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The Best Etsy Wedding Guest Books

April 22, 2022 | nicole

photo by Pat Furey Photo

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of Etsy as a one-stop shop for wedding details and decor and this week we found ourselves tumbling into a rabbit hole of gorgeous and unique wedding guest books by independent designers! To aid in your search for the perfect guest book or guest book alternative for your wedding, we’ve rounded up the best Etsy wedding guest books.

From traditional guest books with gold foil calligraphy to custom watercolor art prints for your loved ones to sign, these are the best Etsy wedding guest books for your big day!

TRADITIONAL WEDDING GUEST BOOKS

    1. Dusty Blue Guestbook by Paper Peach Shop

    1. Gold Foil Wedding Guest Book by Creanly Gifts

    1. Engraved Wooden Guest Book by Copper Cloud Creative

    1. Tropical Wedding Guest Book by Sunny Home Studio

    1. Chic Simplicity Wedding Guest Book by Luna Paper Company

    1. Elegant Modern Wedding Guest Book by storiUK

    1. Custom Wood Guest Book by Red Berry Guest Books

    1. Sage Wedding Guest Book by B Gregory Design

    1. Rustic Personalized Wedding Guest Book by Wood Present Studio

    1. Velvet Scrapbook Album by Studio Tenebris

    1. Be Our Guest Real Foil Wedding Guest Book by Luna Paper Company

    1. Botanical Monogram Wedding Guest Book by Luna Paper Company

    1. Minimalist Wooden Wedding Guest Book by firastudio

    1. Gold Foil Wedding Guest Book by Luna Paper Company

    1. Unique Wooden Wedding Guest Book by Wooden Engraved Shop

    1. Gold Foil Custom Wedding Guest Book by Lovely Day Print Shop

    1. Modern Rustic Wedding Guest Book by Fira Studio

    1. Dusty Blue Minimalist Wedding Guest Book by Paper Bound Love

    1. Wanderlust Travel Wedding Map Guest Book by Red Berry Guest Books

WEDDING GUEST BOOK ALTERNATIVES

    1. Custom Wedding Venue Illustration by Pretty Timely

    1. Wedding Guest Book Tower by Your Wedding Project

    1. Personalized Photo Canvas Guest Book by Blush Printables

    1. Wedding Guest Book Personalized Letter Form by Wedding By Eli

    1. Wine Cork Shadow Box by The Corkbox Co

    1. Wedding Signature Redwood Tree by Crown and Willow

    1. One Night Sky Wedding Guest Book Alternative by Our Love Was Born

  1. 3D Wedding Guestbook Sign by Hickory Home Co
  2. Engraved Tumbling Blocks Game Guestbook by Ramell Joinery

Looking for more Etsy wedding details and decor? Check out these best-of roundups!

37 Etsy Wedding Welcome Signs That Will Help You Greet Your Guests in Style

The Best Etsy Wedding Menu Templates

Etsy Wedding Favors Your Guests Actually Want to Take Home

The Best Etsy Wedding Cake Stands

Looking to personalize your guest book with beautiful imagery?! Check out our wedding photographer vendor directory and get connected with one of the best wedding photographers in your area! We’ve searched high and low for wedding photographers from Los Angeles, to Missouri, to Thailand for your special day.

photo by Jes Workman

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Our Favorite Backyard Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas

July 22, 2021 | olivia

Image by Eastlyn & Joshua. See more of this real wedding here.

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. 

Shop this dress here

Jumpsuits Made for Backyard Wedding Ceremonies

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.

Shop this jumpsuit here

Short-Sleeve Collared Shirts 

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. 

Shop this shirt here

The Perfect Pants

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.   

Shop these pants here.

Grass-Approved Shoes

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. 

Image by Cody & Allison Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

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45 Gorgeous Winter Wedding Guest Dresses for 2020

October 19, 2020 | riley

photo by Brooke Taelor

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.

