With summer right around the corner, we can’t help but dream of laying out on the sandy beach. Though it may seem like a ways away, it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to wear to all of those beach weddings that you have invites for on your fridge. We understand that shopping can be overwhelming, and being able to find the perfect dress from the comfort of your couch is ideal. That’s why we’ve rounded up 30 different beach wedding guest dresses that are sure to impress.
Not loving any of these beach wedding guest dresses? No stress! We’ve rounded up even more wedding guest dresses for every type of wedding. Let the shopping begin!
Image by Abigail Renee Photography. Keep scrolling to see our list of creative wedding guest book alternatives.
Wedding guest books are a lovely way to capture memories of your special day, but let’s be honest, many couples end up stashing them away in a closet or garage, never to be seen again. If you’re looking for a more creative way to capture your guests’ well wishes and memories, consider these wedding guest book alternatives that you’ll love revisiting for years to come.
One of the most popular and enduring alternatives is the polaroid guest book. This involves setting up a photo booth or station with a polaroid camera, where guests can snap a photo of themselves and attach it to a guest book page with a message. Imagine your besties, your aunts and uncles, and even your grandma striking their best pose and snapping a polaroid to stick in the guest book with a heartfelt message. It’s a keepsake that’s guaranteed to make you smile every time you flip through its pages.
Love music? Your guests can sign a ukulele. It’s a playful option that can add a touch of whimsy to any wedding, particularly for couples who enjoy music or have a tropical wedding theme. Plus, it’s a conversation starter that will have guests chatting and strumming along in no time. And it also doubles as a personalized piece of decor that can be displayed at home.
This guest book alternative makes for a sweet activity during and after your wedding. On the day, have guests fill out a vintage postcard of their choice with their names and a message. You can pull the cards out anytime and read what your friends and family had to say. These could also make for a cool art piece in your home.
Instead of a traditional book, you can have your guests sign and decorate a vinyl record. It’s a fun and creative way to capture their well wishes and makes for a killer piece of wall art in your home. Imagine playing your favorite record and pointing out all the special messages from your loved ones etched right onto the vinyl. Plus, it’s a chance to showcase your personality and music taste, whether you’re into classic rock, jazz, or even show tunes.
A message in a bottle is particularly well-suited for beach or nautical-themed weddings but can work for any wedding style. All you need to do is give your guests small pieces of paper to write on, which are then rolled up and placed inside a bottle. You can decorate the bottles to match the theme too. This will serve as a charming decor piece and a keepsake that you can treasure for years to come, just like a special message washed up on shore.
If you want to add nostalgia to your wedding day, why not try a vintage guest book? You can either thrift one that’s already full of stories and history. Or have one custom-made to match your wedding theme. It’s a chance to showcase your love for all things retro and whimsical. Whether you’re into art deco, mid-century modern, or bohemian chic. And the best part? You’ll have a one-of-a-kind keepsake that you can cherish for years. So why settle for a traditional guest book when you can have a vintage one that’s as charming as it is memorable?
Looking for a guest book alternative that’s modern and memorable? Why not try an audio guest book! Picture a cute vintage phone at your reception, waiting for your guests to pick up and record their well wishes for you. You can even turn it into a recording to replay on each anniversary. Imagine listening to those sweet messages from your loved ones and feeling like you’re right back at your wedding day. So if you want to add a tech twist to your wedding guest book, a telephone guest book might be the perfect fit for you.
Bring your wedding guestbook into the 21st century with a video guest book. With the convenience of modern technology and the user-friendly platform provided by celebrate.buzz, your guests can scan a QR code and start recording heartfelt or funny messages to you in seconds, right from their phone. No more waiting in line for a booth or trying to think of something clever on the spot. Your guests can capture their thoughts and emotions whenever the inspiration strikes them. You’ll have a collection of precious video messages to look back on. Not just for one day but for years to come.
Your wedding day is a special occasion that you’ll cherish forever. And these wedding guest book alternatives will be a precious reminder of all the memories shared with your loved ones. So, make sure to choose a guest book that truly reflects your unique love story and personality.
Now that you’ve thought about how your guests will spoil you, it’s time to return the favor. And make sure they feel just as special as you do. From personalized gifts to tasty treats, there’s something for everyone on your guest list. Check out our round up of wedding favor ideas and alternatives for some fun and unique favors to make your loved ones feel truly appreciated.
With weddings in full force once again, there’s a good chance that you’ve been invited to at least two (if not more) weddings in the next year. There’s a lot to look forward to at weddings–the love, the food and drinks, the dancing. But before you can get to partying, you have to figure out what to wear. To save you the stress of going out and shopping only to be disappointed by the selection, we’ve rounded up wedding guest dresses for every kind of wedding. From beach to winery to rustic, there’s something for everyone. And the best part? You don’t even have to leave your house!
Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
Is there anything more beautiful than a beach wedding? The warm summer air, the waves crashing in the background, the sand between your toes. When it comes to beach wedding attire, think flowy fabrics and bold colors.
There’s nothing like getting dressed up and attending a formal wedding. It will have you feeling like you’re attending a gala. We recommend floor-length dresses in dark, neutral color palettes for a sleek, timeless look.
Rustic weddings typically involve beautiful scenery and earthy touches, which is why incorporating these elements into your fashion is ideal. We’re big fans of earthy hues, textured fabrics, and patterns like paisley or gingham. Bonus points if the dress looks cute with a pair of boots.
The dress code for winery weddings typically varies depending on the couple. If no dress code has been specified by the soon-to-be newlyweds, opt for something that is the perfect combination of dressy and casual.
When we think of urban weddings–such as rooftops or historic industrial venues–we think of cocktail dresses. These are very similar to those that you’d wear for a formal wedding with shorter hemlines.
Things are looking a little different in 2021—thankfully. Because of travel limitations and changes in couples’ wedding priorities, more couples are opting for backyard weddings. We’re here for any celebrations of love. With so many weddings at home, many guests are left wondering what to wear to these events. To help you save time and stress less, we’ve compiled a list of backyard wedding guest outfits for everyone.
Before we begin, we wanted to share a few Junebug outfit tips for you:
Make sure you are following the dress code of the wedding. If the invites include words like black tie, formal, or semi-formal be sure to stick to those
Be sure to wear sunscreen and pack a mini bottle to reapply as needed
Dresses As Backyard Wedding Guest Outfits
Whether it’s spring or summer, dresses are always a great option to stay cool and look great! These options look great at any backyard wedding. Keep in mind that if you’re attending a wedding in a warm climate you’ll want to opt for the cotton and linen options.
Dresses aren’t for everyone. Any jumpsuit or romper works great for backyard weddings, especially if you plan on playing any lawn games or hitting the dance floor. These jumpsuits range in formality and are all comfortable for a long ceremony.
You can’t go wrong with a collared shirt and a good pair of pants. Regardless of the season, this combo will keep you cool and have you looking fabulous for any backyard wedding.
Junebug Tip:
Try a French tuck (yes, just like Tan France always suggests). It’s a great way to look polished without having to tuck in your shirt all the way.
To pair perfectly with the collared shirts above, these cotton and linen pants are perfect for backyard weddings. By sticking with cotton and linen pants, you’ll stay more comfortable during the day, especially for spring and summer weddings.
If you’ve been invited to a backyard wedding, odds are you’re going to walk on grass or uneven ground. Instead of wearing your brand new white shoes or your sky-high heels, try these options. We promise that you and your feet will be much happier.
If you really want to wear a heel, opt for wedges, or low heels. Our favorite wedges are below, but you can also shop these low-heel options—perfect for backyards of any kind.
Finding the perfect backyard wedding guest outfit is now a breeze! You can focus on finding the happy couple a wedding gift. If they don’t have a registry to go off of don’t stress! Check out these Amazon wedding registry ideas to find the perfect gift—especially if you need to use that two-day shipping.
With temperatures dropping quickly as winter approaches, finding the perfect wedding guest dresses to keep you warm while you celebrate is crucial. From velvet and sequins to seasonal florals and flattering wrap styles, there’s a dress for every venue, style, and body. Just because it’s getting colder doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style this wedding season. Add a pair of cute boots and a cozy jacket to your wedding guest look and get ready to sip champagne and dance all night long!
Short Winter Wedding Guest Dresses
For some, wearing a short dress in the middle of the winter might sound dreadful. However, if you’re in warmer climates such as the American southwest, then you know how mild winters can be. No one wants to be in a thick dress if it’s 70 degrees out!
If you’re attending weddings in cold climates, there’s a very good chance that the wedding won’t be outdoors, either. Pair these dresses with a jacket or fur and tights for the short amount of time that you’ll be outside and then ditch the coat once you hit the dance floor.
Midi dresses are ideal for every winter wedding you’ll attend. The extra length adds a layer of protection from the cold. They still give you the freedom to get your dance on, all while looking classy. Pair with booties or heels for an easy yet glamorous look.
If you know that you’re going to be spending most of your time outside during a winter wedding, you might want to opt for a long wedding dress. Most of these dresses are not only long in length, but they also have long sleeves which will keep you feeling extra cozy. They’re also the ideal option if you’re looking to wear lower heels or flats since you won’t be able to see your feet.
