How to Get Your Groom Involved in Wedding Planning

Image: Unsplash

Have you spent hours as a little girl planning out that perfect wedding, perhaps even building a scrapbook with magazine photos and gown cut-outs? What girl hasn’t dreamed of that special day, envisioning her soul mate, their first dance, and all the family members sharing the happiness with them? Well, not every boy does the same, which is no surprise, but if your groom still has that boyish attitude of not being “all in” when it comes to planning, perhaps there’s something you can do to inspire him.

Sometimes, very little can help you achieve very much with your spouse-to-be, if you play your cards right, so to speak. With a bit of encouragement and a few clever gadgets, you can transform what he sees as a dull-fest into a fun, exciting adventure you both should take part in! Here are a few ideas to try out and help him find joy in the planning process.

Get some hands-on participation

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Many grooms already have some of their own ideas about their ideal wedding day. Others could use some time to think it all through, and that’s your chance to have a few relaxed, no-pressure conversations to see what he envisions when he thinks of your wedding day. Many guys are crafty, so they might enjoy creating something unique to commemorate the occasion and contribute in an original way, be it a website, the invitations (or e-vites), or something entirely else.

On the other hand, make sure you respect his boundaries. Maybe he’d like to let you handle something that’s not his cup of tea, and it would help de-stress the planning process for him, too. Delegate wisely, and ask him what he finds the most inspiring, so that you can work out a schedule that makes sense for both of you.

Let him budget with you

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Savvy brides know that it’s tough to plan an affordable wedding, especially if you want to bring all those childhood ideas to life. However, your groom will likely be able to help you plan out this wonderful event without skimping on the most important elements, so you can let him lead the way through the budget for your wedding. 

If he’s in love with tech, he can even use a handy app such as WeddingHappy to coordinate all the vital elements and figure out the smartest way to handle spending. It’s a superb way to help keep you on the right track, and he’ll appreciate having ample control over the situation.

Networking as his strong suit

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Grooms are often well-organized and they’ll be able to keep their interactions streamlined and effective, so why not make use of those qualities and ask him to help you communicate with photographers, decorating experts, venue owners, and the like. 

All those people will give you a business card to stay in touch if you choose them, so your groom could use a sleek card holder wallet to store all his wedding-related contacts in one place. This simple accessory will help him keep things under control, and he’ll be involved in the selection process as much as he finds it enjoyable.

Go meal-tasting together

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Some men like the hands-on take on things, as we’ve mentioned before, so perhaps choosing your wedding menu can be both fun and productive with your groom. For starters, he can use a simple planner to keep track of all the catering companies you’ve contacted and whose food you’ve had a chance to taste. Now that’s something he’s bound to love: trying out tasty delicacies to enjoy his wedding even more!

Banish all tension and negativity

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Stress is a natural part of the planning process, but it’s not always good for keeping that positive energy flowing with your spouse-to-be. To prevent any tension, try to take a light-hearted approach towards the situation. If there’s a mix-up with the ordering, joke about it together, laugh it off – it’s the best way to stay positive and resolve issues on the go.

Tailor-made suits to make you swoon

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If you already know what kind of a gown you want for your wedding, as most brides do, it’s a good idea to get your groom to pick a matching tuxedo for the occasion. It doesn’t necessarily have to match in colour, but you should aim for the same style. So, if you have a vintage-looking gown, it’s a great idea if your groom will enjoy a retro take on his tux, too.

This is a brilliant opportunity for him to express his style preferences, so who knows, you might even want to adapt your gown and accessories of choice to his look, and create the perfect wedding ensemble for both.

As you’re about to start this new chapter together, you might as well have fun preparing for it together. So, use these simple suggestions to motivate your hubby, and he’ll surely be happy to contribute and to share his thoughts. Have fun, make the most of this excitement and anticipation, and bond with your future husband while you prep for your special day!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sophia Smith is a fashion and beauty blogger, a graphic designer and a DIY enthusiast. Design plays a huge role in her personal expression. Also, she focusing on minimalism and good quality. Sophia love sharing content that inspires people. She has contributed to a number of publications including: Viva Glam Magazine, Just Haves, Secret Garden, Cause Artist, How to Simplify and Carousel.

