Opi, a wedding planner, and Joy Zamora, a wedding photographer, have both played key roles in bringing many mind-blowing celebrations to life. When it came to their time to tie the knot, it’s no surprise that the results were nothing short of magical. And to truly plan a celebration authentic to their love, this couple had no choice but to stretch their one-day wedding into a full weekend affair.
To kick off the weekend the right way, this audacious couple was joined by their guests for an outdoor Indian pre-wedding party at Tambor de Llano. The following day, the same space was transformed into a dreamy venue with cascading orange flowers by Andaluflor and distressed area rugs. The couple added personality with the addition of an arch backdrop they designed together and had hand carved in Morocco. Framing the rolling mountains in the distance, the archway resembled a doorway opening into a new shared experience.
After sealing the deal with a shot of mezcal, the real party began. The reception space was complete with one long banquet-style table that became the focal point. With pops-of-blue dinnerware, dainty floral centerpieces, and rattan pendant lights, the decor beautifully complimented the rural Spanish countryside. From the fashion to the reception tablescape, photographer The Kitcheners captured every detail nature-loving couples have been searching for.
Over the years, Joy has surprised me countless times with little unexpected gifts. I absolutely love receiving them, but I am not a big gift-giver myself. So for the wedding, I wanted to do something big for him, not only to repay him for all the thoughtful gifts but because he has always pushed me to become the person I dream of being and have the life I dream of having. So I arranged for a Motorbike to be delivered to our wedding venue, and on the morning of our wedding, I blindfolded him and led him to his surprise. He was shocked and so happy. It felt so good to start our day this way.
Loved Ones Showed Up From All Over The World For Their Tambor de Llano Wedding
I have been planning, designing, and coordinating weddings since 2015, and both Joy and I have been part of many love stories and mind-blowing celebrations, but you never quite imagine how your own wedding is going to be. We invited friends and family from all over the world– there were many small groups and clusters, and some guests even came alone. But after a few hours of meeting, it felt like one connected family. We are so proud of how our friends and family showed up for us and gave us all they had. It was beautiful, and we feel very fortunate to have such an incredible tribe.
Advice From The Bride: Everything Happens As It’s Meant To
The whole weekend was memorable, but the one moment that really stood out for us was our entrance into our Indian welcome party. A few hours before the celebrations were due to start, Joy fell quite ill, and a thunderstorm teased the summer sky (the whole event was outdoors). This wasn’t the way it was supposed to be. Now I believe it was. That everything happens as it’s meant to. During the tearful moments walking up the hill to our guests, the dhol drummed through the mountains, and the sky opened up. We were greeted with cheers and an immense amount of joy, something more powerful than we’d ever felt. It was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. Being enveloped in kisses and hugs from the most amazing humans. It was the first time we had experienced the power of energy–all the love literally gave Joy his health back.
This Nature-Loving Couple Showed Off Their Love For Nature With Hand-Carved Ceremony Decor
Our ceremony was one of the big highlights for us; emotional, fun, and dreamy. We stood in front of a beautiful archway we designed together and had hand carved in Morocco. The arch was placed in front of the most breathtaking backdrop of mountains. We had water with jasmine flowers at our feet and a fire pit (we couldn’t light it because of being in a natural area in the height of summer). The four elements are an important part of our lives, and we wanted them to be a part of our vows.
Sealing The Deal With A Shot Of Mezcal
Our friend Ana Hinojosa, also an incredible wedding photographer, officiated our ceremony in both English and Spanish. After we said our vows, Ana surprised us with a shot of Mezcal, and when we turned to Salud our guests, we saw they all had a shot too. It was an epic moment. A sealing of some sort, and we all got to do it together. It was magic.
Hiring A Trusted Team Of Vendors Was Priority For Their Tambor de Llano Wedding
Hire a team you love and connect with because nothing can go wrong when you have people who have your back. Our videographer, Monika Frias, and photographer, The Kitcheners, created a special moment for us during our first dance. They had all of our guests put their phone lights on, so when we danced to ‘No Stars’ by Rebekah Del Rio, all we could see were stars around us. Thanks to our vendors, it was a magical moment we’ll remember forever.
Congratulations to Opi and Joy on their Tambor de Llano wedding. And big thanks to photographer The Kitcheners for capturing the full weekend of festivities, planned with intention and a whole lot of love. This celebration will have couples re-evaluating their priorities and breaking free of those traditional wedding boundaries.
If Opi and Joy’s wedding has you feeling inspired to extend your special day into a multi-day wedding weekend, we’ve got the logistics covered. Check out our how-to guide for planning a weekend wedding itinerary packed with Junebug-approved tips and even a sample itinerary.
Image by It’s All About. Keep scrolling for our ultimate guide to wedding terminology and their meanings.
Once you start planning a wedding, you’ll quickly realize that there is a unique language and jargon used in the industry. You may be unfamiliar with many terms, and it’s a good idea to learn the lingo.
Understanding these terms can help you confidently and clearly communicate with vendors, guests, and members of your wedding party. Not only that, you can better express your preferences, make informed decisions, and ensure that all aspects of your wedding are executed according to your vision.
That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive wedding dictionary covering all the important wedding terminology and meanings. Below are the definitions of terms you’ll encounter as you start the journey to your big day.
An alternative wedding breaks the rules and does things differently. Instead of the traditional white dress and church ceremony, it might involve funky outfits, unique venues, and unconventional rituals. It’s all about celebrating love in a way that feels true to the couple’s personalities and values, even if it’s not what society expects.
Appliqué
It’s a decorative technique where designers add beautiful, intricate designs to the fabric of a wedding dress using things like lace, beads, and sequins. The end result is a dress that looks like it’s covered in delicate art. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of glamor to any attire.
Black Tie
Black tie is about as fancy as it gets. It means guests are expected to wear their most elegant and formal attire, usually a tuxedo for men and a floor-length gown for women. It’s like dressing up for the Oscars or a royal ball.
Black Tie Optional
Black tie optional is a sophisticated dress code with some flexibility. It means guests can go all-out with their formal attire and wear a tuxedo or a long gown, or they can opt for a slightly less formal outfit like a suit or a cocktail dress. It’s like having the best of both worlds—the elegance of a black tie event with a touch of personal style.
Bridal Dresser
A bridal dresser is a professional who helps the bride get dressed on her wedding day. They are often experienced seamstresses who make sure the dress fits perfectly, help with any last-minute alterations, and assist with putting on accessories like the veil and jewelry.
Boutonniere
A boutonniere is a tiny floral accessory for the groom and his groomsmen. It’s a single flower or a small bunch of flowers that are pinned to the lapel of a suit jacket. It’s usually chosen to match the colors and theme of the wedding and is worn as a symbol of love and celebration.
Bustle
A bustle helps gather and secure the train of a wedding dress so that the bride can dance, walk around, and enjoy the reception without tripping. It’s either a hidden set of buttons, hooks, or loops that transforms a long, flowing gown into a more manageable length.
