Are you and your fiancé looking for an interesting tradition to include in your upcoming wedding? Consider incorporating “jumping the broom” into your ceremony! As you prepare for your special day, it’s always important to keep tradition in mind. Jumping the broom has been used by couples for hundreds of years though its origins are somewhat obscure. While there are plenty of stories as to what the ritual signifies, you can easy apply your own thoughts and meaning if you choose to add this tradition to your big day.

Jumping the broom is most frequently done as a newly married couple exits the wedding ceremony. Someone from the bridal party, or a close family member, places the broom in front of the pair and, as they proceed back up the aisle, the two jump over the broom. This is often done to symbolize sweeping away the old in preparation for the new. Amidst the cheers of close family and friends, this addition to your recessional can be quite exceptional. Before you dash to the store to purchase a new broom, however, take some time to read through the history behind this tradition.

A Tradition with Roots in Africa

While reports vary, some sources date jumping the broom to the early 1600s in Ghana, Africa. It’s believed by some that handmade brooms were thought to hold spiritual properties. The use of a handmade broom symbolized sweeping away past wrongs and it also warded off evil spirits. Jumping over the broom at a wedding signified the woman’s desire to keep the home clean, the man’s commitment to the household, and their joined wish for happiness as a couple moving forward.

American History

During the Atlantic slave trade, many people were taken from Africa and brought to the United States. With them came the tradition of jumping the broom. Since many slaves weren’t allowed to marry in traditional ways, they looked for other means to perform a marriage. Before emancipation, slave marriages were often conducted via broom jumping ceremonies. While “unofficial,” they still held great meaning for the couples and love ones who participated in the ritual.

Once slavery was abolished, it wasn’t uncommon for land owners to throw elaborate weddings for their former slaves. Jumping the broom remained an important part of these ceremonies and, in many cases, the land owner would actually obtain a special broom for the occasion. Because these non-traditional marriages still weren’t completely legitimate by law, the tradition faded over time. When ring marriages were established as normal and legal, jumping the broom became a small portion of the marriage ceremony, if it was included at all.

Welsh, Celts, Druids, and Gypsies

It is widely argued that the concept of jumping the broom actually began in Wales. The belief that the ritual was intended to ward off evil spirits, however, is the same. Brooms were often considered an item used by witches. In Wales, the jumping of the broom ceremony symbolized a married couple’s defiance of witches and evil spirits. If either the bride or groom refused to jump the broom, they were often designated a witch. Interestingly, this may actually be where the concept of crossing the threshold originated, as couples crossed that broom before entering their home for the first time.

Druidic and Gypsy cultures also had their own form of broomstick weddings. Again, ceremony was utilized for marriages that took place outside of the church. A broom was placed on a slant in the doorway of a new couple’s home; the pair were required to jump over it without touching the ground in order for the marriage to be complete. Conversely, an unhappy couple could jump over it backwards if they wished for the marriage to be annulled. Over time, the ceremony was altered so that the couple could jump over any obstacle, not just a broom, to symbolize their union.

Modern Applications

Adding your own personal twist to the jumping the broom ceremony can be a fun way to add flare to your wedding. While pre-decorated brooms are available for purchase at specialty stores or online, decorating one yourself adds a personal touch. If you choose to decorate your own broom, consider inviting your bridal party to be part of the process as well. Including this as part of your pre-ceremony gives your bridesmaids and groomsmen a chance to bond before the wedding.

Another fun idea is to ask your guests to decorate the broom as they arrive. Consider putting the broom near the entryway, accompanied by a wide assortment of ribbons and self-adhering jewels. Your guests can decorate your broom with the various items, effectively becoming part of the symbol of your new life together. Also consider leaving markers nearby so your friends and family can write messages and sign their names on the broom and ribbons. Later, when you jump over the broom with your spouse, you’ll be doing so with the prayers and well wishes of all your closest friends and family who gathered for your special day!

Are you looking for a unique centerpiece idea for your upcoming wedding? Picking the right decorative elements for your big day is essential. While flowers are traditional and beautiful, they can be expensive and may not suit your theme or personal preferences. Every bride and groom pair is different; the most important thing is that you both love the final look and feel of your event. If flowers aren’t your jam, consider using one of the following edible centerpiece ideas instead!

Fruit

Like flowers, fruit can add an amazing pop of color to your tables! You can pick fruits that you both love or that match your wedding colors. While the options are nearly endless for fruit centerpieces, here are a few of the most popular features.

