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Lights as Wedding Décor

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Lights as Wedding Décor

If you walk into just about any store looking for wedding décor you will likely find an array of lights. Most venues have typical ceiling lights. If you add unique lights to your wedding décor it will create a warm and artistic atmosphere. From candles to string lights, there are so many options to choose from. To make designing your wedding décor easier we narrowed down the best lights to use as wedding décor.

Candelabras

Since the first time we saw Beauty and the Beast, we all saw the formality a candelabra can add to an event. If you are having a formal wedding, a candelabra is the perfect complementary lighting choice. You can introduce your wedding colors by using colored candles in the candelabra. If you prefer the classic, white candles you can have colored flowers draped around the bottom of the candelabra.

Modern Candelabra

Post: The Knot, Photo: Henry Photography

Fairy or Twinkle Lights

If you want a less formal lighting option, fairy or twinkle lights are a softer choice. Fairy lights are very thin lights on a wire that are easily moldable into or around shapes, such as mason jars or vases. Twinkle lights are essentially Christmas lights that come in many bulb colors and sizes. Twinkle lights can be hung from the ceiling or draped with tulle or other soft fabrics. Fairy lights tend to be done on a smaller scale such as being used in centerpieces. If you want to incorporate many different lights, fairy and twinkle lights are very complementary.

String lights

Speaking of lights that can be hung, string lights have become increasingly popular in the last few years. If you are having an outdoor wedding, reception, or cocktail hour string lights add romance to the space. String lights also make for amazing after-dark photos. If you dream of having a beautiful kiss-in-the-dark wedding photo, string lights are a great addition to your wedding décor. As with any light that is hung, it’s important to check with your venue about your hanging options before you get your heart set on hanging lights.

Tea lights

Even the smallest touch of light can make a big impact. Tea lights can be burning or battery-operated candles. They can be used in so many ways from floating in water to placed in a floral centerpiece or table. If you already have a lot of wedding décor tea lights are a perfect, smaller option that will also highlight the existing décor.

Paper lanterns

Paper lanterns come in many shapes and sizes. These lights are soft but add drama to your ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception. Paper lanterns can be hung from the ceiling or placed on the ground to frame the aisle, patio, or dance floor. Similar to string lights, lantern lights are a great option if you are having any part of your wedding outdoors. The beauty of these lanterns comes not only from the color of the paper but also from the dramatic contrast of light.

We hope these ideas will make designing your wedding décor easier. Don’t forget, even a little light goes a long way! Happy Planning! For more wedding planning inspiration and tips check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

Engaged Do's and Dont's Couple

Wedding Planning Do’s and Don’ts

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Wedding Planning Do’s And Don’ts

Congratulations on your recent engagement! In the age of the internet you have endless options for wedding planning advice. That being said, before you search all over for different topics; we’ll make it simple for you. While wedding planning can be undoubtedly stressful, we can help with some wedding planning do’s and don’ts to avoid common unnecessary bumps in the road.

Do’s

1.) Get your engagement ring insured.

Could you imagine losing the most treasured, expensive piece of jewelry you’ve ever owned? You would be heartbroken, your fiance may puke. Let’s avoid that by ensuring your engagement ring is covered by an insurance policy just in case something happens to it. Better safe than sorry with such a meaningful piece of jewelry.

2.) Take time to enjoy your engagement before rushing into wedding planning.

It is so stereotypical to say this, but it’s true. “Slow down and soak this time in. It goes by so fast!” Soak in your engaged bliss by sharing the story with your loved ones. Or you could have a Zoom or in person celebration. Go on celebratory, “We’re engaged!” dates. As long as you give yourself a year to plan your wedding you are just fine. Remember you choose the date anyway, so enjoy it!

3.) Day dream and gather ideas and inspiration early.

Without putting pressure on yourself (because, remember, we are not rushing) look up different wedding colors, venues, and attire. Gather pretty ideas of inspiration so when you get planning you already have a starting point. Colors and photos of inspiration from bridal magazines or online blogs are great places to start. The options are endless, so best to narrow it down early.

Don’ts

1,) Ask for too many opinions.

This one always ends up becoming an issue for everyone. It’s great to talk about your plans with your loved ones, but remember the more opinions you open the door for, the more you will receive. Well-meaning relatives and friends often share their excitement for you by giving you wedding opinions and advice. Even then, you do not have to take that advice. Remember, it is your wedding. Trust you gut! At at the end of the day, those who matter will be so happy for you and the details will be forgotten.

2.) Plan a wedding you can’t afford.

We all love looking at dreamy online wedding photos. However, what you cannot tell by looking at the photos is the cost of that extravagant wedding. Some wedding dress photos on Pinterest, for example, will say they cost $900, when they actually costs over $3,000. Remember, don’t believe everything you read on the internet. Photos are great for inspiration, not always your budget. Even so, there are ways to achieve the same aesthetic in a budget friendly way. Websites like Oriental Trading and Amazon are great for inexpensive wedding decorations.

3.) Forget to keep your wedding day in perspective.

Your wedding day is sure to be one of the most memorable, exciting days of your lives! Nevertheless, don’t forget a wedding is a day, a marriage is a lifetime. Continue dating each other just as you did before you were engaged. The wedding planning process can bring ups and downs. Hold close to each other, supportive friends, and family to help you keep small inconveniences and stresses in perspective. At the end of the day, you get to marry the love of your life. And, truly, The Beatles had it right when they said, “All You Need Is Love.”