Eliza J Glitter Long Sleeve Mock Neck Dress

Eliza J Fit & Flare Sweater Dress

Julia Jordan Liquid Jersey Faux Wrap Dress

French Connection Patricia Long Sleeve Lace Dress

Eliza J Long Sleeve Lace Fit & Flare Dress

Standards & Practices Plus Millie V-Neck Stretch Velvet Fit & Flare Dress

Eliza J Ruffle Trim Long Sleeve Sweater Dress

CeCe Mixed Media Velvet Long Sleeve Mini Dress

Eliza J Sequin Blouson Sleeve Cocktail Dress

Tahari Long Sleeve Stretch Velvet Cocktail Dress

Elisa J Sequined Blouson Shift Dress

Harper Rose Velvet Sheath Dress

Adrianna Papell Velvet Tuxedo Sheath Dress

Halston Heritage Embellished Long Sleeve Cocktail Dress

Calvin Klein Velvet Illusion-Sleeve Sheath Dress

Eliza J Bell Sleeve Lace Dress

Topshop Tiered Pintuck Long Sleeve Mini Dress

VERO MODA Karissara Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Dress

Teri Jon Tie Neck Long Sleeve Crepe and Chiffon Dress

Midi Winter Wedding Guest Dresses

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.

All in Favor Dolman Plissé Midi Dress

Leith Wrap It Up Sweater Dress

Bardot Melissa Long Sleeve Plissé Faux Wrap Midi Dress

Bardot Whitney Tonal Stripe Long Sleeve Wrap Dress

ASTR the Label Low V Hi-Low Hem Midi Dress

Topshop Long Sleeve Knit Midi Dress

ASTR the Label Margot Ruched Front Midi Dress

Calvin Klein Velvet Floral Maxi Dress

Ted Baker Penalo Twist Detail Dress

Chi Chi London Ensra Ruffle Sleeve Midi Dress

BB Dakota Wild in Style Long Sleeve Midi Dress

Reformation Cameron Long Sleeve Dress

ELOQUII Plus Puff Sleeve Cowl Back Dress

Long Winter Wedding Guest Dresses

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.

Halston Heritage Long Sleeve Ruched Jersey Gown

Bardot Morgan Long Sleeve Velvet Faux Wrap Dress

XSCAPE Velvet Embellished Wrap Dress

XSCAPE Sequined Gown

ASTR the Label Romance Me Dress

Betsy & Adam One-Shoulder Single Long Sleeve Gown

BHLDN Plymouth Dress

Jenny Packham Flutter Sleeve High/Low Chiffon Gown

Reformation Milena Dress

Winter Wedding Jumpsuits

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.

Maggy London Glitter Side Stripe Long Sleeve Jumpsuit

 

Eliza J Faux Wrap Long Sleeve Jumpsuit

Eliza J Tulle Ruffle Stretch Crepe Jumpsuit

Lulu’s Power of Love Emerald Green Strapless Jumpsuit

Love these dresses and want to add some fun accessories? Check out these cool jackets that will keep you toasty!

Photo by Erika Diaz. See more of this real wedding here.

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How to Trim Your Wedding Guest List

September 1, 2020 | riley

Photo by Peyton Rainey. See more from this real wedding here.

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 and Junebug member, 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?

 

Photo by Jesse Schultz Photography. See more of this real wedding here. 

Keep Vulnerable and Elderly Guests Safe

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.

Photo by Sheyanne Lyn Photography. See more of this real wedding here

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.

Photo by SASs Photography. See more of this real wedding here

Benefits of Trimming Your Wedding Guest List

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!

Photo by Asha Bailey Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

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2019 Fall Wedding Guest Dresses to Fall Head Over Heels For

September 24, 2019 | nicole

photo by Summer Leigha Photography

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.

