When it comes to seating at your wedding reception, there are numerous options to consider for you and your new husband or wife. Many venues are equipped to set up the space to your specifications, so it’s important to know what your preferences are before scheduling a planning meeting. After all, the way the space is organized will greatly impact how the reception is conducted.

One popular choice is a designated feasting table, at which all your closest family and friends can join you for dinner and festivities. This is also a common location for wedding party members to sit. While many couples prefer feasting tables, a seating trend that’s been generating traction over the years is a sweetheart table. Sweetheart tables consist of a place setting for two (you and your honey!) and are often extravagantly decorated. There are many benefits associated with choosing this type of seating arrangement, but is it right for the two of you as a couple? To help make your decision a little easier, consider the following pros and cons of opting for a sweetheart table at your upcoming wedding!

The Pros

The Additional Decorations Look Awesome

From an aesthetic standpoint, sweetheart tables are quite stunning. In fact, many couples go all out when selecting the decorations for their private spot. Not only will your guests think the additional display is gorgeous, but you and your new spouse will feel like royals as you sit down for your first meal as a married couple. Sweetheart tables are completely customizable, which means you can decorate them to suit any wedding theme.

Guests May Feel More Inclined to Approach You

When newlyweds sit at a table made up of the wedding party and/or family members, it can make some guests feel left out. They may not want to approach this jovial group, for fear of interrupting. Sweetheart tables, on the other hand, may make guests more inclined to approach you throughout the evening.

It Provides More Intimacy

Your wedding day is about you and your new spouse, so it makes sense that the two of you deserve a little intimacy. A sweetheart table is the perfect way to accomplish this. Sitting separately from everyone else will allow you to truly spend time together, instead of spending the entire reception interacting with guests.

There Will Be Plenty of Photo Opportunities

As previously mentioned, sweetheart tables are generally “dressed to the nines.” This will, of course, inspire your photographer to take photos of you and your significant other while enjoying it. The resulting photos will, without a doubt, be some of your favorite. (Additionally, the table gives your photographer great fodder for pre-wedding and decoration photography.)

You Can Enjoy Your Meal in Peace

A common problem that many couples run into on their wedding day is that they don’t get an opportunity to eat. This is because they feel compelled to talk to and visit with family and friends. If you’re going to pay all that money for a catered meal, you should at least get to enjoy it, right? While you’re still likely to engage with your guests throughout the evening, a sweetheart table does provide you a better opportunity to eat. What’s more, you get to do it together!

The Cons

Guests May Not Want to Approach You

You’re probably thinking, “But you just said guests would feel more conformable approaching a sweetheart table!” The truth is that it really depends on the crowd. It could really go either way. Being physically separated from your guests does give off an air of exclusivity. Additionally, some family and friends may not feel they are welcome to intrude on your intimate time together.

Sitting Alone Can Seem Exclusive

While sitting at your own private table can make you feel like royalty, it can come off as a bit standoffish. In fact, some guests might feel it’s even elitist. After all, getting married doesn’t make you any better than all the other people attending your special day. Not everyone will feel this way, but it’s likely these thoughts will cross at least one guest’s mind.

Your Wedding Party Will Miss You!

By the time your wedding day rolls around, your wedding party will have dedicated significant time and money into helping you prepare. In many cases, they’ve served as significant influencers in your lives and you love them dearly. If you choose to sit at a sweetheart table, you drastically decrease the amount of time you get to spend with these amazing people during your reception. You may also get fewer candid photos of you all together as a group.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Spend some time talking through the various options with your future spouse before choosing the seating arrangement for your upcoming wedding. All that matters is that the two of you are happy with the final choice.

Are you and your fiancé looking for the perfect reception venue for your wedding? Finding a location that meets all of your needs and wants can be difficult, but don’t give up! It may seem like a hopeless task right now, but here are several tips to help you find the perfect venue for your upcoming wedding reception!

Having Separate Ceremony and Reception Locations Is Okay

While instinct is probably telling you to jump in your car and visit as many local venues as possible right now, don’t grab your keys just yet. First, you need to make a very important decision about your wedding and reception. Take time to answer this question: do you want to have your ceremony in the same location as your reception?

If you’re getting married in a church, this may not be possible. Some churches do, however, have indoor and outdoor space available for receptions. Of course, you aren’t required to utilize it if you don’t want to. In fact, the possibilities are truly endless when it comes to choosing a reception venue. While you can host this portion of your union about anywhere, some of the most popular locations include:

• Hotel or resort
• Convention center banquet hall
• Historical building
• Country club
• Public or private garden
• Favorite restaurant
• Winery or vineyard
• Public or private beach
• Public or private park
• Bed and breakfast
• College or university
• Family or friend’s home
• Your own backyard

The takeaway here is that you don’t have to choose a single location for both your ceremony and reception. Many couples opt to have guests relocate after the wedding and this is completely okay. In fact, it sometimes works better because it gives couples plenty of private time for photos.

