Hello, dear readers! It’s time to embark on a journey into the enchanting world of planning your micro weddings.
Planning an intimate celebration is a beautiful endeavor, and today, we’re diving deep into the basics.
Grab your notebooks and get ready to discover how to create a day filled with love, joy, and all the charm of a micro wedding!
Let’s start by delving into what micro weddings truly entail.
A micro wedding is an intimate celebration with a smaller guest list, typically ranging from 20 to 50 guests.
The allure lies in the opportunity to curate a more personal, meaningful, and often budget-friendly experience.
Check out the Top Trends for 2024 HERE!
Crafting a vision is the foundational step in planning your micro wedding.
Envision your dream celebration – think about the setting, the atmosphere, and the emotions you wish to evoke.
Whether it’s a cozy backyard affair, a scenic outdoor setting, or an intimate venue with character, defining your vision will guide every aspect of your planning journey.
Budgets are the backbone of any wedding plan, and the good news is that micro weddings are often more budget-friendly.
With a smaller guest count, you can allocate resources efficiently, focusing on quality over quantity for a more personalized experience.
Crafting a thoughtful guest list is a crucial step in ensuring an intimate atmosphere.
Consider those who mean the most to you and whom you genuinely want to share this special moment with.
Keeping it small allows for more meaningful interactions and connections.
With a smaller guest count, the venue options open up to unique and non-traditional locations.
Consider charming backyards, picturesque outdoor settings, or intimate venues that resonate with your vision – the possibilities are endless.
Personalization is where the magic of micro weddings truly shines.
Tailor your celebration to tell your unique love story – from custom decor to a specialized menu and unique entertainment, infuse elements that make the day distinctly yours.
Curating your vendor team is an exciting aspect of micro wedding planning.
With a smaller event, explore boutique options and niche services.
Collaborate with vendors who understand your vision and bring a specialized touch to your celebration, enhancing the intimate vibe.
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Flexibility is a cornerstone of micro wedding planning.
Whether choosing a date with special significance or adapting plans to unexpected circumstances, embracing flexibility adds a personal touch to your intimate celebration.
Finally, focus on capturing every meaningful moment.
With fewer guests, your photographer and videographer can zoom in on intricate details, genuine emotions, and candid moments, creating lasting memories of your intimate celebration.
And there you have it – a comprehensive guide to planning your dream micro wedding!
If you found these tips helpful, stay tuned for more wedding inspiration.
Wishing you an incredible planning journey filled with love and joy.
Until next time, happy micro wedding planning and happy love celebrating!
💍🌟🎉 *Happy Planning!*
Greetings, dear readers!
Whether you’re a blushing bride, a dashing groom, or an enthusiastic wedding planner, welcome to our digital space. Today, we’re embarking on a journey through the intricate world of wedding planning and booking your wedding vendors.
Our focus? The meticulous art of selecting the perfect vendors to bring your dream day to life.
So, settle in, grab a cup of tea, and let’s unravel the secrets of curating your dream wedding vendor team.
Wedding planning is not just a checklist; it’s a curated masterpiece where every vendor plays a pivotal role. From capturing timeless moments to crafting exquisite floral arrangements, each vendor contributes to the symphony of your special day.
Before you plunge into the vast sea of wedding vendors, take a moment to define your needs. Outline your budget, prioritize services, and establish the specific elements you’re looking for. This initial clarity will be your guiding light throughout the vendor selection process.
Research forms the backbone of your vendor selection journey. Immerse yourself in online reviews, seek recommendations from friends, and explore the rich portfolios of potential vendors. Discovering a vendor with a stellar reputation and a style that resonates with you is the first step towards creating magic.
Think of the meet-and-greet as your wedding vendor interview. This face-to-face interaction is your opportunity to discuss your vision, ask pertinent questions, and, most importantly, assess the chemistry with your potential vendors. After all, you’re not just hiring a service; you’re building a creative partnership.
