Read on to know the best places to buy wedding decorations online. Image by MemoryBox Photography
From your ceremony setup to your reception tables, you’ve got a lot of space to fill with wedding decor! To help you style your big day–without having to leave the couch–we’re sharing the best places to buy wedding decorations online. You might be surprised to find that your favorite home décor stores are hot spots for wedding decorations–especially items you can re-use around the house after your wedding is done. From table linens to lanterns to macramé backdrops, you can find everything you need to outfit your wedding with the click of your mouse.
Before you start adding items to your cart, be sure to check out the best wedding decorations online from:
Amazon
Anthropologie
Etsy
Minted
Urban Outfitters
World Market
Scroll on to find out which shop has the decor you need and to see a few of our favorite wedding decor items from each retailer.
Embarking on your wedding planning journey can feel like you’re stepping into uncharted territory. But we’re here to remind you that you’re not alone. There have been many who’ve walked the same path, those who’ve dealt with the same stress and similar obstacles. That’s why seeking advice from real couples who have recently said “I do” can be truly valuable—so that’s exactly what we’re doing.
These newlyweds are sharing the highs and lows, along with all the tips they’ve learned along the way. From setting a realistic budget to writing out your top wedding priorities, these tips will allow you to approach your wedding planning journey with confidence every step of the way.
Wedding Budget Advice
Newlyweds have firsthand experience navigating the financial aspects of wedding planning. And they’re offering valuable tips for achieving a memorable wedding without breaking the bank. From prioritizing your must-haves to opting for DIY projects, this advice can help you pull off your dream wedding and make the most of your budget.
1. DIY Wedding Details to Make Room to Hire Vendors
“We’re proud of our ability to DIY parts of our day where we could (party favors, decorations, photo booth). This gave us room in our budget to invest in the best wedding professionals when it came to flowers, music, and photography. Making all of those disparate parts come together in a cohesive whole was a lot of work, but at the end of the day, we were really happy with how unified and beautiful the event turned out.” – Hannah and John
2. Create a Detailed Spreadsheet of All Finances
“Two consultants getting married was bound to equal an incredibly detailed spreadsheet, but it really did make our lives much easier! We kept track of everything in one place, from vendor fees to due dates and outstanding items (all with conditional formatting, of course).” – Hilary and David
3. Spend More Money in Areas You’ll Spend Most of Your Time
“Spend your time and your money on the places that will be the most impactful. For us, we knew we would spend most of the time inside, so we wanted to make sure a lot of the experiences and staple decor pieces were there.” – Gretchen and Megan
This advice covers all things you need to know when planning your wedding. From hiring wedding vendors to approaching your planning season with patience, these tips will help make your planning journey run smoothly and free from stress.
1. Start by Writing Down Your Top Priorities
“We started off by each writing down our top 3 priorities for our wedding day and seeing where the overlap was. We tried to mainly focus our energy on those common priorities. Although everything ends up feeling like a big deal when you’re planning a wedding, coming back to those priorities in times when we were freaking out was very helpful!” – Megan and Andrew
2. Approach Wedding Planning As a Team
“Work together. It’s important for you both to bring the same energy and commitment to the planning. It’s also important to work out your complementary skill sets. In our case, I was able to bring my project management mindset, and Damien was able to bring his creative mindset—it worked really well for us.” – Ella and Damien
3. Space Out Your Wedding Planning
“Do a little bit of planning every week. Planning a wedding can be stressful if you look at everything you have to do (especially if you love to DIY like us) at once. The trick was to get a few things done weekly, even if it felt too early to start.” – Jessica and Gracie
4. Don’t Rush Making Big Decisions for Your Wedding
“I think it’s so important to take your time when planning. I was filled with so much urgency and thought that everything had to get done immediately. Remember to take a deep breath and think things through. Everything that your wedding day is supposed to have, it will have.” – Christina and Terrell
5. Schedule a Meeting With All Your Vendors Together
“If you’re planning your wedding yourself, it’s essential to arrange a meeting with all your vendors beforehand, even if it’s just a Zoom call. This ensures that all your wedding vendors have the chance to get to know each other before the big day. Wedding planners often prefer working with a select group of professionals who have already collaborated, but if your vendors haven’t worked together before, it’s important to create a sense of ease among them.” – Hafeezah and Irshaad
6. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
“Enjoy the process, and don’t get hung up on the small details. At the end of it all, this is a day of love surrounded by your favorite people. It’s going to be perfect no matter what.” – Will and Ruben
Wedding Advice on How to Make Your Wedding Yours With Outside Opinions
It’s natural to seek the opinions of loved ones. However, it’s important to find a balance between incorporating outside opinions and sticking to your own vision. And we understand that’s easier said than done. But these tips from couples who’ve been there will help you navigate the overwhelming opinions and create a wedding that authentically reflects you as a couple.
