The one thing you can’t buy and MUST have at your wedding
Some things money can’t just can’t buy…even with weddings. Discover the one thing you need at your wedding that no amount of money can buy!
I recently ventured down to southern California to celebrate my cousin’s wedding.
Yes, I am one of THOSE people who take pictures out the plane window.
As a wedding designer, you would think I would have taken a million photos of the wedding decor to share with you…
Ironically, I took exactly ZERO photos of the wedding design. Wait! I found one photo of the decor (see below). So while I completely failed at capturing the design of the wedding and I can’t quite show you what the wedding looked like, I can tell you what it felt like.
My one photo of the wedding decor
I walked away from this wedding full of so much joy, that it got me thinking about how the experience of a wedding and the feeling created by a wedding means so much more than a wedding color palette ever will.
My mom, sister, I pre-wedding day rain showers
The thing is you can plan and plan and plan some more, curating every last design detail of your event, but if you guests walk away with a lackluster experience then what does it matter if the satin ribbons on your reception chairs were tied a certain way?
What matters most is the feeling, the vibe, the experience your wedding creates. Sure, design can help bolster these things, but in order to do that you have to get REALLY clear on the kind of experience you want your guests to have at your wedding. How do you do that? Allow me to expand…
Pick 3 words
Write down 3 words you want your wedding to feel like or 3 emotions you want your guests to experience at your wedding
Have your partner do the same thing and write down 3 words they want the wedding to feel like
Come together to share your words, explain why you chose them, and work together to create a final list of 3 words you both agree on for your wedding
As you make decisions on your wedding (from flowers to music at the reception), keep these 3 words in mind and make sure the decisions you make align with those key feelings you’re wanting for your event
Connect
There are a lot of ways to connect with your guests throughout your wedding, there were a couple things at my cousin’s wedding I really loved that provided connection
Sharing “the why” of the location - the reception was held in my Aunt and Uncle’s house. It was shared in the reception speeches that it had been my cousin’s dream to get married in their backyard. I loved this subtle and sweet connection made to why the location was chosen.
Introducing the wedding party - I have been to A LOT of weddings in my day and I think this is only the 2nd time I’ve seen a couple do this. During the reception the couple took time to introduce each member of the wedding party to all the attendees. Sharing short and sweet things about how they’ve known each other, where they met, etc. I love this idea and it helps guests better connect with who is at the wedding.
Spend time “making the rounds” to each table. This is something fairly common at weddings and I feel guests appreciate the gesture. The wedding couple makes time (usually during dinner) to visit each table and talk to their guests. The trick is not to get stuck at any one table too long, otherwise you’ll spend the whole night chatting and it leaves little time for dancing.
Personalize
By personalize I don’t mean monogram your dinner napkins (though you can do that if you want), but really find ways to infuse your personality and interest into your event. Here’s a couple of ways I love to do this:
Party favors - choose something that represents you both. Love cats and wine? Create custom cat wine charms for your guests to take home (yes, this is a thing and yes, I suggested this for a past client who loved cats and wine). Wild about nature? Send your guests home with a seedling packet or pine sapling (yes, I’ve done this too!).Want to go deeper? Pick a charity or cause you are both passionate about and have a QR code for donations to that charity in lieu of favors.
Loved this party favor from a previous styled shoot I did
Centerpieces - One of my favorite (and most time consuming) pieces of my own wedding design was the centerpieces. Every table featured black and white photos related to the guests seated at that table. For some tables there were pictures of my spouse in his marching days, for other tables it was me in my cheerleading days. It was a great way to honor the moments in our lives shared with the people at that table and also created a great conversation piece for guests.
Centerpieces from my wedding
Each selection of photos was customized to those at that assigned table
These are just a few ideas to help get your wheels turning on how your wedding can go beyond good color coordination. This is really a moment in time to express who you are as a couple and as individuals, it’s an opportunity to connect with those you love, and it’s of course a time for joy and celebration.
The wedding I went to could have easily gone awry. It was cold, it rained, the reception was outside. An outdoor spring wedding comes with its risks. Despite the weather, the experience was magic. We danced the night away in the rain with family, with friends, and with complete strangers - we were there for the same reason to celebrate in love.
Dancing so fast we’re blurry
My mom and I (and one of my uncles in the background #photobomb) - all completely drenched by the end of the night from the rain (note I did not wear waterproof mascara - rookie mistake)
And even though I’m still recovering from getting sick (see previous point about dancing all night in the rain), the wedding was pure joy and that’s a feeling now amount of wedding design can buy.
Congratulations Heather + Daniel - I had a BLAST dancing in the rain with you!
Part III: Buying Wedding Flowers Rent Your Flowers
Planning your wedding flowers doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re worried about your wedding flowers wilting in the summer heat, the option of renting wedding flowers could be just right for you! Learn more abot faux flower rentals.
If you are looking for a less expensive alternative to a florist, wanting a super easy wedding flower plan, or if you just want to skip all the flower fuss, this option might be for you: renting your wedding flowers.
Yes, you read that correctly. You can RENT your wedding flowers! Psst…you can also rent your wedding dress, but that’s a blog post for a later time.
Renting wedding flowers can be a great option. Now if you’re thinking you don’t want “fake” looking flowers, I want you to look at some of the collections offered by the companies below. The arrangements are stunning, life like, plus they’re put together for you - yes, yes, and YES!
The Pros
Less expensive than a traditional florist
Average feature bouquets with fresh flowers can be about $160
Rented feature bouquets are around $75
You don’t have to worry about sticking to seasonal flowers
Weather won’t impact your floral arrangements (no wilting flowers - yay!)
No mess with petals, leaves, water, etc.
No picking up or arranging delivery - they ship right to you + easy returns post wedding
You don’t end up throwing thousands of dollars of fresh flowers in the trash (beaks my heart every time - if you go fresh definitely donate arrangements to avoid waste)
The Cons
You don’t get that fresh floral smell
You can’t give away arrangements to family/friends
You are limited to the collections and styles available from the company
You can’t dry out your bouquet as a keepsake (note this company offers a loose flower keepsake)
Wedding Flower Rental Companies
Check out the Marlowe collection for a pop of color!
You can order a sample bouquet for $40
They offer loose floral keepsakes so you can keep the memory of your flowers, even though you have to send the arrangements back
I love the Santiago collection!
New company launching in April 2024
Love that they offer floral wall rentals!
Walls range from $175-$400
Love that this company originated in Boise!
Are you feeling surprised by how stunning these faux flowers are? It’s amazing right?!?I really love the option of faux flower rentals.
If you’re not convinced of going full faux. Remember we have other options and you can always mix and match to meet your needs. Consider faux rentals for centerpieces and fresh local flowers for bouquets. Or go faux for bouquets and boutonnieres and order online wholesale for centerpieces.
As we wrap up this 3 part series, all you need to remember for you and your fiancé’s wedding is that when it comes to wedding flowers YOU HAVE OPTIONS!
Chat with your partner and determine what option (or combo) would work best for your big day!
Keep blooming,
Amanda Jean
Part II:Buying Wedding Flowers Buy local/wholesale
Learn where to buy your wedding flowers. The perfect option for newly engaged couples looking to DIY their wedding flowers.
If you are considering DIY-ing your wedding flowers, you have come to the right place!
I know it can feel overwhelming when you’re first considering doing your own wedding flowers, but stick with me and I will help guide you along your way. As a self-taught designer (more on that journey here), I have learned a few things along the way and I want to share the tips and tricks of the trade with you, starting with where to buy your wedding flowers.
Recently, I talked about how to purchase wedding flowers in bulk online. I have used that approach multiple times in my own designs and have had overall good experiences with this option. Read more on how to buy in bulk online here.
As we continue exploring options of where to buy wedding flowers, today we’re going to look at how to buy flowers locally. Now when I talk about buying local flowers, I do not mean going down to the grocery store and picking up flowers (that will get expensive real quick). By buying locally, we’re going to look at farms, wholesalers, and farmer's markets.
Most flower farms allow you to buy flowers by the gallon or bucket
Buy local/wholesale
Farmer’s market
Local flower farms
Wholesale supplier
Farmer’s Market
I have a heart for farmer’s market flowers. You can read more on that here. One of my first “aha” moments with flowers was back in 2011 at the Pike Place Market in Seattle. The colors, the textures, the smells…I was instantly inspired. And those textured vibrant green beauties in the photo below? The Bells of Ireland. I planted some of these in my own garden years later (very pokey) but worth it!
