8 Ways to Prepare your Outdoor Space for an At-home Wedding

Contributed by Kacey Bradley

Nothing is quite as intimate and cozy as an at-home wedding in the great outdoors. But, there's a few tips you should keep in mind to turn tying the knot outside into a breeze. Here's a look at 8 ways you can prep your outdoor arrangements for the upcoming big day.

1. Personalize Your Space
One of the biggest perks of throwing a wedding at your home is having the freedom to customize your space entirely to your needs.

Let your style and personality reflect your outdoor decor and arrangements. Because it's your home, you can add any details you please! Whether you decide to hang up personalized banners or trickle rose petals across your front lawn, one of the best ways to prep for an outdoor wedding is to let go of boundaries and fully customize your space.

2. Get Organized
You don't want your guests to fumble over hoses and rakes on your wedding day, right? Never underestimate the importance of giving your outdoor area a good ol' cleaning.

There are many different ways to organize the outside of your home, so you can add a touch of personalization to your sense of organization, too. Use flattering furniture that doubles as storage to store away tools, lawn equipment and general outdoor accessories.

3. Incorporate the Theme
You may have your indoor decorations down to the T, but can you claim the same for your outdoor arrangements, too? Establish a theme that is apparent both indoors and outside.

If you don't have a theme already in place, now's the perfect time to brainstorm one! Themes contribute to a memorable experience. As an added bonus, they make your wedding day photos even more personal, too.

4. Invest in a Tent
No matter where you live, the weather goes by its own schedule. While outdoor plans may leave you vulnerable to the elements, an easy way to safeguard your wedding from unpredictable weather is to set up a tent to comfortably protect your guests.

Tents provide shade in hot temperatures and protection against water when it rains or snows. Do a headcount of your guest list to invest in the perfectly proportioned tent for your festivities.

5. Check for Pests
Make sure that your guests are the only ones digging into your delicious dishes on the day of your wedding by ridding your outdoor space of pests and bugs beforehand.

If you notice any bee or hornets nests, you'll want to remove them safely with the help of an expert. Remove any free standing water, leaves or piled up debris in your yard to deter small animals from visiting your lawn.

If you plan to eat outdoors at your wedding, light some citronella candles to ward off insects and other pests. On your wedding day, your human guests should be the only one enjoying your food!

6. Prep the Furniture

Chances are, you won't have enough seating or tables available on-hand to accommodate all of your guests. To minimize your costs, consider hiring a rental company to supply you with all of your outdoor furnishings required for the event.

7. Don't Forget the Lights
The darkness may be romantic and mysterious, but nothing spells disaster quite like navigating through an outdoor space without lighting.

Make a landscape lighting plan and decide which area of your space you want to brighten up during your big day. Common areas that often require additional lighting include dance floors, dining areas, pathways and anywhere guests will be seated.

Soft lights add to the ambiance and can really tie together the look of your wedding. You don't have to settle for harsh lights. Consider using Chinese lanterns, candles or string lights when possible.

8. Envision Your Wedding Day
The best way to prepare your outdoor space for a wedding is to create a mental image of how you picture your actual wedding day. Never go into your preparation blindly to avoid potential confusion or unwanted arrangements.

Discuss your plans with your soon-to-be-bride or groom and come to an agreement on your outdoor must-have accessories, decor and festivities. Then, the next step is to put these actions in motion so that you can successfully enjoy the big day!

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!

10 Fun and Memorable Wedding Party Photo Ideas

By Harper Reid

When it comes to wedding party photos, think outside the box. Pick a fun and memorable photography idea that will be talked about by your guests for years to come. Create a great atmosphere, break the ice and share many laughs. Keep reading for 10 unique and innovative ideas for wedding party photos.

Themed furniture

It has been 100 years since the roaring 20’s. The Gatsby theme is popular for parties, but what about a Gatsby-inspired area for wedding photos? Hire vintage furniture to set the scene. Accessorize with a wicker screen, patterned rug or a stack of vintage suitcases. If Gatsby just isn’t your thing, pick another era, color theme or even a country.

Props, props, props

An affordable way to capture some fun and playful wedding photos is through prop use. Head to your local fancy dress shop. Over-sized glasses, funny hats and other accessories work well in photos.

For the creative types, make your own! Download templates from the internet including mustaches, speech bubbles, bow-ties and many more.

