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Getting Ready for The Wedding: Groom Edition

Weddings often tend to focus on the bride. Most women have been dreaming of their ideal wedding since their childhood, so it is easy for them to take complete control over the wedding planning process. With the bride often having strong opinions on the colors, decor, and even the invitations, it can be hard for the groom to feel like he is an important part of the planning or the wedding. The bride is also tasked with hiring professionals to help with her hair and makeup. Now, grooms, you may think that you don’t have a lot of involvement in perfecting your look for the big day. While you may not enlist the help of professionals you should be taking the necessary steps to prepare yourself to look and feel your best!

While your bride is completely immersed in the wedding planning, take this time to pamper yourself and get ready for your big day! Here is a wedding preparation timeline for the grooms out there:

Diet and Exercise

4-5 months before

We talk a lot about how the bride wants to look her best on the big day, but what about the groom? As the groom, you often don’t feel as much pressure to reach a level of looking perfect before the wedding. That doesn’t mean that you can’t start to think about how you want to look and feel on your big day! If you know that you would like to start taking steps toward being healthier, then you should start 4-5 months before the wedding date!

Begin to prioritize eating healthy and exercising regularly. If you don’t know where to begin, consult a personal trainer or look for work out guides online. With the time it takes to plan a wedding, you may have to schedule time during your day to make this a priority. This could mean getting up early or putting a hobby on pause during the months before the big day. Make prioritizing your health a couple’s activity that you can do with your bride-to-be. The stress of wedding planning is very real so taking the time to grocery shop together, cook together, and exercise can provide a break. By taking on a healthy goal together, your bond as a couple will grow and you’ll feel so accomplished!

The Suit or Tux?

3 months before ~ 2 weeks before

As you know, the wedding dress is extremely important! Your bride has likely been thinking about the style, the color, and the shoes since you started getting serious. As the groom, you may be thinking that your attire is an afterthought. This is simply not true! You deserve to feel handsome in your suit or tuxedo. Most grooms opt for a black suit with accents, like a boutonniere or pocket square, that matches the wedding’s color scheme. You can make a suit more formal by adding a vest or tie. If you love to add a pop of color, get yourself a cool pair of socks. Every groom should ask their fiancee if she has any expectations about the suit ensemble!

Grooms (and groomsmen) should try on their ensembles three months before the wedding. And if you’ve been actively working on your health, you will want to get a fitting two weeks before the big day! This will give you and your tailor time to make any necessary adjustments without feeling like you’re rushing against the clock! If you’re at a loss for what is appropriate for your wedding, then consider the following things: venue, time of year, and dress code. These three things will help guide your decision! Your venue and dress code often go hand in hand. For instance, your dress code will not be casual if you booked a country club ballroom. The time of year can also affect what you and your guests will wear. If your wedding date in on a hot summer day, your guests will likely be dressed more casually.

New Skin Care Routine

3 months before

Your wedding photos will be a memory that you’ll look at for years after the big day. Of course, the photographer will retouch all of the pictures, but having great skin will help you feel confident and handsome. By starting a skincare routine three months in advance, you give your skin time to become radiant and healthy.

You don’t have to have an intricate 5 step process, but being mindful of how you treat your skin on a daily basis will do wonders. Keeping it simple will help you maintain the new routine. Unless you have serious skin concerns, then cleansing and moisturizing should be your main goals! You should wash your face twice a day- morning and night- and rinse your face after you’ve been sweating heavily. If you have dry or irritated skin, find a hypoallergenic moisturizer to apply after washing your face. When shaving, pair a brand new razor with shaving cream and post-shave balm to calm your skin. Remember razors should be replaced after six to eight shaves to reduce irritation and the possibility of cutting yourself as you shave. When your wedding day arrives, your skin will thank you for all the love and care!

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Remodelling the Bathroom: 5 Practical Tips for Newlyweds

One of the most exciting moments in life is when you get married as it signifies the beginning of a new chapter in your life. It also means you’ll have to share everything and make joint decisions, including financial ones. As the honeymoon ends and reality kicks in, sharing responsibilities is something you’ll deal with every day and if you haven’t lived together before, this could be challenging in the beginning.

Your bathroom is the first place where you’ll feel the adjustment need, so renovation imposes itself as the logical next step. Here are remodelling tips to bear in mind once you start planning.

