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Wedding Planning: Keep It Simple

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Wedding Planning: Keep It Simple

During the time of the pandemic, couples made the best of smaller weddings out of necessity. Then, extravagant weddings filled with entertainment, experiences, and desserts galore came next. While both of those weddings can be equally meaningful and special, we propose another option: simplicity. Here are the main areas of wedding planning you can simplify to keep your wedding planning stress-free.

Bachelorette/Bachelor Party

While elaborate vacations are fun, they are not necessary to have a great time. The most important element is not the location; it’s the people you are with! As a result, you should put extra thought into the guest list. Only invite those who you enjoy spending time with! Inviting people you don’t enjoy being around is a recipe for a bachelor/bachelorette party disaster. Once you determine the list, it’s important to choose a date on which you know they can come. Send a survey to your closest and best with two or three date ideas. Then spend the decided date having fun with your friends locally. You could go to your favorite restaurants or bars or hang out all day at your house watching Netflix. Whatever you do, do it with your favorite people and it’s sure to be a special day you’ll never forget.

Guest List

The guest list is easily the most stressful aspect of planning a wedding. That being said, your marriage is still valid whether you have ten people or 300. Once you have your allotted guest number that fits your budget, focus on ease. If going through and cutting people you are close to off the guest list stresses you out, then have a bigger wedding. Remember, we are focusing on simplicity, therefore less stress. Simple doesn’t have to mean small. However; if having a huge party stresses you out, have a small wedding. There is nothing wrong with keeping such a special day more intimate if that’s what feels best to you. People will have dissenting opinions no matter what you do, so take the stress out of it and stick with what simple means to you.

Guest list simple

Photo: MBD Wedding Photography, Venue: Heritage Prairie Farm, Wedding: Fatima and Nolan

Décor

We all can recognize the beauty of elaborate candelabras and giant floral arches everywhere, but there is also so much beauty in simplicity. The easiest way to simplify your wedding décor is to go to the venue and take a mental list of their existing décor, lighting, and color schemes first before you start buying décor. You may not have to decorate much if they already have a beautiful, standard setup. Instead of having details everywhere, think about where you want people’s eyes to go. Do you want them looking at each other at their tables? Choose lower, simple centerpieces. Do you want their eyes on you the whole night? Dress up the sweetheart table while keeping the rest of the venue more simple. If your venue has a bold color scheme already, use soft, simple colors and less ornate décor.

Simple wedding decor

Photo: MBD Wedding Photography, Venue: Riverside Receptions, Wedding: Missy and Dan

We hope these ideas will help you simplify your wedding planning and take the focus from the details and put it back on to getting married. The more you can simplify, the less stressful your wedding planning will be and the more meaningful your wedding can be. Happy Planning! Share this blog post with a friend who is beginning their wedding planning. For more wedding planning tips and inspiration check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

Arcade Bachelor Party Ideas

Bachelor Party Ideas

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Bachelor Party Ideas

It’s 2020, gents. There are better ways to celebrate your upcoming wedding day. Either in movies or real life, we’ve seen the cringe-worthy proverbial bachelor parties where men go to a strip club; despite the fact they’re soon to be married. If you are looking for a fun, yet relationship affirming bachelor party; here are some great ideas you won’t regreat.

Challenge Your Friend Group To An Endurance Test

Have you ever heard of a “Tough Mudder?” The Tough Mudder will test your group’s endurance by putting you through a ten mile long obstacle course! What better way to get healthy before you begin your married life than an obstacle course challenge with your best friends? A little healthy competition is always fun. It will create memories sure to last for a long time.

Go On A Staycation

You can all stay home, but plan a weekend together. Go to your favorite: restaurants, bars, bowling alleys, or arcades. You don’t have to go far away on a vacation. Spend a weekend celebrating your friendship by going to all your favorite places and simply having fun. You know what you have fun doing, so keep it simple and go do that.

