Holiday weddings are wonderful for a myriad of reasons–people have already requested time off of work, it’s a lovely time to take a vacay, and they’re a great way to get the family together all in one place! Plus, they can be particularly attractive if you play your [holiday] cards right. What do we mean? Well, there’s a fine line between a holiday-themed wedding and a wedding that takes place during the holiday season, and trust us when we say, you want the latter. “Why?” you may ask. Your wedding should be about exactly that–your wedding. You’re not throwing a holiday party. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t tap into the festive feeling in the air at that time of year to help set the mood. We’ve rounded up some gorg holiday wedding ideas that are festive without being too literal.

Focus On NATURAL Colors Of The Season

^{Photo: Endless Exposures}

The biggest faux pas that we see when it comes to holiday weddings is an overtly “holiday” color palette. We’re talking bright green, fire engine red, royal blue, crisp white, and silver. Instead, focus on colors that occur naturally during the holiday season like muted sage, plum, rich evergreen, deep merlot, and even some warm marigold touches. Here are some winter wedding color palettes that don’t scream holidays but still evoke that festive vibe.

^{Photo/Palette: Pinterest via ZJ}

^{Photo/Palette: Swell and Stone}

^{Photo/Palette: Tracey Bureau via Pinterest}

Touches Of Plaid

^{Photo: Elisa Bricker}

Incorporating plaid into your wedding design is a great way to bring out those warm feels. Visually, plaid feels like snuggling up under a warm blanket in front of a fire with the one you love–the perfect vibe for a wedding. Now, we’re not saying you need to rock a full-on kilt for your big day (although we would absolutely love that), there are smaller ways to incorporate plaid, like in your invitation suites or other paper goods like your escort cards, menus, and wedding programs. Or, you could use plaid as accents in your linens like napkins, table runners, etc.

^{Photo: Pinterest via Caroline Rose}

^{Photo: Nico and Lala}

^{Photo: Leila brewster}

Bring On The Velvet

^{Photo: Amanda Wei Photography}

While we’re talking fabrics, velvet also has a holiday feel to it and the rich texture really lends itself to weddings. Whether it’s a blazer, slippers for getting ready, a velvet bow tie, or loafers for the groom, you really can’t go wrong with velvet shoes for a winter wedding.

^{Photo/Shoes: Christian Louboutin}

^{Photo/Bowtie: NZ Embroidery Embassy via Etsy}

^{Photo/Shoes: Sam Edleman}

Festive Floral Installations

^{Photo: Bayla Vietnam Destination Wedding Planner}

We can’t stress enough how WORTH IT floral installations are, especially at a holiday wedding. Sure, they’re absolutely gorgeous, but they’re so much more than just good-looking. They’re an experience in themselves. Not only will they enhance your own wedding photos, but, during cocktail hour your guests can use the installation for their own holiday photo op as well.

^{Photo: Mary Lennox}

^{Photo: Party Slate}

^{Photo: Hart Floral Design}

Elaborate Tablescapes

^{Photo: Wedding Forward}

Nothing says holidays like a beautifully set table, so for a holiday wedding, you NEED to go all out with your tablescape. We’re talking linens, on linens, on linens, every type of glassware you can imagine, layer the most ornate china you can find, deck it out with some insane floral arrangements, and throw in some winter fruits for good measure. And please remember, you can never have too many candles. Go with the deeper, richest colors in your palette for your tablescape–the warmer and more inviting, the better.

^{Photo: Pinterest via Squarespace}

^{Photo: Nikos Gogas}

^{Photo: Mywedding.com}

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The post Festive Ideas For Your Holiday Wedding That Aren’t Too Literal appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Sure you could just rely on the basics for the bar at your wedding, but where’s the fun in that? If there’s one investment that we would recommend you splurge on, it’s hiring a mixologist to whip up some seriously delicious cocktails. Treat the tasting like a date night and work together to create the perfect menu for your big day. Cocktails are also a great way to set the mood for a wedding. We’re already in the holiday spirit(s) so we decided to round up a few of the most delicious-looking winter cocktail recipes that we could find. Try them out and choose your faves then, sit back and watch the joy on your loved ones’ faces as they sip some of these delectable creations.

White Christmas Mojito

​
^{Photo/Cocktail: Lulus}

Perfect for a winter beach wedding, this cocktail puts a holiday spin on a tropical favorite. Take the classic mojito recipe with rum, mint, and lime, and add a bit of coconut milk and pomegranate arils to give it that winter vibe.