Fruit Baskets

If your wedding theme leans toward rustic, fruit baskets may be the perfect edible centerpiece. You can choose a single fruit or a variety depending on your wedding color scheme.

Strawberry Towers

Love strawberries? Who doesn’t! If you or your soon-to-be-spouse enjoys strawberries, consider making or ordering strawberry towers for centerpieces. These are easy enough to construct using Styrofoam and toothpicks. If you’re a serious strawberry fan, consider dipping them in chocolate too!

Fruit Arrangements

Edible fruit arrangements have gained popularity for holidays like Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. They can also make a great addition to your wedding decorations. While ordering these can be somewhat expensive, your venue or caterer may be able to offer a discount. If you’re crafty, they’re also not too terribly difficult to make. There are also plenty of tutorials available online.

Foods

Is there a food you and your future spouse love? Consider incorporating it as a centerpiece for your wedding. Alternatively, you can provide your guests with more healthy snacks throughout the evening or even side items for dinner. Here are two more edible centerpiece ideas to consider.

Vegetable Trays

If you prefer veggies to fruits, incorporating a vegetable tray or tower is a great alternative edible centerpiece. You also still get the added pop of color! For extra zest, consider providing an assortment of dipping sauces at each table.

Bread Baskets

Bread is a staple side in almost every meal. If you’re planning to provide your guests with dinner, consider using your bread as an edible centerpiece. There are several multi-tiered basket designs to make the display more unique. You can also speak with your caterer about offering a variety of different breads to add texture to the piece.

Desserts

What’s a wedding without an amazing array of desserts? Whether you’re ordering a cake or not, providing your guests with additional sweet treats is a great idea. What’s more, it’s easy to order or make desserts to match your wedding theme and colors. Consider these adorable and delicious dessert wedding centerpieces.

Cake Pops

Cake pops have become an insanely popular sweet treat over the past several years. This is because they’re delicious, single-serving sized, and can be custom-made to suit any design need. This makes them perfect for edible wedding centerpieces. You can put them in vases or attach them to Styrofoam of any shape.

Cupcake Stands

Many couples are opting to offer cupcakes instead of cake at their wedding. In many cases, this is a more economical option and saves time on cake cutting. If this seems like something you and your fiancé would like, consider using the cupcakes as edible centerpieces. Cupcake stands too bland? Consider having the cupcakes decorated to look like flowers, attach them to sticks, and put them in vases!

Muffin Bouquets

If you’re planning your wedding ceremony and reception earlier in the day, consider incorporating muffins instead of cupcakes. This is an arguably healthier alternative, but equally as delicious.

Candy

Edible candle centerpieces are another great option for couples. Again, it’s easy to adjust candy selections to suit your wedding’s color palate. Check out these awesome candy centerpiece ideas!

Candy Bowls

Do you and your spouse-to-be have a favorite candy? Why not share your love for M&Ms, Butterfingers, or Almond Joys with all of your guests? Surprisingly, bowls filled with your favorite individually wrapped treat or a candies that match your color-scheme make very appealing edible centerpieces, especially if the bowls are uniquely shaped.

Candied Apple Trays

Candied apples make a delightful wedding treat. You and your fiancé can easily choose a variation that matches your wedding colors and decorations. These can easily be displayed on tiered trays.

Chocolate Flowers

A benefit of including chocolate in your edible centerpiece designs is that this sweet treat can be molded into almost any shape. In fact, you can even make chocolate flowers on sticks and colored to match your theme. When placed on wooden sticks and then in vases, these make an adorable edible addition to your tables.

Your big day is quickly approaching: the invitations are sent, the venue is scheduled, the menu is set, the flowers are ordered, and you’ve found the wedding dress of your dreams! Everything’s panning out just right…except for one thing. You still don’t have shoes!

Picking the right shoes for your wedding day can be quite a task. You want them to be stunning, but you also want to avoid falling flat on your face in front of your future spouse and your guests. If you’re still undecided about your wedding day footwear, here are several great tips to help you pick the perfect pair of shoes, as well as some advice that will keep you dancing all night long at your reception.

Picking the Perfect Wedding Shoes

The truth is, there’s no one set way to pick the perfect pair of wedding shoes. Every bride is different, just as every woman is in day-to-day life. Some gals like stilettos, while others prefer sneakers. While you’ll have to decide what type of shoes are right for you, these tips should give you a good start on the process.