Open communication about your budget is crucial. Be transparent with vendors about your financial plan, ensuring that their services align with your budget. A vendor who understands and respects your financial boundaries becomes a valuable partner in maximizing your investment.
The proof is in the portfolio! Dive into a vendor’s past work to ensure their style aligns seamlessly with your vision. Whether it’s a photographer’s captured moments or a florist’s floral arrangements, their portfolio serves as a visual testament to their creative capabilities.
Confirming availability and commitment is a vital step. Ensure your chosen vendors are available on your wedding date and are fully committed to bringing your unique vision to life. This step is essential to avoid any last-minute surprises or disappointments.
Professionalism is a non-negotiable quality in wedding vendors. Evaluate how vendors communicate and handle inquiries. Prompt responses, clear contracts, and a professional demeanor are all indicators of a reliable vendor.
Wedding planning is an unpredictable journey. Look for vendors who possess flexibility and adept problem-solving skills. Navigating unexpected hiccups becomes easier when your vendor team remains calm and solution-oriented.
Last but not least, trust your instincts. Your intuition is a powerful guide in this process. If a vendor feels like the perfect fit and resonates with your vision, that’s a strong sign you’re on the right track. Trust yourself; you know what’s best for your dream day.
Check out all of the new trends for 2024 here!
And there you have it, a comprehensive guide on how to curate the perfect wedding vendor team!
Your wedding day is not just an event; it’s a canvas waiting to be painted with the hues of your dreams.
Assemble the right team, and watch as your vision transforms into a breathtaking reality.
If you found these tips insightful, stay tuned for more wedding wisdom, and happy planning! 🌸💒✨
Simplyeliteevents
4 min read
Hello, lovely Brides. Today, we’re taking a thrilling dive into the enchanting world of weddings, bringing you a preview of the top trends shaping the matrimonial landscape in 2024. Are you ready for the most exciting wedding journey of your life? Let’s jump right in!
First up, sustainability takes center stage!
Couples are embracing eco-friendly practices, weaving recycled materials, locally sourced goods, and efforts to reduce single-use plastics into the fabric of their weddings.
It’s a trend that aligns with a conscious and environmentally friendly approach to creating magical moments.
Next on the list is the rise of intimate celebrations.
Small, meaningful, and beautiful – couples are choosing smaller guest lists to craft more personal experiences, fostering cherished moments with those nearest and dearest to their hearts.
Even as the world moves past the pandemic, virtual elements are here to stay.
Live streaming ceremonies, virtual guest books, and interactive online experiences cater to guests unable to attend in person, ensuring everyone feels connected and part of the celebration.
Now, let’s talk aesthetics!
Bid farewell to traditional whites and pastels as couples embrace bold and unique color palettes.
Rich jewel tones and unconventional combinations are set to make a statement, adding that unforgettable wow factor to wedding visuals.
In the age of tech, weddings are no exception.
Technology integration is on the rise, from interactive wedding websites to tech-enhanced invitations and augmented reality elements during ceremonies or receptions.
Stay tuned for a tech-savvy celebration!
Breaking away from tradition, weekday weddings could become the new norm.
Couples are exploring cost-effective options and increased venue availability, making weekdays a viable choice for saying ‘I do.’
Creating highly personalized experiences is a trend to watch out for.
Couples are infusing their unique personalities and interests into every aspect, ensuring that each moment becomes a true reflection of their extraordinary love story.
Say goodbye to the conventional!
Couples are opting for non-traditional venues such as art galleries, industrial spaces, or outdoor locations. The aim? A distinctive and memorable setting that stands out from the crowd.
Foodies, rejoice! Culinary experiences are taking center stage with creative menu options, interactive food stations, and unique dining experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
It’s not just a meal; it’s an unforgettable journey for the taste buds!
Last but certainly not least, the allure of elopements and destination weddings continues to capture hearts.
Couples seeking adventurous and intimate settings might choose breathtaking locations for their ‘I do,’ creating memories that last a lifetime.