HONEY BOURBON COCKTAIL WITH ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP

^{Photo/Cocktail: Our Salty Kitchen}

Keep your wedding guests nice and cozy at your winter wedding with this seasonal Bourbon cocktail. It’s the Rosemary Honey Syrup that really makes it!

Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail

^{Photo/Cocktail: Half Baked Harvest}

This winter citrus cocktail with vodka, St. Germain (elderflower liquor), ginger beer, and pomegranate is wonderfully refreshing. It would be the perfect cocktail to serve at a winter wedding where the climate is still quite warm to immerse your guests in all those holiday feels.

THE SPICED BLACK CURRANT “SILENT NIGHT” COCKTAIL

^{Photo/Cocktail: She Keeps A Lovely Home}

This has to be the chicest cocktail we’ve ever seen. If your wedding color palette is deep and moody, this sake, St. Germain, and spiced black currant juice cocktail will be the perfect complement. It’s wintery without being too holiday.

Rosemary Pomegranate French 75

^{Photo/Cocktail: Kayl Chip}

A wintery twist on the famous French 75, this cocktail consists of London Dry Gin, lemon juice, rosemary simple syrup, some bubbly, and a pomegranate and rosemary garnish. So chic, so festive!

SPICED CRANBERRY PALOMA COCKTAIL

^{Photo/Cocktail: Joy Oliver}

A winter Cancun wedding? Then you absolutely have to serve this spicy take on the classic Mexican Paloma. It’s cranberry juice, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and tequila with a touch of spiced simple syrup as a nod to the season.

Blood Orange Champagne Mule

^{Photo/Cocktail: Half Baked Harvest}

New Years’ Eve weddings are the most fun. Surprise your guests with this unexpected twist on a Moscow Mule with a splash of bubbly for your midnight toast and go into the new year together in style.

WINTER WONDERLAND MARGARITA

^{Photo/Cocktail: Burrata And Bubbles}

Excuse us while we go shake up one of these babies for ourselves…Okay, we’re back! One word–divine! If you love margs (who doesn’t) but want your cocktails to have that festive feel, it really doesn’t get much better than this. They also suggest garnishing with a “candied rosemary sprig for a wintry touch.”

INDIAN WINTER: A CARDAMOM COCKTAIL

^{Photo/Cocktail: The Charming Detroiter}

Warm and comforting, this vodka-based cardamom cocktail is beautifully unexpected. Its modern vibe makes it perfect to sip at a winter rooftop wedding as you look over the snowy skyline.

Pear Vanilla Gin Fizz

^{Photo/Cocktail: Short Girl Tall Order}

Pear is such an underrated winter flavor and we were stoked to find this recipe! This cocktail combines gin, soda water, and a homemade pear and vanilla simple syrup. It’s sweet and oh-so-tasty and would be perfect served with a spicy winter wedding cake.

The Cold Night Collins Recipe

^{Photo/Cocktail: VINEPAIR}

This beauty combines all your favorite parts of a daiquiri and a Tom Collins. Benedictine, rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and tonic water blend together to bring you this lovely winter cocktail.

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The post Craft Cocktail Ideas For Your Winter Wedding appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Fall, the leaves are changing and it’s officially PSL season, and if you’re planning a fall wedding for next year, then it’s time to start thinking about your wedding cake. As seasons go, fall has to be the best for flavors. We talked to Lara Martins of LILA Cake Shop and got the inside scoop on all the crowd favorites and a few unexpected ones that your guests are sure to love! Here’s what she had to say…

What gives a wedding cake fall feels?

What is your most popular fall flavor?

^{Cake: LILA Cake Shop}

What is the most underrated fall flavor?

^{Cake: LILA Cake Shop}

tips for shopping for your fall wedding cake

^{Photo: LILA Cake Shop}

^{Cake: LILA Cake Shop}

With options like that, you can’t go wrong, though we seriously need to try the Pistachio Rose! So what’s the takeaway? Whether it’s the cake itself or the icing/decor on the outside, go with the deeper shades in your wedding color palette. Keep the flavors warm and (shall we say) spicy and don’t be afraid to go with a heartier cake, fruit, nuts, and all. Most of all, make sure you’re choosing a cake that speaks to your own taste as a couple, and if it happens to fit the season, even better.

