Let there Be Light!

Are you looking for different ways to light up your big day without straying from your original vision? Don’t limit yourself to one particular lighting choice to brighten your ceremony and reception. There are many unique, romantic ways to lighten up your big day without losing your original theme. Here are a few of our favorites!

Chandeliers. During the process of choosing a venue space, make sure you tour venues with and without chandeliers already existing. If there aren’t any in a space you truly love, there are ways to incorporate them into your décor. Vintage Ambiance is one of our favorite resources when it comes to looking for an artist to create beautiful hanging decorations that you can add candles to for a little extra twinkle. They will install their creations for you as well!

Photo by Corliss Photography

Candlesticks. Groupings of candlesticks, either throughout your venue and/or used in centerpieces, draw soft, romantic light upward without being extended overhead from the ceiling. This is an easy atmosphere to create, aesthetically stunning and easy pack up, too.

Photo by The Popes

Lanterns. Whether hanging or placed throughout a venue, lanterns are a gorgeous addition to broaden your lighting décor. They are usually on the brighter side, so make sure you know their full lighting capability before deciding to include them on your big day. Because of this, also consider placing them in darker corners unless you prefer a softer, candlelit glow.

Photo by Jerome Tso Photography

Floating candles. One option we’ve been loving lately at Elegant Affairs is the use of floating candles in various sizes of elongated glass vases. This is a more modern approach to lighting up your big day while still holding true to that cozy, romantic atmosphere. 

Edison bulbs. Edison bulbs are great for outdoor and indoor ceremonies and receptions! If you are looking for a splash of light to brighten up from overhead, consider stringing up a few Edison bulbs to create a sparkly wonderland. This is sure to brighten the space without being overpowering.

Photo by Sara Parsons Photography

LED Dancefloor. This is probably the most unique idea, and so incredibly fun! If you are looking for an outstanding dance party without a spotlight shining down from overhead, try renting an LED dancefloor. These can be set up at different venues and guests LOVE it.

Photo by Scott Drexler Photography

You can use any of these ideas individually, or combine them to create your own perfectly lit event! All of these options will contribute to a beautiful atmosphere for your special day—you can’t go wrong! 

Your Guide to the Perfect Honeymoon Destination

Are you trying to decipher which honeymoon location is going to be right for you and yours? With all the beautiful places to travel, it can be tough to decide on the best location for you as a couple.  We’ve created a general guideline to help you narrow down your final decision!

Make a list of your favorite activities. Make a list of what you and your fiancé love to do the most in daily life. Do you enjoy the outdoors and hiking? If this sounds like you as a couple and you love exploring, try looking into locations that offer things like scuba diving, snorkeling or scenic bike rides. If you’re more of a cold weather couple, look into mountain locations that are great for skiing and/or snowboarding.

Define your favorite vacation locations from previous years. Identify what your past favorite locations to vacation have been, with and before meeting each other. You want to be comfortable on your vacation and looking forward to it all the way up to the day you leave. Think about where you loved being the most and compare other locations that you haven’t been to that offer the same atmosphere. For example, if you’ve loved going to the lake every summer, check out other lakes in the US or even tropical locations elsewhere that you’ve never been to. It will be a new location but not something you’ll be completely uncomfortable with. You don’t want to go too outside the norm to the point that you’re uncomfortable, but it’s always fun to explore a new location. 

Revert to references. Chances are there are more than a few people telling you about different vacation areas that are best. If something catches your fancy, take the time to look into it. Visit their website and ask around to find out if anyone else has been there recently. Sometimes the best kept secret vacation spots are found through friends that have already been there and experienced it themselves!

 Do your research. Always check out the websites and reviews of the locations you may be interested in. Specifically if you’re looking into staying at a resort. You want to make sure that the place you’re hoping to spend a long romantic vacation has all the amenities you are looking forward to. If you book your stay, then arrive and realize they don’t offer couples massages or room service, you may be highly disappointed. Avoid this possible outcome by researching!

Review expenses. After you’ve narrowed down your desired locations with the previous tips, go over how much it’s going to cost to get there and stay there for the amount of time you’re hoping. If it is too expensive, consider a different location on your list that you like just as much.

Your honeymoon is you and your new spouse’s chance to relax after all the hectic wedding festivities come to an end. Make sure you two take the time to choose the best vacation location to unwind as a new couple! Happy honeymooning all! 

Is Dinner the Only Option?

It’s common belief that every reception needs to involve dinner. This is not true! You can celebrate during your reception however you want! We have some great ideas outside of serving a traditional dinner that you can explore if you want to celebrate at your reception outside the norm. These also can be a great money saver if you are sticking to a strict budget!

Brunch. Have an early ceremony and serve your guests brunch with mimosas. There are so many different ways you can take this idea; you can offer an omelet, waffle, or French toast station to be prepared on site, or you can serve a plated, sit down meal. The great thing about brunch is that there are easy and delicious food options such as scones, muffins and fruit that are easy to prepare, clean up and tend to be less expensive.

Salish Lodge created a beautiful brunch for Mark + Jereme's wedding. Photo by Crozier Photography.

Appetizers/dessert bar. If you are having a late ceremony and you’re afraid that serving dinner might come too late, think of scaling down to offering only appetizers and the desserts of your choosing via dessert bar. Snacks are a great idea to have available alongside a dessert bar and keep guests happy if they have something to nibble on in between dancing and visiting that is more substantial to offset the sugary treats. Make sure to make a note of this on the invitation so guests know to eat dinner before they attend the wedding if they need to.

                       The most incredible appetizers by the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea.                           Photos by Scott Drexler Photography.

Late Lunch. Serve a late lunch instead of full dinner meal. If you are having an afternoon ceremony and are not looking to party into the night, keep it light with an easy sit down lunch taking place late afternoon. This is great for smaller groups because you will actually have the capacity to visit with others while they casually munch on lunch items like sandwiches and salads.

Desserts only. This option is only amenable if you are having a late-night ceremony with no desire to have a large reception with dancing, etc. This is also an option that should be limited only to weddings that aren’t serving alcohol to guests. It’s always a better idea to serve snacks if alcohol is being served so guests aren’t drinking on an empty stomach.

Dessert Bar by Better Than a Boyfriend Bakery. Photo by Van Wyhe Photography

Remember to think about what you really want the day of your nuptials. You don’t have to stick to one common idea because it seems to be a theme amongst traditional weddings. There are a few different ways to serve food at your reception if you don’t want to serve dinner, and they can be delicious, easy to prepare, clean up and also save you some money. Happy planning!