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Trending Wedding Colors for 2023

January 6, 2023 | justine

Color plays such a crucial role in a wedding. It sets the tone and personality of your special day. Everything from the stationery and bridesmaid dresses to the flowers and wedding cake rely on your color palette. While some couples may already know what colors they want for their wedding before they’re even engaged, it might not be as easy of a choice for you. And if choosing your wedding colors feels overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to help reduce stress and give you some inspiration.

This past year, more newlyweds embraced the idea of color, especially pastels. And we expect this trend to continue into the new year. Only this time, it will be brighter and bolder. To give you a starting point for your own colors and fresh ideas to pin to your mood board, we’ve rounded up all the trending wedding colors for 2023. 

Pantone 18-1750 Viva Magenta

It’s official: 2023 is the year of the magenta. A vibrant and punchy fuchsia-meets-red shade, Pantone’s color of the year is an unconventional shade for an unconventional time. Described as brave and fearless, Viva Magenta represents the overwhelming emotions you feel when you’re about to marry your soulmate and start a new life together. To showcase the full range of this sultry and romantic color, pair it with a variety of complementary hues together, from deep burgundy and berry to fuchsia and hot pink. 

Coral

Not only is this a gorgeous color that exudes feel-good vibes, but it’s also a bold color that just pops in photos. This hue is perfect for any season, and is very versatile. Consider pairing it with yellows and pinks for an overall bright look. Or combine it with greens and blues for a color contrast made in heaven.

Canary Yellow

The popularity of this shade continues to be on the rise. If happiness were a color, it’d be this sunny hue. Canary yellow is a crisp and radiant color that brings a cheery and airy feel to your celebration. While you can go all out with this sweet shade, you can also make a statement when used in more understated ways.

Images by Amber Vickery

Lavender

Representing elegance and beauty, we’re forecasting lavender as a key color for 2023. A calming yet joyous color, you can create a stunning impact with wow-worthy arrangements or by incorporating this romantic hue in the finer details.

Cobalt Blue

A classic that will never go out of style, you can use cobalt blue in many different ways as a twist on your “something blue.” This color is often styled with coral, tangerine, or blush blooms. To add a unique flair to your celebration, you can layer delftware or chinoiserie prints for a regal and polished look. 

Images by Molly McManus

Greens

Green can be a color palette in itself and is stunning year-round, depending on how you style it. From greenery installations and arrangements to decor accents, try mixing shades of greens in different textures to add depth and drama to any space or tablescape. Or bring greens to your stationery, from save-the-dates to place cards.

 

Images by Silvia Falcomer

Your color scheme essentially dictates how you and your guests will experience the big day. So it’s important to stay true to yourself throughout the entire wedding planning process, including when it’s time to choose your color palette. Keep that in mind, along with this list of trending wedding colors when curating your wedding design details. Make it your own with personal touches and unexpected elements to create an unforgettable celebration. The sky’s the limit when there are all the possibilities in the rainbow!

Image by Lit Photography

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Wild And Colorful Week Long Villa Spadaforte Wedding

December 22, 2022 | justine

Lulu and Laurens main goal during their wedding planning journey was to bring together their loved ones from all over the world so they could get to know one another better. And what better way to do that than in the Tuscan countryside surrounded by rolling hills and olive trees? With the help of their talented team of vendors, they pulled off a Villa Spadaforte wedding that was everything they’d envisioned and more. From the whimsical florals and enchanting decor down to the carefree vibe and action-packed weeklong itinerary.

For the ceremony, they chose a clearing in the woods and marked the altar with a vintage rug and gorgeous ground arrangements. It was then followed by a magical reception among the trees. It was a sight to behold as guests dined on a long table filled with lush florals and fruit, gold accents, and candles set under a canopy of string lights.

Right from the start, the pair knew they wanted to ditch tradition and inject meaningful additions to achieve a wedding that was truly them. The personal touches and the picturesque surroundings made their woodland affair spectacular, heartfelt, and unique. To see every gorgeous detail and memorable moment of this personality-packed celebration, keep scrolling through these gorgeous images captured by Junebug member Studio Fotografico Bacci.

The Couple:

Lulu and Laurens

The Wedding:

Villa Spadaforte, Tuscany, Italy

An Action Packed Week Long Villa Spadaforte Wedding

Villa Spadaforte is a newly renovated villa tucked away in the Tuscan countryside. Its classic Tuscan facade is juxtaposed against flawless landscaping, a beautiful turquoise pool, and a robot lawnmower with an unkempt forest on one side. We rented two villas in Tuscany for ten days—one for family and one for friends, and crossed our fingers and hoped that fate would take care of the rest. We considered that traveling to Tuscany just for a weekend wedding was a big ask for all of our friends and family. So we planned a week-long extravaganza including our baby’s first birthday party, an epic neon costume party, drag queen performances, wine tours, castle dinners, the Palio di Siena practice race, pool parties, rehearsal dinners, and finally, the wedding. 

Creating An Original Ceremony To Include All Their Loved Ones

We tried to find a way for all our family and friends to be part of the ceremony. Because of them, we exist, and they should be part of the celebration, not mere bystanders. We chose “Geronimo” by Sheppard as a relatable song that was easy enough to learn, dance to, and sing along. It also gave me goosebumps whenever I thought about dancing down the aisle. Everyone gathered in a standing semi-circle around Laurens, closing the entrance to the aisle. My uncle began the song, and everyone sang during the chorus. At a certain point in the music, the circle would open just a bit to let in a few wedding party members and close around them in a joyous embrace of song and dance. I waited outside the circle between my parents and danced towards my future husband. Our good friend Ross led the ceremony with laughter, sincerity, and inside jokes that only someone who truly “gets you” as a couple could make. After our vows and being pronounced man and wife, we slow danced to a song my uncle wrote for us. Except he mixed up my name with Laurens’ daughter’s name. So it was awkwardly romantic and hilarious at the same time. It was truly original and totally us.