Pick Your Dress First

The first step to finding the perfect pair of wedding shoes is to find the perfect wedding dress. It’s important to at least select your dress before finalizing your shoe decision. After all, you’ll want your shoes to match or complement the style of your dress. If you can, bring your dress along on for shoe shopping so you can see the items together before committing.

Shop Around and Try Them ALL On

While it can be tempting to grab up the first pair of shoes you think you love for your wedding, it’s important to spend some time shopping around. Don’t assume there isn’t a better option out there. Try on a variety of options, even if you don’t think you’ll like them. It’s amazing what “fits” in the end.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

That said, don’t shop around too long. There’s a fine line between being a prudent shoe-shopper and being a lazy one. Once you have your dress, start the process. Ideally, you should have these elements finalized a few months out from your big day.

Make Comfort a Priority

Comfort, comfort, comfort! Comfort is key when picking shoes for your wedding day. It’s important to note, however, that comfort is relative. What you find pleasant may vary drastically from what another bride does. The only person who matters in this choice is you. If you’re good in heels for hours at a time, go for it! If you detest heels, find a pretty pair of flats instead.

Be Creative

The shoes you pick don’t have to match your wedding dress. In fact, many brides enjoy adding a pop of color with their shoes. Additionally, don’t forget to get a few shots of your shoes during your professional photography session!

Avoid Online Shopping

Online shopping is extremely popular, but it probably isn’t the best way to find your wedding shoes. While it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll find a pair you love (and likely at a price you can’t argue with), the potential hassle associated with returns and refunds simply isn’t worth it. Picking a pair of wedding shoes without trying them on just doesn’t work.

Keep Your Venue in Mind

Is your wedding indoors or outdoors? This should be a key factor in determining the type of shoe you ultimately select. Outdoor ceremonies and receptions may call for drastically different footwear, especially if you’re getting married in a unique location or plan to do a lot of walking around for photos.

Love Your Final Shoe Selection

Most importantly of all, love the shoes you pick for your wedding day. Choose a pair that suits your personality and that make you feel good both inside and out! It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks as long as you love the final selection you’ve made.

Helping Your Feet Survive the Night

Finding a pair of adorable wedding shoes is one thing, but making it through the day and night on your feet is something else completely! Now that you’re better prepared to pick the shoes of your dreams, here are a few tips that’ll keep you on the dance floor all night long.

Wear Your Shoes Beforehand

Another reason it’s important to purchase your wedding shoes with plenty of time to spare is that you’ll want to wear them a few times before your big day. Not only will this help wear them in, but it’ll give you a chance to confirm they’re “the ones” after all.

Have a Spare Pair

The absolute best way to save your feet is to have a spare pair of shoes handy for your reception. Ideally, these will be more comfortable and appropriate for dancing. Even if you don’t wear them all evening (or at all), it’s better to have them available just in case.

Consider Adding a Gel Insert

Depending on the style of shoes you have for your wedding day, it may be smart to add gel inserts. Even inserts that provide a minimal amount of additional support can be immensely helpful. You’ll definitely be thankful for them the day after your reception!

Attach Shoe Grips

Slip and slides are fun, but not generally appropriate for weddings. If your shoes don’t have good traction, consider purchasing shoe grips. These can be found in a variety of colors and styles and are usually simple to attach.

Are you looking for an exciting theme for your wedding day? Themed weddings are hugely popular among brides and grooms today. Not only are they fun and unique, they’ll also be extremely memorable for your guests! There are several advantages to opting for a themed wedding:

• Inherently creates a cohesive aesthetic
• Adds flair to the ceremony and reception
• Allows couples to personalize their event
• Makes the wedding stand out
• Encourages a less stressful atmosphere
• Is incredibly fun to plan!

If you’re interested in a themed wedding, the next step is to pick your theme! For some, the selection is more obvious than it is for others. Take the time you need to make this decision, as it’s difficult to switch your plans up last minute. While you can find a plethora of wedding theme ideas (along with some flat-out incredible themed wedding decoration ideas) on websites like Pinterest, here are five excellent options to get you started.

