In the last blog post we focused on the wedding trends of 2022. All were interesting and downright exciting to hear, because let's be real, we're all about those weddings! You know what we aren't all about? Breaking the bank. Weddings on average cost $18.3k in South Dakota. EIGHTEEN POINT THREE THOUSAND. I don't know about you all, but I ain't looking to have Ramen for every meal or take out a loan for my wedding. So we've cumulated a list of things you can do to help get those costs down to something much more do-able. Because we all want that beautiful wedding, but we don't want to live in a box afterwards.
First things first: what do you absolutely need at your wedding?
What is something that you cannot will not live without on your wedding day? And not just live without, but the things you are gonna fork out the big bucks for because they mean that much. Here are some things that we think you might want to spend the big bucks on:

• Photographer/Videographer - I promise this is not due to bias, but due to the memories you'll receive!
• DJ/Live band - Entertainment is so important for organizing the day and having a blast!
• Venue - a gorgeous venue with enough lighting and space for your guests will do wonders for your photos, DJ/band, and your guests!

Easier said than done right? We know how daunting all of these things can be, especially when you want to spend your money well on the most important things! That's where these discussions with your fiancé come into play. What do you both agree are the vendors you need to spend the money on vs. the ones you can either go without or can spend less on? Just note - There are some things you can do to avoid dropping tons of money at once if you truly can't choose! Ask for payment plans from your vendors. Once you've made your down payment, payment plans can really help keep you on track and in budget!

We've talked about what we think are necessities, but how about things where you can actually cut your budget by doing something different? Here are ideas for how you can save:

• Have a long engagement - For lots, this isn't ideal - you wanted to get married, like, yesterday! But giving yourself a good year or maybe even two could help you budget a little more for all those costs. 
• Save the dates as holiday cards - use the holidays to your advantage and save some money by not doubling up on stamps! Those stamps are always going up in price, so this is where you can really save some dough. Remember, save the dates can really go out anywhere from 6-10 months out from your wedding!
• Renting decor - there are so many amazing companies that will help you with this! Plus, you won't be riddling your brain trying to figure out what to do with all of your decor when the wedding is over. Shoot us an email for any recommendations!
• DIY - Hobby Lobby will be your best friend (if it isn't already). Think about making your own bouquets, centerpieces, signs, even your own wedding arch! There are so many possibilities with a little elbow grease and Pintrest for inspo.
• Shopping at consignment stores - Sometimes these places even have centerpieces and bouquets that match already MADE for you. What a steal money-wise and time-wise!
• Drink tickets instead of open bar - the days of an open bar are long gone as prices are through the roof. Trust us, your guests will understand... and the best man's speech might be a little better too ;)
• Use a wedding website to help you plan (Zola, TheKnot, WeddingWire, etc.) - These websites are incredible as they help you plan and realize all the things you want and don't want! Some of them even have the perks of your registry embedded with the ability to add in anything from any stores - how convenient!
• Decrease your guest list - We know that some of you are like crap, I wanted a 500 person wedding, while some of you are like THANK GOODNESS because I really only want 50 people there. But truly, decreasing your guest list will directly impact your budgets, especially when it comes to the food!
• Destination wedding - Hello Hawaii! Many places have wedding packages and wedding planners to help you achieve a perfect, relaxing, and romantic day. If you haven't, maybe this is something you should consider!
• Elopement - Give us an elopement on a mountain any day! Honestly, we'd hike anywhere to get this incredibly intimate moment for you. You can always do your reception at a later date and celebrate with everyone!
• Choose a cheaper or free venue - Backyard wedding anyone? These were HOT last year and saving a couple grand by using a gorgeous backyard sounds like a steal! Don't forget about the parks! Some of these come with a cheap price tag, but don't forget a back up plan for weather. 
• Winter wedding - Ya girl here had a winter wedding and I would do it 10x over! My venue was cheaper because of it and we lucked out with a 45 degree day in December. The price difference was so worth me taking the chance in SD weather, even though I was secretly wanting a snowstorm ;) I'm the only person I know who loves snow, sue me!
• Choosing a week day - Wedding days like Fridays and Sundays are cheaper for venues and vendors, really any day but Saturday. Once again, ya girl did her wedding in December AND on a Friday. Having our wedding day on a Friday made our venue and DJ cheaper because of it, without foregoing all the beauty and entertainment! Plus, we got to celebrate all day Friday and Saturday without having to worry about those Sunday blues creeping up quickly.