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The post Impress Your Guests With These Fall Wedding Cake Flavors appeared first on Weddingchicks.

While many wedding professionals caution against daily weather-tracking in normal conditions, hurricane season is an exception! “The most important thing you can do is to keep an eye on the weather because it changes so drastically from day to day and even hour to hour,” explains Katie Mast, Director of Community for Rock Paper Coin.

“Make sure you know the forecast for the days leading up to the wedding, the day of the wedding itself, and the days after, as you and your guests may have travel plans that will change drastically,” Mast adds.

Staying on top of the forecast allows you and your vendor team to remain agile, adjust plans, and communicate changes to guests in a timely manner.

^{Photo: Mandee Johnson Photogarphy}

#1 Track The Weather Closely

While many wedding professionals caution against daily weather tracking in normal conditions, hurricane season is an exception! “The most important thing you can do is to keep an eye on the weather because it changes so drastically from day to day and even hour to hour,” explains Katie Mast, Director of Community for Rock Paper Coin.

“Make sure you know the forecast for the days leading up to the wedding, the day of the wedding itself, and the days after, as you and your guests may have travel plans that will change drastically,” Mast adds.

Staying on top of the forecast allows you and your vendor team to remain agile, adjust plans, and communicate changes to guests in a timely manner.

^{Photo: Niki Marie Photography}

#2 Safeguard Your Investments

There’s no denying that weddings come with a significant price tag — and with good reason! Your big day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so it’s prudent to protect your interests by insuring your celebration.

“In today’s uncertain times, it’s especially vital to purchase travel insurance when you book your accommodations and airfare,” confirms Jen Avey, VP of Marketing for Destination Weddings Travel Group. “This will help iron out any wrinkles that may arise should a hurricane or tropical storm impede your travel schedule. In addition, be sure your guests are apprised of the importance of travel insurance, so you don’t have to deal with headaches helping them navigate their options.”

Even if you’re staying close to home for the wedding, it’s worth purchasing event insurance for peace of mind in case inclement weather impacts your plans.

^{PHOTO: Meredith Ryncarz}

#3 Prioritize Contingency Planning

Backup plans are a good idea for any event, but they’re essential when planning around hurricane season. Not only do contingency plans provide peace of mind, but they also allow you to plan for alternative options that you love just as much as the original.

“If there is even a tiny chance that the weather could affect your wedding plans based on your wedding day, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan,” Mast says. “Chances are your venue and vendors have been down this road if they are locals, so lean on them for their suggestions and options.”

In particular, confirm access to backup power sources as hurricanes are known to cause widespread outages. “Look at your venue for emergency power,” urges Meredith Ryncarz, owner of Meredith Ryncarz Photography. “Most commonly, during a hurricane, power is lost. Ensuring your wedding has a working backup generator that is regularly tested will ensure your party keeps going.”

You’ll also want to discuss indoor spaces with your venue coordinator to confirm options in the case of extreme weather or flooding on the property.

^{PHOTO: Renee Lemaire Photography}

#4 Wait It Out

Unfortunately, the weather is beyond anyone’s control. And with the unpredictability of hurricane season, the best course of action may be to postpone your wedding in some cases. Revisit your contracts and discuss options with your venue and vendors.

“Often, venues will have hurricane clauses or ‘acts of God,’” Ryncarz explains. “This would allow you to move your wedding day without a charge. This will ensure your guests remain safe and your wedding day occurs how you envisioned it.”

While a postponement can be tough to swallow, remember that your guests’ safety and comfort are the top priorities. Rest assured, they will be just as eager to celebrate your love when conditions clear!

Hurricane season can present a number of challenges for couples planning a wedding, but there are plenty of ways to mitigate associated risks. Keep your vendor team close, develop backup plans, and—most importantly—remain flexible and calm! Stress doesn’t look good on anyone, so trust your instincts and always put safety first.

^{Photo:: Manda Weaver Photography}

Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.

The post 4 Tips To Planning a Wedding During Hurricane Season appeared first on Weddingchicks.

You know, whenever a brand launches its summer/resort collection, it kind of sets up this obligation for the clothes to be vacay-ready, right? Like perfect for Portugal, oh-so-necessary for Napa Valley, coastal and contemporary for cruising the Caribbean. Makes sense, we get it, but a summer edit doesn’t
always
have to be limited to jet-setting looks, it can also just be a fun set of staples (both formal and more casj) for the warm-weather season. And that’s exactly what we love about
Anthropologie’s latest resortwear wardrobe. From catching rays and relaxing in the shade to al fresco fare and evenings under the stars, whatever you’ll be doing from June through September will be well-dressed in Anthro.