Your Wedding Theme Sets the Tone

Have you and your fiancé established a theme for your wedding yet? While a theme isn’t necessary, many couples feel that having one personalizes the event. Common themes include classic, rustic, vintage, bohemian, nautical, and tropical. If you do choose a wedding theme, it’s important to do so before reserving your reception venue. In many cases, your theme will greatly impact the types of reception locations that will be most appropriate. You’ll need to decide between indoor and outdoor, for example. If you prefer indoors, the age and architecture of the building will be important. Having a firm grasp on your wedding theme will also allow you to better plan for decorations. Your décor needs and preferences will also impact your reception venue selection.

Define Options by Their Potential

With that said, however, an ideal reception venue doesn’t have to embody your theme to start with. As you search for the perfect location, it’s important to keep an open mind. After all, you can do a lot with decorations. A big, open, bare space may seem uninviting now, but by the time your reception rolls around, it will be completely transformed.

Instead of focusing on and fretting over the minute details, pay attention to overarching themes. In this way, finding a reception venue is a lot like buying a new home. It may not fit your vision now, but you can do a lot with it once you’ve “moved in.” Keep the big aspects in mind. Is the space big enough for your guest list? Can you decorate it as you want to? Does the architecture or landscaping complement your theme? Sometimes all a space needs is a little imagination!

Logistics Are Important

There are actually a number of very important logistics you need to consider when picking a venue for your wedding reception. Keep the following factors in mind.

Catering and Alcohol

Does the reception venue you have in mind have catering options? If not, are you able to bring your own food and refreshments? Some public parks and gardens have strict codes regarding food on the premises. This is even more common with alcohol.

Privacy

Is the venue private? Again, many outdoor locations may not offer you the privacy you need…if you need it. If you don’t mind strangers looking in on you and your guests, this aspect doesn’t actually matter at all. If privacy is something you covet, however, renting an indoor space or opting for a private outdoor venue will be better.

Lighting

Whether you’re inside or outside, lighting needs to be a consideration. Is what’s available sufficient or will you need to incorporate more? Another important question is whether there’s electricity available at your preferred outdoor reception venue. Will you need to utilize generators for lights and/or the sound system? Where are the outlets and how many of them are there?

Parking

Parking is another very important factor that warrants careful assessment before deciding on a reception venue. If you’re renting a space, it’s likely that parking will be readily available. Some of the other options, however, may require some creative thinking.

Couples can spend a significant amount of money on an engagement ring. While the size of the diamond isn’t everything, it does mean a lot to some people. If you fall into this category, but don’t feel that you and your significant other can reasonably afford an extravagant piece of jewelry right now, you do still have some options. There are actually a number of great ways to make your engagement ring look bigger than it actually is! While this may seem a little sneaky…who cares? As long as you love your diamond engagement ring, it doesn’t matter. Here are several factors to keep in mind as you begin shopping for the perfect, seemingly large, diamond engagement ring!

Forget Round Cuts (Try Oval Instead for a Similar Look!)

Round diamonds are by far the most popular, but they actually cost more money. This difference in price is due in great part to demand and the fact that they’re more difficult to cut. Round cuts also result in more waste than other shapes.

None of this may seem that surprising, but there’s one thing that’s likely to shock you. Round diamonds are usually smaller than other cuts in both carat weight and physical size! When comparing a round and oval diamond at the same price point, for example, you’ll likely find the oval cut is larger. Keeping this trend in mind can help you get more size for your buck!

Choose a Bright and Shiny Metal to Reflect Light Around the Stone

There are many band materials to choose from, but bright bands are best if you want to exaggerate the size of your diamond. In fact, the shinier, the better! Bright bands will help to reflect additional light around your stone, giving the illusion of additional size.

While there are several shiny band options available, 18 karat white gold and platinum are likely best. Between the two, however, the white gold wins. This material is extremely bright and will draw more attention to your diamond. Additionally, white gold is less expensive. This means you can spend more money on a larger stone.

Try a Thin Band Instead of a Thick Band to Highlight the Diamond

Band thickness also impacts how big your diamond ultimately looks. Chunky bands tend to make diamonds of all shapes look smaller, while thin bands actually exaggerate diamond size. Of course this is all relative, but it’s absolutely something to keep in mind if you want to make your stone look bigger than it actually is.

As an extra bonus, picking a thinner band may also decrease the overall cost of your ring. You can either pay less overall, or apply the difference to the diamond itself and purchase a slightly larger stone. Don’t forget to keep comfort in mind, however. Some people prefer wider bands because they feel more natural on the finger. Spend time trying on the various options before making a decision based solely on physical appearance.

