5 Unique Wedding Flowers Inspired by Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s impossible not to think of all the ways to infuse the day of love into your wedding day. Now if a heart themed wedding is too nail-on-the-head for you (more on that here), consider simply exploring incorporating hues of reds and pinks instead ♥️💜🩷

While you can do this in a variety of ways (decor, food, attire, etc.), today I want to explore how to add pops of pink and red via your wedding flowers. While roses and peonies are a classic choice, there are plenty of unique blooms that can bring texture, shape, and visual interest to your bouquet, boutonnière, or centerpiece.

Looking for even more wedding flower support? Get the FREE wedding flower checklist!

Here are 5 distinctive flowers that will elevate your wedding’s romantic aesthetic💐

1. Anemone – The Bold and Dramatic Beauty

Anemones are known for their striking black centers and delicate, silky petals, making them a standout choice for any floral arrangement. You’re probably used to seeing them in white, but did you know they are also available in shades of deep red, blush pink, and even burgundy?, Anemones can bring an elegant contrast to wedding bouquets. Their unique look pairs well with softer flowers, adding dimension and high-contrast drama to your Valentine’s-inspired florals.

Anemone Bouquet

2. Dahlia – The Statement Bloom

Dahlias are the epitome of elegance and sophistication. With their intricate, layered petals and bold size, they create a lush, full look in any bouquet. Deep red and pink dahlias evoke passion and romance, making them perfect for a Valentine’s-inspired wedding. They blend beautifully with other blooms in a monochromatic palette or have them stand alone for a striking effect.

Blush Tone Dhalia Bouquet

3. Ranunculus – The Delicate and Whimsical Choice

Ranunculus flowers offer a lush, ruffled appearance that adds a touch of softness and charm to any arrangement. These are one of my favorite flowers. I like to think of them as miniature peonies. Their multiple layers of petals create a dreamy, romantic feel, and they come in various shades of red, pink, and blush. Whether featured in a bouquet or boutonnière, ranunculus blooms provide a graceful, ethereal aesthetic.

Ranunculus Bouquet

4. Amaranthus – The Cascading Accent

For a unique, trailing effect, amaranthus is an exquisite choice. With its cascading, draping blooms in deep red and burgundy hues, this flower adds movement and texture to bouquets and floral installations. Amaranthus works beautifully as an accent flower, giving a whimsical, bohemian touch to wedding arrangements. Random fact about me, I’m actually allergic to amaranthus. I learned this many years ago, when working as a wedding coordinator intern. I was setting up for a wedding at a hotel in downtown Boise and then centerpieces had amaranthus. Shortly after delivering the centerpieces to the tables, my arms broke out in hives. Despite this little setback, I still love amaranthus. They add such a dramatic draping effect to floral arrangements.

Dramatic Draping Amaranthus Bouquet

5. Sweet Peas – The Fragrant, Romantic Touch

Sweet peas are delicate, fragrant flowers that embody romance and elegance. Their petite petals and sweet scent make them a lovely addition to any wedding bouquet, centerpiece or boutonniere. They remind me of my childhood in Colorado where we had these relentless sweet peas in a vibrant fuschia in the yard. Available in shades of blush pink, deep rose, and soft coral, and purples, sweet peas bring a touch of nostalgia and timeless beauty to your floral designs.

Floret Farm Sweet Pea Bouquet

Final Thoughts

Incorporating these unique wedding flowers in shades of red, pink, and even purple will help create a stunning, Valentine’s Day-inspired ambiance for your wedding. And even if you aren’t going for a Valentine themed wedding, these flowers will still add visual interest to your wedding day. Whether you prefer bold, dramatic blooms or soft, delicate petals, these flowers will add texture, movement, and intrigue to wedding flower arrangements. Let these exquisite florals help you celebrate love in the most beautiful way on your special day! ❤️🌸💐

Don’t forget to download your FREE wedding flower guide below!

3 Wedding Decisions You Can Make Right Now for FREE!

Hey, there lovebirds! 💍✨ So, you just got engaged? Cue the happy dance! 🎉 But now that the excitement is settling in, you might be thinking, "Where do we even start?!" The good news? You don’t have to spend a dime to start planning your dream wedding! In fact, there are 3 big wedding decisions you can make right now, absolutely FREE. Let’s dive in!

1. Determine Your Wedding Size 🏰 vs. 🏡

Before you even think about venues or caterers, it helps to decide how big (or intimate) your wedding will be. Do you want to create a party-like atmosphere with 200+ guests? Or are you dreaming of a more intimate gathering with just your closest family and friends? Figuring this out now will make everything else—venue, budget, invitations—SO much easier later on. So grab your fiancé, make a list, and start visualizing your perfect guest count! For an in depth look at making this decision see here.

Consider what kind of vibe you want (party like or intimate atmosphere) when choosing your wedding size

If you’re needing more support making your wedding guest list, be sure to grab the wedding guest list template below!

2. Choose Your Wedding Party 👯‍♀️💙

Now that you know how many guests you want at your event, you can move on to determining your wedding party. Who do you want standing by your side when you say, "I do"? Your wedding party plays a huge role in your big day (and the fun leading up to it!), so this is a great decision to make early. Whether you’re going traditional party or mixing it up your wedding crew, the choice is yours! When selecting your wedding party, focus on quality over quantity. Imagine your 5th, 10th, 20th wedding anniversary, would you still be in touch with those in your wedding party? For my own wedding, we only had our siblings in the wedding party because we felt the most connected and supported by them. If you have a lot of close friends and really want them all in the wedding, go for it, but remember there’s nothing wrong with keeping it small or skipping the wedding party concept all together. You do you🥂

It’s okay to have a small wedding party of close friends or family

3. Select Your Color Palette 🎨✨

Choosing your wedding colors early sets the tone for everything—décor, wedding party attire, flowers, and even invitations! Are you feeling classic with timeless neutrals? Or maybe bold and vibrant hues speak to your personality? Pinterest is your BFF here! Start pinning color schemes you love, and soon you’ll see a pattern emerge. The best part? It costs zero dollars to dream up a color palette that makes your heart happy! For some color palette inspo see the GHD Pinterest board (jewel tones, pink & red, and purple) and this blog post (includes a FREE wedding color quiz).

Color Palette Inspiration

Ready to Get Started? 💕

Making these 3 decisions now will give you a strong foundation for planning your big day—and the best part? It won’t cost you a thing to get started! So, grab your partner, pour a glass of something fabulous, and start planning. You’ve got this! 🥂✨

Need more wedding planning tips? Be sure to sign up for the GHD Weekly Wedding email for extra wedding planning and design support ✨

Kickstart Your Wedding Design: Choose the Perfect Color Palette 🎨

Last week we talked a little bit about wedding themes (see here), but maybe you’re feeling like you have no idea where to start with your wedding design and the thought of deciding on a theme is just too much for you right now.

That’s okay, I totally get it. Wedding planning overwhelm is REAL!

As a former DIY bride myself, I know exactly how stressful wedding design can be (especially if you’ve never done it before). If you’re newly engaged and just starting your wedding design journey, I have 2 things to say:

1. CONGRATULATIONS! This is such an exciting moment in your love story and I encourage you and your partner to take time to celebrate your engagement. There’s no rule (and even if there was, I would encourage you to break it) saying you have to start designing and planning your wedding the second you get engaged. Take your time and enjoy this magical time.

2. If you are ready to start designing your wedding and landing on a theme is too overwhelming (see here for some wedding theme inspo) - I encourage you to start with wedding colors.

Choosing wedding colors is easier than you may think. There are a lot of clues in your surrounding environment that will help point to your ideal wedding color palette. Once you choose your wedding colors, it will help serve as a creative foundation for all aspects of your wedding design. From invitations to decor, attire to florals, your chosen palette becomes the invisible string that ties every element together.

I love me some momentum, especially when it comes to making decisions. You’ll soon find once you get that wedding planning momentum going, you’ll want to keep going.

Here's why selecting wedding colors is so important and how it can help jumpstart your wedding design process:

Wedding Colors Define the Mood and Style

Your wedding colors are more than just a combination of shades you love; they reflect the mood and style you want to convey. Are you dreaming of a romantic and elegant celebration? Soft pastels or muted tones like blush pink, sage green, and ivory can evoke that feeling. Prefer something bold and modern? Jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, or navy can make a powerful statement. By choosing your colors, you’re creating the first building block of the atmosphere you want to create for your big day.

A Guide for Design Decisions

With so many choices to make, having a color palette in place simplifies decision-making. Whether you're selecting linens, centerpieces, wedding party attire, or even the icing color for your cake, your chosen colors will guide you. Without a defined palette, it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of options. Your colors act as an anchor, streamlining the process and ensuring all elements of your wedding feel cohesive. One of my favorite mood boards I’ve made tonight was a fictional wedding between Avril Lavigne and Elle Woods (see below).

Inspiration for Theme and Decor

Choosing your colors can also inspire the overall theme or aesthetic of your wedding. For example, a palette of soft blues, greens, and neutrals might inspire a coastal theme, while shades of burnt orange, rust, and terracotta are perfect for a fall or bohemian vibe. Once you’ve nailed down your colors, it’s easier to build a cohesive look and determine an overall theme that reflects your vision as a couple.

A Personal Touch to Your Day

Your wedding colors are a reflection of your personal taste and relationship. Maybe you’ve chosen hues that remind you of your favorite season, the flowers from your first date, your favorite travel destination as a couple, or even your home decor. Adding this personal touch not only makes your wedding feel more meaningful (no cookie cutter weddings here!) but also makes the design process more enjoyable.