1. Do What Makes You Happiest
“As cliche as it may sound, do what makes you feel the happiest without worrying about what others will think. If you want to have a grand ball for a wedding, do it. If you want to go to the courthouse with your close family and then have a party in your backyard, do it. This is a once-in-a-lifetime day that you will want to look back on with fond memories, not regrets of what should have been.” – Ella and Cole
2. Don’t Include Any Wedding Detail Out of Obligation
“You don’t have to go a certain route because “everyone is doing it” or because you do not want to hurt peoples’ feelings, etc. We were a bit unconventional and went with a micro-wedding. Our goal was for our family to feel like the weekend was a vacation—it was the most special weekend of our lives.” – Lydia and Becca
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Switch Up Your Original Plans
“My advice would be to focus on creating a day that feels true to your unique relationship as a couple. We initially planned for a larger celebration that could include all our extended family and friends. However, we soon realized that this wasn’t allowing us to create a day that truly reflected our personalities and style. So we took a step back and checked in with each other to make sure we were on the right track. One thing that helped us was to question traditions or expectations that weren’t bringing us joy. By doing so, we were able to brainstorm ways to infuse our own personalities into the day. Overall, my advice is to stay true to yourselves and don’t be afraid to switch things up when planning your wedding. Remember that this day is about celebrating your love and commitment to each other, and it should feel authentic and reflective of your relationship.” – Mckenzie and Dominic
4. Trust Your Gut and Don’t Ask Too Many People for Advice
“Don’t ask too many people for advice. Don’t show anyone your wedding dress or suit if you can help it – no one else needs to love it but you. Similarly, don’t ask people about the flowers or food they like in the hopes of pleasing other people. This day is just meant to be a reflection of the couple that is getting married, and everyone will love it if the couple looks happy.” – Brice and Alexander
5. Focus Less on Logistics For Guests and More on Planning a Wedding You and Your Partner Will Enjoy
“With the countless details you have to consider for your guests, as well as the logistics and aesthetics of the day, it can be easy to lose sight of your actual experience. Design a wedding you’re going to love. Everyone has more fun when the newlyweds are having a blast, so make sure you’re setting yourselves up for that. Do whatever you can to be sure you’ll be present in the moment—the little things won’t matter at the end of the day, but you’ll want to look back and know that you enjoyed every single second of it and spent real, quality time with the people you love most in the world.” – Shelby and Joey
6. Include Those “Different” Wedding Day Details—They’ll Be Remembered Most
“Just because someone says “traditionally” or “usually” doesn’t mean you have to do it. It’s YOUR wedding. I struggled with this because I like being different, which goes against tradition. But it’s worth it. Do something exciting and different. It’s probably what you and your guests will remember most!” – Alexis and Timothy
Must-Know Advice for Your Wedding Day
You’ve spent months and months meticulously planning, and your dream wedding day has finally arrived. To ensure everything falls into place seamlessly, we’ve rounded up the must-know wedding day tips real couples have sent our way. These tips will guarantee an unforgettable wedding day from start to finish.
1. Do a First Look to Have More Quality Time With Loved Ones
“We loved doing a first look so that we could get our family photos done prior to guests arriving. That allowed us to be able to join our friends and family during cocktail hour. We also made sure to always be together and enjoy a couple of moments to ourselves to take in the day.” – Caleigh and Jeff
2. Be Sure to Schedule Alone Time With Your Partner
“After our first dance, we ran away with our photographer to a nearby field, where we frolicked, split a bottle of champagne, and soaked in our status as newlyweds. We also got to snap some incredible photos with our photographer. It was the perfect interlude between the ceremony and reception and the long night of dancing ahead.” – Hannah and John
3. Don’t Forget To Plan A Grand Exit
“Don’t forget to plan the end of your night. Thanks to our photographer and DJ, we had a great schedule set for the whole day up until the very end, but we never planned a grand exit. It was fun to dance late, but in retrospect, we wish we had a more definitive cap on the evening. Also, make sure all your stuff is in the hotel (or other destination) before the end of the night because you don’t want to worry about that once you leave the venue.” – Hannah and John
“Don’t go home after the wedding. We rented the most extraordinary, jaw-dropping Airbnb in our hometown, and it was perfect! Because we didn’t go right back to everyday life, it’s like we got to continue our wedding celebration. It was the best wedding plan decision!” – Jessica and Christopher
This advice from these newlyweds should leave you feeling empowered to take on the wedding planning process with confidence. Now that you’re ready to dive headfirst into the planning journey, check out our directory of top wedding vendors from around the world. Then, look over our 12-month wedding planning timeline to keep your planning on track and ensure everything goes according to plan.
Keep reading and find inspiration from these wedding vows examples. Image by Olguin Photography.
If the task of writing your own wedding vows feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many couples find it challenging to express their deepest emotions on paper. Whether you’re eager to capture your feelings after a recent engagement or you’ve left it until the last minute, remember that these words hold great significance. They reflect the love and admiration you have for your partner in the present and embody promises for your future together.
Putting your heartfelt emotions into words may not be the most straightforward task, but you can do it with some time and reflection. Still trying to figure out where to begin and how to encapsulate a love that will endure a lifetime? Turning to wedding vow examples can be a valuable source of inspiration. These samples cover a wide range of moods–from traditional and religious to humorous and romantic. They serve as a starting point for you to personalize and create vows that are uniquely yours.
“I promise to love and cherish you, in good times and bad, to be your partner and best friend. I vow to support you in your dreams and aspirations and to create a home filled with love and happiness. Today and always, I choose you as my partner for life.”
“I take you as my spouse, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part. You are my love, my life, and my everything.”
“I, (name), choose you, (name), to be my husband/wife/partner for life. Together, we’ll face the ups and downs, always by each other’s side. I offer you my hand and heart as a safe haven filled with love and serenity. I promise to stay faithful and devoted to you. Like this never-ending circle, my love for you will endure forever. Just as this ring is made of strong material, my commitment to you will never waver. With this ring, I marry you.”
Religious Wedding Vows Examples
“With God as our witness, I commit to honor and love you, to be faithful and supportive. I promise to pray for you and with you, to seek His guidance in our journey together. With His blessings, we will face every challenge, knowing that our love is built on a foundation of faith.”
“As we stand before God and our loved ones, I promise to be a reflection of His love for you. I will strive to be patient, kind, and forgiving, to walk with you in His light. Together, we will build a home that honors God and spreads His love to the world.”
“On this sacred day, before God and our loved ones, I, [name], take you, [name], to be my beloved spouse. With unwavering faith, I promise to love, honor, and cherish you throughout our journey together. I commit to walk alongside you, sharing in life’s joys and sorrows. In the presence of the Divine, I pledge to be a source of strength and support, uplifting and encouraging you in all circumstances. With God as our guide, I promise to build a home filled with love, kindness, and compassion. Together, we will honor our commitment, seeking His blessings as we embrace this sacred union.”
