to help bind the couple spiritually. Our mantilla was a piece of embellished lace fabric that we had our mothers place over our shoulders and then recited a blessing. One surprise that happened was during our vows. We had said our vows during our first look and decided to write another, more public vow to read during the ceremony. Little did we know that we both had surprise vows during the ceremony! Nate read a beautiful poem he had written. And I performed a rendition of the jazz standard “There is No Greater Love.” It was very special to us both.
Why They Chose Villa Veintiseis as Their Venue
We had some very different ideas throughout the process when thinking of venues. Ultimately, Nate wanted a Spanish-style villa. I wanted a luscious outdoor space. And since so much of our family lives in Florida, we immediately thought of Miami, FL. We toured a few Spanish Villa-style venues and ended up with Villa Ventiseis. It had beautiful luscious trees, an outdoor ceremony and reception space. And a beautiful home where we could stay the night before and after the wedding. Plus, it was the former home to Mexican singer Juan Gabriel, one of Nate’s favorite artists. It was absolutely perfect for us.
DIY Touches That Made Their Villa Veintiseis Wedding Extra Special
Since we used Nate as the brand expert for our wedding, we knew we also wanted to include handmade touches. We created custom envelopes and a custom wax stamp with our logo embossed for our invitations. And for our save-the-dates, we included a Polaroid photo of us for guests to keep. That means we hand-stuffed and stamped them all for our save-the-dates and invitations. There was another thing we did since our wedding was in Miami. We included some subtle NYC touches to our wedding with things we found throughout the city. For example, for the mantilla, we used an embossed lace fabric from the garment district. And for our signage, we displayed them on vintage picture frames we found throughout the city.
Wedding Planning Advice: Trust Your Gut That Tied in With Their Spiritual Sides
Our advice is to ignore everyone’s input and do exactly what you want for the wedding. But also keep your guests in mind when planning. But, you should follow your intuition. And do what you need to do to make your wedding special for you, it won’t feel like your wedding. A wedding is a way to reintroduce yourself as a couple and as individuals. So your wedding should reflect precisely the type of people you and your spouse are. Hiring a wedding planner who you create a mood board and wedding checklist with will help make sure you get every detail you could have dreamed of done and within your budget. Our fantastic wedding planner was helpful when finding the perfect venue and vendors to help our vision come to life and reminded us to stick to that vision.
Giving Their Guests Meaningful Favors at Their Villa Veintiseis Wedding
We are very spiritual and wanted to impart that to our guests when giving a wedding favor, so we gave everyone a heart-shaped piece of rose quartz. Rose quartz is the healing crystal of unconditional love. It’s believed to support emotional and relationship healing, inspire compassion, and boost feelings of peace and calm. Whether our guests believe in the power of healing crystals or just chucked it in a drawer somewhere. It was nice for us to allow people to bring the love we felt during the wedding home with them.
An Unforgettable Finale: The Emotional Last Dance That Stole The Show
The most memorable part of the day was our final dance before the night was over. When we were going over our first dance song, we were in between two songs. I wanted my favorite Lana Del Rey song, and Nate wanted his favorite Juan Gabriel song. So, to compromise, we decided to do a first dance and a last dance. Our last dance to Abrazame Muy Fuerte by Juan Gabriel got the most emotions out of us and our guests. We let loose and had more fun during that dance. Even the catering was clapping and cheering for us!
Congratulations to William and Nate on their creative Villa Veintiseis wedding overflowing with flowers. And a big thank you to La Vie Studios for capturing all the incredible details and special moments that made this celebration one for the books.
Creating the right atmosphere is essential for an unforgettable wedding experience. This is why adding personal touches and choosing the right venue are crucial for setting the tone of your celebration. Whether you want a destination wedding or a backyard ceremony, our guide has tips and ideas to help you find the perfect wedding venue that matches your vision.
Image by Derek Wong Photography. Keep scrolling to read what to write in wedding thank you cards
The day has come. You tied the knot and got to marry the love of your life. All that hard work you spent months planning has paid off, and you spent the day surrounded by your friends and family. Take a moment to soak it all in–although we’re sure you’re already riding that newlywed high. You deserve it. Now that the celebration is over, it’s time to think about sending out thank you cards. While thanking your loved ones for their presence (and presents) should be simple, we understand how overwhelming it can feel.
We’re here to tell you it’s not as difficult as it seems. We’re helping you create the perfect mix of heartfelt and simple messages, so you can check this post-wedding activity off your checklist and focus on your honeymoon.
How to Prepare For Writing Wedding Thank You Cards
Stay Organized
Sending out thank you cards begins before the wedding even occurs. As soon as you send out your invitations, put together a spreadsheet of the guest list and their addresses. This way, you can track where to send the cards and what gifts they gave you, so you can personalize the message to them once the time comes.
