Wedding planning questions

Lots of questions come up when planning a wedding. Find answers to all of your wedding planning questions in these articles. From which vendors to tip to most common wedding etiquette questions to how to write thank-you cards, our experts guide you through.

All Real weddings Creating a budget Wedding websites Legal Wedding planning tools Wedding planning questions Wedding decorations Wedding day

Graphic of four people standing in a line celebrating

How Many People Should I Invite to My Wedding?What's the average wedding size? How do you decide who to invite? Here's everything you need to know about guest lists and who to invite.

Featured

The Bridesmaid Duties: A Full Breakdown

Inspiration

Being a bridesmaid means agreeing to a fairly long list of responsibilities. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of bridesmaid duties.

Period Coming On Your Wedding Day? Here's What to Do

How-To

Periods happen—even on your wedding day. Here's expert advice on how to manage your period on your wedding day and how to keep calm about the situation.

How to Choose The Best Wedding Month

Getting Started

Choosing your wedding month and date is a crucial first step in the wedding planning process. Here's how to decide on the best time of the year to get married.

How Much To Tip Wedding Vendors

Inspiration

Confused on how much to tip wedding vendors, which vendors to tip, and when to distribute tips? Fear not: explore our guide for tipping wedding vendors.

formal portrait of wedding party. Bride and bride maids with bouquet are sitting on stair in the front , Groom and groom men are standing at the back

Bridal Party vs. Wedding Party: What's the Difference?

Inspiration

What's the difference between a wedding party & a bridal party? Learn more & get expert planning tips to help you prepare for the big day.

Not Inviting Family to Your Wedding: Do's and Don'ts

How-To

When creating your wedding guest list, you have to decide what family members to invite to your special day.

What Percentage of Guests Should You Expect to Come to Your Wedding?

How Many Guests Should I Expect to Come to My Wedding?

Advice

There are many factors that determine the average wedding size. One of the biggest ones? The percentage of invited guests that actually attend.

All Wedding planning questions articles

Wedding planning 101

November Wedding? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Thinking about picking a date in November for your wedding? Here's all you need to fall in love with this magical month.

Bride kissing groom on the cheek where the groom has a leaf garland around his neck

Wedding planning 101

Planning an Elopement: A Comprehensive Guide for the Perfect Getaway

A step-by-step guide on how to elope. We cover everything from choosing your witness to picking the location, so you don’t have to stress about a thing.

Wedding planning 101

September Wedding? Here's Everything You Need to Know

Having your wedding in September? We go through the bases and every need-to-know detail about getting married that month.

Bride and groom kissing outside of their wedding trolley

Wedding planning 101

Wedding Transportation Ideas and Etiquette for Your Big Day

How are you and your guests going to travel from point A to point B on your big day? This guide has the 411 on wedding transportation.

hotel room lobby with purple velvet couch, mod chairs, and fireplace and a beautiful lighted chandelier

Wedding planning 101

How to Book Hotel Rooms for Your Wedding Guests

Check out our comprehensive guide on how to book hotel rooms for your wedding guests to learn the ins and outs of this sometimes-tricky task.

Wedding planning 101

How to Have a Small Destination Wedding

There’s something special about getting married in a beautiful travel locale with your closest loved ones. Dreaming of having a small destination wedding? We explore the top five things you need to know.

Wedding planning 101

How to Choose The Best Wedding Month

Choosing your wedding month and date is a crucial first step in the wedding planning process. Here's how to decide on the best time of the year to get married.

Image of a table with flowers and two place settings with two pink satin curtains hanging behind

Wedding planning 101

What Is a Bridal Shower? Definition & How to Throw One

Find out what a bridal shower is, its purpose and traditions, and how to make this pre-wedding celebration truly special for the couple.

Bride in white robe holding hands up in the air with bridesmaids in blue robes, all facing the water

Wedding planning 101

30 Bridesmaid Proposal Ideas: Gifts and Fun Ways to Ask

Plan the perfect bridesmaid proposal with these creative party ideas and 20 proposal gift box ideas.

Couple smiling and laughing as they run through a line of guests with their arms up in the air celebrating

Wedding planning 101

Unplugged Wedding: How & Why to Ban Phones at a Ceremony

Unplugged weddings are gaining steam, but it's certainly not for everyone. Here are some good reasons to ban phones at your wedding—plus, how to tell guests the news.

Groom holding two glasses of sparkling cider with bride in background for a dry wedding

Wedding planning 101

How to Plan a Dry Wedding + Tips

Planning a dry wedding might seem challenging—but it doesn't have to be! Expert wedding planners share their tips for planning a fun, memorable, alcohol-free wedding.

Wedding planning 101

Who Do You Invite to A Small Wedding?

Many couples want a smaller wedding, but find it hard to keep the guest list small. Here are some thoughts and guidelines about whom to invite to a small wedding.

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Find even more wedding ideas, inspo, tips, and tricks

We’ve got wedding planning advice on everything from save the dates to wedding cakes.