Try Something New

Never tried Zumba before? Take your groomsmen to do that! Never played golf before? Go find a golf course! How about a painting class? Or if you’re feeling brave, a ballet class. The most hilarious times with our friends often come from new situations. Whether you’re incredibly uncoordinated or a professional-grade athlete; this idea will be fun for everyone. Just don’t forget your sense of humor.

Enjoy The Great Outdoors

A less expensive option for a bachelor party is camping. The stay is free as long as someone already has a tent. All you’d have to provide is the food for you to grill up. You could also pay to do extras such as canoeing, kayaking, or tubing. You can easily tailor this one to your wedding budget. Who doesn’t love a night under the stars with a bonfire?

We hope these bachelor party suggestions gave you some unique ideas. No matter what bachelor party you choose, it is sure to create memories for you to laugh about for years. For more inspiration and wedding planning tips & tricks check out the blog posts below!

Budget Friendly Bachelorette Fun

Budget Friendly Bachelorette Party

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Budget Friendly Bachelorette Fun

Photo Credit: Pexels

Budget Friendly Bachelorette Party

Playing bridesmaid for a best friend can be exciting! When it comes to planning the bachelorette party for that friend things can also get pretty expensive. Luckily, you don’t need to drain your life’s savings to afford a bachelorette celebration. Here are some great ideas for a budget friendly bachelorette party.

Plan Some Low-Cost Ladies Night Fun

If you really want to save money on entertainment for the bachelorette festivities, a portable streaming stick TV device can hook you and your friends up with the latest streaming services. You can also stream must-see chick flicks for a relaxing ladies’ movie night in with your friends. Need to put a little more pizazz into your girls’ night? You can play some fun bachelorette games during your girls’ night in. You can even take some games out on the town. If you are feeling adventurous, be sure to check out pole dancing parties.

Pick Up Healthy and Inexpensive Snacks

Healthy foods and drinks are a safe bet, especially when everyone is trying to stay trim for the big day. If you decide to put together a movie night for the bride and bridesmaids, opt for a few healthy snacks, such as popcorn or guacamole with chips, that won’t break the bank. Another option for saving money is to pick food from some Costco faves. This is an especially helpful tip if your bridal party is on the larger side. You can download a few coupon apps, too, so you can search for deals on bachelorette party foods, games, favors, and anything else you need to celebrate.

Don’t Rule Out a Budget-Friendly Girls Getaway

Staying in or staying local is a great way to save on bachelorette party costs, but sometimes getting out of town is more fun! Thankfully, there are some low-cost destinations perfect for bachelorette getaways. For example, flights and hotels for an Austin trip won’t break the bank. There are plenty of hip restaurants, activities, and bars to keep your group thoroughly entertained. Alternatively, you can check out other destinations, such as Savannah or even Puerto Rico. Set a clear expectation for expenses so all are prepared. Split the costs evenly so it is fair for bridal party.

Be Sure to Snap Some Cute Selfies and Photos

Hiring a pro to take photos of the big day is a must, but you don’t need to spend money on a pro to capture some bachelorette party memories. If you really want to wow the bride and other guests, think about setting up a DIY photo booth with a few props and decorations. An over-sized chalkboard with some fun messages is super simple and inexpensive to set up. The items you purchase can be used for other events or even home decor to make the most of your shopping. Before you step in front of the camera for those photo ops, also research some selfie tips, so you can frame your photos later.

Preparation Is Key

If you don’t plan carefully, bachelorette party expenses can really start to add up fast. So use the tips above and talk though budget concerns with the other bridesmaids, and even the bride. After paying for dresses, shoes, and wedding expenses, everyone is sure to welcome a chance to save money while still making lasting memories together.