Want the ultimate freedom to bust a move? Then a jumpsuit is for you! They not only allow you to have a wider range of motion, but they also happen to look incredibly chic. Whether you want long sleeves, sleeveless, or strapless there’s an option for everyone.
COVID-19 has taken the world by storm and has particularly impacted the wedding industry. Lavish weddings as we once knew them are changing shape overnight. If you’re dealing with rescheduling or trying to trim down your guest list to follow government guidelines and ordinances, know that you aren’t alone. Couples getting married in 2020—and likely 2021—will face a list of new challenges that others have never had to deal with before. Navigating these changes can feel overwhelming and advice on how to change up your wedding has been sparse—until now.
First, start with revisiting your guest list. Trimming your guest list down is already a headache when wedding planning. But now more couples are choosing to throw micro weddings with their closest friends and family. After making this decision, the next question is: how do you determine who will be invited to celebrate with you on your special day?
Give the Option to Attend Virtually
Virtual weddings are becoming increasingly popular because of COVID. This option is especially important if you have elderly or immunocompromised guests on your list. If you hired a wedding planner, they likely have opinions about which video platform you should use for live streaming. At Junebug, we love Zoom, Google Hangout, and Skype. Go out of your way to make any virtual guests feel included by allowing them to request a song or make a speech if they are near and dear to you and your spouse.
Plan a Celebration for a Later Date
For some couples, the idea of not having certain friends and family at their wedding is devastating. If you’re still looking to tie the knot now but you do so in an elopement or a micro wedding, consider hosting a wedding reception party in the future. We love the option of celebrating your first wedding anniversary with a giant party surrounded with your loved ones.
Consider Which Guests are Vital
While this may sound like a silly question, which guests can you not imagine your wedding day without? Those guests are vital to you. These are likely the people you first told you were engaged or the first ones you would share any life news with. Jot down their names, then call them or shoot them a quick text to see if they are available for the day that you’re planning to get married. Since COVID micro weddings are only a small number of guests, this shouldn’t require an overwhelming amount of communication. This will help you determine if you have availability to invite other guests.
Questions to Determine Who is Vital
But how do you take the list you’ve already trimmed and make it even smaller? Professional wedding photographer The Archivers recommended this list of specific questions to couples facing this difficult task:
Can you imagine getting married without this person’s presence?
How often do you see this person?
Has this person really been there for you throughout your life?
Do you feel competition with this person? Are they going to judge you?
When is the last time you saw each other or had a call?
Do you feel comfortable sharing your most intimate feelings and vows in front of that person?
Do you feel pressured to invite that person? Is a family member pushing you to invite that person?
We know we touched on this earlier, but keeping your loved ones safe should take priority. The idea of not inviting the sweet elders in your life may feel like tough love. However, the elderly especially are at high risk with the coronavirus.
If you have vulnerable guests on your non-negotiable list, think about how you can incorporate extra safety precautions to keep them safe. Whether it’s hand sanitizer at every table, utilizing outdoor space, or passing out masks the guests will greatly appreciate the effort.
If you are worried about the risks, keep in mind that many vulnerable guests may be happy to avoid being in that position. Consider having them virtually attend—as we discussed above. If virtual attendance doesn’t feel like enough, you can send them their own bouquet, visit them in your wedding attire later on, or have them write a letter to be read on your special day.
International Guests Face Different Risks
There’s no need to immediately uninvite your best friend from another country, but consider the risks they are taking with international travel. Many countries are currently not allowing international travel. If guests are able to travel, there’s a good chance they will have to quarantine when they arrive and when they get back home.
The future is uncertain, but it’s likely going to be a while before travel resumes the way it once did. Letting any international guests know that you don’t expect them to attend might be quite a relief for them and lift any pressure they may be feeling to navigate the situation.
Politely Uninviting Once You’ve Already Sent Invites
If you’re looking to make the switch to a micro wedding, but you have already sent out invitations, there are a few ways that you can delicately let guests know that your plans have changed. Don’t forget that everyone —seriously, globally—knows the situation and should be understanding if you are honest and straightforward.
As soon as you know that you will be trimming your guest list you should communicate the decision. Be upfront and let them know their safety is your priority.
Rather than send out a mass email, opt for phone calls. If you can’t feasibly speak to each person by phone, send personalized letters, cards, or emails. Explain that while it is unfortunate, you are looking forward to celebrating your wedding with them at a later date.