\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n ","subtopicPage":{"articles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"november-wedding-heres-everything-you-need-to-know","title":"November Wedding? Here’s Everything You Need to Know","excerpt":"Thinking about picking a date in November for your wedding? Here's all you need to fall in love with this magical month.","author":"Alexis Ferguson","publishedAt":"2021-09-30T18:36:26.602Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1GJNkuyWC2bgYZClHx0ORu/c2efe89a5f2e50ade46c85dd2cef1953/Hero_CozyFallFeteinPennsylvania_EarthmarkPhotography.jpg","altText":"November Wedding? Here’s Everything You Need to Know"},"heroCredit":"Earthmark Photography","body":"November kicks off the holiday season for many, making it an ideal month to gather loved ones together to celebrate a wedding. From the beauty of the shifting seasons to the anticipation of a new year around the corner, there’s so much this month brings to the table for those tying the knot. \n\nHere’s everything you should keep in mind for a November wedding. \n\n## The Basics\n#### History and Culture\nThere’s a reason why we think of family and feasts when November rolls around. \n\n- Historically November has always signaled the time for families to store the last of the autumn harvest in preparation for the approaching winter. \n- Early November marks the end of Daylight saving time in most regions, ushering in shorter days and longer nights that make up the holiday season. \n- According to a widespread [list of wedding superstition prose](https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/choosing-the-date/), having a November wedding can be a sign of good fortune within your marriage.\n\n## Ideas and Inspiration\n#### What’s In-Season\nThe rich [foods](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-food-ideas) and [florals](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-seasonal-guide-to-wedding-flowers) of autumn are perfect for bringing the best to the table at your wedding. \n\n- Hearty foods like squash, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes are great for making delicious soups and side dishes.\n- Brighten up your spreads by adding the sweet-tart flavors of apples, cranberries, or pomegranates to salads or desserts. These fruits also make for great decor and can double as edible wedding favors. \n- Flowers like chrysanthemum, marigold, aster, and jasmine are in season and stun along with other fall hues. Add earthy elements like feathers, twigs, or even dried floral buttons to make [unique arrangements and bouquets](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-included-in-a-wedding-flower-package). \n\n#### Weather\nWith the weather finally giving way to the chillier side of fall, be prepared for lower temperatures, sporadic rainstorms, and even the first signs of snowfall. \n\n- The average temperatures within most major cities during November land between the 50s and 60s during the daytime and can fall into the 20s during nighttime. \n- Weddings taking place in more Northern regions run the chance of catching an early snowfall compared to more southern states such as Florida and Arizona that may still experience some sunny days.\n- This month marks the end of the hurricane season (November 30) for locations along the Atlantic but prepare for more mist-filled, cloudy days across all coasts as the year-end weather settles in. \n\nNow more than ever is the time to stay locked into your weather forecast and remain up-to-date with both your vendors and your guests about [changes to your wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-update-guests-about-changes-to-your-wedding) and backup plans. \n\n#### Holidays\nNovember marks the beginning of the holiday season and the excitement in the air is there to show for it. Your wedding deserves the same energy, of course, so navigate these popular holidays if you’d like the main focus to be on your big day. \n\n- All Saints’ Day\n- Diwali\n- Veterans Day (U.S.), Remembrance Day (Canada)\n- Thanksgiving Day (U.S.)\n- First Sunday of Advent\n\n#### Theme Ideas\nNovember is home to some of the most [romantic and whimsical wedding themes](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/outdoor-wedding-ideas-for-fall) seen throughout the year. \n\n- Make the most of the fall foliage by hosting a rustic outdoor wedding filled with string lights, gourds, and chalkboards galore. \n- Channel your inner maximalist with a festival-style ceremony featuring bold colors, mismatched textiles, and even potential tarot readings. \n- Nothing says “cozy” like a warm banquet hall or a local auditorium ready to host your affair. A celestial theme is a great way to enjoy an event under the stars indoors. \n\n#### Clothing Idea\nThe cool and cloudy days are here to stay, so bring the heat when you dress for your November wedding. \n\n- Sweaters and jackets are a must. Be sure you and your guests keep comfort in mind when planning your wedding attire.\n- If you’re not in the mood for cover-ups, a long-sleeved velvet number is also an elegant option. The same goes for fabrics like gabardine or brocade that can be equally stunning.\n- __Color tip:__ With November bringing autumn to a close, the month is a free-for-all for warm colors. [Make the most of those earthy tones](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-color-schemes-perfect-for-fall) while there’s still time.\n\n## Zola Facts\nWanting to know how other couples are celebrating their November weddings? Here are some fun facts from Zola about weddings this time of year.\n\n### Couples’ Favorite November Wedding Invites + Paper Designs\nNovember’s most popular Invites + Paper designs on Zola are best for sending you and your guests warm fall vibes.\n\n- [Octavia Suite](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/22b13c6e-1a13-4a78-96c8-f5d9d5cde78c)- This painterly design features baroque florals and solid background, perfect for highlighting your wedding details.\n- [Violin Suite](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/897d0d4a-2c72-4201-b1d7-e71451f6b309)- This classic design features dramatic script calligraphy over your own custom photo.\n- [Galata Suite](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/a2c6d5e6-ecb2-4ec3-acd1-1d8418482bbc)- This botanical design features leafy eucalyptus garlands that frame your wedding details gorgeously.\n\n### Average Guest Count for November Weddings\nThe average number of wedding guests on the guestlist for a November wedding is __137__.\n\n### Popular Registry Adds for November Weddings\nCouples getting married in November have these top three must-adds on their wedding registries:\n\n- [Fete Cloth Napkin](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/crate-and-barrel-fete-cloth-napkin-grey)\n- [Peak Double Old-Fashioned Glass](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/orrefors_peak_double_old_fashioned_glass_set4)\n- [Mercer Dinner Plate](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/crate-and-barrel-mercer-dinner-plate-white)\n\n## Things to Consider\n#### Popularity\nThough November may not be the busiest month in terms of weddings, it sure is packed with preparations for year-end festivities.\n\n- Plans to visit family and friends are often set in stone this time of year, so be sure to get your wedding on calendars early once you know when you’ll be celebrating.\n- If you’re looking to make your wedding super memorable, November is an ideal choice. Fewer weddings happening means all the more time to gush over your nuptials at the next family gathering.\n\n#### Cost\nTake advantage of the fact that November tends to be less expensive than the more popular autumn months. \n\n- Venues and vendors may be advertising lower prices the match the lower demand.\n- November weddings may be more budget-friendly, but keep in mind you may run into extra costs putting precautions in place for unforeseen weather changes. \n\n[Choosing your wedding month](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/choosing-your-wedding-month) is often one of the first steps you take when wedding planning. If possible, be sure to weigh all your options before picking your official wedding date. If after taking things weather, wedding themes, and budgets into consideration you’re ready to lock in a date, drop it into your [Wedding Planning Checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist), and start the countdown.\n","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Seeking hair inspiration for your wedding day? With DIY tips from expert stylists, check out 50 diverse wedding hairstyles for every hair length, shape, and texture.","title":"50 Wedding Hairstyles for All Hair Types","slug":"wedding-hairstyles","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2f9iW5rW6QbHvSLgfTrzC2/4c2cc54d348e9806b17a283139d2fa01/wedding-hairstyles-hero.jpg","altText":"bride adding a flower to her hair"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Having a fall wedding? Decorate with colors that compliment this time of year. Check out these color schemes!","title":"Fall Wedding Colors: How to Create the Perfect Autumn Palette","slug":"wedding-color-schemes-perfect-for-fall","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/YdG6ohNzrqVj28MtdNQCA/154c70aae66d828d9485071cde4a21ea/OUTDOOR_WEDDING_IDEAS_FOR_FALL.jpg","altText":"Bride and groom in a field, bride with flowers, groom hugging her and holding her up as she laughs"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Finding the perfect wedding venue can be a challenge. We outlined a few popular types of wedding venues to help you find one that's right for you.","title":"Most Popular Types of Wedding Venues","slug":"which-type-of-wedding-venue-is-right-for-you","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Venues","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3mtdq2vFMU7TZgw8uLy33P/0dc5a9f61771d50959e4f2cf9f353d03/4009290.jpg","altText":"types of wedding venues"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Incorporating seasonal flowers into your wedding day gets you the best quality blooms for a lower price tag. This guide can help you save big on your floral budget, no matter what time of year you plan to tie the knot.","title":"The Complete Guide of Wedding Flowers by Season","slug":"a-seasonal-guide-to-wedding-flowers","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Wedding Style","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5xWU76Ld4DvkYZTbo1JoHw/9cbdf01861b4483240518f51bda3636c/A-Seasonal-Guide-to-Wedding-Flowers_CassieValentePhotography.jpg","altText":"A Seasonal Guide to Wedding Flowers"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"Whether you’ve already decided on an October wedding date or are eyeing the month, we go over all of your need-to-knows.","title":"October Wedding? Here’s Everything You Need to Know","slug":"october-wedding-heres-everything-you-need-to-know","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4eVANBbDPuVg6NBzuhWMLu/acec7674e1c367e2fd165f2cbac16286/Hero_BlackTieFallWeddingatNoahs_ZachCaddyPhotography.jpg","altText":"October Wedding? Here’s Everything You Need to Know"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"If sending wedding announcement cards is in your future, check out our beginner’s guide full of tips, tricks, and etiquette.","title":"A Beginner's Guide to Wedding Announcements","slug":"a-beginners-guide-to-wedding-announcements","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How To","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1ivsfUGHXO86lH1buVl9j0/a29ff815ecd8b9fa37720115c9412411/Hero_Zola.jpg","altText":"A Beginner's Guide to Wedding Announcements"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"The engagement proposal was a success. The wedding journey is set in motion. First major step? Booking the venue. Learn about when to book a wedding venue.","title":"When Should I Book My Wedding Venue?","slug":"when-should-i-book-my-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/42xNnIevb3xmNNdG0cgeIe/4359016303bd3d7593ab78c0ee5dde18/Hero_Zola.jpg","altText":"When Should I Book My Wedding Venue?"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This destination wedding checklist is the #1 resource you’ll need to plan your exotic celebration. Discover how to choose a destination wedding location, what to look for in a wedding venue, how to work with local vendors, and more. ","title":"The Ultimate Destination Wedding Checklist for Couples ","slug":"destination-wedding-checklist","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3toKO8mosdYYYCNj3RBwZa/abd02e1874df85dba4bddc0b5324d0c8/The-Ultimate-Destination-Wedding-Checklist-for-Couples.jpg","altText":"Zola"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-10-31T17:03:54.589Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"planning-an-elopement","title":"Planning an Elopement: A Comprehensive Guide for the Perfect Getaway","excerpt":"A step-by-step guide on how to elope. We cover everything from choosing your witness to picking the location, so you don’t have to stress about a thing.\n","author":"Jennifer Prince","publishedAt":"2024-09-29T01:00-04:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1XKGRcUJjrybTv0gazHVG8/8e14e8474b3e794fad547ae117f11cad/Hero_HeartfeltHawaiiBeachElopement_CreatrixPhotography.jpg","altText":"Bride kissing groom on the cheek where the groom has a leaf garland around his neck"},"heroCredit":"Creatrix Photography","tldr":"__Inside this article:__\n- What is an elopement?\n- Why choose to elope? \n- Key steps to planning your elopement\n- Planning your elopement: a step-by-step guide\n- How to create a feasible budget for your elopement\n- FAQ about eloping","body":"__TLDR__\n- Eloping can be close to home or far away as long as you choose a location that speaks to the two of you.\n- Set a budget, choose a location, and also research any legal requirements in your destination.\n- Include family and friends virtually, have a small guest list, or celebrate post-elopement with loved ones at home.\n\nConsidering [an elopement](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/eloping-wedding-registry)? Perfect! It’s an exciting and intimate way to celebrate your love in a different place. Whether you're dreaming of a secluded beach ceremony or a mountaintop micro wedding, eloping creates a wedding day that's truly your own. Ready to begin? Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect elopement.\n\n## What is an elopement? \nTraditionally, eloping meant running away to get married in secret. However, nowadays, the definition has evolved to encompass intimate weddings with a low guest count, often in a picturesque or meaningful location. Elopements also allow couples to focus on what matters most - their commitment to each other. Another plus is that you won’t have the stress and expense of a large traditional wedding.\n\nKey characteristics of modern elopements include:\n- Intimate ceremony with few or no guests\n- Focus on the couple's preferences\n- Often held in destination locations\n- More flexibility in planning\n- Can be more budget-friendly than traditional weddings\n\n## Why choose to elope? \nThere are many reasons couples opt for elopements over traditional weddings:\n\n- __Intimacy:__ Elopements allow couples to fully focus on each other without distractions.\n- __Lower stress:__ With fewer logistics, the planning process can be more enjoyable.\n- __Budget-friendly:__ Elopements are often less expensive than large weddings.\n- __Flexibility:__ Couples have more freedom to customize their special day.\n- __Adventure:__ Elopements can incorporate unique experiences (and travel!).\n\nIf any or all of the reasons above appeal to you, it may be time to elope—or at least to consider it.\n\n## Key steps to planning your elopement \nDepending on the amount of effort you put into your elopement—of course, there’s a big difference between whisking off to a Las Vegas wedding chapel and having a [micro wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/micro-weddings) with guests—there are several elements to consider. \n\n### Choosing your elopement location\nOne of the most exciting aspects of planning an elopement is choosing a location. Whether you envision saying \"I do\" on a tropical beach, in a charming European village, or atop a majestic mountain, the possibilities are endless. \n\nHere are factors you should consider when choosing your elopement destination:\n- Atmosphere\n- Accessibility and travel requirements\n- Climate\n- Legal requirements for getting married\n- Costs associated with the location\n\nLooking for popular [elopement destinations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/destination-wedding-website-help-your-guests-prepare-for-your-wedding)? Depending on the type of wedding you and your partner want, here are a few that rank high.\n\n- __Beaches__ - Bali, Hawaii, Maldives\n- __Mountains__ - Colorado Rockies, Swiss Alps, New Zealand\n- __Cities__ - Paris, New York, Las Vegas\n- __National Parks__ - Yosemite, Banff, Glacier\n\nOnce you've narrowed down your options, research specific venues within your destination. Many locations offer elopement packages (with planners!) that can simplify the planning process.\n\n![Elopement Photographer](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3hyrhjlCbhM3ryEVwPDHYb/27394c29b679af4556f80ab8248686e6/Hero_SpringElopementinNewYork_KonradBrattkePhotography.jpg)\n\n### Setting a date and budget\nOnce you pick your location, you can pick a date and set your elopement budget. Here’s what you need to consider: \n- Ideal weather at your chosen location\n- Any significant dates for you as a couple\n- Travel costs and peak seasons\n- Availability of key vendors\n\nWhile elopements are often more affordable than traditional weddings, costs can still add up. Create a detailed budget that includes:\n- Travel\n- Accommodations\n- Ceremony costs (venue fees, officiant, marriage license)\n- Attire\n- Wedding rings\n- Photography and videography\n- Flowers and other decorations\n- Post-elopement celebration (if desired)\n\nUsing a [budgeting tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget?pkey=googlesem_desktop_brandexact_np_wedding) like the one offered by Zola can help you track expenses and stay on target. Don’t forget to build in a buffer for unexpected costs.\n\n### Navigating legal requirements\nOne crucial aspect of planning an elopement is understanding the legal requirements. Research the following for your [wedding destination](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-much-do-wedding-planners-charge-for-destination-weddings) (even if you’re getting married close to home):\n- Marriage license requirements and waiting periods\n- Residency requirements (if any)\n- Necessary documentation (birth certificates, passports, etc.)\n- Officiant requirements\n- Witness requirements (some locations require witnesses, even for elopements)\n\nIf you're eloping internationally, you may need to consider:\n- Passport and visa requirements\n- Whether your marriage will be legally recognized in your home country\n- Potential need for translation services\n\nIt's advisable to consult with a local wedding planner or the relevant government offices to ensure you have all the necessary information and documentation for a legally binding ceremony. If legalizing your union is prohibitive, you can get married at home and have a symbolic ceremony in your destination of choice.\n\n## Planning your elopement: a step-by-step guide \nWhile elopements are often seen as spontaneous affairs, a little preparation ensures your special day is everything you've dreamed of.\n\n### 1. Choose a location that suits you as a couple.\nElopements offer the freedom to choose virtually any location that speaks to you as a couple, no matter where you choose to go.\nWhen considering potential locations, keep these factors in mind:\n- __Accessibility:__ How easy is it to reach the location? Will you need special transportation or permits?\n- __Weather:__ Research typical weather patterns for your chosen date to avoid any unpleasant surprises.\n- __Legal requirements:__ Ensure you understand the marriage requirements for your chosen destination.\n- __Privacy:__ If seclusion is crucial to you, look for locations that offer an intimate setting.\n- __Scenery:__ Consider what kind of backdrop you want for your photos.\n\nYour elopement location should reflect your personality and relationship. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and choose a place that resonates with you both.\n\n### 2. Research the legal considerations (and do the paperwork.)\nWhile the idea of spontaneously eloping might sound romantic, it's crucial to ensure your marriage is legally recognized. Legal requirements can vary significantly from place to place, so doing your research well in advance is essential.\n\n![Zola Destination Wedding](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2HU5njR20OjGAAOeK2y0Qe/36f3b6e1745c62289e5cde7ce472a192/HERO_MirSalgadoPhotography_1080x720_Kerry_Brittany.jpg)\n\nHere's a general checklist of legal considerations to keep in mind:\n- __Marriage license:__ Obtain the necessary license from the appropriate local authority.\n- __Waiting periods:__ Some locations require a waiting period between obtaining the license and the ceremony.\n- __Officiant requirements:__ Ensure your chosen officiant is legally authorized to perform marriages in your selected location.\n- __Witnesses:__ Determine if witnesses are required and how many.\n- __Documentation:__ Bring all necessary identification and documents, such as birth certificates or passports.\n- __Name changes:__ If either partner plans to change their name, research the process for your location.\n\nKeep in mind that requirements can change. Always double-check with the local authorities or consider hiring a local wedding planner familiar with the legalities of your [chosen destination](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/destination-wedding-checklist). To help you navigate the legal landscape, here's a comparison of marriage requirements in some popular elopement destinations:\n\n- __Las Vegas, NV__ - no waiting period, no witnesses, no residency requirement\n- __Hawaii__ - no waiting period, one witness, no residency requirement\n- __New York City__ - 24-hour waiting period, one witness, no residency requirement\n- __Scotland__ - 29-day waiting period, two witnesses, no residency requirement\n- __Bali, Indonesia__ - 10-day waiting period, two witnesses, no residency requirement\n\n### 3. Create a timeline for your elopement. \nHaving a loose [timeline](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-reception-timeline) can help ensure you don't miss out on any special moments. Your elopement day is about celebrating your love, so allocate time for the experiences that matter most to you.\n\nHere's a sample timeline for a sunrise elopement:\n- 4:00 AM - Wake up and start getting ready\n- 5:30 AM - First look and couple portraits\n- 6:30 AM - Hike or travel to ceremony location\n- 7:00 AM - Ceremony begins as the sun rises\n- 7:30 AM - Post-ceremony portraits\n- 9:00 AM - Celebratory breakfast or brunch\n- 11:00 AM - Adventure activities or relaxation time\n- 6:00 PM - Sunset dinner to cap off the day\n\nThis is just an example. Your timeline should reflect your preferences and the logistics of your location. The beauty of eloping is flexibility!\n\n### 4. Personalize your ceremony.\nOne of the greatest advantages of eloping is the freedom to build your ceremony. You can infuse your ceremony with personal touches without the pressure of adhering to traditional wedding norms.\n\nThere are no rules when it comes to personalizing your elopement. You have the freedom to be creative and incorporate whatever elements you wish. Consider these ideas to personalize your elopement ceremony:\n- __Write your vows:__ Take the time to express your love and commitment in [your own words](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-write-wedding-vows).\n- __Incorporate meaningful rituals:__ Whether it's a handfasting ceremony, a unity candle lighting, or a tradition from your cultural background, include rituals that resonate with you.\n- __Choose significant music:__ Select songs that hold special meaning.\n- __Include loved ones virtually:__ If it’s just the two of you, consider ways to involve family and friends from afar, such as live-streaming the ceremony.\n- __Exchange personal gifts:__ Surprise each other with small, meaningful gifts before or after the ceremony.\n- __Create a time capsule:__ Write letters to each other to be opened on a future anniversary.\n\n### 5. Capture the moment through photos and video.