Choosing A Sustainable Wedding Destination

The day you get married will be a truly magical one, so you’ll want to spend it in a special place, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. However, for the eco-conscious couple, this can present somewhat of a problem: how do you celebrate your big day abroad, while also staying committed to your sustainability values?

Despite the fact that the travel industry contributes significantly to global carbon emissions, it is possible to celebrate your marriage in an exotic location while limiting your impact. Here’s what you should be looking for when choosing a sustainable wedding destination for your big day abroad.

Regional certifications, initiatives, and policies

Certifications like EarthCheck can be awarded to countries committed to sustainable development environmentally, culturally, socially and economically. Recognition is given to regions that meet a number of criteria in areas such as energy efficiency, conservation, and waste management. EarthCheck certified destinations include Ras Al Khaimah, Madeira, and the Snæfellsnes peninsula – each of these locations are not only sustainable, but make for beautiful places to tie the knot.

While looking for certifications is a good place to start, you could also hone in on some of the initiatives local to your venue. Aim to identify communities that are committed to recycling, conserving water, and promoting eco-friendly modes of transport.

Low carbon travel options

Air travel will always be one of the less sustainable travel options, but if you can only reach your destination by plane, you could look into offsetting the carbon footprint of your journey. Most airlines have an option to pay for offsetting credits, but you can also opt to find your own carbon offset scheme, which will allow you to research the most high-quality options.

Of course, you’ll need to look at the transportation options within your destination too – you’ll need to have some low carbon options in the area that you can rely on to travel to and from your wedding venue. Look for destinations with excellent transport links, or opt for a venue where you and your guests can stay on site.

Eco-friendly venues and vendors

One of the great things about choosing an eco-friendly venue is that they tend to be inspired by the stunning natural landscapes which they’re aiming to protect. From rustic lodges to quaint cottages, treehouses, and even castle estates, there are a number of properties across the globe committed to lowering their carbon footprint, whether through using renewable energy sources, reducing their waste, or partnering with sustainable suppliers.

A wedding comes with lots to plan, like your menu, outfits and decor. Make sure to shop local from small independent artisans where you can and choose secondhand clothing or items made from sustainably sourced materials.

A planet-friendly wedding

No matter where you choose to host your wedding, you can keep sustainability in mind and plan a celebration true to your green values. Your big day will only feel more special knowing that you’ve done your bit to promote planet-friendly practices.

Elevate Your Wedding Plans with These Innovative Solutions

Image via Freepik

Elevate Your Wedding Plans with These Innovative Solutions

Envision a wedding planning experience where convenience, creativity, and cutting-edge technology blend seamlessly to craft your perfect day. With innovations like virtual reality venue tours, digital invitations, and AI-driven vendor selection, the journey to your special day is now more accessible and personalized than ever.

Below, Fox & Finch shares some technological advancements for simplifying the planning process and opening doors to a world of possibilities. These tools will ensure your wedding is not just an event but a reflection of your unique love story!

Rent What You Need

Renting items for your wedding can be a practical and elegant solution to create your dream setting without the need to purchase everything outright. One notable option for those looking to add a touch of sophistication and charm to their special day is Fox & Finch. They offer an exquisite selection of furniture that can transform any venue into a picturesque scene straight out of a fairy tale.

From vintage sofas and elegant chairs to rustic tables and unique decor pieces, Fox & Finch provides couples with the opportunity to curate their space to reflect their personal style and theme. Renting from them not only ensures a stunning backdrop for your wedding but also offers a hassle-free way to achieve it, allowing you to focus on enjoying your big day.

Embrace Digital Invitations

You can get creative at no cost by opting for digital invitations, and a free online design tool allows you to add your personal touch with customizable templates. These eco-friendly alternatives to paper invites allow you to design and send personalized invitations through email.

They save on costs and reduce environmental impact and provide a platform for creativity, so you can customize your invites to match your wedding theme perfectly. Plus, digital invitations offer the convenience of quick RSVPs and easy guest communication.