The Inspiration Behind Their Villa Spadaforte Wedding

We never came up with a theme for our wedding. We just went with what felt right. But looking back, I think our theme would be “wild and colorful”. We wanted the flowers to look like they had been freshly picked from grandma’s garden. Big, messy, thorny, colorful, and raw with bold colors of violet, light blue, grapefruit and tangerine alongside blush, cream and gold undertones. Our florist was absolutely incredible. The only reason we had a florist in the first place was because of our planners. They started helping us plan our week-long wedding festivities three years in advance and facilitated the setup and breakdown of most of the events.

Making DIY Place Cards To Save On Wedding Costs

I wanted to save some money by making the place cards for the wedding dinner. So I designed them on Canva and then had them printed and delivered to us ahead of time. I then ordered some stamps and golden wax online. We picked some flowers from grandma’s garden months earlier and dried them. Then I had our daughter Lolah, and her childhood friend Valentina put the place cards together the day before the wedding. She adhered the dried flowers with the golden wax, and it looked absolutely amazing.

Advice From The Newlyweds

The most memorable part of the day was watching the sunrise over the Tuscan horizon with the last stragglers of the night. We sat around talking about life, parenting, and how tired we were from such a crazy week. So many experiences, so much love, and so many new friendships. As the sun rose that morning over the olive groves, I realized that we had done everything we set out to do, and now we could just sit back and relax. Our advice: plan your wedding around activities and things that fill you as a couple with joy and laughter. It’s easy to copy and paste traditions of the past, but it’s much more exciting to design your own.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Studio Fotografico Bacci
Ceremony Venue – Villa Spadaforte

 

Congratulations to Lulu and Laurens on their wild and colorful week-long Villa Spadaforte wedding. And a big thank you to Junebug member Studio Fotografico Bacci for capturing all the spectacular moments and beautiful details. To see more gorgeous celebrations like this, check out their profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers.

Your wedding should represent who you are as a couple—much like Lulu and Laurens.  Whether it’s through the venue, decor, or itinerary—the most memorable weddings are packed with creativity, personality, and authentic details that tell a story. To get started, check out our guide and this round-up of ideas and get your creative juices flowing.

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Relaxed English Backyard Wedding Complete With Disco Balls

November 14, 2022 | justine

There’s something so special about exchanging heartfelt vows in a setting where so many special memories have been made. After getting engaged at the bride’s childhood home,  Hannah and Lindsay knew that there was no other perfect spot to tie the knot than the place that holds significant meaning to both of them. With stunning views of the countryside, romantic garden florals, and a few disco balls thrown in for fun, their relaxed English backyard wedding was everything they dreamed of and more!

For their marquee ceremony, the couple kept the decor simple, letting the picturesque scenery and their love be the highlight of the day. After their sweet “I dos,”  they moved to the Raveningham Barn down the road for an intimate reception. With the help of their trusted vendor team, they pulled off the aesthetic they envisioned using long farmhouse tables filled with romantic garden blooms and greenery, vintage crockery, and gold cutlery. And finally, mirror balls, fairy lights, and soft draping tied the look together and added a whimsical feel to the space.

Wanting to make their big day extra special, the pair’s loved ones helped with some of the DIY wedding details—from the place cards to the guest book. Everything came together so beautifully, and thankfully, Georgia Rachael Photography was there to capture it all. Planning to get married at home? There’s nothing sweeter than hosting a wedding at a spot that holds a special place in both your hearts. Keep scrolling for backyard wedding ideas that will spark inspiration to help you plan the most memorable celebration.

The Couple:

Hannah and Lindsay

The Wedding:

Norwich, United Kingdom

How Their English Backyard Wedding Came To Be

We chose to have the ceremony in the garden of Hannah’s childhood home, where we also got engaged in January 2020. We had canapes, Pimms, and beer served in the garden from our family pub, The Tipsy Cow. The evening reception was held at Raveningham Barn down the road. We chose the barn as it is such a beautiful and intimate setting, as well as a blank canvas that we could work with. Our wedding was so much more beautiful than we ever imagined in every way possible. We were going for an intimate, relaxed English garden style with blush pinks, daisies, gold, and a hint of terracotta, plus a few disco balls thrown in for fun. Our dress code was “black tie/get dressed up to the nines.” Even though it was summer, we loved it. It just looked so lovely having everyone dressed up, and it translated so well in the photos and video.

Doing A First Touch Instead Of A First Look

We didn’t exchange gifts, but we did a “first touch,” which sounds funny. It’s like a first look, but we didn’t see each other. We stood back to back and held hands. We read each other a personal letter. This was such a special moment for us both to have with each other before the ceremony.

Personalizing Their Ceremony With A Ring Warming Ritual

We chose a celebrant wedding to have a more intimate and personal ceremony. Our lovely celebrant India FaceTimed us and provided us with a couple’s questionnaire and individual ones, plus a face-to-face meeting. India felt like an old friend by the end. She helped with many suggestions, one being a “ring warming.” Our wedding bands were tied on a ribbon and passed around to every guest. Each guest got time to say a prayer, blessing, or good thought over the rings. So the rings were “warmed” with love before we gave them to each other. We also had Hannah’s wonderful friend Amber read the poem “You are the Bubbles” by Rachel Bright.

DIY Details Were A Collective Effort From Loved Ones

We created the terracotta place cards with the help of family and friends. Hannah’s brother Douglas created the design of the table plan. Our sister-in-law Katya and friends Jodie and Esther helped create glass guest books. Our friends and family really were a blessing to us in preparation for our wedding. 

Advice From The Newlyweds

Our number one piece of advice is to 100% only invite people you genuinely want there—not who your parents want or everyone and anyone’s plus ones. We had fifty-five guests, and it was perfect. Secondly, create a mood board. This helped us see the vision and style of our wedding and how it would all come together. Thirdly, the small, thoughtful details make the day special but don’t get caught up in them. Remember, everyone is there to celebrate you and this new chapter of your lives as a couple. Fourth, use Google spreadsheets for all your vendors to keep track of spending and pay everyone on time. Fifth, have your wedding cake as dessert. This saved us money and avoided waste. Plus our cake was incredible. Sixth, Have an unplugged ceremony. And finally, enjoy it—the planning and the day. Give your phone to a friend and be in the moment as the day goes so quickly. 