Buttercream
Buttercream is sweet, creamy frosting that covers a wedding cake. It’s usually made from a blend of butter, sugar, and vanilla and can be tinted to match the wedding colors or decorated with swirls, flowers, or other designs. Buttercream is popular for wedding cakes because it’s smooth, delicious, and easy to work with.
Canapé is a small, bite-sized snack that’s usually served on a piece of bread or a cracker and topped with various savory or sweet ingredients. Canapés can be made with various ingredients, such as cheese, vegetables, fruits, and meats, and are often served on decorative platters.
Candelabra
A decorative stand or centerpiece that holds several candles at once, usually in a symmetrical or tiered arrangement. Candelabras can be made from materials like metal, crystal, or glass, and can be adorned with flowers, greenery, or other embellishments.
Celebrant (or Officiant)
A wedding celebrant or officiant is the person who makes the wedding official. They’re responsible for leading the wedding ceremony and making sure that the legal requirements are met. Celebrants can be religious or secular and can create a personalized ceremony that reflects the couple’s beliefs and values. They’re like the conductor of the wedding ceremony, making sure everything runs smoothly.
Chargers
They’re larger than traditional dinner plates and are usually made of a more durable material, such as metal or glass. Chargers are used as a base for the dinner plate and can be decorated with a variety of designs, such as metallic finishes, beading, or intricate patterns.
Corkage Fee
This fee is usually charged by the venue or caterer, which serves as a cover charge for bringing your own alcohol to the reception. It covers the cost of providing glasses, ice, and other related services to accommodate the couple’s outside alcohol. It’s important to check the corkage fee policy before bringing in outside alcohol to avoid any surprises on the wedding day
Crudite
A platter of fresh veggies and dip that’s served as an appetizer at the wedding reception or cocktail hour. It typically includes a colorful assortment of vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers, peppers, and broccoli, and is served with a delicious dip, such as hummus or ranch dressing.
Escort cards are like a way to guide guests to their assigned tables at the reception. They typically include the guest’s name and table number and are often placed on a table near the entrance of the reception.
Event Designer
A professional who helps create the overall aesthetic of the wedding. They often work with the couple to determine a color scheme, select decor elements like centerpieces and lighting, and create a cohesive visual experience for guests. The difference between an event designer and wedding planner is the former focuses on the visual design elements of the wedding, while the latter takes care of all the logistical and organizational aspects of the event.
First Touch
A wedding first touch is a moment between the couple where they reach out to hold each other’s hand or embrace without actually seeing each other It’s often done to share a moment of support or prayer before the ceremony begins. It’s also a great option for couples who want to save the first look for when they walk down the aisle.
Floor Plan
A floor plan is a visual representation of the layout of the wedding venue, including the placement of tables, chairs, dance floor, and other important elements. It helps couples and vendors to plan and coordinate the wedding logistics and ensure everything fits and flows well in the space.
Flower Wall
A decorative backdrop made entirely of flowers and foliage, often used as a stunning focal point for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and photo backdrops.
Fondant
A type of icing used on wedding cakes that is made from sugar, corn syrup, and water. It is rolled out and draped over the cake to create a smooth, polished finish. Fondant can be molded and shaped into intricate designs and decorations, and is a popular choice for modern and elegant wedding cakes.
Formal
Formal attire refers to a dress code that requires guests to wear formal and elegant clothing, such as tuxedos, suits, gowns, and cocktail dresses. It is typically reserved for more upscale and traditional weddings.
It’s a luxurious chocolate and cream mixture that can be used as a filling or coating for wedding cakes. Think of it as the rich and velvety frosting that gives your wedding cake a decadent and indulgent flavor.
Garland
A long, decorative piece made of foliage, flowers, and/or other materials, such as ribbons or lights, that is draped along the center of a wedding reception table. It adds a natural and organic touch to the table decor and can be customized to match the overall wedding theme and color scheme.
Gobo Lighting
Gobo lighting is a technique that projects a custom image or pattern onto a surface, such as a dance floor or wall, to enhance the ambiance and decor of the wedding. The image or pattern is created by a metal or glass stencil placed in front of the light source to control the shape of the light beam. This type of lighting can be used to display the couple’s names, monogram, or a decorative design that matches the wedding theme.
Grand Entrance
A grand entrance is a formal and dramatic introduction of the wedding couple to their wedding reception. It usually involves music, lights, and sometimes special effects to create a memorable moment for everyone in attendance.
Head Table
A designated seating area for the bride, groom, and the wedding party, usually placed in the front of the reception room or the center of the room facing the guests. It is often decorated more elaborately than the other tables in the reception area and can include special seating, such as chairs or a loveseat.
Honor Attendants
Honor attendants are the most important people for the couple in a wedding. Usually, the maid or matron of honor is the bride’s closest sister in age, but if she doesn’t have one, a friend, cousin, or aunt can step in. The groom usually chooses his closest brother in age to be his best man, but he can also ask a friend, cousin, uncle, or even his dad. If the bride is close to her brother or a male friend, she can also choose a man as her honor attendant.
This typically refers to services or amenities that are provided by the venue. For example, an in-house caterer would be a catering company that is associated with the wedding venue and operates on-site. Similarly, an in-house coordinator would be a wedding planner or coordinator who is employed by the venue to manage events and logistics.
Installation
An installation is like a magical, larger-than-life piece of art created specifically for your wedding. A large-scale decorative piece or arrangement—this could include things like floral installations, lighting installations, or unique structures that serve as a backdrop or focal point for the ceremony or reception.
Intimate Wedding
This type of celebration involves a limited number of guests, usually close family and friends. It is often characterized by a more personal and cozy atmosphere, with attention to small details and thoughtful touches. Intimate weddings can be held in every kind of venue under the sun, from backyards to small event spaces, and may involve less elaborate decor and catering options.
Invitation Suite
This includes all the printed materials and stationery needed for a wedding invitation, such as the invitation itself, response card, and any additional enclosures like a reception card, directions card, or accommodation information. It’s called a “suite” because all the pieces are designed to match and coordinate with each other, creating a cohesive and stylish presentation for the wedding guests.
Letterpress
Letterpress printing is one of the most widely used printing techniques for wedding invitations. It involves inking a plate with raised text (like a rubber stamp) and pressing it into paper. If you want a more 3D look, ask about embossing and debossing. However, when used on thicker sheets, letterpress can create a faint texture when ink is applied, and the plate is pressed into the paper.
A practice run for the bride’s wedding day makeup when working with a professional makeup artist to create the perfect look. It’s a chance to try out different styles, colors, and techniques and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the makeup is exactly how you want it on the big day.
Micro Wedding
Micro weddings typically have less than 30 people—the average being around ten guests, including vendors. Despite having fewer guests, this type of celebration frequently uses the same types of vendors and customs as bigger weddings. These celebrations can be as formal or casual as the couple desires. .