Create a Personal Wedding Website

Developing a personalized wedding website has never been easier. With user-friendly platforms, you can create a site that shares all the essential details with your guests.

These sites can be tailored to reflect your personal style, providing a unique way to communicate with your attendees and share your love story. They can also serve as a digital keepsake of your wedding journey and enrich your memories for years to come.

Wedding at Home

Planning an at-home wedding can be a deeply personal and intimate choice, providing the opportunity to say your vows in a space that holds significant meaning. While organizing your special day at home, consider making improvements that not only cater to the aesthetics and functionality needed for the wedding but also aim to enhance your home's market value.

This strategic approach ensures that the investments made for your wedding day serve a dual purpose—creating a beautiful and memorable setting for your nuptials while also increasing the long-term value of your property. From upgrading the landscaping to enhance curb appeal to renovating key areas like kitchens and bathrooms, these improvements can offer a return on investment by making your home more appealing to future buyers.

Simplify Vendor Selection with AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing how couples choose their wedding vendors. AI-driven platforms analyze your preferences and style to suggest vendors that align with your vision. This cutting-edge technology simplifies the selection process, making finding vendors that resonate with your unique taste easier.

Throw a Great Reception

To ensure your wedding reception is both memorable and smoothly run, consider these key event tips: First, having sufficient bartenders and a well-stocked selection of liquor is crucial to keep the celebration lively and your guests satisfied. A good rule of thumb is to have one bartender per 50 guests to minimize wait times.

Secondly, opt for a menu that avoids overly messy foods, which can lead to spills and stains, detracting from the elegance of your event. Choose dishes that are as delightful to eat as they are easy to manage with party attire. Lastly, investing in good entertainment cannot be overstated—whether it's a DJ with a knack for reading the room or a live band that keeps the energy up, the right music sets the tone for your reception and keeps your guests dancing the night away.

Efficient Guest Communication

Managing guest communications is a breeze with wedding apps. These platforms allow you to handle RSVPs, meal preferences, and seating arrangements efficiently.

They ensure effective communication with your guests, keeping them informed and engaged in the lead-up to your special day. Moreover, these tools often include features for sharing updates and essential announcements so everyone is on the same page.

Save on Your Honeymoon

If you're dreaming of a Disney honeymoon but are mindful of your budget, an effective way to save money while still enjoying the magic is by looking into renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points. This savvy approach allows couples to stay at luxurious Disney resorts at a fraction of the cost directly through Disney.

Renting points from DVC members can unlock access to deluxe accommodations, offering the same high-quality amenities, prime locations, and immersive Disney experiences but at a more affordable price point. This method not only offers significant savings but also provides a unique opportunity to experience some of Disney's most coveted resorts, making your honeymoon both magical and economically smart.

Capture Memories with Drone Photography

Drone photography provides a spectacular way to capture your wedding from unique angles. These aerial devices offer a bird's-eye view of your venue and celebrations, creating stunning and memorable photographs and videos. Drones add an extraordinary dimension to your wedding photography, ensuring you have breathtaking visuals to cherish for years to come.

Wrapping Up

In a world where technology constantly reshapes our experiences, seeing its positive impact on something as timeless as wedding planning is exhilarating. These technological tools bring ease, efficiency, and a touch of modern elegance to the entire process.

They allow you to focus more on the joy and less on the stress of planning so that your journey to the altar is as memorable as the day itself. With these innovations, your dream wedding is not just a fantasy but a beautifully orchestrated reality, waiting to unfold.

5 Ways to Beat Pre-Wedding Anxiety and Look After Your Mental Health

Contributed by Sophia Smith

Pre-wedding jitters are unavoidable and mostly wonderful, but a bucket-full of butterflies in your belly cannot really be easy to handle when you have a guest list to manage, a venue to find, and the ideal gown to choose. The endless list of chores and responsibilities makes it impossible to truly relax. Unless you prepare a stress-detox plan, that is!