Buying wedding flowers at the farmers market is a great option if you’re willing to be flexible with what florals you have on your big day. Like everything, there are pros and cons to this option - to help you decide, I’ve listed some below.
Pros of the Farmer’s Market:
Supports local business owners
Provides vibrant colors
Allows you to purchase flowers that are in season
Often bouquets are pre-arranged for you, so you can just buy a bunch of bouquets and though them in vases for centerpieces or wrap them with twine/ribbon for bouquets
Cons of the Farmer’s Market:
Most places only have farmer’s markets in the summer and often only on Saturdays, so if you’re getting married in the winter or on Saturday, this option might not be the best for you
There is no way to select the type of flowers that are going to be available, this means being flexible with styles and colors is a must with this option
Pike Place Market - Seattle 2011
Flower Farms
My husband and I have a dream of someday owning a wedding farm. In our dream farm (called Gather Farms), we have a wedding barn, a Christmas tree lot, a pumpkin patch, and flower fields. A lot of my flower farm inspiration comes from Floret Farms. If you’re looking for flower inspiration, it’s worth exploring their website, reading their books, and watching their show. Dreaming aside, flower farms can be a great option to purchase wedding flowers.
Depending on where you live, the flower farms in your area likely have limited operating hours and seasons. Be sure to check online to see what options are available. Usually late summer/early spring is what you’ll see most often. You can often buy from a flower farm by the gallon, which is relatively inexpensive compared to traditional options like a florist.
Some flower farms carry multiple types of flowers, while others specialize in certain flowers only. Do a quick google search to find options near you!
Some great flower farm options in the Treasure Valley:
If you’re down for getting your hands a little dirty, this can be a great way to support local business, get really creative with your design, and have something specific to your area.
Local Wholesale
This is one of the most unique local options. With some planning, this can be a great option for buying wedding flowers. In order to purchase from a local wholesaler, you usually have to have a business or agriculture license. You can secure one of these for around $100 (depending on where you live) through your Secretary of State office/website.
At first you might think $100 seems steep, but once you look at the cost of hiring a florist, you’ll realize $100 for a license, plus the ability to buy flowers wholesale you’ll experience a HUGE savings. With local wholesaler companies, you can get the flowers at wholesale price (similar to online options like this one). The benefit of buying in person though is you get to see exactly what you’re purchasing, how different flowers can go together, and what you might enjoy having at your wedding.
The one we have here in Boise is called DWF (this is a franchised company with locations around the country). Again, look online to see what’s available in your area.
Wax Flower in Orange
To wrap it all up, there are a lot of ways to buy flowers locally. With some planning around time of the year, looking at available options in your area, and exploring potential license ended - buying locally can be a great approach!
Whether it’s the farmer’s market, a flower farm, or a local wholesales - all of these are great options to support local business and have fresh seasonal flowers at your wedding.
Now if you’re thinking this option may not be for you and buying online also doesn’t feel quite right, I have one final option I would love to share with you in the coming week - stay tuned!
Keep Blooming,
Amanda Jean
My own floral creation - designed for a baby shower
Part I Wedding Flowers: Buy in bulk online
This 3 part series will help you explore where to purchase wedding flowers. Part I will show you where to purchase flowers online in bulk to help save cost on your floral design.
If you’re been following along the past few weeks, I’ve been talking a lot about wedding flowers. From my own flower journey to what three wedding flower decisions to make first.
By now you likely have a sense of what your wedding flower style is and if you don’t, be sure to take my wedding flower personality quiz. Once you feel solid on your wedding flower style, you’ll need to take the leap into purchasing. Now there are A LOT of options when it comes to how/where you can purchase wedding flowers. Because of this, I will be doing a 3 part blog series on different options.
You will notice of the different options I share, traditional florists will not be on my list. Please know I have nothing against florists. The reason I won’t be including florists in the series is because this option tends to be more expensive and it’s a more obvious choice for wedding flowers. I wanted to focus this series more on unique options that you might not have thought of before.
Today, I’m focusing on the option of buying flowers online in bulk.
Buy online in bulk
This is an option I have used multiple times myself - both with Costco and with Blooms by the Box.
Costco Flowers
For my wedding, we did a combination of a florist (for 3 bouquets and some boutonnieres) and the rest were Costco flowers in bulk (gerberas daisies). We used the daisies for centerpieces and cake flowers.
Gerberas daisy from Costco bulk order
Our wedding 7/10/10 - cake flowers via Costco bulk order of gerberas daisies
Costco has limited options, so if you’re wanting a very specific flower and you’re not willing to bend, then Costco florals might not be the best option for you. If you’re open to what they have available (carnations, daisies, roses, etc.), Costco can be great. They also have lots of bulk greenery options too. They do have a couple collections (see here and here), if putting together your own arrangement feels too intimidating for you. Though honestly, I feel their collections are pretty limited.
If you’re open to creating and you want to dive into floral design, the next option might be a great way for you to go!
Blooms by the Box
When I did the flowers for my younger sister’s wedding in 2019, I went with Blooms by the Box. I found this company online after lots of searching for purchasing options. I really love how easy they make it to search for flowers by style, by color, by flower type, etc. They also have great DIY guides and videos.
Blooms by the box does offer pre-made options, I just love love love being able to pick all the flowers that go into your design. This is where I first came across lisianthus (the purple flowers in the bucket on the left side of the photo below). I find this flower so delicate yet wild. It’s stunning in purple and white too.
Prepping my sister’s wedding flowers in my parent’s garage - circa 2019
The one downside I will share is there were a few flowers I had ordered that they ran out of and replaced with other ones, without my consent. This caused some issues the day of the wedding, as I had built my design off a certain set of flowers. I will say when I called Blooms by the Box about this, they provided great customer service, were very apologetic and refunded the flowers they had substituted without my approval. In the end, it all worked out - as most things do.
Now you’ll see below I went a bit bananas with color and texture on these flowers, but my sister and her partner were all for it. Dahlias, calla lilies, blue thistle, craspedia - swoon.
A bright + bold bridal bouquet I created for my sister’s wedding
Calla lily from Blooms by the Box - I used in my sister’s wedding floral design
Floral corsage cuff I designed for my sister’s wedding
I hope you’re feeling inspired by all the beautiful blooms above and maybe you’re feeling even a little bit brave to try your hand at floral design for your own wedding day. If you’re not feeling convinced buying flowers in bulk online is for you, don’t worry! I have more options coming your way - stay tuned for next week’s blog where we will talk about buying wedding flowers locally or via wholesale.
Keep Creating,
Amanda Jean
3 Decisions to Make Wedding Flowers Easier
Wedding flowers can feel intimidating, but they don’t have to. Start with these 3 decisions to help make your wedding flower design journey easier!
Remember that thing I said last week about spring being so close? Well…I was wrong. It’s snowed 2 inches over the course of several hours. To help keep the hope of spring alive, I’m keeping with the flower theme for today’s blog post as well.
When it comes to wedding flowers, there are soooooo many things to consider. To help support you in narrowing things down in a way that won’t stress you out, I am going to outline the first 3 key wedding flower decisions you need to make.
Once you make these 3 decisions, I promise your wedding flower design process will go smoothly. Let’s jump into those key wedding decisions together!
Key Decision #1: Wedding Flower Style
There are endless style options to choose from with wedding flowers. You can go bold + bright, loose + whimsical, dark + moody, simple + elegant. When it comes to choosing a style, I like to start with the beloved Pinterest for inspiration.
Use keywords to search for wedding flowers and see what grabs your interest.
If you’re holding a summer wedding, search for “summer wedding flowers”. Or you can search by color, if you have one in mind. Search along the lines of “purple wedding bouquets” (or whichever color you are wanting).
Perhaps you have a style in mind such as bohemian or rustic. Those are also great keywords to use when searching as well.
Looking for even more inspiration? See my wedding flower Pinterest board here.
Struggling to figure out your style? Take my wedding flower quiz here!
Once you know your general wedding flower style, you can start narrowing down which flowers you want to include based on the season you’re getting married.
Key Decision #2: Selecting Seasonal Flowers
Using flowers that are in season is a great way to keep a reasonable flower budget for your wedding. Getting married in the winter? It’s going to be really challenging and/or expensive to get sunflowers (more of a late summer/early fall flower). Dying to have peonies? Late spring/early summer would be best. Dahlias are perfect for late summer, early fall.