If you’re feeling stuck with color selection, take the FREE GHD Wedding Color Quiz to help jumpstart your wedding color palette decision. 

Take the wedding color quiz

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Colors

1. Start with Inspiration: Look for inspiration in your everyday life. What colors make you happy? Are there tones in your wardrobe, home, or favorite artwork that you’re naturally drawn to?

2. Consider Your Venue: Your wedding venue plays a huge role in determining what colors will work best. A rustic barn might pair beautifully with earth tones, while a modern ballroom might call for sleek neutrals or metallics.

3. Seasonal Palette: Let the time of year guide you. Pastels are great for spring, vibrant shades work well for summer, earthy tones shine in fall, and rich, deep colors suit winter weddings.

4. Test Combinations: Play around with color swatches and mood boards to see how different shades work together. Get the FREE GHD mood board guide with templates here. For more color inspo, check out this GHD Pinterest (purple wedding, jewel toned wedding, red and pink wedding).

How Wedding Colors Drive Your Design Journey

Once your colors are chosen, you’ll find that many other wedding design decisions will become easier. Your floral arrangements, table settings, invitations, and even lighting can all be designed with your palette in mind. It’s like creating a roadmap for your wedding—giving you a clear direction to follow as you progress in your journey of making your wedding vision a reality.

By starting with your wedding colors, you’re setting the stage for a cohesive and memorable event. It’s a fun and creative way to kickstart your wedding planning journey and ensures that your celebration truly reflects your style and story as a couple. So, grab those swatches, open up that mood board template, raid your closet and home for favorite items, get inspired, and let your wedding colors lead the way!

5 Reasons to Consider a Heart-Themed Wedding

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Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase a product through my link I will earn a small commission. This helps allow me the ability to keep providing you free weekly content (yay!).

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Now you know I love red and pink weddings (see here, here, and here), but what about a heart-themed wedding? Is it too much of a good thing or just enough?

Your wedding day will likely be one of the most romantic and memorable days of your life, so why not embrace the universal symbol of love and make the heart shape the theme? A heart-themed wedding is a timeless and playful way to symbolize representing your wedding. 

A heart theme is probably more versatile than you think. You can do it up classy or be more playful with a retro heart theme. You can choose bright and bold colors like pink and red, or keep it simple with a more subtle color palette. Don’t want to read the full post? That’s cool, just make sure not to miss out on your free wedding invitation template!

Here are 5 compelling reasons that will have you considering the possibility incorporating hearts into your big day:

1. Dessert: Sweeten the Deal with Heart-Inspired Treats

Aside from the actual getting married part, cake is one of my favorite elements of a wedding. One, because I LOVE frosting and two, because it’s such a unique opportunity for a couple to express their personality. With a heart themed wedding, you can take it up a notch with a heart-shaped wedding cake that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Not a cake person? Opt for cupcakes with edible heart shaped toppers, or cookies with intricate icing hearts. Not only are these desserts visually stunning, but they also add a fun and personal touch that guests will rave about.

Photo Credit: @mkzachphotography

Edible Cupcake Toppers

2. Accessories: Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve (Literally!)

Hearts offer endless possibilities for incorporating love into your wedding attire (more on this here). Imagine a heart-printed veil, subtle embroidered hearts on a pocket square, heart cufflinks, or heart-shaped jewelry that ties your look together. Don’t forget your bridal party—heart-shaped cufflinks, hairpins, or shoes with heart accents are thoughtful ways to spread the theme to those closest to you. Feeling playful? Throw in some heart shaped sunglasses!

Heart Print Bow Veil

Herat Pocket Square, Bowtie & Cufflinks

3. Ceremony Décor: Transform Your Space with Heartfelt Details

Your ceremony space is the perfect canvas for heart-themed decor. Oversized hanging hearts can frame your wedding arch beautifully, while aisle runners with heart patterns guide you to your happily ever after. You can even incorporate hearts into floral arrangements or seating markers for a cohesive, love-filled ambiance.

Heart Shaped Ceremony Arch

Heart Vases for Ceremony Decor

Heart Marquee Light

4. Signage: Simplify Your Style with Heart-Centric Designs

Wedding signage can often feel overwhelming to design, but a heart theme makes it effortless. A welcome sign adorned with hearts, table numbers with elegant heart motifs, and heart-themed seating charts all add a charming touch. With so many heart-inspired stationery options available, you’ll have no trouble finding pieces that perfectly suit your wedding’s aesthetic.

Heart shaped save the date magnets

Heart Table Numbers

Want to DIY your heart-theme wedding invites? Be sure to snag my FREE wedding invitation template.

Heart Wedding Invitation Template

5. Design Details: Add Heartfelt Touches Everywhere

The little details make a big impact, and hearts are an easy and versatile motif to incorporate. Think heart-shaped cocktail stirrers, guest books (love this one too!), or napkins. You could even send guests home with heart-themed favors like candles or keychains to remind them of your special day. These subtle yet meaningful accents will tie your entire wedding together beautifully.

Heart Shaped Guest Book

Heart Shaped Cocktail Stirrer

Final Thoughts

A heart-themed wedding is a beautiful way to celebrate your love and create a day filled with sentimental details. No matter what time of year your wedding, hearts are always in season. From desserts to décor, accessories to stationery, and everything in between, hearts provide endless inspiration for crafting a truly unforgettable event. So, if you’re looking for a way to add extra charm to your wedding, let the heart lead the way!

For more Valentine wedding vibes, check out this Pinterest board!

“Engaged 2 Planning” - Wedding Planning for DIY couples

The moment has finally arrived…my wedding planning course is officially live!

Now I know I’ve only talked about my wedding planning course a little bit recently (see here), but what you might not realize is this idea has been in process since 2016. Yes, you read that right, 2016, as in almost a decade ago - in other words…

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2016 is when I first discovered online courses and the concept of running a virtual business. It was the year I purchased my first online course from, which happened to be right around the time I had my first baby (that’s a lot of firsts in 2016). At night between when this baby went to bed (around 7pm) and when baby got back up to “dream feed” (if you don’t have kids - google it - it’s a whole thing) at 10pm, I would stay up and work on learning about online business. While I was exhausted in a way only a new parent can be, I was energized by this idea of a virtual business. 

Of course life gets in the way sometimes and causes delays and reprioritizing…since 2016 there have been multiple apartments/houses (6 to be exact), multiple jobs, and then baby #2 in 2018. 

Note to viewers babies do not always sleep peacefully - do not be fooled!

When I finally launched GHD in 2019 (3 years after that first online course I took), I spent a year getting it up and running (building socials and my website, doing design giveaways online, having styled shoots, etc.). Then in March of 2020, I launched my first online offerings (4 years after taking that first course). In a cruel trick from the universe, a global pandemic hit at the EXACT same time and everyone was worried about well…not weddings.

Throwback to the original GHD Logo (circa 2019)

In 2021, I returned to the corporate world and shoved my design dreams in the back of my desk drawer (literally, my notebook for all my GHD plans was in my desk). For a while, I thought it was over - my dream would die a slow death (and gather lots of dust) in the back of my desk drawer.

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If you’ve ever met me in real life, you know I’m not one who gives up or lets go easily (relentlessness is one of my most intense qualities - good and bad). Even in my corporate job, I always found ways to infuse design and event planning anywhere and everywhere I could, but I still missed wedding design. Turns out it’s pretty hard to fit color palettes and mood boards into the health care industry.

By December of 2023, I knew I just had to breathe life back into my wedding dreams - even if that meant doing it on the weekends or evenings while working full time. I rebuilt my website (from scratch), started a weekly newsletter (ps you can sign up for that here), launched my blog, and began creating all kinds of freebies (quizzes, guides, PDFs)  to help support couples with their wedding planning and design. All those resources are free to you here!

FREE wedding resources

By fall of 2024, it became very clear to me that for my virtual wedding business and dream of creating a course to ever be more than a “hobby”, I would need to be able to work on it full time.

Then came the doubt (“What if I fail?”), imposter syndrome (“Am I even a designer?”), and reality (“Can I even record a course while my house is undergoing major renovations?”). Oh doubt, hello dear friend.

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Well the universe must have felt bad for being such a punk to me (to all of us) in 2020 and it created a very clear path for me to exit my corporate job and thus here we are.

It only took 9+ years from my original dream to get to this point and honestly I’m okay with that. While it didn’t go how I thought it would originally back in 2016, the journey to this dream has been the exact wild ride I needed.

That’s the thing about life, it always works out the way it’s supposed to in the end (even if it seems like absolutely NOTHING is adding up right on the way there).

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Now that you know a little more about the journey I’ve been on to get to this exact moment, I couldn’t be more thrilled to bring you “Engaged 2 Planning”, the online course to help guide newly engaged couples navigate from their engagement into the wedding planning process. 

More about “Engaged 2 Planning”

This course guides couples through the 3 Key Wedding Planning Decisions they need to make first (before starting on any design elements of their wedding). These key decisions include: wedding size, wedding budget, and wedding date.

Since I’m such a design nut though, I included a bonus module in the course to help determine overall wedding vibe/style, color palettes, and mood board inspiration (including how to make your own wedding mood board!).

Learn more about the course

Features:

-120+ Minutes of Video Instruction

-14+ PDFs & resources including:

• Wedding Budget Tracker

• Money Mindset Activity

• Mood Board Templates

• Color Palette Concepts

• Wedding Vibe Guide

• Wedding Invitation Discount Code

AND MORE!

A MAJOR benefit of this course is the amount of time it saves newly engaged couples who are DIY-ing their wedding planning. From a fellow DIY bride to another, I KNOW exactly how overwhelming and time-consuming planning your own wedding can be. With this course, instead of scouring Instagram, Pinterest, wedding blogs and magazines, everything a couple needs to get started with wedding planning is “gathered here” (see what I did there?), all in one place, for easy access.