And there you have it, a sneak peek into the potential wedding trends for 2024! Remember, these are general predictions, and the actual trends may vary based on individual preferences and cultural influences. To stay in the know, check with wedding professionals, bridal magazines, and industry experts as 2024 approaches. If you enjoyed this insight into the future of weddings, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell for more wedding-related content. Until next time, happy planning! 🌟💍🎉
If you’re someone that is wondering “What the heck is a wedding theme?!”
It’s okay, you are not alone! Let me explain below.
A wedding theme is an overall vision of what you want your event to look like.
So, when you picture your wedding you might picture big trees in the middle of the woods, a beach or maybe with a mountain view, all of these are related to your theme.
Whether you are picturing a horse-drawn carriage or a fancy limousine it is all related to the vision you have for your big day.
Below I’m going to give you the top 5 things to consider when you are choosing your wedding theme.
Though none of this is unchangeable, it will help you with your budget and decipher what is truly most important to you.
Venue is number one.
Once you chose your venue or venue style it will help you SO MUCH with your budget.
The venue is going to be one of the most expensive things in your whole budget.
Determining your venue style is a must.
Whether you what to have a summer or winter wedding, choosing this will be extremely helpful when you are trying to come up with your overall vision.
Once you choose your season (Not necessarily your date) it will help you with your colors and floral choices.
(NOTE: It’s important to keep in mind that not all flowers are available all year around. If you have specific flowers, you already know you what, it would be worth you looking into the floral seasons a little more.)
As mentioned above, the colors will depend a lot on the season you choose.
Just like every year has its color theme, every season is the same. I’m sure just by doing your research you’ve already noticed a pattern in colors and styles.
Though it is not unheard of to choose a color that is not in the season, keep in mind that seasonal colors rely greatly on floral availability.
This is what makes your wedding more you.
Whether you put your favorite sports team on the groom’s cake, pictures of your pets on the cocktail napkins or simply have pictures of the two of you on the tables, this is what makes your event you.
When deciding what you want to do, consider things you both love.
Maybe you both like to watch the office or met at a roller rink, these are all important things to think about when coming up with cute/ fun ways to make your event special to you.
At the end of the day, it always comes back to your budget.
We all know that staying within your budget is important, if you have your heart set on something that is not within your budget it’s okay, we’ve all been there.
Consider doing something else DIY style instead of paying for it.
There is always a way.
You can read more about your wedding budget here
Click here for an awesome guide to help you pick out your theme!
We all know how stressful wedding planning can be…
As a wedding planner, it is my job to do the absolute best that I can possibly do to keep my brides from stressing.
I have certain things I tell them all to help them calm down and have peace of mind.
Most of the time everyone gets stressed because they are overwhelmed from thinking about everything that needs to be done…
Something that most newly engaged couples don’t know is that not everything has to be booked right away! Some things are 12 months out and some are 4.
Everything doesn’t need to be all done at once.
(NOTE: Click here for more info on when you should have things booked by.)
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff.
Below I’m going to give you my favorite tips that I personally use when I am trying to destress or calm down.
This is my number one thing I go to when I get overwhelmed.
Its normal for you to get overwhelmed when you start planning, it seems like A LOT that needs to get done all at once.
If you write it down, I’ve found that it helps me not feel like I have to remember everything.
By writing it down, it gets out of my head and onto paper.
This is always good.
Get outside, feel the fresh air around you.
If you’re “feeling tired and unmotivated all day long, try dancing to some music or simply going for a walk. Even a short, 15-minute walk can help clear your mind, improve your mood, and boost your energy level.”
According to HelpGuide
Practicing mindfulness and being more present and in the moment with change your mood and look on everything by 100%.
Whenever I feel bogged down or overwhelmed I try to focus on what is right in front of me, the chair I am sitting in, the keys I am typing on, etc.
Being more in the moment is proven to put you in a better mood and lower your anxiety levels.