Now I know you may be wondering, how do you find out which flowers are in season?
There are lots of great resources to help with this! See this article, this TeleFlora post, or this one.
So what if you are getting married in January, but you just have to have lilies? You can get them still of course, it’s just it will cost you a little bit more…which leads me to my final key decision: budget.
Key Decision #3: Budget - DIY vs. Florist (+ more options!)
Budget plays a MAJOR role when it comes to wedding flowers. I’m going to be real honest here, flowers can get expensive if you’re not careful with your budget. When planning your wedding flowers you have 4 options: do-it-yourself, hire a florist, a combination of the two, or renting your flowers (yes, you read that right).
If you have enough flexibility in your budget and you’re not a control freak like me, then going with a florist might be a great approach for you.
If you’re wanting to try your hand at design, or you just can’t find the budget for a florist, then DIY might be the best way to go. Note, if I had been maybe not a baby (20 yrs old) when I got married, I probably would have DIY-ed our wedding flowers.
The third option, which is the option I used for my own wedding (many moons ago), is part DIY and part florist. Only have a set amount for a florist? Hire them to do the wedding bouquets and boutonnieres, then DIY your centerpieces.
Still unsure about the cost of flowers? Consider renting faux flowers. Yes, that’s an option. See here, here and here for some companies that specialize in renting faux wedding flowers. Not the last one is my personal fave, as it originated in Boise, Idaho - showing Boise some love!
Can you tell these flowers are fake? Neither will your
guests! You can rent faux wedding flowers.
Photo Credit: Indee Blooms And Rentals
Now that you’ve considered your wedding flower style (remember to take the quiz!), which flowers are seasonal, and who will be designing your flowers (you, a florist, a rental company, etc.) - you are well on your way to finalizing your wedding flower design plan!
Next post, I’ll share a little more about where to source flowers if you are going the DIY route. I promise, it’s easier to source flowers than you think. Remember, I went from zero experience to designing wedding bouquets for styled photoshoots to designing the flowers for my younger sister’s wedding. If I can do it, you can do it and I will show you how.
Keep Creating,
Amanda Jean
Flowers, A love story
I started playing with floral design in 2018, but when I think about it the seed was planted more in 2011 at the Seattle Pike Place Market. Learn about a little bit about my journey with flowers and how I plan to help make floral design more accessible to all engaged couples looking to design their own wedding.
It’s been incredibly warm here in Boise this weekend. We’re talking in the 60s, which is highly unusual for February.
I feel like seeing the sun has helped reignite all my creative juices. Anytime I go for a walk lately and I see bulb sprouting or colorful crocus, I can’t help but stop and stare. I must have a dozen photos on my phone from the last week of crocus (evidence below). I just can’t resist the allure of warmer weather…spring is coming!
One of my many photos from my recent walks
It’s this kind of weather that has prompted me to reflect back on my love for flowers and where it all began. If I go waaayyyy back, I think it was 2011.
My husband and I were living in Portland at the time and decided to take the train to Seattle to celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary. It was there at the Pike Place Market that I remember seeing the most vibrant flowers.
Dozens and dozens of flowers wrapped in paper lined the aisles of the market. Flowers in every color you can imagine, all different sizes and textures - it was invigorating. I remember being so drawn to them, I had to convince myself it was not reasonable to buy flowers to put in the hotel room for our 48 hour stay.
Seattle’s Pike Place Market -
circa 2011
While my initial infatuation might have been planted in 2011, my love for floral design didn’t begin to grow until the oddest of times - the dead of winter. It was December of 2018, about 10 months after my second kiddo was born. Reflecting back on it, I think I had reached my limit of not creating and flowers were an engaging way that allowed me to create (you know, in between my very glamorous life of potty training on kid, breast feeding another, sometimes simultaneously). I had almost zero energy to create anything that I didn’t absolutely have to - all my energy I put into surviving and trying to make each day as good as I possibly could (note - some days that meant microwave dinner and multiple naps) Ironically, by not creating, I think I grew even more exhausted. Someone once told me “the days are long but the years are short”, which is one of the most true things I’ve ever heard about parenting. In 2018, those were some loooooonnnnnnggggg days.
That time in my life when I had 2 kids under 2…they’re adorable yes and I love them of course, and also it was exhausting
Cue December of 2018.
My first creation was a mini arrangement with pine and a few fill-in flowers. I gave one to a friend, who put it on her window sill above her kitchen sink. It ended up being in the background of the photos to sell her house. This tiny little happening helped breathe life back into what had been a very exhausting period of time in my life (whoever says having 2 kids under 2 is fun, I just cannot relate).
Dec. 2018 - My mini arrangement made a special appearance in the real estate photos for my friend’s home sale
That same month my neighbor had invited me to her baby shower (there were A LOT of babies around me at this time in my life). I wasn’t able to attend her shower due to a scheduling conflict and I wanted to still participate somehow, so I gifted her with multiple flower arrangements to help decorate the shower.
Arrangements for my neighbor’s baby shower
In 2019, I really dove into floral design. I planted my first flower garden, created bouquets for 2 styled shoots for a local photographer, and then held my own styled shoot with multiple florals involved. I designed a few bouquets for local businesses and grand openings, as well as centerpieces for the annual Rotary Club fundraising event.
My first ever bridal bouquet - photography by Megan Ryska
My first bridal bouquet - photography by Megan Ryska
Floral arrangements I did for different community events and give aways
2019 also the year my younger sister got married. She graciously allowed me to design her wedding flowers.
Working on my sister’s wedding flowers - circa 2019
Bouquets I did for my little sister’s wedding (loved the raw edge navy blue ribbon)
This was also the year I officially launched Gathered Here Designs. A glorious year! Creating, designing, collaborating - I was so in love with it all.
The original logo I designed from GHD circa 2019
Then 2020 came...and I’m sure you might remember what an absolute blast that year turned out to be {said in the most cynical sarcastic tone imaginable). Weddings were canceled, my business went nowhere (see previous statement about the canceled weddings), my spouse’s new job rescinded their offer because of the pandemic, and everything came to a halt. So I put the business on pause and went to find a job that would allow me to have a positive impact in the lives of others.
In 2021, I started working full time again and the time and space for creating seemed to get farther and farther away.
In 2023, I just couldn’t take it anymore. I had to get back to weddings. At this point it had been 3 years since I touched Gathered Here Designs and even though so much time had passed, I couldn’t get it out of my head. I found myself designing weddings for people and characters that weren’t even happening. My favorite combo from this time period? Elle Woods marries Avril Lavigne - mood board below (you’re welcome).
My Elle Woods + Avril wedding mood board
So I started to create again - I HAD to create again.
In 2023, I reinstated my business license, designed a new website, and jumped back into the world of design that I love so much. I began to feel like myself again. The design started spilling over into all areas of my life. Designing feature walls, making art, redoing my bedroom. This is when I’m happiest, when I’m creating - it’s my life source.
My living room feature wall - just finished this weekend!
With the “relaunch” of Gathered Here Designs, I really wanted to focus on making design accessible to others. Design brings me so much joy and I want others to not be intimidated to give it a try.
I hear a lot of people say things like “Oh I could never do that…” or “I wouldn’t even know where to start…” when it comes to wedding or floral design. My hope is to channel all my design knowledge into a step by step guide to help couples know exactly what design decisions need to be made and how to make them. Through a multi-module online course, couples will be able to learn about key decisions such as choosing colors, and flowers, and how to pull it all together into one cohesive design.
If you’re wanting to design your own wedding and need some extra guidance, this course will be PERFECT for you and your partner. Get on the waitlist here!
Until the course is live, I’m still here to support with any wedding design help you may need. Check out this page for FREE resources.
Not finding what you’re looking for? Feel welcome to email me directly at gatheredheredesigns@gmail.com.
I am THRILLED to be back in the design space and it is an absolute joy to get to share all my design musings (yes, even the silly ones like my Elle Woods/Avril wedding moment) with all of you.
I dare you to create something this week. If you’re not there yet, maybe just go enjoy a spring-is-almost-here walk and perhaps even spot a crocus or two!
~Amanda Jean
Part III of Valentine’s Day Wedding Inspiration: Design + Decor
3 part blog series about Valentine’s Day inspired wedding design.
I know Valentine’s Day is technically over, but I believe red and pink look good together all year round. Which is why I am continuing my 3 part Valentine’s series even after the holiday has passed.