Renovations on a budget 

It’s highly likely that after a costly wedding and your honeymoon trip that you’ll be working on a stricter budget, so financial planning is a crucial step you need to take. There might not be room for a complete bathroom overhaul, but you’ll probably be able to replace and update a few things. Sometimes, even the smallest change can make a big difference, so be open to various options.

Examine your plumbing first 

In your initial stages, it’s wise to check your plumbing before you embark on any larger work in your bathroom. If there’s any leakage or other issues with worn-out pipes, you need to have that fixed first. Many Aussie homeowners opt for highly convenient pipe relining as this service offers a very quick, convenient and effective solution for blocked or damaged drains without the need for extensive digging. Once you’re on the safe side, you can move on to creating your luxurious bathroom.

Add a Double Vanity 

An important thing to bear in mind when renovating the bathroom for a couple is providing enough space for both of them. All the items they have need room and it’s often that one partner tends to have more stuff than the other. A double sink and vanity is a great solution as it gives a separate space for each partner and there’s no need for fuss every morning when you both need to prepare for the day.

Add Bathroom Cabinets

In addition to a double vanity, it’s clever to build more bathroom cabinets as you can never really have too much storage. Extra cabinets mean you’ll have enough space for all the towels, toiletries and hair gadgets, so nothing will clutter up your countertops.

To make sure your bathroom doesn’t appear too dull with everything so neatly organized, bring in some colour by picking brightly coloured towels and mats. Be bolder and add a piece of framed artwork that will complement the tiles or the wall paint. It will automatically draw the eye and upscale the whole look.

Install a Separate Standing Shower 

If you have a similar morning schedule as your partner, it could get a bit hectic and tension may build up over the years. In order to prevent any possible marriage feuds and streamline your getting-ready morning routine, consider installing a separate standing shower. This means one of you will be able to use the shower while the other one can wash up in the tub. Neither one of you will have to wait for the other, so there will be no reason for rush or stress.

When thinking of your home, you probably won’t single out your bathroom as the most important room in your house, but it does bear a lot of significance in everyday life. In addition to being essential for healthy living and hygiene, it’s a place that provides privacy and solitude when needed, and when you have to share it with your loved one, it’s worth investing in it so it’s beneficial for both of you. Incorporate the tips listed here and you’ll easily create an ultimate couple’s bathroom retreat.

How to Plan the Perfect Proposal

So you’re ready to take the next step, but have no idea where to start? Proposing is a daunting task that can be very scary. What ring do I pick out? Where do I take my partner? What do I say? Those are just some of the questions that are racing through your brain now that you’ve decided to get down on one knee. Even though it seems like there is a lot to do, it will be much simpler than you think! Just let your passion and love for your special someone guide you to make the right choices.

Engagement Ring

The engagement ring is the first place to start. There are no rules for proposing. You should spend what is in your budget and whatever will make your partner happy. But what ring do you choose? The first step is metals. Take a look at the jewelry your fiance-to-be loves to wear. Is it gold or silver? This is very crucial because most people will have a preference for one or the other. They will want to wear their engagement ring every day so it’s important to pick out a metal that goes with their normal jewelry. If there is more gold tones, then get a gold band. The same thing goes for silver!

The stones are the next big part of an engagement ring. There are quite a variety to choose from and this really depends on your significant other’s personal style. Diamonds are the classic choice which can come in many colors and sizes. No matter the color or size, the 4 things you need to know about diamonds are cut, color, clarity, and carat. The cut  affects the sparkle of the diamond so it’s the most important! Color only refers to white diamonds because they can range from a dull yellow to a brilliant white. A diamond’s clarity refers to the amount of tiny imperfections on its surface. This is not noticeable to the naked eye. Carat is the weight of a diamond. If a smaller diamond is cut well, then the carat will not matter as much!

Another option is unique stones like sapphires or opal. If your fiance-to-be has a unique style, then this may be a great idea! To get a feel for if they would be interested in a gemstone engagement ring or not, ask their opinion on Princess Kate’s ring or a friend’s. Your partner’s reactions to those will help you decide what to get. Many jewelers, including Blue Nile, offer an assortment of engagement rings from diamonds to gemstones, allowing you to find the ring of your fiance’s dreams.