Hiring A Coordinator Made For A Stress-Free Wedding Day

One of the most important things for us when planning our wedding is that we wanted a stress-free day that flowed as seamlessly as possible. For this, we sourced Emily Andrew Events for day-of coordination. They provided much-needed support before the wedding. No question went unanswered, and they were fantastic on the day. Highly recommend it if you are having a marquee/garden wedding or one not at a traditional wedding venue.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Georgia Rachael Photography
Event Planning – Emily Andrew Events
Reception Venue – Raveningham Barn
Floral Design – Floral Sistas
Catering – North Norfolk Catering
Cake – Dust with Cocoa
Officiant – India Bel Ceremonies
Live Music – The Joe Ringer Band
Videography – Browns Films
Invitation Design – Gable and Gain
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Boho Beauty Box
Wedding Dress – Hera Couture via Homestead road Bridal
Bridal Accessories – Loeffler Randall
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Coast
Groom’s + Groomsmen’s Apparel – MJ Bale Australia
Groomsmen’s Accessories – Assefs Moree + Kullillaart
Bunting + Lights – Boomting Bunting
Rentals – Events Under Canvas, Array Wedding and Event Hire + The Banqueting Hire

 

Congratulations to Hannah and Lindsay on their relaxed English backyard wedding. And a big thank you to Georgia Rachael Photography for capturing all the beautiful moments and stunning details they can look back on and cherish for the rest of their lives.

A backyard wedding is a sweet, sentimental, and truly one-of-a-kind way to tie the knot. But keep in mind that it still involves a fair amount of logistics to pull off, so use your team of pros for their expertise to ensure your celebration is stress-free and one for the books!

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13 Wedding Reception Chairs For Your Big Day

October 14, 2022 | kailey
wedding reception chairs

Image by Lara Onac

Take a seat—we’re talking about wedding reception essentials. During the wedding planning process, it’s easy to get lost in prepping the fun details like florals, fashion, and even cake tasting—yum! But, it’s important not to forget about the not-so-fun details like chairs. And newsflash, your chair choices matter. While we understand hunting down reception chairs might not be the most exciting decor element, it does play an oh-so-important role in your overall wedding design and aesthetic.

If you’ve been on the search for seating options that are both comfortable and stylish, consider one of these unique chair options to dress up your reception space.

Wedding Reception Chair Options

1. Marais Chairs

Tabouret chairs are an easy way to create a modern style on your wedding day. They pair perfectly with an industrial venue like a warehouse or urban space while providing a nice sense of contrast in a more natural setting like a farm or garden.

2. Wishbone Chairs

Sometimes simplicity is oh-so-much more. And this rings true for Wishbone chairs that are simple but in the most elegant way. On top of their sleek, minimalistic design they’re also incredibly comfortable and supportive which means you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style.

3. Bamboo Folding Chairs

Bamboo folding chairs may not be as versatile as other seating options on this list, but they serve an especially stylish purpose. If you’re having a tropical-inspired wedding or your style is influenced by Asiatic design, you’ll find that bamboo folding chairs flawlessly complete your look.

Image by Meraki Weddings.

4. Ghost Chairs

Even though they’ve been trending for a few years, we still find ghost chairs in weddings novel and exciting. Modern, elegant, and unexpected, these clear chairs lend themselves to most wedding styles as they serve as a blank (literally) slate. Pair them with a stark black-and-white combo or a colorful palette depending on your wedding style.

5. Cross-Back Chairs

Being such a popular reception chair choice, odds are you’ve seen this style many times before. This is because of the wide range of cross-back styles you can choose from. We’ve seen them used in rustic weddings, casual backyard celebrations, and even elegant garden receptions—this style is truly fit for any themed celebration.

6. Peacock Wedding Reception Chairs

Peacock chairs are a bit of a reception bonus for the wedding couple. While you wouldn’t likely use rows of peacock chairs in your reception, they do make for a great sweetheart table seating option. They make for a stylish accent and help draw attention to the couple of the hour.

7. Cane Back Chairs

Cane back chairs are dainty and whimsical, fit for those elegant greenhouse and garden celebrations. Usually a neutral color, these chairs are a simple, yet show-stopping addition to any reception without overpowering the space. They are the right choice for couples wanting a romantic aesthetic where eyes are drawn to the tablescapes.

Image by Lara Onac

8. Wooden Banquet-Style Benches

When we think of summer and outdoor weddings we immediately picture wooden benches. This is a popular seating choice for ceremonies, but incredibly underrated for receptions. Benches create an intimate, inclusive seating vibe while also potentially saving money. Cut costs by repurposing your ceremony benches and using them as your reception seating.

9. Chiavari Chairs

When we think of fine dining, Chiavari chairs immediately pop into our minds. Their dainty, bamboo-like design comes in wood and metal options, both bringing a different feel to a reception space. And no matter which finishes you decide on, this high-quality chair option is sure to add elegance to any affair.

10. Velvet Chairs

Velvet is having a moment in the wedding world with fashion, table decor, and even seating. And incorporating velvet into your wedding design is sure to give your wedding an extra unique touch all year long. We recommend using lighter color fabrics for spring and summer celebrations, and darker hues for fall and winter celebrations.

11. Folded Chairs

Laid-back couples planning a casual celebration will be drawn to folded chairs. This style is perfect for backyard weddings, DIY celebrations, and really any outdoor event. Being such a simple style, they can be beautifully paired with a variety of different color palettes and themes.

12. Bentwood Wedding Reception Chairs

13. Slotted Chair

Image by Saje Photog.

After picking out your tables and chairs, the foundation of your reception space is complete. Now it’s time for the fun planning to begin, decor. We’re talking about everything from place cards to table numbers, and even flora arrangements. And with so many decor elements needed to transform your reception space, it can be hard to remember them all. Before searching Amazon, start by going through our wedding decor checklist that’ll make sure you nail every detail.

