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Wedding flowers can be a huge expense when it comes to planning your dream wedding! From the bridal bouquets, to the boutonnieres, to the centerpieces for the reception, the cost of florals can quickly add up. Many brides, when looking to cut costs for their wedding, look for alternative solutions for their wedding flowers to help them save money.

Fortunately, there are plenty of clever and creative ways to help you find inexpensive wedding flowers for your big day. Read on for twenty of our best ways to obtain affordable wedding flowers!

1. Create a realistic budget.

The most important way to save money on wedding flowers is to create a budget for your floral arrangements that is realistic. Be sure to conduct research to find out the average cost of flowers in your area. Consider how many bouquets and corsages you will need, including your bouquet, bridesmaid bouquets, corsages for the groomsmen, bouquets for the tables, and any other wedding florals you want to include.

2. Keep an open mind.

You may find out that your top choice of florals is more expensive than you anticipated! Remain open minded, so that you are open to trying different types of arrangements that may help you save on your budget.

3. Choose an affordable color palette.

Sticking with a monochromatic color palette can be a great way to save money, and it also helps simplify the choices you have to make for your wedding.

4. Do a lot of online research.

Search for money saving tips on the internet, and be sure to create inspiration boards on Pinterest that feature budget-friendly blooms. You never know what money-saving ideas you may come across when you search for inspiration!

5. Buy wholesale.

If you have less than three different types of flowers, consider buying your flowers in bulk from a wholesale wedding florist. This can be a great way to cut corners while still producing a beautiful bouquet.

6. Shop pre-arranged discount designer bouquets.

You can shop around on websites like The Bouqs Co. for pre-arranged bouquets. This is a great way to save money!

7. Ask to cut transportation costs.

Many times, the quote from the wedding florist involves the cost of transporting the flowers to your desired location. Find out if they will allow you to pick up the flowers yourself, rather than transport them. This can seriously cut down on the cost.

8. Choose in-season flowers.

Flowers that are in-season tend to be much less expensive, as off-season flowers are expensive to grow and obtain, and the price will reflect that.

9. Find a mix of expensive and inexpensive blooms.

If you are interested in a more expensive flower, pair it with less expensive flowers to cut costs. You can even opt to have the expensive flower in your bridal bouquet, while filling the bridesmaid bouquets with the less expensive blooms.

10. Fill the space with large statement blooms.

Opt for large and inexpensive flowers for your centerpieces. Think roses, sunflowers, gerbera daisies, and more.

11. Fill in your arrangements with greenery.

You can save money by adding a lot of green to your arrangements. Think green fern or ivy, which add a lot of elegance at a low cost. Green arrangements are also quite trendy when it comes to rustic weddings.

12. Do your own arrangements.

Are you a DIYer, or is someone in your bridal party great at DIY? Consider creating your floral arrangements yourself! You can even make it a group activity among your bridesmaids. Pick wildflowers to use as filler and pick up your larger blooms from the supermarket or local farm stand a few days before the wedding. Store the bouquets and arrangements in a refrigerator to keep them fresh before use.

13. Thrift your vases.

Ahead of the wedding, scour the thrift store for vases that will make perfect centerpieces. You can even get crafty and use paint and other DIY techniques to give them a personalized touch. Look on Pinterest to get ideas!

14. Take advantage of candles.

Add some candles to your centerpieces! This is an inexpensive way to fill them out and add extra drama without adding to your flower budget.

15. Decorate with dry flowers.

Using dried florals to decorate for your wedding is a great way to cut costs. As an added bonus, they will last longer and can be put aside to help you treasure the memory of your special day.

16. Reuse bridal party bouquets.

Consider reusing your ceremony flowers as decorations for the reception. This allows your bridal party a break from keeping track of their bouquets! Simply place the bouquets in beautiful vases and arrange them at various locations at the reception.

18. Grow a wedding garden.

This is a little more labor intensive, but if you are handy with gardening, you could grow the flowers needed for your bouquet. Be sure to plan well in advance, and pick florals that thrive in your particular region. You can grow some truly beautiful wildflowers or garden roses that will add an extra special touch to your big day!

19. Consider an alternative to carrying a bouquet.

If you’re really interested in saving money, opt to carry something else besides a bouquet. You could carry a bouquet of feathers, a special memento that has meaning to you and your future spouse, or even a fur muff if the wedding is in the winter.

20. Skip Boutonnieres and Corsages Altogether

One way to save money on wedding flowers is to skip using boutonnieres and corsages on the groomsmen. People aren’t likely to notice that they are even missing!

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to preserve a wedding bouquet?

Hang your bouquet upside down and allow it to dry out. You can then store your dried out flowers in a beautiful display case or box.