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Rustic Country Backyard Wedding Ideas

Regardless of the season, a rustic outdoor wedding is always dreamy and memorable. What makes rustic style so popular among newlyweds is its charmingly romantic appeal. What’s even better is the fact that this type of wedding allows you to express your own creativity through numerous DIY opportunities. Whether you opt for a lush summer bash or a celebration with a touch of winter magic, a rustic wedding will be the one you’ve always dreamt of.

It all starts with a venue

The very idea of a country backyard wedding narrows down your choices when it comes to your venue. If you have a family house in the country, you won’t have to look for a different location. However, if you still need to choose a venue, you can opt for a place by a charming lake or a magical forest for a truly authentic, nature-inspired atmosphere. Barns are also a popular choice for rustic weddings due to their enticing appeal. You can even go with your own lush garden if it meets your needs.
Nonetheless, the venue should be big enough for your entire wedding party, seating arrangements and the ceremony spot. When choosing a venue, you should also consider its surroundings and see how the environment may affect your photographic opportunities. Finally, make sure that the venue you choose has enough restroom facilities, electrical plug points, etc.

Colour it romantically

The colour scheme for your rustic backyard wedding should be in tune with your venue and the season. A summer wedding can be embellished with lively hues while an autumn one can feature a more understated palette of earthy tones. You shouldn’t go with more than three hues – you can choose a dominant colour and one or two accent shades. Since you want a rustic wedding, wood will be the most dominant material, bringing its warm tones. Beige and white are a subtle combination for a rustic outdoor wedding, along with soft, muted tones. Pastel champagne hues, wheat-inspired yellows and minty greens are also beautiful choices that can accentuate nature’s palette.

Create a comfortable alfresco experience

Backyard weddings are quite relaxed and easy-going, exuding peacefulness and tranquillity. However, you need to provide your guests with maximum comfort, so that both you and they can truly enjoy yourselves. And since you’re hosting your wedding ceremony and reception outside, you should make sure that your venue is appropriately equipped for different weather conditions. Thus, you need to provide enough shade against the sun or possibly rain. You can go with a large tent, but if you want to try something more authentic, you can install modern and functional rotating cantilever umbrella for a cosier vibe. This will enable you to arrange tables and chairs in circles, which will create a more intimate atmosphere at your wedding. Each table can have its own umbrella that can be easily adjusted and re-positioned depending on the sun.

Set up the tables

When it comes to the table and seating design, there are plenty of inspiring ideas that will help you capture the rustic spirit. Wooden tables and chairs are the most appropriate option while hay bales can be used to create cosy lounge areas for relaxation. You can go with a vintage design that will truly bring authenticity to your wedding. Antique wooden chairs can be paired with a simple, yet elegant white tablecloth embellished with rustic details. You can introduce centrepieces and decorations appropriate for the specific season and theme. From lush, soft flowers and flickering candles to wheat-inspired decorations, branches and garlands, you can truly bring life to your tables. Leaving your tables bare without any cloth will allow their rustic wood finish to come into focus. Embroidered napkins, wheat-inspired table numbers, antique details and dinnerware with vintage motifs will be in tune with your rustic backyard wedding.

Use lighting for a dreamy effect

After the fiery colours of sunset have passed, you’ll need to turn the lights on. With appropriate lighting, you’ll be able to create a cosy, romantic atmosphere. However, lighting will also provide you with an opportunity to be creative and authentic. You can place candles in mason jars on the tables, use magical string lights in trees or even create chandeliers using wheat or mason jars. Another great idea that will create a whimsical effect is placing fairy lights under a table dressed in a lacy cloth. This is a stunning idea for the bride’s and groom’s table that will stand out as a focal point. Paper lanterns featuring your chosen colours can also illuminate your wedding magically while elegantly floating in the air.

Design an inspiring wedding backdrop

Your wedding ceremony will be the highlight of your wedding and the beginning of your new life. Therefore, it should definitely be magical, memorable and inspiring. You should make sure to design the perfect spot where you and your loved one will say your vows. You can design a rustic ceremony arch using wooden arbour. Embellishing it with simple, yet charming linen, string lights and flowers can give it a rustic vibe. You can also create your own wedding backdrop using a flower-adorned piece of linen. You can simply attach lovely flowers using T-pins or embellish it with other inspiring decorations. Garlands of wheat can also be used to create an ethereal effect while old wooden doors can be used as a backdrop for your ceremony.