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Quirky And Vintage-Inspired Salvage One Wedding

September 19, 2022 | justine

After an incredibly thoughtful and romantic proposal, Danny and Marco tied the knot in an intimate gathering. Intending to go all out on their follow-up celebration, it would be an understatement to say that their big day was an absolute blast! From the old brick warehouse venue and eclectic vintage decor to the now viral Lizzie Mcguire-inspired vows—their Salvage One wedding was truly what dreams are made of

The two grooms were very intentional with what they included in their celebration. Kicking off the ceremony on a high note, their “beverage bearers” passed out jello shots with “It’s Raining Men” playing in the background. The same lively vibe carried over to the reception that followed. It started with an Easter egg hunt and the chicken dance, and ended with an epic drag queen performance.

From the hilarious polaroid place cards to the late-night nachos (a nod to their first date), the pair filled their day with fun and personalized touches that reflected their journey together. And they pulled it off spectacularly. If you love the idea of weaving your love story into meaningful moments and wedding details, keep reading and scrolling. You’re not going to want to miss these photos by Ann & Kam Photography.

The Couple:

Danny and Marco

The Wedding:

Salvage One, Hubbard St, Chicago, Illinois

Ann & Kam Photography’s  Insights On This Salvage One Wedding

Danny and Marco have been on the same wavelength since the start of their relationship. When Marco offered hockey tickets for one of their first dates, Danny replied jokingly, “I’ll go, but only for the nachos.” Naturally, Marco took matters into his own hands and picked his date up with matching shirts that boasted, “I’m just here for the nachos.” That’s when the two knew that they were the perfect pair. Since they had already tied the knot at an intimate gathering, they focused their efforts this time on creating a high-energy and fun celebration for loved ones who weren’t there the first time. Their second wedding celebration meant lots of laughter, fun energy, and all the nachos you could eat. From the vintage decor and polaroid theme to the embarrassing photo place cards and the Passover celebration Easter egg hunt—every aspect was handcrafted and planned for the ultimate pizzazz. Their vows received national attention from media sources like People Magazine, even eventually connecting the pair with celebrity Hilary Duff after she was mentioned in their viral vow video.

Recommended Reading: 9 Ways to Personalize Your Wedding Ceremony

Personalizing Their Ceremony With Humor And A Now Viral Lizzie Mcguire-Inspired Vows

The ceremony was a non-stop love-and-laugh-fest. Danny’s Aunt Ali officiated and brought so much joy and laughter through comedic timing and heartfelt memories. Each of our vows was special and reflected our relationship. Of course, Marco’s is extra special now that his part went viral with the theme of Hilary Duff! It’s now even more exciting since it helped us connect with Hilary Duff and get a few mentions, including People, Insider, The Knot, and more. 

Recommended Reading: 6 LGBTQ+ Wedding Fashion Tips

Making Their Guests Feel Extra Special By Including Them In Fun Wedding Details

We asked everyone to “BYOB” or “bring your own brooch”—a reference to Marco’s signature fashion statement. Everyone brought heirlooms, made their own brooches, or showed off a new accessory. It helped connect each other, and many talked about wanting to wear them after the wedding. Everyone had a lot of fun laughing at the place cards, which we designed to look like polaroids, and picked the most embarrassing photos of our guests. 

They DIY’d Almost Every Detail Of Their Salvage One Wedding

Almost every detail was DIY’d. For the ceremony, we designed the programs and made the jello shots that were passed around. For the reception, we handpicked the most embarrassing photos of our friends and family and made them into polaroid place cards. We also designed all the signage, including the polaroids of us drinking cocktails, and made the name labels for the fans and egg inserts. Marco sells antiques at Eye Spy Antiques, so we used some merchandise for our tables and some of our own. Lastly, we made a custom golden fan for whoever found the golden matzoh as per Passover tradition.  

Shop Similar Custom Fans: 1. Custom Clacker Fan 2. Custom Text Hand Fan 3. Custom Full Color Fan

Honoring The Memory Of Danny’s Mom Through A Heartfelt Speech And A Glitter Toast

Marco gave a beautiful speech recognizing Danny’s mom–who passed away six years ago–ending in the glitter toast where everyone sprinkled glitter on the table. We had everyone continue her tradition of adding glitter to tables, including packs of custom glitter with all the name tags.

Recommended Reading: How To Plan A Unique Wedding

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Ann & Kam Photography
Event Planning – A Fresh Event
Venue – Salvage One
Floral Design – Elena’s Garden
Catering – Catering by Michaels
Cake – Alliance Bakery
Drag Queens – Alexis Bevels + Darby Lynn Cartwright
Live Music – Chicago Catz
Invitation Design – Steracle Press
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Bianca Sansosti Artistry
Grooms’ Apparel – Adrian Park Custom Suits
Antique Centerpieces – Eye Spy Antiques
Phone Booth – After the Tone
Transportation – Signature Transportation
Valet – VIP Valet

 

Congratulations to Danny and Marco on their quirky and vintage-inspired Salvage One wedding. And big thanks to Ann & Kam Photography for capturing every detail of their personality-filled celebration—the perfect embodiment of their fun and fabulous vibe.

Adding personal touches are essential to creating a unique and memorable wedding experience. So make your big day all about you and your partner down to the last detail. Whether you want an over-the-top affair or prefer to keep it low-key, check out our guide to help you put a personal stamp on your wedding day.

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Elegantly Modern Basilica Hudson Wedding

August 29, 2022 | justine

A historic reclaimed factory venue decked out with minimalist details and as many candles as possible—Keri and Ben’s Basilica Hudson wedding combined industrial style with ultra-romantic vibes. The pair took their big day as an opportunity to beautifully bend traditions so they could show off their personalities in fun and creative ways.

Using ghost chairs, petals to line the aisle, and draped fabric to soften the warehouse aesthetic, the couple exchanged vows at the ceremony space of the Basilica Hudson, surrounded by their loved ones. For the reception at the main hall, string lights, crystal chandeliers, and disco balls hung above the dance floor, while a lounge, complete with a neon sign, served as the focal point. The tables were kept simple yet dramatic, with an abundance of white taper candles on glass holders. 