Summer standouts and what will work for each occasion

For the trips: tropical and otherwise

When you’re prepping for a summer sojourn that takes you out to sea or has you sipping spritzes poolside, you’ll want a breezy, yet unabashedly polished and playful collection of pieces that work for elevated excursions and simple beach days alike.

Some of our favorites ☀️

For the viral moments: bikini debuts and anticipated social coups

Okay, so I’m def not talking about myself when it comes to a summer swim debut (at nearly 8 months pregnant with my third babe, I’m nowhere near Kim K SI status — and yes, she was like super sick for all those 😮 shots, just sayin’). But for most everyone else, that first summer swimsuit post is huge: like, it needs to arrest everyone in their [scrolling] tracks type of energy. Same goes for the summer wedding scene. If you’ll be attending destination nuptials or your bestie’s bachelorette party in the Bahamas, your ensembles will need to show uppp just as festively.

Some of our favorites 🩱

For the staycationers: might not have official OOO messages up, but they’ve put the pjs and cotton athleisure down (for summer’s duration)

Summer is the best time to getaway, especially when it feels like everyone around you is ✌️ out for a hot minute. But if you’re
not
going anywhere any time soon, you can still pretend you are with a vacay-viable mani and pedi and printed loungewear to make anyone jealous of your lazy-but-so-luxe look. Suffice it to say that you can bring your laptop to the beach and crank out work in the sand in the chicest coverups and kaftans…

Some of our favorites 🏖️ 💻

Anthropologie has the right resort fits for every awaited escape. Here’s where we’d start and how we’d layer…

• Fill your beach bag with the basics first: like a LBB (the little black bikini, of course) or an on-point one-piece swimsuit

• Create a cute summer outfit by pairing women’s shorts with light-and-bright beach tunics

• Pack a comfy-casual beach dress for the daytime, and a midi or maxi skirt for a night on the town

• For shoes, peruse the brand’s women’s sliders, sandals, and tie-ups for some extra pep to your step

• And in your beach tote, if you still have room, toss in a cover up and some classic beach accessories like sunglasses, a sarong, and headband

Happy first day of summer, chicks!!
Lean into it with Anthropologie’s newest getaway (and gorg for home, as well) garments.

AND FOLLOW ANTHROPOLOGIE ON IG TO SEE HOW ALL THESE WEARS WORKED IN MONTAUK… OBVI SOO WELL

The post Anthropologie POV: Normalize Cute Summer Outfits for Both Vacay and Gen Summer Play appeared first on Weddingchicks.

We’ve all been there, scrolling through the photos on your phone on every birthday and anniversary to find a decent photo of the two of you together…and then reluctantly settling for a way outdated selfie. Well, that all stops now! Maybe you’re engaged and have already had your engagement shoot, maybe you’ve been married a while now, or maybe you’re still dating…whatever your relationship status is, take this inspiration shoot as a sign that you and your S.O. should dress up and schedule a Valentine’s Day photoshoot! Everyone struggles with what to do on Valentine’s Day. Instead of exchanging gifts, invest in photos that you will cherish for a lifetime…plus, it’ll give you a reason to get all dressed up before you go out on the town for dinner and drinks. 

CM Planification dreamed up a fun Valentine’s Day inspiration shoot that’s got it all–red and pink macarons, confetti, flirty dresses, and of course, champagne! And forget drug-store flowers, they went all-in on a professional arrangement from the talented À la vie au vert. Pinepalm Wedding let the couple relax and play in the fun environment that the team created for them and captured these adorable candids and detail shots. Keep scrolling to read more from Catherine Michaud of CM Planification about this dreamy shoot and make sure to check out the full gallery for even more inspiration! 

A Valentine’s Day Dream

The concept for this shoot was to create a happy, romantic Valentine’s Day vibe for a fun-loving couple who wanted to celebrate their love in a unique style, overflowing with love, fun, and confetti. CM Planification planned every detail of this Valentine’s Day-inspired shoot and Pinepalm Wedding was present to perfectly capture the vibe of the day. Our models Mylene and Yoan have been best friends since they were 8 years old. They were the perfect fit for this vision. The celebration started with champagne and the more-than-perfect desserts made by the talented bakery Chocolata. We opted for a chic floral arrangement with a hint of punch. We left the creation of this beautiful arrangement in the hands of À la vie au vert who used eucalyptus, carnations, roses, and a few dried flowers to give it the perfect touch!