“I promise to love you unconditionally, to be your confidant and your biggest supporter. I vow to stand beside you through life’s ups and downs, to listen and understand without judgment. With you, I have found my home and my heart.”
“I commit to a partnership of equality, trust, and respect. I promise to always communicate openly and honestly, to be your rock and your safe haven. Together, we will navigate life’s challenges, celebrate its joys, and create a love that is unwavering.”
“On this special day, in the presence of our loved ones, I, [name], choose you, [name], as my partner in life. With deep love and profound respect, I promise to stand by your side through every moment of our journey together. I vow to cherish and support you, celebrating your strengths and embracing your imperfections. Together, we will create a home filled with understanding, trust, and joy. With open hearts, we will navigate life’s challenges, always communicating honestly and with kindness. Today and always, I give you my love, my friendship, and my unwavering commitment.”
“I choose you and promise to choose you as my husband/wife/partner every day we wake. I will love you in word and deed. I will laugh with you, cry with you, scream with you, grow with you, and craft with you. To be your kin and your partner in all of life’s adventures is all I could hope for in the world. Loving what I know of you and trusting what I don’t yet know, I give you my hand. I give you my love. I give you myself, the good, the bad, and the yet to come.”
“I promise to stand by your side as your equal, to support your dreams and passions as my own, and to create a partnership built on love, trust, and open communication. Together, we will forge our own path and embrace the beauty of our modern love story. In a world of endless possibilities, I choose you as my partner and companion. With you, I promise to explore new adventures, celebrate life’s joys, and navigate challenges with strength and resilience. This modern love we share is boundless, and I vow to cherish it every day.”
“I see these vows not as promises but as privileges: I get to laugh with you and cry with you; care for you and share with you. I get to run with you and walk with you; build with you and live with you. I get to have you be the person I spend the rest of my life with. I get to be there for you and support you. I don’t have to honor and cherish you – I get to.”
“I promise to always be your personal comedian, to make you laugh when you’re down, and to share endless inside jokes. I promise to be your partner in mischief and adventure, and to never take ourselves too seriously. With you by my side, life will always be filled with laughter and joy.”
“I vow to love you even when you leave the dishes in the sink, to tolerate your obsession with [insert hobby], and to always share the last slice of pizza. I promise to be your teammate in all things and to keep the romance alive with cheesy puns and silly dance moves.”
“My dear [spouse’s name], as we journey through growing old together, I promise to keep our sense of humor alive. I vow to make you laugh every chance I get, even when we have more wrinkles than we can count. I promise to find joy in the little things, like trying to remember where we left our glasses or mixing up our grandkids’ names. We may have gray hair and creaky joints, but we’ll embrace it with laughter and mischief. Together, we’ll navigate the adventures of aging with a smile on our faces and love in our hearts.”
Succinct Yet Eloquent
“I promise to love you fiercely, to cherish every moment we share. I vow to be there for you, to hold your hand and lend you strength. With you, my love, life is an adventure I eagerly embrace.”
“I choose you today, tomorrow, and every day that follows. I promise to love you deeply, to support and encourage you in all that you do. Together, we will build a future filled with love and happiness.”
“With all that I am, I choose you. Through every season, I stand by your side. Together, we’ll create a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Forever and always, my heart is yours.”
“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” —Maya Angelou
“I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart). I am never without it (anywhere I go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling).” — E. E. Cummings, I Carry Your Heart With Me
“And I’d choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I’d find you, and I’d choose you.” — Kiersten White, The Chaos of Stars
“Yours is the light by which my spirit’s born: you are my sun, my moon, and all my stars.” — E.E. Cummings, You are My Sun, My Moon, and All My Stars
“I want to be there when you cry to dry your tears. When you feel lonely, I want to give you a kiss. When you are scared, to embrace you. And when you are happy, to share a laugh with you. I don’t know what’s in store for us, but I do know that true love outlasts everything. It outlasts doubt, hate, war, misfortune, and, most of all, death. I vow to you to always be beside you. Not only in this life, but the next.”—Mordred, Forever Alive
“To love each other, even when we hate each other. No running—ever. Nobody walks out no matter what happens. Take care when old, senile, smelly. This is forever.”—Grey’s Anatomy, Meredith and Derek
“You have bewitched me body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. And wish from this day forth never to be parted from you.”― Deborah Moggach, Pride & Prejudice screenplay
“It was not exactly love at first sight. But it turns out, it was love. You are the first man to accept me… for the man that I actually am.”—Sex and the City 2, Anthony and Stanford
“I promise to never forget that this is a once-in-a-lifetime love. And to always know in the deepest part of my soul that no matter what challenges might carry us apart, we will always find our way back to each other.”—The Vow, Paige and Leo
“You make me happier than I ever thought I could be, and if you let me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel the same way.” — Chandler, proposing to Monica on Friends
Beyond Just The Two Of You (If Children Are Involved)
“Today, we not only join our lives together, but we also blend our families. To [name(s) of children], I promise to be there for you as a parent, to love and support you just as I do your mother/father. I vow to create a home filled with warmth, understanding, and respect. Together, we will build a family rooted in love, trust, and unity. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your lives and to share this journey as one.”
“As we come together today, we embrace not only the love between us but also the love we have for our children. To our beautiful family, I pledge to be a loving and caring presence in your lives. I promise to listen to your hopes and dreams, to guide and nurture you, and to always be there as a pillar of support. With open hearts, we will create a bond that transcends biology, a bond based on unconditional love and acceptance. Together, we will navigate life’s joys and challenges, knowing that we are stronger as a blended family.”
“On this joyous day, we celebrate the merging of two families. To our incredible children, I promise to cherish you as my own, to love you fiercely, and to honor the unique individuals you are. I vow to create a home filled with laughter, understanding, and open communication. Let us embrace this journey as a blended family, building a foundation of love and trust that will guide us through the years. Together, we will create a tapestry of love, woven with the threads of our shared experiences and the bond that binds us together.”
