Should Your Attire Be More Minimal in a Micro-Wedding?

Have you ever been invited to a micro-wedding? If so, then you might have wondered what your dress code should be. When deciding on your outfit for this type of event, there are many factors to consider, including the time of year and your level of formality. For instance, if it's summertime or in the middle of spring, a more casual look may be perfect for a micro wedding. And if it’s an evening affair or held in the wintertime, you’ll want something fancier than casual clothes would allow.

But one thing stands out — your attire should be minimal. This is true for two reasons — the first being practicality and the second being comfort. Learn more as we share some insights into dressing for micro-weddings.

Micro-Weddings & Their Level of Formality

Micro-weddings are smaller, more intimate weddings. They can be a lot less formal because they're not expected to have the same number of guests that traditional weddings do. If you're attending a micro-wedding, you don't have to worry about formal clothing in most cases. The idea of a micro-wedding is that the day should be all about celebrating the love between two people in an intimate setting and not centered around a huge event with hundreds of guests.

So, you have to think of what you wear in terms of how you're going to feel. Ask yourself if the clothing you're considering is comfortable? Does it make you feel good about yourself? And does it fit your style and personality? If anything, try to wear something that makes you happy. Minimalist aesthetic clothes are a perfect option when you want to keep them simple.

Why Practicality & Comfort Matters

When you're invited to a micro-wedding, one of the first things to consider is the practicality and comfort of your attire. Think about the climate and where you'll be for the ceremony and reception. Will you be outside during a cold snap of fall or in a tent outside without air conditioning during the summer? What is appropriate attire for the wedding theme?

Practicality matters, so ensure you're dressing for the occasion. If it's a more casual or formal affair, your outfit will need to be appropriate. The same applies to the level of comfort when choosing attire to wear. Minimal doesn't mean uncomfortable, so keep this in mind. 

For men, a minimal look could be a simple tie or a button-down shirt without the jacket. If it's a more formal affair, you can add in some accessories like cufflinks or opt for sporting your jacket with classy cap-toe dress shoes. For women, minimal dressy attire such as a monochrome cocktail dress may be the best idea for staying comfortable in your surroundings. Minimalism is all about keeping things streamlined and easy with your attire choices.

Benefits of Wearing More Casual Attire to a Micro-Wedding 

Wearing more casual attire when attending a micro-wedding comes with its own benefits, including the following:

• Casual attire comes in a variety of styles, so you won't have any difficulty finding something that suits your taste and style preferences

• It's much easier to coordinate your attire with the wedding theme and everyone else

• As a guest, you'll be less likely to clash with the bride or groom when you're wearing a more minimal or casual style

• Casual attire is easy on your wallet as it doesn't require any fancy or expensive additions, like designer hats or jewelry, for instance

Do's and Don'ts 

When it comes to wearing minimal attire, there are a lot of factors to consider. To make it easier for you, we’ve created a list of do's and don'ts for guests when it comes to dressing for a micro-wedding.

Do's:

• Choose clothes that have a loose, comfortable fit and wear flats instead of heels — you’ll be on your feet all day.

• Add some pops of color to your outfit with accessories or a colorful pair of shoes.

• Wear clothes that you’re comfortable in. 

• Limit your jewelry to one statement piece — you can even design your own jewelry to ensure it stands out.

Don'ts:

• Avoid wearing anything too tight or revealing (especially if you're unsure of the dress code).

• Avoid wearing black and white, unless you're the bride or groom's parents — it will make it difficult to distinguish who is a guest and who isn’t.

• Wear the same colors as the bridal party — you don’t want to look like you’re trying to be a groomsman or bridesmaid if you’re not.

What to Wear at Your Next Event

There are always exceptions to the rule when it comes to what constitutes appropriate attire for any stylish event, but there's no harm in following these guidelines if you're not sure where to start. It can be daunting enough just choosing an outfit for attending a friend's or family member's special day.

When choosing an attire to wear to a micro-wedding small wedding, it's not about extravagance. It's about making sure every piece of outfit you choose is practical, comfortable, and meaningful. This means that while there may not be as many guests in attendance at this kind of event, it's still important to look your best. 

