Where Do I Start?…

Ur ENGAGED!!! OMG CONGRATS!! CONGRATS!! Call everyone you know and feel all the things you can!! Go to bed and have beautiful dreams! 

Promise yourself to enjoy your engagement with your partner and once you’re ready, and only then, you can start to wonder… what do I want this celebration to be? Where do I start? How do I start? How do YOU want this celebration of Luv to look? 

Asking yourself those questions and chatting about them with your partner IS step one, you’re already on the right track! You’re killing it! Talk about what you both want and the path you want to take to get there. Hiring a planner will allow you to individualize this process so it fits your needs to a T, but the process I’ve created below is also one example of a sure fire (& fun) way to a beautiful day and planning a journey to make sure you celebrate the entire way through! 

• Create a planning timeline

Categorize each step of your planning process and decide when you want that “category” to be finished. Give yourself 3 months to hire all your vendors. Take a month break! 3 more months to decide on your design and logistics plan. Take a month break! The remaining months allow yourself to focus on the small details. Giving yourself a deadline will allow you to do a little here and there without worrying that you’re falling behind. 

• Create your wedding day budget

  • Deciding on your budget before signing any contracts, will help you be aware of how much you can spend on each vendor plus gratuity. Decide on an amount for each and stick to it! Add a miscellaneous category so you know you have a little extra for the small items you might not think of right away!

• Begin your vendor search

  • This is when the fun begins! Begin searching for the venue that gets you excited (only tour ones in your budget)!! Once you find it, ideas will start flowing and you can get a sense on what you and your partner want this day to look like aesthetically! Starting with the venue will help you lock down your date asap! After you find your venue, I recommend the following order - catering, photo/video, music, entertainment, floral/rentals, hair & makeup, transportation. 

• Take a break!! (please)

  • This will save you both from forgetting that planning this WEDDING is a celebration in itself! <3

• Talk design & logistics

  • Begin that timeline! Create your wedding website! Get your room blocks! Send your invites! Since logistics can be a bit draining (or maybe u love the lil details), I think tagging it with design brings that excitement back! Find your florist and show them your Pinterest board! Discover Your Look and what your friends will be wearing!! (ugh I love this phase personally)

• Take a break <3

  • Look at some birds or some shit IDC just get away from your computer 
    

• Final Stretch

  • You’re so close to the dance floor, omg. But this is where it can get a little exhausting. If you have a planner, let them know when you reach that decision fatigue and just ask them to make the choice for you! What you need to work on is that seating chart! Once that's complete, confirm with your vendors, pass out that timeline, and begin your countdown babes!!!

There are so many small details that go into planning a wedding, but I hope this gives you a solid guide throughout the process and helps you know what direction you're heading into next. 

Never forget to pop the champagne after each step you take, cause u r getting married!! <3

How to Host an Eco Friendly Wedding

Weddings create waste. Lots of waste. People forget while dealing with family, friends and the stress of planning a party how much it can affect the world around us. When hosting a wedding it’s your responsibility to be conscious about how much will be thrown out after you say “I do”.

Here are a few easy ways to be conscious about your “Wedding Waste” and also help to reduce waste in other aspects of your life! WEE! 

1.Evites

Some people aren’t sold on e-invitations or save the dates because they can’t personalize them. Well, what if I told you that you can create CUTE INVITES WHILE SAVING THE PLANET! Visit Paperless Post and send the cutest evite you could ever imagine to your friends and family! 

2. Projector

Lots of venues offer a TV or even projector that you can use on your big day with a USB! This can help in so many ways when trying to host an eco-friendly event! A few ideas to project are your seating chart, menu, and maybe even a slideshow of your partner’s middle school days! Always be sure to utilize what you have! 

3. Find an eco friendly vendors committed to recycling/composting

Doing your research before hiring each of your vendors is SO important! You are gonna have so many questions you want to ask them before you sign a contract or pay a deposit. Why not also ask them how their company handles waste management? An easy question to find out who will take care of you during your planning process AND after! 

4. DIY

DIY always sounds more intimidating than it needs to be. You can DIY small parts of your wedding to keep it eco-conscious. Add gems to your old favorite Docs to create the perfect wedding shoe! Make your wedding day jewelry out of yarn and air dry clay! Pass out plantable seed packets as favors! These can all be done while watching White Lotus and keep you stress FREE! 

These are just a few easy and FUN ways to keep your wedding easy, breezy, & reusable! Just a little extra effort and we all can breathe a little easier while we dance the night away! :)

Unique Ways to Save your Budget

Planning a wedding is exciting, but when you’re staring at that growing budget spreadsheet, sticker shock can begin to take effect. But, guess what! You don’t have to compromise on having a beautiful, memorable day. With some creativity and a few strategic moves, you can trim costs without sacrificing your vision.