Masquerade Ball

Masquerade ball weddings are gaining popularity, in large part because they are appropriate for any time of year. Couples who enjoy Halloween may find them particularly appealing. It’s important to note, however, that there are actually a number of different types of masquerades. The most popular are Mardi Gras and Venetian. They’re also exceptionally fun to plan because the decorative potential is endless! Consider incorporating some of these fun ideas if a masquerade ball wedding seems like a theme you and your soon-to-be spouse would enjoy:

• Invite guests to dress up in costumes
• Provide masks as wedding favors
• Use lots of feathers and jewels when decorating
• Choose special masks for the wedding party
• Go crazy with the color selections

Renaissance

Renaissance, or Medieval-themed, weddings are becoming quite popular. While unique, this really isn’t that surprising. After all, weddings in the Middle Ages share many of the same qualities of modern day weddings—there’s feasting, dancing, and merriment galore! Planning this type of wedding will require a little more preparation time however. Period clothing, for example, can be difficult to come by and, in some cases, is better when handmade to fit each individual in your party. If a Renaissance-themed ceremony and reception is appealing to you and your fiancé, consider these fun tips:

• Choose period-appropriate attire
• Invite guests to dress in period garb as well
• Have the ceremony and reception outside
• Hire live minstrel musical performers
• Include Medieval traditions like handfasting and throwing rice
• Provide a period-appropriate meal and plenty of mead!

Geek Out!

As a geek myself, I’m particularly partial to this wedding theme. It’s fun and adorably nerdy, which really works for some couples. The trouble is, there are so many different kinds of geeks and interests can vary drastically. In reality, this is more a wedding genre than it is a theme. If you and your future spouse share a certain nerdy streak or are diehard fanatics about a particular television show, this type of wedding may be the perfect way to showcase your personal style. Here are several fun, and giddily geeky, wedding themes to consider:

• Star Wars
• Disney
• Superhero
• Doctor Who
• Harry Potter
• Star Trek
• Video Gaming
• Lord of the Rings

Gone with the Wind

Inspired by yet another classic novel, a Gone with the Wind wedding theme is likely one of the easiest to plan and coordinate. At minimum, this type of wedding could be pulled off with an outdoor country venue and a puffy ball gown. While most couples would prefer their romance to progress differently than Scarlett and Rhett’s, the resulting movie is still the highest-grossing film ever made (when adjusted for inflation). As a result, renditions of this theme are quite popular among brides and grooms all over the nation, but particularly in southern areas where the terrain is reminiscent of that in the story. Consider these awesome ideas if you and your spouse-to-be like this theme:

• Have the ceremony and reception outdoors or at a plantation
• Provide a barbeque lunch or dinner
• Wear a full ball gown
• Provide fans as wedding favors
• Use oil lamps as centerpieces

The Great Gatsby

Do you and your spouse-to-be love the roaring 20’s? In all seriousness, who doesn’t? With a little glam, glitter, and gold, you can recreate your own lavish West Egg party. While less mainstream than some other wedding theme options, this concept gained popularity after Leonardo DiCaprio starred as Jay Gatsby in the 2013 film. Whether you opt to mimic the book or the movie is completely up to you, but here are several fun ideas that may be worth incorporating:

• Choose a mansion-like venue for the ceremony and reception
• Pick an appropriate headband
• Give pearls to the bridesmaids
• Offer oysters and champagne as hors d’oeuvre
• Play a round of croquet
• Have a tea party
• Designate a “smoking room” and provide cigars
• Flappers, lots of flappers!

Are you looking for exciting ways to get your wedding guests involved in your big day? An invitation to attend your special occasion is amazing, in and of itself. However, being offered an opportunity to actively participate in your ceremony or reception can be extremely meaningful for both you and your attendees. Here are several great ways for your family and friends to participate in your wedding and help make your wedding day even more special.

1. Collaborative Recipe Book

Everyone loves tasty food and sweet treats! Why not ask all of your family and friends to contribute to a recipe book? A wedding recipe book is a great way to involve guests and create something meaningful for you and your spouse-to-be. It’s easy to request that each of your guests bring a copy of their favorite recipe. This request can be included in your invitation materials or prominently posted on your wedding website.

Consider making it a goal to try at least one of the guest’s recipes every month until you’ve cycled through the entire book. Not only will you get to reflect on your ceremony, but also you’ll spend quality time cooking or baking. Plus, you get to enjoy eating delicious meals and deserts together afterward. This is particularly helpful if you’re less experienced in the kitchen.

2. Relationship Suggestion Box

Another way to get your guests involved in your wedding day is to create a relationship suggestion box. This can be a cardboard box, a blank book, or note cards, but the goal is the same: have everyone in attendance take a moment to write a relationship suggestion for you and your spouse-to-be. While your family and friends may not be love experts, that doesn’t mean their input won’t be helpful (or at least fun to read).

