Every couple dreams of a wedding that's as unique as their love story. Planning the perfect wedding can be as exhilarating as it is stressful, but with the right guidance, your journey from 'Yes' to 'I do' can be seamless. From selecting the ideal venue to crafting the ultimate honeymoon itinerary, each detail contributes to creating an unforgettable experience. In this article, we'll provide you with valuable insights and a comprehensive roadmap to navigate through your wedding planning process. Keep reading to ensure your special day is everything you've ever wanted and more.

Selecting a Venue: Capturing the Essence of Your Love Story

The choice of venue can set the tone for your entire wedding and plays a pivotal role in capturing the essence of your relationship. Start by considering the size of your guest list and the type of atmosphere you want to create. Do you envision an intimate outdoor setting or a grand ballroom affair?

Location also impacts the convenience for your guests, so think about proximity to transportation and accommodation options. Choose a venue that not only fits your guest list and aesthetic but also offers the necessary amenities for a seamless event, such as wedding rentals Saskatoon.

Don't forget to visit potential venues in person to get a real feel for the space. Envisioning your wedding during a site visit can provide you with invaluable clarity. Ask questions regarding logistics, such as catering options or restrictions on decorations, to ensure the venue can accommodate your needs.

The Ultimate Bridal Beauty Checklist for a Flawless Walk Down the Aisle

For many brides, looking and feeling their best on their wedding day is a top priority. Start by establishing a skincare routine months in advance to ensure a glowing complexion. Regular exfoliation, hydration, and facials can make a significant difference as your big day approaches.

When it comes to hair and makeup, booking trials with professionals well ahead of time allows you to experiment with different styles. Finding the right look that complements both your personality and your wedding attire is essential for that picture-perfect outcome. Treat yourself to fine-quality lingerie that provides comfort and confidence throughout the event, such as options from Shadowline Lingerie.

Don't neglect your hands and feet; after all, they will be in the spotlight. Schedule manicures and pedicures close to the wedding date, and consider coordinating the polish color with your overall wedding scheme. Remember to also plan your waxing or hair removal, if desired, to avoid skin irritation on the day.

Crafting Memorable Vows: Tips for Expressing Your Love and Commitment

Writing vows can be one of the most personal and intimate aspects of planning your wedding. Start by reflecting on your relationship—the journey you've had together, your shared values, and the promises you want to make for your future. Spend time considering what makes your bond unique to capture the sincerity of your emotions in your words.

Keep in mind the tone of your vows. Some couples prefer to infuse humor and anecdotes, while others opt for more traditional or heartfelt declarations. Regardless of your approach, ensure that your vows speak truthfully about your feelings and are comfortable for you both to share publicly.

Practice makes perfect. Rehearse your vows to become familiar with the flow and to avoid stumbling over your words on the day of the wedding. Sharing your writing with a close friend or family member can offer you a different perspective and helpful feedback.

Designing a Blissful Honeymoon: Ideas for an Unforgettable Getaway

The honeymoon is a chance for newlyweds to unwind and celebrate their union in a private and romantic setting. Start by discussing with your partner what kind of experience you both desire. Are you looking for adventure, relaxation, cultural exploration, or a combination of all three?

Once you've identified a theme for your getaway, begin researching destinations and accommodations. Consider factors such as travel restrictions, seasons, and local events to make the most of your trip. Booking in advance can secure the best deals and ensure that you have plenty of options to choose from.

Altogether, a well-planned wedding and honeymoon can bring joy, excitement, and memories that last a lifetime. Following this comprehensive guide will help to alleviate the stress of planning and allow you to focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love and starting your life together on the right foot. Overall, with thoughtful preparation and a touch of creativity, your wedding experience can be as magical as the commitment it represents.

Your wedding day is one of the most significant days of your life, filled with excitement, joy, and memories that will last a lifetime. It’s a day that requires careful planning and preparation to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. While you may have organized the guest list, picked the perfect venue, and arranged the flowers, there are essential things every bride should have on the big day itself. From practical items for emergencies to meaningful details that make you feel your best, this guide outlines everything you need to make your wedding day a beautiful, seamless experience.