You can find out more about her writing by following her on: Facebook  Twitter  Google + 

How To Downsize Your Wedding Without Sacrificing Your Dream

Since the novel coronavirus has taken over the world, everyone needs to find ways to continue with their lives while respecting the social distancing guidelines. With no possibility to hold large weddings, more and more brides need to find ways to downsize their wedding without sacrificing their dream.

Downsizing a wedding is a challenge, and you really need to consider every vendor, every guest, and of course, every one of your wishes.

Let’s look now at what you can do in order to downsize your wedding, but still keep it as unique as it can be.

Image: Kayla Temple Photography

6 Tips To Downsize Your Wedding

Look For A More Intimate Venue

Start by looking into smaller, more intimate venues. With everything from drive-through wedding chapels where guests remain in their cars to pop-up micro-weddings in stunning gardens, you may be surprised by all of the options. 

Smaller venues are also more budget-friendly and you will still be able to have almost everything the way you want. Just double-check with your favorite vendors to find out how many guests they can accommodate right now. 

Image: Kayla Temple Photography

Recalculate Your Budget

Instead of setting your budget for 200 people, set it for 50 at most. You will be able to actually buy everything you wanted for your wedding. All your guests will feel very welcome and will forever remember the day. 

Of course, you can always keep your original budget and use the excess for some extra special touches. For example, if your original budget didn’t leave much wiggle room for wedding favors, considering using some of the excess for that. On the other hand, you can always take the extra money and put it into a really amazing honeymoon once travel bans are lifted. 

Image: Chasing Moments Photography

Downsize Your Guest List

Sometimes people invite EVERYONE they know to their weddings. Maybe because your mothers believe that some distant cousins need to be there, or your work colleagues heard you talking about it. 

 Now it’s the time to take advantage of the situation and only invite the people close to you. It’s going to be so much more beautiful to have your family and closest friends, instead of people you may have never seen before.

Image: Kayla temple photography

Add A Personal Touch

Maybe you make incredible cakes, but you wouldn’t want to make a cake for 200 people. Well, now it’s your chance to allow everyone to have a bite of that amazing thing you do. It’s going to be incredibly personal, and your friends and family will be so grateful for attending a wedding that was made for them too!

Image: Olivia Henning Photographer

Make It Completely Yours

Without a doubt, your day is your day, and it’s important to add everything you want, to make it in the theme you love. Since it’s a relatively small wedding, you can even create your own decor and have all your family pitch in.

Without a doubt, everything needs to be the way you dream it to be. And it’s your chance to get all that incredible vintage decor you saw and it’s not going to completely break the budget. 

Image: Loui Hartland Phootgraphy

Capture Every Moment

With a small wedding, it’s going to be much easier to get to interact with all your guests, and no one will feel left out. Besides, you will probably need only one photographer, and he will be able to capture every single moment.

Downsizing your wedding doesn’t mean that it won’t be the way you want it to be. Even though you may have to recalculate some aspect, it can still be everything you dreamed of! In fact, with more wiggle room in your budget, it may be even better than you ever imagined. 

Image: Kayla Temple Photography

  Written by: Nicole, Editor in Chief of Love You Wedding

Chic and Easy Formula for the Best Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas

Dressing for an event is never an easy task, especially if it’s your best friend or a relative who’s getting married! If you’ve got no idea what to wear, don’t sweat it. Here, four chic and easy formulas to help you get dressed as a wedding guest – sans stress.

Credit: Willidea Photo + Video

A suit + metallic accessories

When most women think of weddings, dresses, skirts, and gowns immediately spring to mind. While they can be a great way to show off a slim figure, summer tan, or toned legs, some women would rather take a more alternative route to the traditional wedding guest attire.