Remember to Celebrate

The beautiful gowns came from Château de la mariée Nadia. To complement the look and feel of this super romantic Valentine’s Day shoot, we chose two different styles. The first gown was in this oh-so-perfect vibrant cherry-red color–a color that screams passion, love, and romance. Last but not least, we finished it off with this adorable all-pink sparkly dress–a dress that brought a very playful and fun touch to the vibe of the shoot. Maxine Gauthier, the makeup artist for the event, was able to create two makeup looks that perfectly matched both ensembles for the day. The first look was more romantic and simple with a touch of red lipstick. The second style was more radiant and shiny to match perfectly with the sparkling personality of Mylène. We want couples to remember to take the time to celebrate love, make every moment magical, and don’t forget to pop the champagne!!!

The post Why A Valentine’s Day Couple’s Shoot Should Be In Your Future appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Countdown to 2022, is in full effect! While some may celebrate the turning of a new year by watching the old Dick Clark New Year’s Eve Countdown in Times Square and seeing the ball drop, some chose to go all out and celebrate in fancy hotels decked out in their finest. Staying in this year? A lot of us are, but even if you’re planning a NYE celebration just for two, who says you can’t still dress up all fancy, decorate and toast to the new year with a fun cocktail? This team is giving us some super fun and festive inspiration for a New Year’s Eve for two.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDPwxC8rXkM

Keep scrolling to see more photos by Ivey Photo. Heart Pine Planning planned every detail of this fun NYE inspiration and Trilogy Design Group created the bold and fun florals you’ll see throughout at The Turnbull. Jessica Eubanks created the gorgeous hair and makeup looks. All the images are in the full gallery, so be sure to click through and read on to hear more from the host Kristina Armstrong.

For this year though, The Turnbull, a staple venue in Chattanooga, TN was the perfect location for Heart Pine Planning to plan for Jessica and Aaron to celebrate their engagement and ring in the new year in style. Jessica’s vintage mini dress, the bling, and of course her amazing ring from Aaron stole the show. Not to mention the faux-fur coat and glitter ankle booties. 

Disco vibes were added to make a big impact and our tiny bar cart from Tipsy Tin  was the perfect accessory to hold their cold cocktails while they danced the night away. 

A winter cocktail of vodka, elderflower liqueur, triple sec with white cranberry and lime juice was the perfect pairing for this couple’s cocktail choice. Sweet, tangy, a little sassy, and garnished with cranberries and disco ball ornaments.

Bright pops of color were added by Trilogy Design Group to contrast against the wood-finished walls. Aaron kept it simple but impactful with his black trousers and a white shirt but the shoes stole the show. This is a couple who loves fashion and finds even the most minute ways to make an impact.

Even if you’re celebrating just the two of you for New Year’s Eve, there’s no reason you can’t go above and beyond by having a custom cocktail experience and upscale event. Let us know how you’re celebrating 2022 by heading over to our Instagram and engaging with us on stories. We are all wishing you an abundant, happy, and love-filled new year walking into 2022. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The post Countdown to NYE Inspo in Chattanooga at The Turnbull appeared first on Weddingchicks.

There’s something so special about New Years Eve. It’s a time for us to get dressed up, dance the night away and be around those you love! When I was sitting over coffee with Laura of Laura Moll Photography and Erica of 1011 Make Up And Hair, and chatting about NYE plans, we sort of birthed the idea of pulling together a disco themed NYE shoot with some amazing ladies we know.

We wanted to share our love for beautifully styled spaces and expertly styled ladies, so we quickly got to work pulling together an amazing team of vendors who brought the vision to life! I styled a balloon champagne wall, had a custom backdrop made that we hung a neon sign on, created a fun lounge area under a rad floral installation by The Florista and then created little artistic moments of accessories. We were so thankful to have Tia from The Bachelor, Alex a model in Nashville and musician/entertainer, Liz Mace, come model for us. Carson Love styled our gals to perfection and the whole thing was a total hit.

And since NYE is here, I thought it would be fun for our stylist, Carson, to share some of her tips as you prepare your look for ringing in the new year:

01 READ THE ROOM //

Think about where you’re going – headed to a rooftop party in nyc or celebrating in your best friend’s living room? Plan your outfit, shoes + outerwear accordingly.