The Perfect Wedding Dress

Your wedding dress is perhaps the most important piece of attire you’ll wear. It reflects your personality, style, and the unique love story you’re celebrating. Finding a wedding dress that makes you feel radiant, comfortable, and beautiful is essential. After selecting the right dress, be sure to plan for any necessary alterations well in advance. The dress should be a perfect fit, allowing you freedom of movement and ease throughout the day. Don’t forget to schedule a final fitting close to the wedding date to ensure it fits just right.

A Wedding Veil: The Finishing Touch

The wedding veil is a timeless accessory that adds elegance, tradition, and romance to any bridal look. More than just a beautiful adornment, the veil holds cultural significance and sentimental value for many brides. Veils come in a variety of lengths, styles, and designs, allowing you to choose one that complements your dress and matches the tone of your ceremony.

Choosing the Right Veil Style

There are several veil lengths to choose from, each adding a different flair to your ensemble:

• Cathedral Veil: Known for its dramatic effect, this long veil extends beyond the length of the wedding gown, perfect for formal, grand ceremonies.
  
  
• Chapel Veil: Slightly shorter than the cathedral veil, the chapel veil reaches the floor, offering a touch of elegance without being too overwhelming.
  
  
• Fingertip Veil: A popular choice, the fingertip veil cascades to the fingertips, allowing freedom of movement while providing a delicate, ethereal effect.
  
  
• Birdcage Veil: For a vintage or modern twist, the birdcage veil covers just the face, creating a stylish and chic look.

Take a look at one of the above styles and so much more at laceandfavour.com to see which one you love the look of most and consider the aesthetic of your dress. Think about the overall vibe of your wedding day when selecting a veil, too. If your dress is heavily adorned, a simpler veil might balance the look, whereas an embellished veil can add texture and interest to a minimalist gown.

Comfortable Shoes (and a Backup Pair)

While your wedding shoes may be chosen for style, comfort should not be overlooked. You’ll be on your feet for most of the day—walking, standing, and dancing—so a well-fitting, comfortable pair of shoes is essential. Many brides choose a second pair of more comfortable shoes, like flats or Converse, for the reception so they can enjoy the evening without discomfort.

Break in your shoes well before the wedding day to avoid blisters or sore feet. Consider bringing gel inserts, heel protectors, or an extra set of comfortable flats so you’re fully prepared for a day of celebration without any foot pain.

A Thoughtfully Packed Bridal Emergency Kit

Even with perfect planning, minor issues can arise on the wedding day. Having a bridal emergency kit will save the day from unexpected hiccups. Pack essentials like:

• Safety pins and a mini sewing kit for quick fixes
• Double-sided tape for any wardrobe malfunctions
• Plasters, pain relievers, and blister pads for comfort
• Stain remover wipes for accidental spills
• Tissues and makeup touch-up items for freshening up
• Breath mints or gum for a confidence boost

Keeping an emergency kit nearby ensures that small mishaps won’t disrupt your big day and allows you to remain focused on the joy of the celebration.

Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue

The traditional items—something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue—add meaningful touches to your wedding attire. These elements not only reflect tradition but also hold sentimental value, symbolizing good luck and well-wishes for your marriage.

• Something Old could be a family heirloom or vintage piece, symbolising continuity.
  
  
• Something New represents optimism and the future, often reflected in the wedding dress or new jewellery.
  
  
• Something Borrowed is meant to bring happiness, ideally from someone who has a lasting marriage.
  
  
• Something Blue symbolizes fidelity, love, and purity; many brides incorporate this in a subtle way, like a blue ribbon sewn into their dress or blue shoes.

These personal touches connect you to loved ones and the past while celebrating your new journey forward.

A Beautiful Bouquet (and a Plan to Preserve It)

Your wedding bouquet is a central part of your attire and a meaningful keepsake that represents your wedding day. Whether you opt for roses, lilies, wildflowers, or something unique, choose blooms that complement your colour scheme and add beauty to your bridal look.

If you want to preserve your bouquet, consider options like pressing or drying the flowers, encasing them in resin, or having them turned into a piece of artwork. Speak with a florist or preservation specialist ahead of time to arrange for your bouquet to be preserved as a lasting memory.