The course is a one time $47 payment. I’m putting that out there because I am a fan of transparency and I personally like knowing these sorts of things up front. So there you are, less than $50 bucks (pretty sure the bonus section alone is totally worth the cost of the entire course).

Sneak peak of the course BONUS materials

Not ready to spend the money, but still need help planning? I’ve got you covered. Check out my FREE resources page and snag your copy of the Ultimate wedding planning checklist.

If you’re not getting married, but know someone who is - be sure to share this link with them!

Have questions about the course? I’m here for it! Email me directly at gatheredheredesigns@gmail.com and we can set up time to chat, text, or email.

I am starting this New Year out on a mission to help support all those lovers who made it official during engagement season with getting the wedding planning journey started.

Cheers to your engagement, the wedding planning to come, and dreams realized! I hope to see you in the course soon!

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The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist

If you’ve found your way here, you’re likely on your way to getting married. Congratulations! Being newly engaged is such an exciting time, especially at the start of the New Year. I love beginnings. The beginning of a relationship, the beginning of the year, the beginning of a marriage. I think starts are the best!

I hope you’re deep in the starry-eyed phase of your engagement. I love to encourage couples to enjoy this phase. Take all the time you want to celebrate your engagement with family, friends, and each other before jumping into all the wedding details.

If you’re like most newly engaged couples, the second you tell others you’re engaged it’s a tsunami of questions such as,

“Let me see the ring!”

“When are you getting married?”

“Where are you getting married?”

“Are you having a big wedding?”

So it’s okay to keep it to yourself for a bit and savor the moment. Need inspiration? Example of starry-eyed lovers below:

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Now once you are ready to start your wedding planning, it can feel a bit overwhelming. With so many details to consider, it’s easy to wonder, “Where do I even start?” That’s exactly where I come in!

As a former DIY bride myself, I know how stressful it is to sit amongst piles of wedding magazines and how-to articles trying to decipher what the plan should be for you and your partner’s wedding. If you don’t know where you’re going, it’s easy to get lost.

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To help make the beginning of your wedding planning easier, I created the Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist. This guide provides an easy timeline to reference along your wedding planning journey. From 12 months out to the month before your big day, I’ve detailed it all for you and your fiancé in an effort to spare you both from hours and hours of wasted time scouring the internet for this info.

Once you download the checklist, you can go back to enjoying your newly engaged love bubble because you’ll know exactly what wedding planning tasks to focus on at what time in your wedding planning journey.

Wishing you a joyful engagement and a Happy New Year🥂

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A year end review…

The end of the year brings up all kinds of feelings of nostalgia for me. There’s something about the end that makes you think of the beginning. For me 2024 has been a restart for Gathered Here Designs. 

I know I’m bias, but I love the glitter detail on the GHD logo!

Originally GHD launched in 2019, then that beloved 2020 came and kicked all our butts. From 2021-2023, GHD was basically “on pause”. During the engagement season of last year, I was inspired to renew Gathered Here Designs with the goal of providing oodles or helpful FREE content to newly engaged couples online. By the end of the year, my goal was to complete building out a virtual wedding planning course to help support those newly engaged DIY couples who need just a little extra support with the planning process. 

While my course recording is temporarily on pause due to this sore throat that just won’t quit, I’m confident I’ll be able to finish recording before that clock strikes midnight on 12/31.

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Looking back on the year, I feel excited about what I have been able to create with Gathered Here Designs - SO. MUCH. CONTENT. It’s one of my favorite parts of the business is creating things that are helpful to those planning their wedding. I consider myself a content queen of sorts..

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As we look forward to the New Year and all that 2025 has to bring, I wanted to share all the data and favorites from 2024.

GHD 2024 Data

• 63k+ monthly views on Pinterest

• 175+ custom designed pins on Pinterest

• 28 blog posts  (if you count this one) - see my first blog post here from 12/29/23

• 17 Wedding Wednesday emails

• 3 wedding quizzes

  • Style Quiz

  • Season Quiz

  • Flower Quiz

• 10+ free new wedding planning resources

• 10 landing pages

• 1 holiday coloring book (still time to purchase before Christmas - makes a great stocking stuffer!)

• 1 virtual course (almost completed - waitlist here)

Get the GHD holiday coloring book - perfect stocking stuffer!

Here are a few of my favorite things from 2024…

My favorite quiz is the first one I made all about finding your wedding style, though the wedding season quiz is a close second.

Take the wedding style quiz today!

My favorite landing page is this one, which is all about mood boards.

Mood boards are a great way to visualize your wedding design.

My favorite email I sent was is a tie between this one (April) and this one (November).

My mom, sister, and I at my cousin’s wedding in April.

PS if you’re not on my email list, be sure to sign up here. I share all kinds of personal details and photos that I do not include on the blog.

DON’T MISS OUT - SIGN UP FOR WEDDING WEDNESDAY EMAILS!!!

Somewhere in the midst of all that I was working full time until October 2024, raising 2 children, moving from a rental into a 1937 cottage, and began renovating said cottage. Looking at the all this makes me realize why I’m probably so tired haha.

Now while we’re on the nostalgia train, we may as well go waaaaayyyyy back to when I first fell in love with weddings, I was 5. Now talk about nostalgia…

Fun fact: I’ve only been in 2 weddings - one at age 5 and one at 26!

My 5 year old self is the one who keeps the passion of creativity alive, while my 20 year old DIY bride self helps know what tips and tricks are most helpful to share with newly engaged couples, and my current 30-something self is the one who makes it all come together.

Since next week is Christmas, you won’t be hearing from me. While I believe in hardwork, I also believe in rest and boundaries. I’ll be spending next week with my little family in Boise, doing things like a Christmas movie at the Egyptian Theatre and soaking in the hot springs.

As I reflect on the year and all it brought to be (both things I sought and a few surprises like buying a house and walking away from my full time job), I am so thankful to have the opportunity to be here with you to chat about all things weddings. Thank you for making this a year to remember!

In case you’re wondering what’s next…

A sneak peak into 2025

• Switching email platforms

• Launching wedding design course (more on that here)

• Possibly offering 1:1 design sessions (we shall see!)

Don’t forget to watch my favorite go to New Year’s Eve movie that I talked about here. There’s so much New York in this movie, I could just BURST!!!

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Happy holidays to you and yours, however you may choose to celebrate - I’ll see you back here in the New Year!

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Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase a product through my link I can earn a small commission. This helps allow me the ability to keep providing you free weekly content (yay!).

What to wear to a winter photoshoot

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase a product through my link I will earn a small commission. This helps allow me the ability to keep providing you free weekly content (yay!).

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The side effect of proposal season? Winter engagement photo sessions. 

Winter engagement photo shoots are undeniably magical. If you’re not planning an engagement shoot, no worries - winter is also a great time for family photos too!

The neutral tones of the season, coupled with cozy layers and a backdrop of snow or bare trees, creates a timeless setting.. With engagement season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to capture this milestone with a winter wonderland feel.

When it comes to planning your outfits, there’s a fine line between looking cohesive and looking like you’re dressed for a family holiday card. The secret is to coordinate looks, while avoiding being too matchy-matchy. After all this is your fiance we’re talking about, not your twin. Here’s how to strike the perfectly balanced coordinated winter look:

1. Pick an Accent Color

Choose one or two accent colors to tie your outfits together. For example, if you’re wearing a burgundy scarf, your partner could wear a hat/headband, boots, or lipstick/nails in the same shade. Neutrals like ivory, grey, navy, and camel make excellent base colors, allowing your accent hues to pop without being overwhelming.

Pro tip: Earthy tones and jewel tones work beautifully against winter backdrops. Not if your backdrop is going to be evergreen trees, you’ll want to go with a cream or neutral color outfit, instead of a navy or black which can blend in too much with the pine color.

2. Incorporate Texture

Textures add depth to your photos and create visual interest. Think cozy cable knits, suede, wool, or even faux fur. If one of you wears a chunky knit sweater, the other might opt for a tweed jacket or corduroy pant. Embellished headbands are also a great way to add texture. The contrast in textures will look fantastic in photos while staying true to the winter theme.

Pro tip: If you don’t want a lot of texture in your fabrics, you can opt to include beaded accents in headbands or a brooch on your jacket lapel to add interest.

Get this polished city look:

Men’s coat

Women’s coat

Black boot

Slouchy hat

Headband

Fitted Turtleneck

Men’s boots

Textured with a pop of color:

Burgundy sweater

Black wool pea coat

Black utility jean

Red plaid trench coat

Tweed vest

Black distressed jean

Motorcycle boot

Chelsea Boot

3. Play With Patterns

Patterns can be a great way to coordinate without matching exactly. One of you might wear a subtle plaid scarf or a striped shirt, while the other picks up the color palette with solid-colored pieces. Just be sure to keep patterns subtle and not overly busy—they should complement, not compete.

For example, if your partner is wearing a plaid flannel top with burgundy and navy tones, you can do a burgundy scarf or sweater to complement the colors in your partner’s flannel without looking like you just stepped out of a 90s family photo taken at JcPenney’s…am I the only one who have one of those from their childhood?

Recreate this cozy look:

Headband

Plaid shirt 

Sweater dress 

Chino pant 

Legging

Men’s shoe 

Women’s Bootie

4. Layer Up (and Stay Comfortable)

Winter photoshoots can get chilly, so embrace the layering opportunities! Not only will layers keep you warm, but they also add dimension to your look. Think scarves, gloves, cardigans, and coats. Be sure to choose pieces you can easily shed if you want a variety of looks in your photos. Blankets can also be a great practical prop for winter photoshoots. Depending on your location, you might be able to make a campfire and or carry lanterns in the photos for added warmth and visual interest. If you’re doing your photos on forest service land, be sure to check the rules and regulations for your area.