\nWhile elopements are intimate affairs, many couples still want to document their special day. Investing in quality photography and videography can help relive your elopement and share the experience with loved ones who couldn't be there.\n\nWhen choosing a photographer or videographer for your elopement, consider these factors:\n- __Style:__ Look for professionals whose aesthetic aligns with your vision for the day.\n- __Experience:__ Opt for someone familiar with elopements and your chosen location.\n- __Packages:__ Ensure their offerings match your needs, whether that's a few hours of coverage or a full-day adventure.\n- __Personality:__ You'll spend a significant portion of your day with this person, so make sure you click.\n\nTo make the most of your [elopement photography](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-photographers), consider these tips:\n- Schedule ample time for portraits in various locations\n- Discuss must-have shots with your photographer in advance\n- Consider a \"first look\" moment before the ceremony\n- Don't forget to capture the small details, like your rings or special heirlooms\n- If possible, plan your ceremony around the best lighting conditions\n\n### 6. Celebrate after your elopement ceremony. \nIt’s still appropriate to celebrate with friends and family after you elope. Many couples have a [post-elopement celebration](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-to-write-on-an-elopement-invitation) immediately after the ceremony or upon returning home.\n\nHere are some ideas for post-elopement celebrations:\n- __Intimate dinner:__ Enjoy a romantic meal at a special restaurant or have a private chef prepare dinner at your accommodation.\n- __Adventure activities:__ To cap off your day, plan exciting activities like hiking, snorkeling, or hot air ballooning.\n- __Reception with loved ones:__ Host a casual gathering or formal reception with family and friends after you return.\n- __Announcement party:__ Throw a party to announce your marriage.\n- __Symbolic ceremony:__ Have a symbolic ceremony or vow renewal with family and friends present.\n\n![wedding-trends-2023-hero](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5ZT4qgmx6msM9g3S7bhqju/d4ed5a390b250c5297925d568261926b/wedding-trends-2023-hero.jpg)\n\n## How to create a feasible budget for your elopement \nLike any event, creating and sticking to a budget is essential. Here's a breakdown of potential costs to consider when planning your elopement. These are rough estimates and can vary significantly depending on your location and choices.\n- Travel and Accommodation: $1,000 - $5,000+\n- Attire and Accessories: $500 - $3,000+\n- Photography/Videography: $1,500 - $5,000+\n- Officiant: $200 - $1,000\n- Flowers and Decor: $200 - $1,000\n- Rings: $500 - $5,000+\n- Marriage License: $50 - $200\n- Post-Ceremony Celebration: $500 - $3,000+\n\n## FAQ about eloping \n__Q:__ Is eloping legal?\n__A:__ Yes, eloping is legal as long as you follow the marriage laws of your chosen location.\n\n__Q:__ Do we need witnesses to elope?\n__A:__ This depends on where you’re getting married. Some places require witnesses, while others don't.\n\n__Q:__ Can we still have a wedding party if we elope?\n__A:__ Absolutely! Many couples choose to include a small wedding party in their elopement.\n\n__Q:__ How do we announce our elopement to family and friends?\n__A:__ You can send out elopement announcements, host a post-elopement celebration, or share your news personally with loved ones.\n\n__Q:__ Can we elope now and have a traditional wedding later?\n__A:__ Yes, many couples choose to have a symbolic ceremony or reception with family and friends after eloping.\n\n## Embrace your love story\nRemember, your elopement is a reflection of your unique love story. No matter where you roam, what matters most is that you're celebrating your commitment to each other in an authentic way.\n\nAs you embark on this exciting journey, don't hesitate to contact elopement specialists or experienced vendors who can guide you. Your perfect elopement awaits – it's time to start planning your adventure!\n\n- [National Park Service](https://www.nps.gov/index.htm), information on eloping in US National Parks\n- [Lonely Planet](https://www.lonelyplanet.com/), travel guides for destination elopements\n- [Zola](https://www.zola.com/), wedding planning tools and registry","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Want a stylish city hall wedding but have no idea where to start? Use our list of 24 intimate wedding ideas to make this special day truly special. ","title":"24 City Hall Wedding Ideas for Your Perfect Day ","slug":"city-hall-wedding-ideas","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4lQsmAcUtS9ER3TUr8xC8e/67e5244b4560f69fa8ced11718c1f313/Hero_IntimateWeddingatSanFranciscoCityHall_NightingalePhotography.jpg","altText":"Zola "},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Eloping is a wonderful and intimate way to celebrate your love and get married. If you're wondering if you can still make a registry, read on. Here's all the etiquette advice around registries and elopements.","title":"We're Eloping—Can We Still Make a Wedding Registry?","slug":"eloping-wedding-registry","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/63i6foRl9WIcdhWv5RYPeO/7c57e5fbfd2e6ffad648c227708598fd/HERO_AmberRobinsosn_1080x720_Alicia_Monique.jpg","altText":"couple eloping "},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Zola is here to help you navigate potential pre-wedding fights so that you can stop others from taking over your wedding planning. ","title":"How to Stop Others from Taking Over Your Wedding Planning","slug":"how-to-stop-others-from-taking-over-your-wedding-planning","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2ZRGvm2yDPIcVn75qEujQY/c160645582f58754297fbed06cde86e0/05.jpeg","altText":"Stop Others from Taking Over Your Wedding Planning"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Whether you’re saying “I do” in California or the South of France, our experts explain how to cut destination wedding costs big and small.","title":"Destination Wedding Cost + Tips to Cut Costs","slug":"cut-destination-wedding-costs","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2HU5njR20OjGAAOeK2y0Qe/36f3b6e1745c62289e5cde7ce472a192/HERO_MirSalgadoPhotography_1080x720_Kerry_Brittany.jpg","altText":"Couple walking hand in hand through a sandy path at a beachside destination wedding"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"Green weddings are celebrations that focus on sustainability. Learn how you can easily throw an eco-friendly ceremony and reception with these decor, food, and fashion tips. ","title":"30 Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas for a Sustainable And Low-Cost Celebration","slug":"eco-friendly-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Wedding Day","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3SubP5X2NcyLgjifFfpl24/1199dd25676e1447076f5ea52649d9d4/nikki-gibson-UQl_-yabQiA-unsplash.jpg","altText":"Zola"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Weddings are fun, but planning them can be stressful. Here are practical ways to deal with wedding planning stress.","title":"5 Effective Ways to Fight Wedding Planning Stress","slug":"ways-to-fight-wedding-planning-stress","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3GTsIw6vsfY9q3xaj694Zo/8aefec865bd9f374f61f1f476876b440/Zola_HeroImage_1080x720__1_.jpg","altText":"woman using zola for wedding planning stress"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Need to cut wedding costs? Here are five ways to do so that you might not have thought about. Read up, and get ready to spend smart!","title":"29 Ways to Cut Wedding Costs","slug":"5-ways-cut-wedding-costs","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Budgeting","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4XUtTaJVTcHtvYZbB5mOWW/9543c7efa84e5c6a4d1d3b58ea0da85a/amy-peppercorn-photography.jpg","altText":"Bride and groom sitting side by side outdoors in wedding attire as the sun sets"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-10-01T12:27:43.526Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"september-wedding-heres-everything-you-need-to-know","title":"September Wedding? Here's Everything You Need to Know","excerpt":"Having your wedding in September? We go through the bases and every need-to-know detail about getting married that month.","author":"McCall Minnor","publishedAt":"2021-05-26T07:47:44.254Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2RFJbvE6tKBL7XxeCusgpZ/93e0641568ccddf4263d7e16f7931009/Hero_ModernFallWeddingatMeadowWoodManor_TheFoxandTheHarePhotography.jpg","altText":"September Wedding? Here's Everything You Need to Know"},"heroCredit":"The Fox and The Hare Photography","tldr":"## The First Look ✨ \n\n- One of the most popular months to get married, September boasts cooler weather, beautiful scenery, and an inspiring changing of the seasons.\n- The month has plenty to offer in terms of climate, themes, and venues, most contingent on your ceremony’s location.\n- A handful of holidays do take place throughout, so double check the dates to avoid any scheduling conflicts.\n- Book early and budget wisely—vendors are likely to raise their prices and get fully booked fast this month.","body":"It comes as no surprise that September is one of the most popular months to have a wedding. Ushering in the autumn season, September weddings enjoy the perks of cooler weather and gorgeous scenery, while also just avoiding the summer crowds. Across the board, it’s an ideal month to get married. But, like every other month, it comes with need-to-knows. Read on as we cover all of the bases.\n\n## The Basics\n### History and Culture\n\n- September’s popularity is a thing of relatively recent history, falling just behind June, another notably popular wedding month.\n- According to a widespread [list of wedding superstition prose](https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/choosing-the-date/ \"https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/choosing-the-date/\"), September weddings suggest serenity and good fortune for the engaged couple.\n\n## Ideas and Inspiration \n\n### What’s In-Season\nWith the turning of the seasons, this month has plenty to offer in terms of in-season [food](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/when-to-book-a-wedding-caterer \"https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/when-to-book-a-wedding-caterer\") and [florals](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-seasonal-guide-to-wedding-flowers).\n\n- Plenty of delicious fruits and vegetables are in season throughout the month. Bring the tastes of the season to your courses or buffet by including broccoli, carrots, and kale in salads, potatoes and pumpkins in sides, and apples or pears in desserts. \n- As for flowers, stunning in-season buds include marigolds, \nchrysanthemums, calla lilies, and roses.\n\n### Weather\n\nWhile summer brings the heat, September welcomes more mellow temperatures and crisp, clear days. That being said, the weather varies based on location and can be a little tricky.\n\n- For most locations, this month will still feel like summertime, with coastal hotspots like Los Angeles and New York experiencing warm days that gradually turn into cooler nights.\n- In more northern states like Maine and Colorado you can expect the temperature to drop more quickly, with rich fall colors painting landscapes as early as the middle of the month.\n- September is also the peak of hurricane season. Because of this, there’s a bigger chance of wind and rain in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific. Those flying into the East Coast—especially southern states like Florida—risk delayed flights due to storms.\n\nLeading up to your wedding, stay on top of your date’s weather forecast, provide weather tips to guests via your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website), and always have a backup plan.\n\n### Holidays \n\nMany major holidays take us through the latter half of the year, with September alone having its fair share of observances, religious holidays, and celebrations. Double check these dates before [setting your own](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/choosing-your-wedding-month) to best avoid any scheduling conflicts.\n\n- September 6: Labor Day\n- September 6-7: Ganesh Chaturthi\n- September 11: Patriot Day\n- September 16: Mexican Independence Day\n- September 17: Harvest Moon Festival\n\nHosting your wedding on a holiday weekend is up to you, but generally it’s good to avoid them because of the crowds. If you’ve decided to take advantage of a long weekend anyway, book your vendors well ahead of time.\n\n### Theme Ideas \n\nPerhaps the biggest pro to having a September wedding is celebrating as summer shifts into autumn. Depending on your style, there’s a wide variety of scenery, weather, and themes for you to lean into.\n\n- Take advantage of beautiful seasonal scenery or nice weather and hold your ceremony and reception in an outdoor venue—like the beach, an expansive ranch, or picturesque mountainside.\n- Create a rustic, outdoor feel without braving colder climates by cozying up inside a barn, farmhouse, or cabin.\n- For the best of both, select a venue that can transition from indoor to outdoor or vice-versa, like an upscale restaurant with a deck and a view.\n- All for bells and whistles? Book a large estate surrounded by fall foliage to serve as your venue and accommodations.\n\n### Clothing Ideas\n\nHow you should dress for a September wedding largely depends on your location’s scenery and weather. Become familiar with the temperatures this time of year, and keep an eye on the forecast to inform what you should wear.\n\n- For warmer locales, opt for suits and dresses in lightweight fabrics like silk, organza, and linen.\n- For chillier spots, seek out heavier, elegant fabrics like brocade and silk mikado for dresses and gabardine for suits. Velvet works as a beautiful option for both.\n- Two things should primarily inform your color choices: formality and setting. Rich jewel tones are in season—sapphire being the month’s birthstone—and especially [complement the changing scenery](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-to-wear-to-a-formal-wedding-in-the-mountains \"https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-to-wear-to-a-formal-wedding-in-the-mountains\").\n\n## Zola Facts\n\nWondering how other couples are going about their September weddings? Here are some fun facts from Zola about weddings this month. \n\n### Couples’ Favorite September Wedding Invites + Paper Designs\n\nSeptember’s most popular Invites + Paper designs on Zola are great for gearing you and your guests up for your fall celebartion.\n\n- [Riverside Suite](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/364d592a-67e7-4ef8-aed0-63a732e0e710)- This timeless design features whimsical handwritten script that accents your custom photo.\n- [Violin Suite](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/897d0d4a-2c72-4201-b1d7-e71451f6b309)- This classic design features dramatic script calligraphy over your own custom photo.\n- [Bonnie Suite](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/2b29aa5a-01be-40dc-8000-ac99234d8c71)- This botanical design features leafy eucalyptus garlands that frame your wedding details gorgeously.\n\n### Average Guest Count for September Weddings\n\nThe average number of wedding guests on the guets list for September weddings is __125__.\n\n### Popular Registry Adds for September Weddings\n\nCouples getting married in September have these top three favorites added to their wedding registries:\n\n- [Mercer Dinner Plate](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/crate-and-barrel-mercer-dinner-plate)\n- [Marin Cereal Bowl](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/crate-and-barrel-marin-cereal-bowl-matte-black)\n- [Marin Dinner Plate](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/crate-and-barrel-marin-dinner-plate-white) \n\n## Things to Consider \n\n### Popularity\n\nFor the last several years, September has ranked among the top five most popular months to host a wedding. Alongside it are May, June, August, and October.\n\n- If your wedding is taking place in a trendy autumn location, bear in mind that the area may be crowded. \n- That being said, consider planning things on the earlier side. This ensures that you’ll secure the [venue and vendors](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors \"https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors\") you want before they’re fully booked for the month.\n\n### Cost\n\nBecause a September wedding date is so desirable, it’s likely that vendors will raise their prices. This often happens in popular cities throughout wedding season, which is late spring to early fall.\n\n- Have this expectation when reaching out to vendors, especially if your desired location is trendy or popular.\n- When [creating a budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget \"https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget\"), prioritize your must-haves and decide what can get cut or adjusted if need be.\n\nWith a high likelihood for great weather and even greater views, it’s clear why September is a coveted month for weddings. When planning your September celebration, remember these key takeaways: book early, budget wisely, and take inspiration from the changing of the seasons. And most importantly, remember to breathe and enjoy the process.","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_WebsiteQuiz"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Get inspired by the stunning beauty of autumn and these unique fall wedding ideas, from velvet touches to illuminated aisles…","title":"48 Fall Wedding Ideas for a Breathtaking Autumn Day","slug":"fall-wedding-ideas","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Wedding Style","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3EcMJRTctwGD8wihe3sZkt/e1aaffb4ab68240dff3a8fac3219367b/EAHero_48FallWeddingIdeas.jpg","altText":"A bride and groom exchanging vows under a wooden arch outdoors in the fall."},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Choosing your wedding month and date is a crucial first step in the wedding planning process. Here's how to decide on the best time of the year to get married. ","title":"How to Choose The Best Wedding Month ","slug":"choosing-your-wedding-month","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Getting Started","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/71pkqiAypqFZ7CL8KRWGIr/4f34666823e73a80647f762866ec1bd0/Hero_New_Unsplash.jpg","altText":"best month for wedding"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"How does one go about choosing a wedding venue? Here's the rundown on one of the first tasks you’ll need to accomplish after saying “yes!”","title":"10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Dzm0QohK8uai2YouWoMUg/f7db6c6feb0fe4c3d27f9f2a914572ad/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-choose-venue.jpg","altText":"Bridge and groom in front of the church"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Need to know what to look for when shopping for fall wedding bridesmaid dresses? Check out our comprehensive guide today!\n","title":"What to Look For in Fall Bridesmaid Dresses","slug":"what-to-look-in-fall-bridesmaid-dresses","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/76X8slH4DGhTUpm5AqiFID/5d03ebe1a495418fbab9438778b1900a/wedding-photography-cWBVCP1mlYI-unsplash.jpg","altText":"Fall Bridesmaid Dresses"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"Knowing how to choose a wedding florist is the first step in having gorgeous florals for your big day. Let us walk you through picking the right florist for your wedding.","title":"How to Choose a Wedding Florist in 5 Steps","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-florist-everything-you-need-to-know","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7hmllIWhU2QJiZlouGsNk6/b45b3ee39d9fe0b7ed6941551afa2b19/Hero_Zola.jpg","altText":"How to Choose a Wedding Florist: Everything You Need to Know"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Fall wedding flowers come in all shapes and sizes for you to incorporate into your wedding. Here's your complete guide.","title":"30 Beautiful Flowers for A Fall Wedding","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-about-fall-wedding-flowers","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5aXzumGVUXNf8dqB3KijKV/7734a438316cd9483e719f28ed7cc8f0/Hero_RomanticFallCeremonyatStIgnatiusLoyolaandReceptionatNewYorkAthleticClub_DreamlifePhotoandVideo.jpg","altText":"Everything You Need to Know About Fall Wedding Flowers"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Incorporating seasonal flowers into your wedding day gets you the best quality blooms for a lower price tag. This guide can help you save big on your floral budget, no matter what time of year you plan to tie the knot.","title":"The Complete Guide of Wedding Flowers by Season","slug":"a-seasonal-guide-to-wedding-flowers","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Wedding Style","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5xWU76Ld4DvkYZTbo1JoHw/9cbdf01861b4483240518f51bda3636c/A-Seasonal-Guide-to-Wedding-Flowers_CassieValentePhotography.jpg","altText":"A Seasonal Guide to Wedding Flowers"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Looking for wedding themes to suit your personality and style? Zola has you covered with 75 of the best wedding theme ideas from classic to artsy to seriously unique.","title":"75 Wedding Themes to Inspire Every Type of Couple","slug":"wedding-themes","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Wedding Style","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3HoNcgvHL38H89n8156o1/1017eb099f8518bbd5457c495a5e4753/73_Wedding_Themes_to_Inspire.jpg","altText":"Grid of different wedding styles - glitz and glam, tropical, rustic, summer camp."},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-08-29T16:56:54.676Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"wedding-transportation-101","title":"Wedding Transportation Ideas and Etiquette for Your Big Day","excerpt":"How are you and your guests going to travel from point A to point B on your big day? This guide has the 411 on wedding transportation.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2024-08-14T08:00-04:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3SEra8x52mSJ9aixWrTJCS/3d396a57c007a07deb873e8e88a64064/Hero_RomanticFallWeddingatSummerourStudio_SummerourStudio.jpg","altText":"Bride and groom kissing outside of their wedding trolley"},"heroCredit":"Summerour Studio","tldr":"__Inside this article:__\n\n- 5 Wedding transportation ideas\n- Wedding transportation etiquette\n- How to book wedding transportation on budget\n- Average cost of wedding transporation\n- How to choose the right type of transportation for your wedding venue\n- 7 Tips to help book wedding transportation","body":"__TLDR:__\n\n- When considering wedding transportation, you may want to plan transportation for your bridal party, immediate family, and any guests who are flying in from out of town. \n- There are many viable modes of wedding transportation, including personal vehicles, rideshare services, taxi services, hotel shuttles, and chartered wedding transportation.\n- The right type of transportation for your wedding venue depends on your venue’s location, parking situation, overnight parking rules, and cell phone reception.\n- Your budget and guest list will also play a role in your decision.\n\n## What you need to know about wedding day transportation\nYou’ve taken your [engagement photos](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-get-most-out-of-your-engagement-photos), hired a [wedding planner](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning), and booked your dream ceremony and reception venue. Everything is starting to come together. However, there’s one looming topic you need to tackle: wedding transportation. How are you and your guests going to travel from point A to point B on your big day? \n\nThe logistics of dealing with a rental company can get a little complicated. Luckily, with the right plan, you can make sure it all goes smoothly.\n\n## 5 Wedding transportation ideas \n\n### 1. Have everyone drive personal vehicles.\n\nThe most common way guests get to a wedding is by driving themselves. It’s affordable, reliable, and doesn’t require much planning on your part. Just keep in mind that your venue may have a hard time accommodating a large influx of cars. Guests who drive themselves may also face the predicament of being unable to drive after indulging in a few drinks throughout the night.\n\n### 2. Hire an Uber, Lyft, or taxi service.