A Signature Wedding Day Perfume

Fragrance has the power to evoke memories, and choosing a special perfume for your wedding day adds a sensory layer to your memories. Every time you smell that scent, it will transport you back to this meaningful day. Opt for a scent that you love and that complements the mood of the wedding—something floral, romantic, or perhaps exotic if you’re feeling adventurous.

Consider making your fragrance a part of your “something new” to create a unique association with your wedding day. Some brides even save a spritz of the perfume to wear on anniversaries, adding a beautiful layer of sentiment to the fragrance.

A Calm Mind and Open Heart

With so much preparation and anticipation, the wedding day itself can be overwhelming. Taking a few moments before the ceremony to breathe, centre yourself, and reflect on the meaning of the day can help calm any nerves and ground you in the present moment. This is a day to cherish with your partner, family, and friends, so approach it with an open heart and a calm mind.

Consider a few minutes of meditation, a short walk, or some deep breaths before the ceremony begins. Allow yourself to focus on the joy, excitement, and love that surrounds you.

When it comes to expressing love and commitment, few symbols are as significant as the engagement ring. This cherished piece not only signifies the intention to marry but also reflects the personal style and taste of the wearer. The journey of selecting the perfect ring can be both exhilarating and daunting, with a varied array of choices in design, material, and quality. To guide you through this momentous decision, we offer crucial insights into the selection process. Below, you will find valuable information that will assist you in choosing a ring as timeless as your love.

Understanding the Four Cs of Diamond Quality

The Four Cs of diamonds stand for Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat weight; they are the global standard for assessing the quality of diamonds. The cut determines the diamond's brilliance and how well it reflects light, directly influencing its sparkle. A well-cut diamond will appear more luminous and thus carry greater value.

Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions and blemishes in the diamond. The fewer the imperfections, the rarer and more expensive the stone will be. Examining the diamond under magnification is essential to properly assess its clarity.

Lastly, carat weight measures the diamond's physical weight, where one carat equals 0.2 grams. While larger diamonds are typically more desirable, the combination of all four Cs determines a diamond's overall quality and value. Understanding these parameters is crucial, and even more so when selecting rings.

Ring Styles and Settings for Every Taste

Engagement rings are as diverse as the individuals who wear them, and ring styles can range from classic solitaires to intricate vintage designs. A solitaire setting, featuring a single stone, highlights the beauty of the diamond and is timeless in its simplicity.

Pave settings, where the band is encrusted with smaller diamonds, create a dazzling effect and add overall sparkle to the ring. This style can make a center stone appear larger and more brilliant, and it suits those who enjoy a bit of glamour.

For those with a penchant for old-world charm, vintage and halo settings offer intricate detailing and a romantic feel. Vintage styles emulate historical eras with their unique craftsmanship, while halo rings surround the central diamond with a circle of smaller stones, intensifying its shine and apparent size.

Custom Designing Your Engagement Ring

For those who desire a truly one-of-a-kind piece, custom designing an engagement ring is a meaningful option. This process allows you to be involved in every aspect, from selecting the perfect diamond to choosing a uniquely personal setting.

Working with a skilled jeweller, you can bring your vision to life, whether it involves creating a new design or incorporating family heirlooms into the ring. It's a collaborative process that ensures the final product is a personal symbol of love that can't be found anywhere else.

Custom ring design also allows for flexibility in budget management, as you can select materials and gemstones that align with your financial considerations. Just remember that customized rings may require additional time, so plan accordingly if you have a specific timeline in mind.

Caring for Your Engagement Ring: Maintenance Tips

Investing in an engagement ring comes with the responsibility of keeping it in pristine condition. Regular cleaning is essential, both at home and with professional maintenance appointments. Gentle cleaning with a soft brush and mild soap can keep your ring looking its best between jeweller visits.

It's also important to handle your ring with care and remove it during activities that may damage it, such as heavy lifting or gardening. Storing your ring in a fabric-lined jewelry box or pouch can prevent scratches and keep it safely tucked away when not in use.