All brides and grooms-to-be need to do everything in their power to make their special day joyful, and the days that come before it. So, to prevent your wedding butterflies from turning into full-scale anxiety, you need to focus on strategies that will help you minimize stress, from regular workouts to improving your nutrition: here are a few time-tested additions to your own stress-beating routine!

Try mindfulness meditation

Every bride and groom need a way to slow down once in a while, and prevent getting worked up over another wedding planning problem that is bound to come up. Knowing that the next few months will be hectic, you can prepare your mind for the rush by teaching yourself to slow down and breathe with the help of meditation.

To give your meditative practice a boost in case you’re not new to the concept, you can get a comfortable meditation cushion to truly build the right setting for your relaxing sessions. Alternatively, you can start a meditation journal to slowly transform it into a habit and use it to stay mentally healthy and strong well after the wedding.

Amp up your exercise routine

All the chores on your to-do list for the wedding are likely going to keep you occupied and force you to spend your energy on prepping for that beautiful day. However, that is no excuse to avoid the gym or any other form of workout for that matter – this is the perfect way to keep stress at bay, to stay healthy both physically and mentally, and to improve your sleep quality (and we’ll get to the importance of that habit shortly).

So, when you’re feeling low, you can use a high stim preworkout supplement based on ingredients such as caffeine or TeaCrine, known to elevate your energy and keep your performance spot-on. Add to that, you’ll spread out your energy throughout the day more evenly, and your body will recover more easily for the next training session. That’s a single alteration in your nutrition to stay consistent with your workouts and ultimately stay resilient to stress.

So much more than beauty sleep

Everyone has a different self-care routine when you’re getting ready for your wedding day, but one key ingredient for every bride and groom should be sleep. Without it, you risk overflowing your body with cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, which means you’ll be more prone to cravings, poor eating choices, and less training, all of which will play havoc on how you feel and how you look.

Instead, craft your own eight-hour sleep schedule and rev it up with the help of a powerful night-time facial mask to truly pamper your pores. Not only will the down-time be essential for your skin health and that bridal glow, but you’ll also notice a great difference in your mood, as your stress levels will float away.

Take active breaks during the day

When you work for hours on end, especially sitting at a computer, it can get difficult to find the strength to move on to another activity that demands zeal and vigor. This is a perfect opportunity to elevate your heart rate, get your muscles to work through the stress, and partake in a mild or moderate activity such as a walk in the park instead of a sedentary lunch break.

Light stretching exercises are also great between your work sessions to help you reduce muscle tension and keep your body in top shape for the wedding. Just make sure you take regular breaks and choose the right movements to get your whole body moving, and your mind will follow!

Dance it out

Let’s face it, on some days, you’ll have so much energy that you won’t be able to contain yourself, but on others, you’ll wonder how you can get up in the morning at all. It’s on those low days that you find yourself struggling to stick with your workout routine or your daily schedule. To help elevate your mood and keep your energy up, you can actually combine two activities: listing to your favorite tunes at home, and dancing to your favorite music!

Music is an incredibly powerful healing tool, it helps even people with chronic pain issues and severe anxiety and depression, which means you can use it as an ally to ward of pre-wedding anxiety with ease. Plus, you can burn more calories in the process.

Stress might be a natural part of the wedding planning process, and the sheer excitement might be more than enough to keep your mind constantly buzzing, but you can definitely prep yourself better and unwind regularly. Add more physical activity into your day, balance your energy, get enough rest, and the days before the wedding will be brimming with joy, sans the stress!

Things You Can Totally Skip to Simplify Your Wedding Planning

By Maggie Holmes

If you’re in the process of planning your big day, it might seem like your list of tasks will simply never end. It is indeed a huge responsibility and you probably want everything to be perfect, but you have to accept that some things might not go according to plan – it’s only natural. There are issues every bride is bound to face, so you want to minimize creating even more issues if you don’t have to. Simplifying your wedding planning is a great way to cut yourself some slack and save some money along the way. Here are some of the things you can totally skip.

