We are so excited to share with you the five freshest wedding nail trends we love. From the most barely-there polishes to the coolest new glitter options, we’ve got you covered.
MINIMALIST MANIS
Minimalist nails are all about subtle and simple designs that are undeniably chic. We think less is definitely more with these delicate designs. Tiny pearls embellish this sheer and short style:
The tiniest hint of metallic swathes just the sides of the nails in this unique option:
Or, for a really minimalist approach, we love Olive & June’s sheer white BEB polish. It is an absolutely bridal-worthy fresh take on a classic manicure.
THEIR INSPIRATION FOR BEB…
“BEB is named after Bri Emery, the founder of Design Love Fest. When Bri rocked a milky white for her most amazing wedding, I knew we had to create the perfect wedding shade for brides in the future too!”
Your nails will be the stars of the show on your wedding day with these little gold embellishments dancing on your fingertips.
For a touch of sparkle, we suggest a clear polish finished with some metallic glitter arches around the curve of the nail bed:
NEGATIVE SPACE NAILS
For a hip manicure that’s on-trend and low-maintenance, try negative space nails. This edgy mani type leaves some of your nail exposed while color block designs, sparkly accents, or cute decals are added to create a modern look.
The old school classic French manicure is also, technically, a negative space style. We are loving this modern take:
Yet another updated version of a French mani is the double striped tip version. So pretty for brides!
WATERCOLOR WONDERS
For artsy brides looking for a pop of whimsy watercolor manicures are just the thing. The delicate marbling adds such a sweet and playful hint of color.
These delicate almond shaped tips are a wash of watery romance in an array of pretty pastels.
Marvelous matte lilac nails with an accent watercolor nail AND a glittery touches of metallic gold for extra flair.
This modern neutral mani features two watercolor accent nails and nice squared-off tips.
SHINY NEUTRALS
Neutral nails with a shiny finish are an up-to-date way to wear a low key color that doesn’t steal any attention away from your gown. We love Rue by Zoya for its’ darker nude shade (and it’s affordable $10 price tag):
Blush and neutral nails take on an upgraded feel with a shiny finish. And a pop of sparkle on the ring fingers doesn’t hurt the eyes either.
Beige is anything but boring when topped with a sheen of gloss.
GILDED NAILS
For those EXTRA brides, of course, we will have to recommend Gilded Nails. Gold, glittery, and glamorous, this type of nail finish will make for some amazing ring photos.
Gold tipped nails are a nod to glitz, without being too, shall we say, over the top.
Or, you could choose to go all out with a full set of gorgeous gilded gold nails.
Whatever manicure you select for your most special day, we hope you found some inspiration with us. We will leave you with some famous quotes about having pretty painted nails:
When your nails are part of your outfit, they become more than nails. They become an accessory. Holland Roden
A woman is helpless only while her nail polish is drying. unknown
There’s nothing a fresh manicure can’t fix. unknown
I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. Audrey Hepburn
Alençon is a gorgeous type of lace that was first produced exclusively in Northern France. This special lace was painstakingly made only by hand. Since it was time-consuming and expensive to make, Alençon was considered a luxury. And it was highly coveted by members of the royalty and the upper classes. Marie-Antoinette, Queen of France, wore Alençon for this oil painting at the Palace of Versailles:
Eventually textile manufacturers figured out a way to produce the look of this exquisite lace by using machines. And it’s been a favored choice of brides from then on.
These days Alençon style lace is still made on machines. Therefore it’s affordable and accessible. So if you are a bride searching for a lace wedding dress, we highly recommend finding yourself one created with this stunning textile. And, it really does sound fancy when you say it out loud:
The Queen of Lace
We love that Alençon is sometimes called the “Queen of lace.” And, it is also called “Corded Lace.” Whatever the name, this elegant lace is a beautiful component for wedding dresses. Check out this loveliness:
It’s All In The Details
Alençon lace is created by outlining the details in the underlying lace pattern. The heavier thread (or cord) used gives the elements a raised edge which accentuates the pretty details. Alençon is easily recognized because of its three-dimensional look.
But wait, it has eyelashes?
Sometimes the edges of this lace have will have a bit of dainty fringe. It is adorably referred to as “eyelash fringe.” Doesn’t it look like fluttery eyelashes?