Don’t forget all things tasty

Bringing the rustic theme to your wedding treats, cake and drinks is surprisingly easy. You should keep in mind that you’ll be spending the entire day outside, so you should opt for alfresco-friendly food and a seasonal menu. If you’re having a summer wedding, you should serve refreshments regularly – cold juice, champagne and iced cocktails are a perfect choice. Winter, on the other hand, requires you to keep your guests warm and cosy using hot chocolate, cocoa, coffee, warm apple cider, etc. As for your wedding cake, you can place it on a piece of wood, use simple glazing and surround it with natural accessories. Cupcakes, finger foods with tasty dips and other treats can be displayed and served on wooden cut-outs and shelving.

Designing a rustic outdoor wedding in a magical country backyard will provide you and your guests with a truly memorable experience. Most importantly, this style will enable you to express your own creativity and taste through amazing DIY projects.

 

Wedding Skincare: Plan and Start a Wedding Beauty Regimen

The ring is finally on your finger and you’ve marked the big day in your calendar. Now it’s time to start planning your beauty project. If you want your skin to look its best when they see you in that dreamy dress, and glow and dazzle in your wedding photos, you need to establish a skincare regimen as early as at least six months before the great event. There are several ways you can make your regimen a success.

Adjust your nutrition 

Changing your eating habits (drastically) can indeed nourish your skin. The food we consume is the source of various nutrients that our body needs to feed itself and function normally. To give your skin the glow you want, first kick out fast foods, unhealthy snacks, alcohol, and sugar-loaded drinks like sodas. Adopt a diet rich in vegetables of all kinds, especially carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, broccoli, kale, and other vegetables containing high levels of antioxidants. Fruit plays an important role too: make sure you eat sufficient amounts of cherries, grapes, oranges, strawberries, wild blueberries, mangos and the like, as they are also rich in antioxidants. To increase the effect of improved nutrition, pay attention to proper hydration as well—drink about 2.5 liters of water every day, and eliminate harmful habits like smoking.

Avoid stress 

Stress is said to have the undesirable ability to contribute to inflammation due to the fact that it harms the immune system. As a result, the skin can suffer from different conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or acne breakouts. To prevent that, learn to steer away from tension, anxiety, and stressful situations. Learn how to relax more and better handle the scenarios that may be threatening to your serenity. Do more of what calms you and helps you blow off steam, whether it is pilates or a nice long walk. Also, regulate your sleep to keep yourself well rested and better able to cope with potential stress.

Developing a daily treatment routine 

Another way to help your skin on its road to perfection is to acquire a strict daily skincare routine throughout the months preceding the wedding day. That means washing, cleansing, and exfoliating your face every morning and evening to maintain its hygiene. It helps make your skin free of enemies like dirt, harmful bacteria, excess oil, dead skin cells, etc., and will, therefore, keep your pores unclogged so your skin can breathe. Naturally, do not forget to use gentle, high-quality hydrating skin care products to moisturize—you will eliminate dryness by keeping your skin properly hydrated, fresh, and nourished. Moreover, you will want to take care of the skin areas that your dress doesn’t cover, like the neck and the shoulders, as they require regular treatment too.

Body brush

If you don’t already own one, get yourself a good body brush. Dry brushing your body once a day (preferably in the morning) can have a great impact on the skin: it can contribute to the removal of dead skin cells, it helps the pores remain unblocked, helps with ingrown hair, improves circulation and therefore also boosts cellulite treatment, and generally gives the skin more smoothness.

Fight the urge to pick and pop 

If you have a breakout of acne or a zit that is really irritating you, do not resort to popping, picking, or squeezing. You will further irritate the skin and add to the redness of the affected area, not to mention the risk of leaving scars, which is certainly something to be avoided.

Hygiene 

Always refrain from touching your face if you haven’t previously washed your hands to prevent getting dirt and bacteria on it. You can decrease the risk of having acne.

Start your regimen as early as you can and remain loyal to the skincare routines and habits you have set out for yourself, and you will wow everyone with your beautiful skin when you walk down that aisle.

First things to do soon after you are engaged

Your engagement is indeed a special, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Days after the proposal, the bright engagement ring on your finger may still seem surreal and you will be reeling from the excitement of the proposal.

Enjoy every moment of this phase! Nevertheless, there are certain tasks you cannot put aside for later. The wedding planning experts at Best for Bride, Canada tell us what they are.

