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Lakeside Summer Camp Wedding with DIY Details

July 2, 2022 | riley

Katie and Scott considered eloping, but when it came down to it, they knew their loved ones had to be there when they said their “I dos.” And what better way to celebrate after having been together for ten years than a lakeside summer camp wedding weekend with the people that helped get them there. Tucked away in picturesque countryside with vintage cabins overlooking the wetlands, Camp Wandawega proved to be the perfect place for a multi-day celebration with fun activities, great food, and relaxed vibes. 

With a self-proclaimed DIY queen for a bride, they created a whimsical and nostalgic celebration like a perfectly curated Wes Anderson movie. The bride did it all—from the stationery and signage to the florals and decor. For the ceremony, the couple exchanged vows under a beautiful canopy of trees. It was followed by a tented reception that featured wispy floral arrangements, rustic boho decor, and the romantic glow of candles and string lights. The couple and their guests then danced the night away after the party switched to a silent disco.

The pair definitely pulled out all the stops, and no detail was overlooked when it came to their weekend celebration. From the thoughtful welcome bags and farewell waffle brunch to all the meaningful and personalized elements in between, scroll through these dreamy photos captured by Junebug member Iron + Honey Photography. This lakeside summer camp wedding is filled with clever and creative steal-worthy ideas.

The Couple:

Katie & Scott

The Wedding:

Camp Wandawega, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

How Their Lakeside Summer Camp Wedding Came To Be

I stumbled upon Camp Wandawega on Instagram and instantly became obsessed. I reached out to them before we were engaged and shared my wild idea with Scott when we got engaged. While we were touring it and up in the tree house, he looked at me and said, “Wow. I get it. This is amazing, and I don’t want to get married anywhere else”. We wanted the weekend to celebrate our ten years together with the people who helped get us there. We wanted it to be memorable and different from a traditional wedding where everyone is just going through the motions. The setting allowed everyone to loosen up, and I have a distinct memory of looking around and seeing all of our family and friends mingling and bonding, which was so special.

They Began Their Big Day By Spending Quality Time With One Another And With Their Loved Ones

I think one of the best parts of the day was waking up super early before everyone else on the wedding day and going up in the tree house together and writing the notes we would read to each other at our first looks. This was such a special time that we got to spend together on such a fun but chaotic day. Scott loved jumping in the lake in the morning and playing volleyball and basketball with his friends.  

Personalizing The Ceremony Through DIY Decor And Having A Cousin Officiate

Everything at our ceremony was so unique and personalized. I made all the floral arrangements, and we had a special table at the front of the entrance with handmade vellum envelopes with the ceremony details and dried flowers inside for people to throw as we left the altar. On the table, we had our box for cards and photos of all of our parents, grandparents, and loved ones’ weddings to hopefully follow in their footsteps. We had Scott’s cousin as our officiant, and he shared some amazing stories about our relationship, which made it special.

Advice For DIY Couples: Hire A Day-Of Coordinator 

Our day-of coordinator was some of the best money that we spent. Madda of Cherry Blossom Events helped make my vision come to life, and without her and her team, I think the day would have been a huge flop. She was amazing, and I recommend every DIY bride to splurge on a coordinator. Don’t let your wedding to-do list overwhelm you. Do one thing every day, and soon that list will disappear. It is such an overwhelming process, but make sure to enjoy it too. Nothing like this will ever happen again in your lifetime.

Why You Should Create A Wedding Email & Consider Getting A Wedding Credit Card 

I tell all of our newly engaged friends to make a wedding email. This helps keep everything in one place and helps you share responsibility in the wedding process. Second, I tell everyone to get a shared credit card. This helped us learn to share money, keep all our expenses for the wedding in one place, and got us tons of points we could use after the wedding. We were virtually able to get our honeymoon for “free” with the number of points we accumulated. 

Saving Thousands By DIYing The Decor

Everything at the wedding was a DIY project for us—the invitations, decor, signage, and floral arrangements. I made special door hangers with everyone’s name as a hotel would do and a note on the back that said, “do not disturb, partied too hard with the newlyweds.” I am so proud of how unique and memorable our wedding was. I truly surprised myself with how much I was able to do and the thousands of dollars we saved because of it. 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Iron and Honey Photography
Day of Coordinator – Cherry Blossom Events
Venue – Camp Wandawega
Catering – Hidden Kitchen MKE, Banzo Food Truck, El Grito Taqueria
Dessert – Sweet Tooth Ice Cream
DJ – Toast and Jam
Videography – Eternally Yours Collective
Makeup Artist + Hair Stylist – Patty Mcguire
Wedding Dress – Diana’s Bridal
Groom’s Apparel – State & Liberty
Rings – Kristin Coffin
Rentals – Event Essentials, A La Crate Rentals, Crown Restrooms
Transportation – Jones Transportation
Bartending – Pour Bartending Services

 

Congratulations to Katie and Scott on their lakeside summer camp wedding with DIY details. And big thanks to Junebug member Iron + Honey Photography for capturing the magic that comes from being surrounded by the natural beauty of the outdoors. To see more gorgeous celebrations like this one, check out her profile in our directory of talented photographers from around the world.

Like Katie and Scott, finding a venue that is realistic to your wedding vision is important to achieve your celebration’s overall feel and theme. To help you navigate this crucial wedding planning decision, check out our guide to finding the perfect venue to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.

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Wedding Favor Ideas and Alternatives

June 23, 2022 | riley

Image by Meraki Weddings. See more of this real wedding here. Keep scrolling for wedding favor ideas

Wedding favors–although a small wedding detail–are an easy way to add a personal touch to your special day while also thanking your guests for celebrating your love with you. Because there’s no tradition for favors, you have complete creative freedom over what you gift your guests–whether it’s symbolic to you as a couple or something that ties in with your wedding aesthetic. So, if you’re struggling to figure out what to hand out, don’t fret because we’re rounding up wedding favor ideas and alternatives.

Wedding Favor FAQs

Do you have to have wedding favors?

As mentioned earlier, there’s no tradition when it comes to wedding favors. This means that you don’t have to have them if you don’t want to. If there’s no room in your budget or you just don’t want to deal with the stress of choosing one, don’t worry about it. After an epic celebration, your guests aren’t going to be upset if they don’t leave with a present.

How much do favors cost?

As of 2021, it was found that the average cost of wedding favors is $400-$450. This typically comes out to be about one to three dollars per person. Obviously, the smaller the wedding, the less expensive the favors will be, and vice versa for larger affairs. It’s also important to remember that this is an average and it’s very possible to spend more or less.

Should you personalize the favors?

Personalizing your favors is entirely up to you. But,  customizing your gifts and making them a little more personal isan easy way to ensure that your guests never forget about your wedding day.