Choose Thin Prongs to Show More Surface Area of the Diamond

The prongs on a ring keep the stone in place. These can be thick or thin, depending on the design of the ring. If you want your diamond to appear larger, opt for thinner prongs, as they draw less attention. Thicker prongs will often look too bulky, especially if you choose a petite band.

You may also want to consider a ring design with fewer prongs. While many rings have six prongs, it’s possible to find ones with only four. Taking this route will mean less of the diamond is covered, which places more focus on the stone and allows additional shine. Both of these factors will enhance the diamond’s appearance and make it look larger.

Keep Your Engagement Ring Clean so it Sparkles and Shines

It’s important to keep the band and stone as clean as possible. Not only will this improve the overall appearance of your ring, but it will make your stone look bigger. Again, shine and sparkle place more focus on your diamond, which will inherently make it appear larger than it actually is.

While many jewelry shops will be happy to clean your diamond engagement ring regularly, you’ll save a lot of money if you purchase your own cleaner and polishing cloths. It’s recommended that you give your ring a gentle cleaning bi-weekly.

To Get the Most Bang for Your Buck, Know that Retailers Aren’t All the Same

Before making any big purchase, it’s important to do your research. This is just as true for diamond engagement rings as it is for anything else. The unfortunate truth is that many jewelry retailers price gouge. Some companies have a lot of money to pour into advertising and therefore quickly become the go-to source for certain products. This is particularly true for some big, well-known brands. Shopping with these engagement ring retailers first may mean you pay more for a smaller diamond.

Don’t assume that a jeweler has the best prices just because they’re popular. Take time to shop around before making your final decision. Carefully compare all the factors, including carat, cut quality, physical size, and cost. That said, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true; that usually means they are!

Are you looking for a special (and functional) way to thank your out-of-town guests for putting in extra effort to attend your wedding? Welcome totes or baskets are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. These goodie bags are the perfect way to add an extra, personalized touch upon the arrival of your guests. This is especially true for couples who are orchestrating a destination wedding, are hosting numerous people from out of town, or have a full weekend of events planned. Leave them with the hotel for a surprise at check-in your guests will appreciate!

The first step is finding a bag or basket to put everything in. You can choose anything that suits your fancy, but remember these two key factors: presentation and price. With welcome bags, presentation is really important. The best ones are personalized in some way and coordinate with the wedding theme and/or colors. Finding a budget-friendly option is also vital, however, as you will be purchasing one for every person who’s traveling to attend your wedding.

Once you have the container situation, what exactly should you put in it? That’s a great question and there are a wide array of possible answers. Fortunately, there are no wrong ones. If you find a particular item that you feel is appropriate, throw it in there! If you’re struggling to come up with ideas for your guest welcome bags, however, consider incorporating some of these popular items.

1. A Welcome or Thank You Note

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s vitally important. Make sure you and your fiancé spend some time creating a welcome note to include in your guest welcome bags that thanks them for attending your wedding. This can include anything you want and sample text can easily be found online. Do ensure the final version is personalized, however, as your family and friends will appreciate it more this way. Depending on the number of welcome bags you’re creating, you may want to consider handwriting each person (or couple) a special note!

2. A Weekend Agenda

Things can get hectic at a wedding, especially when the festivities span over several days. To keep everyone on track, plan to include a breakdown of your agenda. This doesn’t have to be insanely specific, but it should provide enough detail to ensure your guests know where to go, when to be there, and how to dress.

3. Water or Beverages

A little something to sip will also be greatly appreciated. It’s important that you and your guests all stay hydrated. To this end, make sure to provide at least one bottle of water per person. Customize these for the occasion by making/ordering your own label. If your budge allows, include some small bottles of liquor for the afterparty!

4. Local Cuisine or Food

When picking items for your guest welcome bags, consider types of food make your wedding location special. Every town or city has something that will appeal to others, whether it’s a local produce, handmade goods, or unique products. Throwing a wedding in Texas? Include a bottle of the famous local barbecue sauce. Wedding in Florida? Include some locally grown oranges!

5. Sweet and Salty Snacks

Snacks are essential. While you’re likely planning to spoil your family and friends with delicious cocktail hour treats, a lavish meal, and amazing desserts, it’s a good idea to include a few snack items in your guest welcome bags as well for them to enjoy at the hotel or on the road. To best accommodate everyone’s preferences, find at least one or two salty and sweet items to share. These will be particularly helpful during the late evening hours after your reception when other food options may no longer be available.

6. Weather-Appropriate Gear

Every wedding is different based on the setting and season. Try to find items that will be useful for your guests in terms of your specific event. Hand-held fans, for example, are a perfect addition to guest welcome bags for summer weddings. If your ceremony or reception is taking place outside, consider a container of bug spray or sunscreen. Other helpful items may include sunglasses, hand-warmers, and ponchos.

