Planning a Destination Wedding? 3 Arrangements That Will Make Things Go More Smoothly

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Your wedding day should be one of the best days of your life, and a destination wedding can bring the experience to the next level. Planning a destination wedding is a little more complicated than planning a wedding locally, but it is totally worth it. If you plan carefully you can ensure that your destination wedding is the perfect start to your happily ever after.

Accommodations

The first thing you need to do is make sure that everyone has somewhere to stay. Ideally your guests, or at least the wedding party will all stay in the same hotel. You can schedule the accommodations yourself or let everyone know where they need to make reservations. In many cases you can find accommodations with discount packages for large groups. You don’t have to pay for lodgings, but you can share the discounts so your party and guests get a good deal on their accommodations. Plan lodgings early so you know there will be room for everyone.

Transportation

You also need to make sure that you have adequate transportation for the event. Depending on the particular destination, your particular transportation needs may vary. Make sure you choose the right forms of transportation for the activities you intend to do. For example, you won’t be able to take a rental Jeep offroading, so you’ll need to have your own offroading vehicle or rent one if you want to include that in any of your activities. Renting the right vehicles will make it easier for you to enjoy your wedding.

The Dates

When you are planning a destination wedding, it is important to set the dates and let guests know well in advance. If your guests don’t have time to save and prepare for the wedding, they may not be able to attend. If you have a large guest list, you want to make sure that you give them plenty of time so that they actually have the opportunity to enjoy your wedding. You also want to be considerate of their budget and understanding if a destination wedding isn’t something they can afford.

Your destination wedding can be an amazing experience that sets a romantic tone for your marriage. All it takes is a little planning and thought to make sure things go right. Find connections at the locale of your wedding so you have contacts you can reach out to with any questions.

Check out this article on wedding prep no one really talks about!

Venues That You Can Use for a Wedding

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Selecting your wedding venue will be one of the first and most important decisions you make in planning for your big day. The right surroundings can help create the theme and mood you wish to set. Many places can be transformed into the wedding of your dreams, whether you choose an unusual site or keep it traditional.

A Dedicated Wedding Venue

Hotels, banquet rooms, country clubs, and restaurants are all well-equipped and experienced in coordinating weddings. These traditional wedding venues often have wedding planners who can assist with choosing decorations, sound systems, and accommodations for your guests. They may also have associations with caterers, photographers, florists, and other wedding services, which can save you some money. The sites are generally easy to get to, and there’s plenty of parking. 

While many people choose to have only their reception at the wedding venue, others elect to save time and travel by holding the ceremony onsite. Often, the venue will set up the ceremony in one room or area, with the reception held in another room.

Houses of Worship

Couples wanting a religious service will usually arrange to have their wedding at a church, temple, or other house of worship. The religious setting adds to the solemnity of the occasion, especially when accompanied by prayers, hymns, or traditional music. Churches and other houses of worship are already prepared to accommodate large crowds. Many religious venues, such as cathedrals, will have stunning architectural features that provide a beautiful backdrop for photographs. 

Many brides and grooms will opt to have the ceremony in a church, synagogue, or other religious venue but host the reception in another place, requiring guests to travel and sometimes wait for the reception to begin. Some churches, however, will have basements or fellowship halls, though there may be restrictions on alcohol, music, or dancing.

A City Building

For couples who want to keep it simple and inexpensive, a wedding ceremony at a city hall, courthouse, or county building may be the way to go. Just make an appointment with the judge or justice of the peace, obtain the marriage license, dress however you wish, and show up at the appointed time. The no-frills ceremony will last a few minutes, and you will be a married couple.

You can have close family and friends attend, if you wish, though check to see how many will fit in the room and whether they will have to stand during the ceremony. You can still hold a reception or wedding dinner at another location, if you want.