Author bio: 

Jennifer Oppenheim is the CEO of Just Men’s Shoes, a company that offers the widest variety of shoes for men for all occasions.

What Do These Diamond Cuts Say About You

What Do These Diamond Cuts Say About You?

Selecting the right wedding jewelry for yourself or your bride-to-be can be a bit of a challenge, with so many options available. You want the ring to be unique, to fit her one and only style and personality. Custom jewelry design affords you this option. With this helpful guide, we will assist you in choosing the right shape of diamond that will speak volumes about you or your lady before she even utters the word “yes.”

Round

The most popular out of all of the diamond shapes, round diamonds offer a simple, time-honored design that was created for the utmost sparkle power. They reflect highly as they contain dozens of mirror-like facets which bring light into the eye. 

Round diamonds are ideal for a woman who likes simple elegance and has an eye for tradition. Women who enjoy wearing round-cut diamonds may have an approachable yet sophisticated personality and a tasteful aesthetic. Round cut diamonds are for someone who appreciates a timeless, classic style.

Princess

Square in shape, the princess cut diamond is one of the most ornately shaped diamonds. Known to represent beauty and fashion, the princess cut features crisp edges and brilliant facets. It possesses as much brilliance as the round diamond but in a modern square design.

As the name suggests, if you are a hopeless romantic at heart, the princess cut diamond may be right for you. Women who favor a princess cut diamond may enjoy the thought of riding away in a horse and carriage, as her wedding party waves goodbye dressed in elaborate event dresses. If you would describe yourself as a dreamer who believes in fairy tales, the princess cut may appeal to you.

Oval

If you consider yourself to be creative, individualistic, and smart, the oval diamond might be the right choice for you. Its oblong shape makes the diamond appear to be larger than it actually is. An oval diamond woman is unique, elegant, and captivating. They are perfect for enhancing long and slender fingers.

Marquise

The name “marquise” is taken from French nobility. Some people compare the marquise-cut diamond to the shape of an eye, a boat, or a football. If you have a small hand, it actually makes your fingers appear long and slender. If you love vintage style and want to live a glamorous life, the marquise shape will suit you well.

Women who like the marquis cut may consider themselves to be a bit daring and dramatic. It is ideal for someone who has a creative and edgy flair. If you don’t want a wedding ring like everyone else, choose a marquise-cut diamond. They are ideal for rebels who aren’t afraid of breaking the rules every now and then.

Pear

A mix between a marquise and a round diamond, a pear-shaped diamond resembles a teardrop. If you enjoy a pear-shaped diamond, you may have a lively personality with a splash of vibrant romanticism. If you are drawn to excitement and the unexpected, a pear-shaped diamond may suit you perfectly. Its asymmetrical design is ideal for women who are fun, yet career-focused. Women who like pear-shaped diamonds are always ready for their next adventure.

Cushion

Also known as pillow-cut diamonds, cushion cut diamonds may either be square or rectangular and feature rounded corners and large facets. The woman who wears a cushion cut diamond embraces elegance, tradition, and longevity as a part of who they are. Synonymous with royalty, the cushion cut diamond is feminine, yet contemporary at the same time. It provides a soft look with a maximum amount of dazzle.

Emerald

Known for its distinctive shape, the emerald cut diamond has long facets and layered corners that look like stairs. If you are flashy and extravagant, this diamond cut may be right for you. Are you a superstar at heart? The wearer of an emerald cut diamond is strong and bold. It is a mix of classiness and edginess that exudes elegance and refinement.

Heart

The embodiment of romance, a heart-shaped diamond is a sparkling promise and an “I love you” at the same time. If you are a true romantic at heart and want everyone who sees you to know it, a heart-shaped diamond will do the trick. Its wearer is non-traditional and represents the willingness to take a risk. A heart-shaped diamond tells the world that cupid has shot you with his arrow.

It is interesting to look at the different meanings assigned to the various diamond shapes, however, what is truly important is to follow your instincts and select the one that really draws your attention. Selecting a cut that you truly love because of what that diamond means to you is between you and your partner. If your heart glows with satisfaction when you gaze upon its sparkling brilliance, that is all that really matters. 