And in a fun and epic turn of events, everyone’s spirits were kept high with a parade of pizza, sparklers, and large face cutouts of the couple! We’re absolutely feeling the energy and love from these two. Want to see more? Scroll through these incredible images captured by Nicole Nero

The Couple:

Keri and Ben

The Wedding:

Basilica Hudson, New York, United States

Personalizing Their Ceremony By Having Their Best Friends Officiate And Getting Relationship Advice

One of our best friends officiated our ceremony, which was super important to us. We let her write a portion of the ceremony, and I wrote the rest with help from our wedding planner.  A few married couples we admire were asked to send us a few sentences on what marriage means to them and any marriage advice. I took those responses and turned them into a reading that was super meaningful to us.

Why A Basilica Hudson Wedding

We wanted a blank canvas and not feel like we were going through a wedding factory. Having a large guest count and only a few states where we wanted to get married, the list of venues was narrowed down quickly just by those parameters. Plus, our venue didn’t have a curfew.

Having A Bit Of Fun With Their Seating Chart By Using Backstage Pass Lanyards

We are most proud of the small details we put into our wedding that made our day as seamless as possible and showed our personalities. For example, I am really into going to rock concerts, so we made “backstage passes” on a lanyard that guests picked up at a “Will Call” table instead of traditional place cards. Some guests wore theirs all night. I loved these small opportunities to be fun and creative when we might have otherwise just gone through the motions of what we’ve seen at other weddings.

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Advice From The Newlyweds: Let Go Of Expectations

We learned so much in planning our wedding, and we try to share that knowledge with anyone who asks. But the best thing we learned and stuck to throughout the process is to throw everything you know about weddings out the window. Plan a party that you and your partner want. Wedding planning can be so emotionally draining and is hard work. If you let other people’s opinions dedicate your decision-making, you’ll end up frustrated planning for something you don’t necessarily want.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Nicole Nero
Event Planning – Venture North Events
Ceremony + Reception Venue – Basilica Hudson
Catering – Hudson Valley BBQ
Videography – Glass Planet Videography
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Julie Occhino Luxury Beauty
Wedding Dress – Pronovias
Bridal Accessories + Rings – Rebecca Walls Jewelry
Groom’s Apparel – Imparali
Rentals – Columbia Tent Rentals

 

Congratulations to Keri and Ben’s elegantly modern Basilica Hudson wedding. And big thanks to photographer Nicole Nero for beautifully capturing all the stunning details that other wedding planning couples can use as inspiration.

Warehouse venues like this one are great for couples who want a blank canvas they can bring to life with their unique style. Whether you prefer a space with an edgy vibe or a historic location with stunning architectural details, check out our guide to finding the perfect venue that can be transformed to reflect your and your partner’s personality completely. 

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Brightly Colored Core Clapton Wedding

August 26, 2022 | justine

A blank canvas venue with historic period features, a vibrant color palette, and eclectic retro accents—Kate and Ryan’s Core Clapton wedding was the perfect combination of whimsical romance and quirky charm. From their invitations all the way down to their florals, the pair wanted a bright and colorful aesthetic. And with a talented team of vendors by their side, they pulled it off. 

With dark mahogany interiors, elegant marble, and one of Europe’s largest working mirror balls—the couple’s Stoke Newington Town Hall ceremony, albeit quick, was nothing short of spectacular. After saying their “I dos”, guests greeted the newlyweds with colorful confetti while a red double-decker bus was waiting to take them to their Core Clapton reception.

Picture this: a tablescape featuring spring blooms in beer cans, colorful taper candles in DIY gold holders, and a metallic foil fringe backdrop complete with a neon sign. Their reception decor definitely popped against the Edwardian Hall’s all-white interior. And to top it all off, a naked cake adorned with mini disco balls was a delicious highlight of the party. 

The couple went the extra mile to ensure that their big day was a stunning, fun-filled affair and everyone had an absolute blast! And thanks to The Shannons, every moment and detail was captured brilliantly.

The Couple:

Kate and Ryan

The Wedding:

Stone Newington Town Hall, United Kingdom

How Their Core Clapton Wedding Came To Be

We wanted our wedding to be colorful and bright. We only looked at a few venues, but Core Clapton was such a good space and the perfect blank canvas, which is precisely what we wanted to showcase our vibrant theme without too many distractions against the decor of the venue.

Personalizing Their Town Hall Ceremony With An Aisle Reveal, Bright Florals, And A Colorful Confetti Exit

As it was a classic London registry office ceremony, there wasn’t much opportunity to personalize, but it still felt really special. Seeing each other at the end of the aisle before getting married, we spent the night apart, meeting at the end of the aisle all that more special and nerve-wracking. It was a short ceremony, I think it lasted about 20 minutes once everyone had left the building, but we had a nice floral arrangement to try and pull the theme together. Walking out of the ceremony was also a key moment, and seeing everyone waiting with the colorful confetti we had definitely overbought did create one of our favorite photos.

Advice From The Newlyweds: Trust Your Wedding Vendor Team

Many of our guests came up to us saying how it looked like we’d created a brand, and we have to thank Naomi of WeDesign for the overall theme.  But to be honest, the whole day was just perfect. Our advice for nearlyweds is to have faith that all of your ideas will pay off when you work with your vendor team. Even if they aren’t perfect on the day, it won’t matter because you’re having the best time with all your favorite people

Fun Wedding Favors That Double As Place Cards

We did a multi-use favor, so we had little envelopes as guest place cards, which had a scratch card and a penny inside. We didn’t have as many winners as we were hoping though.

They Used DIY Decor To Give Their Core Clapton Wedding A Personalized Touch

We felt if we wanted true personalization, we’d have to DIY. My parents were vital for this. My Dad built contraptions to create concrete candle holders, which we painted gold. We also made the foil backdrop, which created a great backdrop for the room and the photos. One of our favorite beer companies also provided empty beer cans, which we then used as vases for the flowers.

Their Wedding Photographer Matched Their Vibe

We couldn’t recommend The Shannons enough. They made us feel so comfortable and were very discreet. Our wedding was in spring in the UK. Rain was potentially going to happen so we planned around that, but we were lucky on the day. We even got some beautiful shots of the pink spring blossom with our red double-decker bus, matching the color scheme perfectly. We knew they’d suit our chilled London wedding well on our initial meeting, and they sure made it look pretty incredible.