In Part I we talked all about Valentine inspired wedding attire. Part II was all about swoon-worthy Valentine accessories and jewelry. Tonight, I’m bringing you Part III which is all about Valentine infused wedding decor. From ceremony, to flowers, to signage - get ready for all the pink, red, heart design you can think of. I promise you that using Valentine’s to inspire your wedding design can look cooler than you think.
Ceremony
Wedding ceremony backdrops are one of the easiest ways to infuse your wedding with style and personality. I think it’s also the perfect place to make a statement. From colorful fringe to understated retro boards, find a vibe that feels right to you and go for it!
This first look is classic and moody. I love the pop of color in the floral arch paired with the simplicity of the white chairs. So romantic!
Now, if you’re more into a minimalist modern look, but you want the retro color vibe. The backdrop below would work perfectly for your big day!
Next up on our Valentine wedding decor list? Flowers!
Flowers
Of course I love all aspects of wedding design, but I must say flowers are often my favorite element of the wedding (maybe tied with tablescapes and centerpieces). The smell of bouquets are amazing, yes, but I am more enamored by the textures and colors of a bouquet. I feel bouquets almost have a personality of their own. They can be moody or whimsical, classy or wild. The options are truly endless.
What I loved seeing in some of the Valentine-inspired florals was the use of tropical plants as well. Though, you can never go wrong with a traditional rose bouquet, so I’ve included some of those beauties as well.
Any bouquet with peonies and ranunculus automatically wins my vote, plus I love a good monochromatic moment. Naturally, the bouquet below was one of my favorites!
This bouquet has ALL the colors and textures. Plus, the wedding dress is STUNNING! See more of my Valentine-inspired wedding dress favorites here.
Now that we have some good inspiration for Valentine-worthy ceremony backdrops and bouquets, let’s jump into another design element for your big day: signage.
Signage
Let’s start off with wedding signage, specifically neon signs. I LOVE the funky modern vibe of neon signs.
I recently spent a great deal of energy trying to convince my spouse we needed a neon sign above our living room couch. I haven’t won that battle (yet), so I have moved onto other things…like convincing him we should dye our living room armchair hot pink (another battle that I have yet to win). Anyways…
Neon signs aren’t as hard to come by as you might think. There are a ton of sellers on Esty who make them. You can customize it with your favorite song quote or your last name (if you’re choosing to share a last name) or even the year of your wedding.
Neon signs can be done in your chosen wedding colors and can double as decor for your home post-wedding. Sounds like a double win to me!
If the neon sign is too funky for you, fear not. You can go the marquee light route instead like the heart shaped sign in the image on the bottom left. Also, don’t even get me started with the disco balls in this one. I LOVE me a good disco ball moment.
Another easy way to add pops of pink and red through signage on you wedding is through seating charts and welcome signs.
Invitations
I feel signs are a great segue into wedding stationary. You don’t have to go literally with hearts, though you can of course, but maybe consider a pink and red invite or even a merlot colored invite. Does that make anyone else want a nice glass of red wine? No, just me? Okay, carry on.
Now if you’re just dying for a heart, I like this understated heart. Enough to add a splash of Valentine’s without overdoing it.
Fun fact about Minted? All my wedding design clients get access to special discounts for Minted save-the-dates and wedding invitations. Work with me and I’ll hook you up.
There you have it - all the ways to infuse your wedding decor with hearts and pink and red. Maybe you’re feeling inspired and want to jump in and get designing. If that’s you, have at it! Trust me, I’ll never get in the way of a design moment.
If you’re feeling like you need some a little more inspiration before you get started, head on over to my Valentine’s Day Wedding Pinterest board for some great wedding design ideas.
Keep loving, keep designing, and let your heart be full!
~Amanda Jean
Part II of Valentine’s Day Wedding Inspiration: Wedding Accessories
Part II of this 3-part series which is all about Valentine themed wedding jewelry and accessories, featuring a lengthy deep dive into celebrity Valentine-inspired wedding rings (you’re welcome).
If you’re following along, you know this is a 3 part blog series all about how to infuse the Valentine’s Day vibes into your wedding.
In Part I we talked about Valentine’s inspired wedding attire (plus a LOT of celebrities who wore pink or red to their own weddings). If you didn’t read it, check it out. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Still not convinced? 4 words for you: spray painted wedding dress. See it here.
Perhaps you’re poo-pooing my Valentine-inspired wedding attire suggestions, that’s okay, we can still be friends. Maybe a pink or red look isn’t for you, but you’re still wanting to make a nod to hearts or Valentine’s on your big day. Jewelry and accessories are a great way to go!
Today, we’re launching Part II of this 3-part series which is all about Valentine themed wedding jewelry and accessories, featuring a lengthy deep dive into celebrity Valentine-inspired wedding rings (you’re welcome).
Let’s start at the top, with earrings.
If you’re not afraid to go bold on your big day, I heart (pun intended) the idea of a bold statement earring. Now, if you go this route, I would encourage you to only do the statement earring. Statement earrings are meant to be just that, a statement. You don’t want to distract from the statement earring by adding a heavy necklace, bracelet or headpiece. Focus on the statement.
These beaded heart earrings are reasonably priced at just under $20 and I love the funky eclectic vibe they give off.
If you’re not sure of the bold colored option above, stick to a simple metallic. Like these beauties:
Looking for something a little less obvious? This delicate gold heart necklace is an understated way to add a hint of heart to your event. Pair with a simple studded earring.
Pivoting now to another piece of jewelry, rings. Pretty standard when it comes to getting married. Of course not everyone chooses to wear rings. I’ve seen couples go without rings and other couple do tattoo rings. Cool cool - you do you. I LOVE rings. I’ve worn rings my whole life…seriously, toddler me had multiple rings. My husband and I designed a new wedding ring for me for our 10th wedding anniversary and it is quite possibly my favorite thing I will ever own.
Because of my love for rings, I felt extra time needed to be spent on highlighting some Valentine-themed rings. There are a several celebrities who have Valentine swoon-worthy wedding rings. We’re talking heart shaped diamonds, pink diamonds…basically, get ready to drool over some jewelry.
Let’s start with the punk rock love of my life, Avril Lavigne. Avril and Mod Sun were previously engaged with a heart shaped diamond ring. Inside it was inscribed with “Hi, idol” which were the first words Mod Sun said to Avril when they met. I just had to mention this one first for a few reasons:
1) I LOVE Avril, even though I’m pretty sure I am her least suspected fan
2) They got engaged in Paris and Paris is my dream (I told you, Avril is basically my spirit animal)
3) They are no longer engaged, which makes me very skeptical of heart shaped jewelry…like it’s trying too hard or something? My own experience with heart shaped jewelry given to me by a boy of my youth (who shall remain nameless) also did not end well. Coincidence? I think not.
Lady Gaga’s first engagement ring was also heart shaped. The engagement lasted from 2015 to 2016 and my skepticism towards heart shaped engagement jewelry continues...
The Valentine’s vibes continued with her next engagement ring. This pink sparkler was a show-stopper for sure, though the relationship no longer sparkles, the jewelry is definitely noteworthy.
JLO was engaged to Ben Affleck originally back in 2002. 20 years later after their first engagement, they engaged again (this time with a green diamond ring). This nostalgic heart of mine just loves their story so much!
Another celebrity who rocks a pink wedding ring? Blake Lively. And she’s still married to Ryan Reynolds, so maybe pink rings are okay but heart-shaped rings should be avoided? I’m sure there’s an exact science in there somewhere.
As you may have guessed, I could go on and on about celebrity rings. I didn’t even get to bring out Mariah Carey’s pink stunner from her previous marriage to Nick Cannon. In order to not keep you here FOREVER, let’s move on.
Now, if you avoid heart shaped jewelry unless it’s from Tiffany’s like I do, you can always accessorize in other ways. Consider some funky heart shaped sunglasses for your big day, pink hair, a pink veil, or pink shoes. All pink accessories? Um, yes please!
Photographed by Radion Photography (a fellow Idahoan) + Full styled shoot on Wedding Chicks
Are you just full of Valentine Day vibes now? Is your heart BURSTING to buy pink and red everything? Mine is and I’m not even getting married. If I was though, I am certain I’d be bringing in some red or pink in one way or another.
If you’re still just not feeling the Valentine inspired wedding attire or accessories, I have one more chance to win you over. The 3rd and final part of this series will be focused on wedding decor and design that brings all the Valentine feels. Get ready for it! Meet me back here on the big day of LOVE (2/14) and we’ll talk red, pink, heart EVERYTHING.