Inform your family and close friends

The social media announcements can wait. Your family and close friends deserve to know the happy news first. Inform both sets of parents first and then the rest of your family and friends. Do this over the phone or through a private message and they are sure to appreciate it. Once you have informed the people who are closest to you, let the rest of the world know.

Discuss your wedding dreams

Family and friends will want to know all about your wedding plans. Before you speak to them, discuss your wedding day ideas with your fiancé. Try to understand each other’s vision of the perfect wedding and come to a compromise on when and where your wedding will be. This can also help with venue and facilities planning.

Celebrate the big event

Your engagement calls for a celebration, and you get to decide how big or small it is. You can go all out and have a big bash with all your friends and family or keep it small and intimate with just the two of you. Nevertheless, make sure you have a special celebration on this account. This post on the Brides website has valuable advice for newly engaged couples to plan a great engagement party.

Fix a tentative date

Wedding planning is a momentous task. The earlier you start it, the better your chances of having all the wedding details you want. Start with just the wedding date. If not a specific date, at least decide upon the time of year to have your wedding. Everyone you know will also want to know when the wedding is, when you announce your engagement. Therefore, having an idea will allow you to give your well-wishers a little direction.

Work on the budget

Prepare your wedding budget and take the stress out of wedding planning. It may not be possible to figure out the exact distribution of funds at this stage. However, you can find out how much each of you can contribute. This will help you decide how big or small you want your wedding to be. It will also help with research on venue, vendors and other wedding planning aspects. For all the factors to consider when making your wedding budget, visit this post on the Knot website.

Sign up for an engagement photo shoot

As you celebrate this special phase in your life, document memories with stunning engagement photos. A pre-wedding photography session by a professional wedding photographer will help you gear up for actual wedding photography. It will allow you to get comfortable with your photographer’s style of working. Capture some beautiful glimpses into your life at a meaningful spot, in your unique style with this photography session. You can also use these photos in your save-the-date cards, invitations or favors. Check out this post on the Bridal Guide for inspiration on planning your engagement photos.

Begin a wedding planning board

A wedding planning board will help you with research and getting your ideas organized. There are plenty of options to consider. You can create a Pinterest board to compile images of your favorite elements for inspiration. On the other hand, make a folder on your computer with images; excel sheets and to-do lists for overall organization of ideas. Mood boards will help you compile all your ideas in one place and add or remove ideas as your vision develops.

Explore wedding planning apps

Digital tools make wedding planning much easier. There are several mobile applications to organize and simplify every part of the planning from the attire, vendor co-ordination, décor ideas and documentation. The best part of using these tools is that you can do your wedding planning anywhere and at any time. All data will be available in one place, so you can simply pick up from where you last left off. Since each tool is different, it is best to explore your options and find one that suits your style. Learn more about the many options available on this guide on the Brides website.

Start the search for sales and trunk shows

Trunk shows are a terrific way to score brand new designer dresses at bargain prices. Wedding shops host trunk shows once or twice a year. Enquire about the schedule of the next one at the bridal shops near you and plan your wedding dress shopping at that time. Also, subscribe to social media channels and newsletters of bridal boutiques carrying your favorite designer to receive prompt alerts of upcoming trunk shows and discount sales.

Do something fun

Before you dive into detailed wedding planning, take some time to unwind and enjoy your new-found relationship status. Go away for the weekend, have a fancy dinner, or return to the place where you first met to just relax and relive happy memories. Enjoy each other’s company and discuss your goals and future. This will prep you for the tedious wedding planning that lies ahead.

Author Bio: The modern bride’s all-in-one wedding destination, Best for Bride is Canada’s leading wedding dress chain. Apart from wedding dresses, bridal accessories, and wedding day services, they also stock bridal party dress collections and dresses for special occasions. Learn about their extensive collections and services by visiting the Best for Bride website.

Wedding Gift Ideas The Bride And Groom Will Love

A celebration of someone’s love – there are so many things to be excited about. You have to choose a dress or suit, shoes, gift… Wait, gift?! Two families work so hard arranging the event, so the couple deserves the perfect gift. While you are choosing what to wear, you have to think about the couple’s wishes and choose a gift that they will appreciate the most. Yes, you can always give them money, but maybe you can try with something more unique, personalized, something that will make a real impression. If you want to give them a thoughtful gift that the couple will show off to their friends, or that will stay in their heart as a nice memory, follow our suggestions and get inspired!