The Most Popular Bridal Lace
Most bridal gowns utilize the more accessible machine-made Alençon as opposed to the handmade kind. If fact, this is the most popular of all lace used in wedding dress construction. Brides just love the delicate beauty and romance of the re-embroidered lace:
History
Authentic Alençon lace, which dates all the way back to 1665, was painstakingly made by hand with a needle and thread. Luxurious beyond belief, it is the most elaborate needle-point lace ever produced in France.
Authentic Alençon
You can still find authentic hand made Alençon lace in France today. It is absolutely exquisite but you might need to be royalty to afford “the queen of laces.” It’s ultra-expensive because it is so labor-intensive to make. For example, a single square centimeter can take up to seven hours to complete by hand. Specially trained workers who have undergone an apprenticeship of several years are the only ones who can produce true authentic Alençon.
Ask for Alençon
Luckily brides can still get the look and feel of this French treasure by finding a dress made with machine corded lace. So the next time you are shopping for a bridal gown ask to see one with “Al-On-Sawn” lace.
Be an informed wedding dress and accessories shopper. Check out more of our Wedding Dresses 101 series by clicking the links below:
Are you looking for a festive photo backdrop for your special event? And, do you also happen to be on a budget? Well, you don’t have to hold your breath. Because, one easy way to inject some serious oomph into your decor (without breaking the bank) is to incorporate balloons. And by balloons we mean LOTS of balloons. Read on to find out how to make an affordable and awesome balloon backdrop.
This project goes much faster with a few people, but one person can handle it. Two of us made this festive display in less than four hours.
You’ll need some supplies:
Garment Rack
Scissors
Tape
Balloons
Ribbon
Balloon Blower Upper Machine
Since we’re a retail bridal store we have loads of garment racks on hand. If you don’t have one, we found one online you can purchase for $89 here. Or you might be able to borrow one from someone you know. You could also use an arch or simply put your balloons up on a wall for a similar effect.
Purchase balloons in the color palette of your choice. Get various sizes, too. We got ours at Party City for about $50. We chose rose gold, gold and ivory for our theme. For our project we used several 12″ and 9″ balloons and two jumbo balloons.
You’ll need some ribbon. You can use any kind you have on hand as long as it is a complimentary color. If you need to purchase ribbon, get about 60 yards. Check Walmart’s fabric department for clearance ribbon. You can get what you need for right at $8.
You’ll need to blow up several hundred balloons. You can do this…
the hard way, by blowing them up yourself
or the easy way by using a handy electric inflator!
Once you have a few balloons inflated it’s time to start attaching them to your garment rack. We found the easiest way to accomplish this is by tying a length of ribbon around the knotted end of a balloon.
Then tie on another balloon a few inches down from the first one. Repeat this until you have three or four balloons on your ribbon.
Next you’ll want to tie your ribbon of balloons onto your rack.
Keep tying balloons to ribbon in groups of three or four. Then secure them onto the rack. Feel free to scoot the balloons around a bit so they nest together prettily.
Repeat, using a combination of colors, and you’ll begin to see some amazing results.
You can start at one end, or jump around. We usually tie the balloons on one side then the other to keep it semi balanced.
And before you know it your balloon backdrop begins to take shape.
Make sure you move your garment rack or arch to it’s final position before you finish it. Once you fill in the bottom you won’t be able to move it very easily.
Once you have your rack mostly covered with balloons, you’ll want to fill in any holes with balloons. For this part we simply tape a single balloon in any space that looks like it needs a little help. We also like to let some balloons spill luxuriously over onto the floor.
And, voila! Just like that you have an amazing display of awesomeness that will last for several weeks.
In our experience people love to pose (and dance) (and be extra) in front of and behind balloon displays.
If you have any questions, please email us at thegildedgown@gmail.com. We’d love to assist you with your very own balloon backdrop! Just be prepared for people to go crazy having fun posing with it!
Our current color obsession has to be mauve. This retro color was super popular in the 80s. “Just as America went avocado green in the ’70s, it turned mauve in the ‘80s,” note Leatrice Eiseman and Keith Recker in Pantone: The Twentieth Century in Color. These days it is staging a glorious comeback.
Is it Pink or Purple?
Mauve is a pale pastel named after the mallow flower. People sometimes debate whether it is a shade of pink or a shade of purple. Our vote is that this pretty hue lands on the purple side of the color wheel. Somewhere close to violet. And we aren’t mad about that.