In this case, suiting up can be a great way to look polished and put-together for the wedding. Suits can look very feminine if you manage to find the right silhouette and hue. Pastel hues such as pale yellow, baby pink, and soft lavender are all great choices for those who fancy rocking a masculine look while still remaining incredibly feminine.

As for the men, they can opt for three-piece suits, mix and match different colors, or rock some bold patterns. This will, of course, depend on the dress code of the wedding, but if it allows for some creativity, don’t miss your chance to show off your fun side. Metallic accessories make for the perfect addition to suits – men could go with metallic watches or silver ties and bows while women can add a glossy finish with the help of metallic footwear.

Credit: Willidea Photography + Videography

A minimal outfit + one statement piece

Not all wedding guest outfits have to be bold and showy. For those of us who’d rather take a more minimalist approach to their wedding guest attire, wearing one color head to toe and then sprucing things up with a statement accessory is both chic and easy formula.

Instead of dressing to impress, make your accessories the stars of the show, and let your dress or a suit act as the backdrop for these impressive pieces. From beautiful jewelry pieces and dramatic fascinators to statement arm candies and to-die-for shoes, there are a number of ways women can spruce up their minimal outfits and make a powerful fashion statement at the same time.

Since men don’t really wear that many accessories aside from watches, it’d be best if they’d look for some quality Swiss watches that would complete their outfits. These versatile timepieces can also be worn regardless of the season, and they’ll be a great match for both formal and casual outfits.

Credit: Angela Brushe Photography

Back to black + a pop of color

When in doubt, go for black! Classic and timeless, this bold yet incredibly elegant hue can make any outfit look more elegant and polished. Don’t think that this hue is off-limits when it comes to weddings, because it’s very appropriate. In fact, it works for a number of occasions, so you can continue to wear your black number long after the wedding.

When it comes to wedding guest attire, women can opt for something timeless and classic such as an LBD or a sleek and chic midi dress with interesting details such as ruffles, lace, or prints such as polka dots. Men can go for a black tuxedo or pair black pants with a black blouse, completing the outfit with leather shoes or loafers. To spruce up a monochromatic outfit, rely on accessories. Bags, shoes, and jewelry are great for injecting some color in women’s attire, while men can do the same with the help of bows and ties.

Credit: Evernew Studio

Themed wedding guest outfits + props

Not all couples envision their fairytale weddings as traditional white weddings. Sometimes, their special day incorporates a certain theme both partners like as a way of showing off their uniqueness. When it comes to themes, they can range from a garden party and pinup style wedding to Star Wars and Game of Thrones wedding themes.

Whatever the theme may be, it’s up to guests to figure out which characters they will be ‘playing’ and how they can dress in accordance with the theme. In any case, you should definitely check out the wedding couple’s website and see which costumes or themed attire you should get. Whether you’re expected to dress as Greek gods and goddesses or as people from different historical periods, let your imagination run wild and be sure to bring some props to complete your outfits. If you are going together with your partner, coordinate your outfits and spend some time getting into your ‘character’ as well.

When you’ve got no idea what to wear, it pays to rely on some tried-and-true tips. Follow one of these four fail-proof ensembles to get wedding-guest-ready and make sure you look polished and put-together on the next big event. 

Credit: Kayla Temple Photography

This article is written by Brigitte Evans from highstylife.com

Matching Style: Wedding Dress and Tuxedo Combos

Your big day is approaching, and the preparations are in full swing. At first, it may seem like finding the perfect suit and dress would be simple, but if you want to match them, things can get quite complicated. This is why we have selected a few styles that can help you match your outfits for a beautiful look.

Vintage Style

Retro fashion has become insanely popular in the last few years, so it is no wonder this style is trendy for weddings as well. Choosing a wedding dress in vintage style is easier, and since girls usually do it first, let's start there. Firstly, the color does not have to be blinding white. You can go for more natural, earthy tones like eggshell or off-white. Lucky for you, lace is also very trendy, and it perfectly fits the retro vibe, so some details like lacy sleeves or neck collar are a great idea. Other such details you can go for are pearls and corset type tops with straps. Choose subtle flower pieces for your hair, and complete the look with pearl earrings or a necklace. 