Pro tip: Choose footwear that works for winter terrain. Stylish boots are a safe and practical choice—no one wants cold feet in more ways than one! If you’re going to be in the snow, avoid untreated leather and suede which can get ruined when they get wet. Side note, my spouse says I have a knack for always picking the wrong footwear so I’m speaking from experience (allow me to pause for a moment while I mourn my mustard colored suede boots that were totally destroyed one slushy winter day…sigh….).

5. Stay True to Your Style

Above all, your outfits should reflect your personalities and style as a couple. If you’re laid-back and outdoorsy, embrace cozy flannels and hiking boots. If you prefer an elegant vibe, go for tailored coats, dresses, and bold accessories (think statement earrings OR necklace - do not do both). Staying authentic will make your photos feel more “you” and will make you feel more comfortable during the photoshoot itself.

For the thrill seekers:

Columbia pullover 

Sante Fe button up 

Socks 

Gray pant 

Hiking boot 

Navy pant 

Beanie 

6. Consider the Setting

Take cues from your location. A snowy forest might call for rich jewel or earth tones, while an urban setting could inspire a sleeker, more modern look. Plan your outfits to complement—not clash with—the surroundings.

Pro tip: Winter is a great time to incorporate props in your photos. Adding a thick cable knit blanket, a metal lantern, and/or some ceramic mugs all make great accents to your snowy photoshoot.

Winter photoshoot props:

Cable-knit blanket 

Lanterns 

Mugs

Final Thoughts

Winter engagement photos are a beautiful way to celebrate your love (and or family) amidst the magic of the season. By coordinating your outfits through accent colors, patterns, and textures, you’ll create a cohesive yet natural look that lets your connection shine. Remember this is your life partner, not your twin sibling - don’t go to matchy matchy. Bundle up, enjoy the moment, and trust your photographer to capture the romance of your winter wonderland backdrop.

Smile big and congratulations on your engagement!

If the Rockettes were a mood board…

This Thanksgiving Eve has me thinking about my favorite tradition for this holiday. 

Each year I drive with my family over to my parents place in central Oregon. We usually arrive at my parents house on Wednesday, so we can wake up there Thanksgiving morning.This year there’s a bit of a delay in our departure (thanks a lot norovirus), so we’ll actually miss the parade. 

Usually though, on Thanksgiving morning, we all stay in our pjs and watch the Macy’s Day Parade. We eat a delicious breakfast that includes monkey bread (recipe here and no I don’t put nuts or raisins in it, that would be gross) and talk about all the costumes, the terrible lip-syncing, who has the best winter coat, and all the random celebrities we don’t recognize. 

via GIPHY

My favorite part of the parade? Watching the Rockettes perform. Why? Well, New York City is my favorite, I love Christmas, I love costume design, and I love the 1920s which is when the original Rockettes came to be (1925). Another reason and fun random fact about me is I used to want to be a Rockette. When I was younger the height limits were 5’6”-5’10 ½ inches, I was never tall enough to qualify (not to mention I am without the years and years of technical dance experience these women have). Originally the height limit was 5’2”-5’6 ½ inches, which would’ve been perfect for me. As it stands today, they now allow 5’5” to 5’10 ½ inches…so I could have just made the cut off but alas, it’s probably too late for me now.

Wait For Me I Got Little Legs GIFfrom Wait For Me GIFs

Now I dream of spending a holiday season in New York City to watch them perform and on my real wild dream days, I imagine I’m Sarah Jessica Parker’s character in that movie New Year’s Eve. She plays a costume designer for the Rockettes - helllooooooo dream job!!!

New Year’s Eve Movie*

If you haven’t seen it, give it a try. My husband and I watch this movie every year on New Year’s Eve. Anyways…back to the Rockettes.

via GIPHY

I love the whole Rockeette vibe. The sparkle, the glam, the red lip, the hair pieces, and the whole 1920-esqueue look. I love it so much, I made a mood board for it. If the Rockettes were a mood board…

The Rockette Mood Board

If I were to redo our wedding now, I would 100% go for a roaring 20s cocktail hour glam vibe and I think I could get my spouse on board, he likes the hats from that time period.

Want to try your hand at making a mood board? Get my free guide here.

Imagine the birdcage veil, the ostrich feather gown or suit detail potential, the patterns, the luxe fabrics, the gold chargers - I can’t even!!! If you’re not sure if the vintage glam look is right for your wedding, no worries! Check out this wedding style quiz to find the perfect style for your big day!

To help you imagine more of this Rockette vibe wedding look, I was able to create some looks to help you dream with me.

For perfect wedding guest look with a glamorous vintage vibe.

Vintage Glam Wedding Guest Attire

You can recreate the look above here:

• Feather clutch*

• Sequin dress*

• Cashmere shawl*

• Statement earrings*

And now for the reception. Imagine a gallery in a high rise or an industrial space with exposed brick walls and velvet couch rentals. Candles everywhere and tall centerpieces with ostrich feather plums.

Vintage Place Setting - get the gold charger here*

I hope you are feeling all the glamorous vintage vibes now so tomorrow you can truly appreciate the Macy’s Day Parade and shout from the couch “The Rockettes are on! The Rockettes are on!” as soon as they appear on screen like I do.

via GIPHY

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

*Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase a product through my link I will earn a small commission. This helps allow me the ability to keep providing you free weekly content (yay!).

Why wedding planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming

If you have ever planned a wedding, you know exactly how stressful and overwhelming it can be. There are 100+ decisions to make, millions of articles/videos/checklists online telling you what to do, and often never-ending unsolicited input from family and friends. 

Now if you’re new to wedding planning and aren’t aware of these things, my apologies if I just scared the pants off you.The truth is wedding planning can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

As a former DIY bride myself, I know what it feels like to be sitting on the floor surrounded by wedding magazines, trying to piece together a plan of how to DIY my wedding. Once I made it through my own wedding planning, I started supporting family, friends, and eventually couples online with their weddings. In 2019, I decided I wanted to use my wedding knowledge to support more couples through DIY-ing their weddings and thus Gathered Here Designs was created. Here’s a little breakdown of my journey to wedding design:

My journey to wedding design

While wedding design and styling are my absolute favorite part of the wedding process, I have learned you really have to start with planning first. I know, I know, talking guest-lists, budget, and setting the date are not the glamorous part of creating your dream wedding. I also know that if you skip to the design part, you’ll end up wasting time, money, and eventually you’ll have to go back to the actual planning part. 

“The truth is wedding planning can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that way.”

Whether you like it or not, wedding planning is happening - it’s a must for pulling off a DIY wedding.

via GIPHY

To help make the process easier, I have put everything I know about wedding planning into a digital mini-course to help newly engaged couples DIY their wedding planning without the overwhelm. This course focuses on the 3 key decisions couples need to make first when planning a wedding and guides them through how to do so. It’s called Engaged 2 Planning.

While naturally I wanted to create a wedding design course, I really feel for all those stressed out couples trying to plan their wedding so I wanted to start with planning first (then we can get to the fun stuff later).

What this course includes:

• Welcome Video

• 3 Modules

• Multiple Video Lessons

• PDFs and Worksheets

• Bonus Section on Design

This course will be available before the end of the year. If you are a newly engaged couple or you know someone who needs help with their wedding planning, be sure to have them sign up for the Engaged 2 Planning waitlist. 

If you’re not getting married and are just curious about the behind-the-scenes aspects of Gathered Here Designs, be sure to join the Wedding Wednesday email list. I send wedding tips, along with personal updates in this (mostly) weekly email. Sign up here.

My hope is wedding planning with this course will be super chill…happy planning!!!

via GIPHY

The holidays are here & so are the proposals

Some of you might be counting down to the holiday season or eagerly awaiting the upcoming Super Bowl. Personally, I count down to something a little different…but with 100% the same enthusiasm - I countdown to engagement season!

November through February is what is referred to as “engagement season” or “proposal season” in the wedding industry. Basically from Thanksgiving through Valentine’s Day, proposals spread faster than a red wine stain on a white wedding dress. I LOVE engagement season and yes, I talk about it every year. See here for last year’s post about engagement season.

Around 40% of proposals in the US happen during this season. Now you might be wondering…

GIPHY

Why winter for proposals?

So why is winter the prime time for proposals? From my perspective, the season is basically tailor-made for romance. As Frank Sinatra croons, “It’s that time of year when the world falls in love…”

The Christmas Waltz - Frank Sinatra

With holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day all packed into a few short months, there are endless opportunities for couples to pop the question in a setting that’s naturally festive and intimate. Between cozy gatherings with family, fireside cups of cocoa, and snow-dusted backdrops, winter has a way of adding magic to any moment—and what better a moment to propose? It’s also a good 6-10 months out from “wedding season”(more on wedding season here), giving couples plenty of time to plan their special day before those peak warm weather months.

The role family & friends in proposals

In addition to the festive atmosphere, family and friend involvement has become part of engagements. Since the holiday season is also a time when families and friends gather together, it provides plenty of opportunity for couples to share this milestone with those who mean the most to them. Not to be a cliche, but I too said “Yes!” during engagement season in January of 2010 (see here for more on that story).

According to industry surveys, nearly 2/3 of people proposing involve their parents/family/friends in their proposal in some way. Whether it’s asking for them to capture the moment on video (you can always just tie a video camera to a tree in the woods like my partner did) or planning a family-filled celebration afterward - the more the merrier!