In fact, we are crushing hard on all the marvelous shades of mauve. These gentle colors are so soft and nostalgic. Just right for an utterly romantic wedding.
We Love A Mauve Bouquet
These luscious floral elements in shades of mauve, purple and cream mix perfectly with greenery. In fact, mauve pairs well with many other colors. Pale pink, blue and grey and even a pop of yellow combines beautifully with the dreamy hue.
This is such a whimsically delicate color situation.
Set Your Table In Style
Dreamy tablescapes are easy when you select this palette.
Mauve moves from old school to modern when combined with mustard.
Set Up a Stunning Photo Backdrop
An awesome backdrop adds so much style to your venue. We adore this beguiling backdrop draped in mauve flowers and swags of ribbon.
An abundance of flowers in shades of from ultra violet to mauve explode in a brilliant display on this luscious outdoor arch.
Confections Awash in Color
Wedding cakes in shades of mauve are so light and airy.
Artful cupcakes topped with natural elements in shades of mauve look absolutely scrumptious.
Make Your Invites Pop
Elevate your envelopes by having them professionally addressed by Jen K Calligraphy. Jen can hand address your envelopes or she can custom design some incredible wedding stationary. She treats every piece as a unique work of art and “a reflection of each couples love in a beautiful and timeless way.”
Accessorize in Your Shade
Complete your wedding day look with more mauve. How heavenly are these mauve Christian Louboutins? We found them in stock here.
We found, we think, the perfect mauve mani color courtesy of essie!
However you chose to incorporate this shade, we know it will be an ethereal addition to your wedding day style. Misty, magical, marvelous mauve will lend its whimsy to your event in sweet hints of color. This color will inspire your guests just as it inspires artists, songwriters, painters and poets who do their best to capture its elusive essence.
On the breezes to sink and rise, Flutters scented bird of paradise, In the days of mauve butterflies, They captivate all waiting eyes!
Cheyenne and Lucas had their names up in lights when they starred in a recent production at the historic Capitol Theatre. This past May the adorable couple got married in the newly renovated Capitol Theatre. Their dream wedding combined art deco ambiance with old Hollywood style. Family and friends happily gathered to watch the pair exchange “I do’s.”
We wondered how the couple felt about getting married during the pandemic. Cheyenne explains, “With Covid we went back and forth for a month before we decided to go ahead with the wedding. We both had waited so long to get married and we were determined to do it on May 16th, with or without the whole guest list. We decided to go on with everything as planned and hoped for the best! We tried to be as safe as possible with guests at the wedding, so we supplied masks for any guest that wanted one, had hand sanitizer everywhere, and instead of the buffet we had planned, our caterer pre-packaged all of the food so it was grab-and-go style. Considering all the obstacles that we had to overcome, we had an amazing wedding day thanks to all of our vendors, family, and guests that came to share our special day. “
“Our wedding planning was an absolute mess, even before Covid happened. Our first venue we had booked decided to file bankruptcy in February, three months out from our wedding day. So, we had to start all over again with the process and that’s when we found the Capitol Theatre. I really believe everything happens for a reason, because Haley and Heath at the Capitol made our wedding experience amazing! It was such a beautiful and unique venue and they made everything so easy!”
Cheyenne absolutely glowed with joy, happiness and beauty on her wedding day. And, everyone present basked in the love the sweet couple share.
We asked Cheyenne to share her proposal story with us, and she sweetly obliged. ‘My husband Lucas and I met in high school. He was a senior and I was a junior when we started dating and we’ve been together ever since, 7 years and counting! We now live in Murfreesboro, TN, where we both went to college. We are from Lenoir City, and last year on July 13 we drove back to home. He took me to the overlook at Fort Loudoun dam at the Lenoir City park and recreated a date we had been on when we first started dating, and he proposed. It was so special to us!”
Humble Bee Flowers crafted the lovely, lovely floral elements for the event.
Cheyenne found her dress with us at The Gilded Gown. Her lavish A-Line Gown features a basque waist, a chapel length train and exquisite beading on the bodice. She says, “”My dress shopping was a fun experience and when I found my dress I really was just looking, not really ready to buy anything yet. The lady who helped me at the Gilded Gown was AMAZING! She showed me the store and took anything off the racks that I thought I might want to try on, and then suggested a dress I wouldn’t have thought to try on. Everything I had tried on was pretty, but then I put my dress on (the one she suggested would look good on me) and I knew it was the one. The associate was never pushy and showed me other accessories that could go with that dress. The selection of dresses at the Gilded Gown was also the largest of all the stores I went to. The price of the dress was also great. I was super glad I ventured into the Gilded Gown!”