Rachel Parcel Tiered Ruffle Midi Dress

Vince Camuto Velvet Off the Shoulder Dress

Eloquii Tie Neck Long Sleeve Dress

Madewell Backyard Blooms Georgette Smocked Midi Dress

Bardot Morgan Long Sleeve Velvet Faux Wrap Dress

Cupcakes and Cashmere Floral Wrap Dress

Eloquii Floral Faux Wrap Dress

Rachel Parcell Floral Tiered Chiffon Dress

Leith Button Front Midi Dress

Bobeau Lumi Puff Sleeve Wrap Dress

Eliza J Bell Sleeve Lace Cocktail Dress

Eliza J Leopard Print Long Sleeve Midi Dress

City Chic Sweet Wishes Maxi Dress

Dress the Population Louisa Butterfly Sleeve Cocktail Dress

Eliza J Floral Print Midi Dress

All in Favor Dolman Plissé Midi Dress

Eloquii Wrap Waist Jersey Midi Dress

Rachel Parcell Smocked Dress

ASTR the Label V-Neck High/Low Hem Midi Dress

All in Favor Floral Print Midi Dress

R29 x ELOQUII Star Print Long Sleeve Maxi Shirtdress

Reformation Floral Wellfleet Back Cutout Dress

Dress the Population Uma Floral Embroidered Lace Dress

Eloquii Lace Bodice Pleated Long Sleeve Evening Dress

Reformation Gavin Dress

Rachel Parcell Cheetah Print Long Sleeve Satin Wrap Dress

Eloquii Wrap Dress

Eliza J Bateau Neck Crepe Sheath Dress

Halogen Long Sleeve Wrap Dress

Gal Meets Glam Celeste Fit & Flare Dress

Eliza J Long Sleeve Wrap Front Jumpsuit

Reformation Cosa Midi Dress

Chelsea28 Ruched Waist Minidress

Chelsea28 Smocked Neck Long Sleeve Chiffon Midi Dress

Vince Camuto Animal Phrases Shirtdress

Chi Chi London Off the Shoulder Lace Cocktail Dress

WAYF The Meryl Floral Long Sleeve Wrap Gown

City Chic Cute Girl Dress

All in Favor V-Neck Dress

Sam Edelman Embroidered Mesh Dress

City Chic Twist Love Dress

Eliza J Asymmetrical Lace Dress

Eliza J Tuxedo Collar Long Sleeve Jumpsuit

Estelle Crimson Garden Short Sleeve Wrap Dress

Band of Gypsies Smocked Bodice Long Sleeve Minidress

AFRM Danai Floral Puff Sleeve Dress

Bobeau Liv Puff Sleeve Wrap Dress

Chelsea28 Velvet Faux Wrap Midi Dress

WAYF The Meryl Floral Long Sleeve Wrap Gown

Looking for some fancier 2019 fall wedding guest dresses for a black tie affair? Check out these 2019 fall bridesmaids dresses for more options!

photo by Summer Leigha Photography

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2019 Summer Wedding Guest Dresses to Add to Your Cart Right Now

July 9, 2019 | nicole

photo by Page & Holmes Photography

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!