Your Backyard

Backyard weddings can be intimate, casual, fun, and inexpensive. You can tailor your event to your space and facilities, whether it’s a patio, deck, gazebo, or large expanse of lawn. It can also be as simple or extravagant as you want. You can rent a tent and seating, or take some of your indoor furniture out. Just be mindful of the weather. Wood furniture should be kept out of the sun to prevent damage.

Inclement weather is always a risk for outdoor weddings, but your house can serve as a Plan B in an emergency. The kitchen can be used by the caterers (or cook your own meal, if you’re ambitious). Parking could be a problem, and there may be city permits to obtain. Be sure to inform your neighbors what’s going on.

A Public Park

Parks of all kinds—city, state, and national parks—often have facilities or spaces for weddings. Many parks will have indoor sites, including public conservatories or greenhouses, where weddings can be held, but the biggest advantage will be the beautiful natural views outdoors.

With any outdoor wedding, it’s necessary to rent seats, tables, chairs, and tents, if you want them. You’ll have to account for the possibility of unfavorable weather and insects, but a fresh-air wedding can be an enjoyable time for all. Some parks have limitations on hours or alcohol.

The Zoo

If you’re looking for an unusual but family-friendly venue, think about getting married at your local zoo. It’s a more popular choice than you might think; most zoos have designated sites, both indoors and outdoors, and are well equipped for setting up a wedding. Many zoos will arrange for animal encounters or set up photo opportunities with the giraffes or other gentle animals.

 For extra fun, plan a jungle or safari theme with a bouquet of tropical flowers or a post-wedding ride in an open-air jeep.

A Museum

Museums can be great venues for weddings because the exhibits become part of the décor and part of the fun. They’re especially suitable for people who are fans of what the museum has to offer—art, natural history, science and technology, or even something more specialized.

Most larger museums offer wedding packages that often include the exhibits as part of the backdrop. Imagine posing for wedding photos in front of a dinosaur skeleton or a famous work of art. Some will also have outdoor patios or pavilions.

Historic Site

Historic mansions, train depots, theaters, and other buildings make beautiful and romantic venues for weddings. These buildings often offer unique architecture, inside and outdoors, for stunning photo opportunities. Many historic sites specialize in weddings, banquets, and other special events, so they are well prepared to work with you in planning your special day. Many couples like to coordinate their décor theme and wedding outfits to match the time period of the site.

Keep in mind historic buildings may not have the technology you are used to. They were also built before disabled accessibility rules, though almost all used for public events have been retrofitted with ramps and other accommodations. 

You may already have a good idea for the type of setting you want for your wedding, or you may be looking around for something to inspire you. Whatever you decide on, you can have the traditional wedding of your dreams or an unusual ceremony and reception that fits your own unique personality.

Read this next: Wedding Prep No One Really Talks About

Wedding Prep No One Really Talks About

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As you may know, a lot of work goes into a wedding. While your primary focus might be on guest lists, decorations, and invitations, there are other things to consider. Addressing everything that could impact your wedding and marriage can greatly benefit you.

Health Concerns

While planning your wedding, your health might not be on your mind. However, there are certain health checks you should get before getting married. First, you might want to have a physical and check your vitals. Doing so can help you be aware of your general health levels and you can monitor any changes that may come along with stress or eating/drinking at the wedding. Before getting married, you should be tested for STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Some STIs may present without symptoms. You want to avoid spreading anything to your partner. Additionally, STIs can impact fertility and your future children. Speaking of, if you intend to have children it might be helpful to have a fertility test as well. Lastly, you should check for any chronic health issues. Knowing about these can help you and your partner know how to take care of each other.

Source: https://www.avonhealthcare.com

Getting a Prenup

Divorce is painful and not something you want to consider, but a prenup doesn’t mean you don’t trust your relationship. Many people perceive prenups negatively, but they aren’t necessarily a bad thing. Their primary function is to protect each person financially. However, a prenup also creates a situation where you as a couple can have an honest conversation about finances. This can include a discussion on how to handle debt. A prenup can also protect children from a previous marriage.