When and how do you hand them out?

There are many different ways you can pass out your wedding favors. If you’re having a seated dinner, you can set them on their place settings—doubling as reception table decor. If you’re going for a more lowkey, casual environment, there’s nothing wrong with setting them up on a display. Your escort cards can even act as a wedding favor.

Wedding Favor Ideas

Image by Diana Ascarrunz. See more of this real wedding here

Can Koozies

For more informal celebrations, pass out customized can koozies. Add a logo, your initials, an illustration of the two of you, pictures of your dogs–whatever you want. Summer camp wedding, anyone?

Shop koozies: Cheers To The Couple Koozie; Custom State Wedding Can Cooler; Custom Pet Illustration Koozie; Venue Illustration Can Cooler

Image by Gina Brandt Photography. See more of this real wedding here

Mugs

Speaking of a camp-inspired wedding, tin mugs with you and your spouse’s names and wedding date also make for the perfect favor.

Shop mugs: Personalized Wedding Enamel Mug; Let The Adventure Begin Mug; Personalized Camp Mug

Candles

It’s no secret that pretty much everyone can appreciate a good candle, making it an easy favor idea. To personalize it, add a customized label or choose a scent that is special to you and your partner.

Shop candles: Handmade Soy Wax Wedding Candles; Bulk Wedding Candle Favor; Rustic Personalized Candles

Sunglasses

Tying the knot outdoors? If you know the weather is going to be bright and sunny, offer your guests some protection with sunglasses. Just be sure to pass them out before the ceremony.

Image by The Mclachlans. See more of this real wedding here

Succulents or plants

If you’re saying “I do” in the desert or you have a green thumb, offering your guests a plant is a cute nod to your special day or hobby. Plus, they can keep them alive for years to come, making them practical.

Shop succulents/plants: Let Love Grow Succulent Tags; 72-pack Assorted Succulents; Mini Seed Paper Plantable Cards

Olive oil

If your special day is inspired by the European countryside, this one is for you. Your guests will love cooking with it, and it’s a great nod to the culture–especially if you’re having a destination wedding.

Shop olive oil: Olive Oil Wedding Favor; Olive You Olive Oil Favors; Infused Olive Oil Wedding Favors

Cocktail kits

The party will never stop if you’re passing out mini cocktail kits. You can find all kinds of kits–from moscow mules to margaritas. All they need is alcohol! 

Honey

To sweeten up the day, offer small batches of honey in mini mason jars. This is a great favor option for a rustic or garden wedding.

Shop honey: Meant To Bee Honey Jar Favors; Found My Honey Jar Favors; Honey Jar Wedding Favors

Dessert

There’s no denying that everyone loves sweets. To satisfy the sweet tooth, consider some kind of dessert. This could be baked goods, a candy bar, macaroons, etc. To make it a more interactive experience, consider doing a dessert bar where they can pick and choose what they take home with them.

Image by David Bastianoni. See more of this real wedding here

Luggage tags

Whether you’re having a destination wedding or you and your significant other just have a love for travel, luggage tags are both adorable and functional.

Shop luggage tags: Bulk Wedding Luggage Tags; And So The Adventure Begins Luggage Tags; Personalized Leather Luggage Tag

Blankets

If your wedding is in the fall or winter, you can warm your guests up with blankets. They’ll be able to cozy up at the wedding and at home, too. 

Image by Joel and Justyna. See more of this real wedding here

Champagne 

Send your guests off with a mini bottle of bubbles to keep the party going even after everyone has left. It’s a favor everyone will enjoy, so you’ll know it went to good use. If champagne isn’t your style, you can also opt for mini bottles of wine, beer, coffee, juice, etc.

Wedding Favor Alternatives

Not a big fan of wedding favors altogether? These alternatives are great options for those that want to forgo the gift and opt for something a little more non-traditional.

Donate to charity

If there’s a charity that you and your partner believe in, consider making a small donation on behalf of your guests. Doing so means putting money into a good cause rather than on an item your guests may forget at the end of the night. 

Late-night snacks

We know we mentioned a dessert bar earlier, but why not take it a step further and offer your guests late-night snacks instead? This could be anything from your favorite ice cream truck to bringing in your favorite fast food. Your guests will appreciate the bites once the drinks are flowing.

Image by Morgan McCanne Photo. See more of this real wedding here

Photobooth

Photobooths have become increasingly popular at weddings these days, and we understand why. They’re a playful way to commemorate your special day while also acting as an instant souvenir. 

Welcome bags

If you’re having a destination wedding or a full-blown wedding weekend, a welcome bag is an easy way to say thank you while also helping your guests feel comfortable throughout the trip. Common welcome bag items include local snacks and drinks, sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, pain relievers, and small souvenirs such as postcards, keychains, etc.

Loving these wedding favor ideas? We’ve got even more from Etsy here!

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The Three Day Destination Guide to Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods

June 20, 2022 | riley

Fort Myers Destination Wedding Celebration
Casa Ybel Beach Resort on Sanibel Island

Planning a destination wedding comes with many considerations, like deciding where guests will stay and how they will be entertained (along with the hope that they will enjoy themselves, too!)  Luckily, when you say “I do” throughout the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers, you’ll have all those things covered. What’s more, it will be a multi-day destination event that both you and your guests will remember fondly for years to come.

Extending A Wedding Celebration Into Three Days

A one-day wedding comes with plenty of work, but a three-day destination wedding won’t actually be much harder to plan. Transforming a one-day wedding starts by looking at the events you’d like to host. Typically, this includes:

  • A welcome dinner — on the day the majority of your guests arrive, host an informal dinner or happy hour at a restaurant like Bayfront Bistro for everyone to meet each other. This gives everyone a chance to gather and connect
  • A daytime activity — similar to the welcome dinner, this is a very informal chance for your group to connect again in an even more casual setting. Plan for this to take place either right before, during, or after lunch. A daytime activity can be anything from picnics to boat outings as a group
  • A cocktail hour — Fort Myers and surrounding areas have many restaurants and al fresco dining options that will give you plenty of options for an informal cocktail hour with guests. Or, better yet, consider a pre-dinner sunset cruise. Then you can move your wedding party to the rehearsal dinner at a restaurant like The Veranda
  • The wedding ceremony — Whether you’re hosting a morning, afternoon, or evening wedding, you’ll have plenty of amazing locations available for your ceremony
  • A morning-after brunch — after a day of celebrations and libations, hosting a brunch before ending your wedding weekend vacation for your guests is the perfect way to spend extra time soaking in the memories from your wedding. Take the time to hear about the ceremony, food, and dance floor from your guests over waffles and mimosas at Old Captiva House

Inviting your guests to a three-day vacation will mean spreading out events but also giving them time to explore the islands, beaches, and neighborhoods of Fort Myers themselves.