Most popular engagement dates

Thinking of an engagement season proposal? Here are the most engagement season days for proposals:

Christmas Day (12/25) – Christmas magic is in the air, and so are proposals! A true favorite.

Valentine’s Day (2/14) – The ultimate day of love, making it a classic for popping the question.

Christmas Eve (12/24) – Nothing like an early Christmas present!

New Year’s Day (1/1) – A perfect time to pop the question and celebrate new beginnings.

New Year’s Eve (12/31) – The excitement of midnight creates a beautiful moment for a proposal and the ultimate New Year’s Eve kiss.

Day before Valentine’s Day (2/13) – For those who want to celebrate Valentine’s as a newly engaged couple.

December 17th – The Saturday before Christmas Eve is ideal for a family and/or friend -filled proposal.

December 10th – Two Saturdays before Christmas, giving couples time to savor the engagement without being over shadowed by the holiday bustle.

December 23rd – For couples wanting to celebrate Christmas as a newly engaged couple

Personally, I think it’s a bit odd November dates didn’t make the list. I would think more couples would want to enjoy the whole holiday season as newly engaged humans. Then again, trying to split the holidays amongst families BEFORE you’re officially married can definitely pose a challenge.

What to do after the proposal?

So what happens after you say yes or after you pop the question? First things first - CELEBRATE!!! This is such a special time for you and your partner. Take a moment to enjoy it. Don’t let anyone push you into planning faster than you are ready. Chat with your partner and agree to how long you want to just soak in the engagement without discussing wedding plans. That way you’ll both be on the same page, when friends and family inundate you with “When’s the big day?” questions. Trust me, they’ll ask literally the moment after you tell them you’re engaged.

Once you’ve ridden the engagement high for as long as you agreed to, you might want some help with getting into wedding planning - that’s where I come in! Later this month, I’ll be launching my Engaged 2 Planning mini-course. This mini course will help guide you through the 3 key decisions you need to make in order to get your wedding planning off on the right foot.

The course will include slides, videos, and PDFs to help make your wedding planning journey easy. Know someone who is newly engaged? Be sure to share this post with them! They can sign up for the course waitlist through this link.

With so many moments designed to bring people together in the coming months, engagement season has become a beautiful reminder of how family, friends, and love come together to create unforgettable memories.

So, get ready for love to be in the air and social media to be full of engagement announcements because Engagement season has arrived, and with it, all the magic, excitement, and sparkle that comes with celebrating love.

Happy Engagement Season!!!

What to wear to a coastal fall wedding

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase a product through my link I will earn a small commission. This helps allow me the ability to keep providing you free weekly content (yay!).

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An upcoming family wedding and an afternoon call from my uncle has me thinking about what attire one would wear to a wedding labeled “rustic romance meets coastal charm” during the fall season. 

To me, rustic and country are parallel concepts but not identical. “Rustic” feels more of a lodge in the woods situation and “country” is more of a barn in a field scene. While “coastal” is pretty straight forward, but when you pair it with the “rustic romance” concept and add the fall season on top of that, it leaves one wondering, what should I actually wear to this wedding?

Let’s start with fabrics.

Coastal makes me immediately think of linen, but since it’s late fall, linen is not going to be enough to keep you warm (especially on the coast). I feel tweed is the linen of late fall. Not in terms of weight, but in terms of it being a textured fabric that does well at adding visual interest. Wool could also work for fall coastal/rustic vibes. If you’re not feeling the tweed or wool, consider suede for a fabric.

The coast can be CHILLY in the late fall/winter and very breezy, so you want to dress with that in mind. If you’re wearing a dress or skirt, put thick leggings or tights underneath. For wide leg trousers, you can also usually fit tights. For blazers, you can usually fit another shirt under your button down and layer your sweater on top. Basically, you have options. 

I love more detailed fabrics for the colder seasons. Since you have to bundle up, you may as well make it look interesting with your fabric choices.

Fall Wedding Guest Dress

Tulle Skirt

Don’t be afraid to consider an embellished or embroidered piece to add visual interest to your look. If you do this, I would paid it with a solid colored piece so you don’t have a million patterns happening at once. 

Embellished Blazer

Since this particular rustic coastal wedding is also casual, you can even venture into some corduroy fabric options as well (I love this fabric idea for a blazer!). 

Corduroy Blazer

Now for colors at a fall “rustic romance meets coastal charm” wedding.

Rustic Romance meets Coastal Charm - Mood board

Now I tend to lean into matching the seasonal colors (burnt orange, mustard yellow, burgundy, browns, creams, etc.). 

If you’re leaning casual, you could also consider a button down paired with a cable knit sweater. Personally, I am OBSESSED with cream colored sweaters (seriously, I have a whole cream sweater section in my closet - it’s a real problem). 

The “cream” section of my closet

The obsession continues with a folded section… see I TOLD YOU I have a problem

Cable Knit Shawl Neck Sweater

The coastal concept might also draw you to more blues and purples. I think this can work in the fall, if you go with the darker hues (navy, eggplant, etc.). I would avoid baby blues or lavenders as that will look more summer/spring coastal instead of fall coastal. Stick with the darker hues and more earth tones like brown.

Navy Blazer

Tweed Pant

Another way to play to the coastal vibe is through fit instead of color. For example you could select looser options like a wider leg trouser.

Wide Leg Trouser

For shoes at this point in the year, I would strongly encourage close toe shoes. 

While I love dressing up, I also hate being cold. If my feet are cold, my whole body gets cold, and then I get grumpy no matter how much champagne I have access to. For a more casual look, I would avoid anything too shiny for shoes (skip the polished leather look). For a rustic coastal vibe, I would recommend these shoe options.

Casual Fall Wedding Shoe

Lucky Brand Ankle Booties

Casual Fall Shoe

Finally the accessories.

Pocket squares are a great way to add a pop of color and interest. Ties can also do this, but if the wedding is more casual (like I imagine for a rustic coastal wedding) I would say skip the tie or do a more casual tie (knitted or cotton and narrow). 

Fall Patterned Pocket Square

Knitted Tie

Headbands (velvet or satin fabric) or a shawl are great ways to add interest to your late fall wedding guest attire look.

Beaded Headband

Cashmere Wrap

When in doubt, dress in a way that feels most natural to you. If you’ve never worn a bowtie, now doesn’t need to be the time to start.

Do the best you can to find some inspiration photos online of wedding looks you like and search your closet to see what you might already have that mimic your favorite parts of those looks. Chances are you will only need to purchase an item or two to complete your rustic romance coastal charm fall wedding look.

Happy celebrating to all the fall wedding couples out there!

Which season is best for your wedding?

There are sooooo many decisions to make when it comes to designing your dream wedding. If you’re feeling overwhelmed but are dying to get started on your wedding design, landing on which season your wedding will be in is a great place to start. See here for another key wedding decision that makes everything else feel easier.

Each time of year poses  its own unique set of pros and cons to consider. Now I know I’ve been droning on and on for the past few weeks about fall weddings (see here and here), a fall wedding might not be for you (I’ll try to find it in myself to forgive you for this). 

Maybe you’re one of those summer people and you’re just dying to enjoy the summer sun on your big day. Or perhaps you’ve dreamed your whole life about a Christmas wedding (I’ve been to one and it was breathtaking!). Whatever you might have in mind, understanding what each season offers can help you and your partner choose the best season for your special day! 

Spring Weddings

Spring (March to May) offers a newness that draws a perfect parallel to the beginning of your life as a married couple. As nature awakens with blooming flowers and fresh greenery, it sets the stage for a picturesque wedding.

Pros:

• Natural Beauty: Flowers are in full bloom, providing vibrant colors and natural décor for your ceremony and reception.

• Mild Weather: Spring typically offers mild, comfortable temperatures, especially for outdoor weddings.

• Fresh Menu Options: Seasonal foods like asparagus, berries, and fresh herbs are abundant, allowing for a lighter, more vibrant menu.

Cons:

• Unpredictable Weather: While temperatures are mild, spring showers can be frequent and unpredictable, making outdoor weddings a little risky.

• Allergy Season: Pollen from blooming flowers can be a nightmare for guests with seasonal allergies. Read more on my summer wedding warnings here.

• Higher Costs (later in spring): Late spring is a popular wedding season, so vendors and venues may be in high demand, potentially increasing costs.

• Challenging Travel: Spring is not always easiest for guests to get away from their day to day commitments to travel to your wedding.

Spring weddings offer stunning flower options and beautiful pastel color palettes. 

Summer Weddings

Summer (June to August) is a popular choice for couples who want long days, sunny skies, and outdoor fun. Summer can create a fun and carefree wedding vibe.

Pros:

• Outdoor Weddings: With warmer weather and longer days, summer is perfect for beach weddings, garden parties, and outdoor celebrations.

• Vacation Time: Many guests will already have time off during the summer, making travel easier and ensuring higher attendance.

• Lush Backdrops: The greenery is at its fullest, offering lush landscapes for stunning wedding photos.

• Beach Wedding: If you’re wanting a beach or coastal wedding, summer can be the perfect season for your event!

• Florals: Flowers are readily available in the summer, meaning you won’t have to pay a premium price to get the flowers you want.

Cons:

• Hot Temperatures: In some locations, summer can be uncomfortably hot, especially for outdoor events. Heatwaves and humidity can make the day uncomfortable for both you and your guests. Please note I got married in July and it was outdoors, over 90 degrees - many guests ended up dehydrated and sunburnt. We guzzled down so much water that day!

• Higher Costs for Venues: Summer is peak wedding season, and venues tend to charge premium rates.