Now, go buy some red shoes. Everyone needs at least one pair.
XOXO
Amanda Jean
Part I of Valentine’s Day Wedding Inspiration: Wedding Attire
Discover how to infuse your wedding with a little Valentine’s Day vibes, in this 3 part series. Part I will cover all things Valentine’s inspired wedding attire. Get ready for some pink suits, red dresses, and a few celebrity sightings!
With the day of love quickly approaching, I wanted to spend some time sharing Valentine themed wedding inspiration. From wedding dresses and suits, to accessories, jewelry, decor and invitations - there are so many option to pay homage to love on your big day.
Maybe you’re even thinking of getting married on the Day of Love itself? Well you’re amongst good company.
Selma Hayek (one of the stars in my most favorite rom-com ever, Fools Rush In) married her husband on Valentine’s Day in Paris in 2009. While there aren’t any public photos of their city hall Valentine’s Day adventure, they did celebrate later in a more formal event in Italy. Oh the things that are possible when you pair a famous movie star with a French billionaire…sigh.
Valentine’s Day is technically more popular for proposals than weddings. Approximately 10% of US proposals happen on Valentine’s Day. Maybe you’re not wanting to get married on Valentine’s Day exactly, but you’re feeling the pink and red vibes and want something unique to wear on your wedding. Then this post is for you!
In Part I of this series, I will be focused on attire for the wedding couple. Get ready for some red gowns, hot pink suits, and soft pink dreamy tulle creations. Of course I couldn’t do this segment without pulling in some celebrity inspiration.
Oddly, there are a surprising number of celebrities who wear pink on their wedding day. Who knew? Don’t worry, I also include inspiration for us normal people as well.
Valentine’s Day-Inspired Wedding Attire
One of my favorite non-celebrity weddings is this one below. I love the dress, I love the multi-day wedding approach, I love all the New York vibes. Read about the complete wedding here (I promise you won’t be disappointed)! The first time I saw this dress, I was OBSESSED. It’s red and Caroline Herrara, it’s impossible for me not to love it.
Carolina Herrera Red Tulle Dress Photo by: Les Loups
As promised, I have a smattering of celebrity wedding photos too that I just HAVE to share with you. I love when celebrities surprise us common-folk with the unexpected in their weddings (especially when it comes to their wedding attire). Get ready for some pink and red celebrity wedding dresses.
Jessica Biel married Justin Timberlake in 2012 in this romantic Giambattista Valli pink gown. Fun fact: Jessica Biel stars in the movie Valentine’s Day. It is my personal tradition to watch that movie every Valentine’s Day. I was watching it when I went into labor in 2018.
Justin Timberlake + Jessica Biel Photo Credit
In Gwen Stefani’s wedding to Gavin Rossdale in 2002, she wore this unique pink and white gown by John Galliano for Dior. How did Galliano get the bottom pink? He spray painted it! Now I know Stefani is now married to Blake Shelton, but this dress was just too fun to leave out.
Gwen Stefani 2002 Wedding Dress by John Galliano for Dior Photo Credit
Mandy Moore got married in this soft pink tulle Rodarte creation in 2018.
Mandy Moore 2018 Rodarte Wedding Dress Photo Credit
Chrissy Teigan wore this bold red Vera Wang beauty to her and John Legend’s wedding reception.
Chrissy Teigen (in Vera Wang) + John Legend at their wedding reception Photo Credit
One more pink dress that I cannot go without mentioning, Portia de Rossi’s Zac Posen gown she wore to wed Ellen DeGeneres in 2008 in an elegant reception at their Beverly Hills home.
Portia de Rossi (in Zac Posen) + Ellen DeGeneres at their 2008 backyard wedding Photo Credit
Okay okay, enough of this celebrity nonsense, back to reality. If you haven’t realized alright, I love bold and bright colors, so naturally this pink suit had been doing a double take. The black accents, the way the statement earrings pick up on the pink in the suit…I just LOVE it!
I also love love love embroidered gowns. If I did a vow renewal, it would be in either something like that Carolina Herrera above or this embroidered gown below paired with some metallic boots…
Photo by Let’s Frolic Together dress by Naeem Kahn
Maybe you’re feeling these pink and red wedding attire vibes and you’re newly inspired to try a more daring look on your wedding day. I say embrace those Valentine vibes and give a pink wedding dress (or suit!) a try.
Perhaps you’re feeling like you know a heart/Valentine theme is NOT for you, but have no idea what your style is >>> Take my wedding style quiz to help you out!
Stay tuned for Part II of these series in the coming week, where we’ll be talking about about Valentine-themed wedding accessories and jewelry. Oh yes, there will be celebrity mentions in that one as well.
Keep loving, keep designing, and keep leting your heart be free!
~Amanda Jean
The #1 Key Wedding Decision
Wedding require a lot of decision making. The easiest way to get through it? Start with the #1 Key Wedding Decision that will make all your other wedding decisions that much easier. This one decision will have a snowball effect on your wedding planning.
Weddings require a lot of decision making…like A LOT.
You make one decision about your venue and you feel pretty good about it, you feel accomplished. Then just as you go to let out a sigh of relief, 12 more wedding decisions pop up that require your immediate attention. If wedding planning was an arcade game, it would be whack-a-mole.
To make all the decisions easier, I like to encourage couples to start with the “key decisions” of their wedding. While I could chat all day about wedding color palettes, which is a decision that will need to be made eventually, it’s definitely not a “key decision”. By focusing on the key wedding decisions first, it will help create a solid foundation for you to design the rest of your wedding from.
I feel so strongly about this that the entire first module of my online Wedding Design 101 course is dedicated entirely to the five key wedding decisions that help set couples up for success with their wedding planning.
Today, I wanted to share the #1 Key Wedding Decision I would encourage you and your partner to make first. Are you ready to learn what this magical key decision is?
The #1 Key Wedding Decision is determining your wedding size (aka your estimated guest count). I know, I know, it’s not the most glamorous of the wedding decisions you’ll be making, but I promise you this one decision has a domino effect on all future decisions.
Knowing your wedding size will help you narrow down the scope of what’s possible for your wedding. Here are a couple of ways this key decision will help kick start other key decisions.
Venue Selection - Knowing your estimated guest count, will help you narrow down which venues you want to consider. For example if you end up with an estimated guest count of 250, that quaint rose garden in the heart of the city will no longer be an option. Many online venue searches allow you to filter by wedding size and location. Knowing your wedding size can definitely help narrow down your list of venue options.
Budget Range - Once you know your wedding size, you can start to get a better sense of your budget. Most caterers will have a per guest rate fee. In a 2022 study of wedding costs, couples paid an average of $75 per guest for catering (not this does not include the costs associated with an open bar). Let’s go with the $75 per guest average. If you know you’re having a wedding of 150 people, you could budget $11,250 (150 x $75) for catering costs. Did you just throw up a little? I know $11,000 is a small fortune. This is just an estimate based on averages. You should know my ENTIRE wedding cost less than half that catering bill. Take a breath. It’s going to be okay.
So how do you start getting an estimate of your wedding guest count? You and your partner will each need to make a list of who you want to invite to the wedding. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3…
List all guests you consider “mandatory” ; these are the people you feel absolutely must be at your wedding (siblings, parents, etc.)
List all close friends and family members (cousins, best friends, roommates, etc.)
List any additional guests you want to invite, but wouldn’t be devastated if they didn’t make it (co-workers, friends from college, clients, etc.)
Once you and your fiancé each make your own lists separately, go through them together and remove/add anyone else you might think of. Then, total it up. If you end up with way more people than you wanted, remove the guests from list #3 and see what your total is then. Still too many? Remove guests from list #2. Do this until you feel you’re at a number that feels good for both of you.
Need a visual? Of course I have you covered! See here for an easy to use template to help make your 1-2-3 wedding guest list.
“When it comes to weddings, size definitely matters!”
I promise if you take the time to prioritize making this key wedding decision first, it will make the rest of your planning so much easier!
Want to learn more about all the key wedding decisions? Get on the waitlist for my Wedding Design 101 course.
Have other wedding related things you need help with? Reach me directly at gatheredheredesigns@gmail.com!
Happy designing!
~Amanda Jean
Why to Avoid Wedding Trends
Two reasons why you might want to consider avoiding the latest wedding trends.