What is a reasonable amount to spend on wedding flowers?

The average cost of wedding flowers in 2022 was about $2,400. You can cut this cost down by following our tips above!

What are the most expensive and least expensive wedding flowers?

The most expensive flowers are stephanotis, gardenias, Casablanca lilies, hydrangeas, lily of the valley, and peonies. The least expensive are roses and freesias.

Sources

https://onefabday.com/how-to-save-money-on-your-wedding-flowers/

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/5-ways-to-save-money-on-wedding-flowers

https://www.wedding-spot.com/blog/how-to-save-money-on-wedding-flowers

https://fiftyflowers.com/blogs/wedding-flowers/wedding-flowers-on-a-budget-15-ways-to-save-on-flowers

https://www.bridalguide.com/planning/wedding-budget/wedding-flowers-cost

https://www.theknot.com/content/average-cost-wedding-flowers

If you are planning your perfect wedding, one of the exciting things you will get to do is plan the perfect menu for your big day. This delicious task leads to a question: do I want to opt for a formal plated dinner, or should I serve a buffet style reception for my guests?

The answer depends upon several factors, including your budget and the vibe that you want your wedding to have. There are pros and cons associated with both the buffet service style and with hosting a plated dinner. There are also cost savings depending on which style you select.

Follow along as we explore the costs of both of these serving options, as well as weigh the pros and cons of each style.

Average Wedding Catering Cost for Each Food Service Style

In general, a buffet style reception costs less than a plated meal, which is why it is a popular choice for weddings on a budget. Read on to learn about the average costs of plate versus buffet style wedding catering.

Plated

The average cost of wedding catering for plated meals is about $40 per head. If you are interested in a plated dinner, you’ll need to order it in advance. Most people have guests select their dinner option on an RSVP card included with the invitation.

Buffet

The average cost for a buffet style meal is $27 per person – a significant cost savings. The type of food being offered at the buffet could potentially drive up the cost. Your wedding caterer should be able to work with you to help you select options that fit your budget.

Pros & Cons of Buffet Service Style

Read on as we discuss the pros and cons of the buffet style of wedding catering.

Pros

• A plated service typically only has three or four selections for the meal, but a buffet style meal can offer a wide variety of options.
• Guests only need to serve themselves the foods they want to eat, and can leave behind items that they aren’t interested in.
• A buffet can be set up beautifully. Work with your caterer to set up a visually stunning display.

Cons

• Buffets are a more casual serving style. If you are looking for something more formal, it’s probably not the best choice for you.
• Food that must be kept at a specific temperature, such as steak, isn’t going to serve well at a buffet, so you may be limited in what food choices you can offer.
• Guests will need to wait in line, rather than be served at their tabl

Pros & Cons of Plated Dinner Service

Here are the pros and cons of serving plated wedding food.

Pros

• With a plated meal, you have the added benefit of portion control. If you are serving expensive food, a plated meal is ideal.
• With plated meals you have more control over the presentation of your food on the plate.
• Rather than waiting in line, guests are all served while sitting at their tables.

Cons

• A plated meal is more formal, which may not be the vibe you are going for.
• A plated meal creates a challenge if you have a last-minute change in guest count. Buffet style meals are more conducive to a fluctuating number of guests.
• With plated meals, there are limited options for what you can serve your guests. Typically, there are about three options being offered.

Which of the Wedding Serving Styles is Best for You?

So, which is the best wedding catering style for you? It depends on your budget and on the experience you want guests to have at your wedding. If you want a more laid-back and informal feel, you may want a buffet. For more formal affairs, the plated style is probably best.

FAQs

Is plated more expensive than a buffet?

Yes, in general, plated dinners cost more money than buffets – but it also depends on the type of food you serve at your buffet.

Are buffets common at weddings?

Yes, buffets are quite common at weddings. They are a great way to give your guests more options to choose from.

What kind of food do you serve at a wedding buffet?

Popular dishes include pasta dishes, small sandwiches, tiny appetizers and finger foods, vegetable dishes, and more.

How much does it cost to feed 200 people?

For a plated dinner, if the average cost per head is $40 it will run you around $8,000. A buffet, with an average cost of $27 per person, will cost around $5,400 – a significant savings.

How do you plan how much food for a wedding?

For a plated dinner, you’ll just need to have an accurate head count and the caterer will prepare the dinners. For a buffet, you’ll generally need to have more food on hand. Consult with your caterer to determine how much food is needed per head.

Are there any other dinner service options I should consider?

Yes – another less popular but still viable option is to serve your food family style. With a family style reception, large platters of plated food will be served to your guests, and they will serve themselves from these platters at the table.