• Competition for Vendors: Popular photographers, florists, and caterers may book up quickly, requiring early planning.

Summer weddings are great if you want an outdoor venue.

Fall Weddings

Now you know this season has my vote! Fall (September to November) is ideal for couples who love rich colors, crisp air, and a more intimate feel to their wedding. With the leaves changing colors and cooler temperatures, fall offers a cozy and romantic backdrop.

Pros:

• Beautiful Foliage: The changing leaves provide stunning reds, oranges, and yellows, perfect for outdoor ceremonies and photographs.

• Pleasant Weather: Temperatures in early fall are often mild, creating a comfortable atmosphere for both outdoor and indoor weddings.

• Unique Menu Options: Fall offers an abundance of delicious seasonal foods, including pumpkin, squash, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Cons:

• Shorter Days: As the days get shorter, you may need to adjust your schedule to accommodate less daylight, especially if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony.

• Unpredictable Weather: Fall can bring sudden temperature drops and unexpected rain, so having a backup plan is important.

• Travel Challenges: With holidays like Thanksgiving, you’ll want to avoid scheduling your wedding too close to major holiday weekends to prevent conflicts for guests. Fall is also a harder time for people to take vacation days, so your guest list might be smaller thank you wanted.

Fall weddings allow for rich textures and colors.

Winter Weddings: A Magical Wonderland

Winter (December to February) might not be the first season that comes to mind for weddings, but it's an excellent choice for couples seeking something unique and budget friendly! The season can add a magical ambiance to your special day.

Pros:

• Romantic Atmosphere: Twinkling lights, cozy fires, and snowy backdrops can make your wedding feel like a magical winter wonderland.

• Lower Costs: Since winter is the off-season for weddings, many venues and vendors offer lower rates, helping you save money (as long as you avoid holiday weekends).

• Holiday Cheer: If timed right, your wedding can coincide with holiday festivities, adding an extra layer of joy and celebration.

Cons:

• Cold Weather: Depending on where you live, freezing temperatures and snowstorms could pose logistical challenges, especially for travel.

• Limited Outdoor Options: If you're dreaming of an outdoor wedding, winter probably won’t be the best time for it.

• Holiday Conflicts: Winter weddings can overlap with Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and other holidays, which could make scheduling tricky for guests.

Winter weddings allow for unique floral choices and incredible photo backdrops.

Not Sure Which Season is Right for You?

Deciding on the best season for your wedding involves balancing your vision with practical considerations. Still not sure? Take our Free Quiz to find out which season best suits your wedding style and personality! Whether you're drawn to the warmth of summer or the coziness of winter, this quick quiz will help you figure out the perfect time of year to say, "I do."

Take the quiz to figure out the ideal time of year for your wedding!

Each season offers its own charm and ambiance. Ultimately, the best time to get married is the time that feels right for you and your partner.

3 Fall Centerpiece Ideas to Elevate Your Wedding Table

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase a product through my link I will earn a small commission. This helps allow me the ability to keep providing you free weekly content (yay!).

Today was the perfect fall day. It was rainy, moody, and windy. I spent multiple hours curled up on my couch under a blanket. Today’s weather has really inspired me to schedule the chimney sweep aka what I refer to as my “Marry Poppins Moment”, so I can enjoy the next rainy fall day with a crackling fire in the background.

As I have already established (see here and here), fall is my most FAVORITE season of all! It is so infused warmth. From the rich colors and cozy textures to to spicy scents (yes, I do have multiple fall scented candles). One of my favorite teas in the fall in Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice. Note I’ve always been partial to Celistial Seasonings becaue I lived in Longomont, Colorado for 5 years as a child. We used to tour the Celestial Seasonings headquarters annually. I distinctly remember running into the peppermint tea room on the tour with my siblings to see which one of us could stand the powerful minty scent the longest. If were to visit today, I would definitely seek out the Bengal Spice tea room in hopes the scent would permeate my clothing and hair so I could smell like fall the rest of the day.

I also love fall for the gatherings. It is sort of the kick off to the holiday season, which I also enjoy. From Thanksgiving to New Years, there are a million gatherings to attend. Each one promising the opportunity to bring people together - each one providing it’s own magical ambiance that seems to only be possible during this time of year.

Whether you're planning a fall wedding, hosting a festive autumn gathering or simply enjoying the season's ambiance, a well-crafted centerpiece can tie your table décor together beautifully. When thinking of how to best design your fall centerpiece, I encourage you to focus on one of three areas: lighting, florals, or pumpkins. By selecting one of these 3 options, you will be able to set the perfect fall vibe for your table.

Fall styled shoot designed by Gathered Here Designs - photography by Megan Ryska

Fall styled shoot designed by Gathered Here Designs - photography by Megan Ryska

1. Light-Focused Centerpiece

Nothing says autumn quite like the soft, flickering glow of candles. A candle-focused centerpiece brings warmth and intimacy to any table setting. To create a light-based centerpiece, you'll want to mix candle heights, holders, and styles for a layered, multidimensional look. If you’re hosting a wedding, be sure to check with your venue on what type of candles they allow. Some vendors do not allow candles, so you’ll need to go the battery operated route (don’t worry there are plenty of candle-like battery powered options!). Other venues may allow candles, but only a certain height. It’s always best to ask or check your contract to make sure you’re adhering to the venue’s established rules.

How to create it:

• Gather different sizes and shapes of candles: Mix pillar candles, tapered candles, and votives in fall shades like cream (my personal favorite), deep burgundy, gold, or burnt orange.

• Use a tray or wooden board: Arrange the candles on a rustic wooden tray or metal tray with a distressed finish. This anchors the centerpiece and keeps it contained. You can find options at your local second hand store for cheap and then spray paint them. If you go with a metal tray, I recommend spray painting in a hammered metallic gold or copper for a classic look.

• Incorporate natural elements: Add dried wheat, pinecones (dip in gold glitter for added sparkle), and small branches around the candles to give the arrangement an earthy vibe.

• Consider lanterns or glass holders: If you want a more structured look, place some of the candles inside lanterns or hurricane vases. This adds texture and protects the flames from breezes.

• Add twinkle lights: String a few battery-operated twinkle lights around the candles for an extra magical touch.

This light-centric idea brings warmth and sparkle to your fall tablescape, creating an inviting, glowing atmosphere perfect for intimate dinners or larger gatherings.

Add a cozy and intimate vibe with candles and lanterns

2. Floral-Focused Centerpiece

Fall flowers in rich, warm hues can make for a striking centerpiece that help bring the beauty of the season indoors. Whether you prefer a classic arrangement or something more modern, a floral-based centerpiece adds an organic touch to your table.

How to create it:

• Pick fall blooms: Go for chrysanthemums, sunflowers, dahlias, and marigolds. Deep reds, oranges, yellows, and purples are perfect choices for the season. You can also mix in berries, branches, and leaves. Read this post I did all about buying wedding flowers online.

• Use a unique vase or vessel: Opt for a rustic vase like a ceramic pitcher, a hollowed-out pumpkin, or a woven basket. You can even use mason jars for a casual, farmhouse-style arrangement. Again, your local thrift store or Dollar Store is a great place to pick up these items on the cheap!

• Incorporate greenery: Eucalyptus, olive branches, or dusty miller can complement the flowers and add texture and contrast to the rich fall colors.

• Think asymmetrical: Create a less structured arrangement for a more modern look by having blooms and greenery spill over the sides. This gives it a wild, freshly-picked feel.

• Add seasonal accents: You can tuck small accents like mini pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, or feathers into the arrangement for a seasonal twist.

A floral-focused centerpiece is versatile, allowing you to mix and match colors and textures to suit your personal style. Consider using all dried florals for your centerpies. This will allow you to create them in advance and provide the options for your local guests to bring them home after the wedding to use to keep the fall season alive in their own home.

Save costs on florals by picking seasonal flowers

3. Pumpkin & Gourd-Focused Centerpiece

Pumpkins and gourds are quintessential fall décor elements, and they can easily become the centerpiece of your table. Their natural variety in shapes, sizes, textures and colors makes them perfect for creating a rustic, farm-to-table feel.

How to create it:

• Gather different types of pumpkins and gourds: Use a mix of mini pumpkins, white pumpkins, striped gourds, and even heirloom varieties in shades of orange, green, and white for a visually appealing mix. You can search your local area for “u-pick” options, where you can pick up fresh pumpkins and gourds from a local farm.

• Use a base like a wooden tray or runner: Set the pumpkins and gourds along a long table runner made from burlap or plaid fabric for a rustic base. You can also use a large wooden crate or shallow bowl to contain the arrangement (and to help keep those pumpkins from rolling off the tables!).

• Mix in foliage and texture: Surround the pumpkins and gourds with dried wheat stalks, autumn leaves, or moss. Pinecones, acorns, and chestnuts also work well to add texture and depth.

• Layer with candles or lanterns: To add a little glow, intersperse the pumpkins with small votive candles or lanterns, which create soft lighting against the rustic arrangement. I love faux mercury glass votives (this these ones) for added detail.

• Play with height: Stack some of the pumpkins or place them on raised stands or antique books to create different levels of height and dimension.

This pumpkin and gourd centerpiece exudes a relaxed harvest charm that’s ideal for fall weddings or your Thanksgiving dinner table.

Incorporate a variety of color and textures with gourds/pumpkins

Each of these centerpiece options will help create a stunning fall table that is infused with the cozy and inviting spirit of the season. Whether it's the flickering warmth of candles, the vibrant beauty of fall florals, or the rustic charm of pumpkins and gourds, your guests will be delighted by these creative and easy-to-make centerpiece ideas. So light the candles, gather your fall blooms, or pick out your favorite pumpkins, and let your table be the star of your dream fall wedding!