Annual check-ups at a trusted jeweller can prevent potential problems. These visits allow for the inspection of prongs and settings to ensure that the stones remain secure, as well as any necessary polishing or repairs to revive the ring's original lustre. If you're looking to purchase the best engagement ring for your significant other, you can check out engagement rings by Lillian M. Collection, renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and design.

Altogether, the journey to selecting and caring for an engagement ring is a testament to its significance in your life. Overall, by taking these detailed considerations into account and approaching the process with patience and knowledge, you can choose a ring that fulfills both your heart's desire and practical needs, remaining a lasting emblem of your love.

Planning your wedding is an incredibly exciting time filled with joy and anticipation. As you prepare for this momentous occasion, looking your absolute best becomes a top priority. Every bride dreams of walking down the aisle with glowing skin and a dazzling smile, feeling confident and beautiful.

From comprehensive skincare routines to effective dental care, there are several practical steps you can take to ensure you look radiant on your big day. Here are some essential tips to help you achieve flawless skin and a stunning smile, so you can truly shine on your special day.

Skincare Routine Essentials

Start Early: Begin your skincare routine at least six months before your wedding. This allows ample time to address any skin issues and find the best products for your skin type.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for healthy, radiant skin. Aim for at least eight glasses a day to keep your skin well-hydrated.

Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize: Stick to the basics. Cleanse your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser, follow with a toner to balance your skin’s pH, and finish with a good moisturizer to keep your skin soft and supple.

Exfoliate Regularly: Exfoliating once or twice a week helps remove dead skin cells and promotes cell renewal. Use a mild exfoliant to keep your skin smooth and fresh.

Facials and Treatments: Schedule regular facials to deeply clean and nourish your skin. Consider treatments like chemical peels or microdermabrasion, but make sure to try them well in advance to avoid any adverse reactions close to your wedding day.

Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen daily, no matter the weather. UV rays can cause skin damage and premature aging. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin.

Prepping Your Smile

Clear Aligners: If you want straighter teeth, clear aligners like those from Aligner32 are a fantastic option. They are discreet, comfortable, and effective. Starting your treatment several months before your wedding ensures the best results.

Maintain Oral Hygiene: A bright smile starts with good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles. Regular dental check-ups are crucial to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Whitening Treatments: For a sparkling smile, consider whitening treatments. Options range from professional treatments at your dentist to at-home whitening kits. Aligner32 offers solutions that not only straighten teeth but also include whitening treatments to enhance your smile.

Final Touches

Makeup Trial: Schedule a makeup trial with your artist to find the perfect look. This ensures there are no surprises on your wedding day and lets you see how your makeup lasts throughout the day.

Relax and Pamper Yourself: Take time to relax and reduce stress, which can negatively impact your skin and overall appearance. Consider activities like yoga, meditation, or a relaxing spa day to stay calm and collected.

By following these beauty tips and starting early, you can ensure that both your skin and smile will be flawless for your wedding day. Confidence is the ultimate beauty secret, so take care of yourself, and you'll shine as the beautiful bride you are meant to be.

Few life events require as much planning, coordination, and attention to detail as exchanging wedding vows with your beloved partner. To craft the perfect celebration and bring your vision to life within budget, extensive preparation is required. If a wedding is on your horizon, utilize this checklist covering all the key bases 12+ months out from your big day.

Set Your Budget

After you've enjoyed the engagement bliss, determine your overall wedding spending budget. It’s not your imagination: prices have been going up. So, get quotes for venue, catering, entertainment, attire, photography, and other expenses. Decide how costs will be shared by your families. Be sure to leave 10-15% extra for incidentals. Establish fiscal guidelines early to define priorities and trade-offs.

Pick Your Wedding Party

Determine who will stand beside you during the ceremony and help plan festivities. For traditional weddings, this includes the best man, maid of honor, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and flower girl/ring bearer if having. Don't feel obligated by convention - friends of any gender make wonderful bridesmaids and grooms-women. Pick trusted, organized allies.

Book The Venue And Officiant

Leading venues and high-demand officiants get reserved 12-18 months out. Prioritize venue selection to determine the setting, date, capacity, and flow shaping your event. Consider hotels, banquet halls, churches, outdoor spaces, or non-traditional places special to you. Lock this in ASAP after budgeting.