\n\nRideshare apps and taxi services are both convenient modes of wedding transportation. They solve the problem of parking accommodations, as well as provide a safe alternative for those who choose to drink at your wedding. Best of all, they’re much more affordable than a chartered car or shuttle service. However, if these driving services are limited in your city or in high demand on your wedding day, it may be hard to get a ride when you need one. \n\n### 3. Utilize hotel shuttle services.\n\nIf you’ve booked a hotel room block for your out-of-town guests, find out if your hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service. This is especially convenient if you're having a destination wedding. Accommodations in popular locations may already have a party bus or other transport services readily available.\n\n### 4. Book transport through a chartered wedding transporation service.\n\nChartered transportation companies can set you up with a professional driver and a vehicle of your choosing, whether you want a car, limousine, shuttle, or party bus. One drawback is you may have to adhere to the constraints of your car company’s contract. For example, some car companies require you to book them for a minimum of three hours, even if you only need one or two hours of service. \n\n### 5. Make an impression with an epic getaway car.\n\nLastly, you and your future spouse may want to book a unique form of transportation for your grand exit. Check out our creative getaway options below.\n\n- Sports car\n- Antique car\n- Horse-drawn carriage\n- Trolley\n- Golf cart\n- Vintage truck\n- Vespa\n- Pedicab\n- Rowboat\n- Duffy boat\n- Sailboat\n- Limousine\n- Helicopter\n\n![Transportation Ideas to Complement Your Wedding](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4yyt6MFpmRGSqLKRjKgc5M/3d2b3d39c7fe0e87d33de754d7d9814f/inline_ruzin_cunningham_photos.jpg)\n\n## Wedding transportation etiquette \n\n### Plans for immediate family and the bridal party\nMany couples choose to arrange transportation for their inner circle, such as the bridal party, parents, and grandparents. Booking a professional car service or limousine for these special guests can help you get them to your wedding venue on time.\n\n### Factors that influence wedding guest transportation\n\n#### 1. Are a large number of guests flying in?\nIf you have a lot of loved ones flying in to attend your wedding, they probably won’t have cars. Offer your guests a rideshare discount. Uber and Lyft often allow you to give your guests a special event discount code. Or you may be able to use a hotel shuttle. On the flip side, if most of your wedding guests live nearby, they can use their own cars.\n\n#### 2. Will most of your guests stay until the end of the night?\nIf your guests are handling their own transportation, they can leave whenever they want. However, if you’re providing the rides home, you may need to have a shuttle or car service waiting on standby throughout the night. \n\n#### 3. How many guests are you expecting?\nOne way to mitigate your transportation burden is to have your guests indicate on their RSVP if they need their transportation covered. This way, you’ll know exactly how many people you need to arrange rides for. It may be a much smaller number than you thought.\n\n![horse-drawn-carriage](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2iMVD3U85bt6U1MkahB7v7/4cb5b353f27c021a435983cc3cd9f8eb/horse-drawn-carriage.jpg)\n\n## How to book wedding transportation on budget \nIn 2024, the [average cost of wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding) transportation was $700-$1200. The total cost for your wedding transportation will depend on a variety of factors, such as if you choose a luxury party bus or stretch limo.\n\n### 1. Decide the types of wedding transporation services you need.\nAs we mentioned before, relying on personal vehicles, rideshare services, and taxis is the cheapest option. If you decide to use a professional driving service, pricing varies from company to company. You can estimate the final cost of a professional driving service by reviewing their contract and paying close attention to the:\n\n- Number of vehicles provided\n- Amount of time you have access to these vehicles\n- Service, gas, and overtime fees\n- Deposit amount\n- Gratuity amount\n- Cancellation and refund policies\n\n### 2. Reduce the number of people you need to transport.\nIf you can get away with providing transportation for just you and your wedding party, your budget will thank you.\n\n### 3. Try to lessen the travel time and distance from the ceremony to reception venue.\nIf your venues are far apart from each other or the hotel you’ve booked, transportation costs can add up quickly. You’ll have to pay for more time, miles, and gas than you would if you have a shorter drive.\n\n### 4. Get married in the off-season.\nDuring the peak wedding seasons of summer and fall, many wedding services cost more. Wedding transportation is no exception, especially if you try to book last minute. \n\n### 5. Get creative when you book wedding transportation.\nTransportation is one of the easiest places to cut costs from your wedding budget. Here's how.\n\n- Let your guests arrange their own rides (from carpooling, to ridesharing, to driving themselves, they’ll have plenty of options).\n\n- Find out if any of your family members or friends would be willing to volunteer as designated drivers. You may be able to put together a fleet of drivers at no cost. \n\n- Book any professional wedding transportation services well in advance. Consider using the same company for your bachelor and bachelorette party and rehearsal dinner transportation. By bundling these packages together, you may be able to get a better deal on them.\n\n![how to book your wedding transportation (high cotton studios)](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/67Shhhu2G7hXBW9Rdcv3Ip/2fa92bbeac344b5e10809d41cb49f14d/how_to_book_your_wedding_transportation__high_cotton_studios_.jpg)\n\n## Average cost of wedding transporation \nOf course, a getaway helicopter ride for the newlyweds will be a lot different than everyone taking their vehicles from the wedding to the reception. Therefore, request a quote for any companies you are considering. Also ask if they have wedding packages with different types of wedding transportation—say a stretch limo for the wedding party and a coach bus for wedding guests. \n\nAccording to [National Charter Bus](https://www.nationalbuscharter.com/charter-bus-rental-prices) service, a large bus can range anywhere from $120-$250 per hour with a per mile cost of $4.00-$6.20. So, the number of people, timeframe, and distance all play a factor. A minibus is similar in price range, although the per mile cost ranges about 50 cents cheaper per mile. \n\n[Philadelphia LX Limo](https://philadelphialxlimo.com/rates/wedding-rates) also has various options for the wedding day, including Mercedes (holding three people at $135 per hour with a 2-hour minimum), SUVs (holding six people at $135 per hour with a 2-hour minimum), and party buses (holding 18 people at $245 per hour for a minimum of four hours). \n\nFor reference, the estimated transportation costs for the average couple is around $1500. However, the cost can fluctuate greatly, depending on the level of service you want to provide for your wedding guests. \n\n## How to choose the right type of transportation for your wedding venue \nWedding transportation options are all about getting from point A to point B safely, efficiently, and on time. Thus, point B (your wedding venue) has a notable impact on which transportation options you can choose from. So, ask yourself the following questions:\n\n### 1. Does getting from the ceremony to reception require a wedding shuttle?\n\nIf point A and point B are the same place, you’re in luck! Arranging transportation may be unnecessary. Conversely, your transportation requirements will be simpler if your ceremony and reception are at the same place.\n\nIf your wedding features two different [unique wedding venues](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue), you may want to arrange a shuttle service to make things easier on your guests, especially if the venues are more than 30 minutes apart from one another. \n\n### 2. How much parking does your venue offer?\nIf parking is limited at your venue, you should let guests know ahead of time to arrange a taxi, order a rideshare car, or carpool with other guests. You can also provide a shuttle service for them.\n\nEven if your venue has an abundance of parking, it may be located far away from your ceremony or reception site. If so, find out if your venue offers a valet service for guests who aren’t up for a long walk.\n\n### 3. Does the venue allow overnight parking?\nDue to the celebratory nature of weddings, many of your guests may indulge in champagne and cocktails as they dance the night away. In turn, they may need to leave their cars at your venue overnight if you don't have rideshare or shuttle service on your wedding day.\n\n### 4. How reliable is cell phone service at your venue?\nWhile rideshare services allow you to order safe transportation in a flash, they require cell service. If your venue is rural, you may want to provide transportation for your guests. In turn, you won’t need to worry about them getting lost, losing cell service, and missing out on the festivities.\n\n![Transportation Ideas to Complement Your Wedding](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5WTZHIPnehSYgxEmJMeT8z/3ef3771268bcd985274e76b18ddc2d42/inline_cappy_hotchkiss_photography.jpg)\n\n## 7 Tips to help book wedding transportation \n\n### 1. Book transport in advance.\nLimousines, town cars, party buses, and shuttles book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season. School graduation and prom season may also increase the demand for these services. \n\nTo make sure you get the type of vehicle you want, research and book your transportation sooner than later—at least three to six months before your wedding date. If you want to use a special form of transportation, like a trolley or a horse-drawn carriage, you may need to book even earlier.\n\n### 2. Factor in extra travel time.\nMany things can set back your transportation schedule, including bad weather, guests needing items from the hotel, or unexpected traffic. To prevent these mishaps from stressing you out on your big day, make sure to pad your travel time by at least 20 to 30 minutes.\n\n### 3. Choose a spacious type of vehicle.\nTo keep guests comfortable, choose vehicles that offer some breathing room. You may even want to leave a few seats open. This will allow your guests to travel comfortably and in style.\n\n### 4. Create a shuttle call sheet. \nIf you hire a shuttle service on your wedding day, give your driver a call sheet with the names of guests who will be riding along, complete with their pick-up and drop-off addresses. This will ensure no one gets left behind.\n\n### 5. Don't forget your photographer.\nIf you want some dazzling paparazzi shots as you journey to the altar, make sure to reserve a seat for your photographer.\n\n### 6. Factor in transport for gifts and decor.\nAre your guests bringing gifts to the wedding venue? Do you have to break down any decorations and bring them home at the end of the night? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, make sure you choose some type of getaway transportation that can fit everything you need to bring with you, along with your and your spouse’s overnight bags. \n\n### 7. Use your wedding website to communicate to your guests.\nWhether or not you’re arranging transportation for your guests, you should let them know exactly what to expect. You can use your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) to communicate the:\n\n- Transportation plan\n- Pick-up and drop-off locations\n- Pick-up and drop-off times\n- Parking information\n- Rideshare discount codes (if you have any)\n\n## Zola: Transporting you to your big day in style\nEvery wedding is unique. Thus, the right transportation for your wedding depends on your preferences and budget. You can arrange every little detail, let your guests figure it out on their own, or meet somewhere in between. Of course, Zola's expert advice can help you with a transportation plan, but our advice goes well beyond wedding transporation ideas.\n\nFrom our wedding websites to our beautiful enclosure cards, we have all of the tools you need to share your transportation details in style. Building a beautiful wedding website is simple—and free. Choose from more than 250 [wedding website designs](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website/designs) to get started. Then, make it unique to you and yours, add all your transportation, meal, dress code, and plus-one details, and — voila! — all that’s left is the big moment.\n","tag":"How To","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_VendorMarketplace"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Find Vendors in Your Area","url":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/onboard?question=intro"},"updatedAt":"2024-08-14T13:42:29.287Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"how-to-book-hotel-rooms-for-your-wedding-guests","title":"How to Book Hotel Rooms for Your Wedding Guests","excerpt":"Check out our comprehensive guide on how to book hotel rooms for your wedding guests to learn the ins and outs of this sometimes-tricky task.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2019-01-25T20:44:01.033Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6dPe5c1VPmiPQwNm5pFBAt/992383c5c5fce4eff1cba424ed1d995f/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"hotel room lobby with purple velvet couch, mod chairs, and fireplace and a beautiful lighted chandelier"},"heroCredit":"Zola","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-accommodations/doubletree-savannah-historic-district","body":"If you’re having guests travel from out of town for your wedding, it’s a nice gesture to help them find a place to stay throughout the festivities. Couples often put together a list of suggestions for places to stay in the area or work with local hotels to reserve a room block (a set number of rooms reserved for a discounted price) on behalf of their out-of-town guests. Check out our comprehensive guide on how to book hotel rooms for your wedding guests to learn the ins and outs of this sometimes-tricky task.\n\n## How to Choose Hotels for Your Wedding Guests\nThere are five simple factors that can help you determine what hotel(s) are right for your guests:\n\n1. __Distance From Venue(s):__ Look for accommodations within walking distance, but not more than ten miles of your wedding venues(s). \n2. __Number Of Out-Of-Town Guests:__ While you might not have all of your RSVPs in hand by the time you start thinking about where your guests will stay, you’ll want to estimate in advance how many rooms you’ll need to reserve for guests traveling from out of town. \n3. __Amenities:__ Consider the amenities available at certain hotels that might make your guests’ stay more comfortable, such as an on-site restaurant, bar, or gym or shuttle services. \n4. __Price Point(s):__ To be considerate of your guests’ budgets and preferences, it’s important to reserve rooms at a variety of price points. We recommend choosing options that increase in price in $50 increments. \n5. __Reviews:__ Be sure to read plenty of reviews about the hotel before recommending it to your guests (or reserving room blocks) to help ensure that your guests will be comfortable during their stay. \n\nTo get started, [explore accommodations in your area](https://hotelblocks.zola.com/?kw=expertadvice). We work with multiple local hotels and allow them to bid for your business to make sure that you and your guests get the best available rates.\n\n## How to Book Hotel Rooms for Your Wedding Guests\nCouples who decide to go with a hotel for their wedding accommodations will sometimes reserve room blocks at multiple hotels, at different price points, so that guests have options on how much they’d like to spend. \n\n### Wedding Hotel Booking Jargon\n- __Closed/Guaranteed Blocks:__ A closed block is a set of rooms that you reserve and agree to pay for regardless of whether they are used—a “guaranteed” amount of money for the hotel. These rooms are usually filled by you and your spouse-to-be, the wedding party, and close relatives. They are often booked at a discounted rate because you’re booking multiple rooms at once.\n- __Open/Courtesy Blocks:__ Open blocks, also known as courtesy blocks, are rooms that are made available by the hotel for your guests. Your guests pay for the rooms themselves and usually have to book by a certain date in order to take advantage of the room block and any associated discounted rate. The rooms that your guests don’t fill by the cut-off date are released and made available for anyone to book at the hotel’s regular rate.\n- __Attrition Clause:__ When you are unable to fill all the rooms in a closed room block, there is a percentage-based fee associated with hotel’s estimated loss of business. This is sometimes called the “minimum commitment.”\n- __Allowable Shrinkage:__ The maximum number of rooms that you can release from your closed or open room block without incurring an extra fee. \n\n### Ways to Book Wedding Hotels\n1. __Online.__ Many large chain hotels offer the option to book a room block on their website. While it’s more convenient, the downside to this option is that it can be difficult to find answers to any questions you may have, and you forego the opportunity to negotiate rates. [Start looking for accommodations online here](https://zola.hotelplanner.com/Group-Rate/?kw=expertadvice).\n2. __Over The Phone.__ Call the front desk and let them know you’d like to book a hotel block for a wedding. Most hotels are familiar with this process, so the representative should be able to walk you through each step. As we mentioned previously, this booking method is ideal for negotiating price. \n\n*Pro Tip: It’s best to reserve rooms with different bed sizes—king, queen, and single—to make sure that there are options to fit each guests’ needs.*\n\n### Negotiation Tips\n- __Go in with a plan.__ Make sure you’ve thought about what you’ll ideally get out of booking with this hotel, whether it’s a shuttle ride between the hotel and your reception, late-night bar access, or complimentary wifi and rooms on the same floor. \n- __Be prepared to concede.__ Negotiation means compromise on both parts, so remember that you might not end up with absolutely everything you had hoped to secure with your hotel booking. You could get everything you wanted at a higher rate than you wished to pay, or fewer things at a more favorable rate. \n- __Be prepared to walk away.__ If the hotel’s terms aren’t what you’re looking for and they are unwilling to negotiate, be prepared to end the conversation without a reservation. This hotel may not be a fit for you, or maybe you need to take some time to think it over before you book. \n- __Make sure you’re talking to the person in charge.__ Your might end up speaking with someone who isn’t able to make specific adjustments to the hotel’s standard contract, so make sure you request to speak to someone who can make those decisions at the start. \n- __Avoid mentioning your budget.__ It’s best not to mention a specific figure that you’ll be able to spend for a couple of reasons: 1) You could misjudge how much it costs to reserve a room block at this hotel; 2) The hotel might quote you rates at the top of your price range right away, leaving you with little room to negotiate down.\n- __Ask nicely.__ When you’re discussing contract details, it can be tough to stay calm and kind. Our advice is to ask politely if there’s room to negotiate on the details that are important to you and to take your time before making any big decisions. \n\n## When to Book Hotel Rooms for Your Wedding Guests\nThe short answer is simple: [Book the hotel block as early as you can](https://zola.hotelplanner.com/Group-Rate/?kw=expertadvice). Hotels tend to book up in popular areas quickly, so it’s best to get your event on the books well in advance of your wedding day. Bear in mind that the earlier you reserve your room blocks, the better the rate might be and the more time your guests have to book a room before the reservation cut-off date.\n\n## Questions to Ask When Booking Hotel Rooms for Your Wedding Guests\n1. What is your group rate for a closed/guaranteed room block?\n2. For how many nights is this rate applicable?\n3. Do you offer courtesy room blocks? What is the rate?\n4. Is there a minimum stay requirement?\n5. Is an allowable shrinkage clause included in our contract?\n6. Is there a maximum number of rooms we can book?\n7. Can we add more rooms to the block if we need to?\n8. What would the cut-off day be for our guests to take advantage of our hotel room block?\n9. Is there an attrition clause built into the contract? \n10. How can I pay for our closed/guaranteed room block? Do I need to pay all at once or can I pay in increments?\n11. Do you offer a discounted rate for a newlywed/honeymoon suite?\n12. What time is check-in? If necessary, could my guests check in early?\n13. What time is checkout? \n14. What amenities are complimentary with our stay (parking, breakfast, wifi, pool access)? \n15. Do you have spaces available for us to rent on-site (for a welcome cocktail hour, farewell brunch, etc.)?\n16. Is there a shuttle that our guests can make use of during their stay? Can we rent the shuttle for transport to and from our venue? \n17. Is it possible to leave wedding welcome bags for guests? \n18. Do you have a restaurant or bar on-site? What are the hours?\n\n## How to Share Hotel Information With Your Wedding Guests\nOnce you’ve secured your room blocks, share the details with your guests about where to book on your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) and/or on the details card in your [invitation suite](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) (if applicable). Make sure to include the following information for every hotel where you’ve reserved a block of rooms: \n- __Hotel name, address, and phone number.__ \n- __Your reservation name (“The Jones Wedding”).__\n- __Booking deadline.__\n- __Room rate (optional).__\n","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Don’t miss a wedding planning detail with our complete, expert-crafted wedding checklist and timeline. Free, printable version inside!","title":"2024/25 Printable Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline - Zola","slug":"your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist","topic":"Wedding planning 101","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4fA6of0jjP7aJqXJRy0JOx/edd3b48f6fea1e273025d3db462dd4be/Ultimate_Wedding_Planning_Checklist.jpg","altText":"wedding planning checklist"},"type":"checklistPage"},{"excerpt":"Thousands of couples have incredible weddings every year without sacrificing on style or going over budget, and you can do it too. ","title":"How to Plan a Wedding on a Budget","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding-on-a-budget","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/12xT1Cmwna6F8ZH5lfSaZG/9ad57fff315f5f3634f00c3f162db28a/How-to-Plan-a-Wedding-on-a-Budget.jpg","altText":"Couple holding bouquets exiting outdoor wedding ceremony"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Choosing your wedding month and date is a crucial first step in the wedding planning process. Here's how to decide on the best time of the year to get married. ","title":"How to Choose The Best Wedding Month ","slug":"choosing-your-wedding-month","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Getting Started","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/71pkqiAypqFZ7CL8KRWGIr/4f34666823e73a80647f762866ec1bd0/Hero_New_Unsplash.jpg","altText":"best month for wedding"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Master the art of addressing wedding invitations with proper etiquette. Learn formal and modern approaches to create elegant and inviting cards.","title":"How to Address Wedding Invitations: Etiquette & Examples ","slug":"how-to-address-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/13bpWVURYrrvQwpySxNZSw/65e5ad02aad6f00301a4fd489b36746b/Zola-05.04.20-Colored-Envelopes-_-Letterpress2332_CROPPED-e.jpg","altText":"A metal calligrapher's pen resting next to a wedding invitation envelope addressed using ink calligraphy"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Here are some etiquette tips and timing guidelines to help you mail your wedding thank you notes in proper style.","title":"How to Write Wedding Thank You Cards","slug":"how-to-write-wedding-thank-you-cards","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/Kc6v36CcS7oBTq0S8wzsU/38335853f6ab731e1696d8fef09aac4b/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding thank you notes on a marble counter next to a ring dish and a vase of pink peonies"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A wedding registry is a personalized collection of gifts that an engaged couple has specifically chosen for their guests to shop from in order to make the wedding gifting experience simpler, easier, and more satisfying for everyone.","title":"What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-registry","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2MOrWgRKcg82A4y64i24iG/4449d94511192d74050b3418c02d3ec6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn the how-to's of wedding invitation wording, plus formal and casual wedding invitation examples from the experts.","title":"Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide","slug":"how-to-word-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rENN5B7RPAn14pYP75HgH/d457816cdf42b12cc74b3e7d88b73513/Wedding_Invitaion_Wording_Etiquette.jpg","altText":"green and white wedding invitation on green background"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This bridal shower guide will introduce you to the basics of bridal showers: traditional bridal shower etiquette (and which of those “rules” you can break), whom to invite, what to do, and who pays for it all.","title":"A Guide to Bridal Showers","slug":"a-guide-to-bridal-showers","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5o4uxtDjG6d4qgVGaLVrBU/16da092c9b0b80d7acca15ab930a1aef/A-Guide-to-Bridal-Showers.jpg","altText":"a bridal shower card labeled \"soon to be mrs.