Sources

https://www.eventsured.com/2020/03/19/plated-or-buffet-whats-the-best-catering-option-for-weddings/

https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/buffet-vs-plated-which-style-of-catering-to-choose

Shopping for wedding dresses is an exciting and fun activity! You get the opportunity to visit bridal shops and try on a variety of stunning wedding gowns, with the end goal being that you find the perfect wedding dress to wear on your big day. Wedding dress shopping can also be quite overwhelming. There are so many styles and sizes of wedding dresses to choose from that finding your dream dress can feel like an overwhelming task.

To make the most out of your shopping adventure, there are certain things that you should wear or bring wedding dress shopping that will help you find the perfect dress. Read on as we share the top nine things you should (or should not) wear wedding dress shopping.

Wedding Dress Undergarments

Wear a strapless bra that is similar (or the same) to the bra that you will be wearing on your wedding day. A strapless bra will give you the best idea of how different wedding dresses will fit! A nude bra is the best option, as it will give you a neutral base and won’t show through your dress.

You’ll also want to wear some nude, seamless underwear and any shapewear that you will be wearing with the gown. For the sake of comfort, you can bring your shapewear with you and try it on with the dress, rather than wear shapewear under your everyday clothes.

Ponytails or Hair Clips/Hair Accessories

Be sure to wear or bring a ponytail holder and some hair clips. Keeping your hair out of the way while trying on wedding dresses will make for a more comfortable experience. Once your dress is on, you can pull your hair back or put it down as you plan to do on the wedding day to give you the best idea of how the dress will look.

Other Accessories

Bring your intended jewelry and any other accessories that you plan to wear on your big day. This can help you determine what is the most flattering to pair with the dress of your dreams!

Don’t Wear Heavy Makeup

Heavy makeup can transfer onto the wedding dresses you are trying on, and that’s a surefire way to make your wedding dress shopping experience more stressful. You don’t want to end up paying for a dress you won’t wear! If you must wear makeup, go light or bring a silk scarf with you to cover your face while trying on dresses.

Wedding Shoes

If you happen to have the shoes you want to wear already picked out, bring them with you to try on wedding dresses. If you don’t know what shoes you are wearing, bring a pair of heels similar in height to what you will wear on the day.

Don’t bring a fresh spray tan

Like makeup, spray tans can rub off on dresses that you are trying on, which will put a serious damper on your day of dress shopping.

Bring a supportive crew

Having your closest friends and family with you for moral support is great for multiple reasons! First, you’ll get the opportunity to share some special moments with your loved ones. Second, you’ll be able to get a second opinion when it comes to the dress you are selecting. Those who know you best will help you determine what dress flatters you the most!

Inspiration Board

If you have been cutting out dresses from magazines or happen to have a Pinterest board loaded with dress inspiration, bring it with you while dress shopping! Sharing what you love with the salespeople can help them when it comes to directing you to the perfect wedding dress.

Open mind

Don’t forget to keep an open mind! You might have your heart set on one particular style, but it’s totally possible to fall in love with something unexpected. Be willing to try on some options that you wouldn’t normally consider. You may be surprised at the results!

FAQs

Do I have to wear a bra wedding dress shopping?

You should wear whatever bra you plan on wearing with your wedding dress. This will help you be sure that the bra doesn’t show through your dress, and it will also help you determine exactly how the dress will fit on your big day.

Do you wear makeup to try on wedding dresses?

It’s a good idea to wear minimal or no makeup, as the makeup can transfer onto the dresses you are trying on.

Is it customary to tip a bridal dress consultant?

Most bridal dress consultants do not expect tips, but you can tip them if you find them to be extremely helpful in finding you the best dress.

How many people should you bring to try on wedding dresses?

Just bring a few of your closest friends and family members – those who know you and your style, and can help provide good insight on what works and doesn’t work for you.

Sources

https://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/what-to-bring-wedding-dress-shopping

https://www.yeahweddings.com/wedding-dress-shopping-undergarments/

If you are hosting any type of event, you probably need special event insurance coverage. So, what is event insurance? Event insurance is any kind of insurance that gives you liability coverage for an event. General liability insurance is a basic coverage that protects the event organizer and all other insureds from any accidents that occur in the venue and for any vendors that are a part of the event.

If you are looking to host an event, you probably need event insurance, and you may want to educate yourself on what event insurance is and why you need it. Here, we’ll discuss the different types of event insurance, the coverage that these types offer, plus things that you should consider before purchasing event insurance.

Why Do You Need Special Event Insurance?

Events rarely go exactly as planned! It’s important to have insurance so that you are covered in the event of the unexpected. Event insurance coverage can protect you for attendees getting food poisoning from the caterer, any accidental damage to the venue, any weather events that force you to reschedule or cancel the event, or any people who are a big part of the event, such as a speaker or presenter, getting sick and forcing you to postpone.