Where to Eat in Fort Myers
Courtyard at the Twisted Vine Bistro in downtown Fort Myers

Entertaining Your Guests

Other than your main events spread out throughout the three-day celebration, your guests will have plenty of options to entertain themselves. The greater Fort Myers area has over 50 miles of white-sand beaches, natural islands, and unobstructed views of jaw-dropping sunsets. The gorgeous and naturally preserved environment is filled with captivating wildlife that your guests will be thrilled to see and interact with.

There are also plenty of activities for them to take advantage of easy access to the water. If they’re adventurous, they can kayak, standup paddleboard, jet ski, or parasail. If they prefer not to get wet, they can go island hopping, fishing, and try shell collecting on the beach. Or, they can spend time truly relaxing in a spa. There’s truly something for everyone in and around Fort Myers.

Couple Kayaking on Fort Myers Beach
Bowditch Point Park on Fort Myers Beach

Where To Host a Three-Day Wedding

The events to host a three-day wedding weekend are as important as the locations themselves. Fort Myers’ islands, beaches and neighborhoods offer some amazing options for your main events.

Ceremony Locations

Check out their beachfront locales like Sanibel Island for incredible seclusion, white-sand beaches, and plenty of space that you just can’t get at other destinations. There are also many romantic gardens around the area that will serve as a natural, dreamy backdrop to your wedding ceremony.

Reception Locations

Fort Myers is home to renowned restaurants, historic buildings, and waterfront hotels like the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Tarpon Lodge. Exchange vows, dip your toes in the water, and then change into your reception outfits. Then spend the evening in an air-conditioned paradise. That air-conditioning is especially great while you’re hitting the dance floor. 

Guest Accommodations

Encourage your guests to take advantage of the location by setting up room blocks at gorgeous waterfront hotels in and around Fort Myers. These stunning resorts are a great place to start:

  • South Seas Island Resort
  • Diamondhead Beach Resort
  • Sundial Beach Resort and Spa
  • Marriott Sanibel Harbor Resort and Spa

Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa on Fort Myers
Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa

Junebug Tip:

When hosting a destination wedding, it’s likely you won’t be meeting with your vendors face-to-face very often—if at all. Which makes your wedding mood board especially important. Use our guide to make sure yours is in tip-top shape! Then share it with your wedding team to keep you all on the same page.

With your three-day destination guide in hand, it’s time to start booking your incredible Fort Myers wedding! Get started on their visitor website that will walk you through everything you need to book an unforgettable destination wedding.

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How to Incorporate Black As A Wedding Color

June 10, 2022 | kailey

Image by Naba Zabih Photography. Keep scrolling to see how to have the black wedding of your dreams

There’s a common misconception that weddings have to be bright, neutral, or packed with tradition. Newsflash, that’s not the case. We’re seeing more and more couples go against the grain, breaking those outdated wedding planning expectations–and it all starts with hiring your vendors, picking a color palette, and creating a mood board. 

While neutral weddings will always be a timeless aesthetic, it’s not for everyone. And if you’re looking for ways to make a statement, a bold color palette is the way to go. But remember, bold doesn’t always mean vibrant. Incorporating dark, moody shades—like black—is also a bold, unique way to set your wedding apart. Here are some creative ways to subtly and not-so-subtly incorporate black into your wedding. 

Invitation Suites 

Your wedding invitations set the tone of your big day. Being the first thing your wedding guests will see, your invitation suite is an important decision. You only have one chance to make a first impression, so make it a good one. And the key to doing that is incorporating black. Whether you go all black or just add hints of black, this moody color is sure to add that pop of elegance that’ll get your guests excited to RSVP. 

Signage 

Don’t underestimate the power of signage on your big day. This often last-minute detail welcomes guests, directs them to their seats, introduces your signature cocktails, and so much more. Signs can be used for almost everything, and making them a core part of your decor is a sure way to make your wedding stand out. 

Incorporating black into your signage is perfect for those couples looking to add subtle, moody details without going all-out. 

Floral arrangements, Bouquets, and Boutineers 

Wedding florals are a key component of both ceremony and reception decor. It’s also one of the easiest ways to incorporate black into your wedding design. Take your celebration to a whole new level by throwing black into your bouquet, boutonnieres, and even your ceremony backdrop—which can also be repurposed for your reception. 

Recommended reading: Floral Color Palettes to Show your Florist

Make A Statement With Black Wedding Day Fashion

When you picture traditional wedding day attire, you probably think of a long white gown or the classic black tux. And while these classics will always hold a special place in our heart, nontraditional fashion statements are taking over the wedding world. Fashion trends like short wedding dresses, colorful suits, and mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses are packing weddings with personality. 

If you’re really ready to make a statement, incorporate black into your wedding day attire. Go big with a black wedding dress, an all-black tux, or even a pantsuit. If you’re not ready to commit to an all-black wedding day look, have your wedding party rock black. This will make for some incredible contrasting photos. 

Subtle Accessories 

Shoes, jewelry, hair pieces, nails—there are various subtle ways to incorporate black into your wedding day fashion. This is perfect for those that still want to rock the traditional wedding day attire but want to spice it up. Tie your bridal look together with some of our favorite accessories. 

Reception Bar 

Let’s be honest, the reception bar is always one of the most popular elements of a wedding—for you and for your guests. And with incredible drink offerings and a stylish set-up, your bar can easily become a reception staple piece. Go with an all-black design or take a more understated approach by dressing your reception space with dark florals, glassware, and signage. 

Images by Seth & Co Photography. See more of this styled shoot here.

Spice Up Your Wedding Cake 

With dessert being one of the sweetest portions of any reception, adding black details will make it that much sweeter. You can add a small personal touch to your wedding cake design with a black cake topper. But, if you’re wanting your dessert to really steal the show, work with your cake bakery to come up with a sleek all-black design.  

Whether you go with an all-black monochromatic moment or incorporate black into a multi-color palette, choosing wedding colors isn’t always the easiest task. That’s where we come in. To help make choosing your wedding colors a fun and easy process, start by checking out these tips for choosing your wedding color palette.

Image by Madeline Barr Photo. See more of this real wedding here.

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Dazzling DIY Disco Themed Orchid Farm Wedding

June 1, 2022 | riley

Emulating California’s golden hour through a color palette of caramel, coral, and peach, Patrick and Connor’s Orchid Farm wedding was filled with unique DIY details all done within three months! Due to the pandemic, the pair had to push their wedding date a year. But, with the help of their planner Anthology Studios, they pulled off a whimsical disco party with their closest loved ones.