\" on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"The cost of a wedding cake will depend on factors like size, shape, & decor. Read our guide to gain insights on the average cost of a wedding cake this year.","title":"How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2025?","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-cake-costs","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ywuArPikb1BsvjvYzDQhn/24f27696b854c3c5a22eed69292c6c4b/Guide-to-Wedding-Cake-Costs-and-Price.jpg","altText":"Graphic of pink wedding cake with heart cake topper and price tag"},"type":"articlePage"}],"cta":{"copy":"Click Here to Book Your Rooms","url":"https://zola.hotelplanner.com/Group-Rate/?kw=expertadvice"},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-07-09T17:12:14.946Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"how-to-have-a-small-destination-wedding","title":"How to Have a Small Destination Wedding","excerpt":"There’s something special about getting married in a beautiful travel locale with your closest loved ones. Dreaming of having a small destination wedding? We explore the top five things you need to know.","author":"McCall Minnor","publishedAt":"2021-02-04T16:31:15.738Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1tgYucLQiOOsKpZemcdliF/65da6c4fe2a7a8134c936958a460d789/Hero_Zola__28_.jpg","altText":"Small Destination Wedding"},"heroCredit":"Zola","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- First things first: Choose a location that’s meaningful to you, excites you and your guests, and is logistically doable for everyone.\n- Solidify an intimate guest list, and give everyone plenty of notice to schedule and prepare.\n- Hire a wedding planner to take care of the on-the-ground planning. If one isn’t in your budget, consider venue wedding packages that’ll take care of the finer details for you.","body":"With small weddings on the rise, many couples are rethinking their dream ceremonies. When your guest list is on the smaller side, after all, your options as far as venue and [location](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue) vastly open up. Enter: The small destination wedding. \n\nThere’s something special about getting married in a beautiful travel locale with your closest loved ones. That being said, there’s a decent amount of work that goes into having even a small destination wedding. However, with some planning knowledge, you can have an intimate getaway celebration to remember. Read on for the five things you need to know to have a small destination wedding.\n\n### Choose a Location \n\n![How to Have a Small Destination Wedding](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/16pJ8ekAs309cm4MDAIUq2/fd3a3808c6df56823e2fad5deecfef4e/inline_jeaninne_marie_photography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit * // Jeaninne Marie Photography\n\nFirst thing’s first: Choosing your perfect location. Your destination not only influences your wedding’s style, but also your [budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/cut-destination-wedding-costs), travel, schedule, and potentially how many guests can attend. Alongside working out logistically, your destination should be representative of who you are as a couple. Is this a place you’ve been dreaming of visiting for a long time? Is it connected to either of your heritage? Have you been before and haven't stopped thinking about it since? Are the activities right up your alley? Ideally, your wedding location will excite you and your guests, be doable for all, and feel very ‘you.’\n\nWhen looking into places, also take into account their on- and off-seasons. Peak (or ‘on’) season is typically between late spring and early fall, with off-season lasting from fall through winter. With peak season comes better weather, which works in your favor if you want an outdoor venue or to spend significant time outside. However, it also increases demand, meaning costs will likely rise. Consider an off-season date or a less trendy location if sticking to a budget is a priority.\n\nLastly, if possible, try and visit your destination prior to your wedding. This way, you can explore the area, do venue walk-throughs, vet vendors, and ensure it truly is the perfect place.\n\n### Research Local Marriage Requirements\n\nIf you like the idea of jet-setting to a different country, you’ll need to research local marriage requirements, or the process of steps you need to take for your marriage to be legal in another country. For example, many countries have what’s called a residency requirement, which requires you to stay in the country for a certain length of time before you can get married. For many locations this is only a few days, but for others it can be significantly longer. Most notable is France, which asks you to arrive at least 30 days prior to applying for a marriage certificate. If your budget or schedule doesn’t allow for extra time spent abroad, consider getting legally married in your country beforehand. In either case, you’ll want to have all required documents prepared. This, too, differs by country, but often includes your passport, birth certificate, any change of name documents, and your marriage license.\n\n### Select and Notify Guests Well in Advance\n \nSmall weddings tend to have around 50 people or less, but due to the travel and expenses involved in destination weddings, that number tends to drop significantly. The upside to this is that you can include an intimate group of your loved ones without causing offense to those not invited. Because of the nature of this kind of celebration, people are typically understanding. With a smaller group and longer celebration (considering you stay for a few days), who you decide to involve becomes especially important. When contemplating who to invite, think of those you most want present to experience your wedding. Immediate family and your innermost circle of friends are usually a good place to start. Tell your wedding party (if you’re having one) about the nature of your wedding before asking them to play a role, so they can politely decline if they’re unable to attend.\n\nOnce your guest list is solidified, give everyone plenty of notice, so they can mark their calendars, adjust their schedules, and start looking for deals on flights and accommodations. The closer to your trip dates, the pricier these reservations will get. Send out [save the dates](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-save-the-dates) eight to 12 months beforehand, and keep your guests in the know about any changes or adjustments as your date approaches.\n\n### Hire a Wedding Planner \n\nPlanning a wedding from afar means you’ll need to hire a [wedding planner](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-planner) that can take care of the on-location work. Your best bet, in this case, is to go with a local planner that specializes in or is familiar with destination weddings. Oftentimes resorts and venues have people meant specifically for this who can recommend and secure vendors, organize and facilitate, and generally be present when you can’t be to help cross items off your ultimate small [wedding checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-small-wedding-checklist-you-need). If a wedding planner isn’t in your budget, consider looking into your venue’s wedding packages, if available. That way, you don’t need to worry about any of the small details—they’re already taken care of.\n\n### Pack Smart\n\nShipping items like decor and gifts can be risky, expensive, and a hassle. However, when planning a small wedding, exploring a variety of [small wedding reception ideas](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-your-wedding-style), you have another convenient option. Since you likely don’t need to transport as many items, try to pack most (or all) of them in a suitcase or carry-on. Not only is this more cost effective (with an extra suitcase costing less than international shipping), but it also ensures that everything you need arrives at your destination with you on time. \n\n![How to Have a Small Destination Wedding](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3tAB5iPRv2JvJXxEQGe0qi/30410c299fef1a5106758371ce4b0b86/inline_bellagaia_photography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit * // Bellagaia Photography\n\nWhile intimate destination weddings can be dreamy, there’s plenty of work that goes into making one happen. From legalities in other countries to notifying guests and figuring out logistics, it differs greatly from your standard wedding planning. That being said, dedicate a good amount of time to researching your location, and don’t be afraid to ask an experienced wedding planner for help. Skimping on the details until you’re boarding a plane will only cause anxiety—and you’re always better safe than sorry.\n","tag":"How To","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Planning a staycation can be exciting and economical for couples. Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect staycation honeymoon. ","title":"How to Plan the Perfect Staycation Honeymoon","slug":"how-to-plan-the-perfect-staycation-honeymoon","topic":"Honeymoons","tag":"How To","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3Rfr5dJSCu3eEWWgd15zab/719d711be5b99aca6c4b09f5da7f12aa/Hero_Zola_02__3_.jpg","altText":"Staycation Honeymoon"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"How does one go about choosing a wedding venue? Here's the rundown on one of the first tasks you’ll need to accomplish after saying “yes!”","title":"10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Dzm0QohK8uai2YouWoMUg/f7db6c6feb0fe4c3d27f9f2a914572ad/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-choose-venue.jpg","altText":"Bridge and groom in front of the church"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"If you’re having a destination wedding, it’s crucial to create a wedding website that lays out all of the details. Read on to learn what to include.","title":"Destination Wedding Website: Help Your Guests Prepare For Your Wedding","slug":"destination-wedding-website-help-your-guests-prepare-for-your-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/IuCIgfMRr6gEZoP3pMTu2/4362e55196930a3ad3dd942689829d57/Inline_WeddingWebsiteExamplesandInspiration.jpg","altText":"Destination Wedding Website"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This destination wedding checklist is the #1 resource you’ll need to plan your exotic celebration. Discover how to choose a destination wedding location, what to look for in a wedding venue, how to work with local vendors, and more. ","title":"The Ultimate Destination Wedding Checklist for Couples ","slug":"destination-wedding-checklist","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3toKO8mosdYYYCNj3RBwZa/abd02e1874df85dba4bddc0b5324d0c8/The-Ultimate-Destination-Wedding-Checklist-for-Couples.jpg","altText":"Zola"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Guest books are traditionally part of every wedding. But through your planning, you may wonder if you really need one? Read on to get this answer and more. ","title":"Do You Need a Wedding Guest Book?","slug":"do-you-need-a-wedding-guest-book","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1JEVv124D5H15klb8iy6yw/f0294304b0f56745b3f2d4b7f31aad4c/Hero_Zola.jpg","altText":"Wedding Guest Book"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-07-01T20:11:41.996Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"choosing-your-wedding-month","title":"How to Choose The Best Wedding Month ","excerpt":"Choosing your wedding month and date is a crucial first step in the wedding planning process. Here's how to decide on the best time of the year to get married. ","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2019-06-13T15:54-04:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/71pkqiAypqFZ7CL8KRWGIr/4f34666823e73a80647f762866ec1bd0/Hero_New_Unsplash.jpg","altText":"best month for wedding"},"heroCredit":"Unsplash","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/christine-magee-photography","body":"Choosing your wedding month and date is a crucial first step in the wedding planning process, along with choosing your venue, photographer, and caterer. The time of year in which you decide to get married will dictate a lot of your subsequent planning, and will stick with you for the rest of your life (hello, anniversary). \n\n## What is the Best Month for a Wedding? \nJune, September, and October are considered the best months for a wedding. June, traditionally, is the most popular month to get married, simply because of the mild weather. With that being said, there’s no wrong time to get married to the love of your life (though it does help to have good weather). \n\nIn most parts of the country, the late spring through early fall months are typically thought of as “wedding season,” but there is so much more to it than that. Let’s walk through the year and look at the pros and cons of each potential wedding month.\n\n__Note__: Keep in mind that while season matters greatly, geography is a factor as well. We have broken the seasons down very generally below, but even still, a winter wedding in the Florida Keys is going to differ drastically from a winter wedding in Lake Tahoe, where the cold weather and snow hazards will be much greater. Be sure to factor in your location when picking your perfect wedding month.\n\n## Spring\n. . . . . . . . . . .\n\n### March, April, May\n\nMarch comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. April showers bring May flowers. These are the traditional sayings that correlate with the spring months that we love so dearly. Emerging from the cold of winter, spring is such a welcoming time to host your special day. Without many calendar conflicts (St. Patrick’s Day, Passover, and Easter are the only holidays in the spring), your spring wedding should see good attendance. And after the drab, loneliness of winter, your friends will probably be busting at the seams to get out and celebrate with you.\n\nA spring wedding is a gamble, though, simply because the weather is so unpredictable. Will it be sunny and warm, or is a cold snap going to hit? Even still, the gamble may pay off if you can land one of those quintessential warm, flowery days. In April and May especially, you might begin to encounter increased pricing and competition with other brides for vendors and venues as “the season” set in. We’re talking: wedding season.\n\n![Colin-Lyons-Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2I7G4mApUnMjJhsy5Jl3Jb/53209c242d51920fe468dad7d825d8b5/Colin-Lyons-Photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Colin Lyons Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![3-2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6WNr5JisBMZ85xd2TKSIx6/26fa70d21a47bf3e8a8bbeac435e580e/3-2.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Pauline Conway Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![4-2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5ce7yS6d2k8yuYhLUbjG8E/217f24116aade587a4e43197819ae810/4-2.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Sarah and Rachel](https://www.zola.com/wedding/rachel-sarah/passcode)*\n\n![onelove-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rQO7D0nqBl2thPIDEUwJI/d9002976a70f8e78cac3f7dccbb45608/onelove-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [onelove photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![michelle-jones-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/10IZeVW4q8jsvuaGNrULY5/9685001b60b7696da5b0ac7519f145b6/michelle-jones-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Michelle Jones Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n## Summer\n. . . . . . . . . .\n\n### June, July, August\n\nWedding season is in full swing by mid-May, with June being traditionally the most popular wedding month. These hot months offer long days and vacation time. Many of your wedding guests will be able to get away from their lives to attend your ceremony thanks to more relaxed work schedules and school breaks. Far removed from the winter holidays, your guests are more likely to have a little extra room in their budgets for travel and wedding gifts. With an abundance of flowers and fruits in season, a summer wedding allows for countless floral options and your pick of delicious produce.\n\nHowever, these sunny wedding months are not quite that simple. Rising temps is definitely something to take into account, especially if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony. While it may look like a glorious day outside, if it is 100 degrees, you are going to be one sweaty bride with a bunch of hot and sticky guests. You can also just go ahead and count on venues and vendors being harder to book with steeper prices because of peak wedding season competition. Finally, vacation plans or other weddings may conflict with yours when it comes to your guests’ attendance.\n\n![sera-petras-photography-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5DBqt424TW6fxVupMcRREr/5f5b701c3ede984b76c8dd45ac9c3556/sera-petras-photography-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Sera Petras Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![10-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6oleAP7FuSKWiW8aoRT2ET/b09b179296b24f279d3f06e188c36c6f/10-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [JoPhoto](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![loved-memories-photography-videography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/64qkXcXELxt7XXEexvpXQi/b853e7f659bd6df81cfe3a16b8ba1407/loved-memories-photography-videography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Loved Memories Photography & Videography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![11-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4RiU2cVAawt6etn6imcVC5/828072c76d7d37b0a191dc16c3872137/11-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Limelight Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*","body2":"## Fall\n. . . . . . . . . .\n\n### September, October, November\nOh [fall weddings](https://www.zola.com/inspiration/real-weddings/fall), how loved you are! There is something so magical about the changing of the leaves and the cool, crisp air. A fall wedding month will make for cooler temperatures, happier party guests, and less bugs. And with a plethora of pumpkins, there are some very festive and unique [wedding themes](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-themes) to embrace.\n\nIn these autumn wedding months, possible conflicts include the beginning of a new school year, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. There are also fewer flowers in season, so you may have to be willing to re-imagine your ideal floral arrangements. And if you and your partner are football fanatics, a fall wedding month might prove difficult to schedule around big game days. What if you accidentally plan your wedding for the most important match-up of the season?\n\n![FALL-PIC-Nick-Davis-Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/Ubu6ZBziGjm2B4BORdyNT/33e2bb528d1b74ef66a630b03c36d93a/FALL-PIC-Nick-Davis-Photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Nick Davis Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![13-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3OtiKcANlOnPkYcCgvJY2a/460d2859aacdf429a5caabcf5687bd84/13-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [JoPhoto](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![B.-Dembowski-Images](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/w1pEtfzf7XNQuVPoJOBA2/d6785ab23a16cc84309dc10b2f8b51d7/B.-Dembowski-Images.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [B. Dembowski Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![suzanne-karp-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2IotEvPwRzyD4wYnZWWhO8/21bd6d5c7ac111d854c0c5618f77eb0e/suzanne-karp-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Suzanne Karp Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![megan-rolfe-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6KAeFqKNiAbKOGmoReYPDQ/e34989f661e509b236290e43d8a5b13c/megan-rolfe-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Meghan Rolfe Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n## Winter\n. . . . . . . . . . .\n\n### December, January, February\nA winter wedding month can be a hidden gem. Gleaming fireplaces, evergreen trees, snowy winter landscapes, less wedding competition (and thus the ability to negotiate prices), and more vendor/venue availability make a winter wedding very appealing for couples. There is something so romantic about wrapping up in warm blankets in front of an early sunset and clinging to each other for warmth.\n\nBut for all of the pros, there are still some cons to a winter soirée. Depending on the location of your wedding, getting snowed in (or out) could be a factor for outdoor wedding venues. There is less green outside, making for less picturesque landscapes that might force your wedding photos indoors. And… Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years. While these holidays are considered “the most wonderful time of the year,” they can create many conflicts for your special day. Traveling can be more expensive and difficult around the holidays, not to mention that money will most likely be a bit tighter for people, too.\n\n![17](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/11hvWyN8wxfj6ZSYiyT8SL/e594d0a49432a4f45d859a59669dfde2/17.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Jennings King Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![dana-widman-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/Kfdg6c8V9TlcOYdyDoXsP/62a288f8b3e8717982a365552cc9d4fb/dana-widman-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Dana Widman Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![Beautiful Winter Wedding Color Schemes](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2SGRFCSNwbm3TXmugQhtKy/0a47af24d0d7885c9f6253a72841fec5/inline_felicia_marti_photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Felicia Marti Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![modern-wedding-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2DwNzksI7fCOhWBtJSWKoF/3b5ceefc704779234c84cfdf48f2adab/modern-wedding-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Modern Wedding Photography](https://www.modernweddingphotography.tv/)*\n\n![Heather-Erson-Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6jT8kMSgL2JTQBo0EYrJAb/f13fb701d13b59411bf937be04ceaadb/Heather-Erson-Photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Heather Erson Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\nHave you fallen in love with your perfect wedding month yet? Once you make a decision, be sure to put the date into your [Zola Weddings Checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist) so you can get a whole bunch (or just a few) customized planning reminders up until the big day. Happy planning!