A gift for travelers

The couple is starting their marriage journey, so you can compare it with traveling. Which country did they go to, and where do they want to travel? Buy them a globe with corks so they can easily track their travels and explorations. This can be a great reminder of their goals and wishes. Also, you can buy them matching travel bags with their last name, or even with a Mr. and Mrs. tags as an accessory.  

Personalized gift

At weddings, everything is about the couple. If you know them well, you can find a nice photo of them and print it on any decorative item, such as a photo frame, photo collage, throw pillows, or even a lamp. Moreover, you can think about their first Christmas together and put their names on a nice ornament or an embroidered stocking. This kind of gift they would not only cherish themselves, but they would also love to show off to others. Also, this will show them that you’re thoughtful and that you celebrate their love yourself.

Surprise gift basket

If you want to surprise your dear friends, you have to be creative. We’ll give you a little hint – buy all these small decorative things you know the couple will like and put them in a basket. For example, you can find a magazine holder, carpets, candlesticks, a jewelry box, ice bucket, table lamp, tray, or anything that suits their home decoration the best. If you like this idea, you can always take a look at some beautiful Karavan homewares and accessories. Next, you have to think about gift decoration. When you pack all of these things in a basket, put their favorite flowers and chocolate in it. This will bring a surprise effect, so when they remove the flowers, they will find all these things they love.  

Tickets to a class

What does the couple have in common? If they are passionate about cooking, dancing, history, culture, or anything else, you can buy them tickets for a class or course. If you want to be funny, you can even buy them tickets for a lap dance class. They will probably get a lot of items for their home from other guests, so this gift can be something different and priceless. They will get out of the house and enjoy each other’s company. After they finish the course, they will both have a skill that will stay in the family forever.

Kitchen appliances

For most families, the breakfast is their favorite time. They are sharing their troubles and expectations and discussing them while preparing for a long day. So, think about buying a coffee or a sandwich maker built for two. These things can make their mornings easier and give them time for chatting.   

Something useful

What if they’re not a romantic couple? The truth is that not everyone likes the matching towels or pillows. If the couple is practical and they like to do things on their own, you can always buy them a tool set. For a couple that has just started living together, this can be extremely helpful. This set can last forever, and they can even get creative and try to make things on their own. Moreover, you can add an inspiring note such as “build your life together”.

 

You have so many exciting options, so which one would you choose for your wedding? Think about the couple and you will know which suggestion is the best for your gift.

A Guide to Planning a Backyard Wedding at Home

“A copy is worse than nothing,” Frank Herbert wrote, and his words have never rung more true. Today, being original has become the ultimate challenge. While it’s definitely easier to go with, than against the stream, there is also the fact that we are immersed in trends to the point of sensory overload.

It is no wonder then that most couples decide to go for the obvious – a generic wedding: renting a venue, deciding on a menu and sending invitations sounds like a no-brainer. But if you’re one of those lucky people with a nice garden or a backyard and would prefer your wedding to have a more intimate, more romantic feel, organising a backyard wedding might be a great idea.

Think of the possibilities

Having a wedding at home has many advantages, but most importantly, it will give you the freedom of being in control of every single detail, from picking the date and creating a fully customised menu to decorating and using the space to its full potential.

Since it offers a lot of convenience and flexibility, this could be a perfect solution for couples on a budget who are feeling creative and like to be in control of things.

Plan well beforehand

You will need to start planning at least six months in advance, the most obvious reason being thorough preparation of your backyard. If your backyard is already in great shape, all the better, but if not, you will want to consider preparing the lawn: sowing grass and planting takes time. Flooring one part of your backyard might also be a good idea – it will even the terrain and prevent sticky situations in case of rain.

Also, you will need to check your insurance coverage, obtain a party permit if necessary, consider parking capacities for your guests, and, of course, check with the neighbours to see if they’d object to the noise.

Be prepared for anything

Once you’ve made sure your backyard will be able to accommodate your guests, carefully consider the furniture and the amenities that you plan to use and make an outline of where to place them. You will have to provide an adequate number of tables, chairs, benches, lounges and other seating to make everyone comfortable.