Will You Be My Groomsman

Will You Be My Groomsman

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Will You be my Groomsman

The guys are just as important to complement your future husband-to-be. Prior to asking your bridesmaids and groomsmen, it’s important to have a discussion about who you think you are considering as well as you think would pair with each other. Don’t take it literally, these two are not going to start dating or something, but it’s nice to have paired people who may be already dating or married with one another. It’s just another detail to consider…

Guys are a lot simpler them women are. However, asking your gents in a memorable way creates memories for each of you. Here are a few ideas to consider:

1) BBQ Time

Having the boys over for some grilled meat and beers is an inconspicuous way to get them to come over without blowing your cover. Just remember to ask the boys sober!

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Will You Be My Groomsman

2) Sporting Event

Get the guys together and go cheer for your favorite team. It’s a nice way to lighten the mood without getting the “are you sure, dude?” or “It’s About Time!” antics.

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Will You Be My Groomsman

3) Send a card

I know this probably seems silly, but when is the last time you received mail that wasn’t bill or junk mail related? Guys like cards too. Plus, it doesn’t have to be made out of construction paper or sing a song. It could simply be a question on letterhead asking the question at hand.

[pinit]Will You Be My Groomsman

via Wedding Bee

4) Got the Gift of Gab?

Perhaps calling your friend and having a heart-to-heart on the phone in a solo sense is how you would like to handle it. Please just don’t text or email your friend that is so very impersonal!

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Will You Be My Groomsman

5) Get Competitive

Ask your closes guys to join you in a competitive game. Whether it be golf, baseball, bowling, or billiards creating a fun atmosphere takes the pressure off and hopefully they will all agree to stand and support you on your big day.

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Will You Be My Groomsman

Extra Wedding Events

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Sure, your nuptials are the main event, but it’s not the only affair you (or your guests) will be attending during the weekend of festivities. Here’s an overview of the additional events to consider planning for your wedding weekend:

Welcome Party: If you have a lot of guests coming in from out-of-town for your wedding, consider hosting a party to welcome them to town. This can be as simple as a backyard barbecue or as elaborate as a swanky cocktail party. Not only will it make your guests feel honored and appreciated, it’ll give you an opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones that you might otherwise only talk to for a few minutes at your reception.

Bridesmaids Brunch/Luncheon: This gathering can also be as casual or classy as you prefer and it is typically held one or two days before the wedding. A close female friend or relative who isn’t part of the bridal party traditionally hosts it and it can be held in a restaurant, at someone’s home, or at a tearoom. The primary goal is to spend time with your bridesmaids, closest friends, and close female relatives of you and the groom.

Rehearsal Dinner: The rehearsal dinner is offered following the—you guessed it—rehearsal. Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is hosted by the groom’s family and is offered for the entire bridal party and anyone helping with the wedding. It can also be opened up to out-of-town guests who are particularly close to the bride and groom. This can be held at a nearby restaurant, a reception hall, in a hotel, or at someone’s house.

J. Jones Photography

Bachelor/Bachelorette Party: While the bachelor/bachelorette parties can be held in the weeks or months leading up to the wedding, a lot of couples opt to enjoy them one or two nights before the wedding. Whether you opt for a wild night out on the town or an intimate dinner with your closest pals, hosting the bachelor/bachelorette party shortly before the wedding is a great way to truly celebrate the end of your single life.

 

Farewell Brunch: If you aren’t departing for your honeymoon immediately following your wedding, why not host a morning-after-the-wedding brunch for your close friends and family? The wedding day is such a whirlwind, so an event the following day will give you a chance to relax, have fun, and ruminate on the best moments of the day.

5 Tips for Planning a Bachelor Party

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As the best man or groomsmen, you have a huge responsibility: planning the bachelor party. The bachelor party is considered the last night of freedom because it is traditionally held the night before the wedding. However, today, the bachelor party is more about celebrating your relationship with groom and the adventure he is about to take. Here are a few tips for planning one of the most exciting nights (or days) of the groom’s life.