Hire A Planner (Optional)

Unless you possess immense organization skills, splurge to hire a wedding planner, especially for larger weddings. They'll oversee and orchestrate every detail - contacting vendors, managing timelines, wrangling RSVPs, and making day-of everything perfect. Months of complex planning get handled by the pros.

Create Your Guest List

List every person you'll invite. Consult parents if they're contributing financially - families often want extended relatives and business associates invited. But remember, it's your day. Only include who you truly want to share it with. Be ruthless cutting the list if needed to hit venue capacity and budget. You can't please everyone.

Don't Forget The Little Personal Touches

Beyond major items, small personal flourishes make weddings meaningful. Display special photos of your relationship and deceased loved ones. Give favors representing your personalities. Arrive in vintage vehicles. Infuse your values into the ceremony script. Add your favorite professional sports team logo to the cake! Personalize joyfully. Wedding neon signs are a great way to customize your space in a way that shows your personality. If you want a great range of custom neon signs, head over to Echo Neon. They can help you to create the perfect neon sign for your special day.

 

Shop For Your Attire

Give yourself 8+ months for attire to accommodate ordering, resizing, alterations and accessory coordination. Take loved ones with you for honest feedback and fresh perspectives while dress shopping. For suit rentals, reserve early with groomsmen's measurements. Don't forget shoes and accessories that pull the whole look together!

Hire The Photographer And Videographer

Photography and videography simultaneously capture the big day's sights and emotions. Review photographer portfolios for lighting quality, posed/candid ability, and wedding delivery packages. Book videographers versed in shooting important moments without interrupting the flow. Securing the right visual pros makes memories last.

Order Save The Dates And Invites

Send save-the-date cards to guests 8-12 months pre-wedding informing them of the date to hold on calendars. Follow with formal invitations 4-6 months out detailing event particulars. Research beautiful designs with details matching your theme. Custom touches demonstrate care invested in loved ones.

Book Catering, Rentals and Bar Service

With venue and date booked, engage caterers to provide food, drink, linens, tables, lighting, and other rentals. Compare wedding packages versus à la carte offerings to control costs. If permitting alcohol, arrange for bartenders to serve beer/wine/cocktails. Remember that people are drinking less booze these days, so plan for some alcohol-free options too. Secure top vendors with wedding experience ASAP.

Hire a Florist, DJ And Other Vendors

A florist will provide bouquets, arrangements, and ceremony/reception decor per your vision. Meet DJs to ensure musical taste alignment - mood and energy rely on the playlist. Book hair/makeup pros, transportation, cake bakers and other niche vendors as budget allows. Reliable specialists pull everything together.

Plan The Ceremony Order Of Events

Map out the ceremony agenda from start to finish, planning each ritual, reading or other activity and order. Communicate plans clearly to the officiant. Decide musical preludes and processionals. Select readings or poems to include. Craft your own vows if desired or work with the officiant preparing traditional verbiage.

Finalize Guest List And Send Invites

Make any final adjustments to guest numbers if needed after collecting input from families. Order enough invites with thoughtful enclosures like maps, accommodation options and registries. Have invites hand-calligraphed for elegance. Mail invitations 8-12 weeks out. Follow up as RSVPs come in so that you can tally the headcount.

Practice The Ceremony And Reception

Rehearse standing and pacing choreography to feel comfortable exchanging vows. Do multiple run-throughs if needed. Provide reception seating charts and day-of guides to vendors to facilitate their roles. Break in shoes and attire. Scope out hair/makeup trial appointments. Address any final logistical questions.

So 2020 wasn’t really the year for weddings, and with the restrictions that have been in place for almost a year now, many people have been forced to reduce the size of their weddings and only have 15 guests. If your wedding plans have been affected by the current pandemic and you now have to consider a smaller, more intimate wedding then read further. Or alternatively, if you have recently got engaged and want to plan a smaller and more intimate wedding then here are some tips and inspiration for you.

Having a smaller, intimate wedding is something that many people choose to do; rather than spend thousands on a big celebration, they choose to keep it small and spend their money on the things that really matter to them as a couple. Just because you are having a smaller wedding it doesn’t mean that you won’t create an exciting experience for you and your guests. In many cases, because you have less people it will allow you to be more creative with your budget and perhaps incorporate things that you wouldn’t have considered before.