The guys looked so handsome in their looks from Men’s Wearhouse.
The wedding cakes were dramatic and amazing! The amazing catering was by Todd White.
We wish this precious couple all the love and joy possible as they face their future together. The fact that they still got married is proof that love always hopes, and always perseveres. Cheyenne says, “Our wedding on May 16 was an absolute dream for us and we were so thankful to be able to have it with all the craziness in the world right now! “
We are so inspired by the artistry displayed by confectioners these days. We thought you might enjoy taking a little Cake Break to view some jaw-dropping wedding cakes from around the world.
Custom Collaborations on Celebratory Works of Art at Cupplets
First up, we’re showcasing the incredible workmanship of Cupplets in Singapore. They specialize in celebratory works of art. Their team loves to collaborate creatively with their clients on their custom wedding cakes. The artisans at Cupplets use of color, technique and style makes for some absolutely stunning desserts.
The Royal Refinement of Fiona Cairns’ Cakes
Fiona Cairns has been baking for well over 30 years, yet the transformation of commonplace ingredients into extraordinary creations still feels like an act of alchemy to her. And, the world agrees that her confections are magic! Her incredible cakes are famous, especially since she made the cake for Prince William’s wedding. At her bakery, deep in the English countryside, they take the time to mix, bake, ice, embellish and pack every single cake entirely by hand. We love Fiona’s lavish, classic wedding cakes. And we love her philosophy that, “Cake is what is served on the happiest days of your life.”
The Visionary Artistry of LiMa Cakes
Sona of LiMa Cakes in Toronto, Ontario designs uniquely gorgeous works of art. LiMa Cakes, named after Sona’s daughters, Lily (Li) & Maya (Ma), came to fruition when Sona started to use her drawing skills and graphic design background to come up with visionary sketches to turn into one-of-a-kind cakes. She believes art comes in many shapes and forms, and her creations prove it.
One-of-a-kind Extravagance from the Creative Mind of Kimberly Bailey
Kimberly Bailey of The Butter End Cakery in California was turned her joy of baking into a wonderful life’s work. Her fabulous work includes everything from opulent, extravagant cakes to subtle, understated confections. For example, she made the spectacular upside-down chandelier cake for Kaley Cucuo’s wedding.
Refinement, delicacy and luxury prevail at Parisian bakery Ladurée
Ladurée, the esteemed Parisian bakery chain, has been creating delicious treats for more than 150 years, and has baked thousands of majestic wedding cakes designed to fulfill the most romantic brides’ dreams. Ladurée is a veritable song to sweets and pastry innovation.
Side note: in the middle of the 19th century it was Ladurée pastry chef Pierre Desfontaines, who first thought of taking two macaron shells and joining them with a delicious ganache filling. The delicate macaron recipe has not changed since.
Sweet Bloom Cakes are equal parts inspiration and ethereal beauty
Sweet Bloom Cakes of Australia was founded in 2008 by Dewi Kurniadi. This Sydney-based boutique studio offers custom designed, handcrafted cakes, confections and personalized experiences. Dewi, a self-taught baker, utilized her expertise in fashion and exposure in the wedding industry, to create edible works of art. Derived from humble beginnings, Sweet Bloom Cakes has now evolved to a business that continually pushes boundaries in cake design. Fascinated by the movement and magic of nature, Dewi imparts a sense of ethereal beauty on her cakes. Together with her team of artists, Sweet Bloom Cakes produces aesthetically beautiful products that taste delectable for clients to enjoy on their special day.
Thank you for joining us on a world-wide tour of fabulous wedding cakes. Let us know if you found something to inspire the design of your own cake.
When things are peachy, they’re wonderful. And we want things to be absolutely wonderful for your wedding. So right now we are presenting a color palette of peachiness for your viewing pleasure. Something about soft peach tones is so comforting and joyful. And feminine. And sophisticated, too, somehow. Join us for some Just Peachy Wedding Inspo as we dive into this dreamy hue!
This soothing color story works well for outdoor ceremonies (the best setting for your ceremony with the way things are in the world today.) Peach pairs perfectly with all the lovely greens and browns found in nature.