7. Hangover Cures

Are your family and friends likely to get a little rowdy during your reception? If you’re providing an open bar, your guests are going to take advantage of it. This means that more than one or two people will go overboard. To ease potential hangovers the morning after your wedding, throw a few afterparty favors in your guest welcome bags. Pain relievers, extra water, and Tums will be greatly appreciated by many.

With so much to do before your ceremony and reception take place, it’s likely you won’t have time to greet each and every one of your guests individually before the actual wedding. The bigger the guest list, the more impractical this becomes! While your family and friends will understand, it’s still nice to provide something as a token of your appreciation. These welcome bags are the perfect solution and a fun way to kick off the celebration.

Are you looking for a unique way to propose to the love of your life? While diamond engagement rings are traditional, there are many reasons you may be hesitant to hit the nearest jewelry shop. Not only is it hard to know which cut, carat, color, and clarity to choose, but it’s also a significant investment. The average engagement ring cost around $6,500 in 2017, but it’s not uncommon for individuals to pay upwards of $10,000 or more. For some, it can take years to save enough money to purchase the perfect ring. Some jewelers offer financing options, but taking out a loan isn’t always a responsible decision, especially with the cost of a wedding looming in the future.

Additionally, are you 100 percent sure that your significant other actually wants a diamond engagement ring? Not everyone does, after all. Many couples opt to purchase an alternative ring or put the money toward something else. It may seem important to pop the question as a surprise, but it’s just as vital that you fully understand and honor your significant other’s wishes. The best way to do this is by openly talking with each other, even hypothetically, about your engagement preferences. If he/she wants a diamond ring, it’s best to honor this. If, however, he/she has expressed an interest in something else, work to provide it instead.

If after speaking with your future spouse and taking their opinions into account you feel a diamond engagement ring isn’t right, consider one of these great alternatives instead!

1. Another Beautiful Ring

Your engagement ring doesn’t have to be made with a diamond. There are hundreds of other options for you to consider, each of which is significantly cheaper. In fact, you could easily purchase earrings and/or a necklace to match! Some popular ring options include:

A Diamond Look-alike Ring

If your significant other wants a traditional diamond engagement ring but doesn’t want the associated price tag, choosing a ring with a lab created diamond or a gemstone that looks like a diamond (such as moissanite) may be the best bet. Depending on the quality of the lookalike, to the average person it can be almost impossible to tell what’s a real diamond and what’s not.

Gemstone Ring

Gemstones also make beautiful and far less expensive engagement rings. Each is also believed to convey a specific sentiment, which can be particularly meaningful. Rose quartz, for example, is associated with gentle love, peace, and calm, while garnet is associated with passionate commitment and devotion.

Knot Ring

Knotted rings are lovely, meaningful, and perfect for people who prefer simple jewelry. They make a great physical representation of “tying the knot” and are appropriate for both men and women.

Claddagh Ring

Claddagh rings are characterized by two hands holding a heart with a crown. These features symbolize friendship, love, and loyalty. These rings have a long history of use during weddings, dating back as far as the Middle Ages. Opting for this choice is particularly fitting if one or both of you have Irish heritage.

Family Ring

Do you have a ring that’s been passed down in your family? Diamond or otherwise, giving an item like this to your significant other is extremely meaningful. Just make sure you have it resized as needed!

2. The Vacation of a Lifetime

If you’re looking for an alternative to giving your future spouse a ring, why not plan the vacation of a lifetime? The two of you can celebrate your engagement by taking a trip that the two of you will never forget. Tailor your location and activities to fit your personal preferences. With an average diamond engagement ring costing around $6,500, you could easily book a vacation anywhere with that same budget. Alternatively, consider putting the money toward an even more expensive honeymoon for after your wedding.

3. A Brand New Car

Another great option is to purchase your significant other a new car. Depending on the budget you set aside for your engagement ring, this could be a more expensive option. It is, however, a far more practical use of funds. An alternative may be to purchase a recreational vehicle, such as a motorcycle, four-wheeler, RV, or camper. This may be the perfect engagement gift if you’re an adventurous couple.

4. A House Down Payment

Some couples choose to put a down payment on a home rather than purchase a diamond engagement ring. This is yet another great way to invest in the future you are building together. If the two of you aren’t quite ready to become homeowners, put the money aside to use in the future. After you’re married and/or are trying to start a family, a bigger home that you own yourselves may be a necessity. Having a little bit of extra cash to help out with this endeavor is never a bad idea.