You can also ask for the kind of suggestions you want to be put into the box. Consider asking guests to offer fun date night ideas or advice about marriage. Take time to read through these suggestions after your ceremony and reread them periodically throughout your marriage.

Decorate a Holiday Tree

Whether you’re ceremony takes place in December or July, it’s never too early to begin thinking about the holidays. Like weddings, the holidays are times to treasure close family and friends. Consider asking your guests to help you decorate your future holiday tree by bringing an ornament as a gift. This is a beautiful way to involve your loved ones in your big day and every holiday season that follows.

If your wedding happens to take place near the holidays, incorporate a tree into your decorations. Your guests can place their ornaments on the tree as they enter, personalizing your event even further.

Favorite Photo Station

Do you love capturing memories in photographs? Consider asking each of your guests to bring a photo of themselves with you or your future spouse to display at the reception. Create a photo collage on a wall or construct a prominently placed picture board on a stand. After the reception, put the images in a photo book to keep them for a fun memory.

You can make this activity even more exciting by bringing your favorite photo of each of your guests as well. This is a wonderful way to reminisce and inspire storytelling at your reception.

Interactive Guest Book

While having guests sign a book as they enter the wedding is traditional, it isn’t very creative. Aside from picking a book that shows your style as a couple or providing plenty of room for loved ones to write long messages, there’s a distinct lack of personalization with guest books. Instead, offer more opportunity for guest involvement, and create a more meaningful (and possibly more functional) keepsake by opting for an interactive guest book.

Wedding Quilt

Are you or someone you know familiar with quilting? If so, this presents the perfect opportunity to create an item that you and your spouse-to-be will treasure for the rest of your lives. Instead of having your guests sign a book, ask that they sign or write notes on precut fabric squares instead. These squares can later be made into a quilt that is used or displayed in your home. You could also choose fabrics that match your wedding colors!

Jenga

Do you and your future spouse like playing games together? If you like Jenga, buy a copy of the game specifically for your wedding. As they enter the wedding, your guests can sign or write messages on individual blocks from the game. You’ll be able to enjoy seeing their names whenever you play the game for years to come.

Adventure Globe

Love to travel? If you and your honey have plans to see the world, place a globe or a world map at the entrance to your wedding. Ask your family and friends to put a pin on a location they think you should visit: either a place that they’ve traveled to or a location they feel the two of you would enjoy.

It’s no secret that weddings can be expensive. In fact, the average cost of a wedding has increased to a staggering $35,000. Wedding days should be special, but some weddings cost more than what many people pay for a new car!

For some couples, the price tag is more than worth it. After all, your wedding day celebrates the end of your life as a single person and the commencement of the new phase of life you’re beginning with your spouse-to-be. Combining this with the excitement of hosting a memorable event for your closest friends and family, it’s tempting to spend more than you intended.

Are you and your spouse-to-be looking for ways to cut costs for your upcoming wedding? The good news is that there are many ways to keep your budget affordable. While the money-saving list goes on and on, here are five of the best budget slashing tips for 2018.

Be Flexible about Your Wedding Date and Time

Many brides and grooms set their minds to a specific date and time they must have for their wedding (such as a special holiday weekends). Unfortunately, this mindset can be costly, especially if the specifics happen to coincide with everyone else’s perfect date. Basic supply and demand applies here, and venues are able to charge more when there is more of a demand for certain dates.

If you approach wedding planning with an open mind, and you are flexible about your wedding date and time, you can squeeze your event in at a much lower cost. This is especially true if you’re willing to schedule your wedding for a weekday. Another cost saving option is to have the wedding or reception at your home or the home of a family member.

Limit Your Guest List

Trimming your guest list is another way to cut costs for your wedding. This isn’t always a popular concept, but it’s a valid one. For venue and catering purposes, limiting the number of people you invite to your wedding can save you a lot of money. This is especially true if you’re being charged per guest.

It’s not uncommon for venues to ask $100 per head, plus $20 per dinner plate. That means cutting just 50 people could save you a whopping $6000. With such a significant savings, it’s worth giving your guest list a second look.

Opt for a Few DIY Decorations

Pinterest has made DIY wedding decorations insanely popular. It’s never been easier to find amazing project ideas you can complete with family and friends. Making some of your own decorations is nearly always less expensive than buying them.

Centerpieces, for example, are simple to create using candles, vases, and stones purchased at your local dollar store. This option costs far less than traditional flower centerpieces, which can be excessively expensive, and the result can still be stunning. Freshly cut flowers are quite inexpensive by themselves and can be used for a variety of DIY decorative purposes.