No need for paper invites

We live in a digital age, so unless you are a huge fan of stationery, you can skip the paper invites. Not only is it expensive to have paper invites made, especially if you’re having them hand-made, but getting them to their recipients is also more complicated and time-consuming than if you just had to send an e-mail. Your invites can still look nice and sending them out will be a breeze!

You won’t have time for DIY

What you might not realize in the beginning phases of your wedding planning is that very soon, you will have too much on your plate. This is why this might not be the best time to try and DIY things like decorations for your wedding. You can save yourself from a lot of headaches if you simply accept this and go for pre-made.

Alternatives to a rehearsal dinner

Nowadays, traditional sit-down rehearsal dinners are not mandatory. No one will stone you if you completely skip them, but you can also add your own twist and substitute it with something else you feel more comfortable with. Look up some alternatives and you might get inspired, not to mention save some money.

Skip the intricate makeup

Of course, you want to look your best on your wedding day, but you also still want to look like yourself. No one is saying you should skip makeup altogether, but you certainly want to skip extravagant looks and too much maquillage on your face. Instead, it’s a great idea to go for simple, natural looks that enhance your beauty and won’t take hours to recreate. Get some temporary eyelash extensions for a natural-looking gaze, and pamper your skin with facials instead of slathering on a ton of foundation on the big day.

Forget about dance lessons

Amidst all the wedding planning, there is a high chance that you will barely have any time to squeeze something like dance lessons in your schedule. Unless the dance is a hugely important part of the wedding to you personally, don’t feel pressured to have a pre-made choreography and get every step right. The beauty is in the spontaneity of the dance, so you might as well skip dance lessons.

Favors are not mandatory

Another thing that is completely up to you is wedding favors. Sure, they are a nice gesture, but getting caught up in the details is unnecessary, as guests will probably appreciate anything, even if it’s not the fanciest. In fact, even if you skip wedding favors, chances are that everyone will be preoccupied with something else and won’t even notice. The same goes for welcome bags, unless you are to have a destination wedding.

Cut back on pinning

Finally, you probably can’t get enough of all the eye-candy on Pinterest. However, overdoing it is not a good idea. Once you’ve got a general idea of what you want your decor to look like, it’s a great idea to skip frequenting Pinterest every spare minute you have, as it will just make everything more confusing.

Wedding planning is crazy as it is, there’s no need to get caught up in details that won’t matter as much in the end. Instead, try to take some time to relax and simplify your wedding planning process a bit to make it more manageable. In the end, all that matters is that the two of you and your guests have fun.

Author Bio:

Maggie Holmes is a passionate blogger keen on writing about beauty and fashion. Her exclusive hobby is to surf the net to find amazing articles that can inspire her with some fresh ideas for article writing. She loathes being a common person who wastes her time.

You can follow her on Twitter at 

An Event Planner's Guide to Engaging Room Layouts

by Kacey Bradley

It's often a challenge to navigate the design aspect of a room, especially for an event. You want to create a space that works for its specific purpose but also sparks interest and engagement. Several variables go into every meeting and gathering, so before all else, it's necessary to consider how those factors into your potential layout. Here are a few ways to produce the best possible atmosphere for whatever occasion you're planning.

What's the Theme?

What matters most is the overall goal of the event, so first, consider what you want guests to get out of the experience. Are you throwing a birthday party? What about a concert at a smaller venue? Everything depends on why you're using the space. 

For instance, designing a conference room for a company is going to be a lot different than a wedding reception. In the first room, you'll require a communal desk space with comfortable chairs and technology hook-ups. In the second, a seating chart with multiple tables is almost always the case. Take a look at what elements you'll need in the room to make it work.

