8 Unexpected Key Details That'll Help Improve Your Next Party

By Kacey Bradley

If you're throwing a party, why not make it one your guests will never forget? Sure, you've got the food, music and games for the evening all planned out, but it's the little details that really make or break any event. Here are eight things you should be sure to include at your next shindig.

1. Give It a Theme

A fun theme adds an extra layer of excitement to any party. In addition to bringing everyone together and giving them something to celebrate, the right one will make your event much more enjoyable and unique. Some ideas for interesting themes include decades, movies, music, colors or food. You could also take it a step further and give guests a goal, such as a murder mystery party, roast battle or scavenger hunt.

2. Provide Elevated Surfaces for Dancing

Did someone say dancing? Encourage your friends and families to really put their moves on display by providing plenty of elevated surfaces for them to get down on. The more tabletops, tall chairs and makeshift stages, the better! Crank up the music and challenge the two best dancers in your group to get the party started.

3. Serve a Signature Drink

Nothing brings people together like alcohol — especially a signature drink of the night. If your event has a theme, get creative by serving up a signature drink and naming it something that aligns with the celebration. You could even take it a step further by making a guessing game out of the ingredients, and then award a prize to the first person to guess the recipe correctly.

4. Use Lighting to Create an Ambiance

Lighting that's too bright or too dark is a surefire way of making a party just a little bit weird. If you have lots of table or floor lamps in your home or event space, use white light shades to create a warm glow in the room. This type of lampshade will prevent your lighting from being too overbearing and make your guests feel more comfortable and relaxed instead.

If your event is partially or completely outdoors, LED string lights are an excellent lighting option to set the mood when the sun goes down.

5. Consider the Flow of Your Furniture

Sometimes, your home or apartment may not already be set up in an ideal party layout. You'll need plenty of open spaces for traffic flow and mingling, as well as plenty of places for people to sit and converse. Don't be afraid to rearrange your furniture so the layout better suits a large group — at least in the main area where people will be hanging out.

6. Add Some Humor

If the people you invited to your party have a good sense of humor — which, if they're your friends, hopefully they do — infuse a little bit of comedy into your evening. Scatter funny signs, decorations and more throughout the house for them to slowly discover as the night goes on. The bathroom is one place where the jokes pretty much write themselves.

7. Throw in an Element of Surprise

Do you have a surprise guest who could show up to catch everyone off guard? What about a special food that everyone will love? Surprising your guests will make them remember your party and truly live in the moment while they're there. Another surprise element could be a game or activity for people to participate in, or perhaps even a competition of some sort.

8. Give Out Party Favors

Who said goodie bags are just for kids? Nothing makes guests remember your awesome party like a bunch of presents to go home with. Fill some bags with party favors like snacks, candy, booze, small games or whatever else you think your friends might enjoy. It doesn't have to be anything huge or expensive, but just a small gesture to thank your guests and encourage them to come to any future parties you might have.

Get Creative to Make Your Party Memorable

You know the people on your invite list better than anyone, so think about the kind of party details that would make their night. Will they appreciate it if you surprise them with a fun activity to do, or would they prefer more seating than usual for conversation? Consider adding in the eight details on this list to make your next party even better than the last.

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!

How to Host the Perfect Outdoor Event this Summer

contributed by Kacey Bradley

Summer is the perfect time of year to host outdoor parties. It's warm enough for everyone to hang outside under the shade or have fun in the pool.

However, wanting to invite friends over for an outdoor summer party, but having zero clue where to start feels hopeless. The following nine tips will teach you everything you need to know when preparing your patio for a party. Before long you'll be well on your way to hosting the perfect outdoor event this summer.

Remain Aware of Food Allergies

Preparing food for a party can often be a large stress factor by itself. Add in food allergies and you need to be on the ball. As more people become comfortable announcing their food allergies, you want to ask your guests what they can and can't eat before they arrive.

Gluten and dairy allergies can be the most common, so include a variety of food options. Salads, meats and dairy-free appetizers like vegetable trays will give everyone a safe option to eat, even those who forget to mention their allergies. 

Invite Friends of Friends

The friends you know might love the idea of going to your party, but if you're busy hosting and they don't know anyone else there, they might skip the whole thing entirely.

When you draft your invite list, make sure everyone has at least one other friend there besides yourself. Everyone will feel much more comfortable that way.

As you create your guest list, you should also look around for cute invitations. There's something extra special about getting an invitation for an event, and not a social media invite or text. It'll add another fun layer to your party to make it stand out.

Provide Some Shelter

No summer party will be complete without a source of shade. No one wants to stand out in the sun for long periods of time, no matter what food is served or music plays.

You won't regret renting a party tent or other kind of canopy. Guests will appreciate escaping the sun for a bit, and it'll help food and drinks from warming up so quickly after everything is set out.

Keep Water Bottles On Hand

It's easy to get lost in having fun at summer parties, which can quickly lead to guests becoming dehydrated. If guests don't hydrate properly, they could start showing symptoms like tiredness, dizziness or fainting.

Avoid this problem by keeping plenty of water bottles on hand. Leave them in ice buckets around the party area and indoors in your fridge. You may end up with lots of leftover water bottles, but it's much smarter to have them than to leave guests without water.

Place permanent markers by the water bottles so guests can easily label their drinks for continued use. The bottles will inevitably be left on countertops and around your yard, but people will be more likely to pick them up and drink from them again if they can clearly see it doesn't belong to someone else.

Create Sunscreen Baskets

Parents with kids will probably remember more than anyone else to bring a bottle of sunscreen to your party, but other guests may only think to bring food or drinks.