Using eye-catching arrangements by Desert Rose Florals to frame the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Barbara coastline, the dashing grooms exchanged heartfelt vows in a breathtaking clifftop ceremony. After tying the knot, their dazzling greenhouse reception featured a floating installation of mixed dried foliage, fresh blooms, and glittery disco balls. 

From the handcrafted earthy and retro accents down to the epic fashion, the love, effort, and creativity the couple poured into their big day will blow you away. Scroll through these captivating images by Morgan McCanne and be prepared to see some serious oceanside meets greenhouse wedding inspiration.

The Couple:

Connor and Patrick

The Wedding:

Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara, CA

Why They Chose To Have An Orchid Farm Wedding

We saw our venue on a few wedding blogs in late 2018. After some digging, we found the name and contact on Yelp and set up a walkthrough. We visited and instantly fell in love. The California coastline ceremony site and greenhouses for cocktails and reception were everything we were looking for. We knew we wanted to get married in the Santa Barbara area, so we researched other venues but always came back to Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm.

Personalizing Their Ceremony By Writing Their Own Vows And Including Their Loved Ones

At the beginning of the ceremony, we had our wedding bands passed throughout our guests for them to impart good vibes and best wishes before our vows and placement of the rings. Our dog was our flower girl, too! She loved greeting the guests and being the center of attention. I also loved our vows. We wrote them separately, but the similarities showed just how aligned our brains are. We laughed and cried and it was such a loving moment.

How The Couple Added All Of The DIY Touches To Their Orchid Farm Wedding

We didn’t go into wedding planning thinking we would DIY as much as we did, but we had such a specific vision that it was easier for us to create these goods rather than compromise the look we were going for. When we didn’t see premade elements online, we took it into our own hands and made them ourselves. Thanks to Photoshop and a Cricut, we made all the paper goods and signs. We also designed and made our escort card installation, hand-sewed table overlays, made bracelets for our wedding party, and constructed custom signage stands.

Shop similar bridesmaid dresses:

Recommended Reading: 5 Tips For Pulling Off Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses

A DIY Wedding Was A Lot Of Hard Work But A Rewarding Experience

We’re proud of everything we handcrafted to make our pretty specific vision come to life. It was a lot of work and time, but we love how everything came together. I know everyone says to let go of everything at the start of your day so you can fully enjoy it, but to be honest, since we were so heavily involved with the gritty details, it didn’t happen so easily for us. I remember heading down to the ceremony site and seeing all of our friends and family having a good time, waiting for us, and remembering feeling all of the stress melt away. It was like a button clicked off, and we could finally let go. 

Working With Photographer Morgan McCanne Felt Natural And Easy

Morgan is the photographer of our dreams. We worked with her on our engagement shoot and immediately felt so comfortable with her. Since our wedding was pushed a year, it was a little longer until we could see her again, but it felt like we had one of our good friends with us the entire day. She was up for any locations and poses and made us feel completely comfortable. Not to mention that the final edited photos are just beyond anything we could have imagined. They are the perfect representation and reminder of our special day. We honestly still get overwhelmed—in the best possible way—every time we look at the photos.

Charitable Donations Honoring Their Grandmothers

We personalized wooden fans for the guests during the ceremony but didn’t give out traditional wedding favors. Instead, we donated to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s foundations. We each had grandmothers who suffered from these diseases, so we wanted to give back to them in this way.

They Treated Their Guests To An Unexpected And Fun Wedding Menu

Before the ceremony, we had alcoholic and non-alcoholic popsicle pour-overs provided by Mom and Pop Shop Popsicles. We had a full open bar and three signature drinks named after us and our dog, Cali, during the cocktail hour, complete with custom drink stirrers. We also had Mexican-inspired appetizers and a delicious full-service taco bar for dinner by Nana’s Catering. For dessert, we had churros and McConnell’s Ice Cream—a Santa Barbara staple. Patrick’s best friend from high school also made a small tres leches cutting cake for us. These elements helped make our day special, and our guests loved a more unique wedding reception dinner.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Morgan McCanne Photo
Event Planning – Anthology Studios
Venue – Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm
Floral Design – Desert Rose Florals
Catering – Nana’s Catering
Dessert – The Churro Cart CA
DJ – Vox DJs
Hair Styling – Ciao Bella
Groom’s Apparel – Moss Bros
Bridal Party’s Apparel – The Black Tux & Lulu’s
Rings – Tiffany & Co.
Rentals – Party Pleasers
Photobooth – Selfie Booth Co.
Lighting & Disco Balls – Ambient Event Design
Transportation – Jump on the Schoolbus
Popsicle/Pourover Welcome Station – Mom & Pop Shop
Bartenders & Staffing – National Bar Staffing

 

Congratulations to Patrick and Connor on their dazzling DIY disco-themed Orchid Farm wedding. We’re so glad that Morgan McCanne was there to capture every stunning detail and swoon-worthy moment of the day. 

Thinking of going full-scale DIY for your wedding like this couple? Do-it-yourself projects are a great way to personalize your ceremony and reception, but they can be overwhelming if you’re not careful. Check out our DIY planning guide for helpful tips to stay on track and on budget.

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The Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide

May 27, 2022 | kailey

Image by Jamie Y Photography. Keep scrolling for our ultimate wedding planning guide.

No two weddings are alike, but there are many similarities when it comes to the planning process. Regardless of your wedding size, budget, or destination we’ve rounded up the best practices you’ll want to follow when planning your big day. From hiring your dream vendors down to the last minute details, we’ve got you covered every step of the way. Whether you’re planning your wedding in two months or twelve months, we’ve created this step-by-step wedding planning guide to help you organize your thoughts. Use our guide to make sure you don’t miss any details or steps. 

1. Determine What’s Most Important

You’re engaged, you just followed a bunch of wedding vendors on Instagram, and…now what? After shouting your engagement from the rooftops and celebrating with those that matter most, take a deep breath. You have a long wedding planning road ahead of you. 

We’ve seen many couples rush into making decisions that haunt them later on. To ensure this doesn’t happen to you, kickstart your planning process by compiling a list of things that are most important to you and your significant other. These priorities will have a large influence on the rest of your pre-wedding decisions. Then, create a mood board that’ll help communicate your dreams and vision to potential wedding vendors. Next, get started on your wedding website with Lovebird, an innovative platform streamlining wedding guest communication from save the dates, to digital wedding invitations, to RSVPs and more.

Must-read blog posts for determining what’s most important:

Image by Paola Lattarini. See more of this real wedding here.

2. Evaluate Your Budget 

You might be wondering why we didn’t start with money talk. That’s because we want to ensure that all of your large wedding choices aren’t solely based on your budget. Dream your wildest dreams, then figure out how to make it happen or where to scale back around the elements you’ve already prioritized.