To complement your luminous peach color scheme we suggest billowy Peach Pampas grass or an arresting arrangement of palm fronds, hydrangea, and baby’s breath:
For your beautiful face, we love makeup palettes that offer a dose of sweet peachy goodness. Like this Baby Got Peach palette, by Colourpop. At just $12 this pastel peach monochromatic set is better than basic. With 9 shades and 3 different finishes, you can create a soft peachy look perfect for your special day:
And Two-Face’s Sweet Peach Glow Palette is an illuminating, blushing, and bronzing palette. This one provides the natural radiance of a gorgeous glowing peach sunset and makes your skin appear bathed in the most beautiful peachy golden light. Exactly how you want to look on your wedding day:
For your wedding cake, we propose something delicate, like this luscious one layer ombre confection:
For your decor, consider an extravagant display of paper lanterns and streamers. Paper Lantern Store offers a nice array of affordable options.
A collection of varying height vases would be amazing for your tables. And, you could incorporate them into your new home after the wedding:
EQ3 has a stunning selection of versatile ceramic vessels. How neat does that pop of yellow look paired with the peachy tones of the other vases? #idea
Rattan furnishings are a major trend and they would pair well with a peach theme. Incorporate a few pieces around your ceremony site. Our pick, this boho beauty from IKEA:
A signature peach cocktail seems reasonable, doesn’t it? We adore the White Peach + Rose Lemonade Refreshing Signature Drink we spied on mountainsidebride.com (but we might add the teensiest splash of vodka or champagne):
3 cups white peaches, chopped into pieces
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (from about 7 lemons)
3/4 cup sugar
4 tablespoons rose water
Directions for 4: Place chopped peaches, water, and sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Allow to cook down, about 20 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly, then run through a blender until pureed. Pour peach mixture through a fine sieve and place in refrigerator until chilled. Meanwhile, squeeze the juice from lemons. Once the peach mixture has chilled in a pitcher combine with lemon juice and rose water. Serve chilled.
The ripest peach is highest on the tree — And so her love, beyond the reach of me, Is dearest in my sight. Sweet breezes, bow Her heart down to me where I worship now!
She looms aloft where every eye may see The ripest peach is highest on the tree. Such fruitage as her love I know, alas! I may not reach here from the orchard grass.
I drink the sunshine showered past her lips As roses drain the dewdrop as it drips. The ripest peach is highest on the tree, And so mine eyes gaze upward eagerly.
Why — why do I not turn away in wrath And pluck some heart here hanging in my path? — Love’s lower boughs bend with them — but, ah me! The ripest peach is highest on the tree!
With everything going on in the world today it is a really good time to have your wedding ceremony outdoors. One way to keep your occasion special and safe is to have an itty bitty event with your closest friends and family. Even though you might be simplifying your day it doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style, though. Find the perfect little dress and accessories, add in your floral elements, and source your ceremony spot.
If you love nature and the gorgeous Smoky Mountains we have just the place for you. Located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, and overflowing with rustic charm, Chapel In the Hollow is the perfect location to host your micro wedding. This whimsical intimate wedding venue offers amazing customizable micro wedding (or elopement) packages with lots of options. They can provide you with an officiant, photographer, coordinator, and/or videographer plus the most darling mini chapel ever. No matter your tastes and budget, they can help you plan something wonderful. Oh, and they do incredible florals as well.
Star Noir Photography recently teamed up with Chapel In the Hollow and Custom Love Gifts along with other local wedding pros to show how heartfelt and exceptional a tiny wedding can be. They captured the spirit of this special place in a styled shoot featuring lovely Gwyneth and her adorable boyfriend Dylan.
Their vision came to life with a fresh, summery vibe. Vibrant pops of color in the luscious bouquet and Gwyneth’s bright shoes just radiate fun. Plus her short lace dress and rose gold accessories from The Gilded Gown are exceptionally sweet.
Can we take a minute to appreciate the sleeve on this sweet gown?
And the open circle back!?
Gwyneth’s fresh-faced beauty was accented with beautiful hair and makeup by Southern Sirens.
Millstone Crafted the cutest invites for the occasion:
We can’t think of a cuter couple to remind us of the most important thing in life: love. They remind us that even in a world gone crazy we still have hope for the future and we can still celebrate special occasions in wonderful new ways.