Similarly, you can make your own wedding save-the-dates or invitations. You can use computer software to design your own invites or modify an online template. All you need to do is select an invite template, personalize the information, save it to a flash drive, and head to the nearest print shop. Paper products don’t have to be expensive.

Let Your Photographer or Videographer Leave Early

Photographers and videographers charge a pretty penny to capture your big day. It’s worth it. After all, you’ll treasure those memories for the rest of your life. There are ways to reduce your final bill for these important services.

Many professionals will charge you per hour to take the pictures or video, plus the cost of the final photo or video package you order after everything has been developed. The best way to keep the expense down is to plan your schedule with the hourly rate in mind. Consider cutting the cake and throwing the bouquet early in the evening so you don’t have to pay the photographer and videographer to stay through the entire reception.

Here are some more wedding photography ideas: Place cheap, disposable cameras around your reception so guests can continue to take pictures all evening long. The pictures won’t be professional quality, but they will still be fun. Another option is to rent a photo booth for the evening. These are pricier than disposable cameras, but you are certain to get some funny photos out of it!

Put a Cap on the Open Bar

What’s a wedding without an open bar? Well for starters, it’s a much less expensive wedding! A sure-fire way to save money on your big day is to cut the open bar.

Opting for a cash bar instead will limit your final bill significantly, but it may also limit the fun. Here’s the best compromise: Cap the open bar at a certain dollar amount and then establish the cash bar if this amount is exceeded. This works really well because you and your guests can enjoy several drinks as the reception gets rolling, but you still maintain complete control of the bar bill at the end of the night.

There’ll be no surprises if you take time to plan your wedding event with these budget tips in mind. Instead, you and your new spouse can spend time enjoying the company of your closest family and friends and dancing the night away!

Are you looking for easy DIY decoration ideas for your spring wedding? Making your own decorations is both fun and economical. It’s also a great way to bring friends and family together to make decorations before your big day. If you’ve always loved crafting with your mother, setting aside a little time for the two of you to work on wedding decorations may be the perfect way to reminisce together. You can plan a similar day with your mother-in-law or invite your bridesmaids to an early decorating party. In the end, you’ll love saving money and seeing the fruits of your labor once they are all put together!

To help get you get started with DIY decoration making, here are several ideas that are perfect for a spring wedding.

Wedding Card Box

Most brides and grooms have some sort of wedding card collection box they set out at the reception table. These boxes are often purchased ready-made from stores that sell other craft items, but it’s actually quite easy to make your own. They can be as simple or complicated as you want to them to be, ranging from an ornately wrapped cardboard box, to a stained or painted hardwood box. With either option, you’ll have a beautiful addition for your gift table.

Calligraphy Wooden Wedding Signs

Calligraphy is very popular, especially when combined with beautiful hardwood signs and fresh flowers. Wooden signs can be used to provide directions, to welcome your guests, or to display photos of you and your soon-to-be spouse. The uses for wooden signs are almost endless. Whatever purpose you ultimately dream up for your signs, adding calligraphy is easy with stencils or cutouts. There are easy step-by-step calligraphy kits available at most craft stores.

Bride and Groom Picture Table Numbers

Not everyone has assigned seating at their wedding, but it’s essential to number your tables if you do. Instead of merely using cards with printed numbers, try incorporating photos of the bride and groom as a personalized alternative. Ask your parents for pictures of both of you as one-year-olds, two-year-olds, three-year-olds, and so on. The photos you collect can then be used to correspond to the numbers on each table so your guests can literally see you “grow up” together as the table numbers increase.

Fabric Flower Garlands

Love hanging decorations? Regardless of whether your wedding is indoors or outdoors, fabric flower garlands are a nice touch. Making fabric flower garlands is easy and you’ll love how they look once they are strung together. You can also customize this decoration to fit your wedding by selecting fabric colors that match your theme and color combinations. You can also reuse them again for other events in the future.

Flower Crowns

Flower crowns are a DIY decoration that are both beautiful and stylish. Whether you choose to use faux flowers or freshly cut flowers is up to you. Just wrap a little floral tape around a bundle of flowers and you’re good to go! These flower crowns make amazing additions to wedding centerpieces, or they can be hung on chairs and doors as a decorative accent. As an added perk, your guests will have a blast wearing them throughout the reception and taking selfies.