Source: https://www.vistafamilylawyer.com/

Getting a Wedding License

A wedding license is an essential part of getting married. This is the legal document that is signed so you and your spouse are officially married. It is important that you don’t forget about this. Many licenses need to be gotten several days in advance, so make sure this is on your radar. To get a license, you will need personal identification, a witness, information about your parents (their full names, dates of birth), and you might need to pay a fee for your license. It’s also important to get a license for the location you are getting married in.

Source: https://www.brides.com

There’s already a lot on your plate as you plan your wedding, but don’t forget these important things. Your wedding includes more than just the celebration. If you take care of these things, it can help you enter your marriage with more peace of mind.

Need a tuxedo for your wedding? Schedule a visit with us to find the perfect one!

Tips for Having a Wedding during a Pandemic

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Nothing can stop true love, not even a pandemic. However, that doesn’t mean you should just throw caution to the wind when it comes to planning your special day. You undoubtedly have elderly relatives that would like to attend your wedding. You don’t want to endanger them. Nor do you want to end up getting sick yourself and have that putting a damper on your honeymoon. To have the best day, while minimizing risk of spreading a disease, consider the following advice.

Choosing a Venue

You want your venue to be a low-risk environment. If the weather is nice, you can host the wedding and reception outdoors. This will allow for greater social distancing and better air circulation which are both important factors in preventing the spread of a disease. If the weather is bad, you’ll need to hold the wedding indoors. You may not be able to book a conventional event center due to pandemic restrictions. A nice alternative can be the beautiful home of a friend or family member. If you choose to host your wedding in a personal residence, make sure the house is free from common household odors  and clutter that can make being there less pleasant.

Managing Your Guest List

During a pandemic it is important that you take greater care when planning your guest list. The fewer people that attend, the less risk there will be. At the same time, you still want to be able to celebrate your special day with those that you love. One solution is to have a smaller, more private ceremony. Invite your family members and a few of your closest friends. You can arrange to have the event live streamed and share the link with other friends and any elderly family members that are unable to attend due to the pandemic risk.

Honeymoon Planning

The honeymoon is an important part of the wedding for the bride and groom. It is a chance for the newlyweds to get to know each other in an intimate and romantic fashion. Many people worry that the pandemic will make their honeymoon impossible. This isn’t the case. While there may be some restrictions on the destinations that you choose, there are still plenty of possibilities out there. Consider renting a nice, luxury vehicle and going on a road trip. You can stay in a luxurious hotel near a tourist location. By avoiding air travel, you can significantly reduce your risk of exposure.

Wedding planning can be a little stressful under normal circumstances. Under pandemic circumstances, it can be even more so. Don’t allow yourself to get so caught up in the preparations that you are unable to enjoy the event. After all, a wedding isn’t about smart suits, pretty dresses and colorful flowers, it’s about your love for your soon-to-be spouse.

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Choosing Your Wedding Ring: How to Make it Personal

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Everyone knows what the classic wedding ring looks like. And while classic isn’t necessarily a bad thing, do you really just want a basic, cookie cutter ring to stay with you for the rest of your marriage? Probably not. Here are several things you can do to help give your wedding ring a little personality.

Engrave It

According to The Knot, engraving a message, fingerprint, or meaningful symbol on your wedding ring can give it the perfect, personal touch that will remain sentimental for a lifetime. And don’t be afraid of going above and beyond. There are even ways to engrave your electrocardiograph, or heartbeat, if you want to go that route. But in the end, you will want something that is meaningful to both you and your partner.

If you are lacking ideas, just think about you and your partner and what makes your relationship unique. However, if you are stuck trying to think of something special to engrave on your ring, you can always use a more general phrase or symbol, whether that be an infinity sign or a phrase like “always and forever.”