It may be tempting to copy the latest wedding trend. As someone who lives for wedding design, fashion, and home decor, I get it. Trends are enticing. It’s easy to get sucked into the beauty of it all. After you see image after image of weddings featuring a floral arch, you start thinking “Hey, maybe we need a floral arch…” Even if you absolutely never wanted one. Then you start reading about all these unity trends for ceremonies and pretty soon you’re standing in an aisle at your local craft store looking at different colors sand wondering how you got there.
Anytime I see posts online or in wedding magazines about the “top wedding trends”, I proceed with caution and while I can’t make you, I do encourage you to do the same. There are two big reasons I recommend avoiding wedding trends:
They can cause additional expense
They lack connection/meaning
Wedding trends can cause an extra expense
A big downside of following a wedding trend is expense. Think about it. If everyone getting married wants a photo booth at their wedding and there are only so many photo booth rentals available, you end up in a bit of a supply and demand situation. Hang with me now, I promise I would get too far into economic trends. Basically, it comes down to this: higher demand leads to a limited supply, which in turn leads to higher prices.
Still not getting it? Allow me to take you back to the 2011 royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Bridal gowns around this time were mostly strapless. Trust me, I know, I got married in 2010 when all you could find were strapless gowns. Then comes the ever stunning Kate Middleton to alter the course of wedding dress design forever. Her v-neck, lace and satin long sleeve masterpiece designed by Sarah Burton (creative director of Alexander McQueen), captured us all. Once the royal wedding took place on April 29, 2011, it was all v-necklines and long sleeve lace gowns. Co-owner of the infamous “Say Yes to the Dress” Kelinfelds bridal salon in New York City, Mara Urshel, noticed a change in wedding dress requests following the royal wedding. Urshel reported a high demand for long sleeve gowns after the royal wedding to mimic the elegant gown worn by Middleton. This high demand was not something the industry was prepared for necessarily, leading to a supply and demand issue for long sleeve wedding gowns.
Now maybe a long sleeve gown is your thing. If that’s the case, go for it. Just be mindful that it might cost you a bit extra to be “on trend” with every aspect of your wedding. If you insist on going the trendy wedding route, try being choosy with which trends you follow. This way you can help keep costs down.
For me, this next reason is even more important than money (I know, hard to believe). Staying on trend is expensive, but I think the highest cost is ending up with a wedding that feels nothing like you or your partner.
Wedding trends lack connection/meaning
Imagine walking into your reception, hand in hand with your new spouse, high on the happiness of being newly married. You enter the venue and hear laughter, music, and joyful chaos. You look around to take it all in, then you look at your partner, and back to the venue, only to realize neither one of you is represented anywhere. Sure it’s beautiful and instagram-able, but it isn’t you and it isn’t your partner. It’s almost like you walked into a styled shoot for some online wedding magazine.
Weddings can be stunning and still feel like you and your partner. You can infuse your personality into your wedding in ways both big or small…or both! Let me share some examples to get your wedding design inspiration flowing.
One of my former online clients I did a design package for really loved cats. When we were working together to create a design plan, I came up with an idea to incorporate wine glass charms that featured cats. She LOVED this idea. It was a fun way to incorporate her love for cats, while also doubling as a wedding favor for their guests.
Side note - if I were to design Taylor Swift’s wedding, there would definitely be a lot of cat moments throughout. Yes, these are the kinds of things I think about on a regular basis. Anyways, moving on…
For my own wedding, it was yellow butterflies. My grandma passed away before I got married. Before she passed, she told us she was going to come back as a yellow butterfly. It’s become a thing within our family that every time we see a yellow butterfly pass by we smile and say “Hi grandma!”. To honor her memory, my spouse and I infused yellow butterflies throughout our wedding. They were in my bouquet, on the wedding arch, and on the seating chart (which also doubled as the favors).
My wedding bouquet - full of yellow butterflies
Our wedding seating chart/part favors
When I styled my little sister’s wedding, I incorporated hops plants on their wedding arch. This might seem random, but it was very intentional. Since we were kids, my dad has brewed his own beer and when we moved to Oregon, he started growing his own hops. The hops on the arbor were taken from my parent’s yard. It was a fun nod to our dad to include hops in their wedding decor.
Me - decorating the wedding arbor with hops for my younger sister’s wedding
Wedding arbor decorated with hops
Hops wedding arbor
Your wedding is a time to celebrate who you are as individuals and who you are as a couple. I encourage you to use this moment in time to express yourselves and share your story, your personality, your love, with all of those who have gathered to celebrate you. Feeling connected to your wedding design is important. You don’t want to walk into your wedding and feel like you don’t belong at your own celebration. Connection is key!
I promise adding your different personalities and stories to your wedding is not as intimidating as it sounds. There are all kinds of simple ways to do this and I’ve included a list below to help inspire you both.
As you continue on your wedding design journey, be sure to trend check yourself. Are you getting sucked into something because “everyone is doing it” or does it really feel like you and your partner? Find a trend your absolutely LOVE, go for it, just make sure you’re choosing it because it’s “you” not because Instagram brainwashed you into thinking you had to have this exact chocolate fountain at your dessert table in order to experience wedded bliss.
Easy places to infuse your wedding your story + personality:
Create a custom cocktail and name it after a special place or experience you’ve shared as a couple
Have custom napkins created (seriously, it’s not as pricey as it sounds) and feature an image of your shared pet or the place you met
Honor loved ones past via a special table with photos of them (gift table or behind the last row of ceremony chairs are good locations) or add their photos to the bouquet
Instead of a wedding favor, make a donation to a charity that means a lot to you and your partner
“They would be here today, if heaven wasn’t so far away.”
Displaying photos are simple way to honor loved ones passed on your wedding day. Styled by yours truly.
My dad’s parents on their wedding day
Happy designing!
~Amanda Jean
The Ultimate Wedding Movie Watchlist
Movies are a great place for wedding inspiration. This is the ultimate wedding movie watchlist to help inspire your wedding design ideas.
A record amount of snow hit Boise yesterday, nearly 7 inches overnight! Now I know this is nothing compared to those hunkering down in North Dakota (a colleague of mine got over two feet one night last week) or Minnesota this winter, but still it’s a lot. Even though I’ve lived in snowy places throughout my life (Hello Colorado circa 1999), too much snow leaves me feeling a bit like Renee Zellweger in this scene of “New in Town”.
How I feel about winter sometimes. Credit
Speaking of movies and freezing cold (yesterday the high was 16 degrees), movie watching is the perfect winter activity (aside from all the actual snow-based activities like sledding, snowman building, boarding, skiing and eating cups of snow covered in maple syrup <<< a tradition from my childhood in Colorado). Today I cozied up in a giant blanket, with my latest hot chocolate recipe (see below), and enjoyed a movie in bed.
Date hot chocolate + movie time
Date Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
3 pitted dates
1.5 tbsp raw cacao powder
¼ cup coconut milk
1 cup boiling hot water
Himalayan salt, chili powder, and cinnamon to taste
Directions
Put all ingredients into a blender (make sure you have a blender that is safe to pour hot liquids into)
I like to let the boiling water sit on the dates for a few minutes to help soften the dates
Blend it up (blend twice to avoid date chunks)
Add spices to taste
Okay, now that you have your hot coco ready grab your favorite blanket, cozy on up, and allow me to share my love of movies with you.
I watch movies like other people read books. I use it as a way to escape to another world and to live out my love for New York, weddings, and women with powerful careers. I assure you there’s not a romantic comedy created between 1989-present day that I haven’t seen. Nora Ephron and Nancy Meyers have made some of my favorites. With both of them having created some of, in my opinion, the best rom-coms of all time (see: You’ve Got Mail, When Harry Met Sally, It’s Complicated, The Holiday, The Parent Trap remake…and more). Can I just say that when I was a kid, and probably still a little bit as an adult, I thought Meredith Blake was the epitome of beauty...sigh. Maybe this is where my love of red lipstick comes from?
All this to say, I have seen A LOT of movies and a lot of movies with weddings. Below I have categorized some of my favorite movies that feature weddings.