There are lots of great DIY ideas out there for decorations for your spring wedding. Whether you are into crafting, art, stamping, or some other design hobby, here are some great ideas that are sure to help you create memorable wedding decorations and save money at the same time.

Are you determined to have a spring wedding but you are worried about allergies? Don’t let the threat of a runny nose or sore throat ruin your big day! While potential problems with allergies should be something you should take seriously, they are not a reason to adjust your wedding date. If you know you or your spouse-to-be tend to get a bit sneezy in the spring, here are several great tips to help you plan your dream wedding during allergy season.

Talk to Your Doctor or Allergist

The best way to address the threat of allergies during your spring wedding is to speak with a professional allergist. While there’s no way to completely eliminate the risk of an allergic reaction, an allergist will be able to provide prevention tips and strategies for your big day. The allergist might be able to provide a prescription for a more effective medication to help you through your wedding.

Ask Your Venue about Air Conditioning and Ventilation Systems

When selecting a venue for your wedding ceremony and reception, it’s always a good idea to ask about air conditioning and ventilation. A quality air filtration system that removes allergens will greatly decrease your chances of someone having an allergic reaction. Some locations may even be willing to take additional air purifying measures, such as maintaining stable humidity levels, cleaning the air ducts, changing the filters, or upgrading the ventilation system for your event. Make sure you tell the venue staff that you are concerned about allergies, and see if they will accommodate your request by making adjustments to the air conditioning.

Choose to Have an Indoor Ceremony and Reception

While an outdoor wedding may be your preference, you might be better off with an indoor ceremony and reception. If you know that you or some other member of your wedding party is particularly susceptible to allergens, there’s no reason to tempt fate. When decorated appropriately, an indoor wedding can be just as lovely as an outdoor wedding. There are many options available to an indoor wedding ceremony that are not available to an outdoor wedding: more design opportunities, a more intimate feel, and the elimination of any weather worries.

Find a Location near the Water

If you are absolutely determined to have an outdoor wedding ceremony and reception, consider reserving a location that is near the water. Venues on a big lake or by the ocean are the best, as the wind typically keeps the pollen count down. If a location near the water is not available, look for an outdoor location that does not have a large number of flowering trees and plants such as an open park, picnic area, or other large open space to host your event.

Pick a Time in the Afternoon or Evening

You should avoid planning your event for first thing in the morning when pollen counts are usually the highest. The pollen count typically tapers off in the late afternoon and evening. If you can schedule your wedding later in the day, it will minimize some of the risks of an allergic reaction to high pollen counts.

If you or someone in your wedding party is vulnerable to allergies in the spring, it may be better to choose an indoor location with air conditioning and an air filtration system. If you still choose to have an outdoor wedding ceremony, there are a number of choices that you can make to minimize the problem of allergies at your venue location. With a little planning around allergy issues, there’s no reason that everyone can’t enjoy your wedding celebration, even if they are worried about allergies.

Are you looking for a special or exciting idea to help celebrate your first Valentine’s Day as a married couple? If you’re newlyweds, it can be difficult to know exactly how to approach this year’s Valentine’s Day festivities. Every couple approaches this holiday differently.

For some couples, celebrating the day of love is a downright necessity. Others prefer avoiding the hectic rush, chocolates and restaurant reservations. Additionally, finances may be an important consideration for Valentine’s Day as you recover from the expenses of your wedding ceremony, reception, and honeymoon.

Whether you want to go all out or keep things simple, here are a few great Valentine’s Day ideas for newlyweds.

Go on a Date

It’s an oldie, but a goody! As newlyweds, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the traditional dinner date on Valentine’s Day. Depending on your particular situation, your involvement in wedding planning, and current financial situation, it may have been a while since the two of you actually had a night out alone together.

Consider going to one of your favorite places or the location of one of your most memorable dates. A reservation at your favorite restaurant followed by a movie might be exactly what you need. Looking for a cheaper alternative? Make your favorite meal and rent a movie, or you could just Netflix and chill after a delicious meal together.

Make a Valentine’s Day Care Package

Unfortunately, Valentine’s Day doesn’t always fall on a weekend. Even when it does fall on the weekend, it can be difficult to match up schedules between you and your partner. If you and your spouse won’t be able to spend any significant amount of time together on the day in question, consider making Valentine’s Day care packages for each other. These boxes can be decorated and filled with romantic items, sentimental gifts, and delicious snacks to keep you thinking of each other all day long. As an added bonus (or challenge), set a price limit that you both must adhere to.