Now, when picking a suit to go with this style, we would recommend sticking to the same earthy tones. Dark colors will not look as good combined, so pick a more neutral color palette. Beige, brown, or even green are a good choice. It is best to choose a three-piece suit and maybe add details like a beret, pocket watch, or an interesting tie. Tweed and plaid are the fabrics he should go for, as they give that rustic vibe you are trying to achieve. 

Elegant Style

If you choose to stay in a more traditional lane, classic, elegant style is what you should both go for. For women, it means princess or siren gowns, depending on your preference. Going with a true white color will make the dress pop, regardless of the style. Aside from that, sparkly details, tulle, or silk are a good choice. Popular trends are also emphasized shoulders, deep V-neck, off-the-shoulder, or open back, so if you are into a more provocative look, try some of these. 

Elegant wedding suits, either three-piece or tuxedo style, will go perfectly. You can stick with the safer darker colors that will go with any wedding dress, or choose gray, or off-white suits if you want to match it even more. Simple designs are also a safe choice, but you can be creative with details such as cufflinks, tie, bowtie, boutonniere, or other accessories like shoes or a watch. Clean and polished looks best fit the elegant style, so keeping it simple is the best advice.

Chic and unique style

If going with a traditional dress, or a dress, in general, does not fit your style, and you want something a bit more original and fun, suits for brides are a great option. It is a perfect way to show off your personality, and there are great ways to make it fit into the whole wedding vibe. Of course, choose the white color, but play with the design. If you like androgynous bridal looks, loose pants, and an oversized blazer will do. You can match it with sparkly earrings, and play with makeup as well as colored shoes. If you want a more elegant and seductive look, opt for tighter pants, a deep V-neck blazer, or even a trendy jumpsuit. These suits are characteristic for a minimalist style, so make sure the groom's suit is not too elaborate. 

He can wear a classic black suit and match his boutonniere to your shoes, or any other detail that will tie your looks together. This way, you will have a pop of color in a simple yet effective outfit. Or he can go for a minimalistic white suit as well, without too many details, since the white will be enough on its own.

Final thoughts

The most important thing when matching your wedding outfits is to stick to the same style, which is why you want to talk about it beforehand. An elegant tuxedo will not go well with a vintage, rustic dress. If you choose to add colors to your outfits, opt for one color, so it won't be too accentuated. Choose the theme first, and make sure you get the bride's dress first since it will be a much harder task. Ask for help from friends since they will know what style you are going for, and how to match it. But most importantly, make sure you both are comfortable in what you choose, and everything else will fall into place.

About The Author

Sophia Smith is a fashion and beauty blogger, a graphic designer and a DIY enthusiast. Design plays a huge role in her personal expression. Also, she focusing on minimalism and good quality. Sophia love sharing content that inspires people. She has contributed to a number of publications including: Viva Glam Magazine, Just Haves, Secret Garden, Cause Artist, How to Simplify and Carousel.

You can find out more about her writing by following her on: Facebook  Twitter  Google + 

6 Ways to Make Your Small Wedding Extra Special

Small weddings are a huge trend these days. The era of vast throw-downs with hundreds of people to celebrate the Big Day is of the past now. Couples these days prefer intimate gatherings where only the most important and closest people to them get to witness the union. It not only stops you from busting your budgetbut also provides some great moments with only your loved ones. 

There are many benefits of a small wedding, so if you’re considering walking down this particular ‘aisle’ so to say, here are 6 ways to make your day extra special:

1. Great Venue

Photo by: Angela Brushe Photography

Small weddings mean intimacy, and nothing is more intimate than the venue. Gone are the days of classic church weddings. The location always sets the tone for your Big Day, so it’s important to find the perfect place to say your “I do’s.”For starters, the venue has to be the right amount of enchanting and pragmatic. You can opt for a semi-outdoor location that consists of lush gardens and whimsical landscape elements like gazebos, pergolas, and stylish decking.