Use Unique Materials

Another way to personalize your wedding ring is to choose unique materials. This could refer to both the band and the stone. For example, rather than a silver- or gold-plated band, you could try a rose gold or platinum. According to Vansweden Jewelers, less common materials, such as tungsten, ceramic, carbon fiber, wood, or even animal bone can also all be used to create unique rings. You can also have a lot of fun mixing and matching shapes and thicknesses of your band.

Furthermore, while the tradition is usually diamonds, there are so many more gems to choose from that are equally as beautiful. If you want your ring to stand out in a crowd, like pearls, emeralds, or sapphires. Plus, rather than the classic oval or square cut gem, try a more triangular or circular shape for extra pizzazz.

Try Two-Toned

If you are on the more conservative side and don’t want your ring to be made from any unique or less common materials, you can always give your ring a more subtle, but still personalized, touch with two-tone metals—like using white gold on the inside and yellow gold on the outside. However, according to Honeyfund, you will want to make sure that if you have a gemstone, the two-tone color combination works well with the color of your gem.

Getting married is one of the most exciting stages of life. While the venue or the color of your tie may stick around in pictures, the small details within the wedding décor won’t matter nearly as what you will keep around with you for the entirety of your marriage: your wedding ring. For this reason, don’t just choose any ring. Make it yours—representative of both your personality and your marriage.

Once you’ve got your ring, you need to figure out what you’re going to wear. Schedule a visit with us today!

4 Stylish Tricks to Impress Your Prom Date

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Attending prom is a rite of passage for most teenagers. You will never forget this special night in your life that signifies the culmination of your high school experience. Here are four tricks that you can use to impress your prom date.

Plan a Promposal

It is becoming more common to plan a special “promposal” to ask that special person to be your date for the night. The promposal does not have to be an elaborate affair. The key is making it personal with special touches that show how much you care. This can be as simple as creating a poster that asks your special person to be your date.

Consider the Corsage

The first thing that you will present your date at the start of the night is a corsage. It is a good idea to ask your date about the color of her dress so that you choose a coordinating corsage. You can choose to go a traditional route with this flower arrangement, or you can go outside of the box and create an alternative option. Presenting the corsage is a great photo opportunity, so be sure to have a camera ready to get some great shots.

Get Creative With Dinner

While most people use the excuse of prom to head to a fancy dinner, you can let your creativity shine by choosing something more unique. If you have nice weather, you might consider packing a romantic picnic to take to the park. Or, choose a restaurant with a fun theme, such as a Japanese hibachi setting. Do not feel like you have to settle for the standard nice dinner out on the town to commemorate the occasion. You should also plan an activity for after the dance to make the evening complete.

Rent a Limo

Arrive in style to the big dance in a limousine. While a stretch limo is the gold standard when it comes to prom transportation, you could consider other car options to impress your friends if a limousine is unavailable. Other ideas to consider include renting a sports car, getting a group of friends together to reserve a party bus or taking a horse and carriage for a truly romantic vibe.

Make your prom night count by going the extra mile to elevate it from ordinary to extraordinary. By employing these four tips, you are sure to create memories with your friends that will last a lifetime.

To really impress your prom date, you’ll want to look stunning. Rent a tux from us to complete your luxurious look!

3 Reasons to Have an “Off-Season” Wedding

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Weddings have a definitive peak season, which means there’s also a time when there are fewer people competing for the best dates and vendors. Wedding season generally gears up in the late spring and continues through early fall. Picking a date that does not fall during these popular months offers you considerable advantages. Consider these three reasons to have an off-season wedding before you settle on a date for your nuptials.

Venues Are Cheaper

While not every vendor offers better rates during the off season, you will likely see some deep discounts on many elements of your wedding. You will also have more room for negotiation since many vendors are simply looking to fill spots during the slow season. Event venues are the most likely place that you will see the biggest discounts when comparing a January wedding to a July one.