What Types of Insurance Do You Need For an Event?

The following are just a few of the different types of insurance that you need for an event. Read on to learn more about each type!

Event liability coverage

Event liability insurance coverage can cover you and your business if you are liable for any property damage or sickness/injury of anyone who participated in your event, such as staff, volunteers, and attendees. In general, event venues require you to have some form of liability coverage for an event you are hosting.

Third-party damage insurance

Third-party damage insurance covers property damages to the venue and equipment for the duration of the event. This includes stains and spills, broken tables, and more.

Liquor liability insurance

If you plan to serve alcohol at the event, you are most likely legally required to purchase liquor liability insurance. It covers damages and any injuries or illnesses that are related to the consumption and serving of alcohol, including when a bartender unknowingly serves a minor.

Terrorism insurance

Terrorism insurance might be crucial for certain types of events or locations. This offers coverage for you and your event if an act of terrorism affects your event.

What Coverages are Included?

If you purchase your event insurance with Special Insurance, we can include General Liability, Products & Completed Operations, Personal Advertising, Damage to Rented Premise, Medical Coverage, Host Liquor, and Terrorism coverage.*[CC1] 

Getting a Certificate of Insurance

Your event insurance may be a legal requirement from some of your vendors. If this is the case, you might need to have a certificate of insurance from the company issuing your policy. Be sure to obtain one so that you can present it to your venue and/or vendors who require one.

How To File a Claim

To file a claim with Special Insurance, you can report a claim online at gbli.com, call 800-788-4780 (available 24/7), or email claims@gbli.com.

Special Event Coverage

A special events insurance policy can protect the insured from lawsuits and financial losses that result from accidents and injuries that occur during the course of event.  It also provides peace of mind allowing the policyholder to focus on the event.

Things to Consider When Buying Event Insurance

When purchasing event insurance, be sure to consider the following:

Check your other insurance policies

You can check in with your home or auto insurance providers to see if your current policy has any coverage that is applicable to your event. Your homeowners policy could include some personal liability coverage, for example, or your auto policy may cover any cars rented under your name.

Know your policy coverage

If you purchase an event insurance policy, review the policy carefully to ensure that you know exactly what it does and does not cover.

Make an emergency budget ready

Determine how much money you are willing to pay for things that go wrong at your event. Once you know how much you are willing to be liable for, you can determine just how much event insurance coverage is needed.

Buy your event insurance policy on time

Sometimes, certain types of event coverage must be purchased a specific number of days in advance of the event. For example, Wedding Cancellation coverage, a type of event cancellation insurance, must be purchased 14 days in advance of your wedding.

So, How To Get Insurance for Your Event?

If you are interested in purchasing an event insurance policy from Special Insurance, you can get a free quote today.

FAQs

When should I purchase event insurance?

Purchase event insurance when you are hosting a big event and you don’t want to be held financially liable for any mishaps.

Does a policy through Special Insurance cover the event if the weather forces us to postpone or cancel?

No, we don’t offer rain date coverage at this time. However, we can cancel a policy the day before an event and rewrite the same event to a different day if need be.

What events are not covered by a policy through Special Insurance?

Events not covered by the policy Special Insurance offers include Airplane Rides, Amphibious Rides, Bonfires, Bungee Activities, Camping – Overnight, Carnival Rides, Celebrities or High Profile Attendees, Corn Maze, Explosives Use, Fire – Use of Fire in Operations, Firearms/Guns/Ammunition, Fireworks, Haunted House, Hayrides, Heavy Machinery, Helicopter Rides, Hot Air Balloons, Mechanical Rides, Military Simulation or Training, Mud Bogs or Runs, Obstacle Courses, On-Water Boating or Fishing, Political Demonstration, Political Rally, Pyrotechnics, Scuba Diving or Jet Skis, Skydiving, Swimming, Trail Runs, or Zip Lines.

When Should You Buy Event Insurance?

You should buy event insurance any time you host an event or rent a venue that requires a policy.

How Much Will Event Insurance Cost?

Depending on the coverages desired and the number of attendees, a one-day policy can cost anywhere from $150-$350.

Sources

https://www.eventtia.com/en/blog/event-insurance-what-you-need-to-know

https://www.thimble.com/event-insurance

https://www.progressive.com/answers/event-insurance-101/

* Policies are underwritten by Diamond State Insurance Company in states where coverage is admitted.

Do you love the Christmas season? Perhaps you love it so much that you want to have a Christmas wedding theme for your big day! Christmas weddings are actually quite popular, as many people like the idea of incorporating holiday themes into their wedding celebrations. From twinkle lights to a stunning Christmas tree, from Christmas decorations to holiday food, there are so many beautiful aspects of the holiday season that you use to make your wedding memorable.