Feel free to make these wedding vows examples your own by personalizing and adapting them to reflect your unique connection and significance. However, if you want to create vows that truly express the depth of your love, check out our guide for helpful tips. Once you intentionally open yourself to inspiration, you’ll find it flowing naturally and effortlessly.
Liv and Jas ditched a traditional wedding and opted for an intimate Las Vegas elopement that they could do their own way. Even though it was just the two of them, the couple hired their close friend and Junebug photographer, Andra–the owner of Apollo Fotografie (where Liv also happens to work as a photographer–to follow them around the bustling city as they celebrated the start of their new life together. From the edgy fashion to the laid-back timeline, choosing to elope was the ideal choice for these lovebirds.
The day started with the pair getting ready together, where they slipped into two chic all-black ensembles. They then drove over to the famous Little White Wedding Chapel in a sleek white convertible to say their “I do’s.” Following the ceremony, the pair drove off in their dream car to a tattoo session to commemorate their big day and ended the day with dinner for just the two of them.
Choosing Vegas to sport their rock-and-roll fashion and exchange sweet, laid-back vows couldn’t have been more right of a choice for the newlyweds. It’s not often that we get to share our vendors’ very own weddings, so we couldn’t be more excited to share this one. Keep scrolling if you’re itching to ditch tradition and elope in an epic location, just the two of you.
The Couple:
Liv and Jas
The Wedding:
Las Vegas, United States
Memorable Phone Calls With Family + Cake Tastings
The most memorable moments for me were a sweet phone call with my dad the morning of our wedding, along with just the whole feeling while we were getting ready together–it didn’t feel real. Secondly, we had a break between tattoos and dinner at the restaurant, where we stripped down and just took a breath. We tasted our vegan wedding cake made by Fox and Fawn, and it was just us.
How Their Las Vegas Elopement Came to Be
Just days after Jas and I started seeing each other, I said that I would marry her tomorrow. We love to travel, and in July 2022, we started chatting about how easy it is to get to Zion National Park by way of Vegas. We began planning our trip to Under Canvas–said we would fly into Vegas, rent a car, and drive to Zion for a long weekend. Somewhere along planning our route, Jas teased, “We could just get married while we’re in Vegas.” That joke quickly became a reality as we started planning our intimate elopement. We both knew that we didn’t want a traditional wedding. I’m a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll, and she is most definitely a spritely free spirit.
Advice: Get a Planner and Make the Day About You
I run a wedding photography company, so if you’re asking for advice on planning a full-on wedding, it is to get a wedding planner! If you’re asking me, as someone who just got married, I would say ask yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing. Are you doing it for yourself or to please someone else? This is your day. It’s about your love and your marriage. The wedding should be secondary to what you feel like with your partner.
Cheers to Liv and Jas’ incredible Las Vegas elopement and the start of a new life together. We’re so glad Junebug member, Apollo Fotografie, was there to capture every beautiful moment. You can view more of their stunning work by visiting their profile in our directory of wedding vendors, featuring all of our highly-vetted wedding talents.
If these two have inspired you to plan your own unconventional wedding, you can start your planning by looking at these unique wedding venues we think are ideal for couples looking to forgo the traditional wedding route.
Hafeezah and Irshaad, with unwavering determination, transformed their wedding dream into a breathtaking reality over a span of two years. From the striking fashion choices to the meticulous attention to detail, their Casa Labia wedding was a floral-infused perfection from every angle. Starting with their chosen venue, the Casa Labia exuded a rich historical significance, setting the stage for their special day. Bursting with vibrant hues, their color palette brought electrifying energy to the atmosphere. The arrangements and decor were nothing short of show-stopping, capturing the attention of every guest. What’s even more remarkable is that they accomplished all this without the help of a wedding planner!
The couple decided to infuse their Nikkah—the traditional part of their wedding—with a touch of uniqueness. Instead of the usual mosque setting, they chose to have it in Hafeezah’s parents’ garden, turning the occasion into a truly enchanting experience. Nestled beneath two majestic 20-meter-high trees, Hafeezah’s father had created a cozy nook. Adorned with a beautifully crafted green carpet, they stood there surrounded by the soothing melodies of chirping birds. It was within this serene sanctuary that they exchanged their heartfelt vows, sealing their love and embarking on their journey of marriage.
Their marquee reception at the Casa Labia grounds surpassed all expectations, leaving guests in awe. The scene was adorned with lavish floral installations and shimmering crystal chandeliers, all nestled beneath a transparent tent that allowed the sky to be seen in all its glory. The tablescape exuded elegance, with exquisite blooms, flickering candles, and opulent gold settings. Every aspect of the wedding was thoughtfully planned—from the intricate details of the wedding dress and the brush stroke cake to the personalized illustrated tote bags and signs, showcasing the bride’s exceptional talent. It’s truly a sight to behold, and luckily, Misha Lee beautifully captured every element, so make sure to keep scrolling. Trust us when we say, you won’t want to miss out on this breathtaking celebration.
Our wedding venue, The Casa Labia, was one of the first things we decided on. It’s the former family home of one of Irshad’s best friends. The Casa Labia was built in the 1920s by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Comminetti, and its romantic lush-colored walls, the mixture of ornate chandeliers, and the collection of art and furniture with rich fabrics and intricate patterns led the way in keeping the overall look of the wedding rosy, luscious, and warm. We also wanted to ensure that our shared love of nature was central to the overall feel of the wedding.
Creating An Enchanting Floral Wonderland
To bring those flowers and mood lighting together, we found Mabel Flowers. We worked closely together, meeting often at the Casa Labia, to ensure we had the perfect mix of blush pinks, reds, and yellows. From that vision, sprang lots and lots of dahlias, peonies, orchids, and other flowers set in greens. It was gorgeous! Mabel also provided the table settings and chandeliers. My goodness, Mabel is a magician when it comes to creating an otherworldly vibe. Her bubbly personality and passion for flowers and aesthetics were the cherry on top.