The Wedding Team:
Photography – The Shannons
Ceremony Venue – Stoke Newington Town Hall
Reception Venue – Core Clapton
Floral Design – Rebel Rebel
Catering – Kitchen Party
DJ – Eddie 
Invitation Design – WeDesign
Makeup Artist – Jaz Crush
Wedding Dress – Heart a Flutter – Ceriti Design
Bride’s Party Apparel – Nola London
Groom’s Apparel – Casual Fitters
Rings – Mike Van Buskirk Jewellery

 

Congratulations to Kate and Ryan on their brightly colored Core Clapton wedding. And big thanks to The Shannons for capturing all the unique details that wedding planning couples will want to save and share with their wedding vendors. 

From choosing a venue and color palette to developing a mood board, it’s important to ensure that every element of your big day flows seamlessly from the beginning. But where to begin? We’ve got you covered with our ultimate wedding planning checklist. Above all else, remember to make sure your big day fits who you and your partner are and try to have some fun!

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The Top Websites To Buy Your Wedding Invitations Online

August 4, 2022 | kailey
wedding invitations online

Image by Elle Kendall Photography. Keep scrolling to see the best places to buy wedding invitations online

After picking your dream venue, finalizing a wedding date, and deciding on a budget, it’s time for wedding invitations. And with only one chance to make a good first impression, you’ll want to make it count. Wedding invites are the first thing your guests see, and it’s their job to relay important info and get them excited for your big day. 

With that in mind, choosing where to purchase your stationery suite can quickly become overwhelming. But with this round-up, you can say goodbye to that stressful shopping experience. Here are the top places to purchase wedding invitations online from the comfort of your couch. 

What You Should Include On Your Wedding Invitations 

Designing your wedding invitations is the fun part. But, before jumping in, it’s important to know exactly what you should include. With limited space available, these are the details that should be prioritized: 

  • You and your significant other’s first and last names 
  • Date and time of your wedding ceremony and reception
  • Ceremony and reception locations 
  • Dress code 
  • Returnable RSVP card 
  • If you’ve chosen to have a wedding website, you can also include the URL 

Where To Purchase Your Wedding Invitations

1. Zola 

Zola really has everything you need when it comes time to plan a wedding–invitations included. There are thousands of designs, all fit for a different wedding and style, meaning you’re sure to find something you love. They also make it super easy to personalize each invitation, with options to change colors and foil types. And the best part? You can also get matching programs, menus, place cards, and thank you notes so your aesthetic remains constant throughout the entire wedding.

2. Etsy 

Etsy is one of our favorite places to shop for all things wedding-related, invitations included. With a variety of stationary sellers, there’s truly something for every couple and every wedding theme. Being independent designers, you’re not only supporting small shops, but it also gives you the ability to work closely with artists. This means you can customize your invitations in a way a larger company might now be able to. 

  1. Wedding Invitation Terracotta Ivory ($10.90); 2. Custom Wedding Invitation Suite ($1.29); 3. Elegant Wedding Invitation Set ($11.99); 4. Watercolor Venue Tri Fold Invitation ($188)

For more stunningly simple Etsy invitations, click here for the ultimate round-up. 

3. Minted

Minted is one of the top names in wedding invitations. And with thousands of beautiful designs by talented artists, you can imagine why. You’ll find designs in just about every style, color, shape, and orientation—inclusive to all wedding styles and budgets. Plus, they offer special features like a free matching wedding website and a free sample kit so you can see and feel the quality of your future wedding invites. 

1. Overlap ($63+); 2. Little party big love ($63+); 3. Chantilly ($267+); 4. Picture Perfect ($63+)

4. Papier

Papier’s planners and stationary took the world by storm. They’ve now stretched their creative designs into wedding invitations created with love in mind. You’ll find simple modern designs, vintage floral designs, and even pastel watercolor designs. After one glimpse of these stunning styles by Papier and its independent artists, you’ll agree that sometimes less is so much more. 

5. Greevelope 

For couples planning a fully sustainable wedding, Greenvelope is calling your name. Its mission is simple: save time, save trees, and save money with email invitations and RSVP tracking.  All you have to do is upload your own custom design or pick from one of their exclusive designer suites. Greenvelope takes care of the rest. The best part? A donation is made with every sale to a non-profit organization that maintains forests! 

Image by The Tinsley Co.

6. Basic Invite 

If you prefer a hands-on approach to your wedding planning process, Basic Invite is the wedding invitation source for you. Every inch of each Basic Invite invitation is customizable. Beyond changing obvious aspects like your names, wedding date, and venue info, this easy-to-use website allows you to alter the color and details of each design to match your wedding style. 

7. Zazzle

You may know Zazzle as a customization station, allowing users to create custom apparel, home goods, and art, but you might be surprised to learn that Zazzle‘s custom options include wedding goods! In addition to products like personalized cake toppers and wedding favors, it has an excellent selection of wedding invitations for any style–from modern to vintage to watercolor to geometric. The site features a design customization tool that allows you to get into the nitty-gritty of your invite and make desired changes.

1. Modern Bold Monogram Black and White Wedding Invitation ($2.50); 2. Abstract Arch Wedding Invitation Boho ($2.21); 3. Cute Script Elegant Photo Overlay White Wedding Invitation ($2.51): 4. Bohemian Burnt Orange Modern Minimalist Invitation ($2.66)

8. Shutterfly 

You’re probably familiar with Shutterfly specifically for photo printing, but they’re so much more than that. This online company also specializes in wedding invitations. As a leading photo printing company, Shutterfly is a great option for photo wedding invitations. However, they also have a wide selection of invitations designed with seasonal, floral, watercolor, typographical, glitter, foil-stamped embellishments, and so much more. Once you’ve selected a design, you can customize the color, trim, and paper type to match your wedding theme. 