Read on for some tips on how to choose the perfect date for your Christmas wedding, as well as a list of our top ideas for your Christmas ceremony!

Choosing the Perfect Date

When planning a holiday themed wedding, an important factor is selecting the perfect date. It’s probably best not to get married right on Christmas day, as many of your guests will not want to change their holiday plans for a wedding. However, you can get married right around the Christmas holiday.

Weekend Wedding

A weekend wedding could be an option for you! Typically, they cost more as weekends are more in demand. The benefits of a weekend wedding are that most guests will be off from work, but a con is the cost. Saturday weddings are a great idea. If you have a Sunday wedding, remember than many people may have work the next day. If you have a wedding on Sunday, plan to start earlier in the day than you would on a Saturday.

Weekday Wedding

Having a weekday wedding can save you some money, so it can be a great option. However, it usually means that guests have to request time off from work. Take this into consideration when planning your weekday wedding! A Friday evening wedding might be a good option as many people will be off the next day.

Top 27 Awesome Christmas Wedding Ideas

Looking for creative Christmas wedding ideas for a festive holiday soiree? Look no further! Here, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite Christmas wedding ideas to bring the holiday spirit to your wedding.

Try a Festive Bouquet

Use seasonal winter blooms in your wedding bouquet to bring in the holiday spirit. Think holly, orchids, roses, lilies, poinsettias, roses, and more. If you are going with traditional Christmas colors, you can use a lot of green and red in your floral selections.

Opt for Festive Wedding Stationery

Your wedding stationery should be reflective of the season! Try deep reds or pine greens paired with stylish gold text. You can also add pretty winter details to your stationery, such as pinecones or snowflakes.

Dress Your Wedding Party in Warm Flannel PJs

Have your wedding party dressed in cozy wintery pajamas. You can even gift them these pajamas as their bridesmaid gifts! This will also make for a great photo-op.

Select Sparkly Accessories

Add some winter sparkle to your wedding look! Choose sparkly jewelry and accessories to wear for your big day. You can even wear shoes decked out in diamonds!

Use a Christmas-Themed Flower Crown

For your bridesmaids, you can create floral crowns that resemble Christmas wreaths for a beautiful and festive touch!

Wear Faux Fur Stoles

Faux fur stoles are a great way to keep bare shoulders warm for a winter wedding – and they also happen to be quite stylish! You can go for brown or white fur – either would look great for a winter wedding!

Pick a Seasonal Color Scheme

Choose a wintery color scheme for all of your wedding decor! The obvious choice would be deep reds and greens, but you can also add touches of navy blue, deep purple, white, or gold.

Decorate with Christmas Trees

If your wedding venue has the space for it, you can keep the holiday spirit alive by decorating a Christmas tree decked out in your wedding colors. A beautiful Christmas tree (or even a couple of Christmas trees) is a great way to spread holiday cheer!

Have Carolers Entertain Guests

A unique option for musical entertainment is to hire a group to sing Christmas carols for your guests. You can do this during the cocktail hour, or even during the reception!

Get Married in Front of a Fireplace

Add a warm and cozy touch to your December wedding by getting married in front of a fireplace. This will also make for some great photographs!

Play Harp Music for Your Christmas Wedding Ceremony

Harps are beautiful no matter what time of the year, but this can be a classy way to add a seasonal touch to your wedding. Hire a harpist to play beautiful Christmas music during the ceremony.

Decorate with Candles

Candles add a cozy touch that is perfect for the holiday season! You can decorate with them for the Christmas wedding ceremony, and you can add them to the reception tables.

Use Wreaths for Christmas Wedding Decorations

For an additional festive touch, use Christmas wreaths as decorations. Hang them on doors or over the edge of the sweetheart table at the reception.

Hang Strings of Christmas Lights

Add a magical holiday touch by stringing Christmas lights down the aisles for your ceremony, or around the tables at your reception.

Opt for Cranberry-Themed Cocktails

Cranberry is a great seasonal flavor, and the deep red is the perfect color for a Christmas wedding. Serve cranberry themed cocktails at your reception, or for a festive cocktail hour.

Use Ornaments as Placeholders

Fashion beautiful Christmas ornaments to hold your placeholder cards at the reception. You can use regular Christmas balls, or you can opt for something fancier!

Set Up Winter-Themed Place Settings

Your place settings should be as wintery and beautiful as the rest of your wedding decor! Decorate with pinecones and holiday greenery. Gold silverware and plenty of winter whites add just the right touch.