Venue

One of the first things that most people who have recently got engaged think about is where they’d like to tie the knot. There are loads of options out there for you, it just might take you some time to do some research. Think about what you both would like, are you looking for a cute, countryside manor or perhaps something more modern in a city. One thing that is good to look for is an exclusive use venue. This will ensure that you don’t have to share your venue with anyone else on your special day and there will only be you and your guests there. This is even more special if you have chosen a luxury countryside venue as you will be able to make use of the on-site accommodation and make a mini holiday out of it. By having an intimate wedding and having a smaller number of guests it will mean that you could be more flexible on the day of the week you get married. Some venues offer mid-week deals so this might be something to consider and look into. Alternatively, if you’d like to do something completely different why not have a really intimate wedding, use a celebrant and get married on a beach.

Guestlist

With a fewer number of guests being allowed, you will need to sit down and think about who you want to invite. With current restrictions weddings have been limited to only 15 guests including the bride and groom. This doesn’t however include anyone working on the wedding so this is a good thing to remember when researching your suppliers.

One good thing about having a smaller number of guests is that your budget will travel further. You will only have to pay for meals for 15 people rather than 100+ so this means you could even experiment with your menu options.

As you will only be having really close family or friends at your wedding there are ways that you can still allow your wider family and friends to be part of your day. There are a few options available when it comes to live streaming, so you could look into live streaming your wedding ceremony on a zoom link for those people who can’t attend.

Entertainment & maximizing guests experience

As mentioned previously, a smaller wedding party means that you will have more budget to allocate to other things such as entertainment that will enhance your guests' experience on the day. You could opt to have some live music during your wedding ceremony or perhaps during your wedding breakfast, rather than having streamed music. Having live music is something that will really enhance the ambience. As the current restrictions have meant that people are not able to have an evening celebration and therefore no band, you might choose to get a musician to play during your wedding breakfast and then play an acoustic version of your first dance to end the day. This would be something that would be really special.

When it comes to decorating your venue, having a smaller wedding means that you can really make the most of your décor and if you are a creative person, why not have a go at making your own table centrepieces or favours.

Format of the day

Choosing to have an intimate wedding doesn’t mean that you have to lose out on anything and the format of the day will generally be the same, although, with the current restrictions that are in place, couples are not able to have an evening celebration. You can still have a wedding breakfast after your ceremony and have everything you usually would have, such as cake cutting, speeches and first dance, it just means that the number of people who are there sharing at the moment will be much smaller. This could be used to your advantage though and you could always look to organize a large party with everyone in a few months when things have got back to normal.

I've been eyeing for an embroidered mesh dress to wear as a wedding guest for some time now. And I finally found one that's not only flattering but also doesn't cost me an arm and a leg. It was love at first sight when I saw this embroidered floral mesh dress on Shein. 

I tend to go for dresses that are elegant with a subtle dash of sexiness. This dress strikes a good balance on both sex appeal and femininity without being too much. The mesh overlay drapes well on my body. The botanic pattern is fun and memorable. I'm in love!

This dress was perfect for a wedding that I attended recently at Madsen's Greenhouse Chapel. I felt like one of those flower fairies. The only downside of this dress is the lack of stretch to the mesh layer. 

  

Pairing this dress was easy. A pair of black strapped heels help create an illusion of longer legs underneath the mesh. Because of the botanic pattern, I didn't have to accessorize much and do anything for my hair except to just keep them nice and curly. Otherwise, it would have been too much. I'm pretty happy with the look. What do you think? Happy first day of Spring!

{Outfit Overview}
Floral embroidered mesh dress (Shein)
Strapped Heels (Steve Madden)
Studded Clutch (Aldo)
Dangling crystal earrings (H&M)
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Check out my outfit diaries here.

Shop the Look!