  1. Modern Photo Wedding Invitation ($2.55); 2. Simple And Stylish Wedding Invitation ($2.19); 3. Modern Contrast Wedding Invitation ($2.15); 4. Soft Silhouette Wedding Invitation ($2.04)

9. Paperless Post 

Couples with designer taste without that designer budget, this one’s for you. Paperless Post is a wallet-friendly solution that allows you to send gorgeous stationery from top designers like Kate Spade, Paper Source, and Oscar de la Renta via email. They also collect mailing addresses, track RSVPs, and follow up with guests instantly. Want to send out paper invites? Check out their sister company, Paper Source. 

10. Lovebird

Lovebird allows couples to manage all wedding guest communication in one streamlined, innovative, and beautiful platform. It offers a full set of features including premium wedding websites, beautifully designed digital wedding invitations and save the dates delivered via text or email, RSVP tracking and notifications, guest list management, meal selection, guest polling, gift registry integration, and messaging capabilities.

Tips For Creating And Ordering Your Wedding Invitations 

  • Use colors from your mood board that’ll be incorporated in your wedding decor and fashion
  • Make sure your wedding invitations are legible (we’re talking about your font and color choices)
  • Make your wedding invites straightforward, only adding necessary information and not overcrowding the invites
  • Order extra 20-25 wedding invitations just in case 
  • Consider hiring a calligrapher to address your wedding envelopes for a more personal touch

Wedding Invitations FAQ

What Is The Average Cost Of Wedding Invitations?

The price of wedding invitations will vary. If you and your significant other choose paper invites, this price will be dependent on your design, printing style, paper quantity, and quantity. The average cost typically ranges between $300 and $700 for both invitations and envelopes. Keep in mind, any extras will add to that starting price.

If you are working with a tight budget, consider paying for an invitation template that you can customize on your computer and then have printed. These templates typically cost anywhere from $2 to $20. All you then have to do is pay for printing.

How Do I Choose My Wedding Invitation Design?

Before creating your wedding invitations, you’ll want to have a clear understanding of your wedding style, theme, and colors. Is your wedding sleek and modern, or is it a casual backyard affair? What flowers will be incorporated into your arrangements? Which colors will be prominent in your fashion and decor? The answer to these questions will heavily influence the design of your invites. 

When should I order wedding invitations?

From designing to printing, the whole invitation process can take anywhere between three to six weeks. With wedding invitations typically being sent out six to eight weeks before your big day, you’ll want to order invitations at least five to seven months before your big day. This will alleviate your stress and leave wiggle room in case of any speed bumps during the process. 

Again, this timeline is dependent on the company and design you choose. That’s why it’s so important to do your research before hitting that purchase button. 

How far in advance should I send out my wedding invitations?

For a more traditional celebration, sending out your wedding invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding date is a good rule of thumb. If you’re hosting a destination wedding, invitations should be sent out to your guests three months in advance. This gives loved ones time to book transportation and accommodations and clear their schedule. 

Wedding planning is quickly evolving, making it easier and easier for couples to bring their dream wedding to life. You can find vendors, inspiration, and even wedding invitations right from your phone. If you need some wedding invitation inspiration, check out our favorite Etsy wedding invitation suites.

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Bright And Colorful Costa Careyes Wedding

July 30, 2022 | justine

Picture this: a blue tower sitting on a secluded cliff with a colorful artsy bohemian interior and panoramic ocean views. You could say Stephanie and Hugo had a love at first sight moment  with their wedding venue, Tigre Del Mar. So when the time came to tie the knot, the pair couldn’t imagine a more beautiful place to get married. With the help of their planner Que Brille El Soul, the couple pulled off an unforgettable Costa Careyes wedding featuring a bohemian luxe aesthetic, a bright color palette, and a relaxed vibe.

With panoramic ocean views as a dreamy backdrop, the pair said their “I dos” surrounded by their closest loved ones. Following the terrace ceremony, their small group made their way down the estate grounds for a romantic reception under the stars. Mismatched basket pendant lamps and greenery hung above a tablescape full of colorful florals, taper candles in glass sleeves, and boho accents. The pair surprised their guests by throwing an after-party at the Main Palapa, dancing the night away under a whimsical chandelier of floral baskets and disco balls. 

The couple left no detail to chance, and their stunning attire proves just that. The bride was a vision in her Monique Lhuillier off-the-shoulder textured organza gown with puff sleeves. While the groom was effortlessly stylish in his cream suit. This seaside soiree is serving major destination wedding inspiration. Scroll through these gorgeous photos by Meraki Weddings and get ready to be blown away!

The Couple:

Stephanie and Hugo

The Wedding:

Tigre Del Mar, Costa Careyes, Mexico

How This Costa Careyes Wedding Came To Be

We went to Costa Careyes five years ago for my birthday and truly fell in love with Tigre Del Mar. It’s so magical, different, and unexpected. This place has an extremely energetic feel for us. After that trip, I told Hugo that I would love to get married in Costa Careyes, and years later, we made it happen. I think that the majestic architecture, the colors, and the mix between Mexican, Italian, and the Pacific culture is such a great vibe for us. Also, we love that it’s exclusive and that not so many people know about it. Costa Careyes is such a unique place, and we definitely fell in love the first time.

Being Surrounded By Loved Ones Was The Highlight Of Their Costa Careyes Wedding

Everything was beyond perfect, but if I had to choose, I would say that the ceremony was beyond beautiful and emotional. We were looking toward the sea, and we saw dolphins, whales, and the rainbow during the gorgeous ceremony. It was such a magical and surreal moment. We are proud to have had a very intimate wedding with friends and family and to showcase the best of Costa Careyes. We feel grateful to everyone that took the time to travel to such a different and exquisite destination to celebrate our love. The energy of our guests was insane, and the love they gave us made everything so special. This was definitely the highlight of our wedding. 

Mexican-Themed Welcome Gifts

We gave all our wedding guests a welcome gift. We gave the ladies an artisanal handmade Mexican tote, embroidered caps for the men, Mexican chili mango sweets, and a handwritten personal note for every guest.