We often hear that couples don’t know how to get started creating a wedding budget. If this sounds like you, check out our guide for creating your perfect wedding budget.

Must-read blog posts for budgeting:

3. Assemble A Rockstar Vendor Team

Now we’re getting to the fun part—assembling your dream team of vendors. Again, we know it’s exciting to follow all the vendors your heart desires, but you should start with a wedding planner first. They play an important role in every stage of the planning process, including helping you find your vendors. They’ll even help your budget stay on track.

After choosing a planner, a wedding date, and destination then you can hunt down your dream photographer and videographer. 

Must-read blog posts for assembling your vendor team:

Image by Tahnee Jade Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

4. Figure Out The Logistics

Logistics are what make your day run smoothly. These aren’t as fun but you don’t want these details overlooked when your big day arrives. We’re talking about  your wedding day timeline, guest list, and seating chart. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Your vendor team will be able to help with many of these stressful elements. 

Must-real blog posts for nailing down the logistical details:

5. Purchase Your Wedding Day Attire

A wedding dress, a colorful suit, or even a wedding jumpsuit—no matter what you decide to rock on your big day, shopping is sure to be a good time. Or a little daunting. Because you’ve already determined your vision and budget you already have a starting point. Grab your vision board and head to your local bridal boutique or tailor to get started. 

Must-read blog posts for choosing your wedding attire:

Image by Epic Love Story. See more of this real wedding here.

6. Enjoy Along The Way

No one said wedding planning would be easy, but it can be fun with all of the right resources like this wedding planning guide, your loved ones, and trusted vendors. With all of these tools you’ll limit your wedding planning stress and give yourself the freedom to enjoy the process. Shopping for the dress, taking engagement photos, assembling your registry. Soak it all in! 

Must-read blog posts for enjoying along the way:

7. Plan Wedding Party Festivities

If you and your significant other have decided you want your crew by your side, it’s time to plan the pre-wedding festivities. You’ve probably already asked the gang to be a part of your day, but now’s the fun part—your bachelor and bachelorette party. 

From the destination to gear, make sure you’re sticking to everyone’s budgets when it comes to these festivities. We know you want to pamper your crew, but this is an easy area to overspend. 

Must-read blog posts for planning your wedding party festivities:

Image by Tews Visual. See more of this real wedding here.

8. Personalize Your Wedding Ceremony

Once your timeline is set and all the larger logistical details are figured out, you’ll be able to focus on personalizing your ceremony. Your officiant, hand-written vows, and music are all opportunities to add personalized touches to your ceremony. 

These special touches end up being some of the most memorable moments from your wedding. Moments that’ll bring tears to your eyes and that you’ll hold close forever. 

Must-read blogs about personalizing your wedding ceremony:

9. Coordinate All The Pretty Details

Have your Pinterest boards handy, it’s time to plan the wow decor for your ceremony, reception, and everything in between. This is where your inspiration photos and mood board play an important role. Your color palette, floral installations, and lighting are just a few of the little details that’ll transform an ordinary space into the wedding venue of your dreams. 

Must-read blog posts for planning your decor and entertainment details:

Image by Jennifer Blalock. See more of this styled shoot here.

9. Create Your Food And Drink Menu

Catering options, reception bar, and wedding cake—our mouths are watering just thinking about it all. Sure food and drinks may seem simple. But don’t underestimate the amount of choices you truly have for each. When it comes to catering you have to hire a caterer, pick your meal style, and decide on what food to serve up. 

Your reception bar is another element that may seem easy but requires a lot of prepping. From stocking to staffing and even decorating, there’s a lot that goes into bringing your cocktail bar to life. To add an extra personalized touch, work closely with your hired bartenders to create a signature cocktail that represents you. Whether it’s one cocktail with your wedding hashtag, two that are named after you both, or even extra options named after your pets, the options are endless.

Lastly, it’s time to talk about dessert. Yes, we saved the best and tastiest for last. If you’ve decided to stick with a traditional wedding cake, you’re in for a real treat. Finding a trusted bakery, scheduling tastings, and designing the cake—the wedding cake process is sweet all around. These details may seem small and insignificant, but are sure to make a lasting impact come wedding day. 

Must read blog posts for ironing out your food and drink details:

Image by Igor Demba.

11. Orchestrate Your Reception Entertainment

Celebrate good times, c’mon! It’s time to celebrate, and for many of you that means dancing. all. night. long. If there’s one thing we can’t stress enough, it’s the importance of a DJ or band to help keep the party going. Music is the soundtrack for memorable moments—like the first dance, mother-son dance, and the father-daughter dance—so entertainment choices shouldn’t be taken lightly. 

Must-read blog posts for orchestrating your reception entertainment:

12. Remember The Last-Minute Wedding Planning Details

If wedding week is getting close, we’re doing a happy dance for you. The day you’ve been preparing for is almost here! But, before your big day there’s sure to be last minute, mini emergencies to take care of. From packing your honeymoon bag to sending those last vendor checks, make sure you have everything crossed off your list so you focus on soaking up those soon to be memories. 

Must-read blog posts for your last-minute details:

13. Check Off Your Post-Wedding To-Do List

You did it! First thing’s first, take some time to enjoy being married. But before jet-setting off for your much needed honeymoon, use this time to clear up any last minute details. From vendor tips to thank you cards, post-wedding tasks are a great way to distract yourself while anxiously awaiting your photo gallery and video sneak peek.

Must-read blog posts for your post-wedding to-do list:

The wedding planning process looks similar across the board. But, lucky for us, every wedding doesn’t. If you’re looking for ways to create a personalized, never-before-seen celebration that authentically celebrates your love, check out our guide for creating a unique wedding. 

Then, hire a team of talented vendors that can bring it all together.

Image by Lora Photography.

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7 Cool And Casual Wedding Ideas

April 5, 2022 | riley

In case no one has told you—you don’t need to have an over-the-top wedding to create a magical, memorable event. If you and your partner aren’t “the formal kind,” then a cool, casual wedding might be your style.  There’s no template for a true-to-you wedding day, after all. You don’t have to take our word for it, though. Let these casual wedding ideas inspire you to create a laid-back wedding with a cool, unique flair.

Tips + Casual Wedding Ideas

1. Find a Comfortable and Unconventional Venue

Start with your wedding location. If comfortable and relaxed vibes are your goal, think about the places you feel most at home. It might even be your home—or your parent’s backyard, or the lakehouse you’ve spent summer nights for the past 20 years. As a bonus, a memorable location means less decor is needed to create a space that feels like you. 

If your house isn’t quite fit to entertain a group of people, you can rent an Airbnb for an intimate wedding weekend experience that still feels like home. If you’re looking to go a more traditional route, Engine makes reserving hotel room blocks simple, even helping you secure up to 22% off rates you find online.