Are you and your spouse considering renewing your vows? Many married couples decide at some point to plan a vow renewal ceremony. It’s a beautiful way to re-express the love you share for one another after you’ve already said your wedding vows on the original day. While there are numerous reasons why couples choose to say “I do” a second time, the following are some of the most common.

You Haven’t Had Your Dream Wedding Yet

One of the most common reasons to consider a vow renewal is because you and your spouse didn’t have the wedding you’d always dreamed of originally. Whether you’ve been married for a year or 50 years, it’s never too early or too late to plan the ceremony and reception you wanted but, for whatever reason, didn’t get.

This reason is especially pertinent for couples who chose to get married at a courthouse or opted for a spur-of-the-moment elopement. If you never had the opportunity to share the experience with your family and friends, it can leave you wishing for the chance to. Fortunately, you can!

Another common holdback is financial difficulty. Young couples often don’t have the money to plan a big wedding because they’re just starting out in life. They may know being together is right and want to proceed hand in hand, but may not have the resources yet to celebrate in a big way.

It’s also possible for this to be reversed. Some couples have a larger wedding ceremony and reception because they know it means a lot to family. It may not, however, be the kind of event you wanted. In cases like this, renewing your vows in a more private setting, like an elopement or second honeymoon, may be exactly what you and your spouse need.

Whatever the reason, renewing your vows is a wonderful way to make your union special in a way that matters most to the two of you. There’s absolutely no reason you shouldn’t have the wedding of your dreams.

Something Wasn’t Quite Right at Your Last Wedding

Maybe you did have the opportunity to plan the wedding of your dreams…but something went wrong. No one expects disaster to strike on or around their wedding date, but it does happen. A tragedy or sad event can make truly celebrating difficult. Weather can cause travel delays that prevent important loved ones from attending. A planning error or last-minute cancellation might cause problems as well. The issue may not have been anyone’s fault, but the memory of your big day could still be a little marred.

Recreating the ceremony and reception under better circumstances can help lift your union out of whatever darker place it may have landed in. You can create new and better memories to cherish together with family and friends for years and years to come.

An Important Milestone Is Approaching in Your Marriage

The approach of an important milestone is another great reason to plan vow renewal. If, for example, you and your spouse are coming up on a special anniversary, reaffirming your love for one another on that day could be really special. This is especially true for couples who have been together for a long stretch of time. Whether it’s been 10 years or 50, it’s worth celebrating the fact that your marriage has lasted so long. After all, some couples aren’t so lucky.

A milestone doesn’t have to be an anniversary, however. You may want to renew your vows after your children move out of the house, after you both retire, or to celebrate one of you recovering from an illness. There are a wide variety of life events that warrant renewing the love you share for one another.

It’s Time to Start Your Marriage Fresh

When you get married, you vow to stay together “for better or for worse.” Sometimes, however, the “for worse” can get pretty bad. Maybe you stuck with one another, but it was a really close call. Separations don’t always end in divorce. Sometimes a little time apart from one another is all it takes for both parties to realize together is better than apart. It isn’t always easy to pick up the pieces, but it is absolutely doable. If you’ve experienced an almost-divorce, a vow renewal may be the perfect way for you and your spouse to commit to moving forward together again.

It’s also possible you and your spouse experienced hardships that put a lot of strain on your relationship. In cases such as these, a vow renewal can be a great way to move past the past. Planning a ceremony (either with family and friends or without them) can help you start fresh. Not only will this help you put less pleasant memories behind you, but it can celebrate the fact that you got through them together in the first place.

Are you and your fiancé considering an elopement? While many people prefer to plan an elaborate event, some couples really do find that eloping is the better option given their circumstances and personal preferences. There are actually several benefits to eloping, including:

• No added stress and/or frustration from planning a big ceremony and reception
• The two of you can decide to go anywhere together—anywhere!
• You and your fiancé can make your own rules; everything is done your way, without any need or pressure to follow “tradition”
• Your wedding day will be about you, and not everyone else
• It’s incredibly romantic!
• You’ll save so much money

That last point is a big one. Weddings can be really expensive, especially larger ones that cater to hundreds of guests. In fact, the average wedding these days costs around $35,000. That’s more than what many people pay for a brand new car and, depending on your situation, it could be dangerously close to one or both of your yearly incomes. The truth is, money is often an important factor that contributes to the decision to elope.

Whatever your reasons for wanting to elope, you’re likely looking for a beautiful location to do it. With so many amazing places to visit, it can be difficult to know which one will be best for you and your fiancé. To help make the decision a little easier, consider watching the sunset with the person you love at one of these romantic destinations.

Crete, Greece

Greece is an incredibly romantic destination for an elopement. While there are many cities worth visiting, including the ever-popular Mykonos, the island of Crete is a lovely and more secluded place to start. The area is full of interesting historical sites, as well as beautiful nature to explore. Truly, there’s something for everyone.