Be Picky About the Date

Traditionally, the bachelor party was the night before the wedding, but this is less common today. While it is okay to do a little celebrating before the big day, you don’t everyone to be tired and hung over the day of the wedding. You also have to consider the dates of other wedding events such the shower and rehearsal dinner. Be sure to check the date with the bride and groom, and don’t be afraid of planning it a few weeks or more before the wedding.

Think Outside the Box

On TV, the bachelor typically consists of drinking and half naked girls. This doesn’t have to be the case, unless it is what the groom wants. There are plenty of fun activities and cool places to host a bachelor party. Don’t be afraid to do something unusual. Those are usually the best parties.

Always Remember the Groom

The bachelor is all about the groom. If he has special requests, try to accommodate them. If he says he absolutely does not want to go to a strip club, respect that. Also, consider his interests and dreams. Is there something he’s always wanted to do but has never had the chance? Does he have a hobby that would be a fun activity? The goal is to plan an event that will be fun and memorable for the groom.

Don’t Forget to Talk about Money

You need to have the money talk with the groom, groomsmen and potentially the guests as soon as possible. You don’t want anyone to be surprised the day of. Discuss who is responsible for paying for what as well as how much everyone is comfortable spending. When you plan the bachelor party, be sure to keep the budget and payment arrangement in mind.

Have Fun

No matter what, have fun. Plans don’t always work out, but a bachelor party is what you make of it. If you want it to be a night to remember, make it one. Now, go celebrate the groom!

5 Unique Bachelor Party Ideas

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The traditional bachelor party consists of strippers and bars, but that scene isn’t for everybody. If you’re planning a bachelor party for a guy who doesn’t want to wake up hung over and covered in glitter, check out these unique bachelor party ideas.


Get Sporty

If the groom is a huge sports fan, spend the day tailgating and cheering on his team, or take a class to learn how to play like a pro. For instance, if the groom is a NASCAR fan, you could learn to drive a race car. Another inexpensive option is to organize a game at a local field. Call all of the groom’s friends and meet up for a game of football, soccer, etc. The winning team can treat the rest of the group to dinner or a round of drinks.

Get Some Fresh Air

There are plenty of fun outdoor activities such as hiking or canoeing. Even if the groom spends most of his time inside, he might appreciate this exciting change of pace. If you want to spend time outdoors but no one is up for strenuous activity, consider hosting a BBQ or bonfire.

Go to the Extreme

If the groom is an adrenaline junky, spend the bachelor party enjoying some extreme sports. A few options include BASE jumping, bodyboarding or paragliding.

Take a Road Trip

Who says a bachelor party has to only be one day? Make the bachelor party a fun getaway by taking a road trip. Everyone can pick places to stop along the way. If you only have a day, take a local road trip to places to unique places in your area.

Channel Your Inner Teenage Boy

Think back to the activities the groom loved before he was a “grown up,” and spend the day indulging your inner teenager. A few options include a video game marathon, a paintball war or a laser tag tournament.

When planning a bachelor party, always consider the groom’s interests and request, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Happy planning!

Groomsmen at Work

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When it comes to getting assistance from your bridal party, chances are that the bridesmaids are pulling more weight than the groomsmen. The ladies are the ones you go to for advice on the dress, help with the flowers, and input on the centerpieces. The men, on the other hand, usually manage to skirt by doing little more than throwing a wild bachelor party. If you’re looking for extra help or ways to get the groomsmen more involved in the wedding planning, here are a few simple tasks to send their way…

Heavy Lifting: There are always going to be things that need to be lifted, moved, hauled, carried, or set up. Put your guys to work helping with the set-up and teardown of some of the wedding events. Whether you need a tent assembled for the engagement party, tables moved around for the rehearsal dinner, or chairs set up for ceremony, don’t be afraid to ask the groomsmen to put in a few hours of manual labor to save the expense of hiring workers.

Transportation: Out-of-town guests and family members will need to be driven to and from the airport, carted around between wedding events, and often taken to run last-minute errands. Employ your trustiest groomsmen to serve as chauffeurs for out-of-towners.