Share the Workload
Chances are you will receive most of your wedding gifts on your wedding day. This makes opening them and sending thank you cards as you go a little trickier. While it may feel like an avalanche of work after the big day, dedicate time to sit down with your spouse and start writing your notes as you open the gifts. Sharing this workload with your partner will help ease the burden and allow you to stay more organized. For example, have your significant other read off the card and open the gift while you input it into your spreadsheet and write the card (or vice versa). The faster you open them, the quicker you can get your cards mailed out.
Break it Up
Don’t feel like you have to open all of your gifts and write your thank you cards in one fell swoop. Take an hour or two every day to write as many as possible. Once you begin to feel overwhelmed, treat yourself to some kind of reward–whether that’s takeout from your favorite restaurant, a bowl of ice cream, watching your favorite TV show, or a glass of wine.
Match Your Theme
While this tip doesn’t technically revolve around the writing, we recommend that the thank you cards you choose match your wedding theme. This can be as simple as matching the color palette of your big day. This just keeps things cohesive!
Your guests took time out of their lives to celebrate you, so it’s only fair to reciprocate that effort by handwriting your thank you cards. Typing or sending out digital copies can be seen as impersonal and may offend your guests. We understand that writing messages can be time-consuming, so don’t feel the need to make the message too long. Just enough to express your gratitude.
Include Everyone Involved
If a gift was given by a family or a couple, be sure to include all of their names on the card. Although you may only be acquainted with one or two of them, it’s important to make everyone feel included in your gratitude.
Be Timely
Life is busy–we get it. But you want to be timely in sending out your thank you cards. The sooner you write them, the sooner you finish the task. As we mentioned earlier, you may be working in batches, so don’t be afraid to send them out in batches. There’s no need to wait until you’re finished with every single one to send them out.
Mention Specific Cash Amounts
In the past, mentioning the specific amount of money given as a wedding gift in a wedding thank you card was considered taboo. However, that is a thing of the past, largely thanks to the digital age that we live in. Oftentimes, money is sent digitally or via post, so alright to verify the correct amount in your note. This is a time, however, when you can use your best judgment. You know your guests better than anyone, so do what feels right based on your relationship with that person.
Discuss How You’ll Use the Gift
Whether you received money or a home item, don’t be afraid to touch on how you plan on using it or where you’re going to put it. It further shows that you appreciate the sentiment behind the gift.
Thank you so much for the charcuterie board and wine glasses. You know how much we love our wine nights in! We’re looking forward to seeing you again when we can enjoy a charcuterie night together. Thank you again for thinking of and celebrating with us!
All the best,
[Your Names]
Wording for a Cash Gift
Dear [Guest’s Name(s)],
Thank you so much for celebrating our wedding day with us! [Partner’s Name] and I were thrilled with your generous and thoughtful gift of [dollar amount]. Thanks to you, we’re one step closer to buying our first home together. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Thank you for celebrating with us!
Love,
[Your Names]
Wording for Honeymoon Fund Donation
Dear [Guest’s Name(s)],
We are so grateful for your generous contribution to our honeymoon. We’ll think of you as we enjoy sailing around Hawaii! We can’t wait to see you soon. Thank you for celebrating our big day with us!
Sincerely,
[Your Names]
Wording for Those Who Couldn’t Attend But Sent a Gift
Dear [Gifter’s Name],
Thank you so much for the blender. It was so kind of you to think of us! [Partner’s Name] and I wish you could have been there on our wedding day. It wasn’t the same without you. We hope to celebrate together in the future!
Love,
[Your Names]
Wording for Someone You Don’t Know Well
Dear [Guest’s Name(s)],
Thank you for the absolutely beautiful bedding. It will look perfect in our new bedroom. My mom has spoken so fondly of you over the years, and [Partner’s Name] and I were so happy to finally meet you in person. Thank you for your kindness and for sharing in this exciting time in our lives!
Sincerely,
[Your names]
Wording for Someone for Attendance Only
Dear [Guest’s Name(s)]
Thank you so much for attending our wedding! It was such a delight to see and celebrate with you. We wanted to take a moment to send you the warmest well wishes and let you know how happy we were to see you there!
Sincerely,
[Your Names]
Wording for Your Wedding Party
Dear [Member of Wedding Party],
Thank you so much for being a [role] in our wedding party. You mean so much to [Partner’s name] and me. Having you by our side throughout this process and on our wedding day made it all
the more special. We can’t wait to share more meaningful experiences with you!
Love,
[Your Names]
Now that you’re set up for success about what to write in your wedding thank you cards, it’s time to find the perfect cards! We’ve rounded up some of our favorites from Etsy–with everything from cards that include a photo of you and your significant other to minimalistic styles that are simple yet elegant.
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