One particularly unique getaway is the Domes of Elounda. Located along the northwestern coast of Crete, this resort is the perfect balance between the mountains and beach. You and your fiancé can enjoy time together on a sandy beach in a secluded bay of crystal blue waters while watching the sun set behind towering, rugged mountains in the distance. You can, indeed, have it all!

Stykkisholmur, Iceland

Another romantic destination for your elopement is Iceland…really, anywhere in Iceland. This is a very popular country for couples getting engaged, married, or honeymooning. And for good reason! The landscapes are beyond stunning and vast.

While the most popular destinations are in the southern regions of Iceland, these areas can become quite crowded with tourists. To enjoy a more intimate and secluded experience, consider staying in one of the smaller towns to the west. One great option is Stykkisholmur. This little piece of paradise is situated only an hour from the Icelandic mountain wonder, Kirkjufell. You’ll also have access to various valleys, fields, volcanoes, lava fields, and black sand beaches.

Tremezzina, Italy

If you’re among the millions of people who have dreamed about visiting Italy, can you think of a more romantic way to start your life together? Italy is home to many wonders and stunning scenery, making it a picture-perfect place to get married. Tremezzina, specifically, has been designated one of the most beautiful villages in the country. It’s situated on Lake Como, which is in and of itself a sight well worth seeing. It’s characterized by beautiful villas, but is also home to some amazing hotels.

As a couple, the two of you will be able to enjoy all sorts of exciting attractions, including visiting the remains of an old medieval fortress. This destination is unique because it’s both coastal and hilly, so you can set out on a different type of adventure every day. One experience you won’t want to miss out on, however, is the trip up to Mount Crocione. This excursion will likely take a full day to complete, but it’s so worth the time if you and your fiancé enjoy being outside.

Vail, Colorado

You don’t have to leave the country to find a beautiful and romantic setting for your upcoming elopement. If you and your fiancé love the outdoors, consider visiting the picturesque Vail, Colorado. Actually, any mountain town or city in the Rocky Mountains is recommended, especially if the two of you enjoy hiking.

Even if hiking isn’t your jam, there are plenty of things to do in the Rockies. From romantic drives with stunning views and quick jaunts in the woods to horseback riding trips and kisses under a waterfall, the two of you are sure to find something to fill your time! Do you want to know the best thing about finding a scenic, mountain hideaway for your wedding? It will be breathtakingly beautiful no matter what season it is. You can enjoy pleasantly cool weather during the summer and spring, experience an explosion of color during the fall, or enter a literal winter wonderland as the colder months hit.

Are you looking for a unique way to capture your wedding ceremony and reception? It may be worth your time to investigate the use of drones. Many photography companies are using drones to take amazing aerial photos and footage at weddings, which may be exactly what you’re looking for!

A drone is an unmanned aircraft that can be maneuvered by a trained pilot. They vary in size, but are often relatively small and easy to transport. This makes them ideal for use at wedding ceremonies and receptions. Drones are also extremely versatile and, when appropriately piloted, can catch a number of special moments that traditional photography often misses. They are best suited for larger events, as they can shoot from angles that truly capture the venue’s magnificence. Here are some things to consider if having a drone film your wedding appeals to you.

Shop Around for Competitive Pricing

Hiring a drone for your wedding does come with a significant price tag. Rates will vary depending on a number of factors, including geographic region, equipment type, local competition, travel requirements, and the photographer’s reputation. Some will charge a flat fee or provide drone photography or videography as an add-on to their regular wedding packages. Others may charge a flat rate for the first hour and offer a discounted rate for each subsequent hour of service. To ensure you get the best possible price for your wedding, spend some time researching the companies in your area. Keep in mind that not all photographers and videographers have drones. Always inquire before committing.

Get Permission from the Wedding Venue

You will need to get permission to incorporate drone photography and/or videography into your wedding day. While most outdoor and some indoor venues are perfectly fine with drones, some do not allow their use. You should also schedule drone services well in advance so that your operator has time to discuss the process and expectations with the venue owner.

Make Safety a Priority for You and Your Guests

When it comes to drone photography at weddings, safety is extremely important. Drones are complete safe when piloted by a trained professional, but accidents are possible. You should never attempt to rig up your own personal drone to use on your wedding day. If improperly used, these units can come crashing out of the sky and could harm you or a loved one. Choosing to hire a professional drone photographer or videographer isn’t enough. You should also check the operator’s credentials. Most will have some form of permit, as well as personal property and liability insurance for commercial unmanned aerial vehicles. Never agree to services if the individual or company lacks proper insurance to cover accidents. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Know the Drone’s Outdoor and Indoor Limitations

Drones are most effective for outdoor weddings with wide open spaces. They are particularly effective at venues with significant acreage and stunning views. Venues with numerous large trees, telephone poles, and overhead wiring should be avoided. Weddings with tents are also difficult to orchestrate with a drone. That said, drones can be flown anywhere, so it’s still possible to utilize them during indoor weddings. It’s just a lot more difficult and both you and the operator should proceed with caution. Indoor facilities should have high ceilings and few hanging decorations that could be accidentally damaged.

