Brooks and I did pay for the wedding ourselves, it was definitely a big expense that we saved up for, and we acknowledge our privilege that we could use our money towards it. If we said it was a typical cake, it would be a certain price the second we said the “w word” the price went up nearly 5x! It’s an extremely frustrating and unjust practice in the wedding industry, therefore making it even less accessible. Let alone the industry… I made a joke about the “W word.” Let’s say we wanted to order a cake. They can be VERY expensive, therefore not making them accessible to all. I want to preface that it is an extreme privilege that Brooks and I were able to have a wedding. Traditionally, the bride's guests sit to the left of the aisle and the groom's to the right (or the reverse for a Jewish wedding).Ya’ll have no idea how excited I am to *finally* share the story of our sustainable wedding. 'As simple as this sounds, it can be overlooked,' Savage notes. And set up a water or lemonade station if it's a hot day or cocoa if it's chilly. Also offer shelter from rain (umbrellas or a tent) or sun ( parasols). Don't make Grandma stand or torture Uncle Rick with his bad knee. Remember to keep guests comfortable and provide seating, even if the ceremony is 10 minutes or less. You might ask a person of mutual importance to escort both of you, one on each arm walk one behind the other with your respective parents or proceed down the aisle together hand in hand. Next, the bride is escorted by her father or parents. The groom waits at the altar as the wedding party enters, then the ring bearer and flower girl. When it comes to walking down (and back up) the aisle, you can stick to the standard order. These last longer than flowers and can be more affordable. Also be open to other suggestions or ponder floral alternatives like succulents, potted topiaries and trees, fruits and berries, ferns, foliage, branches, or millinery details. If there are blooms you want that are hard to find or expensive, use them sparingly in arrangements, or save them for your bouquet. It's helpful to bring your florist images of arrangements you love and lists of your favorite flowers and those that hold sentimental value to you (maybe you want to echo the ones your grandmother carried in her bouquet). 'You're not going to get peonies in September,' notes Jeannie Savage, of Details, Details in Los Angeles, California, unless you're willing to pay to have the late-spring buds imported. If specific flowers are a big part of your dreams, plan your wedding around when they're available. But will you use flowers in other ways, such as for a cake topper or favors, or to decorate a chuppah?Įither way, choose blooms that are in season. You can always cancel it if the weather looks good you may lose your deposit but will have gained peace of mind.ĭo you want a florist who just deals in blooms, or an event designer who handles flowers, lighting, and décor? Naturally, you'll want a bouquet and centerpieces (which should either be shorter than 14 inches or raised more than 24 to allow for conversation). Bicoastal planner Lyndsey Hamilton, of Lyndsey Hamilton Events, suggests booking a tent six months ahead so you won't be scrambling last minute.

Throwing an outdoor fête? Make sure you love your rain plan as much as your alfresco vision so you don't spend your engagement stalking meteorologists.

'Travel is more expensive for guests, and you'll pay staffers overtime for working a holiday.' Once you love a venue, set a wedding date. 'If you want a red, black, and chrome modern-art-inspired wedding, don't pick a plantation home and waste money trying to reinvent it,' says Calder Clark in Charleston, South Carolina. 'There's nothing worse than falling in love with a locale and wanting way more guests than it can accommodate.'Įvery wedding venue has its pluses and minuses, so find a spot that's convenient, exciting, and cost-effective.Īlso take into account its existing décor. 'Draw up your guest list before booking your venue,' says contributing editor David Stark, of David Stark Design and Production in Brooklyn.

Import guest list aisle planner