Portable bathrooms or toilets and washing stations are a must. Since at least one toilet for every thirty or so guests will be necessary, you might want to check the plumbing beforehand so as to avoid unpleasant accidents. Provide generators for powering the lights, the music, outdoor refrigerators, and other electricity-dependant equipment.

The weather is also an important factor in planning, as no matter the forecast, surprises are always possible. To protect your guests from both the sun and the rain, think about renting a quick-assembly tent or canopies, umbrellas, and parasols. Depending on the time of the year, try and include fans or outdoor heaters and blankets, especially if you’re planning to party far into the night.

Get personal

Probably one of the biggest advantages of having a wedding at home is the ability to decide on the decorations in detail. Once you’ve picked a theme, you can start your search for decorations and other objects to give a personal touch to the setting.

For example, trees can be used to hang banners, string lights, lanterns or glass jars with candles. Walls can be painted or, even better, covered with amazing outdoor wall art which is more durable, more weather-resistant, and easier to apply. The best thing is, it can grace your walls for many years to come.

Rustic-style wooden tables are a great choice if you don’t want to worry about dirtying the linens. Use tree stumps to place all the extra lightning, food or tableware that otherwise wouldn’t fit on the tables. And, to make it easier for your guests, you can put up signposts to point them in the direction of the amenities.

Reconsider your options

Making full use of the setting will require some well-thought-out planning. On one hand, you will want to include all that is necessary to accommodate your guests, store the food and drinks and provide maximum comfort. On the other hand, you will also want to avoid the space getting overcrowded and people being unable to move freely.

If your space allows it, having a bar would be a great idea, and if you’re keen on preparing the food by yourself, you can also include grills and roasters, or even a small outdoor kitchen. Otherwise, you will have to rely on caterers, in which case you’ll need to carefully plan the timing – you don’t want your wedding cake and other desserts to melt into a puddle of goo in the heat.

Enjoy the benefits

Organising a backyard wedding can be demanding, but it’s also very rewarding. In addition to the intimate, relaxed feel, it will also give you the opportunity to get exactly what you want at a relatively small expense. From chairs and tables to grills, tableware and decorations, you can use what you have, and what you don’t, you can always borrow or rent. Food can be prepared at home or catered, and if you don’t want to hire staff, you can ask your family and friends for help.

Finally, and I’m sure you’ll agree, there’s no better way to start a life together than bonding over organising your own wedding with a joint effort.

8 Mistakes Engaged Couples Make When Picking Their Wedding Colors

Have you ever gone to a wedding reception and felt like something was off? The couple’s poor choice of wedding colors is probably to blame.

The color scheme is one integral aspect in wedding planning. Colors have the power to create the mood and complement the particular theme or unique aesthetic you envisioned. Like the choice of fabrics, decorations, and venue, the colors that have to be mixed and matched have to be planned and situated well. They have to be cohesive. They have to suit your personality. They have to be able to evoke the right emotions. And most importantly, they have to please the eye.

Unfortunately, it’s easy for couples to mess up their wedding décor with the wrong choice of wedding colors. Here are eight ways you’re making wedding color mistakes and some ways to avoid them.

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8 Extraordinary Color Combinations For Your Dream Wedding

Coral, teal, and purple – these are just three of the all-time favorite wedding colors. Some blend them with tried and tested partners, like coral and gray, teal and baby pink, and purple and apple green. These are classic wedding colors and combos that have held up over time and yes, brides continue to love ’em.

But why stick to the safe and most used fusions when there are endless color combo possibilities to recognize? Perhaps you haven’t tried mixing and matching emerald and melon with a hint of metallic gold.

If you want to have a unique wedding motif yet you’re running out of ideas, here are some of the rare wedding color combinations to take inspiration from.

1. Purple + Burgundy + Orange

Perfect for: Autumn wedding, vineyard wedding themes

Opting for a fall-inspired wedding? Orange is a no-brainer but you can create a rich intoxicating blend to set the autumnal tone by adding purple and burgundy. The deep, moody details are also perfect for the old-world charm of vineyard weddings.

Aside from incorporating the deep colors into the fabrics, flowers, favors, invitations, and other wedding elements, try to experiment with food. For instance, consider serving creamy tomato soup atop beautiful satin burgundy tablecloth or table runner. You can also place a mix of orange, plum, grapes, and apples on the table.