Still struggling to figure out your wedding style? Take my FREE wedding style quiz!

Thinking of a city elopement???

Is there anything better than fall in New York City? The answer is no, of course not!

In the fall of 2019, I was lucky enough to spend my birthday weekend in New York with my spouse, older sister, and brother in law. It was all my big city living and favorite romantic comedies squeezed into a few blissful days. Post rain walks in Central Park, trying on the iconic trench coat at a Burberry concept store, hot dogs at Grey’s Papaya, frozen hot chocolate at 11pm at Serendipity, drinks at The Plaza, and seeing Wicked. 

October 2019 - Birthday trip to NYC!

It’s been 5 years (aka way too long) since I’ve been to New York. I don’t know if it’s the fall season or my upcoming birthday that has me thinking about that trip. Either way it has stirred my creative fantasies about a New York City elopement. The city is the perfect place to elope or host a very intimate wedding with your closest friends and family. This moodboard template is inspired by my NYC elopement vision.

Click the image to access the template for FREE!

One of my favorite weddings ever featured online is this one that takes place in New York City. It’s the perfect blend of the couple’s story intertwined with all their favorite places in the city. While it wasn’t quite an elopement, it seemed to be the perfect amount of organized planning sprinkled with spontaneity. Note: it is also one of my favorite non-white wedding gowns designed by the brilliant Carolina Herrera.

Photo Credit

Maybe NYC is too far to travel or not in your wedding budget, that’s okay! Any large-ish city could do. The great thing about cities is they usually have a beautiful City Hall or Capitol Building, perfect for elopement photos. Not to brag, but Boise has AMAZING city wedding photo options. You can be on the river amongst the trees or in the heart of downtown amongst our mini-skyscrapers within minutes.  Cities also have a variety of restaurants to host an intimate sit down dinner or cocktail hour. If you’re planning a small wedding in the city, it’s easy to hop locations (happy hour at one spot, dinner at another, and dessert at a final location - kind of like a progressive dinner but with a wedding). 

To help you plan your small city wedding or elopement, I put together an elopement planning checklist for you to make your design journey a little easier.

Download it here!

If you could elope anywhere for your wedding, where would you go? Add a comment with your dream elopement location!

Looking for more city elopement inspiration? Check out my City Elopement Pinterest board.

Happy Eloping!!!

Why to get married in the fall

There is something about a fall wedding. The colors, the textures, the weather, the scents, the photo opportunities - it is hard to beat. Fall is my favorite season, so obviously I’m biased. I got married in summer though, so apparently not that biased. I feel as though all the design elements of a wedding can be at their best in the fall.

Some of my favorite rom-coms have the most stunning fall scenes (When Harry Met Sally, Runaway Bride, You’ve Got Mail…). Looking for more wedding rom-com inspiration? See here.

If I were to get married today, knowing all I know about weddings, I 100% would get married in the fall and here’s why:

Colors

Red is my favorite color overall and clothing/fabric wise, I’m a sucker for cream colored anything. Fall poses an opportunity for various hues of both these colors. While orange and yellow might be too bold a color choice for some, the “burnt” version of these is so warm and yummy. Think mustard yellow or burnt orange - heaven. I actually did a whole styled shoot focused on these colors because I love it that much.

Styled photo shoot I did (very fall/industrial vibes)

I LOVE adding a metallic or glitter as an accent color

Looking to make your own color palette mood board? Grab my free template here.

Textures

Spring and summer weddings call for lighter fabrics and textures (linen, cotton, chiffon). Fall weddings allow you to bring in thicker and heavier textures and patterns  (wool, thick burlap, cable knit). Adding additional elements like candles or scent diffusers have a totally different vibe in the fall. It creates a cozy, more intimate space. If that’s the vibe you’re wanting for your event, a fall wedding could be perfect for you!

Weather

Depending on where you live, fall might just provide the perfect wedding weather. In some places, it can be a risk. If you’re too far north or living at a high elevation, you could see snow in the late fall and if you’re living in Idaho (like me), there is the potential for fall showers. Depending on your venue selection, potential snow or rain might bring a joyful element of magic and spontaneity to your event. Most of the fall in Idaho or states like Illinois, California, Virginia, Colorado, Oregon (all of which are states I’ve lived in) have a beautiful fall. Bold colors, crisp air, and blue skies. And the aspens in Colorado CANNOT be beat!

Some additional pieces that make fall weddings so stunning? The photo ops. There’s nothing like pairing your once in a lifetime moment with a once in a lifetime background. While fall brings bright colors every year (most places), each fall is unique. Also, the food options. I love the idea of a comfort food menu for a wedding. Thick butternut squash soup, warm cider, bacon and chive macaroni, carmel apples, large pretzels dipped in beer cheese…anyone else feel hungry now?

As you’re considering what time of year to plan your wedding, consider what design elements matter most to you and what season can accommodate those best. Obviously, you know I’m voting for fall…but if you’re 100% stuck on peonies for your wedding flowers, those will be harder (aka more expensive) to come by in the fall. Think about what matters most to you and your partner and plan from there.

Wishing you a joyful start to your fall season!!!

3 Things that did NOT matter at my wedding

Remember a couple weeks ago, when I shared the 3 things I loved the most about my wedding? Well today I want to share the 3 things that mattered least to me (at the time) about the wedding.

If you’re in the beginning stages of your wedding planning and design, you might be thinking EVERYTHING matters. That’s cute, enjoy that. At some point though, there’s going to come a moment where it’s either time or money that will force you to prioritize what matters most and give up or give in on a few things that don’t matter as much to you.

To help ease the tension in wedding planning and design priorities, I encourage couples to chat early on in the process with their partner to identify the most important elements of their wedding. This way there are no (or at least fewer) surprises later on.

My spouse and I planned, designed, and paid for our wedding ourselves. When we got married, money was TIGHT (student loan debt anyone?). With our tight budget (we only had $5,000 for the wedding total - including all rentals, photography, food, music, etc.), we had to skimp on some things.

Below are the 3 things that mattered least to us and therefore got the least amount of our wedding budget.

Food

I can hear my older sister sighing as I write this…food was not our top priority at the wedding. I know this sounds bananas, but remember the part about being broke? Yah, that played a big role in the food. My spouse comes from a BIG family, so many aunts and uncles. His aunts volunteered to make the food at cost.

For about $500ish the aunts put together pasta dishes, rolls, salads, maybe chicken? I literally do not remember the food because it was not important to us and we barely had time to eat between all the talking and dancing.

Insert my sister going on and on about all the dishes we had with mayonnaise in them (yes, she still talks about this 14 years later). Looking back, it probably wasn’t the best idea to have so much mayonnaise outside on a 90+ degree summer day, but no one got sick from it and we didn’t become more broke so, in the end, it all worked out. The food was so unimportant, there isn’t even a photo of it. The cake though was fabulous and we had it baked by a soroity friend of my mother-in-law’s for $125-$150ish.

The food didn’t matter, but the cake had to be on point!

Flowers

Flowers are beautiful and in case you didn’t know, I LOVE wedding flowers (see here). While beautiful, they’re also pricey. If I had known what I know now about flowers, I probably would have explored more about wholesale and bulk options (more on that here). At the time though, we were just trying to plan quickly (engaged in January 2010, married July 2010) and stay on budget.

I did end up working with a florist for bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres and a feel single rose aisle pieces (pictured below). The centerpieces I did myself via Gerber daisies ordered wholesale at Costco (more on that here).

If I were to redo our wedding today, I would likely DIY the flowers (for sure corsage cuffs!) and maybe outsource the bridal bouquet and maybe a floral arch or ground arch for the ceremony. I also love the look of looser bouquets. The messy and wild looking ones - kind of like marriage, they’re imperfect, one-of-a-kind, and beautiful.

Single roses with vines in mason jars down the aisle - held by Shepards hooks

View of the boutonnière and my bouquet circa 2010

Bridesmaid Dresses

Our wedding was outside on a ranch in the heat of the day, so dresses needed to be shorter and breathable. Insert the idea for a cotton sundress. I just had my two sisters as my bridesmaids. Weddings feel very intimate to me, so I prefer the approach of only have the closest people in my life standing next to me. I know some people like big wedding parties and if that’s your jam, I say go for it! As more of an introvert though, I’m big on quality of quantity.

For my sisters, I gave them the options to buy their own dress and get lunch and nails done on me or I could buy the dress for them without the fun stuff. My younger sister was still in high school when I got married, so my parents covered her dress and my older sister opted to buy her own dress and I took her out for lunch and a pedicure.

My younger sister in the bridesmaid dress - such a cutie!

My older sister and I pre-wedding - keeping me laughing as usual

While what mattered least to me, might end up being what matters most to you on your big day and that’s okay. Find out what matters to you and your partner.

My hope is this helps get your wheels turning about what you may or may not want to prioritize with your wedding budget. Looking for more inspiration? Check out my Pinterest which is full of ideas and free templates to help you with your wedding design journey.

In the end, I’ll say the thing that will really end up mattering about your wedding is who you spend it with. My co-worker recently shared the thing she was most excited about with her upcoming wedding was “all her worlds colliding” and this made so much sense to me. If we were to redo our wedding today, we might prioritize things a little differently, though I would never change the overall vibe or joy that day bought (more on that kind of wedding magic here).

Shoutout to Ashliegh - wishing you a wonderful wedding weekend, may all your worlds collide in the most perfect way!!!

Happy Wedding!

The 3 best things about my wedding day!

Today marks my 14th wedding anniversary. FOURTEEN YEARS!!! This seems impossible, even as I type it I don’t believe it. In some ways so much has happened in the past (almost) decade and a half, yet in other ways it seems like we just got married. 