Tess DiNapoli

Unique Ways to Shop for Wedding Jewelry

Crafting the wedding of your dreams is a long process filled with tough decisions, especially in a world where COVID-19 makes everything uncertain. You may have imagined a ceremony with hundreds of guests at your favorite indoor venue, but now that must change to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Brides are learning to adjust their wedding planning process because of the coronavirus, even when it comes to picking out jewelry. Instead of going to different stores and trying things on, you are stuck with shorter operating hours and fewer in-person appointments.

Read on for unique ways to shop for wedding jewelry in today’s economy. You can still have fun and enjoy the planning process, especially when deciding on the details of your jewelry.

Browse Jewelry Online

Nearly every business has shifted to online stores so that customers can keep shopping while they quarantine at home. You’ll have more virtual options than ever before, so take a look around. Research local jewelry shops you would have visited in person and see if other out-of-state or international locations sell other accessories online.

Browsing jewelry on the internet gives you more opportunities to see what you like and dislike, narrowing your options and making your final decision a breeze.

Wear 3D Rings

It’s hard to know which engagement rings will look good on you or your partner’s hand. Now, fortunately, there’s a way to upload a picture and try on 3D rings. This setup is the perfect way to find the best engagement ring or experiment with different wedding bands. 

Before you browse, be sure to determine your budget. You should also understand the four Cs — cut, carat, clarity and color. Knowing about these four terms will help you determine the quality of a ring and if the price is reasonable. 

Video Chat with Experts

Business owners have learned the importance of video chatting with customers, so jewelry store staff and management may be willing to set up a virtual appointment. Make sure you use that time to ask questions. You can also get them to display jewelry from different angles, so you’ll know what it looks like in person.

Look for Alternative Shops

COVID-19 caused many people to lose their jobs, so budget shopping is likely the most important thing on your mind. Chain brand and independent jewelry stores often upcharge their products, so look for alternative places. Pawnshops, for example, offer items at an excellent value — plus, you can find unique items you can’t get anywhere else. 

Search for Virtual Estate Sales

People still need to sell goods at estate sales and yard sales, so they’ve moved their inventory online — like the website EBTH, which is short for Everything but the House. You can also look for posts on your town website and local social media groups.

Most sales will likely have vintage necklaces, bracelets and cufflinks. The owners will want the inventory gone as fast as possible, so you’ll find high-quality jewelry at low prices. You can always send your purchases off for inspection if you have any questions about the gemstones.

Keep an Open Mind When It Comes to Wedding Jewelry

It’s hard to accept that wedding planning steps will change for the foreseeable future, but it’s easier to cope if you keep an open mind. These tips are great ways to shop for jewelry in today’s economy while staying safe from COVID-19. Once you jump into jewelry shopping, you might be surprised at the many options at your fingertips compared to looking around in person.

By guest blogger Cora Gold

Wellness Tips for 2020 Couples

The idea of wellness has become more popular over the past few years. People have begun to embrace it because it's a simple solution for your mental and physical needs. Even though you may have seen social media influencers posting about their wellness lifestyles, you might not know what it would look like in your life.

The good news is that wellness is easy to understand and share with your partner. You can rely on each other as you adjust to new routines and make it a bonding experience that benefits your relationship as much as your individual priorities.

Check out a few simple wellness tips for 2020 couples interested in getting into the wellness world. Try a few of these steps in your life to see what you and your partner would enjoy doing every day.

1. Start Personal Journals

Writing in a journal every day is a great way to begin your wellness journey. Write a few sentences about your day, how you feel or what's on your mind. After a few days or a week, you can reflect on your entries to monitor your moods, concerns and fears. Seeing them written on paper will help you figure out solutions, especially if your partner is doing the same thing for themselves alongside you.

2. Try an Activity

Yoga is a great wellness activity because it hones your body and mind. As you build your strength and increase your flexibility, each move boosts your mood and lowers anxiety symptoms that could disrupt your day. It may feel funny to do it on your own at home with a video, but your partner can practice next to you so learn and enjoy each pose together.