Questions to Help Determine Your Wedding Location:

  • Where do you enjoy spending time on the weekend? 
  • What’s your favorite restaurant? Is it large enough to accommodate the number of guests you’ll invite?
  • Do you enjoy going to museums or art galleries?
  • If you could move anywhere in the world, where would it be?
  • Do you prefer the outdoors, such as a national park, or somewhere indoors?

Recommended Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Wedding Venue

2. Offer Pre-Ceremony Refreshments and Snacks

Welcome cocktails and snacks set the stage for a fun, laid-back time. If you’d prefer to leave the party until after you say “I do,” you can opt for a coffee, lemonade, aqua fresca, or mocktail bar. If you want to support a small local business you love, consider hiring them to organize this for you. 

Blanking on what type of snacks would be best to hold your guests over until the meal?

Here are Some of Our Favorite Wedding Snack Ideas:

  • Charcuterie table – To avoid spreading germs, create individual charcuterie cones 
  • Food truck – Everyone loves a food truck, no matter what kind of food the truck serves. It also makes a great photo-op to entertain guests while they wait
  • Sentimental foods – If you have family or friends who have passed, honor them by creating a table of their favorite foods

3. Utilize Mix and Match Seating

The Danish have created and coined a lifestyle known as “hygge,” which essentially means for something to be cozy and comfortable—to create a welcoming feeling. If that’s exactly the aesthetic that you’re looking for on your special day, consider a mix of chairs, textures, and colors that will provide the perfect element of unexpectedness and coziness. You can do everything from poufs and oversized floor pillows to mismatched vintage chairs, picnic set-ups, and boho lounge areas. 

Shop Our Favorite Floor Pillows:

4. Choose Greenery Over Florals

Lush weddings are popular among couples who enjoy minimalist vibes. Skip floral arrangements and create a fresh, natural feel with greenery. Many couples skip traditional floral arrangements altogether and use a few different textures of greenery or dried flowers for bouquets, centerpieces, and ceremony backdrops. Eucalyptus, olive branches, rosemary garlands, and tropical leaves are perennial favorites, but we recommend working with a florist who can recommend seasonal greens and arrange them in a beautiful way.

Junebug Tip: If you want to save money and still want florals or plants for your big day, use BloomsyBox, a flower subscription company. They have colorful dried flowers, plants, bouquets, and more. You choose what you want and get them hand-delivered to your door. They even offer dozens of pre-made bouquets. Junebug readers get 10% off with the code JUNEBUG

5. Serve Comfort Foods

If there’s a common theme that unites casual couples, it’s food. Specifically, comfort food. We’re talking about the kind of meal you get once a week because it’s your thing. Maybe it’s pizza, tacos and margaritas, ramen, or burgers. Whatever it may be, don’t be afraid to treat your guests to it. Not only does it make your wedding more laid back and personalized to you as a couple, but your guests will also get a kick out of the delicious food. And if the idea of a seated dinner or buffet isn’t your style, bring in a food truck or go potluck-style and ask guests to bring a dish of choice. 

6. Host A Brunch Wedding

Speaking of food, if you’re much more breakfast people and you envision your day including cinnamon rolls, pancakes, and mimosas, why not host a brunch wedding? They’re a great way to save money, and they also give you the chance to tie the knot in the venue of your dreams if it’s booked up on the date that you always wanted. Plus who doesn’t love breakfast food? And saying “I do” earlier means that you can jet off to your honeymoon that same day.

Recommended Reading: Brunch Wedding Ideas for the Early Birds & Breakfast Lovers

7. Play Games During Your Reception

If you’re hosting your wedding outdoors, add some lawn games to keep guests entertained and allow them to mingle if they don’t know one another very well. From corn hole to giant Jenga to ring toss, there’s a wide variety of nostalgic games that you can play. The best part is that there are so many customized options out there that you can keep long after the wedding that will remind you of one of the most important days of your life every time you play.

Your wedding day should be a reflection of who you are as a couple. We hope these casual wedding ideas have inspired you to stay true to yourselves and ditch the formal wedding if it doesn’t feel true to who you are. But, don’t forget, even laid-back couples can benefit from expert planning and coordination. In need of a wedding planner who will help your day run seamlessly? Let our hand-picked professional wedding planners guide you through the process so you can enjoy every minute of your special day. 

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Beautifully Boho Astrology Inspired Wedding

February 16, 2022 | riley

 

When Victoria and Michael thought about their wedding and what they wanted it to look like, they knew that astrology would play a big part. With that in mind, they set their sights on all of the details that would make up the astrology-inspired wedding of their dreams. 

With the help of Junebug planner Brehant Creations, that’s exactly what they had. From the crystal seating chart and the moon ukulele guestbook to the perfectly terracotta color palette for it all, these are gorgeously boho nuptials you won’t want to miss. And thanks to the gorgeous photos captured by Abigail Renee Photography, you won’t. So keep scrolling and get your Pinterest boards ready for lots of star sign inspiration.

The Couple:

Victoria and Michael

The Wedding:

The Lace Factory, Deep River, Connecticut, United States

Recommended Reading: Denim Jackets For Any Wedding Style

Astrology Inspired Wedding Vision

We spent a lot of time thinking about the smallest details to make our day special and really curate an entire vibe. We were so lucky that our vendors were so on board with this vision and just as excited about it as we were. My vision from day one was to have a seating chart using crystals for each guest. This was brought to life by our planner and calligrapher, who made the signs. I sourced all the crystals from Etsy and local shops. I specifically chose crystals within our color scheme. This display came out so cool, and the crystals were a really unique favor for guests. 

Special Zodiac Sign Details

With the help of Chrissy Marie Designs, we were also able to get zodiac sign necklaces and boutonniere charms for the whole bridal party. This was probably one of my favorite details. I also DIY’d the place cards, which included guest names and zodiac signs. This was such a fun detail for our guests, and it was fun for us to learn everyone’s signs.

Choosing The Lace Factory As Their Venue

We pretty much settled on The Lace Factory before we were even engaged. We went there one day for brunch and then rode the Essex Steam Train. It was a blast. The Lace Factory had the vibe we wanted and it was so cool that our guests could take the steam train to our wedding. We didn’t get to ride the train with our guests. But the train did come back after our ceremony to take some photos on it with our wedding party. Those ended up being some of our favorite photos so we’re so glad they were able to come back.

 

The Most Memorable Parts of the Day

There were so many memorable moments, but two definitely stick out for us. The first was the actual wedding ceremony. It was incredible to finally be there with all the people we love together in the same place. Our ceremony was officiated by a close family friend who took so much time to write a beautiful and personal ceremony. We had live music from our friends Rad and Kell, which also made the ceremony incredibly special. I walked down the aisle to “Crystal” by Fleetwood Mac, and our recessional song was “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac. The other most memorable moment was seeing our reception space. After months of working on all the decor and design, it was awesome to see it all come to life. It was so breathtakingly beautiful and even more magical than we ever could have imagined.