Consider All Attendees

The number of people that are expected to attend matters significantly. Most venues adhere to local fire codes that limit the number of guests that can be in a room at any given time. Check to make sure you're aware of this so you can plan accordingly. 

If your event is open to the public, have a surplus of tables and chairs, just in case more guests show up than you originally estimated. You'll also want to allow space for people to move around. No one wants to feel cramped, especially in the case of an emergency. Remember, there's a good chance that guests with disabilities will attend, so be sure to accommodate them, as well.

Think of Every Scenario

To make the most of your event, you'll want to ensure everything is taken care of. Will you need to serve food and drink? If so, figure out the best way to do this — buffets are great for social interaction, but a conference with speakers or talent could work better with a wait staff. 

Are there emergency exits? What's the bathroom situation? Are there pieces of furniture that can't be removed? Are the tables organized in a way that promotes conversation? There's a list of possibilities you should tick off as a part of the planning process. The more you cover your bases, the better engaged your guests will be.

Determine the Vibe

How your event space feels matters just as much as how it looks. A hip, romantic restaurant is a wonderful place for speed-dating, but not so much for a national business conference. Again, consider the space in relation to the purpose of the gathering. Open and bright areas help create an environment of positivity and cheerfulness, which is essential for networking. A dim and intimate lounge is ideal for jazz and acoustic musicians to perform. 

The furniture matters just as much, so don't hesitate to rent pieces if the place lacks the appropriate decor. 

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

When the day of the event comes around, you'll want to have done your homework. Choose a space that works specifically for your event and guests. Construct everything in a way that allows for interaction and engagement. In some cases, the more amenities you provide, the better the experience your guests will have — it all depends on the purpose of your gathering.

About the Author

Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Ruffled, and more!

Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!

Tips that Help You to Be Stress-Free on Your Wedding Day

Because this is something you will cherish for the rest of your life it is very important that you plan it properly. Even though weddings are a joyous occasion, all the planning, expectations bring the most stress. But don't let it get to you, don't get obsessed over the perception because you will make yourself miserable and lose track of your plans. Take a moment and look around at the people that are there to support the love between you and your partner. No dress, cake or decor is more important than the success of your marriage.

Pick The Perfect Wedding Venue

There is no doubt that the most challenging part of wedding planning is finding the perfect venue. By all the visiting and researching pays off when you finally book the wedding venue that is perfect for your needs, budget and fulfil your visions. But unfortunately, most people don't really know what kind of venue they would like to get married, and what will be right for their needs.

Searching for the perfect wedding venue is often presented as a super easy and fast choice, and unfortunately, that is not true. Not everyone has been dreaming about their perfect wedding venue and know what they need and want.

Yes, people can help you by suggesting venues and themes but when it comes to choosing the venue it is a personal choice and no one can tell you want to choose.

Have The Perfect Makeup

It doesn't matter how good you are at doing makeup, you don't want to wait till your wedding day to try out your wedding day makeup look. It is important that you practice until you have it processed and until you are pleased with every detail of it. Don't feel stupid, take notes of what and where you are putting on what makeup to help you master your look.

While false eyelashes are not necessary and most times they look really fake getting eyelash extensions will definitely benefit your whole wedding makeup look. Not only will it accentuate your eyes, but it will also make you feel super confident and it will actually help get rid of the stress of wondering if your mascara is going to run or if your fake eyelashes are going to fall off.

They are great because they aren't fake and they fit in with everyone's style and look fairly natural. Even the photographers said that long luscious eyelashes will accentuate your look in photos and real life.

Have A Proper Diet

Because your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, it is not worth listening to the gossip meal plans and low-calorie diets that are in all the magazines. You should always be eating well and healthy, especially on a big day like your wedding.

Hydrate and refuel. Your wedding week is no time to underestimate the importance of drinking heavy amounts of water and eating healthy nourishing foods. Staying hydrated and eating healthy is crucial for giving your body straight to manage the nerves and emotions. Don't think your dress will fit better if you start skipping meals.