Gwyneth shares their real-life love story:
Even though the way Dylan and I met isn’t exactly the best plot for a rom-com, we’ve been together since eighth grade. I had just moved to a new school and got invited to go on a group date to a formal dance. It was my first time wearing heels, and I’m clumsy even without heels. I was wanting to get that perfect formal photo and climbed up a rock waterfall. Of course, I slipped, but I didn’t fall. Thankfully, there was a cute blond in a bowtie holding my hand. I fell in love head over heels for Dylan (figuratively and literally). Our first date was to a delicious pizza place. We both got pizzas. I made a custom pizza, and he ate over half of mine but only a slice of his. So, now we are a kind of pizza connoisseurs. For fun, we like to try new pizza places. Since COVID, we have been trying to master tossing dough and making homemade pizza.”
These are some crazy times and it is changing everyone’s plans. If your wedding plans got interrupted by the pandemic, don’t worry, there are options. For example, you could always host a virtual wedding. Or you could carry on with your original date but just invite fewer guests. But if your heart is set on having a dream wedding, then postponing your special day is the best choice. The downside is that rescheduling a wedding means that months of planning are uprooted, family members must cancel travel plans and money is lost. The upside? Your wedding can still happen exactly as you envisioned it.
We get it…postponing a wedding is a big deal. But this article is a great starting point to help you take charge of your finances and make the best of an unexpected situation.
Financial Implications of Postponing
In 2019, the average wedding cost $33,900, with the ceremony and reception costing, on average, $28,000 and the ring averaging $5,900.
Unfortunately, postponing a wedding will most likely add to what you originally paid. Depending on how close you were to your original date, you might lose money on things like retainers, non-refundable goods, and services. If you didn’t budget for unexpected roadblocks along the way, you may find yourself in a bit of a bind. But there are still ways to have that dream wedding.
Typical Ways to Finance a Wedding
Parental Funding
According to a Weddingwire survey, 52% of parents end up paying the majority of their children’s wedding expenses.
Credit Cards
Instead of charging wedding expenses to a high-interest credit card, take advantage of 0% APR offers and make a plan to pay off your balance.
Crowdfunding
A growing trend, crowdfunding allows guests to contribute money to your wedding. Many people are opting out of gifts or honeymoon contributions for this unconventional method.
Savings
Many people lean on their savings to pay for their wedding. Keeping your wedding fund in a high-yielding savings account gives you the opportunity to earn interest.
A lot of planning and budgeting go into organizing a wedding. But the budget you set initially may not be able to accommodate unexpected costs due to unforeseeable events like COVID-19. Scrambling to find funding can seem like an impassable barrier. A personal loan can help cover additional costs.
Getting a personal loan
If you don’t have any other financing options, a personal loan can help you pay for the added costs. However, a personal loan is not something to take on lightly. While there is a wide range of wedding and personal loan options, you should only take one on if you can pay it off in a reasonable amount of time. Otherwise, you could end up in debt for years to come. There are both advantages and disadvantages to a personal loan for a wedding.
Pros
Fixed monthly payments
Lower interest rate than many credit cards
Quick access to money
Easy, online applications
Build credit over time
Cons
Origination and other associated fees
Potentially high-interest rates (if you have bad credit)
Added monthly fee to your finances
Interest will compile on your balance
The stronger your credit score, the lower your interest rate on your loan will be. Before you decide to choose a personal loan for your wedding, make sure it is the best option for your situation. Loans have fixed monthly payments and allow you to build credit over time, but the fees and interest rates can add to your balance and make it hard to pay off.
If you’ve determined that a personal loan is the best choice for you right now, use this personal loan calculator as a starting point.
How much do I need to finance my wedding?
If you don’t have enough saved to cover unexpected wedding costs, how much should you borrow?
If your wedding plans are on hold because of the coronavirus or an unexpected circumstance, don’t lose hope. We’ve put together a list of tips you can use to manage unanticipated costs and mitigate the stress you feel.
1. Give yourself time and space to process
Choosing to postpone your wedding isn’t an easy decision to make. Months of planning and budgeting come unraveled, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed. A time that was supposed to be a celebration can morph into something very stressful. It’s okay to give yourself some time to be sad about it. Lean on your loved ones and allow people to help.
2. Talk with your vendors
Start the conversation with your vendors as soon as possible. You’ll need to figure out who will be able to accommodate a new date and the costs. Remember, wedding vendors deal with unexpected changes more than you do, so they may be able to give you advice and help you through the process. Review the contracts you signed and contact your vendors one by one to ask about their postponement procedures and any available dates they have for the future.