3. Practice Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is an easy way to target your mental and physical health at the same time. The next time you sit down with your partner, practice the 4-7-8 breathing technique to slow your heart rate. As you calm down, you'll experience things like reduced hypertension, less fatigue and more focus. It's a wellness practice you and your partner can do anywhere at any time.

4. Get Out of Town

Sometimes getting out of town is the best thing you can do for your health. When you have the time or finances to do that, pack for a road trip and stop at places focused on wellness. You and your partner could visit retreats, spas or serene getaways where you can forget about your worries. At the end of your trip, you'll feel refreshed and ready to tackle life's challenges. 

5. Prioritize Exercise Routines

Regular exercise will make you feel like a new version of yourself. Ask your partner to join you on walks, jogs or indoor workout routines. You'll have more energy, feel better and even sleep better with a little movement.

Keep It Simple

The key to making wellness work for couples is to keep things simple. Start with an easy exercise routine, deep breathing or even a romantic road trip. Take notes on what helps your health and what doesn't so you can both find the best ways to maintain your physical and mental wellness.

-Kacey Bradley

Super Dapper Gifts your Father of the Bride will Love

Trying to come up with a meaningful gift for the father of your bride can be difficult. You don’t want anything lame, or anything that makes you look like you’re trying too hard. You want something that is special to not only you but him as well. Something he will never forget or can keep close for years to come. Giving someone a gift that they can tell you put a lot of thought and consideration into is really really important to that person. You want to get a gift that shows that person exactly how much they mean to you. 

Below are some ideas that we’ve put together to help spark a unique gift idea.

Personalized Fleece Blanket

Walmart.com: Who doesn’t love to snuggle up on the couch with a blanket and a warm mug of coffee or hot tea? Especially with your daughter’s face on the blanket? On a serious note- getting a personalized gift is extremely sentimental let alone something you can use daily. 

These personalized blankets can be used, hung as a decoration or sometimes people lay them on their bed or couch. Walmart has a photo center where you can order these customized blankets online or you can purchase it online and get it delivered to your home. This is something your future father-in-law would love and would cherish.

Personalized Leather Wallet & Keychain

www.groomsmengiftsource.com : Want to get him something he can carry with him every day? Why not a keychain? There a ton of different things you can put on a keychain that could have a significant meaning to you and him. That idea needs to stem from you. What makes this particular gift idea even better is that it comes with a beautiful genuine leather wallet. 

Both items are entirely personalizable, making it perfect for any father looking for that extra flare. The keychain however makes this gift really stand out because it’ll be something that will always carry around. 

Personalized Wood Docking Station

Etsy.com: Coming up with something unique can be difficult but a bedside nightstand holder is definitely that. Not many people have them. They are extremely useful and help to keep someone’s space organized. They can hold anything from their phone, sunglasses, mail, watches, keys, etc. 

These can be placed not only bedside on their nightstand but honestly anywhere throughout the house. The stand can help to organize any area. This is something they can look at every day and think of you! The father of your bride will appreciate the sentiment and it’ll help him stay organized.  

Yeti Rambler Stackable 10 oz Mug

Yeti.com: Who doesn’t love to drink? No, not necessarily alcohol but anything. I am sure your father in law does. Get him something that he can use in any setting and make it special by personalizing it. You can write pretty much anything you want or put his favorite sports team logo on it. They come in a variety of different sizes and colors to choose from to help personalize it even more. 

You can personalize a Yeti yourself or buy them personalized from someone however we recommend buying them from the official website. We recommend this because it ensures you receive a good quality personalization. By this we mean the personalized part would not wear off from simple wear and tear or from going through the dishwasher. If you are spending a lot on a gift you want to ensure you get the best quality possible. Also when giving a gift like this you want to make sure the product will last them and won’t be ruined after one use.

Lovely Burlap Personalized Frame

ShutterFly.com: What’s a better way to frame the perfect picture from your wedding day then a personalized frame? A frame is something you know they will use. It can hold a picture from your wedding day and will make that picture mean so much more. ShutterFly allows you to order a variety of different sized frames. 