Let the Photographer Know What Kind of Shots You’re Expecting

It’s also important that you understand what kind of shots your drone pilot will be able to capture. Most photographers will have a range of camera and video options to fit any budget. Based on your specific needs, they can switch out the drone attachments. Keep in mind that drones are not intended to be used for close-up shots. This is why many professionals offer both traditional photography and drone photography options. After all, drones can be very loud, a quality that makes them a bad choice for use during wedding vows and speeches.

Additionally, some aerial shots will require extra time to set up. You will need to plan for this ahead of time. Speak with your photographer about the shots you want and discuss the required timeframe early in the process. This way you can work the photographs into your schedule better. Ultimately, when it comes to drone wedding photography, you imagination is the only limitation. You’ll be able to capture amazing aerial footage of all kinds, including a stunning sunset behind your guests or the entire venue.

Know that Drones Can Only Be Used in Mild Weather

Drone photography and videographer is also heavily dependent upon weather conditions. Unfortunately, drones should never be flown during inclement weather. Moderate to high winds can also be extremely problematic. As a result, your photographer may be required to ground the drone during your wedding or even before it starts if the weather isn’t cooperating. The best days for drone photography are calm, clear, and wind-free. Make sure you fully understand your photographer’s regulations and refund policy regarding uncooperative weather conditions.

Are you and your fiancé considering a fall wedding? If so, you’re in for a very special treat! Fall months provide an absolutely beautiful backdrop for weddings. The benefits to a fall wedding are almost endless, but here are a few of the most notable:

• The chance of rain is lower during the fall than it is during summer and spring.
• Cooler weather means less humidity, which will be great for everyone; the bride and bridesmaids won’t have to worry about hair and makeup maintenance as much, and the groom and groomsmen won’t be overheating in their suits.
• Fall provides a stunning color palette, full of rich autumn tones that can be utilized for decorative purposes.
• September and October smell amazing! Nothing beats the crisp autumn scents of fallen leaves, apples, pumpkin, cinnamon, and burning wood.
• It’s easy to incorporate locally grown, seasonal fruits and vegetables into savory dishes and beautiful decorations.
• Photo opportunities will be in abundance with gorgeous foliage, colorful leaves, and stunning sunsets.

While there are numerous benefits to planning a fall wedding, there are some pitfalls that you and your fiancé need to be aware of. Fortunately, taking steps ahead of time can significantly decrease the impact of potential problems. To ensure your wedding day is as close to perfect as possible, keep these common fall wedding issues—and how to solve them—in mind.

1. Unpredictable Weather

The number one problem that couples face when planning a fall wedding is weather. In fact, anyone who wants an outdoor wedding should be aware that their plans may be thwarted by unpredictable weather. While fall is rarely a time for rain storms, it can get quite cold rather suddenly. Depending on where you intend to tie the knot, it could start snowing as soon as October!

Unfortunately, there’s no way to change the weather to suit your needs on the day of your wedding. You can, however, prepare for potential weather complications. Start by researching the area where your wedding will take place. Read up on the history of weather conditions around the date you’ve set and adjust as needed and able.

It’s also not a bad idea to establish a backup location for your ceremony and/or reception. This way, if the weather does take a turn for the worst, you can proceed without too much difficulty.

2. Colder Temperatures Than Expected

As previously mentioned, it’s completely possible that colder weather hits hard around your wedding. Cold weather doesn’t necessarily mean bad weather, however. You may still get those gorgeous falling leaves pictures—you’ll just be freezing while the photographer takes them! Combat this by selecting appropriate apparel or accessories “just in case.”

You and your significant other won’t be the only ones who are cold. In fact, a huge mistake many couples make is not keeping their family and friends informed about potential weather conditions. They get so caught up worrying about how the weather will impact them that they forget that it will impact their guests as well. Help your wedding guests avoid discomfort by keeping them updated about potential temperatures via your wedding website.

Other solutions include providing blankets and hand warmers or working with your venue to ensure outdoor heating is available. Including hot beverages in addition to beer and wine is also a great idea, and your guests will surely enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or warm apple cider.

3. An Early Sunset

It’s not uncommon for couples to begin planning their wedding a year or more in advance. While this is necessary, it’s easy to overlook small details—like the time of sunset. Fall weddings are beautiful, but only if you can actually see them! It’s important to remember when planning your wedding day schedule that the sun sets significantly early in the fall. An early evening ceremony and photoshoot afterward probably won’t work.