Row A Button Front Midi Dress

Leith Midi Wrap Dress

Leith Wrap Dress

Reformation Locklin Dress

City Chic Fresh Field Jumpsuit

Bardot Noni Lace Halter Dress

City Chic Stripe Affair Cold Shoulder Stretch Cotton Dress

Leith Piped Cami Jumpsuit

Eloquii Drape Front Midi Dress

Leith Surplice Maxi Dress

City Chic Frill Sleeve Fit & Flare Dress

Eliza J Dot Print High/Low Party Dress

Rachel Roy Dot Sequin Faux Wrap Dress

Ali & Jay Cutout Maxi Dress

City Chic Summer Sprig Dress

CeCe Cascading Ruffle Halter Neck Dress

City Chic Cheeky Knot Midi Sundress

One Clothing Faux Wrap Maxi Dress

City Chic Rippled Love Off the Shoulder Sheath Dress

Bardot Sunshine Lace Sheath Dress

Bobeau Liv Puff Sleeve Wrap Dress

Vince Camuto Multistrap Fit & Flare Dress

Gibson x Hot Summer Nights Natalie Off The Shoulder Ruffle Dress

Dress the Population Eve Sweetheart Twist Front Sleeveless Midi Sheath Dress

Leith Floral Flounce Detail Dress

Eliza J Floral Halter Crêpe de Chine Midi Dress

Reformation Lena Sheath Dress

Rachel Roy Easy Floral Faux Wrap Dress

Row A Shirred Bustier Bodice Sundress

Leith Midi Wrap Dress

Hinge Floral Sleeveless Wrap Dress

Gibson x Living in Yellow Calla Keyhole Halter Neck Dress

Maree Pour Toi Floral Print Ruffle Dress

Dress the Population Lita Tie Cocktail Dress

City Chic Romantic Tie A-Line Dress

BB Dakota Jacqueline Lace Shift Dress

Eliza J Floral High/Low Maxi Dress

Fraiche by J High/Low Wrap Maxi Dress

Leith Faux Wrap Minidress

All in Favor Isabella Wrap Dress

Boden Amy Asymmetrical Midi Dress

Vince Camuto Country Bouquet Ruffle Hem Sleeveless Dress

LuLu’s Good Deeds Lace-Up Skater Dress

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!

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What to Wear to a Spring Wedding – 2018 Spring Wedding Guest Dresses

April 4, 2018 | nicole

photos by Jamie Mercurio Photography

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!

Ali & Jay Chasing Butterflies Cold Shoulder Fit & Flare Dress

Plenty by Tracey Reese Daphne Wrap Dress

Chelsea28 Asymmetrical Ruffle Shift Dress

Eliza J Bell Sleeve Tiered Dress

Felicity & Coco Dara Shift Dress

Urban Outfitters Blooming Asymmetrical Hem Midi Dress

Glamorous Floral Print Tie Waist Dress

ASTR Lace Midi Dress

Eliza J Laser Cut Shift Dress

Urban Outfitters Strappy Back Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

Topshop Devoré Floral Cold Shoulder Dress

Chelsea28 Tiered Bell Sleeve Shift Dress

Eri + Ali Foliage Shirtdress

June & Hudson Wrap Maxi Dress

Shoshanna Analise Dress

Charles Henry Off The Shoulder Dress

City Chic Floral Print Wrap Dress

Maeve Cleary Dress

Chelsea28 Flutter Sleeve Shift Dress

Eliza J Floral Bell Sleeve Dress

Corey Lynn Calter Danica Smocked Dress

Eliza J Jewel Neck Cape Sleeve Dress

Vince Camuto Embroidered Midi Dress

Eva Franco Tulip Maxi Dress

London Times Crepe Surplice Dress

Wayf Polermo Wrap Midi Dress

Still not sure what to wear to a spring wedding? Check out these wedding guest dresses for more inspiration!

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What to Do for Your Out-of-Town Wedding Guests

March 8, 2018 | juliette

photo by Carolyn Scott Photography

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.

photo by Cody and Allison Photography

Find accommodations near the venue

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.

photo by Rachel Photographs

Brainstorm transportation options in advance

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.

photo by Jaicee Morgan

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.

photo by Ben and Colleen

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.

photo by Thanasis Kaiafas

Make a visual timeline of events

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!

photo by AGPcollective

Create fun and informative welcome bags

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.

photo by The Lou’s

Prepare a travel playlist

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.

photo courtesy of Joy

Put every detail on your wedding website

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:

Etsy Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Actually Want to Take Home

8 Tips for a Killer Cocktail Hour

Help Your Guests Find Their Seats in Style With These Unique Escort Cards

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Use These Tips to Narrow Down the Wedding Guest List

February 8, 2018 | juliette

photo by Jonnie + Garrett Wedding Photographers

Choosing your wedding size and creating a wedding guest list with or without a wedding guest template can be one of the most stressful parts of planning. There are many factors to consider like your and your fiancé’s vision, your families’ expectations, and your friends’ feelings. It seems impossible to please everyone—because it is! After creating an all-inclusive list it’s time to do the dirty work: narrow down the wedding guest list.