\n","tag":"Getting Started","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_RealWeddings"}},"widget2":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Seasons_Quiz"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"How does one go about choosing a wedding venue? Here's the rundown on one of the first tasks you’ll need to accomplish after saying “yes!”","title":"10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Dzm0QohK8uai2YouWoMUg/f7db6c6feb0fe4c3d27f9f2a914572ad/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-choose-venue.jpg","altText":"Bridge and groom in front of the church"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Weddings are fun, but planning them can be stressful. Here are practical ways to deal with wedding planning stress.","title":"5 Effective Ways to Fight Wedding Planning Stress","slug":"ways-to-fight-wedding-planning-stress","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3GTsIw6vsfY9q3xaj694Zo/8aefec865bd9f374f61f1f476876b440/Zola_HeroImage_1080x720__1_.jpg","altText":"woman using zola for wedding planning stress"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ve outlined the steps on how to make a guest list, and trim it, below. ","title":"How to Make a Wedding Guest List","slug":"how-to-make-a-wedding-guest-list","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2uQYQkS1axXHfIU0ytYBiV/aa217c09e138c235635ef4b2524d9060/V-yQBjIA.jpeg","altText":"Zola invitation suite and save the date on marble countertop"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Craft your dream wedding website effortlessly with Zola's step-by-step guide. Showcase your love story and details in style. Start creating today!","title":"How to Create Your Wedding Website: 10 Simple Steps ","slug":"how-to-make-a-wedding-website","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6a4MvmncJr4AKia1nFr6Tn/91e1616adecb7211caf14038546e0f27/DESKTOP_ww.png","altText":"Zola wedding website as seen on a laptop computer"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"You're engaged—congrats! To help you ease into wedding planning, we’re here with a list of the very first things you should do once you get engaged. ","title":"The First 10 Things to Do When Planning a Wedding","slug":"the-first-10-things-to-do-when-planning-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1lHUezgBQUbJVdqaqSXtw7/12659aa232d2f71bdd53451db5b76f34/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_First-10-things-to-do.jpg","altText":"woman and man just after getting engaged in front of a sunset in a green field about to kiss"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Don’t miss a wedding planning detail with our complete, expert-crafted wedding checklist and timeline. Free, printable version inside!","title":"2024/25 Printable Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline - Zola","slug":"your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist","topic":"Wedding planning 101","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4fA6of0jjP7aJqXJRy0JOx/edd3b48f6fea1e273025d3db462dd4be/Ultimate_Wedding_Planning_Checklist.jpg","altText":"wedding planning checklist"},"type":"checklistPage"},{"excerpt":" ","title":"Who Pays For The Wedding? Everything You Need To Know","slug":"who-should-pay-for-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5u5bUTU4EmdO2SsWyG5I4B/28f9bed9f90049ee650968096b1dfc6b/pexels-rose-rosen-18386512.jpg","altText":"Asian family with bride and groom looking down at a paper and smiling"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-06-03T02:06:19.435Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"what-is-a-bridal-shower-and-what-is-its-purpose","title":"What Is a Bridal Shower? Definition & How to Throw One","excerpt":"Find out what a bridal shower is, its purpose and traditions, and how to make this pre-wedding celebration truly special for the couple.","author":"Monica Mercuri and Tom Gerencer","publishedAt":"2024-03-03T12:00-05:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3kElPjwafjxFOgn9bIwwcP/2c2090538aa5cd2c7b31361fe238414c/Hero_Zola_-_2021-03-30T113008.891.jpg","altText":"Image of a table with flowers and two place settings with two pink satin curtains hanging behind"},"heroCredit":"Zola","tldr":"__Inside this Article:__\n- What is a bridal shower?\n- What’s the point of a bridal shower?\n- Where did bridal showers come from?\n- Who throws the bridal shower?\n- Who comes to the bridal shower?\n- What happens at a wedding shower?\n- How to throw a bridal shower \n- Wedding Shower Etiquette\n- Types of bridal showers\n- Bridal Shower FAQs\n","body":"Celebrating a soon-to-be bride with a special event started in the 1800s. Over the years, the bridal shower has evolved–like many [wedding celebrations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/pre-wedding-events-guide) have. But at the end of the day, the main focus of a bridal or wedding shower is the guest of honor and providing them with useful, thoughtful gifts for their new life and home.\n\n## What is a bridal shower?\n \n\nA bridal shower is a party held in honor of the bride before the wedding day. At its core, it's a show of support and love. The intent is to show that friends and family are there for the bride as she steps into a new part of her life. Her nearest and dearest “shower” her with presents at the party.\n\n“Bridal shower” is the traditional name for the gathering, but a more inclusive type of party is a “[wedding shower](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-shower-guide),” which can include the entire couple—not just the bride.\n\n## What’s the point of a bridal shower?\n \n\nA wedding shower is a great way to gather with family and friends one more time before the wedding. If you’re invited to a wedding shower, then this is your opportunity to share some of your time with the soon-to-be-weds, celebrate the momentous occasion of an impending wedding, and present useful gifts.\n\nIf you’re hosting the wedding shower, then you must be very close to the couple. This is your moment to show your adoration as a friend or family member. You’re crafting an event to help celebrate in every way possible.\n\n## Where did bridal showers come from?\n \n\nLegend has it that bridal showers started in 16th century Holland when a bride’s father was too poor to offer up a dowry (money) to her groom. The town banded together to shower her with gifts to give the young couple’s new life together a head start.\n\nThere are no hard and fast rules for bridal showers. You can change the celebration in any way you wish. Therefore, it can be a larger party for the couple, or you can keep things traditional and focused on the bride. It’s all up to you.\n\n__Expert Advice:__ Get more details on the history of this traditional wedding event in our complete [Guide to Bridal Showers](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-bridal-showers).\n\n## Who throws the bridal shower?\n \n\nThe bridal shower is typically organized by those who spend a lot of time with the nearlyweds. The most common choice is the wedding attendant closest to the couple, such as the maid-of-honor. However, if they haven’t chosen one yet, a close friend or family member can chat with the bride about the celebration and who she’d like to organize it.\n\n## Who comes to the bridal shower?\n \n\n![What is a Bridal Shower and What is its Purpose](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1czOLYUqzVivZ5J48GqGuA/2420cac6168cd794e9c37cc81e737d97/inline_shutterstock.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Shutterstock\n\nThe bride is the guest of honor, but other attendees on the guest list traditionally include family and closest friends. Depending on the culture and location, that can mean an intimate 20 or a larger gathering of a few hundred.\n\nMost times, guests at the shower have also been invited to the wedding. While male members traditionally do not participate, having a hybrid wedding shower for the happy couple is a trend that is gaining popularity. In cases of a groom-groom wedding, you can leave it up to the couple as to how they’d like to handle the event. \n\n## What happens at a wedding shower?\n \n\n![What is a Bridal Shower and What is its Purpose](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/WmRJfkRa9ZxgrTPy4z1lB/258c4a9ded9667b52106baa2b8bd250b/inline_paradis_photography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Paradis Photography\n\nIf you’re invited to a wedding shower, it’s expected that you RSVP confirming your attendance. Check if there is a gift registry where the couple has [outlined the gifts](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/get-your-registry-ready-for-your-wedding-shower) to receive on the occasion. Unless you know the couple well and have a special wedding gift in mind that they will appreciate, do not get anything that is not listed. This is common [wedding shower gift etiquette](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-shower-gift-etiquette) that you'll want to follow at most showers. Arrive for the event on the date and time specified, and adhere to any attire mentioned.\n\nAt the wedding shower venue, spend time interacting with the bride and also her close family and friends. There may be activities and games organized by the hosts that you will participate in. The host will serve food and drinks appropriate for the time of day, and you’ll possibly be provided with a [thank-you favor](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-shower-favors) of some sort to mark the day. Before you leave, remember to thank the hosts for inviting you and the bride for having you as part of her guest list. Check out our full [Wedding Shower Guide](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-shower-guide) for more expert advice.\n\n## How to throw a bridal shower\n \n\nTo throw a bridal shower, create a budget, then choose a date and a place to hold the shower. Draw up the guest list and the menu, and then invite the people who’ll attend the shower. Make a plan for attendees to buy gifts, and plan a few activities for the bride and her family and friends to enjoy.\n\n### 1. Create a budget\n\nPlanning a bridal shower starts with knowing how much you can spend. Once you know, you’ll make better decisions about the venue, the size of the guest list, and the menu and activities. The typical small-town bridal shower will have a max of 20 guests, with cake, drinks, and appetizers. The typical budget for a shower like that is about $500.\n\nIf you’re not throwing a typical small-town wedding shower, the budget can be anything you like. If you have the funding, there’s no shame in going all out with a catered event at a venue and spending $5,000 or more. Make budgeting super easy with our free [budget planner tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget).\n\n### 2. Choose a date\n\nPick a date for the bridal shower that works for the couple and most of the guests. The bride’s schedule is the most important here since she’s planning the wedding and needs to fit the shower into the rest of the [wedding timeline](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist).\n\nShowers are often organized just [a few weeks ahead of the wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/when-should-you-have-a-wedding-shower). As a result, the bride has most of her wedding planning done and can relax at this event. A shower closer to the wedding is also recommended so the bride has had enough time to think about the gifts. What would be useful for a future life and home? She can then provide that information to the organizers (or can show that via the wedding gift registry).\n\n### 3. Choose a place\n\nWedding showers are mostly held in the afternoon or evening, where a smaller menu is offered, rather than a formal lunch or dinner. Typically, [the venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues) is either a place of special significance for the bride or is simply one of convenience. Be sure the location can accommodate all the shower guests and the plans for the evening.\n\nOften, wedding showers are held in a friend’s living room or backyard. For higher-budget celebrations, the bridal shower can be in a restaurant or a professional venue. You can choose to hold it at a park, beach, movie theater, or other place that’s rented out for parties.\n\n__Expert advice:__ Spice the shower up with these [7 Bridal Shower Traditions, Updated](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/bridal-shower-traditions-updated)!\n\n### 4. Create the guest list\n\nMake a list of the couple’s closest friends and family members, then add to it to fit your budget. The couple should very much be a part of the selection process. That way, you can avoid cutting out people who would be meaningful to invite and not ask someone unwanted to show up. Check out [Who Do I Invite to My Wedding Shower](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/invite-to-wedding-shower)? for more details on the building the guest list.\n\n### 5. Make the menu\n\nDepending on your budget, you can supply appetizer platters from Costco, order pizza and wings, [schedule catered food](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-catering), or plan a potluck. Many bridal showers happen in the late morning. So, if the bride imbibes, think about supplying champagne and orange juice for mimosas or organizing other drinks (use our [alcohol calculator](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-calculate-alcohol-needs-for-your-wedding) to get precise amounts!). Pay close attention to your budget and your guest list size when planning [the menu](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/menus/shop).\n\n### 6. Send the invites\n\nOnce you have your budget, date, place, guest list, and menu, it’s [time to send your bridal shower invites](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/when-to-send-out-bridal-shower-invites). This can be as simple as a group SMS or email with RSVP requests, but it’s fun to send paper invites, too. When the time comes, check out Zola’s [wedding and bridal shower invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/bridal-shower/shop), with dozens of beautiful designs.\n\n### 7. Plan the gifts\n\nWhen you plan a bridal shower, give the guests a little guidance about what kinds of presents to bring. Most couples will have a [wedding registry](https://www.zola.com/search/wedding-registry), which is a great way to select gifts. If they don’t have a wedding registry or if you have questions about group gifts or how much to spend, see our [guide on bridal shower gifts](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-bridal-shower-gifts).\n\n### 8. Plan activities\n\nIt’s fine to have a party with just cake, drinks, and talk, but including one or two [bridal shower games](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/free-bridal-shower-printables) can keep the festivities focused on the bride and her upcoming wedding. Games like Bridal Trivia, Guess the Memory, and Wedding Advice Cards can supply plenty of laughs while honoring the spirit of the event.\n\n__Expert advice:__ Check out [How to Plan a Bridal Shower](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-bridal-shower) for an even more detailed step-by-step guide to throwing a memorable shower.\n\n## Wedding shower etiquette\n \n\nNo matter the culture, the [wedding shower](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/parties-events/wedding-shower) has the sole purpose of showering the soon-to-be-wed with your attention and love. It’s also for celebrating the impending big day and supporting one of the happiest times in life. There may be cultural nuances to consider, too. During American wedding showers, it’s customary to open gifts in front of the guests and for brides to thank guests in person for their gift and their presence. In other cultures, this is inconsiderate.\n\nIn some South Asian cultures, the occasion is marked by applying henna for all. Yet, in others, dancing is part of the evening’s activities. If in doubt, ask the host or organizer who invited you what to expect at the wedding shower and if there is anything that you need to know as a guest. \n\nAt the end of the day, all guests engage in what the bride chooses to have at the wedding shower. This is a way to show love and support as the big day inches closer.\n\n## Types of bridal showers\n \n\n- __Bridal shower brunch:__ A mid-morning gathering where guests celebrate with brunch foods and mimosas. Bloody Mary, anyone?\n- __Coin bridal shower:__ Guests bring coins or cash gifts to contribute to the couple's honeymoon or future.\n- __Couples’ bridal shower:__ A joint celebration for both the bride and groom, also called a Jack and Jill bridal shower.\n- __Display bridal shower:__ An elegant event where the bride’s gifts are put on display.\n- __Drop-in bridal shower:__ A casual party where guests can pop in and out at their convenience, giving gifts and best wishes.\n- __Floating bridal shower:__ A shower held on a boat or cruise.\n- __Kitchen bridal shower:__ A shower where the guests bring kitchen-related presents to help set up the new home.\n- __Lingerie bridal shower:__ A playful and intimate party where the bride-to-be is feted with lingerie and romantic items for her upcoming marriage.\n\n## Bridal shower FAQ\n \n\nHere are answers to some frequently asked questions about bridal showers.\n\n### What is a good bridal shower gift?\n\nThe best bridal shower gift should come from the wedding registry—a list of items the couple wants and needs. You’ll buy a gift for both the shower and the wedding, but that doesn’t mean you have to overspend. Set a budget for your total spend, and then choose gifts that fit that budget.\n\n### What is the appropriate amount for a bridal shower gift?\n\nHow much to spend on a wedding shower gift depends heavily on your income and the couple’s. However, it’s common to spend $50 to $75 on a bridal shower gift. If you’re very close to the couple, you might spend $100 or more. Take your means into account.\n\n### What is a bridal shower vs. bachelorette party?\n\nA bridal shower is typically a fun daytime party where guests bring gifts while showing support and appreciation. A bachelorette party is often held at night and is more typically a night out on the town or another way to cut loose with her BFFs before the wedding.\n\n### What is a male bridal shower called?\n\nA male bridal shower is called a groom roast. It’s a time for the groom to get together with his closest friends before the wedding and celebrate. Some couples choose to ditch the bridal shower and the groom roast and host a coed wedding shower to invite their mutual friends.","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"From elegant tea parties to the casual bonfire, plan your perfect party with creative bridal shower themes for the modern couple. ","title":"38 Bridal Shower Themes for Modern Couples","slug":"bridal-shower-themes","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/76ZaCVd5YdZKoKivIuHdcz/a27134cd9c6c2c5c0caf8ec2a2e3542d/40-Bridal-Shower-Themes-for-Modern-Couples.jpg","altText":"bridal shower theme ideas"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We have all the Q&As on bridal shower thank you messages, complete with ideas and examples of what to write. Grab a pen—it’s time to spread the love!","title":"Bridal Shower Thank You Messages with Examples and How To's","slug":"bridal-shower-thank-you-card-etiquette","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5GlWzMJKN61eHNXPxPVuI0/777bc1e0c90ceed6c32544b05d5a8312/Bridal-Shower-Thank-You-Card-Etiquette.jpg","altText":"Zola wedding thank you card graphic"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn about bridal shower etiquette. Our guide offers insights and tips for hosting or attending a memorable celebration in honor of the bride.","title":"Bridal Shower Planning & Etiquette ","slug":"who-typical-organizes-and-throws-a-bridal-shower","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7swjwrKK1S99UGbQUh9i0G/aef3681e9a91e77440e2ac5f0f6433c9/Hero_New-02.jpg","altText":"Who organizes a Bridal Shower"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Find inspiration for bridal shower card messages with our tips, quotes, and examples. Craft heartfelt wishes that celebrate the bride-to-be in a special way.","title":"What to Write in a Bridal Shower Card ","slug":"how-to-write-a-bridal-shower-card","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1i6aeplGYDEzk7RquRxZ4K/388498136d2828ba63f64e25efd60cc2/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"What to write in a bridal shower card"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-03-22T12:22:53.086Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"bridesmaid-proposal","title":"30 Bridesmaid Proposal Ideas: Gifts and Fun Ways to Ask","excerpt":"Plan the perfect bridesmaid proposal with these creative party ideas and 20 proposal gift box ideas.\n","author":"Georgie Darling","publishedAt":"2024-03-14T14:00-04:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/bP5UEDvDrUorpKqaubGlL/58dd524a0799d31386dde15c62d5a63a/pexels-caleb-oquendo-3051569.jpg","altText":"Bride in white robe holding hands up in the air with bridesmaids in blue robes, all facing the water"},"heroCredit":"Caleb Oquendo","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.pexels.com/photo/four-women-holding-hands-while-facing-body-of-water-3051569/","body":"[Bridesmaid proposals](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/maid-of-honor-proposal-ideas) are the perfect way to kick off your wedding day festivities and celebrate with your closest friends. While they’re totally optional, they’re a fun way to show your friends and relatives how much they mean to you. Yet, knowing what to put in your proposal box can feel a little overwhelming. \n\nSo, we’ve pulled together 30 fantastic bridesmaid proposal ideas, plus tips \non how to ask, “Will you be my bridesmaid?”\n\n## What is a bridesmaid proposal?\n\nA bridesmaid proposal is a unique way to ask close friends or relatives to be part of your bridal party on your wedding day. A relatively new (and optional) trend, it's usually done with a [small gift or a card](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/8-will-you-be-my-bridesmaid-card-ideas) that expresses your appreciation and excitement for them as an important part of your life.\n\n## How to create a bridesmaid proposal box\n\nSure, you want to get your bridesmaids-to-be together to give them cute proposal boxes. But what if they’re a little more spread out geographically? Send them a classic proposal box instead! They’re easy to customize and ship, and there are literally hundreds of proposal box ideas you can explore to build the perfect gift for each member of your bridal party.\n\n## 23 bridesmaid proposal ideas\n\nIf you know you want to send a proposal box, but you’re still looking for the perfect gifts for your bridesmaids, these 30 bridesmaid proposal box ideas are cute, customizable, and easy to ship.\n\n### 1. I do proposal cards\n\n![I do proposal cards](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2HuXzXRFkqE6FRPRtuvKsh/993e69e4655a543e0778e38fc4ec35d8/I_do_proposal_cards.jpg)\n\nNot all bridesmaid proposal ideas are expensive. Sometimes, the most budget-friendly are the most effective. No matter your style, the perfect proposal card is out there waiting to be found! Choose your favorite design (we love these [adorable proposal cards](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/eventblossom_bridal_party_proposal_cards_set6)) then customize your proposal for each of your friends. Share a memory, an inside joke, or a favorite photo to let your bridesmaid know just how special they are.\n\n### 2. Party photo props\n\n![Party photo props](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1ce6ZwKk4Zh0iwQ8Ggfw5z/a8a55ef688a5f7f6e08af0cb789f400e/Party_photo_props.jpg)\n\nWas there even a party if you didn’t take pictures? Send your bridal party a fun photo prop (like these [wedding photo props](https://www.amazon.com/31Pcs-Wedding-Photo-Booth-Props/dp/B0CP4KHQP2/)) so they can take their own proposal selfie, and you can get a group photo of your I do crew.\n\n### 3. Filled candy boxes\n\n![Filled candy boxes](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5ADnrOY3YZ2FfYTjrHQnp7/6e78165beab5c733d84cc50fcd0d9fb5/Filled_candy_boxes.jpg)\n\nGourmet candy and uniquely flavored treats will surely be a hit with your wedding party. Consider flavors that match your wedding cake combination, or ask your bridesmaids if they prefer chocolate or fruit flavors. Fill boxes like these [glittery gold boxes](https://www.amazon.com/Efavormart-Sequin-Glitter-Ribbon-Wedding/dp/B0B9HZW3RK/) with all of your favorite sweets. \n\n### 4. Knot jewelry\n\n![statement knot earrings](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/yh2cTSRxrkmJLIAUCFPue/24ccddec1ac508a8fd99e6d727639f5e/statement_knot_earrings.jpg)\n\nJewelry is a great way to propose to your wedding party while giving them the perfect wedding day accessory. You can choose matching bracelets or a thoughtfully chosen necklace for each bridesmaid to love for years to come. Or what about these [statement knot earrings](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/foxblossomco_knot_bridesmaid_earrings)? This is one of the best bridesmaid proposal gifts if you know your bridesmaids will be contributing their time and money towards your big day. \n\n### 5. Champagne\n\n![Hip Champagne Glass, Set of 4](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Hv93BmnLCPYn1SGFXKfaJ/aa0d2df43a680aa2e1947510951e160a/Hip_Champagne_Glass__Set_of_4.jpg)\n\nSend a little bubbly to enjoy at your virtual proposal party or over a one-on-one call with your bridesmaids. Don’t forget the bridal party champagne flutes (these [classic champagne glasses](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/crate-and-barrel-hip-champagne-glass) are pretty stylish) that double as a prop for your getting-ready photos.