2. Aqua + Deep Pink + Gold

Perfect for: Summer weddings

Perhaps you have seen the aqua-pink combo before – the fun and feminine color combo that makes you think of unicorns, cotton candies, and everything sweet. But when the preppy colors are styled with metallic and glitzy elements, like gold ribbons, draping, light fixtures, and table centerpieces and dinnerware, the vibe can be elevated into a glam affair.

3. Mint + Coral 

Perfect for: Late-spring, summer wedding

If you want the similar fresh and fun vibe but you want to steer clear of vivid colors, then the mint and coral combination might appeal to you.

For a more elegant and sophisticated setting, play more with mint. Think of mint clothing, invitations, and table setting decors. Then, let the lush floral arrangements and even the sugar blooms on your cake display pops of coral. You can also incorporate coral through small details like your favors or the ribbons.

If you want to go for a laidback chic vibe, choose coral as your lead with mint as your undertone. To elevate it into a more luxe look, infuse metallics like gold, silver, copper, or rose gold.

4. Merlot + Peach + Sage

Perfect for: Rustic and shabby chic wedding themes

Going for an earthy theme without sacrificing elegance? You’ll love this color scheme as it binds perfectly with natural hues and wooden details. Analogous colors go well together, which is why rich merlot and soft peach look cohesive. Having sage as an accent color balances them out and adds freshness into the mix. Sage can easily be incorporated by playing with florals.

The color combo has a down to earth vibe, which is perfect for garden and woodland weddings. Just make sure you balance out natural surroundings with some grandiose elements like chandeliers, candelabras, and elegant dinnerware.

5. Tangerine Tango + Orange + Yellow

Perfect for: Modern summer wedding, beach wedding

Orange symbolizes optimism while yellow symbolizes happiness. The vibrant mix is perfect for cheery, flamboyant couples who want to add a bit of fun into a solemn ceremony. The combo is also perfect for a seaside wedding as the warm tones complement the ocean’s bright turquoise hue. The best tip: let the flowers do the talking.

You just have to balance them out with white and neutral details so your guests won’t be overwhelmed by the vivid colors. Let your vases filled with vibrant fresh flowers and bright table decors sit on a white tablecloth.

6. Navy + Eggplant + Gold

Perfect for: Art deco weddings

Navy and eggplant are colors that scream “majesty” and adding metallic accent hues such as gold or copper make everything just better. The ethereal combo is perfect for grandiose wedding ceremonies, like a Gatsby-themed party adorned with gold chandeliers and dinnerware, and silk eggplant tablecloth, and filled with bubbly champagne and live jazz music.

7. Marsala + Midnight Blue + Silver

Perfect for: Fall and winter weddings

If you’ve always been drawn to berry-kissed, cranberry-esque shades, then the fusion of these bold colors is to die for. The pops of rich colors against the winter’s cold and pale surroundings display a lively contrast. For a more elegant look, you can infuse metallics, like silver accents.

The combo is full of lovely possibilities. They work on white tables and wood tables as well. Since a few varieties come in blue, play around with marsala for your flowers and use midnight blue for the vase and table decors. You can also experiment with food. Apart from red wine, consider offering vibrant cocktails for your signature sip. You can also use fruits with rich hues, like grapes, blueberries, and cranberries.

8. Emerald + Melon

Perfect for: Spring and summer weddings

The emerald-melon combo is an unexpected fusion I can’t help drooling over. Emerald is a rich shade of green that is inspired from the gemstone itself while the color melon is a soft shade of pink that provides depth and balance to the boldness of the jewel tone. The two colors work perfectly together.

These colors can create either a big and elegant statement or a rather low-key and effortless chic vibe. It depends on what tone you’ll emphasize and what should serve as the undertone.

If you’re into a more luxurious setting, then play more with the emerald with the melon undertone. Apart from using it heavily for fabrics, incorporate it into the smallest of details including the bold patterns in your invitations, the linen of your cake table, or the wrap of your bouquet. Try adding melon-colored flowers and apricot deserts to subtly infuse melon.

If you’re going for a chic, low-key setting, let melon dominate the environment and infuse emerald here and there, in your garlands and floral arrangements, aisle decorations, and party favors.

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is one of the enthusiastic writers for Jennifer Regan, a shop in Sydney that caters to women who are looking for the perfect bridal dress to wear as they walk down the aisle. Her articles mainly focus on fashion and beauty, which help soon-to-be-brides prepare for their wedding day.