MOH
MOH stands for Maid (unmarried) or Matron of Honor (married). This person who will stand by the bride’s side on the wedding day is typically a sister or close friend, though your mother or grandmother could also be the MOH. The maid of honor typically organizes the bachelorette party and plays a role in the bridal shower. If you want her to stand out on your big day, you can have her carry a distinctive bouquet or wear a dress that is slightly different from the other bridesmaid dresses..
Mood Board
A mood board is a carefully curated collection of photos that convey the look and feel you hope to create through your wedding design. It can be designed on platforms like Pinterest, Photoshop, Canva–or a combination of the three.
Naked Cake
This is easy to identify because there is little to no icing on the outside to hide the texture and filling of the cake. The popularity of this style, which has been around for a long time, has only grown.
Nosegay Bouquet
A nosegay is a compact, hand-held floral arrangement that istypically carried by junior bridesmaids or bridesmaids to contrast in size with the bride’s larger and more elaborate bouquet.
Open Bar
An open bar implies you have wine, beer, and a complete bar of alcoholic beverages available to guests, just as at other gatherings and weddings. Because this can be pricey, there are a few alternatives to choose from to help you stay within budget. To make the most out of your reception bar, check out this guide!
This piece of equipment is utilized during weddings to take amusing pictures of the guests. Compared to typical wedding photography, these images are more relaxed and quirky. Entertain your guests and capture some downright hilarious, in-the-moment photos with a creative photo booth.
Piping
Wedding cake piping refers to the decorative technique of using a piping bag and various nozzles to create intricate designs on a wedding cake. The designs can be anything from simple dots and lines to elaborate flowers and lace patterns. Piping is often used to add a personal touch to a wedding cake and to make it look elegant and beautiful.
Place Cards
These are placed on tables at the reception to indicate where each guest should sit. Place cards typically include the guest’s name and table number and are used to ensure that each guest is seated in their designated spot.
Plus One
Wedding plus one refers to the invitation extended to a guest, allowing the recipient to bring a date or a plus one to the wedding celebration. In general, married couples and established couples (who live together, for example) get plus-ones. The rules can vary depending on your budget, wedding size, and wedding vision. For everyone attending who might not know anyone else at the wedding, it’s also nice to consider a plus-one.
Prelude
The wedding prelude is the period of time before the wedding ceremony when guests arrive and take their seats. It usually includes music and serves as a transition from the anticipation of the guests to the formal start of the wedding ceremony. The prelude can set the tone for the wedding ceremony and create a welcoming and festive atmosphere for the guests.
Processional
This is when the wedding party enters the ceremony space and walks down the aisle to take their places for the ceremony. The order of the processional commonly starts with the parents, followed by the wedding party, and ends with the second soon-to-be newlywed or couple making their grand entrance. The processional is accompanied by music and serves as a formal and traditional part of the wedding ceremony.
The wedding recessional is when the newlywed couple walks back down the aisle after the completion of the ceremony. It is generally accompanied by joyful music and may also include the wedding party and other family members. The recessional is a celebratory moment that marks the end of the wedding ceremony and the beginning of cocktail hour or the reception.
Room Block
A wedding room block is a group of hotel rooms that are reserved for wedding guests at a discounted rate. The couple or their wedding planner typically arranges this to ensure that guests have a comfortable and convenient place to stay during the wedding weekend. Room blocks can also help secure enough rooms for out-of-town guests who may need to make travel arrangements in advance.
Room Flip
This is the process of transforming a ceremony space into a reception space. It involves moving chairs, tables, decorations, lighting, and other elements to create a different look and feel for the space. It requires coordination between the wedding planner, vendors, and venue staff to ensure that the transformation is seamless and efficient.
A wedding sample sale is like Black Friday for brides-to-be. It’s a one-time event where bridal shops offer discounted prices on their sample dresses that have been tried on by customers. It’s perfect for budget-conscious brides who want to snag a beautiful wedding dress at a bargain price.
Send-Off (Or Exit)
A wedding send-off is a celebratory moment that takes place at the end of the wedding reception. Guests gather outside the venue and use props like sparklers, confetti, or rice to create a festive atmosphere. The send-off is meant to signify the end of the wedding celebration and the beginning of your new journey together.
Sensory-Friendly Wedding
A sensory-friendly wedding is an inclusive celebration tdesigned to accommodate guests with sensory sensitivities or disabilities. This type of wedding typically features low sensory stimuli, such as soft lighting, quiet music, and limited use of scents or strong flavors. There may also be designated quiet spaces or sensory-friendly activities for guests who need a break or sensory input. T It’s a way to celebrate love and unity while ensuring that everyone feels included and valued.
Sheet Cake
A sheet cake is a large rectangular cake often served at wedding receptions. It’s a simple and classic cake that can feed a large number of guests, making it a cost-effective and convenient dessert option. The cake can be cut into individual slices or served as a dessert buffet.
Shot List
This is a list or outline of specific photographs you want to capture on your wedding day. The shot list is a way to ensure that the photographer captures all of the important moments and people, and it can also serve as a helpful reminder for the couple to plan their schedule accordingly. Not sure if it’s something you should be giving your photographer? We’re breaking down why we don’t think you need to in this guide.
Signature Cocktail
It’s a custom cocktail creation that reflects the couple’s personality, taste, and love story. The signature cocktail can be a classic drink with a unique twist, or a completely new creation that the couple dreamed up just for their special day. It’s a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to the wedding reception, and it’s sure to be a hit with guests who want to toast to the happy couple in style.
Silhouette
A wedding silhouette refers to the basic shape or outline of a wedding dress. Examples of common wedding silhouettes include ballgown, A-line, mermaid, and sheath. It’s a key factor to consider when choosing a wedding dress, as it can greatly impact the overall look and feel of the gown.
Sweetheart Table
This is a small table set up at the reception where the newlyweds sit together–a popular choice for couples who want to have some alone time during the reception or who want to be the center of attention.
A train is a long piece of fabric that extends from the back of a wedding dress, adding a touch of elegance and drama to the overall bridal look.
Trunk Show
A wedding trunk show is a pop-up shop for brides, where they can preview and try on the latest and greatest wedding dresses from a specific designer. It’s a fun and exciting way to find your dream dress and maybe even snag a special deal.
Usher
A wedding usher is a person who assists guests in finding their seats and makes sure everything runs smoothly during the wedding ceremony. They help ensure guests are comfortable and happy, making it a pleasant experience for everyone involved.
Vendor Meal
This meal is provided to the vendors working at the wedding, such as the photographer, DJ, or wedding planner. It’s a way to show appreciation for their hard work and ensure they have the energy to perform their duties throughout the event. The meal is usually a simplified version of the guest’s meal and is served separately from the reception.