The Best Movies Featuring Weddings
Traditional: Father of the Bride + My Best Friend’s Wedding
Father of the Bride - Diane Keaton, Steve Martin, and Kimberly Williams-Paisley star in this remake. Note the mother-of-the-bride dress in the original Father of the Bride film from 1950 with Elizabeth Taylor is truly magnificent. The remake however, holds my heart. The house, the overprotective father, the wedding planner (played by the talented Martin Short) - it’s a delight. Plus, this movie is bringing ALL THE 90s VIBES! It boasts a very 1990s traditional ceremony in a church (those pink bridesmaids dresses, the real candles, the bows - squeal!), paired with a stunning backyard wedding. My favorite wedding moment? Watch until the very end to see how the reception tent is made out of twinkle lights, oh my gosh - I cannot with this intimate reception!
My Best Friend’s Wedding - Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz, and Dermot Mulroney. This drop dead gorgeous trio leads you through the full wedding experience. From dress fittings (why yes, the seamstress is the same actress who plays the mechanic Gypsy in Gilmore Girls), to a hilarious rehearsal dinner, followed by a dramatic pre-wedding brunch, and finally the wedding itself - this movie has it all. This evening wedding features a classic white tent with white linens throughout. Though I’m not sure why both the wedding dress and the maid of honor dress have fabric flowers in the armpits…was this a thing in the late 90s? Also, the maid of honor dress reminds me of the sparkly purple dress Ariel wears in the original Little Mermaid movie and I always found that dress to be magical. Anyways, my favorite wedding moment is when they are driving away in the getaway car and all the fireworks go off - so magical. And the scene with Cameron Diaz and Julia Roberts talking about Jello. Also, when Mulroney comes back and says goodbye to Roberts…I’m not crying, you’re crying!
Over the Top: Crazy Rich Asians
The tall meadow grasses, the acoustic music, the floral design, the lanterns, the firefly lights, and THE WATER!!! Oh my goodness, the water! I cannot get over this scene. I have seen a LOT of weddings in movies, and in person, and never have I ever seen something anywhere close to this. If you haven’t seen it, I beg of you to watch the wedding scene. My favorite wedding moment? When the main characters mouth “I love you” to one another as the bride is preparing to walk down the aisle. I know, it has nothing to do with the design part, but it gets me every time.
Modern: Notting Hill
Now I know I already have Julia Roberts movies on this list, but that’s because she is the best and there’s no denying that. Nope, don’t even try. This movie boasts some great one liners and the roommate, played by Rhys Ifan, will have you cracking up throughout.
Unless you watch until the very end, you will miss the very short wedding scene. Every time I see this movie, the wedding catches me off guard because it has such a modern feeling. While the wedding dress is not my personal style, I find it intriguing because it’s just so unique. While I don’t have a favorite wedding moment from this movie because that scene is so short, my favorite quote from it has to be, “Happiness isn’t happiness without a violin playing goat.” Watch it, you’ll love it.
“Happiness isn’t happiness without a violin playing goat.”
Boho Wedding: Mamma Mia
You’re singing already, I can tell. This ode to Abba musical will have you dancing, singing, and wondering just how in the world Pierce Brosnan keeps getting cast in musical roles. Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried (who I once saw walking down 23rd Avenue in Portland) play a mother daughter duo in this musical film. The boho vibes in this wedding are unparalleled - her hair, the dress, the location. My favorite wedding moment from this movie has to be the ceremony location - an ancient church on top of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean #weddinggoals.
Outdoor Wedding: Fools Rush In
Fools Rush In - Selma Hayek and the late great Matthew Perry star in this 1997 underrated rom-com. Not only is this one of my top 5 favorite movies EVER MADE, it also has my favorite movie quote:
My older sister and I used to watch this movie religiously on Taco Tuesdays when we lived together. I haven’t been able to watch it since Perry’s passing and maybe it won’t quite feel the same knowing he is gone next time I do watch it, but this movie will always have a place in my heart. Of course, it also features New York City at Christmas time which is on my bucket list of things to experience. My favorite wedding moment? The location and the music. The ceremony is on top of the Grand Canyon (can you imagine the photos!?!) and the song “Can’t Help Falling in Love” has become such a popular first dance song in the wedding world. Personally, I like Elvis’s version, but there are a lot of good remakes of this song out there too. One of my best friend’s first wedding dances was to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Haley Reinhart. It was a beautiful moment (see for yourself below!).
Beach Wedding: - 27 Dresses
James Marsden (who I think is oh-so cute) and Katherine Heigel star in this movie, along with Malin Akerman (loved her in the TV series “Trophy Wife”) and Judy Greer (who always seems to be cast as the hilarious best friend). There are lots of wedding scenes in this movie…maybe not 27, but still a lot. Katherine Heigel’s character plays a perpetual bridesmaid longing for her own dream wedding day with none other than her boss who ends up falling in love with her sister - oh the drama. I also love love love the scene where they’re stuck at a bar and end up singing Elton John on the bar top. My favorite wedding related moment in this movie (aside from the fact it takes place in New York and the idea of a wedding in the boathouse in Central Park is so dreamy to me) is the gothic wedding for the lead character’s co-worker. Why? Because I love weddings that feel like a true representation of the couple getting married. Hate the idea of a white dress? Skip it and wear black. Personally, I would wear red (like this one) if I were to get married today. See, this is why I watch movies to live out all my wedding fantasies, much more affordable than paying to throw multiple weddings.
All the Weddings: - The Wedding Planner + Runaway Bride
The Wedding Planner - If you’re not sure what wedding vibe you’re feeling for your movie day, this is a great go-to. This movie features Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Chambers (pre Dr. Karev days) and again the hilarious Judy Greer. In this movie, Jennifer Lopez plays a type-A wedding planner looking to become a partner at the design firm she works for in San Francisco. My favorite wedding moment from this movie includes all the “behind the scenes” perspectives of what being wedding planning really entails (helping a bride-to-be remove the self tanner that turned out to be such a mistake, sourcing the perfect flowers, feeding the best man their speech at the reception). I also really love the wedding dresses in this movie and the birdcage veil worn to the courthouse ceremony by Jennifer Lopez. Oh oh and the scene where Jennifer Lopez describes what type of wedding she pictures for the main couple. She says she imagines tents that are “thin enough you can see the stars”. And the scene with the statue garden…okay I have a lot of favorites from this one.
Runaway Bride - Alright, Ms. Roberts ended up in this post 3 times, but as I mentioned before, you cannot argue with greatness. This movie features a lot of different wedding styles. From a rock and roll Woodstock vibe wedding, to traditional Catholic wedding , to an outdoor wedding where she rides away on her own horse - it will really get your wedding design wheels turning. This movie is about finding out who you are and how to not lose person once you get married. The vows said in the fourth and final wedding this this movie are so good, I have it as another one of my favorite wedding movie quotes.
Also, Joan Cusack is hilarious and I love her in this movie. My favorite wedding moment is just overall how she refuses to settle for anything, but exactly what she wants, but the scene in the church where she’s calming down in front of the fan...classic. Aside from the vows at the very end, her dress in that scene (amazing) and the dress from the scene in the bridal shop where she sways like a bell (also amazing). This wedding features rural America (where I grew up) and of course it also features New York City. Mostly taking place in the fall which is my favorite season. This movie is quoted A LOT in my family.
So next time you are stuck inside with 7 inches of snow or you’re just wanting a chill day, you now have a list of the perfect movies to choose from based on the type of wedding they feature. Maybe this is just a me thing? If you’re into weddings as much as me, share in the comments your favorite wedding-based movie!
Happy movie watching!
~Amanda Jean
Why you might want to consider a winter wedding
Winter weddings can be magical. Learn about the top 5 reasons to consider a wintry wedding for your special day.
Remember how we talked about engagement season? Well, there is also a wedding season. I swear it’s true!
Peak wedding season tends to run from summer into early fall. While the most popular wedding month varies year to year, the wedding season tends to stay within that summer to fall range.
Personally, I got married in July. While it was beautiful sunny weather, it was also over 90 degrees and the event was outside. Our ceremony had zero shade and our poor guests were SWEATING and also getting sunburned as we said our vows. It was serious work to spend the day in that heat in a corseted wedding gown. Also, the bugs. My dress had this swooped tulle that was visually stunning to me and also apparently the bugs. They kept getting trapped in my dress (see below for a photo of my cousin meticulously picking the bugs out of my dress).
My sweet cousin picking the bugs out of my wedding dress #summerweddingproblems
I know…probably not the dreamy summer wedding photo you would expect from most wedding blogs. You’ll learn I’m not a big sugar coater and I also love having all the information. If I had known about the bugs and the dehydration of a July wedding, I might have chosen a different month. Seriously though, bugs in your dress? These are the things no one tells you about summer weddings.