You should be able to feel the full effect once your décor and flower arrangement is set in place. Since the wedding party would be small, it won’t be a hassle to splurge on some show-stopping and picture-perfect decoration elements to boost your venue ambience. You could also take some amazing photos of your wedding party around these to commemorate the occasion. Suffice to say, a great venue is essential for a beautiful small wedding.

2. A Glamorous Cake Table

Photo by: Evernew Studio

It would not be an exaggeration to say that a tiered-cake is a very important part of a wedding. But since you’re going for a small gathering, it doesn’t make sense to invest in a humongous 5-6 tiered creamy monstrosity that not many would be able to cap off. 

Instead, you can invest in quality over quantity. A gorgeous and glamorous 3-tiered cake of your favourite flavour and theme would make an excellent showstopper. You can place it in the centre of your table and surround it with your chosen wedding flowers, props, and other decorative paraphernalia for an amazing shot when you and partner finally cut the first piece. The creamy deliciousness coupled with the gorgeous décor would definitely have a great impact and leave an excellent impression on all the attendees.

3. Looking Good for the Special Occasion

Photo by: Evernew Studio

Hair and make-up – two of the most important things in any wedding; but especially so in a small one. Everyone feels great when they’re dressed to the nines and dolled up. Don’t think that just because your wedding is small, you can also get away with bad hair or make-up. Those photographs are for posterity and they’d haunt you for generations to come if you don’t do it right.

So,book your appointments with the hair-dresserin advance (you don’t want any nasty styling surprises on the Big Day) and discuss your skin type with the make-up artists at prior appointments. You’ll feel ten-times prettier and all the more confident by splurging on these aspects. It’s definitely a sure-fire way to make your small wedding extra special!

4. Pay Close Attention to Music

Photo by: Karisma Studios

Be it a live band or a DJ, good music means good ambience. Imagine how bored your gathering would feel with typical tunes running through the sound system. This is where professionals differ. They know how to hype up the crowd and keep them feeling energetic throughout the night. 

Professional musicians are a godsend during such events. They keep the smiles aplenty, the spirits high, and the feet moving throughout the event. You’ll feel a definite improvement in the overall atmosphere with some great tunes to keep the show running even through the boring parts of the ceremony. It’s a natural must-have for any ambitious small wedding!

5. Dress Theme for the Guests

Photo by: Evernew Studio

Another way to make your small wedding extra special is to set a dress code for the guests. This way, no one can wear anything outrageous enough to ruin the photoshoot. For the women, it can vary between slip dresses, skirts, and pastel suits. Choose something that is timeless and elegant at the same time. Try not to specify the colour scheme, or your photographs would look like the guests were wearing uniforms. Colour diversity is fine, as long as the main dress theme sticks.

As for the men, there is nothing to go for but two-piece suits. You can make the styling more interesting by specifying if they should go for bows or ties. Alternately, you can specify what types of boutonnieres they can wear, and even give those out as party favours at the doorway every time a male guest arrives.

6. Personalise the Event for the Guests

Photo by: Boulevard Gardens

Small weddings ensure that the guests are minimum, but that doesn’t mean that your event has to be generic. In fact, you can personalise some weddingitems throughout the venue to keep your loved ones happy and well-engaged. Adding a nice photo-booth can ensure instant gratification for our selfie generation. Named place-cards can result in affectionate seat customisation when compared to numbers. Beautiful party favours can set a cheerful tone for the guests. These small gestures would not only make this day special for you, but also for your loved ones!

So these are 6 ways to make your small wedding extra special. It’s your Big Day and these small tips and suggestions will help you create a better ambience, a happier audience, and ensure a great amount of self-satisfaction!

About the Author:

Sarah Pelham is the Beauty & Wellness Expert for Bookwell.com.au, an online platform for instant bookings for hair, nails, beauty & massage appointments. For nearly four years Sarah has worked closely with hundreds of salon owners within the beauty and wellness industries. She has her finger on the pulse of new trends in this growing market.