Have a Christmas-Themed Sweetheart Table

Your sweetheart table is a great place to bring in the wintery theme for your Christmas wedding. Decorate it with a Christmas wreath, Christmas lights, and other wintery decor.

Display a Gingerbread House at Your Dessert Table

A gingerbread house is a unique and beautiful holiday decoration! Display a stunning one at your dessert table – and even consider having a platter of gingerbread cookies available for guests!

Choose a Festive Christmas Wedding Cake

A beautiful Christmas wedding cake starts with some beautiful white frosting and ends with seasonal decorations, such as berries and greenery.

Include Sugar Cookies at Your Dessert Table

Sugar cookies are a great festive dessert to serve at your Christmas wedding. They can even be cut into holiday shapes, such as snowmen, snowflakes, ornaments, and more!

Opt for Sleigh Rides Instead of a Party Bus

Sleigh rides are a festive and unique touch for your Christmas wedding celebration. You can have a sleigh transport the bride and groom to the reception, or even as transport for your bridal party.

Play Christmas Music

For your Christmas themed wedding ceremony, you can play instrumental Christmas music in the background. For the reception, have the DJ include plenty of holiday music in the mix!

Have a Festive Photo Booth

Photo booths have practically become a staple at weddings. To go with your Christmas wedding theme, opt for holiday accessories that guests can use to pose for their photos, such as reindeer antlers.

Opt for Festive Wedding Favors

Choose Christmas themed wedding favors that go with the season! You can give out beautiful ornaments inscribed with your wedding details, or even bags of fresh coffee beans.

Serve Christmas Themed Appetizers

Serve festive appetizers at your Christmas wedding, such as pita trees, red and green charcuterie, and more. You can even include candy canes as a festive touch to your holiday party.

Have an Eggnog or Hot Chocolate Bar

You can set up an adorable eggnog or hot cocoa bar for your Christmas themed wedding. Include a variety of hot chocolates to choose from, as well as marshmallows to top it off.

FAQs

Can you have a Christmas wedding?

Yes, Christmas weddings are quite popular! You may not want to host your wedding right on Christmas, as many will not want to change their holiday plans for a Christmas wedding.

How do you make a Christmas wedding special?

Add festive touches to your decor, menu, and bridal party outfits. This post has plenty of tips for hosting a stunning and memorable Christmas wedding!

Are December weddings popular?

Yes, December is a popular time to get married! Many people enjoy the holiday season and want to incorporate Christmas or winter themes into their wedding.

Sources

https://www.weddingwire.ca/wedding-ideas/awesome-christmas-wedding-ideas–c1029

https://www.yeahweddings.com/christmas-wedding-ideas/

Your wedding day is a very special day – one that you will remember for the rest of your life. It’s important to many brides that their wedding day goes perfectly. Unfortunately, there are plenty of things that can go wrong before the wedding, during the ceremony, and at the reception. These mishaps can lead to a lot of stress on the big day.

To avoid your big day being ruined by a wedding disaster, advance planning is crucial. Read on as we discuss some of the most common mishaps that can occur during your wedding – and steps you can take to fix them, or avoid them altogether.

Pre-Wedding Mishaps: How to Avoid Them

Ordering Your Dress Too Late

Some brides make the mistake of waiting until the last minute to search for the perfect dress. You should start shopping for a dress about 10 months in advance of your wedding date, and try to order your gown six months before your big day. This gives the dress plenty of time to arrive, and allows time for alterations.

Not Able to Book Your Vendor of Choice

You may have a specific vendor in mind for your wedding makeup or your wedding music. But what happens if you can’t book that vendor for your big day? If you wait until the last minute to make plans, you may find that you don’t get your top choice in vendors. Plan far in advance to ensure that your vendors of choice are all available on the date that you have selected. If you still don’t get your top choice, at least you’ll have plenty of extra time to formulate a backup plan.

Not Doing a Trial Run of Your Hair & Makeup

It’s important to have your wedding hairdresser and makeup artist test out your look in advance. You want to make sure that you are decided on what you want and are satisfied with how your hair and makeup look. The last thing you want is to get to your big day and realize that the makeup you were picturing in your mind isn’t turning out the way you wanted. Advance preparation is the key to preventing such a disaster!

Not Getting Acquainted With Your Wedding Photographer

Your wedding photographer is going to be spending the entire day with you, and it’s important to build rapport with them and know that you are comfortable with each other. A good way to get comfortable with them is to hire them for your engagement shoot! This offers great practice for your wedding day photos – both for you and for the photographer.

Common Wedding Ceremony Mishaps: How to Avoid Them

There are plenty of things that can go wrong on the day of your wedding, and it’s important to be prepared for them! Read on for a list of some of the most common wedding day predicaments – and how to resolve them!