Ushering: Save yourself the hassle of finding a few good men to serve as ushers and have the groomsmen pull double-duty on your big day. The guys should be waiting in the foyer of the ceremony site to usher guests to their seats (and to the proper side of the church or hall).

Tux Selection: It’s obviously the guys’ responsibility to be fitted for their tuxes, but, assuming you trust their taste, they can also help out with the tux selection. Let the men have a day out together to shop for suits and tuxedos and help the groom choose an appropriate style for the wedding.

Bachelor Party: Of course the main objective of most groomsmen and the bestman is to plan an unforgettable bachelor party, so this task shouldn’t take any arm-twisting. With that said, it’s important that the groomsmen know it’s their responsibility and that they understand the wishes, desires, and schedule of the groom when planning.

Crowd Control: The groomsmen can be extremely helpful with managing the crowd of wedding guests at the ceremony and reception. Entrust the guys with the task of helping a milling crowd filter out of the church in a timely manner or ensuring that everyone finds their appropriate seats at the reception. The groomsmen can also help gather the guests together for the send-off after the service or reception.

Beyond Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

Best Man’s Responsibilities

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So you were chosen to be the best man at an upcoming wedding. Congratulations! You may be asking yourself what this means. What exactly does the best man do, besides deliver a totally awesome/moving/hilarious/embarrassing/riot-inducing speech at the reception? Here are twelve responsibilities of a faithful best man:

  • Your # 1 priority as the best man is to be there for the groom. It’s your job to be his right-hand man during the planning and wedding day. Make yourself available to help the groom out any way you can.
  • Assist the groom in selecting the tuxedos/suits for the wedding. Once a decision has been made, oversee and coordinate the purchase or rental of the other groomsmen’s attire to make sure everyone matches.
  • Two words: Bachelor. Party. You’re the man in charge of organizing the groom’s final celebration as a single man. This is a task that is typically organized by several of the groomsmen so don’t be afraid to ask for help. The cost for the night should be divided by everyone in attendance (except the groom).
  • Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
  • Stand by your man (literally) up at the altar during the wedding ceremony. You’re also responsible for holding onto the bride’s wedding ring until the exchange. Make sure you keep the ring safe before the wedding and that you know where it is during the ceremony!
  • Oversee the other groomsmen to make sure they’re doing what they need to do on the day of the wedding.
  • Serve as an official witness of the wedding ceremony and sign the marriage license, along with the maid of honor.
  • Make sure the priest/pastor/lawyer/judge receives payment for officiating the ceremony.
  • Enter the reception, typically alongside the maid of honor, and participate in any dances specified for the wedding party.
  • Deliver the first toast of the reception. This is the biggest and most important duty of the best man so make it good!
  • Collect gifts and cards at the reception and transfer them to a predetermined location for the bride and groom to retrieve after the honeymoon.
  • Drive the bride and groom to their hotel/house/airport after the reception. You may also be called on to drive them to the airport the next morning, as well as return the groom’s rented tuxedo.

    Calling All Grooms

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    The following list was created by The Man Registry and is a must read for every groom-to-be.

    10. Marriage license: Don’t wait until the last minute

    It seems so simple. All you have to do is go to the courthouse, answer some questions, and be presented with your marriage license. Not so fast. You need to be familiar with your state’s requirements and waiting periods.  Most importantly, don’t wait until the last minute! This may seem like a minor last-minute item on the to-do list, but without it you can’t legally be married. Click here for marriage license requirements in your state.

    9. Writing vows: Leave a personal mark on the ceremony

    Many of today’s grooms are leaving the stock vows behind and penning their own unique commitment words for the bride. If you’ve decided to go this route, remember to include your intentions for marriage, what marriage and commitment means to you, and state the promises  you intend to keep. More about writing vows.