What Should a Fashionable Groom Wear?

Even though traditionally the focus tends to be on a bride’s wedding dress during the ceremony, that doesn’t mean that the groom’s attire should be neglected or considered less important. Looking stylish on your wedding day doesn’t have to be about the latest trends or a specific dress code – it should be the perfect time to get creative with your personal style and take groom suiting to the next level. 

So, here are some things any modern groom can consider to look fashionable, sleek and polished on his big day:

Investing in a bespoke suit

No matter what you decide to wear or how many components of your outfit you choose to change, fit is always the most important thing. That is why you should treat yourself for your wedding and visit a great tailor, who will sew the best possible suit for your build and your personal taste. If you opt for a bespoke suit, it would be a good idea to choose the 3-piece. That way, you can have a suit jacket when you walk down the aisle, but at the reception when you want to take your jacket off and dance, you will still look elegant and put-together in a vest.

Standing out from the crowd

While your outfits should be complementary, they shouldn’t look like exact copies of each other, so don’t worry too much about matching with your groomsmen. When it comes to you and your entourage, your look should be easily and unmistakably distinguishable from the rest. You can easily achieve this by choosing different accessories, a bold suit color, or even by subtly varying the outfit. For example, you can opt for a suit jacket, while your best men can rock a bow tie and suspenders instead.

Opting for personalized accessories

An easy way to inject some personal style into a wedding ensemble is to choose an interesting and unique accessories to spruce up your overall look. For example, if you opt for a pocket square, make sure it contrasts, instead of matching your neckwear, or if you prefer eye-catching footwear, choose a pair of socks or shoelaces that highlight your personal style best. If you want something less prominent that still reflects your personal style, you can also choose fun cuff links or dainty jewelry pieces. It would be a great idea to consider elegant Japanese watches, as not only are they the ideal accessory to complete any stylish outfit, but they’re also synonymous with high quality, and will last a lifetime.

Experimenting with patterns

Prints and patternsdon’t have to be off-limits, as long as you choose them carefully and tastefully. If you opt for a solid-colored suit, consider adding some personality to your look with a patterned shirt or a printed tie or bow tie. If you decide to be bolder and choose a patterned suit, try pairing it with something classic, such as chalk stripes, or even subtle pastel shades. Regardless of where you incorporate a pattern, offset your look from the rest of the groomsmen by having them wear solid variations.

Elevating your neckwear

As already mentioned, there’s no reason you should confine yourself to solid, one-shade neckwear; you can just as easily opt for textured or patterned pieces that match the color schemes of your wedding. As you consider alternatives to traditional colors, you can also think about different necktie shapes. Even though a classic tie might be the preference for many men, a lot of modern grooms will find that a skinny tie, bow tie, ascot or even a tie-free ensemble suits them better. It truly all comes down to your personal taste and style.

Considering a boutonniere

An accessory you quite probably haven’t seen since your senior prom, boutonnieres are truly classy, elegant and timeless. If you want to add an interesting touch to your outfit with a boutonniere, but you don’t want to look outdated, keep your other accessories minimal and skip the pocket square. Opt for small, dainty flowers, leaves or vines, or even an option that isn’t based on flora, to make it more modern and sleek, while opening up a whole world of opportunity to get creative and express your personal taste.

Instead of sticking to traditional options and what is usually considered the norm, focusing on putting some thought into your wedding day attireand choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable, confident and like the best version of yourself, because that is truly what you deserve on this very special day.

About The Author

Sophia Smith is a fashion and beauty blogger, a graphic designer and a DIY enthusiast. Design plays a huge role in her personal expression. Also, she focusing on minimalism and good quality. Sophia love sharing content that inspires people. She has contributed to a number of publications including: Viva Glam Magazine, Just Haves, Secret Garden, Cause Artist, How to Simplify and Carousel.

You can find out more about her writing by following her on: Facebook  Twitter  Google +