A Magical And Unconventional Garden Nikkah And Vote Of Thanks To Honor All Their Guests
Our Nikkah, the traditional aspect of the wedding, took place in Hafeezah’s parents’ garden instead of a mosque, which is the usual setting. Honestly, it was the first Nikkah that both of us had ever attended outside of a mosque. It was a truly magical experience. The other special moment was the vote of thanks. Hafeezah and I decided to do a joint vote rather than the traditional groom only. We scripted something to honor all our guests and to thank those that had gone the extra mile. Some of it was cheesy, but it was really lovely and a great way to start our partnership together.
Advice For DIY Wedding Planning: Efficient Vendor Coordination
If you’re planning your wedding yourself, as we did, it’s essential to arrange a meeting with all your vendors beforehand, even if it’s just a Zoom call. This ensures that photographers, videographers, caterers, florists, and decorators all know each other. Wedding planners often prefer working with a select group of professionals who have already collaborated, but if your vendors haven’t worked together before, it’s important to create a sense of ease among them. One promise we made to each other was to handle the stress until the night before the wedding and simply go with the flow on the actual day. At some point, things are out of your hands, and that’s perfectly okay. Leave room for the unexpected, as it often adds to the magic of the day.
Overcoming Obstacles While Planning Their Casa Labia Wedding
Turning our wedding dreams into reality was a two-year endeavor. Throughout the planning process, we faced the challenge of being in different countries—Hafeezah was dedicated to her master’s studies, while Irshad managed two jobs. In September, Irshad embarked on his own master’s program and joined Hafeezah in South Africa at the end of November. Despite a few mishaps on the day itself, such as the seating plan going awry, successfully pulling off the wedding was a significant achievement. Planning this event marked our first major undertaking as a couple, which we believe holds true for many. Our goal was to set a tone for our relationship by infusing empathy, understanding, joy, and patience into every moment. Both of us willingly went the extra mile for each other, and it made a remarkable difference. Although there were moments of tension, we navigated them with grace and harmony.
Savvy Budget Management And Vendor Coordination
Initially, we had a budget in mind, but ultimately, the total cost ended up being around 1.5 times higher. It was a common warning we had heard from others, and unfortunately, it proved to be true. However, we consciously decided to indulge a bit more in select areas where we felt it was possible. To track our expenses effectively, we maintained a detailed and regularly updated Excel sheet, diligently recording quotes from various vendors. With our chosen wedding venue, it was our responsibility to gather most of the vendors ourselves. Negotiating with vendors to prioritize our “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” became a significant part of the process. It was essential to discuss the exact breakdown of all-inclusive packages, be transparent about our financial budget, and collaborate with the vendors.
The Bride Drew Inspiration From Her Parents Colorful Style
My style inspiration derives from my parents, combining my dad’s evolving taste with my mom’s eye for detail. When I tried on my mother’s wedding dress for fun, I instantly fell in love with it and decided to add my own touch by having it rebeaded with pink and green beads, reflecting a nature theme. The dress was sent to India for the beadwork and, after a detour in London, it was expertly assembled by a helpful uncle. I wanted my wedding to be a colorful celebration, and that’s exactly what it became—from the nikkah ceremony to the dress, flowers (orchids, dahlias, and peonies), venue, and cake, which resembled lush vines and flowers. It was a sumptuous and vibrant experience.
Showcasing The Bride’s Talent Through The Custom Illustrated Tote Bags And Signs
Hafeezah, an illustrator alongside her consulting work, wanted to infuse her artistic talent into our wedding to make it truly personal. She sketched a picture of the two of us, along with her uncle, who played a significant role in assembling her dress. Using this illustration, her uncle, a clothing designer and manufacturer, created calico cotton tote bags. We incorporated the same image on the menus, lending a cohesive and personalized feel to the entire event. We aimed to give out favors that were meaningful and relevant, and after hearing that millennials love tote bags from Haf’s dad, we decided to give personalized tote bags as our favors.
Congratulations are in order for Hafeezah and Irshaad on their unforgettable Casa Labia wedding. The culmination of their hard work and meticulous planning resulted in a truly unique and remarkable celebration. Every detail was carefully curated to perfection, reflecting their love and personality. And a special shout-out goes to the talented Misha Lee for skillfully capturing all the magical moments, allowing us to relive the joy and beauty of their wedding day.
One of the key takeaways from Hafeezah and Irshaad’s Casa Labia wedding is the importance of good communication with vendors. They built strong connections with their vendors from the beginning, expressing their vision and preferences openly. And if you’re embarking on your own wedding planning journey, check out our directory of the world’s best wedding vendors. It’s the perfect starting point for building your dream team and ensuring a truly remarkable celebration.
Image by May Iosotaluno. Keep reading on for wedding catering options
Location, decor, catering–there are many big decisions that go into bringing your dream wedding to life. For all the foodie couples, we’ve got you covered. From plated meals to food trucks, get ready to feast on endless wedding day catering options. We’re taking the stress out of planning by explaining all the info you need to know about wedding catering in one place.
Junebug Tip
Before choosing your caterer, you’ll need to have your venue booked and understand any limitations that they’ll have on the vendors you’ll be able to hire. If you’re unsure about how to find the perfect venue for your wedding, check out our venue guide. Then, come back and read through all of the options available to feed yourselves and your wedding guests.
How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost?
Before you figure out your catering, you may have a couple of questions–most importantly, how much it’s going to cost you. Of course, we can’t give you a straight answer because every wedding is different. However, According to The Knot, the average price in 2022 was $75 per person. However, you’ll find that it ranges from about $70-$80 depending on how many guests are attending.