Unless you have an unlimited budget and unlimited resources you will never please everyone. When all is said and done, your guests will affect how you and your fiancé feel on your wedding day and be part of your precious memories forever. Since it’s much easier to stay firm in your decisions when you have a plan in place, here are some tips to help you narrow down that your wedding guest list.

photo by Shadi Garman Photography

Pick a Venue That Aligns with Your Vision and Your Budget

Vision and budget are arguably the two most important pieces of the wedding planning puzzle. Once those connect, everything else can begin to fall into place around them—including your guest list. If visions of a cozy ceremony in a greenhouse and a dinner-party style reception at a local restaurant fill your wedding mood board there will be a natural cap for your guest list.

Even if your dream venue can accommodate hundreds of people, a more intimate gathering might be all you’re looking for. In this case, book the venue and set a cap yourselves. This is your special day and you want to get married somewhere that is meaningful that captivates you. Don’t let an inflated guest list, of all things, dictate where!

Divide and Narrow Down the Wedding Guest List by Tiered Categories

Trying to cut people from one long list can be both intimidating and down-right uncomfortable. One way to make the process easier is to divide everyone into categories: immediate family, close relatives, extended relatives, close friends, family friends, coworkers, acquaintances, children, and so on. Then rank those categories in order of importance and start cutting from the bottom.

There may be potential guests that fit into two different categories, such as a close coworker that consider a friend. We recommend putting people in the highest category you feel comfortable with. Using this divide-and-cut method allows you to cut more people at once while also decreasing the risk of hurting anyone’s feelings once they realize they were not singled out.

Consider the Present and the Future

Keep from looking back at wedding photos and wondering, “who is that?” by only inviting people known to both you and your fiancé. A wedding day is not the time for introductions—couples divide their time and need to find ways to stay present as it is. While taking personal relationships into account, also identify people you haven’t talked to in the last year or people you don’t see yourself keeping in touch with 5 years from now. This will help focus the guest list on the people who mean the most now and who likely will in the future.

photo by Leeann Funk Photography

Allocate a Percentage of Invites for Your Parents’ Friends

It seems to go against the last tip, we know. One of the hardest issues to navigate when creating the guest list is dealing with parents’ expectations. Keeping both families happy and sticking to a vision is easier said than done. There are a few ways to handle this split, and the conversation. If you are paying for the wedding yourselves, up to 20% of the invites can be allocated to your parents.

Parents Who Pay Should Get a Percentage of Invites

If parents are helping pay for the wedding, a fair split could be 50% for you and your fiancé and 50% for your parents combined—whether that means 25% and 25% for either set of parents, or a smaller percentage for multiple sets of parents. If one parent is paying for the majority of—or the entire—wedding, they might get a larger percentage. However you decide to split it, make sure not to give up more than 50% of the guest list. Your guests are the top priority.

Limit or Eliminate the “Plus One” Option

This is one of the easiest ways to cut a guest list almost in half. Either make plus ones exclusive for the wedding party and immediate family or make a general “no plus ones” rule for everyone. It should be enough to address your invitations to just the people who are invited. For example, “Mrs. Jane Smith and Guest” vs “Mrs. Jane Smith.”

Guests may assume a plus one is included. If you receive an RSVP with a plus one that wasn’t offered simply call your guest—yes, call don’t text or email—and be honest about your decision. When it comes time to create your reception seating chart, consider putting single friends together so don’t feel left out of the couple crowd.

photo by Victoria Gold Photography

Make it Adults-Only

Adults-only weddings will never go out of style, especially if budget or venue constraints mean choosing between inviting friends or inviting children. While it would be great to invite everyone’s families, often it’s not realistic. If you decide to have an adults-only wedding, make it clear on the invitation and on your wedding website so there’s no confusion. If there are too many children in your circle for an adult-only wedding, consider hiring a babysitting service to take care of the children at the venue so they are nearby but don’t require an extra seat.