Waking Up to a Zit or Skin Woes

Waking up to a huge zit, or to red, inflamed skin, is any bride’s worst nightmare. Avoid trying any new beauty treatments, such as a facial or new skin cream, just before your wedding, as this can cause your skin to react.

If you tend to have skin problems, work with a dermatologist at least four months in advance of your wedding to determine a plan to save your skin. If you do have a flareup on the day, a great makeup artist can help you cover up any blemishes. You can also have your dermatologist give you a cortisone injection to calm a zit.

Last-Minute Vendor Cancellations

You may find that at the last minute your makeup artist or another vendor cancels on you, which can cause a lot of wedding day stress. To prevent this, have a list of backup vendors available that you can call in last-minute. It’s also a good practice to have a contract in place with your vendors and to hire professionals.

Wardrobe Malfunctions

You may find that your wedding dress rips or your zipper breaks. In case of such an event, have a portable sewing kit on hand. You can use this to repair damage or to be sewn into your dress if needed. To prevent such accidents from happening, make sure that your clothing fits you well and choose quality designers when shopping for your dresses.

Bad Weather

Perhaps you planned to have an outdoor wedding, but the weather just isn’t cooperating. If you don’t have a backup plan for bad weather, you could be in for some problems on your wedding day. It’s important that you always have a rain plan in case the day doesn’t work out as you’d hoped. Have a church or other venue that can accommodate your entire wedding party as a backup indoor location to prevent the weather from ruining your big day.

Your Vehicle Breaks Down

You may have a specific mode of transportation in mind for your big day, but what will you do if that vehicle breaks down? Always prepare a backup mode of transportation, just in case of an emergency. This ensures that any car troubles that arise won’t ruin your day.

Common Wedding Reception Mishaps: How to Avoid Them

Once the wedding is over, it’s time for your wedding reception to begin. There are plenty of potential mishaps that can occur during this time! Read on for a list of the most common reception disasters and how you can fix them or avoid them altogether!

Family Drama

If you have family drama that could arise on the day of the wedding, you may want to coordinate with your wedding planner to ensure that steps are taken to prevent this from cropping up on your big day. Consider seating charts that separate the troubled family members from each other. You may also want to talk to the parties in question ahead of your big day, to make sure that you know what you can do to make them comfortable at your wedding.

Lengthy Toasts

If a member of your bridal party gives a lengthy toast, this can quickly become boring for those in attendance. Prevent this from happening by giving those making toasts a time limit in advance. That will keep the toasts short and sweet and ensure that guests remain happy and entertained.

Wedding Cake is Ruined

Another thing that can put a damper on your wedding day is a cake disaster. Perhaps someone bumps into it, or your baker accidentally drops it. If something happens to the cake, your baker may be able to make some last minute repairs to cover the damage. If it’s beyond repair, ask your baker if they can provide any fresh baked goods for dessert to replace the cake. Perhaps they have a small cake that the bride and groom can cut into, and cupcakes to serve to guests in lieu of a full-sized cake.

Missing Wedding Guests

If you are having a cocktail hour, you want your guests to be present to enjoy the appetizers and drinks that you paid for. But what happens if guests are missing? Many of them might be arriving late, trying to navigate their way to your cocktail hour.

If your cocktail hour is in a different location than your ceremony, avoid this issue by providing directions for your guests. You can even hand out printed maps at the end of your ceremony!

FAQs

What can go wrong on your wedding day?

From problems with the vendors to your wedding dress tearing, there are plenty of things that can go wrong on your big day. With a little bit of advance planning, you can avoid these disasters from happening – or resolve them as they arise.

How do you get over things that went wrong at your wedding?

It’s important to have a positive attitude, even if things go wrong on your big day. Remember the reason why you are getting married and try to remain as laid-back as possible, so that mishaps don’t upset you but rather turn into an amusing story for later.

How do you deal with family wedding drama?

Talk ahead of time to family members that you suspect may cause drama. If there are people who don’t get along that will be attending the wedding, be sure to let the wedding organizer know in advance and arrange seating charts accordingly.

Sources

https://www.theknot.com/content/unexpected-reception-disasters

https://www.brides.com/gallery/wedding-day-disasters

Hiring a limousine is a common practice before a wide variety of special events, including weddings, proms, corporate events, bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, anniversaries, sporting events, and more! It can be a great way to make an already special occasion even more special.

Before you rent your vehicle from a limo company, it’s important to do your research and gain a little bit of knowledge about limousine rental prices, amenities that are available, different types of vehicles that you can rent (such as party buses, stretch limos, or a stretch Hummer), and limousine rental contracts. Read on as we explore the world of limousine rentals and offer you a handy guide to selecting the best service for you!