Shop Similar Bridesmaid Gowns:

Their Wedding Planning Advice

If it’s within your budget, get a wedding planner! We hired our planner, Sarah Brehant of Brehant Creations, very early in the planning process. We had a very specific design vision that we knew we could not bring to life alone. Having Sarah kept us sane and on track with the wedding planning process. Wedding planners are especially helpful in those last few weeks leading up to the wedding when your head is spinning with all the final details. Also, having her and her team the day of the wedding allowed us to sit back and relax, knowing everything would go off without a hitch.

Personalizing This Astrological Ceremony

We had a close friend officiate our wedding, and she took the job very seriously. She sent us questions about things like our love story, our favorite things about each other, and where we see ourselves in the future. She also interviewed our family members and even contacted an astrologer that read our birth charts and the astrology of our wedding date to provide insight. Throughout her process, she met with us several times to go over the things we wanted to include, and she wrote rough drafts with different wording for us to choose from. We wanted the ceremony to be spiritual, meaningful, uplifting, and include a hand-fasting ceremony. She worked in everything for us. Before the ceremony, she even came early to cleanse the space with incense. Everything she did really made it such a beautiful sacred space and ceremony for us to share our vows. 

DIY Details For The Astrology Inspired Wedding

I’m an avid DIY-er, but for my own sanity, the number of DIY projects I took on for my own wedding was small. Knowing that I would have enough on my plate as the bride, I didn’t want to be overwhelmed with DIY projects. To keep it at a minimum I only did a few projects like DIY’ing the place cards using acrylic arches I got from Etsy. To do it I painted the backs, used my Cricut to add guest names and zodiac signs, and then fastened a tassel to each one. I also DIY’d the crystal cards for each guest. I made these on Adobe Illustrator and then printed and cut them with my Cricut. Then I sewed the handfasting cord we used during the ceremony using extra fabric from my wedding dress. For the card box, I bought a clear acrylic card box online, painted the inside, and then put our names on it using my Cricut. The last few things I DIY’d were our wedding weekend timeline and wedding welcome bags for the hotel guests. The majority of our guests were from out of town, so it was very important to us to have thoughtful welcome bags for them.

 

The Wedding Day Menu

Cloud 9 Catering served the most delicious meal. While we didn’t do anything special for the menu, the way it was served was very special. When we first toured The Lace Factory, we found out they did family-style meals as a catering option which we loved the idea of. However, once COVID hit, they stopped doing family-style meals. It wasn’t until our final walkthrough where we happened to ask that they told us that family-style dinners were back. We were so excited to have that option for our guests to try both entrees!

 

Especially Special Wedding Favors

We did give out wedding favors, but they were very non-traditional. We had an awesome crystal seating chart where each table was themed with a different crystal. There was a crystal with a card that said the crystal name and its properties at each place setting. This was a way for our guests to take a little magic home with them from our wedding. As an added bonus, they served as beautiful table decor and brought in good vibes.

Congratulations to Victoria and Michael on their beautiful boho astrology inspired wedding. Special thanks to Junebug planner Brehant Creations for sharing it with us. To see more of their incredible work, check out their portfolio in our directory of vendors from around the world.

If you’re feeling inspired to plan your own creative wedding, get started with our unique wedding planning guide! 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Abigail Renee Photography
Event Planning – Brehant Creations
Venue – The Lace Factory
Floral Design – Earth Blossoms Floral & Event Design
Catering – Cloud 9 Catering
Cake – For Goodness Cakes Desserts
Officiant – Teresa Regan
DJ – Signature Sounds DJ & Uplighting
Live Music – Rad and Kell
Videography – Earth + Sun Co.
Invitation Design – Summit & Sage Design Co.
Makeup Artist – Transcendent Makeup
Hair Styling – All Dolled Up
Wedding Dress – Everthine Bridal Boutique
Rings – Lauren B Jewelry
Rentals – Wylde Rose Events
Transportation – Essex Steam Train
Flower Girl Dresses & Place Cards – Sew Knotty Crafts Co.
Bride Jewelry + Hair charms, Bridesmaids Jewelry, + Groomsmen Boutonniere Charms – Chrissy Marie Designs
Mod installations – EMU Studio
Tabletop Rentals – Petals & Plates
Linen – BBJ Linen
Acrylic Signage – Kate’s Calligraphy
Guestbook & Vow Books – Luna Paper Company
Bridesmaids Velvet Robes – Hayden Harlow PR
Cheesecloth Table Runners – Snassy Crafter
Bride Heels – Forever Soles
Bride Hat – Lack of Color
Pocket Squares – ETON

 

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Seriously Luxe San Miguel de Allende Destination Wedding

January 29, 2022 | riley

After moving from Mexico to Ecuador, Carolina and Andres knew that they wanted to tie the knot in the magical city where they fell in love–and that’s exactly what they did at their luxe San Miguel de Allende destination wedding. The couple exchanged vows in the chapel of Hacienda San José La Vista before dancing, drinking, and eating the night away underneath what can only be described as an indoor garden.

With the help of planner Lucero Alvarez, the wine estate was transformed into a wedding venue complete with a hanging garden of greenery, real trees, an abundance of white florals, and fairy lights that made the space feel incredibly romantic. And as if that wasn’t luxurious enough, they also had a five-course meal and a whole room dedicated to sweets, with everything from candy to an ice cream bar to churros. Oh, and don’t forget the coffee bar! 

Photographer and Junebug member Marcela Cerbón did an incredible job of capturing every well-thought-out detail of the day, and one look at these photos will have you booking the next flight out to Mexico. So get those bags packed, those Pinterest boards ready, and keep scrolling to get inspired.

The Couple:

Carolina and Andrés

The Wedding:

Hacienda San José La Vista, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

 

Why A San Miguel de Allende Destination Wedding

I am from Ecuador, Andrés is from Mexico, and one of the first places we visited together was San Miguel de Allende. I immediately fell in love with it and when we got engaged, Andrés moved to Ecuador. That’s why we decided to get married in the magical city. And I fell in love with the venue–it was the first thing we booked.

Spending Time With Family At Their San Miguel de Allende Destination Wedding

Most of our friends and family members traveled from Ecuador and all around Mexico to be with us, so we spent three days pampering them. I really think that details make the biggest difference. We had welcome bags, umbrellas, abanicos, flats for the wedding party, hand sanitizer, Ecuadorian hats, and more.