Bouncy castle

Bouncy castles don’t lose their appeal no matter your age. A bouncy castle is the newest wedding trend. You can now hire white bouncy castles complete with gold or floral trim to match perfectly with your decor. So, kick off your dress shoes and have some fun!

Trampoline photo booth

This idea is a little different, but we guarantee this will be a unique experience for your guests. You may have had a stressful time planning your wedding. Now is the time to relax and enjoy the fun. What better way to have fun than with a trampoline photo booth? A trampoline photo booth will no doubt create some lasting memories and make for some spectacular action shots.

Photo Credit: Dan Olson via Flickr under License

Wedding party jump rope

Take it back to your schoolyard days with a classic game of jump rope. This is an incredibly affordable option to capture some fun wedding photos. All you need is a large skipping rope to fit the full wedding party.

Chalkboard signs

Give each guest to be photographed their own chalkboard. They can write a heartfelt message to the bride and groom or opt for nicknames, inside jokes or drawings.

Or, you can opt for a large chalkboard as the backdrop. Have each guest write a message, then photos can be taken with the signed backdrop. To save money, you can make it yourself. Simply buy a poster board and some chalkboard paint from a hardware store.

Polaroid camera with guestbook

Polaroid cameras have made a comeback. Leave a polaroid camera and film by the guest book. Ask the guests to take pictures of themselves and stick the photo next to their message.Pass the camera around during the reception. Your guests will enjoy sharing the camera around to take photos throughout the night. 

Photo Credit: a. pasquier via Flickr under License

Oversized polaroid frame

Take polaroids to a new level by going from fun-size to oversize. Cut out a polaroid frame for guests to pose with. Make them large enough to fit a few guests’ faces. Prepare multiple frames so that guests can write their own caption. 

Retro van booth

Setting up a photo booth in a retro van is a perfect idea for an outdoors, rustic-themed wedding. Hire a VW Kombi and set up a camera in the back with a shutter remote. The convenience of the van means you can park it wherever you need and allows for an extra area if you’re pushed for space inside your wedding venue.

Drone Shots

Use a drone to get those dreamy, cinematic shots. With technology fast evolving, you can now get a drone at a great price. Practice using the drone prior to your wedding day to ensure you get the perfect shots. If photography isn’t your thing, hire a drone pilot for your wedding day to get these spectacular shots.

Author bio:

Harper loves to celebrate the special milestones of her friends and family. She particularly loves the funny wedding speeches, the vibrant and exciting mood, and the dancing! When she’s not off to another event, Harper spends most of her time writing for blogs and Kiwi sites such as About Giving. Learn more about Harper’s work here.

Unique Wedding Centerpiece Ideas

A lot goes into planning a wedding, from booking the perfect venue to designing your reception space, and so much more. Once you check the big items off your to-do list, there are a thousand more smaller decisions that need to be made. 

Choosing a wedding theme helps bring your vision to life so you can focus on how to decorate your wedding and reception space. A boho chic wedding theme for example often features vintage furniture rentals such as peacock chairs. This theme also brings in worldly inspiration, such as hanging lanterns reminiscent of Morocco. 

While reception table decor may not be your biggest priority as you plan your big day, these small details can have a big impact on your reception vibe. Your reception decorations also have a way of sneaking into a lot of wedding photographs, so remember that you’ll be looking at these centerpieces for years to come! 

Centerpieces are also a great way to show off your couple personality to all of your guests, as every guest that attends your reception will get a chance to admire the table decor up close. While florals have been the classic choice for table centerpieces for years, many couples are now optioning for more unique and affordable options. 

Featuring unique centerpieces and elements that are not flowers into your table decor lets you give guests a “wow” wedding moment. There are endless options for your wedding centerpieces, so get creative and ditch the traditional (and overdone) floral! Check out our bohemian and trendy centerpiece inspiration below or head over to Zola to check out more wedding centerpiece inspiration. 

Gentlemen: 5 Tips to Perfect Your Look for the Wedding

Grooms, when it comes to wedding prep, you often think the process is obvious. It’s as simple as taking a shower and getting dressed in your suit, right? Not entirely. Think of your bride’s preparation (makeup application, hair, and the dress), and take your grooming routine to the next level. Here are some ideas for making your wedding day prep extra special!