Use A Wedding Guest Template to Track Your Guest List Changes
We recommend using a wedding guest template to track the number of guests with their mailing addresses, email addresses, and whether or not they will be attending. This allows you to visualize numbers when they’ve RSVP’d, and quickly provide an accurate guest count. The template also allows you to track any gifts and whether or not a thank you card has been sent out!
Communicate Postponements, Too
If you are postponing rather than canceling, send out ‘change the date’ cards as soon as possible. This gives your guests time to prepare for any travel changes and allows them to make plans sooner rather than later. They’re especially important if you decide to change not only the date but the venue as well.
Trimming your guest list is less than ideal. We get it. While you may be mourning what your wedding was once supposed to be, going smaller does have its upsides. Micro weddings–while small–can still be extravagant. Use the money you save on guests to upgrade an area of your wedding experience. Whether you’ve been eyeing a photographer out of your budget or can’t get enough of the luxury glassware, you can choose to put the money you’re saving back into your micro wedding.
With a smaller guest list, you are also given more quality time to be present with each guest. While there’s nothing wrong with a wedding of over 100, it can be hard to take the time to talk to each guest or get photos with them. Plus, it will have everyone else feeling safer and more relaxed so that they can spend the day celebrating rather than worrying about getting sick.
We asked expert wedding photographer and Junebug member LIT Photography what the benefits of a micro wedding are and this is what she had to say:
“They are so incredibly special, relaxed, and focused on what truly matters: you and your marriage. I’ve found that couples have been able to relax and enjoy more time with the people that are there. The whole vibe has just been so much more chilled out, and they’ve been able to savor every moment.
There are also some budget benefits–although you can go as big or small with a micro wedding as you want. There’s no reason you can’t have all the amazing details like stunning flowers and pay more for your photography because you’re saving money on the food bill, etc.”
While turning folks away from your wedding day will never be fun, it may be necessary in these trying times. We hope these tips gave you the confidence to make those tough decisions a little easier. To see some Change the Date card inspo, take a look at the examples we put together with Minted. No matter what, know that you’ve got this, Junebabes!
It’s that time again babes — fall wedding season! If you’re on the hunt for 2019 fall wedding guest dresses, you’re in luck because we’ve rounded up 50 — yes, FIFTY — gorgeous dresses to wear to those upcoming nuptials. This list includes ’70s vibes, classic glamour, velvet, ruffles, florals, and all your favorite autumnal tones to help you nail the dress code in style.
Yellow, summer is calling! Orange you shopping for something to wear to upcoming summer weddings? Rust us when we say we’ve got all the summer wedding guest dresses you’ve been searching for! From citrus hue wrap dresses to floral printed midi dresses, we’re poppy sure these summer wedding guest dresses will have you feeling hot (and staying cool) all season long!
Looking for more 2019 summer wedding guest dresses? Check out our picks for the cutest 2019 spring wedding guest dresses for more flirty and floral dresses to choose from!
The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and the wedding bells are ringing! Wedding season is upon us, but do you know what to wear to a spring wedding? Don’t worry, we’ve rounded up a fresh bundle of our favorite 2018 spring wedding guest dresses to help you on your hunt!
Chances are some of your wedding guests don’t live in the city where you’re getting married, and there are some important things to keep in mind especially for them. From logistics to tokens of appreciation, these are all the things you need to make your out-of-town wedding guests feel right at home.
When it comes to accommodations, the closer you can get to the venue the better. If your venue provides accommodations, obviously you should start there. Contact the venue manager and ask about availability, room rates, and discounts. If your venue doesn’t provide accommodations — or they are too expensive — pick 2-3 hotels closest to the venue and book a block of rooms at 1 or 2 of them. When you’re ready to book, you don’t have to know the final number of out-of-town guests, but you do need a pretty good estimate. A general rule is to cut your out-of-town guest list number in half and book that number of rooms. (So, if you have 20 out-of-town guests, you would block 10 rooms to start and add more rooms later.)
The most important thing to note is that hotels vary in terms of how they block rooms. Some hotels require you to block a set number, pay a deposit, and be financially responsible for all unsold rooms you blocked. That’s not an ideal situation, but it might be necessary if your wedding is in a town with limited accommodations or coincides with a huge event. Some hotels can be more flexible and offer a discounted rate to guests without blocking a certain number of rooms, but you run the risk that the hotel could fill up before all your guests make a reservation. On the bright side, some hotels can block a set number of rooms without a deposit and will guarantee those rooms and rates until a specific date. Because there are so many possibilities, we suggest you start your search early and encourage your out-of-town guests to reserve their rooms as soon as possible.