I still learn new things about my spouse on a regular basis. Like how his dream job as a kid was to become a tow truck driver (this one still cracks me up!). It keeps things interesting for sure, knowing that even after all this time, we still don’t know everything about each other.

My wedding anniversary always brings me back to the memory of our wedding day. With 14 years passed, I have some perspective on the whole event - it’s much easier to see what mattered most (and what didn’t), when so much time has passed.

The things that mattered most to me were:

Music - I LOVE music. All kinds of music from all periods of time. I grew up with my parents listening to Elton John, The Eagles, Michael Bolton, The Temptations, and, Aerosmith (thank you papa!). I fell in love with listening to music from the 40s-60s on vinyl (Ottis Redding, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Ella Fiztgerald & Louis Armstrong). I cheered in junior high and high school (thus entered all things 90s and early 2000s pop and hip hop). Most of my childhood was spent growing up in rural America (hello Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Trisha Yearwood, The Dixie Chicks {now The Chicks}, Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Reba McIntire). We paid for our wedding ourselves and we were young and broke, so all the music was done via an iPod (yes, you read that right) and rented speakers. I curated all the music to play in a specific order. Starting with easy listening, moving into dance party songs, sneaking in a couple slow songs. It was all timed perfectly. We still listen to our wedding playlist 14 years later and multiple people have asked for a copy of the songs for their own wedding. 

We tore up that dance floor on our first dance!

Want help with your wedding music? Get my free guide below!

People - The people make a wedding. I have never been one to have a large group of friends, but the people I do have I know and care about deeply. Quality over quantity. The people who have helped shape my life are the people I invited to my wedding. With a few exceptions such as those of us who were on an exciting international internship and couldn’t make it due to said super awesome globe trotting…cough, cough…Emma…cough. 

You can have a beautiful wedding, but if no one you care about is there, does it even matter? Our family and friends came from all over to celebrate with us in Oregon. Idaho, California, Tennessee - they all showed up, just as they have our entire lives.

Meaningful decor - I have always enjoyed design. From fashion to home decor, I love it all. I used to turn my childhood closet into a fashion house, taking faux orders on a corded telephone with my sisters and cousin, then furiously sketching out our creations for our pretend clients (note drawing shoes was NOT my strength). When it comes to design these days, I like to feel connected to what I create. If it’s a feature wall, each element will be personal or carry some sort of hidden meaning. I have to share a connection with what I create. Weddings are the perfect opportunity for this. In our wedding, I incorporated yellow butterflies in memory of my maternal grandmother who had passed away 4 years prior and told us on her deathbed she’d come back as a yellow butterfly. 

I also spent a lot of time curating the centerpieces, which were made up of black and white photos relevant to each of the people assigned to sit at that table. I talk about them a lot, I know (see most recent mention here ) - it's because they just meant so much to us and so much to the people who showed up to celebrate with us…I’m not crying, you’re crying.

Something I like to do when I’m working with clients to help them design their dream wedding is to have them pick the 3 most important things to them as a couple for the event. Some people don’t care about the decor, but they do care about the food. That’s great! Others prefer to skimp on the alcohol to splurge on the flowers - perfect, lean into that! 

By sitting down with your partner and agreeing on the top 3 most important wedding items to you both, it will help provide clarity on where to spend your money and your time when it comes to your wedding design.

Take it from someone who’s 14 years removed from their wedding, focus on what matters most to you both and the rest, you’ll likely forget about over time.

Stay tuned for next time to learn about the 3 things that mattered LEAST to me and the one thing my older sister (said sister pictured below) STILL won’t let me live down 14 years later.

Happy dancing, happy singing, happy wedding planning!

Centerpieces are easy as 1-2-3

Today I’m pivoting from my usual wedding chatter to focus on another summer season event: graduation. 

My nephew is somehow old enough to be graduating high school - not sure how this is possible, as I am certain I just graduated a few years ago, right…???  Apparently how old I am and how old I feel do not quite match up. Anyways…I digress.

When my sister-in-law mentioned a dual graduation party for my nephew and his girlfriend, I was all over it. With weddings, my favorite design moment comes with the centerpieces and graduations are no exception. I jumped at the centerpiece opportunity. These centerpieces are easy to create.

Materials Used:

• Metallic wrapping paper

• 2x4 wood cut into 1 foot pieces

• Cardstock

• Photos

• Photo Sticks

• Stickers

There are a few things I like to prioritize when working to create centerpieces:

1. Personal

2. Portable

3. Easy to Duplicate

Make it Personal

I know some people love luxurious over-the-top centerpieces, but for me they feel too cookie cutter. Graduations like weddings are very personal. It’s a moment in time that those getting married or graduating will remember forever. Instead of making a centerpiece that looks like every other wedding (or graduation) centerpiece, find a way to make it personal. Add photos or elements that reflect the interest of the couple or graduate. 

For my wedding, we had very personal centerpieces. Each table included photos that included moments in time from myself and my husband with those sitting at the table. It was one of my favorite design elements of our wedding!

For the graduation, I created centerpieces that included 3 photo spots (one of my nephew, one of his girlfriend, and one of them together). I also included stickers that reflected their interests (camping, music, cooking, gaming, etc.

Make it Portable

For the graduation party, we’ll be driving 6 hours to Central Oregon and for most weddings some centerpiece travel is also likely (even if it’s just down the road). It’s important to make sure the centerpieces you create can be broken down for transport. The centerpieces I made can easily have the photo holders removed, so the blocks can be stacked on top of eachother. To protect the photos during transport, pot them in a hard container (like tupperware) to prevent scratching, folding, and wrinkling. 

All the centerpieces can be packed into a storage box to be loaded into the car and carried easily to the event location.

Make it Duplicatable

When making centerpieces, you want to make sure you can easily duplicate them. While centerpieces don’t have to be exactly the same, you will likely want some similarity amongst them. To make a centerpiece easy to duplicate, keep the same elements for each centerpiece. If you want a little variation, change a minor detail such as the color, photos, or a few flowers. For the graduation the colors are blue, silver, and red. I used each of those colors on the base and varied the stickers. The photos on each will also be different. You don’t want to vary centerpieces too much, as it will look messy or incohesive. To keep it from looking too wild for the graduation centerpieces, the base size, amount of photos, and styling will be the same for each.

For weddings duplicative centerpieces are especially important, if you’re having someone else put together your centerpieces (which I strongly suggest as you’ll be much too busy on the wedding day to put them together yourself). A couple ideas to make duplicating easy? Create a sample centerpiece of how you want it to look, then leave that example for others to reference or take a photo of the centerpiece for people to reference

I would put a picture of my high school graduation, but I literally don’t have one. My parents took zero photos of my graduation. The only one I had was one my college roommate’s parents took of us from really far away and I lost it, so see…it really is like I never graduated and am still young because there’s no photographic evidence my high school graduation ever happened!

Happy grad season!

~Amanda Jean

3 Summer Wedding Warnings

Wedding season is nearly upon us and it had me thinking about some heat-specific things to keep in mind when throwing your summer wedding.

Summer weddings can be stunning or they can be sweltering…I think mine was a little bit of both (circa July 2010).

Below are 3 things to keep in mind so you don’t end up like I did on my wedding: overheated with bugs up my dress.

Summer weddings can involve bugs, sun, and dehydration…OH MY!

Summer Wedding Warning #1: Bugs

As you can see in the photo below, bugs can cause some mishaps at a summer wedding. During our summer wedding, the bugs kept flying up in between my multiple layers of tulle and getting stuck. I bet Lesley Margaret Webster aka Maggie Sottero did know their wedding dress design doubled as a very expensive mosquito net. Thankfully, my cousin was there to save the day (and the bugs) by picking them out one by one. A wedding I went to last July was also outdoors and there were so many mosquitos. I remember the photographer coming into the reception hall with giant welts on her legs from all the bites. It makes me itch just thinking about it!

Be more prepared for bugs than I was by offering guests mini bug spays, inquiring if your venue can spray for mosquitos prior to your event, and/or considering placing natural bug repellent oils or candles around your event.

Summer Wedding Warning #2: Sun

In addition to my own (which was in the 90+ degree heat, outdoor ceremony in direct sun in July), I’ve been to some other really hot weddings. One wedding I attended was outdoors in direct sun. The ceremony felt long and I remember standing up and my dress was stuck to my legs from all the sweat…#notcute. For one wedding I went to they had their wedding program printed on fans which was a very clever idea.

To help reduce the heat at your summer wedding consider having the ceremony in a shaded area and the reception in an air conditioned space. It can be hard (especially for young and elder guests) if there is no break from the heat. Provide fans for your guests, mini-sunscreens, and/or even sun hats (you can purchase in bulk for relatively low cost). You can also consider setting up misters around your space if you’re wanting to keep the whole wedding outdoors.

Summer Wedding Warning #3: Dehydration

This might be one of the most important summer wedding warnings. Heat stroke and dehydration can easily happen for guests who get so caught up in the happenings of the event that they don’t realize how hot it is and they forget to drink enough water. To help prevent your guests from overheating and becoming dehydrated keep plenty of water out at your event.

Consider placing water stations around your event (the dance floor, by the dessert table, near the food, at the bathroom, etc.). Provide bandanas or small towels your guests can cool in water and wrap around their head or neck (inspired by my father-in-law, Alonzo DuPont, who did this exact thing at our wedding - see below).

My father-in-law, Alonzo

Looking for more ideas on what to include in your summer wedding?

Check out my “don’t forget” Pinterest board here.

Wishing you a joyous start wedding season!

~Amanda Jean