\n\n### 6. Mason jar candles\n\n![Boho Peony 4 oz. Mason Jar Candles](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/56gQGlD23VFF91TRTu3IFe/3884af0b75e5880f2cfe88b030598c46/Boho_Peony_4_oz._Mason_Jar_Candles.jpg)\n\nCandles are an easy gift anyone can enjoy, but they’re also easy to elevate. Find a candle to match the scents of your wedding flowers, make your own candle with custom scents and colors, or create a custom label asking your wedding party to join your big day. Or, keep it simple (yet effective) with these [peony-scented jar candles](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/eventblossom_boho_peony_4_oz._mason_jar_candles).\n\n### 7. Nail polish\n![Nail Polish](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1fBQTMOKb3q7SCLpQcrhcq/b821bf76cb320e6e3a6dea399a02c814/Nail_Polish.jpg)\n\nGive your loved ones the gift of a fresh manicure with nail polishes that match your wedding colors—or go neutral with this [bridesmaid-inspired polish](https://www.amazon.com/Lauren-B-Beauty-Blushing-Bridesmaids/dp/B071YSF7WD/). You can also build a gift basket with cuticle oil and lotion or include a gift card they can use to buy their own manicure supplies. This is one of our favorite “be my bridesmaid” ideas if you’re on a budget.\n\n### 8. Spa day essentials\n\n![predone spa gift box set](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4kEcmZ43em8N9ehKR4Djw2/3e633dd29f84bbd7fd92fd037b54a5a1/predone_spa_gift_box_set.jpg)\n\nHelp your bridesmaids recharge with a spa day gift box of relaxing scents, moisturizing lotions, and beautiful bath essentials like this [predone spa gift box set](https://www.amazon.com/Birthday-Relaxing-Grandma-Bridesmaid-Present/dp/B09XD44JM7/ref=sr_1_3?crid=13R7FYY5TH6H6&keywords=spa%2Bday%2Bgift%2Bbox&qid=1702546416&sprefix=spa%2Bday%2Bgift%2Bbox%2Caps%2C252&sr=8-3&th=1). It’s the gift that keeps giving any time they need a break!\n\n### 9. Luxurious robe\n\n![Satin Lace Robe](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7tjiFhdNeqQIomctXAAB3D/965c6f0926463eb9aced642018333cfd/Satin_Lace_Robe.jpg)\n\nBridal robes are a classic favorite when it comes to bridesmaid proposal ideas that can help your wedding party feel fabulous every morning. Try a silky robe in your wedding colors (or a classic shade like this [lovely satiny robe](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/eventblossom_satin_lace_robe_white)), or match the bridesmaid dresses with each individual’s name embroidered to help your party feel extra special.\n\n### 10. Matching t-shirts\n\n![Bridal Babe Fitted T-Shirt](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/L406lWoqpuJ4PYiPIzjJn/a4977269fb48105b9b1e1f4e46276185/Bridal_Babe_Fitted_T-Shirt.jpg)\n\nConcerning bridal box ideas, this one is a classic choice. Bridal party t-shirts, like [ones with cute sayings](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/eventblossom_bridal_babe_fitted_tshirt), are perfect for photos, the bachelorette party, and even the after-reception party. Plus, your bridesmaids can love them long after the parties are over.\n\n### 11. Drinking glasses\n\n![European Crystal Champagne Flute, Set of 4](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1vhUDyfwTV22aa9DN2N7dF/58e82db5f08ed6d7cbf26ddee52508a8/European_Crystal_Champagne_Flute__Set_of_4.jpg)\n\nYour bridal party will love a custom wine or drinking glass to add to their barware, like these [stunning quality flutes](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/viski_european_crystal_champagne_flute_set4). Have your glasses etched with each bridesmaid’s initials or name for a beautiful gift they can bring to every wedding party. Put these in boxes for bridesmaid proposals when you’ll be gifting them IRL, as they may be fragile!\n\n### 12. Hair accessories\n\n![Bridal Hair Pin](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5swv7x8jE0bXVMD1irt6M3/3d0522b7d33b4d990ba3f9e8fa3c8953/Bridal_Hair_Pin.jpg)\n\nWho couldn’t use more hair accessories? Ask your bridesmaids to help you tie the knot with bridal party pins, themed hair ties, or other fun accessories. Zola’s collection of [bridal hair accessories](https://www.zola.com/search/gifts?q=%22hair%20pins%22) are super cute. Put these in bridal boxes for bridesmaids who live further afield to save on expensive (heavy) postage costs. \n\n### 13. Succulents\n\n![Potted Dudelya Succulent](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4yZKMGXPYesfH9N71t0cJg/82ff82fe08835c912a3388ca6f1df001/Potted_Dudelya_Succulent.jpg)\n\nSucculents are easy to love and hard to kill, making them an ideal gift for almost any occasion. Send a little greenery, like a [thriving potted succulent](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/abhome_potted_dudelya_succulent), to make your wedding party’s day.\n\n### 14. Ring pops\n\n![Light up Rings](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5Jlj9mUIFQWMtFWaCdUegd/6f73a1a8e4a3a533fb24d4cd5bf775eb/Light_up_Rings.jpg)\n\nNow that you’ve said yes, it’s your bridal party’s turn! There are few more fitting ways to pop the question than with your own ring pop proposal. They don’t even have to be edible, like these fun [light-up rings](https://www.amazon.com/Bucherry-Bachelorette-Flashing-Birthday-Decorations/dp/B0BYZ9NMWZ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=39NQ5KIUOLUP8&keywords=ring%2Bpop%2Bwedding&qid=1702546697&sprefix=ring%2Bpop%2Bweddin%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-5&th=1). For an affordable bridesmaid proposal box, these fun gifts tick all the boxes.\n\n### 15. Makeup bags\n\n![monogrammed makeup bag](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4o4uhJEaWBc7Nkmm4XOPVI/c2e4dfcd38fda8168c3c3f80f9805cf4/monogrammed_makeup_bag.jpg)\n\nGive your bridal party the perfect accessory for your wedding morning with proposal cosmetic bags. Stuff them with lipsticks, makeup wipes, moisturizers, and more for the perfect getting-ready gift. This [monogrammed makeup bag](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/eventblossom_floral_monogram_canvas_cosmetic_bag) is one of our favorites.\n\n### 16. Coffee gifts\n\n![Espresso Mug, Set of 2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4xZEKa2FYkXzms47uunx1x/10f4a537c077ecb5fa703514f28d3172/Espresso_Mug__Set_of_2.jpg)\n\nLocal coffee beans, cute espresso cups like this [tiny espresso mug](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/lecreuset_espresso_mug_caribbean_3.25), and coffee shop gift cards are all thoughtful ways to propose to the coffee lovers in your life. Don’t forget the monogrammed coffee mug to make each morning a little brighter.\n\n### 17. Honey\n\n![Savannah Bee Company, Tupelo Flute Raw Honey](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4DXsUjTFQ1cq4Iu0wTexdt/56bfa7ff6dd9d96dee1930683914b230/Savannah_Bee_Company__Tupelo_Flute_Raw_Honey.jpg)\n\nLooking for bridesmaid proposal ideas that really lean into the sweet theme? Local honey is a sweet way to ask your loved ones to share in your big day. Check out local honey producers for unique flavors and quality honey, as well as other bee-made gifts, like candles and lip balms. This [honey in a stunning bottle](https://savannahbee.com/products/tupelo) is a yummy choice. \n\n### 18. Lip balms\n\n![savannahbee the assorted lip balm gift set](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7fHXvRZiYLSPRYCvJzwYdP/de8ee01f3281c0124eb37014fa9c0704/savannahbee_the_assorted_lip__balm_gift_set.webp)\n\nLip balms will keep your bridal party’s smiles moisturized and prepped for photos. You can order custom labels or find boutique lip balms with special flavors (we love [this assortment of lip balms](https://savannahbee.com/collections/lip-care)) or additives like flower petals for an extra special favor.\n\n### 19. Mint scents\n\n![Wellness Wild Mint & Eucalyptus Votive Candle](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1xhWg7G96JWhpnfzX84oSz/cccaf79bf45d63fdf8f44034f1cb4788/Wellness_Wild_Mint___Eucalyptus_Votive_Candle.jpg)\n\nA pack of mints is a simple gift your bridesmaids can keep with them as a little reminder of how much you mean to them. A beautiful tin can also be repurposed and enjoyed well after the mints are gone. For something a little more luxe, try this [lovely, mint-scented candle](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/nestfragrances_wellness_wild_mint_eucalyptus_votive_candle).\n\n### 20. Cookies\n\n![PERSONALISED BRIDESMAID Proposal Heart Cakesicle and Biscuit Treat Box](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4nvaPZaylgvWwz3w0Ic6vy/9c547bff3898d7535edc90d46f0f99d4/PERSONALISED_BRIDESMAID_Proposal_Heart_Cakesicle_and_Biscuit_Treat_Box.avif)\n\nOrder custom cookies from a local bakery to ask your loved ones to join you at the altar on your special day. It’s a sweet treat they’ll love and an extra special way to propose. Looking for something you can buy online? These [customizable cookie sets](https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1433301224/personalised-bridesmaid-proposal-heart) are seriously sweet and can accompany all kinds of other bridesmaid proposal ideas.\n\n### 21. Keychain\n\n![Personalized Leather Keychain](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/N22UPYynyLgNvBB1lEpU7/060be8f7e12f230dca6c3ab978cb5aeb/Personalized_Leather_Keychain.jpg)\n\nCute and budget-friendly, buy a personalized keychain for each of your bridesmaids-to-be (like this [personalized keychain](https://www.amazon.com/Personalized-Leather-Keychain-Monogrammed-Accessories/dp/B0BMT6X1PF/)) when you pop the question. If you’re all about useful gifts, this is a cheap but cheerful option that they’ll use long after the big day. \n\n### 22. Sustainable confetti\n\n![floral confetti](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6G834JKc1KveLt9bNKPeEn/e352f28752ee4160093b5d09ba48309d/floral_confetti.jpg)\n\nYou know your wedding day wouldn’t be the same without them there. Buy them some colorful (or wedding color-themed) confetti (this [floral confetti](https://www.amazon.com/RainbowPana-Individual-Biodegradable-Confetti-Weddings/dp/B0BLN9TGSM/) is both timeless and biodegradable) to throw over you and your partner when you’ve sealed the deal. \n\n### 23. Ring dish\n\n![With Love Ring Dish](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3Prz2XuX8WWcNSmy46UCEF/53316ec0823fc8acda879cded2ffcd8b/With_Love_Ring_Dish.jpg)\n\nGive them a ring dish to keep all of their jewelry organized, like this [you and me ring dish](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/katespade_with_love_ring_dish) with a message that suggests, \"He put a ring on it, now I need you to help me tie the knot. Will you be my bridesmaid?\"\n\n## 7 More bridesmaid proposal ideas\n\nHopefully, the bridesmaid proposal ideas above will give you some great inspo for shippable presents. If you’re looking for something a little different, try the box surprise ideas below. \n\n### 24. Proposal puzzle\n\n![bridesmaid proposal puzzle](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/37IWMjzg3lFznbDB7rOZ9V/8c0f182d75bba7387182f8f66a75f48b/bridesmaid_proposal_puzzle.jpg)\n\nA proposal puzzle is a fun way to give a gift and a proposal all in one. You can order custom puzzles with a photo of you and your friend with “Will you join my bridal party?” to send to each bridesmaid-to-be.\n\nPuzzles are fun on their own, but you can make them a game with prizes for each place finish—first, second, etc. You may also choose to include a joke or special memory on the puzzle for each bridesmaid to discover and share as an icebreaker.\n\n### 25. Matching t-shirts\n\n![bridesmaid matching t-shirts](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/PTwPAgBWkp3JwQm6UMTEQ/8431ee40688c93fe3f0bd9798b17fedb/bridesmaid_matching_t-shirts.avif)\n\nMatching t-shirts are a fan favorite for any “I do” crew. Your bridal party can take selfies and group screenshots while wearing them during your proposal party, then re-wear them for the bachelorette party and other planning celebrations.\n\nBridesmaid t-shirts can be simple, with labels like “bridesmaid” and “man of honor.” They can also be customized for each person in your party, like “the funny bridesmaid,” or references to your favorite things like a “Feyoncé” shirt for you and matching bridesmaids shirts with lyrics like “I Woke Up Like This.”\n\n### 26. Bonding games\n\n![two best friends](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/71nLnArCkgp5xEY3ri3YVd/5ed3059ebbd377543a40cadb9cfefb17/pexels-elle-hughes-1549280.jpg)\n\nIf you’re hoping to make your asking bridesmaids box a little more inventive, try this idea. Collaborative games double as a fun and engaging way to get your wedding party working together and to deliver the proposal. You can plan in-home scavenger hunts to have your guests find things like rings, white dress, cake, and other wedding hints to piece together the proposal. Trivia and word puzzles also work well, with lines like “Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig star in this 2011 comedy.” (Hint: It’s Bridesmaids)\n\nGet creative to find ways to spell out the question with story problems, secret codes, and more. These clue games create a fun memory, prompt lots of laughs, and help your bridesmaids-to-be get comfortable with each other.\n\n### 27. Online movie night\n\n![virtual-bridal-proposal-ideas-mockup-romcom (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3OjXK9ENUrlw4GgrgdfN2y/2a920712f5eff43cb2181925b06b73fd/virtual-bridal-proposal-ideas-mockup-romcom__1_.jpg)\n\n $\"download$ \n\nPlan a movie night with games, like movie trivia or rom-com bingo. You can add a little spice with custom bingo markers, prizes, or house rules to make it a drinking game. Remember, boxes for bridesmaid proposals are totally optional. If you’d rather just host a cute get-together and pop the question that way, that’s a lot of fun, too. \n\nIn addition to the movie and games, pre-plan to send your guests movie popcorn, drinks, and of course, access to whatever movie you choose to watch. This way, no one gets left out, and your guests don’t have to worry about a thing!\n\n### 28. Bath in a box\n\n![pexels-herbs-basics-7924190](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7zyt9jYJkD22RSCpUh7SR6/622d669a96911ce72b494befdafa64f1/pexels-herbs-basics-7924190.jpg)\n\nWhat’s more relaxing than a spa day at home? Wedding planning can be stressful, so send your wedding party the gift of relaxation as a special treat from you. Bath bombs, sheet masks, a scented candle, and chocolate are all anyone needs to enjoy a nice night in to refresh. You can include your proposal as a card, on the candle, or even as a surprise hidden in the bath bomb.\n\n### 29. Box of customized sweets\n\n![Box of Assorted Sweets](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/gjJdR5NjxFmoWFKbegsHR/294cc5f3a02c55f6dcb27c1c14d08b77/pexels-ofir-eliav-6639728.jpg)\n\nA box of sweets is sure to make anyone’s day, but you can take it a step further with custom candies or cookies for your bridesmaids. Order cookies from a local bakery with your proposal in icing, or send your party ring pops with a personalized proposal. Then, plan a video call to enjoy your treats with great conversation and sweet wine.\n\n### 30. Balloon bouquet\n\n![Balloon bouquet](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5i2leY2CpiZQZYBzd1GDLy/f5b22723d4eea028a34e34c603ac1de4/pexels-alesia-talkachova-6629590.jpg)\n\nBalloons are a fun way to brighten your bridal party’s day, and they can double as props or decor for your virtual proposal party. Send balloons with custom messages and a gift box, or order a stuffed balloon filled with confetti and gifts. Either way, friends will love the presentation!\n\n## How should I propose to my bridesmaid?\n\nWhen proposing to your bridesmaid (s), choose a gift, a card, or a get-together that reflects your friendship and your wedding theme. Some of the best bridesmaid proposal ideas include matching t-shirts, personalized Champagne flutes, boxes of spa products, sweets or cookies, or bath bomb surprises.\n\n## What do you write in a bridesmaid proposal?\n\nPop the question in a fun, creative way that suits your wedding theme and your (and your bridesmaid's) personality. Some popular ways to do this include catchy phrases, puns, or rhymes, like: “You’re the Rachel to my Monica,” “Will you help me tie the knot?” or “Donut make me do this alone!”\n\nNo matter how you plan your bridesmaid proposal, your wedding party will love to celebrate your special day and a bright future. Make sure they know how special they are to you with a sweet proposal and happy wedding planning. If you have questions about [bridesmaid duties](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-are-the-bridesmaid-duties) or who pays for [bridesmaid dresses](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/who-pays-for-bridesmaids-dresses), Zola has all the answers for your wedding party needs.\n","tag":"How-To ","updatedAt":"2024-03-15T17:41:12.130Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"ban-phones-at-my-wedding","title":"Unplugged Wedding: How & Why to Ban Phones at a Ceremony","excerpt":"Unplugged weddings are gaining steam, but it's certainly not for everyone. Here are some good reasons to ban phones at your wedding—plus, how to tell guests the news.\n","author":"Jane Chertoff","publishedAt":"2024-03-14T08:00-04:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7aDddLD5VxJLjyWVfYbO9a/bbf4ea352fd7b85d447ec3b196d0ce97/HERO_EicharPhotography_1080x720_Monica_Emir.jpg","altText":"Couple smiling and laughing as they run through a line of guests with their arms up in the air celebrating"},"heroCredit":"Eichar Photography","body":"While some couples choose to create the perfect wedding hashtag, live stream an aerial view of their ceremony via drone, or even have a robot serve drinks at the reception, others are going in a different direction entirely. [Embracing technology](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/9-savvy-ways-to-use-social-media-at-your-wedding) can be a fun touch, but it can also be distracting and take away from the real sentiment of the day. \n\nThat’s why many couples are choosing to have an unplugged wedding ceremony. According to our [First Look Report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2024), 75% of couples will have unplugged weddings in 2024. Whether you choose to ban phones is entirely up to you (it’s your day, after all). Here are the pros and cons of an unplugged event.\n\n## What is an unplugged wedding?\n\nAn unplugged wedding is when a couple requests that their guests not use their phones, cameras, or any other recording devices during the ceremony. This ensures that attendees are present in the moment and allows the photographer to get clear and unobstructed shots of the couple.\n\n## Why do an unplugged wedding?\n\nWhen deciding whether to ban devices for your ceremony, there are a few reasons to implement the popular rule beyond \"just because I want to.\" Here are the most important.\n\n### Your guests will be more engaged. \n\nThe main reason to ban phones at a wedding is that your guests (and you) will be fully in the moment at your ceremony. When you walk down the aisle, you’ll be able to look everyone in the eye and see their reaction, versus having their screens staring back at you.\n\n### Your photographer will have clear shots. \n\nYour wedding photographer won’t have to compete with people’s arms in the way of their shots, giving them a clearer view. Many beautiful professional shots have been ruined by a smartphone (or worse yet, a tablet) in the way, which is a true shame.\n\n![INLINE Jake&KatiePhotography 1080x720 Jack&Nicole](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2rcFFC7ZGl8mUBWJ635iMa/1b322ff5857edb18c055347bb478a1e8/INLINE_Jake_KatiePhotography_1080x720_Jack_Nicole.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Jake & Katie Photography\n\n### You'll keep your photos and moments private—for now.\n\nFor whatever reason, you may not want family and friends to leak photos of you before you’re ready to share. You’ll also protect everyone’s privacy. You wouldn’t want your partner to see a shot of you while scrolling through someone’s feed before the actual face-to-face reveal, right?\n\n### You'll win back a bit of free time. \n\nFinally, banning phones may mean less stress for the entire affair. You won’t have to stop and pose for everyone’s selfies and shots every few minutes. Plus, you can instead focus on greeting guests, dancing, and having fun.\n\n## How to do an unplugged wedding\n\nReady to plan your unplugged wedding? There are a few easy steps to consider before your ceremony to make sure everyone is on the same page.\n\n### 1. Make the decision with your partner. \n\nThere are two of you getting married, so the decision to ban phones at your wedding should, of course, be decided by both of you. If you are in favor of an unplugged ceremony, but your partner isn’t, remind them of some of the benefits and see if you can reach a compromise. For example, you can let guests use their phones as much as they want at the reception. (That wedding hashtag isn’t going to fill itself!)\n\n### 2. Communicate to your guests. \n\nOnce you’ve decided to host an unplugged wedding, you must communicate the plan to your guests from the get-go. You don’t have to print this on the [wedding invitation](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) itself, but include an enclosure card in the envelope and post it on your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website), too.\n\nYou can word the addendum like this: \n*“We invite you to be fully present with us at our ceremony. We will kindly ask that you turn off your phone and keep it in your bag or pocket. We look forward to sharing professional photographs when they are ready.”*\n\nAt the ceremony, post a sign (make sure it’s large enough that everyone can see it) reminding guests to unplug. If you want to make it more fun, you could also put out baskets or have a “phone valet” where everyone checks in their phone before the ceremony.\n\n![INLINE CortiellaPhotography 1080x720 Choumate&Berthony](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1l5mII3PvGGqWm74r6Ta7S/3b8911084a0703ed6be2ee5f018954f6/INLINE_CortiellaPhotography_1080x720_Choumate_Berthony.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Cortiella Photography\n\n### 3. Inform your wedding officiant.\n\nTell your officiant about your desire to have an unplugged wedding, and they’ll likely be able to help! Before the ceremony, have them remind your loved ones to please keep their phones off before the ceremony begins. Or, if some guests insist on taking pictures, your officiant can even give them a “social media moment” to take photos briefly. If nothing else, phones should be put on silent mode so there are no distractions. Imagine a phone ringing during the first kiss— boo!\n\n### 4. Handle the response. \n\nSome may call you a Luddite, but stick to your guns. Until about 10 years ago, no one had smartphones or social media at their weddings, and everyone survived. If your family or friends protest, remember that it’s your day and your decision. They can all survive for a few hours without their phone (we promise!) and may even end up loving it.\n\nOne caveat to this: __Some wedding guests may need access to their phones__. These guests may have small children and need communication with their babysitters, for example. Be sure to field requests for phones with understanding and hear everyone out. Some people may welcome a break from their phones. Others will not—and one or two folks will always do what they want no matter what. So don’t stress too much, and focus on enjoying your wedding day.