​
So there ya have it. A couple ways for you to save some money and actually time! Are there any budget friendly ideas you have seen, used or are going to use now? I need to know 'em all!

With love, 
🤍 Taylor

Ever since the pandemic hit in early 2020, lots of weddings have been delayed... until now! We've made it to 2022 and these weddings are making a huge comeback and with the most fun, exciting and interesting trends. According to theknot.com, there will 2.6 million weddings this year. Think about that for a second... 
Two whole years of pushing off weddings. That's a LOT of time for brides and grooms to brainstorm what they truly want for their wedding and save for it! So what are the "trends" for this coming year? Here's a few ideas, including some of the ones we LOVE aaaand some trends we think need to go. 

Disclaimer: Overall, you do whatever you want for your wedding. These trends are meant to be inspiration, not rules to follow!

Wedding trends on the rise:

• Weekday weddings - many are opting for a Friday wedding and then allowing themselves to really soak in the beautiful moments over the weekend. I'm in!
• Intimate weddings - instead of throwing a huge bash, many are honing in on the most important aspect: you're getting to marry your soulmate and want to spend it with a select few people who cherish you two the most. 
• Eco-friendly - Ever thought about using leaves or other biodegradable items from nature for place cards or decor? I didn't but now I am! Another option for couples is to use virtual save the dates - I'm all in on saving time and paper! Grandma and grandpa will figure it out ;) 
• New color schemes - I'm not going to lie, I laughed out loud while researching the new color trends. They are ALL over the place! But this makes it even more fun - so many choices and you really can't go wrong! Evergreen fog is a new hit. Light blues are taking the stage. Darker, bolder colors are making their way just as much as brighter colors that are also all the rage!
• Bridal separates - Want to have two dresses but don't wanna pay for two dresses? Girl, the trends are here for you. Think about getting separates! You now can buy a dress that's a separate top and bottom allowing you to really personalize your wedding gown. Endless combos for mixing and matching tops! Or you can add a skirt on top of your dress. The options are endless and gorgeous.
• Minimalist theme - Some couples are thinking less is more! Choosing only the necessities, the minimalist theme allows brides and grooms to focus on what truly matters!
• Fun ceremony ideas - Give me a groomsman in a fanny pack or my grandma holding a basket of rose petals instead of flower girls any day! I'm all in on having a friend or family member officiating your wedding. Choosing non-traditional ceremony songs makes this event even more personal. Couples are really seeking a more personalized experience and it's so much fun!
• Sweet touches - We've been to weddings that have become so personalized and they're a blast. Think about making each guest feel welcome by adding in some personal touches. Some couples have addressed each table by writing a message specialized just for those seated there! Just imagine you and your future spouse running around to each table to get a photo op with everyone - how special will those photos be?! There are so many ways to interact with your guests, even if you don't have much time to sit down with each of them during the busy night!

We also thought it would be fun for you to see what trends we love and the ones we think need to go.
​
​All the trends we LOVE:
Bailey: When the first dance happens right after grand entrances!
Taylor: Instead of veils, let's bring in the capes, I'm alllll about them capes! Additionally, give me all the Friday weddings, I want the ENTIRE weekend to party, not just one day!
Shelby: Photo backdrop walls for photo ops!
Kelli: Destination weddings!
All the trends that need to go:
Bailey: The chicken dance or cha cha slide.
Taylor: I love all things weddings. But if I had to choose one it's the garter toss. Oh! Or wearing heels on your wedding day - give me tennis shoes or give me death.
Shelby: Bride and groom cake toppers

What are some trends you are digging and some you're ready to get rid of?

with love,
🤍​ Taylor