Flowers are expensive, especially wedding flowers. I remembered when I was planning for my wedding, I was a bit overwhelmed by the costs of wedding things. Will and I wanted to find out how much it would cost us to have fresh flowers as décor and for our centerpieces. So, we consulted with several florists and wedding decorators. And, we found out it could cost us a good couple thousand dollars for fresh blooms that fit my our wedding vision. Not only they costed more if I wanted a particular kind aka the “premium flowers” (like the name suggests, you’d have to pay a premium for these). And, if they weren’t in season for your wedding day then shipping them overseas could also cost another arm and leg.

Luckily, Will and I shared the same values and would rather spend more money on things that are important to us. And, we thought centerpieces were something that we could both tackle ourselves to save money. We really couldn't justify the price tag for something that would only last us a day and used as backdrops.

Consider Faux Flowers as an Option

In my culture, having fresh flowers are not that important and not a necessity. Yes, fresh flowers look nice and could make your wedding look luxurious but you could achieve the same results with faux flowers and spend less. Not to mention, you have flexibility to use flowers that are not in season!

I wanted my centerpieces to match the whimsical and romantic feel of my wedding. After doing my research (thanks to Pinterest!), I had a general idea of the kind of flowers to gather - Peonies, Hydrangeas, peach roses and some greenery accents.

My first stop was to check my favourite craft and supplies store, Michael's. They have a huge selection of faux flowers and almost always have promotions (look for their online coupons on their site!). I went almost every week to check their stocks and deals before I swept their entire selection of hydrangeas and roses during their buy one get one free!

But I was still missing the star of my centerpieces and that was the Peonies. Michael's didn't carry any in-store so I had to look elsewhere. Good thing was I had sufficient time for this project so I could look for some options online and shipped them over. I found some pretty nice peonies from a site called, DHgate. It took 3 weeks to arrive but the price and quality were amazing. Definitely worth the wait!

After I gathered all my flowers, it was time to arrange them into a bouquet. This was as simple as these few steps:

1. Cut out the individual branch from each flower bunch and arrange different kinds into a bouquet.

2. Tie them tightly together with a plant wire tie or plant tapes that you could easily find from any dollar store or home hardware store.

3. Insert them into your vases and you’re done!

Mason Jars Serve Good Vases

When looking for vases, their cost and look are two of the main factors. I wanted something that wasn’t plain yet wouldn’t cost me a fortune if I purchased 30 of them. I loved the look of mason jars and the embossed prints on them that make them more embellished as vases. And I knew we could save some money by buying them in bulk at places like Canadian Tires. Originally, I wanted to spray paint the jars to get a gold, mercury glass look. But after checking for prices of the spray paint that came only in small cans, I realized it would be much wiser if I just paint them in metallic gold. I thought my vases turned out pretty good. I decorated them further by adding a ribbon in one of the colours from my wedding palette and I was set.

Re-purpose for Something Else

Another great thing about using faux flowers is that they are very versatile and easily transportable. Besides using them as table centerpieces at the reception, I also used the same arrangements as aisle decorations for my church ceremony in the morning. Because they were faux, I didn’t have to worry about keeping them alive and could tucked them into the pew bows that I had along the aisle. After the ceremony was over, my bridesmaids removed the bouquets and put them into the vases before the reception starts. Having this dual purpose with my flowers is like killing two pigs with one bird!

In the end, I saved a bundle by making my own centerpieces and being resourceful. And, to add to that? My guests even took the centerpieces home to keep and that was something I’m most proud of.

Pin this for later~

I can't believe the day has already come and I'm already somebody's wife! Looking back at the wedding, I feel that we've accomplished a lot. It was the biggest project I've ever done in my life. Wedding is a lot of work! Especially for someone like me, who likes to do everything herself, like the invitations, reception decor, car decor, centerpieces, wedding favours, and games. At one point, I even thought of making my own wedding cake. Luckily, I have some very rational friends who stopped me, otherwise it would be extra stress for myself and my better half. And the advices that all the married couple gave me about weddings are so true, nothing's gonna be perfect, and ours wasn't either. But, I'm happy to hear that my guests had a wonderful time, at least we get to party until the venue kicked us out.

Here's a highlight video of our big day. Many thanks to Norris Wong and crew for keeping their professionalism and cool throughout this hectic day. Enjoy the video!

{Everything about my wedding}

How I Made My Own Wedding Centerpieces
Our Engagement Photoshoot and What to Wear