Some hotels provide shuttle service to/from the airport, and some even provide shuttle service to/from certain destinations if they are planned in advance. When you call to reserve your room blocks, ask about any transportations services they can provide, as well. The prices will vary by hotel, so make sure to ask the rate so you can let your guests know in advance. If the hotel(s) don’t have a shuttle, take some time to consider how your guests can get to the hotel and to the venue. What is the best form of public transportation, where are the pick up and drop off points, and what are the rates? Is ride-sharing available in your city? Would it be possible to connect your out-of-town guests with in-town guests to set up carpools? Do you have a rental car company to recommend? Most of your out-of-town guests can probably figure those out on their own, but it is nice to provide guidance so they can plan ahead and don’t have to stress about it on the actual day or weekend.
Compile a list of meaningful places to eat, drink, and play
While you’re focused on your big day, you’ll want your out-of-town guests to have plenty of things to do once they get into town. So, put together a list of your and your fiancé’s favorite places to eat and drink and activities around the city. You could even do a little research to find out of if there are any festivals, live music, or special events that they might want to check out. Sure, they could use Google to find places to go, but this is a great way to not only introduce your city to your guests but you also get to share little nuggets of your everyday life with them. Anyone can find a Starbucks for their morning coffee, but not everyone will know which coffee shop you and your fiancé love for your lazy Sunday coffee dates. And we bet most of them would love to know that! So, when you’re compiling your list, consider adding a little note about why you recommended those places. It’s that little something extra to connect with your guests and help them feel totally welcome.
Plan a pre-wedding and/or a post-wedding get together
Inviting your out-of-town guests to pre-wedding and/or post-wedding get togethers is another surefire way to make them feel welcome. Do you and your fiancé love the outdoors? Invite your guests to go hiking or kayaking a day or two before the wedding. Are you beer lovers who spend your weekends enjoying local breweries? Ask your guests to join you for a mid-afternoon pint. We’ve even seen couples skip the traditional rehearsal dinner all together and open up dinner to anyone who is in town. And the party doesn’t have to end with your reception send-off. If you’re a night owl or just don’t want to the party to end, ask your guests to head to your favorite bar for an after party. We also love the idea of wrapping up your perfect wedding weekend with a day-after brunch to spend quality time with anyone who is still in town and say your final goodbyes in a more casual setting.
One of the best ways to eliminate stress and limit the number of calls to your designated contact is to create a comprehensive timeline of your wedding events. Whether your guests are invited to events over multiple days or just the wedding day itself, organizing everything into a visual timeline is key. For each event, you should include the following: name of event, name and address of the venue, date, time, and dress code. We even recommend including the ceremony and reception information so your guests have every detail they need in one handy place. If your out-of-town guests are invited to pre-wedding or post-wedding events, make sure to let them ahead of time so they can pack appropriate attire. Not sure where to start? There are some great wedding timeline templates on Etsy to help you create beautiful printables in no time!
Your out-of-town guests will be making an extra special effort to attend your wedding, so we think welcome bags are a must to show your appreciation. The best part is that you can really flex those creative muscles and you don’t need to spend a lot of money to make something truly special. At a minimum, you should include a little something to eat and drink to ease your guests out of their travel day. Bottled water is a must, but you could also include a local beer, a bottle of bubbly, or another local favorite. As for snacks, make sure to give a savory and a sweet option to satisfy every craving. Then add a couple of personal details, such as a cute souvenir, a candle, or even a stamped postcard they can send home. Round out all those goodies with the information essentials: a map, the weekend itinerary, your list of local recommendations, and the information for your designated contact. Finish it all off with a personalized thank you note and wrap it all up in a cute paper bag or reusable tote. A welcome bag is a simple, thoughtful gesture that your guests will love! Just make sure to let the hotel know that they need to give each guest a bag when they check in.
One of our Junebug couples created wedding weekend mix CDs and sent them to each of their guests a week before the big day, and we absolutely fell in love with the idea! You and your fiancé could make it a pre-wedding date night where you go through all your favorite music and create either physical CDs or a Spotify playlist that sets the tone for your weekend. It’s the sweetest, most unexpected finishing touch that will make your out-of-town guests’ travel day so much more enjoyable, whether they are flying or driving.
You’ve got your hotel blocks set, your transportation ideas brainstormed, your schedule ironed out, and your list of recommendations ready. What do you do next? Put all of that information your wedding website! Yes, all of it! Even if you created printable itineraries and lists for your welcome bags. Your website should be your one stop shop for all your wedding details — trust us, this will be your out-of-town wedding guests’ most used resource. If you’re not sure something should be included, the answer is probably yes. But we’ve also got this handy checklist that has everything you need to include on your wedding website so you can triple-check yourself.
Looking for more ways to impress all your guests? We’ve got just what you need:
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