1. Host a Weekday or Morning Wedding

Weekend evenings are prime time for weddings, which means venues and vendors charge a premium. don’t forget that you don’t always have to do the norm! what about a weekday or morning celebration instead? Many venues offer significant discounts for non-peak days or times, and you can also save on catering by serving brunch or lunch rather than a multi-course dinner.

2. Limit Your Guest List

It might feel impossible to trim your guest list, but reducing the number of attendees is one of the most effective ways to save money. Each additional guest increases costs for food, drinks, seating, and more. Focus on inviting the people who truly matter most to you and your partner. <3

3. Buy Secondhand

From fits to decor, buying secondhand or renting items can save you so much and help you stay green! Websites like Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, and Borrowed & Blue specialize in secondhand wedding dresses and accessories. Similarly, companies like, Rent My Wedding, offer affordable rentals for everything from linens to lighting. keep an eye out in your area for different opportunities as well. Chicago offers different wedding recyclery events in the spring! keep an eye out for your vendors posting about them!

4. Repurpose Ceremony Decor for the Reception

Double-duty decor is your budget’s bsf. Use ceremony flowers, signs, and other decorations to enhance your reception space. I will even transport these items between locations if needed.

5. use your surroundings!!

look around you and see how you can decorate for less! you can elevate a tree with a simple drapery that easy to put up instead of florals surrounding you! turn your venue’s garden or pathway into a romantic timeline by using photos to tell the story of how you fell in love! let the venue speak for itself!

Planning a wedding on a budget doesn’t mean scraping your dream day. By thinking outside the box and prioritizing what truly matters to you and your partner, you can create a celebration that’s beautiful, personal, and affordable!!

How to Plan a Wedding in 6 months

Anything is possible with a lil organization, okay!! Not only do you need a day pof timeline, but a planning timeline will really help you stay on track to plan your wedding super speedy fast!

Month 1: celebrate & foundation

1. Decide on a Budget
   Before anything else, figure out your max budget. Allocate funds to each category where money will go (even the small ones)

2. Define Your Vision
   Discuss with your partner the style and vibe you both envision!! formal or casual, rustic or modern, large or intimate.

3. Choose Your Wedding Party/getting ready team
   decide who you wanna spend your morning with and think of how you want to ask them <3

4. Book Your Venue/Decide your Date
   Venues book quickly, so secure yours as soon as possible. The venue sets the tone for the wedding and determines many logistical details as well as your new anniversary :)

Month 2: celebrate & Assemble the Dream Team <3

1. Hire Key Vendors
   Prioritize booking the most in-demand vendors:

• Photographer/videographer

• Caterer

• Florist

• Entertainment

2. Start Your Guest List
   Finalize your guest list and collect contact information. This will help with invites and RSVPs

3. Shop for Your Wedding Attire
   Begin shopping for your fit! alterations can sometimes take a couple of months.

Month 3: celebrate & Details

1. Send Save-the-Dates
   Send out save-the-dates to give guests enough notice, especially for travel plans.

2. Plan Your Ceremony
   Work with an officiant to design your ceremony structure. Choose readings, vows, and any special traditions.

3. Book logistical vendors
   hair & makeup, transportation, extra rentals, hotel accommodations? Get the conversation started.

Month 4: celebrate & Focus on the Fun Stuff

1. Order Invitations
   Pick a design that matches you and send the invitations by the end of the month.

2. Plan Décor
   Work with your florist or decorator to create centerpieces, bouquets, and venue accents.

3. Taste Test and Finalize Catering
   Arrange a tasting with your caterer to finalize your menu, including drinks and dessert! make it a date night ;)

4. timeline

   start creating that day of timeline! highlight any areas that are still tbd, so you know what you need to work on

Month 5: celebrate & Final Touches

1. Confirm Vendors
   Double-check details with all your vendors, including arrival times and payments.

2. Plan Your Seating Chart
   Once RSVPs are in, begin to design a seating plan and decide how you will display it to guests

3. Have your Final Walk Through

   Gather up your dream team to walk through your venue and make final decisions on the layout and timeline!

Month 6: Celebrate and Say “I Do!”

1. Final Fittings
   Try on your dress or suit one last time to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Finalize the Timeline
   Share a detailed schedule with your vendors, wedding party, and family members.

3. Pack for the Big Day
   Create an emergency kit with essentials like sewing supplies, snacks, and a copy of your vows.

4. Enjoy Every Moment
   Take a deep breath and soak in every second of your wedding day. You’ve planned an incredible celebration. Now it’s time to celebrate love with your people.

Boom, baby.