We hope these quick and easy wedding planning do’s and don’ts help you avoid wedding planning mishaps. There are so many positive experiences you have while planning your wedding. Apply these great tips and it’ll be easier to focus on the good and lessen your wedding planning stress. Happy Planning!

How To Choose Your Engagement RIng

How To Choose Your Engagement Ring

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How To Choose Your Engagement Ring

So you might not be the one who will choose your engagement ring, but you can be part of the process! Or perhaps you are the one choosing the ring so read on. Either way, it’s nice to make it a joint effort since this piece of jewelry will last a lifetime and probably be the most significant piece you will own.

First, let’s start with the four C’s of a diamond. If you’re a traditional bride you’ll be thinking diamonds. The four C’s can apply to other gems, but specifically they apply to diamonds. Color, cut, clarity and carat weight. A few other things to consider are shape (ie pear, oval, round, marquise, heart), brilliance, dispersion and scintillation. These factors determine the value of a diamond so you’ll want to establish a range in budget of what you want to spend.

Second, you need to decide on metal. Do you or your partner prefer white gold, yellow gold or platinum? Platinum is the most expensive metal because it resists tarnishing and the repairs are also quite pricey. Yellow gold rings are available in 14 carat or 18 carat gold and are the most popular. White gold rings appear silver and a major pro for this metal is it matches most other jewelry. However, the white gold also does fade over time and will need to be replaced. Another fun option that is becoming popular and is outside the normal is rose gold.

Third, you will need to choose your setting. There are an overwhelming amount of options like simple solitaire settings to contemporary tension settings. Prong settings are the most popular because it makes the center diamond appear as if it’s floating.

After you’ve chosen your ring (and had a lot of fun trying several on) you should receive a certificate of appraisal and a guarantee warranty. Most certificates are given by the American Gem Society or the Gemological Society of America. Depending on where you purchase your ring, there should be a guarantee warranty that would provide a limited time money back guarantee or a lifetime warranty. Make sure you do your research where you purchase your beautiful ring! This is the fun part, so don’t be afraid to shop around and try on as many sparkly pieces as you want!

Ideas for Announcing your Engagement

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Ideas for Announcing your Engagement

It’s the Holiday season and we have ideas for announcing your engagement! The holidays are a great time to tell family and friends your big news. It’s called the most wonderful time of the year so why not combine that with spreading the word about the engagement.

  1. We love the idea of surprising family. At a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner you could have guests write what they are thankful for on a leaf or festive paper. Then, at dinner, they can all read them a loud. Making yours about the engagement will be just the hint they need!

2.  Going out for pre-dinner drinks. If you and your new fiance don’t want all the attention at a family gathering consider going out for drinks and appetizers the night before. That way you don’t have the big announcement about your engagement putting pressure on the dinner. You can tell everyone at a local bar or favorite restaurant. You should be relaxed and enjoy telling people the news, not stressed and anxious about wedding planning.

3. We love taking a group photo as a reveal too! In the selfie age we don’t think it’ll be a problem to get everyone to agree to taking a picture. You can gather all the family and/or friends and as the picture is about to be taken hold up a sign that says “Save the Date” or “We’re engaged”. See who notices afterwards! If people are not noticing through their holiday drinking phase post the picture on social media.

4. Finally, we love giving gifts to everyone to announce your engagement! It doesn’t have to be big but if it’s near the Christmas season no one will think twice about receiving just a little something extra. We recommend buying one present in bulk like good quality chocolate, cheap cigars or jewelry for women. Inside the gift have a note presenting the save the date or engagement announcement.

Fun Ways to “Propose” to Your Bridesmaids

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Most little girls dream of the day the man of their dreams pops the big question, and just as many women look forward to the day their best friends and siblings will ask just as important of a question: will you be in my wedding?

Despite what some people will lead you to believe, wedding planning will go quickly. Before you know it, you will be reminiscing the days of your engagement and wondering where the time went. To make the most of this special time, make every moment memorable. Rather than simply asking your favorite ladies to stand next to you during your ceremony as bridesmaids, treat each one like its own personal proposal. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Give Her the Ring of Her Dreams

Rumor has it women want a huge rock when they get proposed to; make your favorite lady’s dream come true by popping the question with a huge ring pop. She will love the humorous gesture.

Surprise Her with a Locket

We love the cute saying in this locket: I couldn’t say “I do” without you. Plus, you can put a special message inside. Every time she wears the necklace, she will think of you (and your wedding, of course).

Write It Down

Another great way to let your favorite ladies know how much they mean to you is to write them a personal note asking them to be your bridesmaids. They will love that you took the time to make them feel special.

How to Take Great Save the Date Photos on a Budget

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Some of our favorite save the date ideas include a photo of the happy couple, but who wants to spend money on an extra photo shoot? If you love save the dates with photos but can’t afford a fancy photographer, check out these ideas.

Ask a Friend

With all the great digital cameras and editing software available today, you probably have a friend who is photo savvy. (Just look on Facebook to see who is always taking awesome photos.) Instead of paying for an expensive photographer, ask a friend to snap the pictures and repay her with dinner,  a few drinks, or  a small gift.

Look in Your Photo Album

Who says you have to use a photo after your engagement on the save the dates? Instead, get creative with the pictures you already have, and they don’t have to be professional photos. Consider using your favorite picture of the two of you or pick a shot from when you first started dating.

Keep it Simple

If you try to have a friend take pictures with extravagant props and fancy techniques, you might not be happy with the results. Instead, stick to simple props, outdoor settings, and sincere poses. Also, don’t go crazy with the outfits and make-up.  If the pictures look natural, no one will know they weren’t taken by a professional.