Five Senses Gift Challenge

Do you prefer to purchase gifts but want to spice up the exchange up a little? Commit to a five senses gift challenge! With this challenge, you’ll need to buy each other five separate gifts. Each gift should correspond with one of the five senses – sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. The budget for the gifts can be set to suit any financial situation and you’ll both have a blast hunting for the perfect items. Take turns exchanging the gifts one at a time. It will be fun to go through all the gifts you’ve selected for one another.

Handmade Gifts

Handmade gifts are a great way to show your partner that you care. Whether it’s a scarf or socks that you’ve knitted, something you make in the workshop, or a hand-drawn portrait of your partner, handmade gifts are almost always going to be a cherished gift that your partner keeps long past the holiday.

Prepare a Special Meal

A special meal is a great way to show your partner how much you care. Try to handle the planning, shopping, preparation and cleanup. Your partner is going to really appreciate all of the effort you’ve made to make their Valentine’s Day meal extra special. Preparing their favorite dish or perhaps making them something they’ve never had before, is a great way to show your partner that you want to spoil them.

There’s a lot of attention around the purchase of traditional gifts given on Valentine’s Day such as candy, flowers, and jewelry. With a little creativity and imagination you can make the holiday special and treat your partner to something they will remember for a long time to come.

Are you and your fiancé thinking about buying a house right after your wedding? While many couples decide investing in a home together is the right move, this isn’t always the case. From a financial consideration, buying rather than renting is usually a good idea. Perhaps the market is perfect in your area, with low prices and decent tax credits available. There are a number of very important factors to consider before reaching out to a real estate agent.

Here are a few things you and your soon-to-be-spouse should discuss prior to buying a home together.

Can You Afford to Purchase a Home?

Are you and your fiancé may be financially ready to purchase a home together? How do you know if it’s the right time?

Here’s what you need to know about being financial ready to buy a home:

• You and your future spouse should have a good credit score. A score of 750 or higher is best, as you’re more likely to receive lower mortgage rates. An FHA government home loan can be approved for credit scores in the low 600s.
• Have 10-20% in cash available for a down payment. Obviously, this amount will vary depending on the cost of real estate in your area. The more you can pay upfront, the lower your mortgage payment will be.
• Don’t forget to factor in principle, interest, taxes and insurance (known as PITI) when making your budget for housing expenses.
• While many buyers negotiate out of paying closing costs, it’s smart to have the funds set aside anyway.
• It’s always best to be debt-free when you buy a home. If this isn’t possible, make sure you have paid off all of your credit card debt and student loans.
• Set aside an emergency fund of four to six months of earnings. Emergency funds are important if you plan to purchase a home to cover living expenses during the hard times, expensive repairs or unexpected unemployment.

Additionally, brokers often approve people for mortgages that are higher amounts than they can reasonably afford. Even if you qualify for a higher loan amount, take time to ensure it’s really something you can afford comfortably.

A good guidelines to avoid a mortgage payment that requires more than about 30% of your gross monthly take-home pay.

Is This Really Where You Want to Live?

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of buying a new home together. Is this really where you want to live? You and your spouse-to-be should take time to seriously reflect on this. When you purchase a home, you must both be ready to take on the long-term commitment that accompanies it. Most experts recommend planning to own a home at least five years before selling. The costs of selling a property can be significant.

While you can always sell or rent your property in the future, these issues require a level of planning, orchestration, and management you may choose to avoid.

Some factors you should keep in mind are:

• Proximity to your friends and family
• Employment prospects
• The length of your daily commute
• School zone designation
• Community features
• Parks and community centers
• YMCA or fitness centers
• Travel opportunities

Don’t rush through this decision. The two of you should spend a significant amount of time investigating each of these details before deciding to purchase a home.

Do You Both Have Secure Careers?

Employment should also be a consideration when investigating whether it’s the right time to buy a home. You will need a stable and consistent income in order to afford making regular mortgage and utility payments.

To help assess the security of your current careers, ask yourselves these questions:

• Are you happy with your job now or could you see yourself wanting to change careers in a few years?
• Could your job require you to move in the future due to expansion or a promotion opportunity?
• Is your position critically important or could it be targeted if company downsizing or a reorganization occurred?

Whether or not you both enjoy your careers should also be weighed into your decision. If one or both of you are planning to change employers or to start a new business, this needs to be considered in your decision-making process.

Every couple’s housing budget and housing requirements is different. Don’t let outside expectations and external pressures dictate the way you and your soon-to-be-spouse plan your future home together.