Less Competition

By avoiding the most popular months to wed, you will also enjoy less competition from other couples. This is especially important if you have your heart set on a particular photographer, band, or another vendor that can only accommodate one wedding each day. Some of the most popular vendors are booked more than a year in advance during the busy summer wedding season. By choosing an off-season date, you have a better chance of securing all of the vendors of your choice. By assembling an all-star lineup of vendors, you can have the wedding that you have already dreamed about.

Honeymoon Destinations Are Less Crowded

When thinking about setting your wedding date, be sure to consider more than just the feasibility of the ceremony and reception for that day. You also need to think about your honeymoon choices when finding the perfect day to start your new life. You will generally see fewer crowds and better prices at most vacation destinations if you are traveling during the off season. For example, honeymoon destinations, especially places with beaches, are less crowded after September. Be sure to do some research about your preferred honeymoon destination and its weather conditions during the winter months if you choose a wedding during this time frame.

Not only will you stretch your wedding dollar further by choosing a date during the off-season, but you will also be afforded a host of additional benefits. You can still have the wedding that you have always wanted even if you do not decide on one of the more popular months to wed.

If you’re looking for a great tuxedo to wear on your special day, schedule a visit with us to try some on!

4 Tips for Budgeting for a Wedding

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Your wedding day is one of the most momentous occasions of your life. Here are tips that will make sure you are prepared to make it a very special event without breaking the bank.

Rounding Up

The love of your life has said yes to your proposal, and the date has been set. So now what? It is time to create a budget punch list of your obligations. Things to consider are what to wear to the rehearsal dinner, a tuxedo for the wedding and the honeymoon. By doing some research, you begin to get an idea of the costs. Create a budget to cover these expenses. A word to the wise is to round up the final budget figure by 10 percent to ensure you have some wiggle room to cover any extra costs.

Transportation

If you truly want to impress your bride-to-be, then you may want to consider what kind of transportation you want to use when arriving at the wedding and after the ceremony is over. According to Callahan’s Premium Car Service, hiring a limo is customary and comes with a lot of advantages. Other ideas include an antique car, boat, horse-drawn carriage, or vintage muscle car. If you are going to use your car, have it professionally washed as well as detailed. Remember to add these costs to your budget punch list.

Sooner Is Better

Okay, guys, this is not a time to procrastinate. It’s recommended that you budget ahead of time to account for every expense. The sooner you decide what you want to wear, how you want to ride and where you are going for your honeymoon, the sooner you can get these things reserved. Be prepared to have to put down a deposit. Have your dates and times lined up when you get on the phone or online to make reservations. Also, think of any questions you may have about the service. The sooner you get things locked in, the more options you have available. Also, most times, this locks in the price of the service.

The Ring

You have covered the engagement ring, but the wedding ring needs to be chosen as well as engraved. This needs to be in the budget. Also, think about what you want to be engraved inside the band. The wedding date and initials are traditional, but you may want to include a brief sentiment. Make sure the band is a good match with the engagement ring so she can wear it easily. Allow time for the engraving to be done. This may be an extra expense, so give it a line in the budget.

This is a time to put your A-game into play. Don’t procrastinate on planning for this magical day, so you can make awesome lifetime memories.

If you want to look your best on your wedding day, you’re going to want to get a great-looking tuxedo. Let us help you find one!

Tips to Help Grooms and Groomsmen Look Sharp from Dawn to Dusk

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There are a million things you have to worry about during your big day, from acknowledging everyone to making sure the groom or bride actually showed up. How you look should not be one of those worries. Throughout your wedding, you’re going to be shaking hands, pacing nervously and, of course, dancing the night away during your reception. All these things can, no doubt, affect your appearance. Here are some things for the groom and his groomsmen to keep in mind to stay fresh and handsome all day long.