4. Schedule Conflicts for Guests

The fall is actually quite a busy time for many people. Between Labor Day vacations, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and preparing for the winter holiday season, scheduling can get a little cramped. The unfortunate truth is that there may be family or friends who simply can’t get away for your fall wedding weekend.

Avoiding scheduling conflicts can be difficult, especially because you’re not in control of everyone’s personal and professional responsibilities. There are, however, a couple things you can do to help ensure as many of your loved ones are present as possible. First, sit down and make a list of the people you absolutely want present for your big day. Then reach out to them personally before setting your official date to verify they’re available. After that, send out your save-the-dates as early as absolutely possible.

Luckily, now that you’re aware of the potential issues, you can schedule your event appropriately. Consider having your ceremony earlier during the day or, at the very least, taking your pictures beforehand. Many couples opt for early photo sessions anyway, so they can join the reception quickly after the ceremony has concluded.

Have you always dreamed of having a big wedding, but still want the atmosphere to be intimate? There’s nothing worse than attending a huge wedding where you don’t even get to speak with the bride and groom; don’t let your loved ones become just another face in the crowd at your wedding!

The average number of guests invited to weddings is 136. This is a very manageable amount, but what happens when that number creeps closer to 200? That’s a lot of people to greet and interact with personally over a four-hour dinner reception. So, what should you do?

It’s hard to eliminate people you care about from your big day but, luckily, you don’t have to. In fact, you can still create that intimate feeling you’ve always wanted without dropping a single person from the event. Keep the following tips in mind to ensure both your wedding ceremony and reception are inviting, warm, and personal.

Keep Decorations Personal

The way you decorate will greatly impact your wedding’s overall atmosphere. While it’s likely that you’ve found numerous decoration ideas online (Pinterest is both a gift and a curse!), it’s absolutely imperative that you choose elements that fit your style as a couple. One of the easiest ways to make your wedding intimate is to incorporate as many personal touches as possible. Remaining authentic to yourselves is the best course of action—if you want Death Stars and X-Wing Starfighter models hanging from the ceiling or a TARDIS-shaped cake, then go for it!

(On a more technical note, avoid including mirrors in your decorations. Mirrors create the illusion of additional space. To keep your wedding cozy, leave these out of your decoration plans.)

Opt for a Cozier Venue

One of the easiest ways to ensure your big wedding is intimate is to choose a cozy venue. This may seem counterintuitive as you’re planning to invite a significant number of people. Keeping everyone close, however, will create the atmosphere you’re seeking. Your guests will be forced to mingle with one another. You’ll also be able to easily locate people for a quick chat or hug. A large ballroom or open estate, on the other hand, promotes distance and will result in a lot of empty space.

If possible, find a venue that’s small, but has multiple rooms or spaces. You and your guests can move between the different areas to interact with others, grab food, and dance. Your friends and family may also enjoy the ability to explore a little.

Set the Mood with Lighting

Decorations aren’t the only thing that will set the tone of your wedding; your lighting can play a huge role in establishing an intimate atmosphere for your ceremony and reception. Keeping your lights dim will create a soft glow in the room. Candles are also extremely effective. If your venue allows the use of candles, incorporate as many as possible.

Dimming the lights is especially effective if you choose the right color scheme. Matte, dark colors absorb light very well and will create a softer aesthetic. If you strongly prefer lighters colors, ivory (as opposed to white) is probably the best choice.

Make it a Weekend!

Who says your wedding should last only a single day? Nowhere is it written that you must limit yourselves in this way. Making your union into a weekend event is ideal when you have a large guest list, as you’ll all have significantly more time to interact. This is particularly ideal for destination weddings because your guests will appreciate extra time to see the nearby sights.

If you like the idea of a multiday wedding, make sure you include several different activities for your guests. Consider throwing a welcome cocktail party on Friday evening so everyone gets a chance to mingle. You may also want to schedule some fun activities, a group brunch, a group dinner, and/or a farewell party.

Offer Interactive Activities

Dancing isn’t the only fun activity to incorporate into your wedding. In fact, providing a wide assortment of entertainment options for your guests can make your event seem much more intimate. Find theme-related activities that your friends and family can enjoy throughout the evening. A few great options include black jack tables, corn hole, fire pits, s’mores stations, photo booths, lawn games, board games, or a scavenger hunt.

If you’re tired of fretting over who to cut from your guest list, stop right now. Big weddings are incredible. After all, how many times will you and your significant other have the opportunity to bring all of your closest friends and family together in one place? Don’t sacrifice this chance to include all the people you love in one of the most memorable days of your life. You can totally make it work!