Sometimes we feel just need to get something off of our chest or talk out an idea with someone.
When I feel this way, I get ahold of my go to person (My Husband or my Sister-in-law) and just talk it out.
When a walk isn’t helping me come back to my center, sometimes all we need is to talk it out with someone closest to us.
Have you ever felt so overwhelmed that you just needed to take a nap? Yeah, me too girl.
When you feel this way, do it! Go take a quick 30-minute nap. I promise you will feel better and be WAYYYY more productive when you wake up.
Okay, I’m going to be honest… I do this one a lot more than I probably should!
Whenever I get stuck on a project I lock my office door, close the blinds turn on my favorite jams and dance it out.
And I’ve got to tell you, it works every time!
When you start to plan you might have paperwork everywhere, some notes in your car and others on the kitchen table.
Bring them altogether, keep them all in one place.
Always clean your desk after you are finished using it, so the next time you come back to work on it, you have a clean space that is ready for you!
Last but never least.
MEDITATE!!!
There is so many reasons to meditate, if you are wanting to clear your mind and focus more, this is a great place to start!
When you think of meditation you might think of a bald guy sitting cross legged, but meditation can be done is all situations. You don’t have to be bald or cross legged.
You can meditate while you are driving, walking, sitting, working… Anytime!
It’s all about taking a minute to just be.
Here is a great meditation podcast for beginners!
As you can see, there is so many ways that you can clear your mind and help yourself focus.
If you start putting these into practice and be more mindful of your mental state you will see a big difference in your stress while planning!
Wedding planning is supposed to be fun, not stressful!
Happy Planning! – London Wnek
Often larger event floral companies will have a minimum fee for a wedding.
So make sure you ask this right from the start because often the minimum is around $5,000 (in-season) and that’s often too much for a wedding on a budget.
If not, what flowers are similar that are cheaper?
It’s not abnormal to have flowers that look VERY similar be VERY diffrent in price.
Make sure to ask if you can get the cheaper flowers instead of the expensive ones.
I promise you will still love them.
Here is a post that will help you find cheaper flowers!
Floral designers are like artists, not everyone does the same styles!
For example, if you go to a flower shop and want something super specific that they can not do then they might have to bring in a designer from somewhere else and that can get costly.
Be sure to look for a florist that fits your style!
Here is a website that will get you started on choosing your bouquet style!
Normally a budget wedding should not have a travel fee unless the florist is driving a long way.
If they say you do have a travel fee when your venue is under 50 miles, ask why.
Sometimes they put in these little extra charges or simply forget to take them off from the previous invoice.
Okay, let’s be real, it would be weird if they didn’t charge an installation fee.
It’s a lot of work for a florist to do the installation and teardown.
But I will tell you… You will want to pay for this. No matter how much you think you and Aunt Susie can do on the day of, it is still worth it.
Venues require all the decor to be removed by the end of the night, so you can either pay the florist to do it or you will get a large charge from the venue because someone will forget.
Here is a very good source to have you get an idea of how they charge for deliveries and installations!
When you start to plan your budget it can get kind of overwhelming…
There is so much to think about and pay for! This post is going to help you identify the Top 10 Things in Your Wedding Budget.
(Keep in mind, you can add or take away anything that doesn’t apply to you! This is just to help you get started on planning your budget. Every wedding is different so it’s okay if yours is not anything like this one.)
When you start to think about your overall budget amount, bring everyone who will be helping pay for / plan the wedding. This way everyone is on the same page and you will have a realistic budget to go off of.
(NOTE: don’t be afraid to talk to your family about money, often people want to help pay for things to make it the perfect day for you.)
After you all feel that you have a realistic budget, take a break from your meeting and write out the percentages and amount for each category in your budget.
Once you do this, share your budget with everyone involved in helping!!! This will allow anyone helping you to be able to help you brainstorm on when will be contracted out and what will be DIYed, it will also help keep Aunt Susie from pressuring you to do something that is not within your budget!