Stagger the Invites

If all else fails and the guest list isn’t quite down to the number you set, be sure to send invitations in waves. Break up the final list into two groups: people who must attend and people who would be missed. Send invitations to the first group 5-6 months before the wedding. As you begin to get RSVPs, send out invitations to the next group of guests in an agreed-upon order. Make sure you give the second wave of guests enough time to RSVP and make travel plans. Make sure all the invitations sent no later than 8 weeks out.

Turning folks away from your joyous day will never be fun, there’s no getting around it. We hope these tips helped cut through some of the noise and made those tough decisions a little easier. Once you’re able to narrow down the wedding guest list the next step is invitations. Luckily, our vendor list includes the world’s best custom wedding invitations. Check them out, you’ll be glad you did.

 

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Never Feel Guilty About Your Wedding Guest List

April 13, 2017 | riley

Image by Sophia Veres. See more of this real wedding here. Read on about your wedding guest list

Your wedding day should be 100% about you–and we’re not just saying that. We truly believe it. However, we know the challenges you may be up against when planning a day that doesn’t cater to other people’s opinions. One aspect of your planning that can be especially uncomfortable to maneuver is your wedding guest list.

Whether you’re inviting two to 200 of your closest friends, there are bound to be hurt feelings over who makes the cut and who doesn’t. Despite the unfortunate sad/frustrated feelings you may encounter if you’re confronted by someone who didn’t make your official headcount, we’re here to let you in on a little secret–you never have to feel guilty about your guest list.

Why You Don’t Need To Feel Guilty About Your Wedding Guest List

Image by Stephanie Nachtrab. See more of this real wedding here

Your Venue Accommodations

So you’ve found the perfect venue, only to find out that it only accommodates 100 people. Without even sitting down to start a list of friends and family to invite, you now have a set number you need to work within. This can feel like both a blessing and a curse.

You may have to make cuts to your list that you’d rather not, but you also have a built-in excuse should anyone question why they didn’t receive an invite. You simply can’t put more people in the venue than it allows. If someone gives you a hard time about this, you can tell them that it’s technically out of your hands.

Image by Heather K Purdy. See more of this elopement here

Your Wedding Budget

Your wedding budget is one of the most obvious reasons why you shouldn’t feel guilty about your guest list. It’s also one of the most reasonable. No one expects you to have a disposable income when it comes to planning your wedding, and it’s generally understood that throwing a wedding is quite an expensive ordeal.

From the meal they are served to the chair they sit in, each guest–logistically–comes with a price tag. There are people in your life for whom you are happy to pay that price. For others, you may not be so willing. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Image by Paola Lattarini. See more of this elopement here

Your Wedding Day Timeline

When you’re building your wedding guest list, we recommend taking a moment to envision yourself celebrating your day with each and every guest as you add them to your spreadsheet. However, if you have a larger wedding, your wedding day timeline may not give you the time to say hello to all your guests–much less spend more than a few moments with them. So although it may be surprising, choosing your wedding size and your wedding day timeline go hand in hand.

If sharing moments with every one of your guests is a priority for you, you may want to keep your list smaller. If you’re happy to have more people present who will participate in your day, possibly without one-on-one time together, then you have the ability to increase your headcount. It’s all about fulfilling your expectations, not theirs.

Image by Rowanberry Lavender. See more of this real wedding here

Your Vision of Your Day

Speaking of your expectations, the bottom line is that your guest list is all about your vision of your day. How big or small your wedding is and who’s there should always be up to you. Whether your future mother-in-law has her own list of people she wants to invite or you promised your college friends that they would be invited years ago, at the end of the day, this is about you. It’s about who you will look out to see in the audience when you’re speaking your vows, who you’ll hug and dance with at your reception, who you’ll look back and see photos of when flipping through the album of your day. Every aspect of your wedding should be about your vision, not someone else’s.

To make putting together your wedding guest list a piece of cake, we’ve put together a free wedding guest list spreadsheet with everything you need to keep track of along the way.

Image by Brittany Loeffelholz. See more of this real wedding here

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