Get A Facial

This is a great way to renew your skin and treat yourself before the wedding! Facials can be modified to fit your skin needs so let your esthetician know of any concerns you may have. There are often options for sun damage, clogged pores, and fine lines. Exfoliating, masking, and massaging the face can help reduce acne and increase blood circulation. Post-facial, your skin will feel dewy and refreshed. If you have any questions about how to take care of your skin leading up to the big day, then you can ask your facialist and they will be able to give you some recommendations!

Trim That Beard

For a dapper and clean look, you should maintain your facial hair the week of the wedding. If you’ve recently been to the barber, then you can trim the beard line and neckline yourself by following their work! Doing this is essential for any man with facial hair, whether it’s a long beard, mustache, some stubble. Before you get started, make sure you’re equipped with the best shaving products. As you start the process, prepare your skin with shaving cream to hydrate and soften. For a cleaner shave on the cheekbones and neckline, use a flex hinge razor that follows the contours of your face for precision. Your neckline should begin about 2 fingers above your Adam's apple.

Pick Out a Special Cologne

Wearing a special scent is a great way to add a unique touch to your wedding day appearance. Your bride will love that you tried something different to make the day more special. If you’re buying a bottle of cologne for the wedding specifically, take note of what your partner likes or have them come shopping with you. On your wedding day, you will be hugging your spouse and countless guests including friends and family, so try to find something you like that isn’t too strong!

Wear SPF

Sun damage has been proven to cause wrinkles and signs of aging to your skin so it is very important to wear sunscreen. This is especially true if you plan on having a summer wedding in an outdoor venue. But you shouldn’t just wear SPF on sunny days. Dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen daily because the sun’s UV rays can cause harm on cloudy days too! Remembering to apply sunscreen will help keep your complexion beautiful and even while reducing wrinkles.

Wear a Family Heirloom

The bride often follows the superstition about wearing “something old” on her wedding day, and you can too! If there is a family heirloom that’s been passed down, ask your loved ones if it’s okay to wear it as a personal touch on your big day. It could be a tie, pocket watch, or even a pair of cufflinks. This is a great way to pay tribute to a deceased family member who would have loved to attend your wedding ceremony.

Bottom line, don’t let your bride get all the rave reviews. It’s your day to shine too. Spend a little extra time on looking your best. It will pay off every time you look through those wedding photos.

Things to Include on Your Registry That You'll Actually Use

When wedding planning you can often get caught up in expectations of what you should, or shouldn’t do and include. This can be an expensive cycle to get caught up in, and when it comes time for your registry it can mean you end up with a bunch of stuff that will only take up space while sitting untouched for years to come.

A good system is look at what you use everyday and find things you want to replace, things that would be helpful and essentials you might need for the future. With the rise of registry options and aggregate sites there’s more flexibility and choice as to what you can include, and also how much guests are willing to contribute towards.

Splurge Where It Counts

Don’t feel the need to add every little thing you think you want, take a look and see if instead you can upgrade something you truly need to a nicer model. Instead of having that set of crystal martini glasses you will never use, upgrade your vacuum from a mid-range to a quality model that will have more functions and probably last longer. Bakeware is a popular registry choice, but if you only use your oven for storage, pass over that section of tons of gadgets and upgrade from the 400 thread count to 1,000 count sheets you’ll actually enjoy.

Think Ahead - But not too far

If you know you’re about to move into a new home take into consideration what you’ll need to get settled in. Many couples make the move from apartments to homes soon after tying the knot, which means more space to enjoy, but also more rooms to furnish.

Don’t be afraid to add furniture, decor or anything you’ll need for the house and want to build your home around. Guests are happy to help you build your new life together and they’ll love seeing their contributions in your new home, not to mention be grateful for the comfy new mattress they helped purchase when they stay over in the guest room.

The one caveat to this is to not get ahead of yourself and register for things you won’t have space for or use within a few months. No one needs an entire patio set taking up space in their storage unit or family basement while you’re still house hunting with no guarantee you’ll actually have a patio.

Get Ambitious

Have you always wanted to do something as a couple? Looking to find a hobby you can enjoy together after the stress of the wedding is done? Add a fund to the registry for them!

If you’re outdoorsy and wanted to try kayaking, add some camping gear or a fund for a weekend  away spent on a river. Maybe laying in the sand isn’t your style and you want to get scuba certified on the honeymoon, it’s all possible to add to your registry; add a link to your resort’s site where your guests can check out what they’re contributing to. Wanting to learn about wine and host dinner parties, why not add a wine club membership - just think of what works for you and add it! Variety of choice and price point is good for any registry.