1.) Venue 40%
Finding the perfect venue is hard ESPECIALLY finding the perfect venue within your budget..!
But…. It is not impossible!
There are so many small venues out there that are not well known but are absolutely stunning. It just might take a little while to find it.
You can expect about 40% of your total budget to go to just the venue (I know that seems like a lot of your total budget but the perfect venue is worth it!)
2.) Photography 15%
This one can be tricky sometimes, there are good photographers out there that are significantly cheaper than others but often they don’t have the same number of reviews and experience the more expensive photographers do.
I highly recommend going all out on this, photos last a lifetime and a good photographer will change your whole experience the day of your wedding!
Check out these awesome tips on choosing your photographer
3.) Music 10%
Music will largely vary on if you have a live performer, a whole band, or just a DJ. All are great options it just depends on what the mood is that you’re wanting to set for the night.
Here are some tips on choosing your ceremony songs!
4.) Flowers 10%
Do you love flowers? If your answer is “UMM… WHO DOESN’T???” than you can expect to use the whole amount that will be in your budget+ some..
(NOTE: When you meet with your florist for the first time be sure to give them the exact number that’s in your budget (Maybe even less than what your actual budget is.) so that way they can work with you to say in it. They will also be able to tell you if your wants are reasonable for your budget as well.)
Check out this checklist for florals!
5.) Décor 10%
This might seem like a weird thing to have in your budget but included in “Decor” is anything you make/ buy for your tables (Signs, Candles, Napkins, etc.), Rental chairs (If you choose to use some not provided by venue), Linens, lanterns for ceremony, Draping, etc.
So as you can see, there Is A LOT that goes into this one item on your budget so make sure you don’t cut it down.
This will help you choose your wedding decor!
6.) Attire 5%
Attire will include everything you wear from garter to your shoes to your hairpins.
Keep in mind the 5% in the line item is ONLY for the bride and groom. This does not include anyone else’s attire (Parents, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Kids, Officiant, etc.).
7.) Transportation 3%
Transportation is a HUGE struggle that people often have on the day of their wedding because the “Forgot” or “I didn’t think about it!”, don’t be that person that makes all of your guests have to uber from the ceremony to the cocktail hour. There are so many great options for transportation that will make your guest’s experience so much more enjoyable and they will feel very taken care of…
8.) Stationary 3%
When you think of stationery, you’re probably just thinking of the invitations… right?
Yes, Invitations are a big part of this but there is a lot more to this than you would think!
Included in this can be save the dates, formal invitations, place cards, menus, order of service (For ceremony) and a timeline if you choose to have that available for guests), and to finish everything off thank you cards!
Here are some great stationery brands!
9.) Cake 2%
Unless you’re a big cake fan chances are you wouldn’t even think about the cake until grandma asks what color it is…
Wedding cakes can get VERY pricey!
If you are not a big cake fan and don’t really care to spend 2% of your total budget on it, consider asking your caterer what dessert options they have and you can just get a small 6” cake for the two of you to cut if you want the tradition!
Here is a list to give you an idea of how much a cake will cost depending on the amount of guests
10.) Favors 2%
Nowadays this is an optional thing, I’d say about half of the weddings I do have favors and the other half do not.
It’s entirely up to you if you decide to do this or not. Keep in mind the guests never expect to have a wedding favor at the end of the night, when they do receive one they are grateful but if they don’t your guests will never even tis about it.
Here are some ideas for cute wedding favors
When you’re planning your budget just keep in mind that everything will change, you won’t spend as much as you thought on some things and you might spend more on others.
This is a very basic budget, so when you are also thinking through your budget don’t forget to include catering, hair and makeup, and a videographer!
This part of the planning process can be a little stressful, but don’t let the numbers overwhelm you!
One step at a time.
Feel free to leave a comment below I you have any questions or need help with anything, for real though, I’m a real human being and I love to help any way I can.
Talk soon! London Wnek
You can learn more about me and who I am here!