Limo Services: Factors to Consider When Selecting Limo Rentals

When considering different limo packages, consider these important factors:

Size and seating capacity

When hiring a limousine service, you’ll first want to consider the limo’s size and seating capacity. How many people do you need to transport using the limousine service? Depending on the size of your party, you’ll want to select a stretch limo that can fit everyone – or consider hiring multiple limos.

A good tip when planning your limousine ride is to plan for a few more people that you actually expect to be there. It’s better to have some extra space than to be short on space due to last minute additions to your party.

Amenities and features

It’s important to find out what amenities are being offered to you by the limo service! Different limo packages will have different amenities. The average wedding limousine services may differ from what is offered for a party bus, for example.

When it comes to party buses that seat lots of people, the focus is going to be on comfort for the riders and storage for their belongings. For limos that seat 12 to 20 people, you’ll find that amenities are offered. This includes beverages and glasses, bottled water, a stereo system for background music, and even video screens and DVD players.

You’ll also want to find out what kinds of plugs are available, to determine if you can plug in your smartphone and play music from there. Prom packages and wedding packages might differ from each other, so find out what is offered by the limousine service.

Also important: find out whether alcohol is permitted in your limousine rental, if you plan on popping the cork on a bottle of champagne.

Style and appearance

Depending on the type of event for which you are renting a limo, you may want to opt for a different style of limousine. For large groups for a sporting event, you may opt for more of a party bus. For a bachelor party you may opt for a stretch Hummer with extras such as a strobe light and mirrored ceilings. For a wedding or prom, you may opt for a classic limousine.

Cost and pricing structure

To get the best price for your limousine service, you may want to compare a few different limo services and their prices to get the best deal. That said, the average limousine rental prices are as follows:

• Luxury sedan (2-3 passengers): $60-$80 per hour
• SUV (up to 6 passengers): $70-$90 per hour
• Stretch limo (8-10 people): $75-$100 per hour
• Passenger van (10-14 passengers): $85-$110 per hour
• Limo/party bus (14 passengers): $100-$175 per hour

Reading reviews and asking for referrals

To ensure the best possible limo ride experience, you’ll want to make sure you are working with a reputable limo service that will provide you with high quality service. Read reviews on the company to find out about other people’s experiences with it, or ask friends and family for recommendations.

Check availability and make a reservation

You’ll want to book your limo ride well in advance of your event, to ensure that your ride of choice is available on your special day. It’s a good practice to book at least three months in advance of your trip.

Etiquette & Tipping

Besides being on your best behavior and showing general respect and common courtesy, it is a common practice to tip limousine chauffeurs for exceptional service! Professional chauffeurs usually prefer to be tipped in cash, so be sure to have enough cash on hand. The custom is to tip 20% of the base fare for your trip.

Understanding Your Rental Agreement

Before you sign your contract to rent from a limousine company, be sure to ask about any extra charges that will be incurred. It’s important to know up front exactly how much you will be charged for all aspects of your limo ride, as the limousine price might be higher than expected once all fees are taken into consideration. There may be basic cleaning fees added to the cost, for example.

Also, be sure to inspect your contract and understand what you are responsible for when it comes to any damages that could occur during your limo ride. Limousine companies often charge for any damage that the riders cause to the vehicle.

It’s also important to find out what the cancellation and refund policy is, in case you need to cancel last minute. Limo companies often charge a fee for last-minute cancellations.

Planning Your Limousine Experience

Once you’ve secured your rental for the night, it’s time to make plans to maximize the experience! Plan out any beverage and snacks that you will bring on board, and plan the musical playlist for the night. With some careful planning, you’re sure to create a memorable night for everyone who will be joining you for your limo ride!

FAQs

How much is the average limo rental price in the US?

Depending on the type of limo that you rent, limousine rental prices could be anywhere between $60 and $175 per hour. The cost to rent depends on the vehicle being rented (are you renting a party bus or a stretch limousine?), the company you are renting from, and the limo packages that you are considering. Don’t forget to include the cost of any extra fees, plus the cost of tipping your limo driver.

What is the benefit of a limousine?

When you are riding in a limo, you get to enjoy your night without the added burden of worrying about transportation. You can fit your entire party on the vehicle, and you get the added bonus of making your special night extra memorable.

How far in advance should I make a reservation?

It is a good practice to rent your vehicle at least three months in advance of your special event.

What amenities and features are typically included in a limousine rental?

Some amenities could include a stereo system for music, glasses and beverages, bottled water, and strobe lights.

Sources

https://allinonelimos.com/uncategorized/everything-you-need-to-know-about-renting-a-limousine/

https://premiere1limousine.com/how-to-successfully-rent-limousine/

https://www.kclimo.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-rent-a-limo/