Again, the point is not to fill your garage with extra stuff you think you might use one day, it’s to include things you have a plan for and a schedule that can accommodate them.

Valuable Extras

Sometimes you do actually need homewares, but dealing with wedding planning stress and packed schedules means you can’t find a moment to really sit down and envision what you want. Before you head out with your scanning gun, remember to select items that are versatile. Extra linens and towels that fit both your bedroom and the guest room, throw blankets that are cozy enough for the couch but warm enough for overnight visitors are all great choices. Also, plain white serving pieces can function as chic dinner party display additions and hold your basic Wednesday night take out.

Make your registry work for your future life together, be yourselves and have fun building your home without adding clutter!

5 Wedding Place Setting Ideas for Every Style

by Kacey Bradley of the Drifter Collective

Planning the actual wedding ceremony generally pales beside the magnitude of preparing a memorable reception. After all, the ceremonial part remains set in stone depending on the religious faith or lack thereof of the intended. The reception is really where the happy couple can let their creativity take wing.

The place settings selected for the reception dinner enhance the overall theme of your wedding. They create quite the impression on your guests and bring the rest of your decor together. Here are five ideas to get your creative juices flowing and design a table layout like a pro.

1. For Lovers of Whimsy

If colorful butterflies or clever combinations of patterns matches you and your spouse-to-be's quirky sense of style, create a whimsical place setting. The sky's the limit for this type of setting, so let your imagination soar.

Consider writing handwritten place cards for a more down-to-earth appeal. Choose a color scheme that matches the bridesmaids' gowns and combine different shades and patterns of that color in your choice of plates, napkins and more. You can easily create personalized take-home party favors on the cheap using items found in many dollar stores. 

2. For Lovers of Tradition

Those opting for the classic elegance of a traditional wedding place setting do well to embrace classic black and white tones with subtle accent colors. Formal styles demand quality dinner plates, artfully folded napkins, sparkling silverware and real rose centerpieces.

Design these settings around clean lines. Many reception venues are happy to do much of the place-setting planning for you if you select this option, though they certainly welcome your input. Consider classical accents such as ice sculptures to pull together the formal theme.

3. For the Outdoorsy Type

Are you planning an outdoor wedding and reception? You'll want to create your place settings with durability in mind. Fortunately, outdoor receptions may cost you far less than other venues due to the ease of decorating.

Lace picnic tables with chains of your favorite flowers and add garlands to decorate each pavilion. Consider creating mason jar chandeliers to subtly illuminate evening receptions. Wooden plates and simple burlap-looking napkins complete the rugged outdoor theme.

4. For the Theme Wedding Set

Dreaming of a wedding straight out of the pages of your favorite novels? Make your place settings match your theme with a bit of creativity.

Those considering Star Wars-inspired weddings can incorporate futuristic elements like light-saber shaped name cards, metal or jet-black dining plates, and droid salt-and-pepper shakers. Those planning fantasy-themed nuptials, such as those set in the Seven Kingdoms of George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, can create place settings that mimic those used at the Red Wedding — only without "The Rains of Castemere" and the ensuing nastiness.

5. For the Destination Wedding

Those planning destination weddings can craft place settings in tune with the location of the event. Some destinations will suggest schemes to use, but most still allow for creativity and adding your own personal touches.

Beachside weddings match perfectly with tropical decor, from coconut-shaped tumbler glasses to palm-tree-shaped swizzle sticks. Couples choosing to get married upon a cruise ship can create place settings based upon a nautical theme. Those saying "I do" in the mountains can go with a skiing-inspired look with Sherpa-esque elements.

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 to Stay Sane While Planning a Wedding

Tips To Stay Sane While Wedding Planning

Wedding planning can be a stressful experience, but it should be fun and memorable as well! Here are a few tips to keep in mind in the months of your planning to help keep you sane.

1. Set a budget

Before you begin planning, you have to set a realistic budget with your fiancé. This isn’t the most fun way to start the process, we know. However, it’s so important and will help make the rest of the process a breeze. First and foremost, figure out who’s contributing. It could be just you and your significant other, but maybe you’ll have the help of family too! Once you figure out just how much everyone involved is able to give, do the math and see if the budget is workable. Do this by researching vendors, estimating your guest count and deciding on what things are needs, not wants. If you still need additional help, consider applying for a personal loan for your wedding. Even if you don’t need the extra money, keeping a loan in a separate bank account makes it very easy to see where all of your spending is going. Then you can pay it off with the money you have as you go!