Also known as a vest, a waistcoat is a formal garment worn by grooms as part of their wedding attire. It’s typically made of a high-quality fabric and designed to match or complement the color and style of the groom’s suit. The waistcoat adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to the groom’s overall look.
Wedding Coordinator
A wedding coordinator is typically responsible for day-of coordination and ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the wedding day. They typically come on board closer to the wedding date and are responsible for coordinating with the vendors, managing logistics, and overseeing the setup and breakdown of the wedding, making sure the timeline is followed.
Wedding Hashtag
A wedding hashtag is a unique and personalized hashtag to collect all photos, videos, and social media posts related to your wedding. It makes it easy for you, your guests, and even your vendors to find all the content related to your wedding in one place. It can be a fun and creative way to involve your guests in your special day and create excitement around your wedding.
Wedding Program
A wedding program is a document that outlines the order of events and provides information about the wedding ceremony to guests. It generally includes details such as the names of the wedding party, the order of the ceremony, and any readings or songs that will be performed. It may also include other information, such as your love story or a note of thanks to the guests. The wedding program is usually distributed to guests before the ceremony and can act as a keepsake for guests to take home as a reminder of the special day.
Wedding Weekend
A wedding weekend refers to the multiple days of celebration and events surrounding a wedding day. It typically includes events such as a rehearsal dinner, welcome party, or post-wedding brunch, in addition to the actual wedding ceremony and reception. A wedding weekend is a great opportunity for guests to explore the local area and make memories with friends and family, which can be extremely important for those traveling all over the world for the big day.
Welcome Bag
This is a thoughtful gift that couples often provide to their out-of-town guests to welcome them and thank them for traveling to attend the wedding. The bag usually includes items such as snacks, water bottles, maps, and local recommendations to help guests feel more comfortable and familiar with the area. It can also include small gifts or personal touches such as a handwritten note or a customized item with the couple’s names or wedding date.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with these terms to ensure you fully understand the planning process and can communicate effectively with vendors. But it’s also essential that you feel comfortable about asking for clarification on any unfamiliar terms. And your wedding team is there to help educate and support you throughout your wedding journey. Now that you know all this wedding terminology, it’s time to put it to use!
Your best friend asked you to marry them, and now you’re ready to enjoy the bliss of being engaged and planning your wedding. If you’ve never planned a wedding before–and we’re guessing you haven’t–the entire process can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finances.
While some couples receive money from their family and friends, we know this isn’t an option for everyone. We also know just how expensive weddings can be. According to The Knot, the average wedding in 2021 was $28,000. That’s far from chump change.
Though the option of taking out loans is there, we understand that many couples want to avoid wedding debt, which can feel virtually impossible. But we’re here to tell you that it’s not! And we’re sharing our best tips to help you stay out of debt while still being able to enjoy the wedding of your dreams.
How To Avoid Wedding Debt
Create A Budget
There are a few steps to take before you can even begin to think about booking your vendors and venue–the first being creating a budget. Take a look at your and your partner’s saving accounts, how much money you can realistically save every month leading up to the big day, and what money (if any) you are receiving from parents or loved ones. This big-picture number will help you stay on track throughout the planning process.
Determine Your Non-Negotiables
As you start planning, you may find there are a few “must-haves” for your big day. This could be a venue you’ve had your eye on, a specific photographer, or an abundance of flowers. Whatever it may be, sit down with your partner and list your top three non-negotiables. This is where most of your budget will likely go. This will also help you cut costs in other areas that are less important to the two of you.
Don’t Forget A Miscellaneous Item Line In Your Budget
When putting together your budget spreadsheet (which we’ve already put together for you), don’t forget to include a line for miscellaneous expenses. There are quite a few unexpected costs, such as alterations, your marriage license, taxes, service fees, and more.
Create A Separate Bank Account
Creating a separate bank account that is used solely for wedding planning allows you to automate your contributions and keep track of your spending. While this may seem like a silly extra step, it can prevent you from overspending. For example, if you are just using money from your regular savings, you may spend more than you intend because the money is in the account. If you create a separate account, you can keep a certain amount in there, and once it’s gone, it’s gone.
We recommend opening a high-yield saving account. This allows you to earn money by just having some in the bank. Although it may not be much, that extra $50 that you make could be what helps you get the florist you fell in love with on Instagram.
Give Yourself A Deadline
The last thing that you want to do is spend years saving up for your wedding. While your wedding is something you may have dreamed about since you were little, it’s also important to remember that it’s just a fancy party. The most important aspect of a wedding is you and your partner promising forever to one another. All of the other details are just an added bonus. That’s why it’s not worth spending years saving for a single night. Of course, you want it to be special, but don’t put it off just because you need to save. Make the deadline realistic.
Discuss Finances Often
We’re firm believers that you should be discussing finances with your partner often during the wedding planning process. If you begin to feel overwhelmed financially, have a date night where you get the focus back on just the two of you. Think about your future dreams together, whether buying a home in the near future, traveling the world, or starting a family. Focusing on saving money and not going into debt for these future aspirations will help you reel it in and remind you why you’re committing to a budget in the first place.
It should come as no surprise that Saturdays are the most popular day of the week for weddings. They’re also the most expensive. While having a weekday wedding may not be realistic for many, if you’re looking to save a little extra money, consider getting married on a Friday or Sunday. There’s nothing we love more than a Sunday brunch wedding full of delicious breakfast foods and sunshine.
Opt For A Wedding Website
While we recommend sending out physical save-the-dates and invitations to your guests, you can save money by having a wedding website. On the site, you can list all of the details about the rehearsal dinner, your welcome party, and information about the hotel room block you’ve set up, so you don’t have to have this printed on even more cards.
Host An All-Inclusive Destination Wedding
Did you know that destination weddings can actually be cheaper than traditional weddings? Especially if you choose an all-inclusive venue. Depending on the location, you can save thousands of dollars. Doing so also helps you trim down your guest list naturally, which also helps you save money in the long run as well.
Now that you know some tips and tricks to help you avoid wedding debt, it’s time to get serious about your wedding budget. That is the first step, after all. To make planning as seamless as possible, we’ve created a budget guide with everything you need to know. It even comes with a free budget spreadsheet, so you don’t have to make your own!
The vibrant city of Mexico instantly captured the hearts of Amanda and Taylor during their first trip together. So much so that their vacation turned into an impromptu wedding scouting trip. Drawing inspiration from the city’s beauty, they wanted their love for the culture and each other to be reflected in the details of their celebration. And they made their dream Mexico City destination wedding dream come true in a weekend-long affair on a gorgeous urban garden estate with their closest loved ones.
As she walked down the aisle, Amanda was a vision in her silk dress with statement sleeves, while Taylor was dashing in a classic tux. The two exchanged vows at their gorgeous patio ceremony, surrounded by lush fresh greenery. The reception that followed in the main esplanade was definitely a sight to see. Colorful cascading blooms filled the tables, and a dramatic foliage installation further elevated their marquee celebration.