You may find that not all of your vendors will be able to work with a new date, which most likely will result in a lost deposit. All you can do is attempt to negotiate and be flexible. Jocelyn Voo, an NYC wedding photographer, and owner of Everly Studios said, “Most vendors have a Force Majeure clause that includes government emergencies and acts of God. They may be willing to waive any reschedule fees due to the unprecedented nature of COVID-19. For all my couples, I’ve allowed one reschedule to a new date within one year of their original reservation. Trust that many vendors will be in favor of postponing your event rather than outright canceling it.”
3. Notify guests and update your website
Once you speak with your vendors and pick a new date, make sure every single guest knows the plan. Email blasts and new save-the-dates are some of the most popular ways to notify your guests. If you’ve maintained a wedding website as a way to relay information, you should update the date and any necessary information there too.
4. Help your guests make changes
Beyond just telling your guests that your wedding is postponed, think about ways in which you can help them with the plans they’ve made. Some of your guests have most likely made travel arrangements that will need to be either canceled or rescheduled. If you’ve reserved rooms at a hotel, contact the hotel and see what accommodations they are willing to make for guests who have booked with them.
5. Consider wedding insurance
Every insurance policy and situation is different. If you had insurance prior to the coronavirus, you should check with your insurance provider to see if you have any level of coverage. Given the changing circumstances surrounding the coronavirus, many insurance companies may not be able to provide coverage.
While you may not be able to obtain coverage during the coronavirus, you should consider getting wedding insurance for your new date. Also known as special event insurance, it gives you both postponement or cancellation and liability coverage. Wedding insurance helps cover the money you would lose if you had to postpone or cancel.
6. Revisit your budget
Once all the dust has settled, and you have a grip on which vendors you’ll be able to work with for your new date, it’s time to revisit your budget. More than likely, you lost money along the way through deposits and additional fees. Take these fees into account and work them into your new budget. Even though postponing a wedding results in added fees, that doesn’t mean you have to let it blow away your finances.
Look for ways you can cut out unnecessary expenses or cut costs. If it turns out that a considerable number of guests aren’t able to make the new date, you could downsize supplies and catering. You can also save by using wholesale sellers for your decorations and then going down the D.I.Y route.
7. Act quickly
How long you decide to postpone your wedding is up to you. But once you make the decision to reschedule, you have to act quickly. Letting time go can result in even more money lost. As the pandemic has left many couples in the same situation, the need to act quickly and secure vendors and dates is all the more important. You don’t want to lose out on your backup plan because someone got there first. Even though vendors are used to dealing with changing wedding dates, they do put a lot of work into your special day. Don’t damage the relationship with them by not telling them right away.
Tips From the Experts
It’s easy to feel overrun with information on what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to postponing a wedding. To make sure you get the best information, we spoke to vendors and wedding planners about their experience and what advice they have for couples who are managing wedding finances during the pandemic.
Read your contract
Aimee Palifroni, owner of Prisma Events
Read through your contracts carefully before making the first call. Couples should be well aware of what they have agreed to with each of their vendors and be sure to understand their policies around cancellation and rescheduling.
We’ve seen a great deal of flexibility and willingness from vendors to work with couples on a case-by-case basis to reschedule and move payments to new dates. However, don’t forget that everyone is in the same boat right now. Your vendors are small business owners who are scared of losing everything, and they are under the same amount of stress, given the current circumstances. Everyone’s ability to work together through this will make things much easier.
Reschedule, don’t cancel
Tracy French, destination wedding planner coach
As a destination wedding specialist, I am strongly advising couples to reschedule vs. canceling their weddings. From what I am seeing, the couples that have simply canceled their weddings instead of rescheduling them, they leave the majority of their friends and family miffed, shocked, surprised, and mad. It is impossible to meet everyone’s ideal rescheduled date, but your friends and family planned to travel with you to this destination and were all looking forward to it. Most guests are looking forward to this [pandemic] passing and having a future travel date to be excited about.
Take on DIY projects
Marie Kubin, J.D., Founder & CEO of Rent My Wedding
The best trick is to see if you can get the same things you planned on, but pay less. How? Opt for do-it-yourself rentals instead of full-service professionals. There are so many aspects of a wedding that couples don’t realize that they can do on their own. For example, wedding lighting, backdrops, photo booths, and arches/canopies are traditionally done by specialty vendors. However, you can actually rent all these items and set them up yourself. By setting up the decor yourself, you will save thousands of dollars. The best part is that there is no experience required!