02 SEQUIN SEPARATES // 

Most women think they need a dazzling sequin dress or jumpsuit for nye, but if you’re a more casual dresser find sequin piece that fits you! For example, snag a sequin blazer or duster that you can throw over a graphic tee you already own with a pair of your favorite jeans, so you feel festive but still comfortable. Other ideas include a sequin midi skirt with a sweater or even a sequin accessory like a headband or purse. And it doesn’t have to be sequin either – try a bold, bright color or mix textiles/fabrics like faux fur, leather or velvet into your look. Don’t think you have to go buy a totally new outfit for the evening – there’s easy ways to inject a fun wardrobe piece you love that also makes you feel festive!

03 RENT YOUR LOOK // 

If you do want to add something super novelty or special that you’re not going to get a lot of use of (as it may be something you don’t normally wear) think about renting a wardrobe piece or full outfit for a more sustainable option. a favorite local option to rent is The Showroom Nashville. online options include Rent The Runway or Nuuly or FashionPass.

And I wanted to share some tips for creating a magical NYE ambiance-

01 STYLE A BAR CART // 

Whether you have a bar cart, or dedicated “bar” space, you can style the space with a few key things! Grab your favorite glasses and line them up in the corner. Get some cute stir sticks that fit your theme and have those ready to garnish the drink with. Get a favorite bottle of wine or alcohol, perhaps in the color or theme you’re going after (for our shoot, we used Vik Rose in the most beautiful pink flowered bottle that was basically an art piece itself!). Finish the look with some cute signage and any extra florals or small decor items (like disco balls!) if you have any!

02 BALLOON ARCHES ARE HERE TO STAY // 

This was my first attempt at a balloon arch and my biggest take away is, plan ahead and wear some gloves! Balloon arches are all the rage right now and you can buy some cute kits online or hire a balloon company to put one together for you (highly recommend leaving it to the pro’s). Colors are endless and they create such a fun photo backdrop. But if you’re making one yourself, just know it takes a lot of time, and we suggest you get a balloon air machine and do whatever you can to protect your fingers from getting cut when having to tie it so many times!

03 CHAMPAGNE TOWERS FOR THE WIN // 

Gather 12 Champagne coupes and you can create the cutest little champagne tower for all your friends to enjoy! Create a base in a circle shape of 7 coupes, then the second level will have 4 coupes and then the top will have 1. If spaced out properly, the champagne will flow from the top and it’ll jumpstart the party for sure!

We hope you all have an amazing time ringing in the new year! As in the words of our favorite gal, T Swift, “I don’t know about you, but we’re feeling year 2022!”

The post Tips for a Disco NYE appeared first on Weddingchicks.

^{Newlywed Holiday Cards: Paper Culture}

The apostrophe can be a source of frustration for many and it drives me crazy to see it used incorrectly. It’s really not that big of a deal, but why not just do it right? Grammar errors usually occur when  ending out and signing a
thank you or
holiday card. Below you’ll find tips on correctly signing your cards.

How do I make my last name plural?

^{Newlywed Holiday Cards: Paper Culture}

Of course you’re excited to sign your shiny last name, your hyphenated, or maybe you’ll sign two names. Regardless, you’re probably super pumped to show friends and family that cute holiday, wedding or engagement picture you took for the card.  If you’re signing your name and you need to make it plural, there are some general rules to follow. Be sure to keep reading, because I’ve also added in some tips on making your last name possessive and using the correct your/you’re.



GENERAL RULE
  

Simply add an
s
.



EXCEPTION 

If your name ends in s, x, z, ch, or sh, add an
es.




EXAMPLES


Love, the Andersons

Love, the Joneses

Love, the Smiths

Love, the Foxes

Love, the Johnsons

Love, the Kennedys

Love, the Churches

Love, the Days 

When
do
I use an apostrophe in my name?

Well, that’s a very good question, you use an apostrophe to show possession.

That’s the Andersons’ car.

Let’s go over to the Granda’s house.

The Smith’s dog is so cute.

BONUS LESSON: 
YOU’RE  vs. YOUR

You’re = you are


You’re smart.

You’re pretty.

You’re spelling that wrong.

You’re my favorite.

Your = possession, ownership


Is this your car?

Your jeans are cute!