1. Hire a wedding planner

Photo by Brian and Jessica Photography

Having someone help you with tasks and planning will always be beneficial to stay stress-free. If your budget allows, hire a wedding planner or even a day-of coordinator. Wedding planners are there to ensure your day goes off without a hitch, so they’re the perfect people to have around if you’re trying to reduce any wedding-related stress. They will be able to get you in touch with preferred vendors, keep your planning on schedule and help you make any tough decisions. We highly recommend Danielle Pasternak. She's an expert on all the local vendors, she is lovely to work with and she stays on top of every little detail.

1. Delegate tasks

If a wedding planner is going to be a tight squeeze in your budget, then learn how to delegate tasks to others. There are so many effective ways to accomplish this! Firstly, think of any talented or craft people in your life. You may have a friend that’s an amazing home-baker or someone else who could easily tackle DIY bouquets. Think abouts friends, family and family of friends that may have awesome and useful talents!

Another way to tackle this is to simply ask for help from those around you. Your parents and soon to be in-laws will surely be eager to help, and will be especially helpful because they’ve been here before! You know your wedding party, siblings and other family members will want to help prep for the biggest day of your life too.

1. Practice self care

The most important thing to help reduce stress is self-care! Don’t let your routine fall off due to the pressure of planning. Make sure you’re still eating your best, exercising and making time for the things you love. This will help your day-to-day feel more like it usually does and not like you’re in the midst of the craziest few months of your life! If you want to strive to be very zen, then think about booking a couples massage for you and your fiancé a month or so before the wedding. Many couples wait until the honeymoon for this luxury, but by then the stress is lifted off of your shoulders, so it’s more beneficial before the wedding.

1. Take a digital detox

Once you have all of the details set in stone take a break from social media, especially Pinterest and Instagram. Scrolling through all of the wedding accounts you have followed for inspiration is great when planning! However, when you’ve made all of your decisions on florals, color scheme and design, comparison to other people and their weddings can be detrimental to your planning and stress levels. Taking a break from social media will give your mind a break it needs before the biggest day of your life!

Fresh Gift Ideas for your Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

We’re right in the thick of engagement season, and if you’re someone with a new ring on their finger, you’re probably stressing about the massive to-do list that began as soon as you said, “YES!” But worry not, we’ve thought about the smallest of details so you don’t have to. When all is said and done, and you’ve made it to your big day, it’s important to acknowledge the people who helped pull everything together. From picking out your save the dates, to zipping up your dress and putting cufflinks on your tux your people were there through it all. We’ve got some great gift ideas to make sure your entire wedding party knows that they’re appreciated.

Jewelry Made For Them

Douglas Benedict Photography

Nothing says thank you like a custom gift. We’re not just talking about a basic drink tumbler or robe, either! Jewelry from L2 Creations is handcrafted, repurposed and completely one of a kind! Giving a gift like this for your bridesmaids is not only thoughtful but long-lasting. Your girls can wear their custom jewelry on your big day, but also enjoy their unique accessory for years to come. This type of gift can forever serve as a reminder of your gratitude and serve as a testament to your friendship. Lauren can work with you to come up with a design that complements your style and brings out the personality of each of your lovely ladies. She can also make something up for the gents as well.

Creative Accessories for the Group

Accessories don’t always have to be interpreted as jewelry. While we love that gift as an idea (see above) we think also think that accessories for the wedding can have a more practical connotation. Want something your girls can use daily? Gift a pair of sunglasses on your wedding day! Not only can they make great group photo opportunities, but sunglasses are something that can be used daily. Figure out the style your girls like and get them something they’ll be happy to show off on a daily basis!

Want a similar idea for the guys? After all, groomsmen want to accessorize too! Consider gifting a watch that can be worn as a gift of your gratitude on the big day. It is a classy touch to pull their entire ensemble together. Traditionally, groomsmen all wear the same tux on the wedding day; so take into consideration that you can get a watch that suits their unique style. It allows for some personal flair to shine through on the big day, and compliments their everyday look after the day is over!