Wedding Food Ideas
Once you’ve selected your venue, consider the type of meal you’d like to entertain your guests with. Keep these in mind on your catering journey to ensure that there’s no confusion between you, your wedding dream team, and your guests.
Plated Meals
If you’re looking for a formal, served meal, this option is for you. Plated meals typically include three courses: appetizer, entree, and dessert. Though this adds an intimate nature to your wedding, keep in mind this type of meal comes with extra planning and preparation—from formulating a seating chart to collecting guest’s food choices and dietary restrictions (typically from their RSVP). Then, you’ll need to communicate these to your caterer.
Passed Appetizers
Couples wanting a more relaxed reception—without sacrificing plentiful and delicious foods—should opt for a passed appetizer option. Typically passed appetizers are combined with the cocktail hour and include bite-sized snacks that are served by catering staff.
From charcuterie tables—also known as grazing tables—to sliders, hor d’oeuvres have become a popular wedding food option. This is a perfect meal selection for couples looking to combine food presentation and taste to enhance their reception. Usually set in a buffet style, guests can come and go as they please and have the choice of endless food options. This is sure to add a relaxed vibe to any wedding day without having to sacrifice mouth-watering foods.
Cake and Punch
A fun and budget-friendly catering option is a “cake and punch” reception. Instead of serving your guests a full sit-down meal, you jump right to wedding cake and drinks—we’re all for skipping straight to dessert. This is a perfect option for late-night weddings or short and sweet celebrations.
You’ve selected the meal style fit for your wedding vibe and theme, now it’s time to determine execution. There are catering styles fit for every couple and every wedding size. Whether you want a hands-on catering experience or to assemble a team of industry professionals to take the reins, you’re sure to find a catering style here that is perfect for you.
Venues With In-House Catering
If you’re searching for ways to simplify your wedding planning process, some venues offer in-house catering. This style of catering means the venue takes full reign of the catering duties from setup to tear down and everything in between. No extra time needed to coordinate between the caterer and the venue—it’s already done for you. Of course, you’ll still be able to work with the in-house catering team on the menu.
DIY Catering
With weddings getting smaller, more couples are opting to DIY major elements of their weddings—like decor and food. Maybe you love cooking and want to prep the meal yourselves, or maybe you just want to save a little money. Whatever the reasoning may be, do-it-yourself catering is always an option. By going with a DIY approach you’re able to directly control the flavor and outcome without having to sacrifice quality.
Hire a Caterer
Hiring a top-notch caterer is one of the easiest ways to reduce your stress. A professional caterer will take care of the procurement, planning, cooking, and cleanup. The caterer will also impact your reception experience by limiting your wedding day work. This way, you can be present and soak up all of the memories. Consider reaching out to your favorite restaurant as a fun way to show off local dining to your guests.
If you’re dreaming of a relaxed reception vibe with a variety of food options, food trucks are an ideal catering option. This can also be an easy way to appease many different dietary restrictions and preferences. Whether you’ve got vegans or gluten-free guests, there are trucks for everyone. This style of catering also adds fun to any styled reception, not to mention the endless food options that are offered on wheels nowadays.
If you love the idea of having a buffet dinner but still want to bring in one of your favorite food trucks, have it come in as a late-night snack. Your guests will appreciate the extra bite to eat when they’ve got a couple of drinks in them.
Cocktail Party Reception
A cocktail party reception means skipping the meal and instead indulging in a variety of hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Cocktail party food opens the door to creativity. This can mean an oversized charcuterie table or passed appetizers. This reception food option is perfect for couples looking to customize every part of their reception—from the food options to the decor—and for couples that want their reception bar to be the main event.
There is no better way to kick off your marriage than with a reception that is authentically you. From the wedding catering options to the reception drinks, every element should be a reflection of you, your partner, and your union. Now that you’ve figured out food, it’s time to think about drinks. Elevate your party with these reception bar ideas that are the epitome of picture-worthy.
What Was The Most Memorable Part Of Your Franciscan Gardens Wedding?
While we weren’t initially interested in having a first look, we both agree it was the most memorable part of the day. We decided to do the first look because it worked best with the day-of schedule, especially having to coordinate logistics around a morning ceremony, so we agreed because that was also our best time for our portrait session. But we underestimated how special the first look ended up being for both of us! Having that intimate private moment together was a great way to start our big day because once we saw each other- it was like the stress and anxiety leading up to our big day just melted away as soon as we saw each other! And the reveal went both ways because Ellen had not seen Drew in his custom lilac suit either!
What Part Of Your Wedding Are You Most Proud Of?
We are definitely proud of having a morning ceremony and brunch reception! With an espresso cart! And donuts! While our choices were not all conventional for a wedding, the day ended up feeling so “us,” and we were happy with our decisions. Brunch and coffee are definitely our things- more so than evening dancing or drinking. And while we got a small cake for tradition (and pictures) of us newlyweds cutting the cake- we were more excited about the donuts!
What Wedding Planning Advice Would You Give?
Get a wedding planner or at least a Day-Of Coordinator! Especially if you plan to DIY elements yourself, hand off other responsibilities to your planner, and work with them on your vision and expectations, otherwise, it can easily become too much for you. Not only did our planner, Rachelle, from Radiant Love Events, take over managing our wedding and the vendors, but she also played an important role in keeping our goals realistic to the timeline and budget, as well as helping Ellen not put too much on her plate! And while you can dream big… sometimes what you need to hear and bring you back down to earth- is a professional’s opinion. With the limited time we had the morning leading up to the wedding as well, it would have been impossible for us to handle setup or logistics ourselves, so Rachelle and her assistant were crucial and handled the whole day flawlessly! Having a planner take the reins, and manage our wedding day for us left us stress-free and able to enjoy the day, our guests, and most importantly- live in the moment!