Set your nonnegotiables
Lauren Alexander Weddings, a UK based wedding planner and events designer
Be kind, be understanding, be open. Communication is key, and so is managing both your and your supplier’s expectations. Consider writing a list of things you actually don’t mind losing out on and some things that are a permanent no.
Ivy Summer, certified wedding planner
Couples should discuss among themselves which wedding vendors they’re willing to spend more on. Couples should also establish what their non-negotiables are so they can understand what types of wedding aspects they’re not willing to budge about versus where they’re willing to be flexible. This exercise helps the couple establish a set of guidelines that help them make decisions in their planning process.
The Lasting Impact on the Wedding Industry
The coronavirus has an impact on more than just the couples who have had to postpone their wedding. Joshua Gabrielson, the owner of Wedding Photography and Films, said, “From current estimations based on our data, it looks like 15-20% of wedding vendors could stop existing all together. Fortunately, we have some savings for bad wedding seasons which has softened the blow to our business, but it’s still 80% down from this time last year.”
Some wedding vendors and event planners are at risk of going out of business or going into debt just to make it through. In an attempt to mitigate the loss, vendors have to make hard decisions about their clients, even if it damages their reputation. Summer suggested, “One of the biggest implications of the pandemic on the wedding industry is that there’s a betrayal of trust in some vendors. Namely the venues that have pulled the rug from underneath couples who paid in advance and have no way of getting a refund due to the impact of the pandemic on wedding businesses.”
Postponing a wedding is no one’s dream, but it’s a possibility that shouldn’t be ignored. Adding an extra cushion with a personal loan into your wedding budget can save you a lot of heartaches in the long run. Rescheduling a wedding date has a lot of moving parts, but these tips will help you replan your special day.
Reopening Rules: The New Normal at The Gilded Gown
First of all, we are absolutely thrilled to be back doing what we love! We are so happy to be able to have you, our beautiful brides, and formal gown shoppers with us again.
In this new world we find ourselves in, things will be a little bit different at The Gilded Gown.
For the time being, we will be open by appointment only. The health, safety, and well-being of our staff, their family members, and our brides are of the utmost importance to us.
In order to adhere to the CDC guidelines for social distancing and to keep all of us safe and healthy, we are asking each bride to limit their number of guests in attendance to 3. And at this time we request that you do not bring any children under the age of 12. Please honor this policy. We will be delighted to Facetime any friends and family who are unable to attend to show them your favorite styles.
We do ask that if you are feeling sick or showing any symptoms of upper respiratory illness, or have been in contact with someone known to be infected with COVID-19, please call us and we will happily reschedule your appointment to a mutually convenient time. We will check temperatures upon arrival.
We will be requiring everyone to wear masks. If you need a mask and we can provide them at no cost.
One of your bridal party members must be available to assist you in the fitting room.
Bridal reservation times will be limited to two hours or less to help us adhere to state and federal guidelines.
Be assured that we are taking extra precautions in our store. First of all, we will be monitoring all of our staff members’ temperatures. Our entire store, including the reception area and dressing rooms, will be sanitized several times a day, including all surfaces, doorknobs, bathrooms, counters, telephones, computers, etc. We do ask for your patience as we sanitize suites between appointments. As we cannot control potential virus spread, you assume all liability for your visit.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. We want to be as accommodating as possible, but we also want to do our part to keep our community healthy! This is a rapidly changing environment, but we are doing our very best to keep up with information from the CDC and our local government. As a small business in the community, we appreciate your understanding and patience.
Although we are changing the way we operate, for the time being, one thing that will never change is our absolute joyin assisting you in your quest to find your dream dress and accessories. Please schedule YOUR appointment by visiting our appointment tab on our website, or by messaging us on Facebook or Instagram, or by emailing us at thegildedgown@gmail.com
Cheyenne and Lucas had their names up in lights when they starred in a recent production at the historic 
We wish this precious couple all the love and joy possible as they face their future together. The fact that they still got married is proof that love always hopes, and always perseveres. Cheyenne says, “Our wedding on May 16 was an absolute dream for us and we were so thankful to be able to have it with all the craziness in the world right now! “