 

 

Wedding Advice From The Couple

We would tell all couples to really enjoy every part of the process. It goes by too fast. When you feel stressed, just remember what it’s really all about–marrying the love of your life and being able to celebrate with the ones you love the most. That helped us stay calm and enjoy every part of the planning process, despite having to change the date three times because of the pandemic.

 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Marcela Cerbón
Event Planning – Lucero Alvarez
Venue – Hacienda San José La Vista
Floral Design – Gabriela Cabrera Expresion Floral
Catering – Massieu Banquetes
DJ – Frequence DJ
Live Music – Le Funk
Makeup Artist – Tatiana Pesantez
Hair Styling – Maria Isabe Pinos
Wedding Dress – Chernaya Bridal House
Bridal Accessories – Carmen Maria Mayz
Groom’s Apparel – Gustavo Moscoso

 

Congratulations again to Carolina and Andres on their San Miguel de Allende destination wedding. Big thank you to Junebug member Marcela Cerbón for capturing the elegant day! To see more of her incredible work, check out her profile in our directory of wedding photographers from around the world! And to get started planning your own far-off “I do’s,” be sure to check out our ultimate guide to planning a destination wedding!

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The Ultimate Wedding Reception Timeline

January 9, 2022 | kailey

Image by Carl Heyerdahl

You’re ready to tie the knot—congratulations! Once you’ve said “I do” it’s time to kick off your marriage with a reception that feels authentically you, surrounded by the most cherished people in your life. Every couple is different, and every reception should be too. We’ve got the timeline covered so you can focus less on logistics and more on the fun-filled details that will celebrate your unique love. 

There are many elements included in a wedding reception and without a carefully crafted reception timeline, planning can quickly feel overwhelming. To take the stress out of your wedding planning, we’ve crafted the perfect wedding reception timeline to help you visualize the overall flow of the celebration, making for a smooth planning process and allowing you to be present on your big day.

Wedding Reception Timeline

Image by Misha-Lee Tame

Cocktail Hour And Wedding Portraits (1-2 hours)

Typically lasting anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on your venue and bartender contracts, cocktail hour is typically the start of most wedding receptions and usually begins immediately after the ceremony. Not only is it the best transition from ceremony to celebration, but it also serves as passing time for guests while you’re away capturing photos with your wedding photographer.

Despite the name, the cocktail “hour” can actually last as long as you want. We do recommend it’s at least an hour to give all your guests plenty of time to settle in and prepare for your big arrival. Just be mindful of how long your bartenders are booked in contracts to make sure they don’t start packing up early.

From properly stocking your reception bar to selecting the overall style—there are endless tasks that go into bringing to life a cozy wedding reception, bar included. To kickstart your cocktail hour planning, check out our guide to your wedding reception bar. 

Couples Entrance and First Dances (10-25 minutes)

Once memories have been expertly captured and cocktail hour is coming to an end, it’s time to make your grand entrance. Whether it’s just you and your partner or the whole wedding party, the reception entrance is a great way to add a unique, fun, and personalized touch to your big day.

After your grand entrance, it’s time for your first dance. Once you step on the dance floor, take a minute to soak in the applause while your DJ or wedding band transitions to your song. Then enjoy every second of that first dance as a married couple. Your entrance and first dance should last about 10-25 minutes while your guests are finding their dinner seats.

Image by Ana Hinojosa

Welcome Toasts (10-15 minutes)

Before dinner kicks off, take a moment to stand together and thank everyone for attending. Your speech should take less than 10 minutes. Keep in mind, your welcome toast should be short and sweet. The longer, more emotional toasts will come later. Depending on your faith, you or a family member can then bless the meal. 

Dinner And Speeches  (1-1.5 hours)

Now it’s time to bring in the food. From formal plated meals to food trucks, there are endless dinner catering options. If you’ve decided on a seated dinner, your servers should be waiting with plates during the welcome toast so that they can begin serving immediately. If you’re having a buffet, your DJ will be in charge of controlling the flow of traffic by announcing when it’s time for each table to make its way to the food area. 

Between courses—or about 20 minutes into dinner if you’re having a buffet—it’s time to grab your tissues and start speeches. It’s typical to have around three people make speeches. But it’s your big day, so it’s entirely up to you. Whether you opt to have best friends or close relatives, ask them ahead of time so they can prepare. When you do, you should also give them a time limit so they don’t run too long. We recommend they take place back-to-back so you only have to get the guests’ attention once. 

Because wedding sizes, meal sizes, and meal styles can vary so much, the amount of time you dedicate to this will be unique. As a general rule, all of the speeches shouldn’t last longer than 20 minutes and dinner should last about an hour to an hour and a half.

Parent Dances (30 minutes)

As dinner is finishing up, it’s time to transition into the dancing phase of the evening—starting with the father-daughter or mother-son dance. Typically, the father-daughter dance happens first, but you can do these dances in either order that you prefer or even at the same time.

If you’re looking for song ideas, we’ve got our favorite father-daughter dance songs and mother-son dance songs that won’t leave a dry eye in the house.

Dancing (1-2 hours)

With all your guests focused on the dance floor for the parent dances, have your DJ transition immediately into more upbeat tunes. You and your new spouse should be the first ones back on the dance floor to get the party started. Your guests will follow your lead, especially if you’re using the music on this wedding reception playlist. This would also be the time to fit in any other traditions or games you want to include. Dancing will typically last the rest of the night, with about an hour to spare for the last two activities.

Cake Cutting  (30 minutes)

Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for—dessert! Maybe you’re having a large, tiered wedding cake or maybe you want to ditch tradition and have a donut wall. Dessert is typically a sign that the wedding reception is almost over, so we recommend putting it no more than one hour before your grand exit. Most guests will stay until after the cake is cut, so this is a good time marker to avoid people leaving too early. 

Grand Exit (15-25 minutes)

While you two are saying your final farewells, your planner should be getting your guests in place for your grand exit. If you’re not into the idea of a grand exit, check out our other ideas for memorable ways to end your reception. From sparklers to driving off on a brand new motorcycle—we’ve seen it all. Whatever you choose, your exit is sure to be the perfect way to end an epic wedding reception. 

A Reminder About Your Wedding Reception Timeline

Your wedding reception should be a reflection of you, your partner, and your love. If you don’t want to include any of the elements we’ve listed, don’t. Whether you host your reception in your favorite restaurant or continue the party in your unique wedding venue, this guide should be taken as just that–a guide. If your timeline runs over, your wedding planner can always help you get back on track. So relax, and enjoy the best party you’ll ever throw. You’ve earned it.

From decor to the timeline—there’s a lot that goes into the planning of a reception. We’ve taken care of the logistics so you can focus on the fun elements like nailing your reception design. Check out these tips for decorating your reception without having to break the bank to get started. 

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