Congratulations to lovebirds Ellen and Drew on their beautifully unique Franciscan Garden wedding. And a huge thank you to Junebug photographer Sunny Golden for capturing every detail that’ll have future couples feeling empowered to let go of those traditional wedding planning expectations.
This couple planned a celebration that authentically represented their love—starting with their color palette. The pastel decor effortlessly brought a free-spirited and whimsical feel to Ellen and Drew’s intimate garden celebration. And choosing your own wedding colors will ultimately set the tone for your big day as well. If you’re on the fence about which wedding colors best suit your vibe or season, check out our tips for choosing your wedding color palette.
Elopements have become the norm these days, and it doesn’t look like that’s going to change anytime soon. While many couples choose to elope with just the two of them, some opt to throw a post-elopement party to celebrate being newlyweds with friends and family. Whether it’s a grand affair full of food and dancing or a lowkey backyard brunch, there’s no better way to include your loved ones after saying “I do.”
What Is A Post Elopement Party
You may be wondering, “what is a post elopement party, exactly?” It may look different to everyone, but generally, it’s a way to celebrate tying the knot with those who could not attend the elopement. It’s an opportunity to tell your story of the day as well as share your photos and videos from the day.
The party can be as simple or as complex as you want, and there is no set timeline for the event. If you want to have it a day after your wedding, or you want to celebrate a year later on your anniversary, the choice is yours.
Much like an elopement, the choice to have a post elopement party is entirely up to you. There are a whole host of reasons to throw a party for your loved ones to attend. These are some of the most popular reasons couples decide to throw one of these parties:
You don’t want the stress or financial burden of a full-blown wedding or reception
Your adventure elopement was too difficult to attend for some
You’re not quite finished celebrating your love
Tips For Planning A Post Elopement Party
Whatever the reason, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when planning an elopement reception. Although they’re typically smaller than regular wedding receptions, there are a few tips that will make planning that much easier.
Rather than send out save-the-dates, consider sending out elopement announcements. If you announce that you already eloped by sending an elopement party invitation, your guests may feel excluded. Avoid hurting the feelings of your party guests by ensuring they find out from you instead of hearing it from someone else or seeing it online.
Although elopements are pretty popular these days, they’re still not nearly as popular as traditional weddings. Because of this, if your guests receive an elopement party invitation–especially without an elopement announcement–they may confuse it for a regular wedding invitation. You don’t want to offend anyone by having them assume they were only invited to the after-party.
On the invites, use language such as “You are invited to celebrate the marriage of…” or “We got married. Come celebrate with us!” This will clear up any uncertainty and set guest expectations before the party. You can also include a small message about when you eloped–though this isn’t necessary if you sent out elopement announcements. Lovebird redefines elegant wedding communication, making it easy to communicate with your guests, however you choose to celebrate.
If you’re looking to save money, combine your announcements and your party invites. Remember, just ensure that the language makes it clear that you already tied the knot and now is the time to party!
3. Pick A Date
Though this may seem like a small detail, choosing a date will help dictate how you announce the party and how soon you need to do so. For example, if you want to celebrate immediately after you elope, you’re going to want to send out invites in advance to make sure that your guests can attend.
If you want to wait a bit so that you’ll have photos, videos, and extra time to plan, you may feel a little less rushed. Just remember that there is no right or wrong length of time between the elopement and celebration–it’s entirely up to you.
4. Decide Where You Want To Host It
One of the best parts about hosting a post elopement party is that you can decide how big you want to make it. Because it isn’t a traditional wedding reception, there is no expectation of having a grand sit-down dinner (unless you want to).
You can have a casual backyard BBQ, an Airbnb fiesta, a garden party, or rent a room at your favorite restaurant for a family-style meal. No matter what you choose, having a post elopement party gives you the ultimate freedom when booking a venue.
Many couples stress when it comes to putting together a registry and receiving gifts after eloping. Rather than expect gifts and leave your guests in a predicament, you can include a note on your invites that says something along the lines of, “Gifts are not necessary. However, if you do feel so inclined to contribute to our future, here’s how.” This can include where you’ve registered or a note about cash donations.
Doing so will help you avoid questions about it down the line, plus you take the pressure off of the guests.
6. Consider Entertainment
Depending on the size of your party, you may want to consider entertainment options. Now, this doesn’t mean that you need to hire a DJ or live musician–but if you want to, go for it. This could be anything from including speeches, showing a video presentation from your elopement, reenacting your first dance, playing games, etc. You’re throwing a party, after all.
This may seem a little redundant since you’re already married. However, if you eloped because your family and friends couldn’t attend and you want to include them after the fact, why not have a second ceremony? This gives them the chance to recite poems or other readings, incorporate family traditions you may have missed out on, and more.
8. Wear What You Want
There’s no better excuse to don your wedding attire for a second time than an elopement party. If your celebration is going to be a bit more laid back and you don’t feel comfortable wearing your gown or suit a second time, you can opt for a more casual white dress or a simple button-up and slacks combination.
Post Elopement Party Ideas
Know that you want to have a party, but not sure just exactly what kind of party you want to throw? Consider one of the following ideas:
Traditional wedding-style reception
Backyard BBQ
Potluck
Brunch
Airbnb celebration
Glamping
Rent a private room in your favorite restaurant
Take a day trip to your favorite city
Now that you’re ready to plan your own post-elopement party, check out our elopement picnic tips to celebrate your love–just the two of you.
Image by Caitlin Steuben. Keep scrolling to see the best places to buy engagement rings online
Your engagement ring isn’t just another piece of jewelry to add to your collection. It’s a symbol of your love and commitment between you and your partner. And because it’s such a large investment, you want to make sure you do all the research before hitting that purchase button. But with an endless scroll of online jewelry retailers, it can quickly become an overwhelming task—cue the stress.
If you’re on the hunt for ethically sourced options that are sure to impress, check out our round-up of the best places to buy engagement rings online.