Wedding Planning Advice: Prepare For Unexpected Costs And Maintain Open Communication With Vendors

Tigre Del Mar is in the middle of the jungle. Many of the challenges resulted from the price increase in transportation that we didn’t account for. We advise that you have to budget for inflation for all transportation and all other unforeseen expenses. For all brides, our best advice is to plan in advance and stay calm when problems arise during planning. Also, I think it’s very important to communicate with your wedding planner. Every aspect is important and must be communicated from the beginning of the process. 

Guest Names Handwritten On Lemons Used As Place Cards

My mom is an artist, so we wanted to have a touch of her artistic hand. In my mom’s beautiful handwriting, all our guests’ names were written on lemons

How They Built A Great Relationship With Their Photographer

We loved working with Meraki Weddings. We previously had a private session, only Hugo and I, and it was great as we got to know each other. We told them about us, and our relationship, which made us more relaxed in our photos as Hugo is not a fan of having his photo taken. We are forever grateful to our photographer. They are so talented and so amazing to work with. They understood exactly what we wanted and portrayed it in such a beautiful manner.

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Videography – Meraki Weddings
Event Planning – Quw Brille El Soul
Ceremony Venue – Tigre de Mar Careyes
DJ – DJ Staff Colombia
Invitation Design – Pickled Pulp
Makeup Artist – Oscar Fonseca
Hair Styling – Vanessa Lopez Angel
Wedding Dress – Monique Lhuillier Bride

 

Congratulations to Stephanie and Hugo on their bright and colorful Costa Careyes wedding. And big thanks to Junebug member Meraki Weddings for capturing every detail—all the way down to the vibrant color palette—and moments that made this celebration so special. To see more of the incredible photos that Meraki has captured, check out their profile in our directory of wedding photographers from around the world!

If you’re ready to kickstart your planning process, a mood board is always a great first step. If you and your partner are struggling to decide on a wedding color combo, let these bright and bold summer color palettes inspire your own.

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Eco-Friendly Rustic Barn Wedding Inspiration

Planning an eco-friendly celebration is becoming more accessible than ever, and even the smallest changes can make a big difference. Dreamt up by Honeycomb + Prince and a team of eco-conscious vendors, this barn wedding inspiration shows us that it’s possible to create a beautiful wedding while being mindful of the environmental impact.

The Raritan Inn, a 19th-century farmland property completely restored to adhere to green initiatives, was the perfect venue for this styled shoot. The ceremony was set in a picturesque meadow overlooking the river, with gorgeous red and yellow florals set against a dark backdrop framing the intimate vow exchange. But the talented team didn’t stop there. They took it one step further by transforming the barn for a cozy reception. Hanging greenery, flowers in glass orbs, and floating wheels gave it a whimsical feel, while a tablescape featuring blooms in wine bottles and antique gilded accents complimented the barn’s rustic charm.

In an effortless and modern approach to elegant wedding attire, the groom rocked a stylish selection of suits, starting with a beige suit before swapping it for a rose-colored ensemble. Meanwhile, the bride stunned in her high-neck lace gown with a cathedral-length train. Later, she changed into a playful v-neck lace number paired with the fuzzy jacket of our dreams. If you and your partner strive for a more eco-friendly wedding without sacrificing style, take inspiration from these incredible photos by Carolina W. Rivera

Ethically Sourced Wedding Attire And Accessories

Our stylist, Simone Soernsen–the owner of Forage Style–is committed to ethically sourced fashion and partnered with three eco-conscious wedding gown designers. Grace Loves Lace, among other practices, is transitioning to using satin made of 97% recycled materials. Wear Your Love uses organic cotton, which requires much less water and no toxic chemicals during the farming process. And lastly, Tales of Us Designs takes vintage lace items like Quaker period table cloths and turns them into one-of-a-kind gowns. Simone enhanced these looks using ethically sourced shoes, jewelry, hats, and veils directly from small artisans or thrifted.

The Perfect Eco-Friendly Venue For This Barn Wedding Inspiration

The Raritan Inn provided the backdrop for this barn wedding inspiration and has its own story to tell. It is a 19th-century property renovated in 2002 to be 100% energy self-sufficient with no fossil fuels on-site, powered instead with solar panels and geothermal energy.

Recommended Reading: The Dreamy Unconventional Colorful Suit Roundup

Thrifted Decor And Sustainable Floral Arrangements

Cedar and Sage Rentals and Styling sourced all of their inventory secondhand from antique stores and Facebook marketplace, giving it a second life in the form of curated furniture vignettes and beautiful heirloom-style tablescapes. Laura Clare Design gave blooms a second life by adding dried flowers and locally grown selections to an old shutter found at the Inn and even cutting branches off of her own crabapple tree to add to the ceremony backdrop. Our calligrapher added the local and seasonal menu to a chalkboard (left behind by a previous bride) and hand-lettered guest names onto dried quince slices as an alternative to paper-based menus and place cards.

Recommended Reading: Warm Up Your Wedding Look With These Bridal Jackets

The Talented Team:

Photography – Carolina Rivera Photography
Event Planning – honeycomb + prince
Styling – Forage Style
Models – Chakari + Andrew
Venue – Raritan Inn
Floral Design – Laura Clare Design
Cake – Coco Luxe Pastry
Desserts – Fleur De Sucre Patisserie
Videography – Bucketlist Films
Invitation Design – BL Calligraphy
Makeup Artist – Sarah Jeanne Makeup Artist
Hair Styling – Bellizima
Wedding Dress – Tale Of Us Design + Grace Loves Lace + Wear Your Love
Bridal Accessories – AYNI, Sigfus Designs, Gigi Pip, + Industry of All Nations
Groom’s Apparel – Stitch & Tie + Friar Tux
Furniture + Tabletop – Cedar and Sage Rentals
Table Linen – The Kitchen Garden Series
Favors – The Old Mill Pond Farm

 

Thank you to the talented team of vendors for putting together this barn wedding inspiration. And, of course, shout out to Carolina W. Rivera for capturing all the swoon-worthy details. 

It is possible to reduce the environmental footprint of your wedding by incorporating sustainable choices that can contribute to the uniqueness and beauty of the day or by teaming up with eco-minded vendors. Like this styled shoot, your eco-friendly wedding can be just as romantic and spectacular as any other but all the more meaningful.

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