This wedding showcases the city’s modern and old-world vibe, and Viviana Cardona captured the magic beautifully! If you and your partner are dreaming of a getaway celebration surrounded by incredible vintage architecture and green spaces in the middle of a bustling city, keep scrolling to see more. You will surely fall in love with Mexico City (just like this couple) and all that it has to offer.
The Moment They Decided That A Mexico City Destination Wedding Was The Right One For Them
I had previously traveled to Mexico City with my sister and immediately felt enamored with the place. When we got engaged, we considered locations close to home in Houston, Texas, but nothing captured our vision. We had already planned a trip to Mexico City, and it dawned on me that it would be the perfect place to get married. I quickly turned our leisure vacation into a wedding scouting trip! From there, Mexico City itself became the inspiration for much of our wedding aesthetic. While neither of us is Mexican, we wanted to respect the traditions and styles of Mexico City. This was easy to do because much of Mexico City’s vibe was synonymous with what we already liked. Taylor and I love vibrant colors, flavorful food, big parties, and giving guests an unforgettable experience, which really motivated much of our planning process.
Our wedding planners did a great job presenting us with many beautiful venues as potential options for our wedding day. Ultimately, when we first toured Casa Xipe, we knew this was our venue. We instantly gravitated towards the natural feel and open concept of the space. We knew that this would be a beautiful space on its own that would not require much additional decoration.
How Their Mexico City Destination Wedding Weekend Unfolded
Since it was a destination wedding, we wanted to create a memorable weekend experience for our family and friends. For this reason, we purposely had events in many different areas of Mexico City. This way, our guests can step outside of their comfort zone and explore the places we fell in love with. We chose to have multiple events beginning with a rehearsal dinner and welcome party on Thursday and ending with the wedding itself on Saturday. This gave our 130 guests plenty of time to get to know each other, so everyone felt like one huge family at the reception. We had several guests come up to us and say that it was the best wedding they had ever attended. And that’s because of the time everyone had to cultivate relationships with other guests.
First and foremost, it is so important to choose a wedding planner that you are compatible with. I can’t stress that piece of advice enough. You spend a lot of time with your planner, so you have to feel comfortable that they are capturing your vision. My next piece of advice is to do you. Traditions guide the wedding planning process, but if you are an unconventional bride, stick to that. It’s a day for you and your partner, and I am happy to say that we planned our wedding weekend with our authentic selves as the focus.
Congratulations to Amanda and Taylor on their vibrant Mexico City destination wedding. And a big thank you to Viviana Cardona for capturing all the special memories they will cherish for the rest of their lives. These stunning photos prove that Mexico City is such a gem, especially for weddings.
Victoria and Max wanted to take their favorite people on a literal trip down memory lane by hosting a wedding weekend at the places most significant to them. The pair also wanted their celebration to feel like an intimate night in with friends or a laid-back gathering with family for the holidays. Choosing a quaint bakery turned cocktail bar–one they considered their home away from home–as the setting for their big day, their multi-day Bread Bar wedding was exactly how they envisioned it.
To kick off their wedding weekend of nostalgia, they hosted their welcome party at their favorite restaurant. The following day, with the pair dressed to the nines, they headed to the iconic Bread Bar for a romantic and ethereal porch ceremony. Delicate florals and candles lined the aisle, while towering trees and mountains made for a breathtaking backdrop. Using the same space for a cozy reception, their small group wined and dined under the warm glow of string lights.
Their laid-back bash truly was the epitome of a relaxed and easygoing celebration, but it also featured beautiful details of an elegant affair. If you and your partner love the idea of a carefree yet stunning extended celebration, scroll through these gorgeous images captured by Mimi McCormick.
Choosing our venue was extremely easy. We’ve been going to Bread Bar since our second date. It’s been our home away from home in the mountains. It’s nestled in a quiet mountain town, with a train still running nearby to an adjacent town. It’s felt like a place out of a fairy tale for us since we first started going, and many of our guests agreed with the sentiment. As far as decor goes, we relied heavily on the aesthetic of our venue. Our welcome party venue was at our favorite restaurant, which evokes the feeling of prairie living and the old west. While our wedding venue is in an old mining town that was at one time the town’s general store, now converted into a cocktail bar.
Their Multi-Day Bread Bar Wedding Was A Literal Trip Down Memory Lane
We wanted our nearest and dearest to experience our relationship–like what a normal date night for us would be (i.e., going to our favorite restaurant, which iswhere we hosted our welcome party). We also took our guests to the place we had our second date for our ceremony. It’s a place we’ve returned to repeatedly afterward, and it feels like a second home to us. We wanted to share those personal moments between us with the people that matter most to us.
Their Ceremony Was Tailored To Showcase Their Love Story
For the ceremony, our officiant is a very good friend of ours and took the role incredibly seriously. He interviewed our guests before the big day to learn more about our relationship. He recounted memories from our past and humorous anecdotes of our formative years, taking our guests and us through the history of our lives. We succeeded in keeping the ceremony short but memorable. We allowed our guests and ourselves to enjoy the day and focus on what mattered most to us—being together in one of our favorite places.
Advice: Don’t Overthink Things And Try To Savor Every Moment
Don’t worry about the details. You’ll thank yourself if you intentionally don’t get lost in the weeds. You won’t remember who your great aunt was next to or the liquor selection served at cocktail hour. But you will remember how you felt, so choose to bask in the joy of it all and leave the stress of the logistics behind. We recommend going with your gut when making decisions about the day and simply appreciating the anticipation that comes with preparing for your marriage.
Congratulations to Victoria and Max on their laidback multi-day Bread Bar wedding. And a big thank you to Mimi McCormick for capturing all the love and beauty of their special day. Like this wedding, a relaxed celebration can still have all the stunning and elegant elements of a formal event. Make it an extended affair, and you’ve got an epic wedding weekend to remember! Make sure your multi-day wedding goes off without a hitch by checking out our planning and budget guides.
Image by Apollo Fotografie. Keep reading for our wedding weekend itinerary tips
It seems like just a couple of years ago a wedding meant one singular day. Nowadays, more couples are opting to extend their special day into a multi-day wedding weekend full of activities, food and drinks, and a whole lot of fun. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, but you’re unsure about the logistics, don’t fret.
Whether you’re keeping your celebration close to home or jetting off to a dreamy destination, there’s a lot that goes into planning a 3-day event. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help make your planning process as seamless as possible–with everything from tips to a sample itinerary.
Why have a wedding weekend?
You may be wondering why wedding weekends are becoming increasingly popular when they tend to come with a higher price tag. If the budget allows it, wedding weekends are a great way to spend more time with your guests and soak in the feeling of love with your significant other. This is especially true if you have family and friends visiting from around the world that you don’t see very often.
If you’re having a destination wedding, this also gives you more time to explore the destination, making it more like a vacation rather than a quick day trip. If your guests haven’t visited before, they’re going to want to see all that the city or country has to offer.