A Local Drink

Lauren Driscoll Photography

We all know that a wedding is a day of celebration. Consider gifting your guys and girls a bottle of their favorite locally distilled alcohol! Country Seat Spirits allows you to buy online which makes for a really convenient gift giving experience. You can toast to the day or save the drink to unwind after the festivities have concluded!

Maybe you’re interested in a similar gift that keeps on giving. The Colony Meadery also provides the option of the Drinking Horn Mug Club. Sign your wedding party up for a year’s worth of perks and discounted mead! As a member, your people will be guaranteed a free mug every time a new mead comes on draft and other money saving perks! Consider getting yourself a membership as well, it can be used as a great way to get the entire wedding party back together!

Nina Lilly Photography

Think Outside the Box

If you really want to have fun with gift giving, consider gifting something one of a kind. The Steel Beam specializes in providing pieces that are created with fine detail. This boutique is great for finding gifts for both men and women. That means it is a one-stop shop for finding gifts for your entire wedding party! From clothing styles ranging from casual to chic, jewelry, accessories, and even home furnishings.

10 Factors to Consider When Planning a Spring Wedding

by guest blogger Kacey Bradley of The Drifter Collective

Whether you're returning to your childhood home to walk down the aisle or opening your home for a pair of lovebirds, a backyard wedding is a unique occasion that comes with responsibilities. Backyard weddings are a personal and fun way to exchange vows, but you need to consider a few extra things to host the outdoor celebration. Here are six things to remember when planning a backyard wedding.

For couples who aren't into the snowy, cold weather winter brings or the searing temperatures of summer, spring can turn into a beautiful time to get married. The flowers bloom, and the weather is, hopefully, a perfect 60-70 degrees.

If you decide on a spring wedding, consider these 10 factors for smooth planning and an absolutely gorgeous wedding day.

1. A Venue With a Plan B

Spring weather is unpredictable. One day could be sunny with a light breeze, while the next you're dealing with a torrential downpour. If you choose an outdoor venue, make sure it has an indoor option, whether it's a barn or a tent. If your venue doesn't have an option on-hand, consider renting tents big enough for your entire wedding—just in case you need to move the ceremony and reception indoors.

2. Decorating With Lots of Flowers

Decorating for a spring wedding is easy with so many flowers and greens hitting their peaks. Flowers such as peonies, calla lilies, ranunculus and tulips are all in-season and more affordable during the spring. You can even purchase hanging installations as an easy and affordable way to decorate your reception.

3. Avoiding Spring Holidays

Most people think of avoiding weddings on winter holidays, such as Christmas, or the Fourth of July. However, there are some spring holidays you need to keep in mind when planning your wedding date. Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, Easter, Passover and Ramadan all occur throughout March-May and could prevent some of your guests from attending.

4. Dressing Your Bridesmaids for the Weather

Spring style can feel notoriously difficult because of the shifting weather. To make up for this conundrum, choose a dress that pairs well with a shawl or bridal cape in case there's any inclement weather. For example, one of these chiffon gowns is lightweight enough for a warmer day but can easily transition to a cooler night with a beautiful shawl over it.

5. Lighter Suit Jackets for Guys

You can't leave the guys hanging. For the groomsmen, opt for a lighter suit jacket or no jacket at all in case of a warm spring day. If your wedding is more casual, consider khaki pants or rolled sleeves to complete the relaxed vibe and keep all the groomsmen comfortable. Make sure both your groomsmen and bridesmaids have umbrellas on-hand for any passing rain showers.

6. Using a Spring Color Palette

Since spring is a period of transition between summer and winter, you can get away with any color scheme that fits your personality. Mint, pink, green, pastels or a shimmery gold all work well. Incorporate these colors into your decor for everything from your table centerpieces to your bridesmaids' dresses.

7. Crafting an In-Season Menu

Lucky for you, spring is a great time to score fresh fruits and vegetables at a lower price. Early in the spring, you'll find carrots, peas and other leafy green vegetables. Toward the later months, such as May, you can use watermelon and tomatoes in a fresh salad. Talk to your caterer ahead of time about what fruits and vegetables will be in season during your wedding.

8. Planning in Advance

Spring is a popular time to get married, so you'll need to plan your date and venue early to get above the competition. You also need to realize that your wedding won't be the only one happening in the spring. Send out save-the-dates early so your friends don't have too many conflicting wedding dates and can attend.