Of course, pick whatever wedding month you and your partner want - I’m just making sure you know all the ups and downs of the options. It seems other couples might be catching on to this whole summer-weddings-aren’t-quite-the-dream-you-think-they-are concept. In 2022, in a survey of 12,000 participants, October was the most popular wedding month. The crisp autumn weather, the bold leaf colors, the bright skies - Okay fall…
While getting married during the wedding season has the benefit of warmer weather and it can also be easier for guests who are traveling to take vacation time to join the festivities, there is a benefit (or five) to getting married in the “off season”.
I didn’t attend my first winter wedding until 2017. The moment I was onsite for the event, I was sold. The wedding took place on a beautiful farmland outside of Memphis, Tennessee in December. It was a chilly day, though not unbearable. The ceremony took place outside. The bridesmaids wore these stunning red shawls to help keep them warm. I may or may not have sat behind a cousin who was sharing their whiskey with those around them (another option to help you warm up quickly). I totally would’ve participated in this, had I not been over 7 months pregnant. The cocktail hour was also outside. There were heat lamps and warm appetizers. Then we all headed over to the rustic barn for the reception. There was a huge fireplace with garland on the mantle, and this stunning twinkle light arch. Like I said, this wedding really sold me on the off season wedding idea.
My family + the magical twinkle arch
Let me tell you 5 reasons why winter weddings can be fabulous:
Budget + Less Competition
Florals + Decor
Food + Drinks
Photography
Music
Budget + Less Competition
If you’re looking for ways to reduce your wedding costs, having it during the off season might just be the way to go. Venue rentals tend to come down in the winter months (also on weekdays, if you’re wanting to save even more!). Consider looking into your venue of choice and comparing their summer versus winter pricing. The difference might be enough to have you consider a winter wedding.
In addition to saving money, saying “I do” in the snow season also comes with less competition for venues, florists, photographers, caterers…basically all vendors. It will be easier to find vendors to use in the off season. In the summer/fall season, you’ll likely only get a few dates to choose from with your venue. Looking into a winter wedding might be a good idea if you want more date options.
Not sold on a wintry wedding yet? Let’s talk about florals and decor…
Florals + Decor
There are a lot of things that go into a wedding, the design part is my ABSOLUTE favorite though. I could care less about the food (even though we’ll talk about that in a minute), as long as the centerpieces are stunning, I’m happy. With a winter wedding, your flower choices might feel limited at first (note: you can get any flower you want, but in the winter, it’ll cost you more to access those beautiful Dahlias you’ve been dreaming about). But don’t let this discourage you. While Dahlias might not be the ideal winter choice, the off season opens up a whole new selection of floral and greenery options. Think garlands, holly, mistletoe (how fitting is that for a wedding?!?) - the options are unique and endless.
Pine Tree Seedling Wedding Favor + Birchwood Place Holder (styled by yours truly!)
Same goes for decor. You can bring in things that you would normally never see in a typical wedding. Want mini Christmas trees as the centerpiece? Go for it! A glass vase filled with gold and silver ornaments and birchwood? Done. A wreath with candle votives in the center? So cozy and elegant. If you're looking to push beyond the traditional designs you see and really get creative, winter weddings are a great place to do that!
Food + Drinks
I know I said I could care less about the food and I really could (ask my older sister and she’ll go on and on about how boring my wedding food was). Even still, I think food and drinks can be a fun way to infuse more personality and creativity into your wedding. Note - an outdoors summer wedding leaves limited food options (especially if you’re outside). In the winter, you’ll likely be indoors with access to things like electricity and burners to keep food warm.
Winter weddings are a great place to bring comfort food into play. Tomato soup with grilled cheese, mini applewood bacon macaroni cups, baked brie spread on fresh bread…whoops, sorry I just drooled a little on my keyboard!
Don’t even get me started on the drinks! Eggnog, candy cane martinis, mulled wine, a hot chocolate bar. Anyone who knows me knows I am a hot chocolate fanatic and during the holidays, I drink candy cane martinis on the regular. Dang! Maybe I should have gotten married in the winter.
Photo Credit: Candy Cane Martini
Photography
Wedding photography can feel a little stale at times (I know I just made every wedding photographer cringe). It’s not their fault. There’s only so many ways you can take a shot of a summer wedding. The winter though? It brings so many options. Backlit photos with the snow falling, chilling on a ski lift, blankets and fur shawls, writing in the snow, cozying up by the fire, making snow angels…the list goes on. I love this photo below from this couple’s elopement, perfectly captured by Lauren Neely Photography.
The winter brings a new element of excitement to wedding photos, especially when it’s actively snowing.
Photo Credit: Lauren Neely Photography
Music
My final plea for you to consider a winter wedding is the music. Yes, the music. When I went to my first winter wedding back in 2017, it was a delightful surprise to hear “The Christmas Song” in between “We are family” and “Shout!”. I had never even thought of the possibility of hearing a Christmas song during a reception, until I was in the middle of enjoying a winter wedding.
Also, I LOOOOOVEEEE the Avett Brothers and they have a song called “January Wedding” (you’re welcome). If I got married in January, I would 100% be playing that song at the wedding.
Me + My Husband at The Avett Brothers Concert (July 2023) - Outlaw Field in Boise, ID
So basically, if you have no idea what time of year you and your partner want to get married, I feel I’ve made a pretty good case for considering the winter season for your special day.
Whether you’re trying to keep to a budget or you’re just wanting to spice things up with something unique and magical, a winter wedding might be perfect for you and your love.
Craving more winter wedding ideas? I have made a whole Pitnerest board just for you, complete with categorized sections (naturally). Check it out here
Keep loving + keep creating,
Amanda Jean
It’s that time of year…when the world gets engaged
Engagement season is here! Maybe it’s the twinkle lights or the cozy nights by the fireplace - there’s just something about the holiday magic that sparks proposals. Whether you’re newly engaged or getting engaged, I invite you to read more about my favorite season: engagement season.
There is something about this time of year. The gatherings, the music, the twinkle lights, the first snowfall, the cozy moments in front of the fire (or in my case, in front of the battery operated candles) - there’s just magic in the air.
From Thanksgiving into the New Year, there’s a joy, a hope, a sparkle. It’s no wonder this time of year sparks so many engagements! We all know it’s the holiday season, but did you know it’s also the peak engagement season in the U.S.? Engagement season? Yep, that’s a thing.
In the US, it’s reported that over 15% of couples getting engaged each year will get engaged in the month of December. Personally, I got engaged in January, still pretty close to that peak engagement month and it was in the snow (I told you…that winter magic!). My now spouse proposed to me during a snowshoe hike in the middle of the woods.
Allow me to share a little more about this experience…
In a not at all romantic twist, he told me mid-hike that he had to go to the bathroom and left me standing, alone, on a trail in the snowy woods. Several moments later, as I waited awkwardly on the trail solo, I heard, “Hey babe, come look at this!” Not something anyone wants to hear, when you think your partner is going to the bathroom in the woods (I cringe even writing this).
I followed the voice into the woods and found a path of red rose petals, where my partner was kneeling with a ring that was tied to a string hooked to his jacket ( just in case he accidentally dropped in the snow). He asked, I said yes, and the rest is history (14+ years of history!).
Engaged - January 2009
Maybe it’s the magic of the season combined with the snow that helps set the ideal scene for a proposal, or maybe that’s just my own experience. But seriously, engagements are running rampant right now.
In less than a week apart, I know two people who have gotten engaged. As Frank Sinatra first crooned in 1954, “It’s that time of year, when the world falls in love…” Whoa, was his right!
Whether you’re newly engaged this winter season or you’re mid wedding planning, Frank and I tip our hats to you as you celebrate this time as a couple.
I find most newly engaged couples end up feeling 1 of 3 ways:
1. There’s the warm fuzzy, mushy gushy love feels:
2. The BAM! I’m engaged-lookout-world feels:
And then, my personal favorite…
3. The super chill I got what I wanted, so I’m just going to sit here and chill because I have no idea what to do next feels:
However you may be feeling this engagement season, I invite you to soak it all in and feel all the feels. You’re engaged! And that really is something to enjoy.
If any of your feels are eager to jump into next steps in your engagement and wedding planning process, be sure to heck out this GHD page for some great free resources to support you in your wedding design process!
Happy engaging!
~Amanda Jean