Hair

Contrary to popular belief, men actually care very much about how their hair looks like throughout their big day. However, men also tend to treat it as an afterthought. You may want to avoid getting your hair cut right before the wedding. Too “fresh” of a cut can make your hair look unnatural, and you might also end up with a bad haircut. The best way a man can approach their hair for the big day is to find a stylist that is knowledgeable in preparing all sides of your hair, not just the ones you can see through a mirror. One of the ways to avoid constant touch-ups is to style your hair depending on the weather. Keep an eye out for the best styles to keep you looking great, even if the temperatures rise or fall.

Suit and Tie

One of the most common issues men face with their wedding day appearance is a potential inability to keep their suits looking perfectly fitted. Often a quick movement can throw off your whole shirt and jacket. To keep your tie in place, you can use necktie accessories, which can help you continue to look fresh as the day goes on. Other recommendations include suspenders or a vest. If you don’t like to wear them outside your suit, there are plenty that go within the shirt and still do the job. This can also be applied toward your socks. Throughout the wedding and the reception, you’re going to be walking a lot. Therefore, it is important to utilize sock suspenders in order to keep those socks tight and high.

Makeup

Women aren’t the only people who can use makeup to stay looking great. You want to look your best and avoid excess shine, especially because the day will often be captured by a professional wedding photographer. There are a few key makeup items that can make any man look his best. This is why actors, politicians, and TV newscasters always use makeup before facing the public. For example, you can use a primer on your face. A silicone-based primer is the best choice as it not only protects your face from breaking out, but it’s also extremely tough and will last you throughout most of your day. You can also use concealer or powder to cover blemishes.

You can look great on your wedding day. Not only can it determine the confidence you have during your “I do’s,” but due to the number of photos being taken, your looks will be memorialized for years to come. Keep these tips in mind and begin making sure that you will look your best during your big day.

Did you know that grooms can rent tuxedoes for free? Get six of your bros in your wedding party some tuxes with us and you can get yours free! Come visit us today to find the perfect tux for your special day.

A Teenage Boy’s Guide to Cologne for Prom

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Finding a quality cologne for a young man can be a challenge. Many body sprays tend to come on far too strong to allow for the more subtler scents of a good men’s cologne to shine through. To avoid an overpowering dose of cologne, the suggestions below can help you make the best choice.

Don’t Wear What Everyone Else Is Wearing

Not everyone’s body chemistry is the same, and what smells great on your best friend may not work for you. For example, people with dry skin may need more cologne, while people with oily skin actually serve as a better receptor for cologne, so a little will go a long way. According to Byrdie, your skin pH balance may also play a role in how a scent smells on you. Be ready to try a few different scents before you decide because more is not always better.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood has long been an ingredient of both perfumes and incense for religious ceremonies in India. While Mysore is said to be the best sandalwood for perfumes, it’s becoming hard to find because this tree species is endangered. Part of the challenge of harvesting the wood to produce the essential oil used in perfumes is that the woody smell of sandalwood is only found in the heart of the tree and they’re harvested by uprooting, not cutting. According to Parfumerie Nasreen, sandalwood is used in perfumes for a variety of reasons. The scents are long-lasting with a distinct woody odor that blends very well with other scents. It serves as a wonderful background scent for more exotic aromas such as frankincense.

How to Choose Your Best Scent

If possible, go cologne shopping with a woman who knows you and who you can trust. Be aware that cologne needs time to react with your skin and fully project what this will smell like with your body chemistry. You can’t just spray, sniff and buy. Go to a quality department store after a day at school or work, not right after your shower. First of all, you need to let oil build back up on your skin. Secondly, many men’s colognes have an odor with hints of deodorizing soap and your cologne shouldn’t have to be stronger than your other hygiene products. Spray on a sample, let it set for 15 minutes or so, then sniff to see if it’s the right one for you. Try a different sample on each wrist to compare. 

Choosing a cologne is a very personal choice. You want your cologne to make people happy to be close to you, rather than approaching them with a wall of smell. Take some time and try a few different scents in person to make sure you get the one that works with your body.

 

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