Colors, fonts, symbols can be used to create a unique and memorable gift idea. This is a great gift for those that do not know the father of the bride that well, or maybe the bride herself isn’t super close to her father and getting something super sentimental is hard or impossible to do. This one in particular has tons of places where you can place your pictures and memories to display, but the website has tons of other options if you are looking for something with a different format. 

Favorite sports team tickets

GameTime.com: Who doesn’t love to go to their favorite sports team games? Buying tickets for you and your future father-in-law is a great way to create memories between just the two of you and to simply make his day. Tickets can range in price so you have some leeway with the price. These events are always memorable on their own, let alone when you tag along with him. 

There are multiple different sites you can use to order the tickets. They even make apps like GameTime where you can see the different prices for certain seats and where exactly those seats are in the arena or wherever the game is. This app can be used to find tickets for any event in any area not just sports tickets. Giving an experience as a gift is phenomenal because they allow the father of your bride to use hi free time for something he really enjoys.  

Personalized Pocket Watch

ForeverGifts.com: Most people think pocket watches are a thing of the past but that is not true. Many people wear them to special events or large parties or banquets. They elevate someone’s attire. Getting someone a pocket watch is a great gift idea that many people do not think about. You can also personalize the back on the pocket watch. 

This makes the gift so much more meaningful. He may not use the watch all of the time but it will definitely be something he will cherish for years to come. This particular product is very stylish and slick that it will most definitely elevate any man’s style. It’s also personalizable, making it even more valuable and unique. 

Gifts are something some people do not take seriously enough. But when it comes to someone like your future father in law, coming up with a unique, memorable and especially meaningful is really important. These gift ideas will leave an everlasting impression on him no matter how close or distant the relationship.

5 Questions to Ask When You’re Wedding Ring Shopping

Wedding planning can be stressful, but that doesn’t mean it has to be. There are many ways you can help relieve your own stress and enjoy the process. This guide will get you on the easiest path to begin your wedding ring shopping. 

The differences between an engagement ring and wedding ring are quite distinctive. Engagement rings are usually outfitted and centered around a type of gemstone, traditionally a diamond. There was a time when wedding and engagement rings were very much alike. Nowadays, modern wedding rings have evolved into simpler, delicate styles—such as infinity or eternity bands. The band of a wedding ring is typically a precious, monochromatic metal that can be customized with gemstones or a special engraving.

When shopping for wedding rings, you ought to decide what matches your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Let’s begin by highlighting five important questions you need to ask yourself before embarking on this task.

Where Should You Begin?

Was your engagement ring purchased instead of handed down? If so, this might make your search much easier. Many jewelers sell engagement rings and wedding bands together so that the design of both rings stays cohesive. Many places also offer his-and-hers ring sets for an easy experience, as well. However, if your ring was handed down, that makes it all the more special. Look at different websites and stores to find out what styles you like best paired with your engagement ring.

What Kind of Style?

You want to make sure you and your partner are both on the same page before making a potentially expensive purchase. Doing wedding ring shopping together and narrowing down styles makes the process more special and intimate. Do your research by flipping through some sale catalogs together to find something eye-catching. It’s okay if your rings don’t match. You want to make sure that they reflect your personal style. After all, you’re planning on wearing your wedding ring for a very long time.

What is Your Budget?

Lots of things can affect your budget. This can limit you in terms of style, metal, stones, and so on. Many jewelers offer financing options to help cushion the cost, but keep in mind that spending one or two months of your salary on an engagement or wedding ring is a myth. Setting a budget will keep you from spending too much and make the process less stressful. If your rings do end up being on the costlier side, it might be in your best interest to have them insured. 

When Should You Buy?

Having the rings before the wedding is the ideal situation. Once the date is set, choose the rings you want 4-6 months in advance and have them ordered at least 6 weeks prior to the wedding. Personalization, uniqueness, resizing, and any additional accessorizing that needs to be done may take longer to complete. 

Where Should You Buy From?