9. Fading Light

Talk to your photographer ahead of time about the optimal light and when to find it. During the spring, you'll have longer days and later sunsets. You and your photographer can plan a time to leave the reception and sneak outside for some good sunset photos. Make sure you don't plan any formal toasts or dances during the golden hour.

10. Weather, Weather, Weather

No one can predict spring weather, but you can plan for it. Arm everyone with umbrellas in advance and even swing for some cute monogrammed rain boots for your bridesmaids in case the ground is muddy. If it's a comfortable day, but a cooler night, see what you can do about heat in your venue. Or, add some outdoor fire pits with blankets around the benches.

Plan the Perfect Spring Wedding Day

No matter what happens on your spring wedding day, you'll feel less anxious when you prepare for the worst. Follow the 10 tips above to help create the perfect day that you'll remember for the rest of your life.

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!

6 Things To Remember When Planning A Backyard Wedding

by guest blogger Kacey Bradley of The Drifter Collective

Whether you're returning to your childhood home to walk down the aisle or opening your home for a pair of lovebirds, a backyard wedding is a unique occasion that comes with responsibilities. Backyard weddings are a personal and fun way to exchange vows, but you need to consider a few extra things to host the outdoor celebration. Here are six things to remember when planning a backyard wedding.

1. Legal Requirements

One vital consideration many people don't know is that backyard weddings require a permit under certain conditions. When the wedding guest list is extensive, or you're going to provide porta-potties, you may need a permit. Avoid a visit from the police due to a noise disturbance during the celebration by contacting the proper authorities first.

Contact your county or city government to get a limited special occasion permit. There may be regulations for parking, zoning and fire safety that they'll update you on. You also might need to talk to your local health department.

2. Sufficient Power Source

Weddings take lots of planning and logistics when it comes to decorating, making guests happy and providing conveniences. Lights, the DJ or band's equipment, technology and sound equipment all need to be plugged in, which means you'll need a power source. The catering staff or food vendors probably need power to prepare and store their creations, too.

Use a generator for the special day, so you don't risk compromising the main house's power or even the whole block's. If your original plan to provide power fails, you'll need a backup source.

3. Neighbors

People can file noise complaints against their neighbors for many reasons — from disturbing airport noise to turning up the TV too loudly. To prevent disturbing neighbors with unexpected noise or parking that blocks their car in, warn the neighborhood about the event. If you're upfront about how long the wedding and celebration will last, you can keep neighbors happy. Inform them where people will be parking, what hour people will start to arrive and how many people will be attending.

Whether neighbors decide to avoid the event by going out of town or choosing to stay indoors, their experience will be more convenient. Also, if the neighbors tend to be noisy, you can politely ask them to refrain from playing any loud music or having a party on the same day.

4. Yard Maintenance

Backyard weddings are a natural and intimate setting, but you'll need to manicure the yard for a satisfactory backdrop on the special day. Make sure to get landscaping work completed a few weeks or days before the celebration so it will be easier to set up the tent, tables, chairs, photo booth and dance floor.

Summer and spring weddings also need constant yard upkeep to feature a backyard extravaganza, because flowers need to be cultivated to bloom. For a warm-season wedding, prevent bugs from swarming your backyard, so your guests aren't swatting the air during the vows.

5. Parking

The average driver spends approximately 17 hours each year searching for parking spots — don't let your backyard wedding be another source of parking troubles. Help the guests find their parking spots around the backyard venue. Your area may require you to obtain a parking permit, too.

For neighborhoods with street parking, check the laws and restrictions. Make sure your guests can leave their vehicles during the hours of the wedding. If the backyard is large, you may be able to rope off an area and put up signs to show guests where to leave their cars.

6. Backup Plan

Outdoor weddings involve risk because weather forecasts are often wrong. Backyard weddings can also be challenging because stormy weather can push people indoors, and your house may not be able to comfortably hold all the guests. A tent can save the day if it starts to rain.

Don't dwell on what could go wrong but do plan for the worst. Whatever happens, make sure the wedding can still proceed successfully, despite the weather conditions or any hiccups.

Throw a Successful Backyard Wedding

Backyard weddings can be an affordable and lovely setting, but there are a few things you'll have to plan before the big day to make sure the event runs smoothly. Once you've checked off your to-do list, enjoy the celebration you've organized.

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!

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