    8. Wedding bands: When and what to look for

    Just what a guy wants. He’s already shelled out for an engagement ring and now he has to make another trip back to the jeweler to select weddings bands.  Do some research beforehand and decide if you’ll be looking for matching bands or something unique. It’s recommended to have the bands picked out a minimum of three months in advance of the wedding. This leaves time for them to be ordered, shipped, and re-sized, if needed. You can buy a great wedding band in our wedding store.

    7. The wedding party: Whom to select

    Most grooms have a solid gut feeling on whom they’ll select as their Best Man. This is usually a brother or other life-long friend. It’s considered courtesy to include your soon-to-be brother in laws in the wedding party as well. Depending on how many groomsmen/bridesmaids there will be, there’s always room for more friends to serve as ushers. A common rule of thumb to remember is one usher per 50 guests.

    6. Bachelor Party: It’s not just about beer anymore

    When you heard the words bachelor party, common thoughts have always been bars, beer, and more beer. This isn’t necessarily the case today. Adventure and destination bachelor parties are all the rage for today’s weddings. Many grooms are trading in visits to the night clubs for golf outings, camping trips, and even sky-diving.  Some couples are even having joint bachelor/bachelorette weekends that involve a weekend trip to wine country or a beach house.

    5. Wedding day attire: Stay on top of things

    What the groom and groomsmen wear on the wedding day is usually coordinated with the wedding colors and bridesmaids’ dresses. Men who are taking an active role in the selection of attire should think about whether they want a tux or suit, the style and color, and whether they’re renting or buying. Arranging tuxedo rental can be tricky, especially if you have a large wedding party. You need to make sure everyone is measured and picks up their tuxes on time. The last thing you want is one of your groomsmen showing up in a tux that doesn’t fit (or not showing up in a tux at all). It’s also a courtesy for the groom to pick up the cost of the tux rental for the fathers.

    4. Groomsmen gifts: Flask, cuff links, or money clip?

    If you’ve ever been a member of a wedding party, then you know it’s standard for the groom to present his attendants with a gift to thank them for being a part of the big day. Many grooms opt for a practical, engraved gift that can be put to use (think business card holder, cuff links, or watch). However, just as the groom’s roles in wedding planning have evolved, so have groomsmen gifts. Creativity is key for men today as popular gifts have become tickets to sporting events, bottles of aged wine, and even weekend excursions (with the groom footing the bill). Great gifts for the groomsmen are in our wedding store.

    3. Wedding speeches: Toasting with class

    One of the scariest things for the groom is to stand up in front of friends and family and toast his new wife.  Statistics say that public speaking is the No. 1 fear of Americans (even beating out death)! One of the best ways to quash the nerves is to apply the age-old adage of practice, practice, practice. Here’s a quick guide for preparing for a successful toast:

    Thank everyone for attending.

    Keep humor to a minimum (we all know the gut-busting toasts are reserved for the best man).

    Thank your wedding party and both sets of parents for their support on the special day.

    Close with words directed at your new wife. We can’t tell you what to say, but say it from the heart (obviously).

    2. The groom’s cake: A cake that’s all about the groom

    Yes, you read that correctly. The groom’s cake is a themed wedding dessert that’s selected and paid for by the groom and his family. The theme is generally styled after a major interest or hobby in the groom’s life.  Some examples include a favorite sports team logo or a past-time such as fishing, fixing up cars, or traveling. The groom’s cake is often served at the reception along with the main wedding cake (just make sure it’s smaller in stature than the main cake), but can also be served for dessert at the rehearsal dinner. You can purchase a wonderful cake at Cocoa Bean.

    1. Groom showers: In the name of equality

    It’s definitely not your parents wedding shower. Instead of place settings, bath towels, and platters, the gifts given at a groom-friendly shower are power tools, speakers, and BBQ equipment. It’s become common for a couple to have at least one couples or “man” shower during their engagement. Popular shower themes include backyard and garden, home improvement, and bar and grill. The best part: These are gifts that both the groom and bride will enjoy.

    source: elegance & simplicity.com