Keep everyone safe by creating sunscreen baskets. Leave them where people will need them the most, like by a pool or other outdoor activity. Guests will appreciate the extra thought and enjoy the party that much more.

Decorate your baskets with fabric on the inside or a sign pointing to the sunscreen. Invite people to use as much as they need, and remind them to reapply every few hours if they can.

Rent Extra Seating

A common issue at parties revolves around finding a place to sit. No one wants to sit and eat their food in the grass, unless you lay out blankets for a picnic. Even then, some people may need chairs for their hips or backs.

Rent extra seating if hosting a large party. Folding chairs won't cost that much to rent, and you can set them up in your party space the morning or night before everyone arrives.

Avoid renting metal chairs as they'll heat up quickly in the sun. Look for plastic chairs instead, or even wooden benches if you have the ability to tow them.

Naturally Repel Bugs

What kind of bugs do you think will want to join your party? That will depend on your party's location and time of day.

During the evening, you'll have to ward off mosquitoes. You can easily do that by lighting citronella candles, which naturally repel them.

Have any basil plants around your home? If not, you might want to go out and get some. Basil repels most insects, which can't stand the smell of it.

Entertain the Kids

If any of your party guests will bring kids, make sure they're entertained. Kids will quickly overheat and get hungry, which makes boredom so much worse.

Here are a few ideas you can use to entertain any kids that come to your summer party:

Fill a kiddie pool with water and dish soap for large bubble wands.

Have a sprinkler going for kids to run through.

Set up buckets of chalk on your driveway.

Fill buckets with water balloons.

Providing kids with entertainment will help everyone have a better time. Depending on which activity you choose, include everything the kids will need, like extra beach towels.

Learn to Be Flexible

You may have a certain idea in mind for your party. While goal setting helps, prepare for some things not to follow the plan. Party hosts have to remain flexible to meet their guests' needs. Thinking ahead and preparing with things like party tents and extra water bottles will help.

If you get some of these essential party features together, you're bound to host the best party of the summer. Now it's time to use your creativity and figure out what kind of party you want to throw.

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!

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!

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

The Importance of Having a Rain Plan for your Wedding Day

The Importance of Having a Rain Plan for Your Wedding Day by guest blogger Kacey Bradley of The Drifter Collective

Whether you're getting married on a warm spring weekend or a chilly autumn evening, you need to plan your wedding festivities around whatever the weather may throw at you. Rain, snow or shine, the day must go on.

If you cringe at the thought of rain on your wedding day, you're not alone. It's difficult to consider the possibility that such an important event might not live up to your expectations. No matter how much you don't want to think about it though, you need to have a plan for dealing with rainy weather, especially if you're having an outdoor wedding.

You don't have to rely on perfect weather to have a great wedding. By creating a rain plan for your wedding day, you can put control over your celebration back into your own hands.

Spare Yourself Last-Minute Stress

One reason you need to have a backup plan for your wedding is to spare yourself the last-minute stress of adjusting. On your wedding day, you don't want to be scrambling to change your plans. Regardless of whether or not it rains, you should be able to relax and enjoy the moment.

Having a rain plan allows you to enjoy your wedding with the knowledge that everything will work itself out. By planning, you ensure that you'll be able to focus on your love instead of the weather.

Avoid last-minute stress by including a chance of rain in your wedding planning from the start. Talk to your venue about their options for weather mishaps. And if you're holding an outdoor wedding no matter what, book a tent even before you know the weather forecast. Make sure you work with vendors who have experience accommodating clients no matter the climate.

Keep Your Guests Comfy

Having a backup plan also allows you to provide accommodations to keep yourself and your guests as comfortable as possible. If you're worried about the possibility of rain or chilly weather, consider how you can stay warm and dry without stopping the fun.

There are plenty of ways to keep guests warm and happy at a rainy outdoor wedding. You might plan to serve hot drinks, hand out blankets or provide cute umbrellas that match your wedding's color scheme.

If you're holding your reception outdoors under a tent, also consider how you can warm your covered spaces. Attendees will thank you for providing space heaters. By keeping your guests comfortable, you can ensure that they'll enjoy your wedding day despite the weather.

Protect Your Decor

Planning for rain on your wedding day also helps protect your decor from damage. Whether you want to protect the DIY decorations you made or the rented furniture you'll need to return in mint condition, your rain plan should include steps to shield your outdoor materials from harm.

In the event of rain, keep all delicate decorations like flowers and paper ornaments underneath your tent. To avoid paying damage fees for furniture, consider renting pieces made to withstand wear from the elements like wooden furniture that is made for the outdoors. The right wood benches should have no trouble standing up to a little rain.

By choosing your decor carefully and protecting it from damage, you'll ensure your wedding looks as beautiful in the rain as it does in your imagination.

Enjoy the Moment

On your wedding day, you and your partner should enjoy sharing your love with your friends and family. No weather should stop you from doing that.

Set up rain plans with your hair and makeup artists as well as your photographer so that the only thing you must worry about is enjoying yourself. Waterproof mascara goes a long way whether it's raining or not.

Even if it rains on your wedding day, feel confident that everything will work itself out. If you're enjoying yourself, nothing can ruin your day. Embrace the weather, whatever it may be, and focus on this special moment.

Plan for Anything

Though most couples prefer clear skies on their wedding day, people can't control the weather. However, you don't have to surrender your plans to storm clouds. A rainy wedding day can hold buckets of magic and excitement.

By planning for all weather possibilities, you can make sure that you and your guests will have a memorable experience for the right reasons.

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!