There are so many moving parts that go into a wedding weekend. To save yourself from stress and ensure that everyone has a great time, here are some things that you can do while planning your big days–or should we say days.
1. Hire A Planner
This one may seem like a given, but because there’s so much to think about with wedding weekends, hiring a wedding planner is the best thing you can do for your sanity–especially a wedding planner that is local to the area. They’ll save you money on your vendors, help you plan fun activities, and keep your stress levels at bay.
2. Consider Logistics Such As Accommodation and Transportation
One of the easiest ways to host a wedding weekend is to tie the knot in a venue that doubles as accommodation. Think hotels, Airbnbs, campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, etc. This allows your guest to stay on property without worrying about transportation.
If you choose to say “I do” elsewhere, put together a hotel block for your guests and consider arranging transportation to and from the lodging. You’re not required to pay for their rental cars, but if you do plan on hosting different activities throughout the weekend, it’s best that you help them get to and from said activities.
3. State Your Plans in the Invitation
Whether you’re sending out physical invitations or you’re planning on using a wedding website, it’s crucial that you discuss your plans on the invite. This way, they know what to expect beforehand and aren’t met with any surprises once they arrive.
4. Send Save-the-Dates Early
Ideally, you want to send your save-the-dates out eight to twelve months before the big day–especially if your guests need to travel or it’s a multi-day celebration. This gives them plenty of time to make arrangements with work, kids, etc.
5. Plan Events Around the Destination
As a thank you to your guests for helping celebrate you and your partner, plan activities they can enjoy. This is especially fun if you have a destination wedding where you can try something regional–i.e., wine tastings, a cooking class, a boat ride, etc.
However, it is important to be mindful of leisure time. You don’t want to create a jam-packed itinerary where no one has time to rest.
6. Put Together A Local Guide With Recommendations
If you only plan 1-2 activities or you want to give your guests the freedom to roam the city, put together a local guide with recommendations. If it’s a place that you are not very familiar with, talk with your planner. They’re sure to have favorite spots your guests can enjoy during their downtime. To make it a cute little favor, create an adorable handout that you can include in their welcome bags (which we’ll get to shortly).
7. Don’t Expect Guests To Attend Every Event
A wedding weekend is a big commitment for everyone involved–not just you and your fiancé. Remain flexible with your guests and make it known that they are not expected to attend every single activity. Whether they can only fly in the day of the wedding because of work or can’t fit the activities into their budget, be sympathetic. All that matters is that they’re there to celebrate with you.
8. Themes Tie the Weekend Together
If you’re not careful, a wedding weekend can quickly feel unorganized. Having a theme will help lessen the chance of this by creating a cohesive flow of events. Some of our favorites include a wellness retreat complete with yoga and spa days, a summer camp with s’mores and lawn games, or a fiesta full of tacos and margaritas.
9. Make Welcome Bags
Speaking of themes, kickstart your wedding weekend with welcome bags full of goodies your guests will need for their trip. If you’re hosting a beach wedding, include items like sunscreen, sunglasses, and flip-flops. If you’re spending the weekend in wine country, throw in things like a mini hangover kit, cheese and crackers, and a personalized wine glass.
Hosting a weekend means you’ll probably want to document every activity. And while you’re most likely going to have a wedding photographer on your big day, we know it’s not in everyone’s budget to hire one for all three days. That’s why we recommend throwing a disposable camera into the welcome bag. At the end of the weekend, you can collect them all to get them developed.
Now that you know some of the top tips to have a successful wedding weekend, let’s take a look at an easy-to-follow itinerary example!
Day 1: Welcome Party
Whether traveling across the world or tying the knot in your home city and having guests flying in, a welcome party is an easy, laid-back way to welcome your guests and get them excited for your big day. It’s also the perfect way to let your guests mingle and get to know one another if they don’t already.
The welcome party can be a backyard BBQ, a picnic in the park, a sunset boat ride, a trip to a brewery or winery, etc. It’s entirely up to you.
Day 2: Wedding
The second day of your wedding weekend will most likely be your big day. This includes the ceremony and the reception. Because of this, to keep yourself feeling good on wedding day, try not to go too crazy the night before.
Day 3: Farewell Brunch/Lunch
When you’re constantly being pulled in a hundred different directions on your wedding day, it can be hard to find the time to thank your guests for coming and spending time with you. That’s why a farewell brunch or lunch is so helpful. It allows you to express your gratitude in a relaxed setting and soak up more time with your friends and family before jetting off on your honeymoon.
Now that you’ve figured out your wedding weekend itinerary, it’s time to think about the logistics of planning your destination wedding. Luckily we’ve put together this guide that covers everything from finding your vendors to how to save money.
With a shared love for travel and historical cities, Paulina and Nathan knew they wanted to say “I do” in a Mexico destination wedding in San Miguel de Allende. After the planners–and Junebug members–at Bougainvillea Weddings showed them Casa Chorro, they knew it was the perfect place to tie the knot and celebrate in a weekend-long celebration with 37 of their loved ones. The two newlyweds fully embraced Mexican culture with colorful seating, churro desserts, and Moravian star lanterns hanging above them as they danced the night away.
Along with the bright and bold decor, Paulina’s dreamy ombre yellow and orange wedding dress paired beautifully with her over-the-top bouquet. Not to mention Nathan looked extra sharp in his custom green blazer that he paired with a turquoise bolo tie that Paulina made herself.
So get those bags packed and ready because this eccentric affair–beautifully captured by Alison Vagnini–will have you booking your next ticket to Mexico!
We knew we wanted to be in San Miguel de Allende even though neither of us had been there before. We both love to travel, enjoy historical cities, and love Mexican culture. I am a jeweler, and San Miguel has always been on my list of cool, cultural, artistic places to go, so why not for our wedding? I had seen pictures of all the fun wedding traditions like mojigangas, tequila donkeys, and mariachi bands and I wanted that festive energy. When we began to work with the team at Bougainvillea, they presented available venue options based on the date we wanted. Casa Chorro was the perfect size to accommodate 14 guests for four nights while also being the venue for the wedding events. The house, grounds, and gardens were perfectly suited to host two parties while not feeling like the same thing twice.
Rocking An Orange Wedding Dress
I knew I didn’t want a white wedding dress, but that was about it. I had a hard time finding something that felt “right” and ended up with a simple ivory dress before the elopement. Then, two weeks before, a good and very fashionable friend of mine sent me a dress she had found on Instagram and said, “I think this is the one.” I ordered it, and she was right! One of my sisters somehow found the perfect matching shoes online (on sale for $20 from Cole Haan!). I made an orange sapphire necklace and gold chain necklace and bracelet to match the dress. Another friend of mine taught me how to do simple hair and makeup right before the elopement, so I did my own (well, one of my sisters helped). I kept it all the same for Mexico and did the hair and makeup myself with the help of my sisters again.