Best Places to Buy Engagement Rings Online
We’re breaking down the best places to buy engagement rings online, why we love them, and some of our favorite rings they offer.
Why we love them: Lifetime warranty, financing options, jewelry insurance, free engraving, and one year of free resizing on custom engagement rings—James Allen has it all. This is the perfect online shop for those wanting the in-store experience without having to leave their home. They offer a real-time inspection where you can video chat with diamond and jewelry experts 24/7, so you can feel confident during the purchasing process.
Why we love them: Brilliant Earth is working to create a more sustainable jewelry industry. Their primary focus is providing quality rings with diamonds and gemstones that are ethically sourced and selected based on their environmentally responsible manufacturing. Whether you choose one of their designs or create a custom design from scratch, you’ll end up with a beautiful piece that’ll feel good showing off.
Why we love them: GIA-grade diamonds, hand-crafted designs, and competitive pricing are just a few things that set Blue Nile apart. But this company continues to go above and beyond even after you hit purchase. For the first entire year, you can take advantage of their complimentary resizing on custom engagement rings. Plus, they provide insurance, which means you can show off your ring without worrying about those “oopsie” moments.
Looking for an engagement ring as unique as your love story? Get a 100-Day Return policy, free resizing, and discreet shipping all in one place with Clean Origin. What truly sets them apart? Their commitment to 100% lab-grown diamonds is chosen with ethics in mind.
Why we love them: Created for modern couples, VRAI is giving consumers an alternative to mined diamonds. With diamonds created in their zero-emission foundry and no middlemen, they have complete control over the sustainability and quality of every diamond sold on their website. This means each piece beautifully reflects the company’s values, the reason they so confidently offer a lifetime warranty to their customers.
Why we love them: You shouldn’t have to break the bank to get the engagement ring of your dreams. And Molly Jewelry US makes it easier than ever to get beautiful pieces of jewelry without costing you an arm and a leg. The small business started on Etsy and has since grown, now allowing thousands of couples to get the ring they’ve always wanted. From gorgeous gemstones to unique stones, there’s something for everyone.
Why we love them: Catbird is a woman-owned business offering unique engagement rings and wedding bands that are designed, crafted, and shipped from their New York studio. Not only do they try to minimize their carbon footprint using 95% recycled gold and diamonds. They also pride themselves on creating a smooth and supportive shopping experience. With access to their online concierge team, you’ll feel like you’re actually in the store. Plus, all wedding rings come with a lifetime guarantee.
Why we love them: Their products are ethically and responsibly sourced, they have a price-matching guarantee, and they have an upgrade program. We’re talking about Allurez. With customer service being a top priority, their goal is to create an easy shopping experience from start to finish. And with no middlemen—going straight from Allurez jewelers in New York to you—they’re able to offer competitive pricing and have full control of the jewelry quality.
Why we love them: KAY Jewelers is a household name that offers timeless and ethically sourced engagement rings that symbolize your love. But what makes them stand out? They have free returns and exchanges, an upgrade program, a price-matching guarantee, and free virtual consultations with expert jewelers every step of the way.
Why we love them: Jared offers a unique selection of engagement rings that make for a beautiful expression of your love. And being a certified member of the Responsible Jewelry Council, they’re committed to ethical sourcing. From the unique custom designs to the dedication to product integrity, their natural and lab-created diamond rings are sure to impress. Plus, they offer a lifetime guarantee.
Now that we’ve broken down the best places to buy engagement rings online, it’s time to build your dream band. And we’re here to remind you that’s there no one size fits all engagement ring. So if a traditional diamond isn’t calling your name, check out our favorite diamond alternatives to consider for an unlike-any-other representation of your love.
When you’re planning out your wedding decor, one of the last things that probably comes to mind is wedding signage. However, wedding signs are one of the first things your guests see when arriving, and although they may seem like a small detail, they play a key role in your wedding.
From welcoming guests to telling them where to set their gifts to introducing your signature drinks, signs can be used for almost everything–literally. If you’re unsure which ones you need to include and which ones you can skip, you’re in luck. Because we’re narrowing down which ones are must-haves and sharing some of our favorites so you can get inspired.
What Wedding Signs You Need
Welcome Signs
Welcome signs do exactly what they’re titled–welcome your guests! They help them know they are in the right place and will save your planner the trouble of having to reassure everyone that walks through the door that they are where they’re supposed to be. They typically include your name, the wedding date, and sometimes the venue.
Guest Book
Guest books serve as a scrapbook that you can look back on throughout the years. It’s important to have signs so that your guests can find your guest book and sign it. Wrangling hundreds of guests can be quite tricky, after all.
If you’re holding your wedding in a large space, you might want to consider a sign giving your guests directions. This is especially true if your ceremony and reception are in two different locations.
Bar Signs
Bar signs are extremely important if you’re going to have an open or cash bar. You want to let your guests know what drinks are available (ex. wine, liquor, beer, etc.). If you know you are going to be serving signature cocktails, signs are the best way to introduce the name of the cocktail as well as the ingredients as well.
Seating Chart
Seating charts are another extremely important addition to your wedding decor. You’ll want to let your guests know which table they are at, and who they will be sitting with.
Favors
Lastly, you will want a sign for your favors. You don’t want your guests to leave without their goodies. Placing a small sign next to your thank you gifts will help draw attention and let them know what you’re passing out.
Looking for custom neon lights for your big day? Manhattan Neons has you covered! You can pick your text, neon color, and even the font. It doesn’t get more personal than that.
We’re just scratching the surface with our signage! One of the easiest ways to dress up your wedding reception is to create a seating chart that is picture-worthy. From signs that include food and drink to themed signs all about music, travel, and books, we’re rounding up some of our favorite seating charts that we’ve come across to help keep you inspired. And, of course, don’t forget to check our wedding decor checklist to help you nail every detail.
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