The coffee shop is on your left.

GRAMMAR HACK


If you’re (you are) confused, break it down and say ‘you are’ and see if it fits. If it doesn’t fit, then it’s your.

You are pretty. YES

Is this you are car? NO  

The post Grammar Rules for Holiday and Thank You Cards appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Now that we’ve officially entered the season of pumpkin-flavored everything, autumn fans are rejoicing in this shared excitement of cooler weather, cozy-chic clothes, and all things fall. And if you’re a couple counting down the days to your October or November wedding, then things are feeling extra magical.

It should go without saying that if you’re the type that loves to go all out with a theme, then you’re more than welcome to pull out all the stops on your big day! But for those that like more subtle, seasonal nods, we’re here for you, too.

Embracing your autumn wedding without going overboard

In the same way that you don’t have to stick to pastels for a spring wedding, there are no rules that say you have to incorporate pumpkins into your autumnal décor. All of that said, it can be fun to embrace the season by planning some themed elements into your celebration.

For Nora Sheils, owner of Bridal Bliss and co-founder of Rock Paper Coin, it’s all about evoking a romantic yet comfortable feeling. “Nothing says fall like nature’s changing colors and moody palettes. Rich and vibrant tones typically lend themselves to crisp mornings, but even when the sun is shining, they evoke feelings of warmth and comfort! In the fall, there is nothing you want more than to be cozy. Utilize uplighting to cast an amber glow on the room to instantly warm it up. It will not only create a cozy vibe, but it also does wonders for everyone’s complexions.”

Kelley Nudo, client manager of Momental Designs, adds: “Choose wisely when it comes to the venue! A venue that can showcase the splendor of the autumnal landscape is really the way to go because having the backdrop of changing leaves is definitely going to ensure you and your guests can enjoy the beauty of the season without having to go overboard on decor.”

What to avoid

Some couples may like the idea of springing for heavy fall themes when planning their wedding, but the idea may not be as appealing down the road. The most important factor to consider is how you’ll feel when you look back on photos – will you always be fond of the hay bales and red-orange color scheme, for example? If you’re on the fence, there are a few things you can do to avoid going too heavy on the fall elements.

Gretchen Culver, owner of Moon and Stars Events  and Rocket Science Events, says, “Sometimes autumn décor can read as ‘farm’ or ‘rustic,’ so I would recommend skipping the hay bales, gourds, or hyper-seasonal florals such as mums.”

Eddie Zaratsian, owner of Eddie Zaratsian Lifestyle & Design, notes, “If you want something a little more evergreen, think about having your florist incorporate some dried elements into your centerpieces and overall floral design. Pampas grasses, dried eucalyptus, and other preserved pieces can add major dimension and still lend to that highly coveted fall vibe. It may be best to stay away from orange and yellow florals if you don’t typically lean towards those hues and want to avoid the overtly-themed look.”

Let’s talk color palettes and guest experiences

Don’t feel obligated to incorporate colors of changing leaves into your color palette simply because they’re seasonal. Instead, there are several ways to pay homage to the feeling of fall, whether it be with rich color or ’tis the season’ experiences.

Kevin Dennis, owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services, shares, “Try adding some candles in wherever possible and nixing the harsh overhead lights. Regardless of whether you’re going to have an indoor or outdoor wedding, candles of varying shapes and sizes can give your space an intimate environment for mingling. Add them to each table, incorporate them into your ceremony altar, and place them (safely!) in groups around the reception space.”

Nudo adds: “Using a traditional autumnal color palette that coordinates with the colorful foliage display found in nature is a no-brainer when planning a fall wedding. Using shades such as burgundy, rust, amethyst, and ochre, anchored with rich metallics like antique gold or copper, can be carried throughout the wedding decor and give off fall vibes.”

And for the after-party?

Culver suggests: “Who doesn’t love a campfire, especially on a cool fall night? If you have outdoor space at your venue (and they will allow it), consider sparking up a fire pit after dinner! Have baskets of blankets and s’mores fixings for guests to hang out late night as they take a break from dancing. There are many companies who will do s’mores stations indoors, so even if you can’t roast your marshmallows over a roaring fire, you can still indulge in this sweet treat.”

Bear in mind that this is ultimately your wedding, so you can go as big or small on the ‘pumpkin-spiced’ theme as you’d like. It’s all about what you’re comfortable with and what you want to remember for years to come!

Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.

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