An Emotional Vow Renewal
We eloped in August 2020 and we are very private people, so we didn’t want to renew our vows in front of the guests. That said, we knew we wanted to have some sort of casual “ceremony” to commemorate the event and connect with them. There wasn’t anything planned other than walking down a small garden tunnel to all of our guests. Between the music and the build-up of everything, it got emotional quickly. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place. We somehow bumbled our way through, saying some things that I barely remember, but the vibes and energy of that moment will stick with me forever.
A Weekend Long Celebration For The Unconventional Mexico Destination Wedding
Because it was a destination wedding, we wanted the entire weekend to feel like a continuous party. People went through a lot to get down there (tracking down vaccine appointments, childcare, etc.), and we wanted it to feel worth their while. Between the welcome party on Friday night and the fact that almost half the guests were able to stay at the estate with us, I think we were successful! Everyone had fun exploring the town with each other and all were welcome to hang by our pool any time of day. We also had breakfast and lunch served at the house each day so people would wander in and out for that. The whole weekend had a great natural and casual flow to it.
Congratulations again to Paulina and Nathan on their unconventional Mexico destination wedding! We’re so thankful that photographer Alison Vagnini was there to capture every free-spirited detail. And, of course, a big thank you to Junebug member Bougainvillea Weddings for helping them plan the special day. To see more of the amazing weddings they have planned, check out their profile in our directory of wedding planners from around the globe.
When two nature lovers tie the knot, you know the day is going to be full of incredible views and outdoor activities. Jessica and Jeff’s Colorado mountain top wedding was that and then some. After falling in love with Telluride, the two knew they wanted to have a nontraditional summer camp style affair that celebrated their love for one another and the centennial state.
After welcoming 90 of their closest friends and family members at a cowboy-themed welcome party–complete with a saloon and cowboy hats–the pair said “I do” in a colorful and chic ceremony. With the help of planner and Junebug member K2 Event Co and florist Remi & Gold, the ski resort was transformed into a floral wonderland. The location was perfect for the summer.
As if that wasn’t enough, their reception was complete with a barn, dancing under the night sky, hot chocolate chip cookies instead of a wedding cake, and a mini firework exit. We’re so thankful that Jason & Daris were there to capture every whimsical detail. Get those Pinterest boards ready because you are not going to want to forget this one.
I wore a bohemian bridal look for the cowboy-themed welcome party. I took inspiration from a western bridal photoshoot created by Quigley Goode of ‘Officially Quigley’. I fashioned my mother’s 39-year-old wedding dress and turned it into the coolest fitted jumpsuit for our rehearsal dinner. It was so special to wear part of my mom’s gown! And my wedding dress was the most fun, incredible dress I have ever worn. It is a modern Berta gown custom-made in Israel. It had a nine month production time and when I received it I still loved it every bit as much as when I first ordered it.
A Three Day Wedding Celebration
We wanted our wedding to feel like a retreat for our guests–three days of activities so that we had plenty of quality time with everyone, plus themed events to help everyone totally let loose and engage with each other. We also had all of our guests stay in the same hotel so that we could have breakfast together to enjoy each other’s company every moment. It truly felt like a beautiful, playful, all-planned-out summer camp!
An Unexpected Health Scare Before The Big Day
My dad was unexpectedly in the hospital one week before the wedding–across the country, too. It looked like he might not be able to make it to the wedding in person, which would have been heartbreaking. Family members were trying to console me with the idea of doing a second ceremony later with him rather than postponing. I just couldn’t imagine not having him there, so it was extra special to walk down the aisle beside him after that health scare.
A Cowboy Themed Welcome Party & Elegant Wedding
Telluride has a great western and cowboy energy so we chose to capitalize on that with an authentic cowboy chic welcome party at the Last Dollar Saloon. With the photobooth, cowboy hats, bolo ties, saloon-style bar, and my bohemian bridal look, our dream was achieved. For the wedding day, the vibe was much different–with the most delicate and whimsical florals sprinkled in front of the grand, breathtaking mountain views. We had all of the guests ride the ski gondola up to our mountain-top ceremony. Jeff and I love to ski together and I always wanted to have our guests ride up in the gondola for our ceremony. To me, there is no view more spiritual than the mountains. It was just breathtaking!
Skipping Traditions At The Mountain Top Wedding
I am proud that Jeff and I did not spend any time on traditional things that we felt were unnecessary for us. We did warm chocolate chip cookies instead of a cake, so we didn’t need to take time to make a production of cutting the cake. We didn’t do any floral on the tables, wedding favors, or an awkward garter-belt event. We each picked our ‘splurge’ items with our wedding budget in mind and then tried to keep everything else minimal.
Congratulations again to Jessica and Jeff on their Colorado mountain top wedding! We’re so thankful that Junebug member K2 Event Co helped the newlyweds plan their special day. And a big thank you to Jason & Daris for capturing every well-executed detail. To see more of the incredible weddings that K2 Event Co has planned, check out their profile in our directory of wedding planners from around the globe!
Image by Los Ébano. See more of this real wedding here
There’s something magical about tying the knot in a faraway place, surrounded by your loved ones. But when it comes to planning a destination wedding, that magical feeling can start to fade. From marriage requirements to language barriers to the act of just getting there, there’s a lot that goes into it. Oh, and not to mention your guests’ availability, the weather, and your wedding budget. Sound overwhelming? We know. Don’t fret.
Before you jet-set off to your dream wedding destination, you’ll want to make sure that you’re prepared. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you plan the perfect destination “I do’s.”
Why Have A Destination Wedding
Are you on the fence about having a destination wedding? While planning may seem like a difficult feat, there are a lot of advantages. Some of them include:
Once you’re set on traveling for your special day, it’s time to pick a destination wedding location. The location determines the aesthetic of the day, your travel time, and impacts your budget.
Is there a spot that is special to you and your partner? Maybe the place you got engaged. Or the first place you two ever took a trip together. No matter what the significance is, you want to understand the travel requirements and restrictions beforehand. For example, will your guests need a passport or visa? Are there any travel warnings, health concerns, or political problems? If there are concerns (think vaccinations or quarantines), you need to be clear with your guests as soon as possible.
Lastly, think about the oldest guest that you will be inviting. Will it be difficult for them to travel to the destination of your choice? Is it feasible to have your great-grandmother travel ten hours by plane? If not, be sure to plan ahead with a virtual ceremony for guests who can’t attend in-person.
After picking a location, you’ll need to pick a date. While your availability is important, it’s best to research the weather conditions during your ideal season. In most places, the best weather will also mean an increase in travel time and crowds. This can lead to fewer hotel options and higher prices overall.
If you decide to book your wedding date during peak season, book your venue and hotel room block as soon as possible. Check out shoulder seasons, or the times just outside peak season, so that you’ll still get great weather conditions for less money.