When you’ve made your decisions about style, budget, and timing, that should help you narrow down the best jeweler. Many people look for jewelers who source their gemstones through ethical, fair trade certified, conflict-free, or eco-friendly practices. Do your research so that you know you are comfortable with the jeweler. These days, you can do your wedding ring shopping from home. Online shopping can definitely help ease the burden of going out to dozens of stores. If you are considering buying your wedding ring online, make sure you read the fine print. And remember that you’re purchasing a ring to symbolize your love so have fun with it!

Guest Writer Tess DiNapoli

7 Tips for Hosting Out-of-Town Wedding Guests

The majority of families don't have the luxury of living together in the same town. Jobs and other factors pull them to different cities and states, but they all return home when it's time for a wedding.

It's so special when family members drive or fly back to attend your wedding. It isn't easy to take time off work or get away from their daily lives, but they do it because they love you and want to celebrate your upcoming marriage.

Everyone is bound to have fun once they arrive, but they may need a little bit of help. Read on to learn how you can use these seven tips to host out-of-town wedding guests. With a little extra thought and care, all your guests will feel welcomed and ready to celebrate. 

1. Put Everything Online

You'll spend time putting together invitations and RSVP notes to send out to your guests, but the reality is that many of your guests will end up losing their invite in the months leading up to your wedding.

That's why it's smart to put everything your guests need online by making a wedding website. You can do it for free and only give the URL out to those on your invite list. Make dedicated pages on the site that outline things like:

• Where they can fly into

• Which highways lead into town

• Where they can stay

• Where and when your wedding will take place

Don't leave it up to your guests to remember everything on their own. They can easily check your website if they have any questions and save you from having to handle confused phone calls on your wedding day.

2. Make Welcome Bags

Welcome bags are an adorable way to make your guests feel comfortable after they've traveled. Make them by hand and choose a bag theme, like including local products or midnight snacks. Print out notes that explain what's in the bag, and work with the hotel they stay with so the housekeeping staff can leave the bags in their rooms before they arrive.

3. List Transportation Options

Depending on where your wedding will take place, guests will have different transportation options at their disposal. Will they know how to use any available public transit in your city? Is there a shuttle they can take into town or a taxi service you'd recommend? Smaller towns may only have rental car options, so make sure your guests know how to get around by listing transportation methods on your website.

4. Reserve a Hotel Block

One of the best things you can do for your out-of-town wedding guests is to reserve a hotel block so they don't have to worry about where they'll stay. Talk with hotels around your wedding venue to see what discounted room rates they can offer for your guests. After you get a quote you like, reserve a block of rooms and provide the room discount code to the guests who RSVP. They'll appreciate the cheaper room rate while still staying somewhere comfortable.

5. Provide Entertainment Options

Some wedding guests may arrive a few days early for your wedding, especially if they're part of the ceremony and need to rehearse. They'll want to do something more than relax in their hotel. Make a list of entertainment options around where they'll be staying, so they know what's available. 

List things like movie theaters, bowling alleys, restaurants and even local fairs happening while they're in town. At the same time, don't overbook your guests with events, or they'll feel exhausted. Writing everything out for them gives them the freedom to do what they want when they want. 

6. Think of Their Needs

How long will your wedding guests be in town? They may be there only a few days, or your wedding festivities could stretch over a week or two if it's in a destination spot. Think of what your guests will need while they're there. Will they need to have laundry done? Toothpaste replaced? A refill on their shampoo and conditioner? Negotiate with the hotel they'll stay at to see what services the hotel staff can include to make things easier for your guests.

7. Keep Communication Open

It's essential to maintain a line of communication between you and your wedding guests. Let them know you're there to help, and when you're unavailable, give them the contact information of someone they can call. Your parents, future in-laws or your wedding planner could all be great resources to talk to ahead of time as people guests can reach out to if they need anything.

Put Yourself in Their Shoes

Imagine you're an out-of-town guest attending your wedding. What would you want to know about the venue area and what might you need help with? Put yourself in your guests' shoes to get ahead of their needs and provide early solutions. Things like booking a hotel block or listing transportation options are easy ways to get ahead of the game and solve problems before they happen. 

-Kacey Bradley