• Natural light is great, but it’s not always necessary. However, if you and your partner have opted for an indoor wedding, this adds another challenge for your photographer to capture all your special moments.

    If you are concerned about the lack of sunlight and unexpected shadows, fear not. All you need is an expert photographer and a sharp eye. Here are some tips for you to follow to ensure your day is picture-perfect.

    Voice your opinion

    Don’t be afraid to speak out. If you want a specific photo, mention it to your photographer. It is also a good idea to take your photographer around the venue and give them a shot list before the big day, so they can prepare accordingly. Remember that things can be moved and rearranged to better capture the space, so don’t be afraid to change things up.

    Focus on the guests 

    Candid moments of your guests are important to have because they serve as a memory and show the personality of your special occasion. Ideally, you have a key light source in the dining and reception area, and since your guests will already be gathered together the lighting should be mostly uniform.

    Embrace indoor lighting

    Indoor lighting creates a stunning moody vibe. Get your photographer to take a few shots of the venue before everyone arrives. Windows also create a stunning silhouette and the burst of natural light adds a unique moodiness to the images.

    Stand out from the darkness

    As a bride, you can use the darkness to your advantage. Indoor photos allow you the opportunity of having details, like your bouquet or train as the star of the photo, without the background or scenery stealing the show. Make sure to focus on detail shots of the getting ready process.

    Go for black and white photography

    A black and white image can turn a simple moment into a wow-worthy image. With this finish, you won’t have to worry as much about how lighting affects colours.

    Picture: Pexels

    Symbolic of nature, green is often considered to represent tranquility and health. Of course, we cannot forget that it’s also a lucky colour.

    Incorporating this hue into your wedding day decor is super easy and beautiful. We’re not talking about just locking down a plant and calling it a day. Be different and find fabrics and items in the various green shades like mint, emerald, seafoam, and jade.

    Green pairs beautifully with gold for a more luxurious and rich finish. However, you can tone it down with white for a more classic look. Those wanting a unique finish should opt for various shades of green mixed together. Don’t forget to add tons of texture for dimension.

    Here are some stunning tablescapes we are inspired by:

     

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    Picture: Pexels

    Times have changed drastically. In the past, getting a wedding gift was so much more than honouring the wedding couple. It was providing them with the essentials to begin their new life.

    Crockery, bedding, décor are some of the items that couples really needed. Of course, back then, couples only moved in together after they were married. Today more and more couples live together for years before getting married. All those essential items that appear on the gift registry become redundant because the couple already owns it.

    That’s not to say, however, they do not need help building their new life. The nature of what they need has changed. Policies, investments, a college fund for any future children: in other words they need money.

    As a guest, this leaves you with a big question. Should you buy a wedding gift or give cold hard cash? In most cases the choice is easy. Couples are very straightforward with what they want. They either have a gift registry or state that they’d prefer money.

    If these are not stated, or you are confused about what to get or how much to give, hopefully, these tips will help you decide.

    Buying a gift 

    The most important thing when deciding on a gift is to ensure that is something the couple would like. Take their tastes into account, rather than your own. If you have to get traditional wedding gifts in the bed, bath and beyond category, opt for something different and quirky. If you are especially close to the couple, something personal or handmade could be a great hit, particularly if the couple has all their household items sorted. This will ensure that your gift is unique and memorable.

    Budgeting for a gift is important. You don’t want to get something too cheap, but you do not want to break the bank either. Grouping together with friends and family is a good way to get something exceptional and within your budget. If you are invited to various events for the wedding that require gifts, divide your budget for each event. Style Caster recommends using 20% of your budget for an engagement gift, 20% for the bridal shower and 60% for the wedding.

    Giving Money 

    It’s always tricky when dealing with money. You may be uncertain on how much money you should give, or whether it would have been cheaper to simply get a gift. As a general rule, the closer you are to the wedding couple the more you should give. Always work with your budget and give as much as you can afford. The couple should be gracious enough to accept your contribution no matter how big or small it is.

    Like with pricey wedding gifts, it’s okay to pool money together to give to the couple. Co-workers, family members, and friends can go in together to give a substantial amount. Consider the expenses of the wedding. If you have already given gifts for other events leading up to the wedding or spent money getting to a destination wedding, you can give a little less money.

    Whether you are buying a gift or giving cash, the most important thing to remember is timing. Do not wait too long before giving your gift!

    Picture: Pexels

    On your wedding day, everything is a big deal – including the shoes hiding beneath your gorgeous gown. Don’t sigh with relief after the arduous dress-choosing task is complete, you still have your feet to think about. Ahead lies a world of options…

    There are a number of factors to consider before choosing your shoe, here are our key things to keep in mind:

    Comfort:

    You’re gonna wear these shoes all day, so make sure they’re actually comfortable. And by this, we mean you’re able to walk in them and stand for hours at a time without feeling like your toes are screaming for help. If you’re not used to wearing stilettos, a block heel is perfect to complete the look without the pressure on your heel.

    Location and weather:

    Having a beach wedding? Stilletto heels may sink into the sand. On the other hand, sneakers maybe a touch too informal for a grand ballroom. It’s important to keep your wedding venue in mind when picking your shoes, as it will go hand in hand with making sure you’re comfortable. Don’t neglect to consider the weather, as you don’t want your toes to freeze off in open shoes during your winter wedding.

    Your dress:

    The length and cut of your dress will greatly determine the style of your shoe and how visible you want it to be. A tea-length or short gown means your feet will be on display, so you have the option of going for a fun heel. Alternatively, a floor-sweeping gown will cover your feet, so the style of shoe is not as important. Make sure to take your shoes with you when going for a dress fitting to avoid a hemline that is too short.

    Price:

    Arguably one of the most important factors is sticking to your budget. You don’t want to break the bank on a shoe you might not wear again, so remember to set some boundaries before you go shoe shopping.

    Picture: Pexels