Junebug Tip: The off-season is typically not popular for a reason. This usually means poor weather conditions and a lack of activities. Don’t accidentally cut costs by hosting your wedding during hurricane season!
Once a date is picked, send your save-the-dates eight to twelve months out. From there, your official wedding invitations should go out five to six months before the wedding. Your wedding announcements will give guests time to get their travel in order and avoid too many changes in cost.
While guests are paying for things like travel fees, hotels, and activities the costs add up quickly. So if you have guests who can’t afford to attend, don’t be upset.
While we wish getting married was as simple as hiring an officiant, it’s, unfortunately, a little more complicated than that. Some countries have residency requirements or need other certificates before you can legally wed.
Read up on every requirement they have before traveling so that you’re not surprised once there. If it’s impossible to have your wedding legally recognized in the country you’ve chosen, consider tying the knot in a civil ceremony before you go. This way, you can say “I do” in front of your guests and rest assured that it’s the real deal.
Take A Trip
If possible, take at least one trip to your destination during the wedding planning process. This gives you time to scout out a venue, lodging, and rehearsal dinner spots while meeting with potential vendors.
If you’re able, visit a second time for tastings, hair and makeup trials, meetings with florists, and any of your other vendors If this isn’t possible–we can’t stress this enough–hire a local wedding planner!
Speaking of wedding planners–this is where they come in handy. A local planner will know all of the best vendors around. While you can find many options online, make sure that you’re comfortable with the planner you hire. They have firsthand experience with multiple different vendors in every category possible.
Whether or not you choose to hire a planner, conduct video calls with your vendors. This will help you get to know them, their working style, and help them understand who you are as a couple. It also gives you the chance to spot any red flags that may arise–like poor communication.
If your budget permits and you feel more comfortable, another option is to bring vendors from home. Just expect to cover their travel expenses and lodging costs.
Find Lodging Recommendations For Guests
While it’s not expected that you’ll take care of guest accommodations, your guests will appreciate having a list of lodging options within a range of budgets. They’ll likely feel more comfortable staying somewhere that is hosting other guests from the wedding, too. Especially if your destination wedding is in a country they haven’t visited before.
To help with costs, consider offering hotel room blocks. This usually means you’ll be able to negotiate a lower discounted rate while keeping guests together. If this is something you plan on doing, call the hotel before you set a date. You don’t want to have a date picked and have no hotel options for guests.
And most importantly, take into consideration how far the lodging is from your venue and the airport. If it’s near your venue but far from the airport you should plan for shuttles, rideshare services, or other transportation options that will make getting from point A to point B a piece of cake.
There’s no doubt that your guests will be excited to celebrate you. Consider expanding your itinerary as a thank you to them for traveling to be with you. Some couples choose to turn their special day into a wedding weekend. However, this isn’t necessary. You can go as big as you want, or as simple as hosting a welcome party or post-wedding brunch.
If you’re getting married somewhere known for its activities or food, consider organizing a tasting or an afternoon excursion. This is a chance to bond with your guests and soak up the culture of your destination.
Give Your Guests Welcome Bags
Upon your guests’ arrival, consider giving out welcome bags to provide some homey comfort. These bags can include essentials like bug spray, sunscreen, city maps, local snacks, pain medicine for the inevitable hangovers, and more.
While getting married in an exotic destination can ultimately be cheaper than a local wedding, if you’re looking to save a little extra cash, consider these tips:
Get married on an off-day
Getting married on a weekday will save you money on the venue and give you the chance to enjoy your destination a little longer. Flights and lodging will also likely be cheaper as well.
Consider all-inclusive resorts
While all-inclusive resorts may seem like a hefty price tag upfront, they’re actually a great way to save money down the line. If you purchase one of their packages, you’ll get flowers, cake, photographer, entertainment, food, drink, and more for a set price. All-inclusive wedding packages also take away some of your wedding planning stress.
Use nature as a backdrop
If you’re vowing to spend the rest of your life with your partner at a destination wedding, there’s a good chance that the destination you choose is naturally beautiful in the first place. Use that to your advantage and have nature act as your backdrop rather than spending money on decor.
Choose local florals, ingredients for your menu, and beyond
Of course, your destination is much more than just a pretty backdrop. It’s also home to beautiful flowers, food, and more. Make use of these ingredients and decor (rather than importing inexpensive items) to watch your costs drop.
Be on the lookout for deals on flights and hotels
When booking travel, use sites like Skyscanner and KAYAK. Set up price alerts so you get notifications when prices drop. This way, you know you’re getting the best deal out there.
Junebug Tip:
While browsing for flights, use incognito mode on your browser so that the website can’t store your cookies to store information–which tends to jack up prices.
Nixing the wedding registry
Save your guests money by nixing the wedding registry. Your guests are already paying to celebrate with you. Let that be their gift for you.
Now that you’re ready to hop on a plane for your perfect destination wedding be sure to check out these etiquette tips you need to know!
Aubrie and David wanted their wedding to feel like home, so a warm and cozy Dallas wedding at Break & Clutch was the perfect choice! Their untraditional black, copper, and champagne color palette and unique geometric pampas grass backdrop matched the warehouse’s modern aesthetic beautifully. Planner Hunter Orcutt did a fantastic job of bringing the couple’s vision board to life.
While everything about this wedding is beautiful, our favorite part is the photos captured by one of our own Junebugs, Brooke Taelor. That’s right! Not only is she an incredible part of our team, but she’s also the insanely talented photographer who captured Aubrie and David’s love perfectly.
We love the area of Deep Ellum in Dallas—it has so many bars/restaurants and the Brake & Clutch venue is so cool with the warehouse look. We like that the whole wedding had a “theme”–bridal brunch, hotel block, rehearsal dinner, welcome party, and wedding were all in Deep Ellum.
A Memorable Ceremony
The ceremony room had just such a homey/cozy vibe with warm lights, the rugs Hunter had brought in, and the fact that we were over capacity, so people were packed in. We’ll never forget the moment right after we kissed and our officiant announced us, and we turned to all of our people. We saw our parents, family, friends, coworkers–literally everyone that means so much to us. It was just such a perfect moment. David and I both agree it was surreal.
Lots Of Food Options
I love queso, so we had tacos/enchiladas and queso. The caterers had my own “bride bowl” waiting for me in my seat. We also had Philly cheesesteak sliders and Chinese food in takeout containers. They were a huge hit! Lastly–this was truly special –my grandparents started a steakhouse restaurant that has been very special to my family. My grandparents have passed but they were such an important part of my life, so we wanted to honor them at the wedding. The famous dessert at the steak house is a Tumbleweed–basically an adult milkshake–so we served little Tumbleweeds at the end of the night.
Congratulations again to Aubrie and David on their cozy Dallas wedding at Brake & Clutch! We’re so glad our very own Junebug, Brooke Taelor shared their special day with us. To plan and create your own cozy reception check out our guide!
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