Relax

Because wedding planning comes with so much to do and think about it is unavoidable that you will get overwhelmed at some point. Clear your head, sleep well, meditate by taking deep breaths in and out for a few minutes during the day and it will help slow down your heat and make you feel relaxed.

Before you start getting ready for the big day, go take a walk, go for fun or jog or just dance around the house to get your body moving. Physical movement will help you lower your stress levels.

Your wedding is your time to shine, don't let stress ruin your magical day. At the end, it won't matter if a storm comes sweeping through or your zipper breaks, you are marrying the love of your life and nothing can get in the way of that.

Author bio:

Maggie Holmes is a passionate blog writer who is keen on writing about beauty, wedding, technology and design. Her hobby is to surf the net to find amazing articles that can inspire her with some fresh ideas for article writing. She loathes being a common person who wastes her time. Follow her on twitter at

3 Self-Care Tips for Brides-To-Be

The days, weeks, and months leading up to your wedding will be filled with many emotions. While most of these will be happy, this busy time can also bring on feelings of stress and anxiety, especially if you don’t take care of yourself.

Between booking a venue, finalizing your guest list, dress shopping, and mentally preparing for your big day, wedding planning can quickly become overwhelming. However, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task! With a little pre-planning and self care, you can prepare for your big day with ease.

Here are three ways you can incorporate self-care on your pre-wedding to-do list:

Give Yourself a Break

Wedding planning can occupy your whole schedule, leaving you little time to focus on anything else. And, just like a full-time job, there will be times when you’ll need to take a break from all the craziness. You may want to get everything done at once, but planning for your wedding shouldn’t push you to your limits.

When planning becomes more of a stressor than an enjoyment, consider stepping away to relax and rejuvenate. Set aside at least one day per week to take a mental break and focus on things other than wedding planning.

Plan a weekend trip with your bridesmaids, read a book by the fire, or head out for some retail therapy. Whenever possible, limit wedding talk on these days, and fully immerse yourself in an activity that you enjoy. If you’re not sure what to do, refer to this list of ways you can take a break from wedding planning.

Tend To Your Beauty

As you know, pre-wedding stress can take a toll on your mental wellbeing. But did you know it can also affect your physical appearance? Regularly tending to your physical well-being will help ensure you look your best ahead of your nuptials so you won’t have to stress when the day finally arrives.

Be sure to plan ahead and schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to determine the best course of action for your skin. For ongoing care, consider treating yourself to regular spa treatments, such as facials, body wraps, and deep tissue massages. Or, plan at-home spa days for mental and physical relaxation. Run a warm bubble bath, use a face exfoliator, and apply a moisturizing sheet mask to keep your complexion healthy and hydrated.

The stress of planning can also have you figuratively, and literally, pulling out your strands. This can lead to unintentional beauty blunders and unhealthy looking locks on your big day. To avoid any mishaps, consider starting a fortifying shampoo and conditioner early in the planning process to ensure a thick and full head of hair on your wedding day.

Spend Time With Your Partner

Getting engaged is exciting! You and your partner are getting ready to build the rest of your lives together. However, the wedding planning process can quickly disrupt the peace. During this time, the focus of your relationship may shift from each other to all your pre-wedding responsibilities.

That’s why it’s smart to establish relationship-strengthening habits that keep the bond strong through these trying times. Don’t lose sight of the reason behind all of your planning, and make a conscious effort to keep the romance alive. After all, you are getting married.

During the planning process, make sure to schedule regular date nights. Go out to dinner or plan a movie night in, and avoid discussing anything pertaining to your big day. Use this time to reconnect with one another and fall in love all over again. Reassuring each other through gratitude and affection will help give you both peace of mind through all of the chaos.

Preparing for your wedding is a lot of work, but it shouldn’t lead you to burnout. With these self care tips, you’ll ensure you look and feel your best in time for your wedding day!