\n\nLooking for more ways to take charge of your big day? Learn how to [handle overbearing parents](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-handle-overbearing-parents-when-wedding-planning) and guests [begging for plus-ones](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/should-my-plus-one-sign-the-wedding-card). Tackle problems with finesse with Zola’s expert advice.","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"A lot of details go into a wedding. Don't forget the small wedding details! Add these often overlooked (but essential) items to your to-do list and check it twice.","title":"25 Small Wedding Details You Don't Want to Forget","slug":"small-wedding-details","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2IALiWRgjTTZ28cqO0LoM0/c3e85dbcc4325ba87b0992e44b6be359/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding couple celebrates small wedding details"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Weddings are fun, but planning them can be stressful. Here are practical ways to deal with wedding planning stress.","title":"5 Effective Ways to Fight Wedding Planning Stress","slug":"ways-to-fight-wedding-planning-stress","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3GTsIw6vsfY9q3xaj694Zo/8aefec865bd9f374f61f1f476876b440/Zola_HeroImage_1080x720__1_.jpg","altText":"woman using zola for wedding planning stress"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Need to cut wedding costs? Here are five ways to do so that you might not have thought about. Read up, and get ready to spend smart!","title":"29 Ways to Cut Wedding Costs","slug":"5-ways-cut-wedding-costs","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Budgeting","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4XUtTaJVTcHtvYZbB5mOWW/9543c7efa84e5c6a4d1d3b58ea0da85a/amy-peppercorn-photography.jpg","altText":"Bride and groom sitting side by side outdoors in wedding attire as the sun sets"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Confused on how much to tip wedding vendors, which vendors to tip, and when to distribute tips? Fear not: explore our guide for tipping wedding vendors.","title":"How Much To Tip Wedding Vendors","slug":"a-guide-to-tipping-wedding-vendors","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/oljNU6JIHuglslJ7ouSRO/c09c8646dad52d410abed69adbc51a28/lovesome-photography.webp","altText":"how much to tip wedding vendors and venue coordinator"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"Your wedding website provides your wedding guests with all the necessary info about your wedding. Here's exactly what to include and what to skip on your wedding website.","title":"11 Dos and Don'ts for Your Wedding Website","slug":"dos-and-donts-wedding-website","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6IftHAsGNVhNIVybKGWqoc/c77aacc7e75e08ce7472ee66b2624c47/hero_11_Dos_and_Don_ts_for_Your_Wedding_Website.jpg","altText":"zola wedding website"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"In this wedding style guide, find out why thinking about your wedding style early on will help you in your planning, and how to use Zola Inspiration to discover your own personal wedding vision. ","title":"What's Your Wedding Style? + 130 Decor Ideas","slug":"whats-your-wedding-style","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2pqMpa47wQuGqyuWMKAIM8/129f21dfd693c80007fb121e3287f929/Whats-Your-Wedding-Style_BrandyAngelPhotography.jpg","altText":"What's Your Wedding Style? "},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Explore our guide to learn everything you need to know about enclosure cards. ","title":"A Guide to Invitation Enclosure Cards","slug":"a-guide-to-invitation-enclosure-cards","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3xBeaPPXZRsXCYtYeY4M9g/6eab7a512dcc0510ab0921301fce6b45/detail.jpg","altText":"Zola Napa ring wedding invitation suite"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Wondering how to share your wedding website with guests? Explore etiquette tips for how to share your wedding website on an invitation.","title":"How to Include Your Wedding Website on Your Invitation","slug":"how-to-include-your-wedding-website-on-your-invitation","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/26CncJFSKWLqU3QCUNbXDz/adef7cbc39110ffd3962b155c77cb77a/HERO_Zola_1080x720.jpg","altText":"wedding website on invitation etiquette"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-03-15T17:17:37.864Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"how-to-plan-a-sober-wedding","title":"How to Plan a Dry Wedding + Tips","excerpt":"Planning a dry wedding might seem challenging—but it doesn't have to be! Expert wedding planners share their tips for planning a fun, memorable, alcohol-free wedding.","author":"Laura Hensley","publishedAt":"2024-02-22T10:00+05:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/58NoIZGEJQBAZOV3gUkZpq/8af786295350ad1bd2051e8a7de4cea6/Groom_Holding_Sparkling_Cider_by_Jason_Briscoe.jpg","altText":"Groom holding two glasses of sparkling cider with bride in background for a dry wedding"},"heroCredit":"Jason Briscoe","tldr":"__Inside this Article__\n- What is a dry wedding?\n- Why have a dry wedding?\n- How to have a dry wedding\n- Dry wedding FAQ","body":"Alcohol and weddings often go hand in hand, but that doesn’t mean they have to! It’s your wedding, your rules. Whatever your reasoning, if you don’t want to offer alcoholic drinks during [cocktail hour](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/top-10-tips-for-successful-cocktail-hour), nobody will twist your arm! \n\nThat said, there are a few things to consider when planning a dry party (of any kind, honestly). \n\nSo, we spoke to two expert wedding planners and got their advice on how to go booze-free on your big day. Here are their easy tips on how to plan a dry wedding without any added stress or worry.\n\n## What is a dry wedding? \nA dry wedding is a wedding without alcoholic beverages of any kind. People have dry weddings for lots of reasons, but most often, it’s because the bride and groom simply don’t want drinking on their special day. As a matter of respect, guests should accept the dry wedding rule with grace.\n\n## Why have a dry wedding? \nWhy not have a dry wedding? It’s your wedding day, so you can do things exactly how you and your partner want them — no questions asked. But alcohol is one of those tricky things where questions likely will be asked, you just don’t have to answer them. \n\nJust because alcohol is typically a part of weddings doesn’t mean there’s a rule that it has to be. Maybe you and your partner are in recovery, don’t drink for religious or personal reasons, or simply want to have a booze-free affair. [Open bars](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/open-bar-weddings-a-guide) are expensive, after all. Whatever your reason, know it’s perfectly perfect to have a dry wedding.\n\n## How to have a dry wedding \nSo, how do you have a dry wedding? It’s a little bit more complicated than just removing alcohol from the equation, but not by much! Here’s what to do ahead of time if you’re planning a dry wedding.\n\n### Inform your guests you’re having a dry wedding.\nSome guests choose to [stay sober](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/stay-sober-at-a-wedding) at weddings regardless of whether or not alcohol is available. Still, if alcohol won’t be served at your celebration at all, you should let everyone know.\n\nJessica Lisi, a Toronto-based wedding planner, says couples should tell guests on their wedding invitation and/or through their [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) that the event will be dry. You don’t need to offer an explanation for your decision, and if people probe, you can tell them as much or as little as you’d like. It’s your day, and you are calling the shots (or lack thereof).\n\n“On the opposite side, if you’re a guest and would like the couple to know you require alcohol-free [drinks] for religious or personal reasons, this should be documented when you RSVP,” Lisi adds.\n\n### Consider your venue and timing.\nWhen it comes to selecting a venue, you might want to consider a location where alcohol isn’t permitted or you need a special permit to serve it. These can include public spaces like parks, beaches, or gardens. Some religious weddings may be hosted at venues that don’t allow alcohol, either. \n\n__Expert Advice:__ Explore, compare and book wedding venues right on [Zola’s Venue Marketplace](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues)!\n\nAlso, think about timing. If you want a dry wedding, you may be inclined to have a morning ceremony and brunch or lunchtime reception. Guests are less likely to notice a lack of booze during the day than in the evening and would happily reach for coffee over a cocktail at 11 a.m.\n\nWeekday or Sunday ceremonies are also great options for sober weddings, as folks are not as inclined to want to get wild when they have work the next day.\n\n### Encourage people to party in other ways.\nLet’s face it: Alcohol loosens people’s inhibitions and acts as a social lubricant. After guests have a few cocktails, the dance floor seems to go from empty to crowded. But partying doesn’t need to equal alcohol, Lisi says.\n\n- __Hire great entertainment.__ The wedding planner points out that if you have a fantastic [band or DJ](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs), guests will always get in the mood to move.\n- __Break the ice.__ If you’re worried people will be socially anxious or uncomfortable, put some icebreaker games on tables so guests can get to know each other in between courses. You may also want to have games after dinner or play trivia.\n- __Incorporate customs.__ Depending on your culture or religious background, there are also traditions that get people laughing and moving, too. Cultural dances, songs, or customs can foster interaction.\n- __Set up stations.__ Lastly, you may want to think about fun things like photo booths or other pop-up activations throughout the night. These can include raffles, a pool or foosball table, or even carnival-style games.\n\n### Embrace mocktails! \nIf you’re having a dry wedding, create a non-alcoholic [signature drink](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/unique-wedding-signature-cocktails) for cocktail hour. A super tasty beverage will please guests’ tastebuds with or without booze. You can also have a list of alcohol-free drinks clearly listed at the bar for guests to choose from throughout dinner, too.\n\nLauren Grech, the co-founder and CEO of New York-based LLG Events, says infused water stations are also a great way to keep guests hydrated while looking elegant. She says couples can offer sparkling water or juice in place of champagne so guests always have something to toast with.\n\nDon’t underestimate the power of mocktails, either. Almost any [alcoholic drink can be made booze-free](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/18-popular-wedding-cocktails), Grech says, including summertime classics like Pina Coladas and Sex on the Beach. If you’re having a daytime wedding, high tea or fancy espresso-based drinks are great choices.\n\nThe options are really endless: You can do a kombucha station, a cold-pressed juice bar, or even a hot chocolate station in the winter. At one event Grech planned in Bora Bora, she helped a couple set up a smoothie bar. Don’t be afraid to get creative!\n\n### Offer limited alcohol options.\nIf you want guests to have the option of drinking at your wedding should they desire, there are several ways to make that happen — but don’t feel like you have to. \n\nA mostly or partially sober wedding may be a happy middle ground between your desires and those of your guests.\n\n- __Keep it to cash.__ If finances are the main reason you want to stay clear of booze, you can have a [cash bar](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-save-money-with-a-cash-bar-at-your-wedding) or allow guests to bring their own alcohol. If that’s the route you want to take, it’s good form to let guests know early on. Make this clear on your wedding website and on invites.\n- __Limit the supply.__ If you don’t want to go totally alcohol-free but still want to rein in the drinking, you can limit the [amount of alcohol](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-calculate-alcohol-needs-for-your-wedding) that is being served, Grech says. “Anytime that a couple is worried about their guests drinking too much, we say just serve champagne or wine during cocktail hour and then start serving hard liquor after dinner.”.\n- __Consider your bar times.__ Lisi says another option is to have an [open bar](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/open-bar-weddings-a-guide) during cocktail hour, then shut the bar down entirely during dinner. She suggests having a cash bar then available during the after-party. “This way, your guests will have had some alcohol during cocktails but will have had food afterward, and then it’s up to them if they’d like to purchase more alcohol or not,” recommends Lisi.\n\n## Dry Wedding FAQ \n### Can I bring my own alcohol to a dry wedding?\nHonestly, no. If a couple is having a dry wedding, it's because they don’t want alcohol there in any form. Find ways to have fun without the booze. You might surprise yourself, and you’ll definitely feel better in the morning than if you had imbibed. \n\n### Do dry weddings still have bars?\nSome dry weddings still have bars offering up soft drinks and mocktails, and others don’t. It’s entirely up to the couple. It’s still good form to offer guests a variety of beverages, whether the wedding is dry or not. \n\n### Why would someone throw a dry wedding? \nThere are so many reasons someone might want to have a dry or alcohol-free wedding. Perhaps they have a complicated relationship with alcohol, or someone in their family does. Maybe their religion prohibits consuming alcohol, or maybe they’re just trying to save money. (Alcohol is expensive, after all!) They might just not like drinking. Whatever their reasoning, it’s nobody’s business but theirs. \n\n### What is a “no host bar”?\nSome weddings might have a no-host bar, which is essentially a cash bar. Meaning guests can enjoy alcohol, but they just have to pay for it themselves. If you see this wording on a wedding invitation instead of “open bar,” be sure to bring cash — and enough to tip!\n\n## Final thoughts from our dry wedding experts\nAt the end of the day, both Lisi and Grech stress that you must do what’s right for you and your partner. Don’t feel pressured to serve alcohol if you don’t want to, and don’t worry about what others will think. Booze or no booze, your wedding is meant to reflect your desires, and it’s a day you’ll want to remember forever. If you let guests know beforehand on your [invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) and wedding website, you’ll set expectations and have a great day.\n","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Weddings are celebrations and things can get out of hand. Here's exactly how to deal with drunk wedding guests (and even prevent too much over-drinking).","title":"How to Handle a Super Drunk Wedding Guest","slug":"drunk-wedding-guest","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/rYISVmCrOfIIgAmkT3uFy/9765708ee6387e13b1da83eb0163a74f/pexels-cottonbro-3171736.jpg","altText":"drunk wedding guests"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Sobriety experts and therapists weigh in on how to stay sober at a wedding—no matter who you are, why you’re sober, or what wedding you’re attending","title":"How to Stay Sober at a Wedding","slug":"stay-sober-at-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2IHqFe3nBrDvVPGUuoHVja/680f7f08eaf01dd608a4fa52db75ebf4/HERO_AshCarrPhoto_1080x720_Ann_Wade.jpg","altText":"guests at a wedding"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Your wedding website provides your wedding guests with all the necessary info about your wedding. Here's exactly what to include and what to skip on your wedding website.","title":"11 Dos and Don'ts for Your Wedding Website","slug":"dos-and-donts-wedding-website","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6IftHAsGNVhNIVybKGWqoc/c77aacc7e75e08ce7472ee66b2624c47/hero_11_Dos_and_Don_ts_for_Your_Wedding_Website.jpg","altText":"zola wedding website"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A lot of details go into a wedding. Don't forget the small wedding details! Add these often overlooked (but essential) items to your to-do list and check it twice.","title":"25 Small Wedding Details You Don't Want to Forget","slug":"small-wedding-details","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2IALiWRgjTTZ28cqO0LoM0/c3e85dbcc4325ba87b0992e44b6be359/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding couple celebrates small wedding details"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Want a stylish city hall wedding but have no idea where to start? Use our list of 24 intimate wedding ideas to make this special day truly special. ","title":"24 City Hall Wedding Ideas for Your Perfect Day ","slug":"city-hall-wedding-ideas","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4lQsmAcUtS9ER3TUr8xC8e/67e5244b4560f69fa8ced11718c1f313/Hero_IntimateWeddingatSanFranciscoCityHall_NightingalePhotography.jpg","altText":"Zola "},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Green weddings are celebrations that focus on sustainability. Learn how you can easily throw an eco-friendly ceremony and reception with these decor, food, and fashion tips. ","title":"30 Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas for a Sustainable And Low-Cost Celebration","slug":"eco-friendly-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Wedding Day","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3SubP5X2NcyLgjifFfpl24/1199dd25676e1447076f5ea52649d9d4/nikki-gibson-UQl_-yabQiA-unsplash.jpg","altText":"Zola"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Weddings are fun, but planning them can be stressful. Here are practical ways to deal with wedding planning stress.","title":"5 Effective Ways to Fight Wedding Planning Stress","slug":"ways-to-fight-wedding-planning-stress","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3GTsIw6vsfY9q3xaj694Zo/8aefec865bd9f374f61f1f476876b440/Zola_HeroImage_1080x720__1_.jpg","altText":"woman using zola for wedding planning stress"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-03-06T19:49:59.133Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"who-do-you-invite-to-a-small-wedding","title":"Who Do You Invite to A Small Wedding?","excerpt":"Many couples want a smaller wedding, but find it hard to keep the guest list small. Here are some thoughts and guidelines about whom to invite to a small wedding.","author":"Lisa Wong Macabasco","publishedAt":"2021-11-28T04:52:25.680Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6vr09IJ6mkeSSHmtgyo7wM/2b0b74b78b5c983c3f6e9b8513f09764/Hero_DarlingGeorgiaElopement_ElleGoldenPhotography.jpg","altText":"Who Do You Invite to A Small Wedding?"},"heroCredit":"Elle Golden Photography","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- In general, a small wedding event has 75 guests or fewer.\n- Start with your immediate family and closest friends for the wedding guest list.\n- Agree with your partner about which extended family members you can include for the special day.\n- Keep it to your very closest friends whom you can’t imagine not celebrating your big day with.\n- Whether it’s a friend or a family member, you don’t have to invite anyone you just don’t feel close to currently.\n- Curb the wedding guest list by not inviting children or allowing plus ones.","body":"Many couples opted for a smaller wedding since the pandemic started, and the trend looks bound to continue into the foreseeable future, for budget or environmental reasons, among others. But many find it hard to keep the [wedding invitation](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) list small for the wedding venue. Here are some thoughts and guidelines about whom to invite to a small wedding.\n\n### What Is Considered a Small Wedding?\nFirst of all, a small wedding will look different for everyone, depending on the size of your family and your circle of friends, your religion, and your culture. In general, weddings under 75 guests are considered small and can be thought of in three categories: intimate weddings of 50 to 75; small weddings of 50 or fewer; and tiny weddings, or mini-/micro-weddings, of fewer than 15 guests. \n\n### Start With Your Must-Haves\nThe immediate family members of you and your partner should be at the top of the wedding invitation list, along with the close relatives you really want to be there for your big day. Next, think about which friends you just couldn’t dream of leaving out of your intimate wedding. \n\n### Set the Boundaries With Family Members\nIf you have a large extended family, you’ll have to make some tough decisions to keep your celebration small. Discuss with your partner about how small you want to make your intimate wedding: Maybe you want to draw the line with first cousins, uncles, and aunts, or maybe you want to just stick to your parents, siblings, and grandparents. Don’t feel like you have to invite distant cousins or relatives that you haven’t met before—or even any family you just aren’t close to. \n\n### Keep It to Your Closest Friends\nYou may not be able to include friends of friends, acquaintances, or co-workers who you see occasionally on your final wedding invite list. Ask yourself whether not inviting them may negatively impact your friendship—and whether that matters to you. If so, put them on a “maybe list” that you can revisit during [wedding planning](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning), when the guest list takes a firmer shape. If not, they don’t need a place on your list.\n\n### Assess What Your Current Relationship Is\nDon’t feel obligated to invite people just because they invited you to their wedding ceremony. Maybe you lost touch or had a falling out. Whether it’s a friend or a family member, you don’t have to invite anyone you just don’t feel close to currently. As a rule of thumb, think about whom you’d really like to take to dinner—after all, that is effectively what you’re doing with your wedding. If you don’t relish the thought of spending a nice evening with someone, you might not want to put them on your wedding invite list. \n\n### If Your Parents Are Contributing Financially to the Wedding\nIf your parents or your partner’s parents are footing all or part of the wedding celebration, they’re entitled to invite some guests—but it’s not out of the question that you set a limit on how many people they get to ask. \n\n### Limit Kids and Plus Ones\nTwo easy ways to curb the guest list are to make a rule to not invite children or allow plus ones. Kid-free weddings can shrink your guest count considerably in larger families. With plus ones, stick to extending invites only to those loved ones in long-term relationships.\n\n### It’s Hard to Cut Your Guest List—but It Can Be Necessary\nThere’s bound to be hurt feelings in any wedding celebration of any size. But there are plenty of ways you can make people feel involved in your celebration without inviting them to your wedding, whether it’s a separate, larger picnic or a Zoom party. But also remember that you’re not obligated to invite anyone. If you aren’t thrilled by the idea of someone attending your wedding, you absolutely don’t have to invite them. And chances are, if you’re not close, they won’t be bothered by it at all. It can be awkward or uncomfortable, but most people will understand that guest lists have to be restricted.\n\nWith a smaller wedding comes a surprising upside—more opportunities for genuine connection with your guests and staying true to who you really are as a couple. You’ll be able to spend more time with each guest and may be able to reallocate your budget to areas such as [wedding vendors](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) or [save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop) that will make the day more special for those you care about most. Maybe you don’t get the big wedding you always dreamed of—but it’s a real chance to revisit what matters most. It’s true what they say: Less is more!","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_InvitesPaper"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Explore Wedding Paper","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-07T18:05:16.416Z"}],"pagination":{"currentPage":1,"total":163},"subtopic":{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"how-many-people-to-invite-to-a-wedding","title":"How Many People Should I Invite to My Wedding?","excerpt":"What's the average wedding size? How do you decide who to invite? Here's everything you need to know about guest lists and who to invite.","author":"Jane Chertoff and Georgie Darling","publishedAt":"2023-12-20T00:00-05:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1ZpIxwqIcetPEILmdpBQj4/940fd517a85d46fd0d37e3b1f3cfcb53/hero_HowManyGuests.jpg","altText":"Graphic of four people standing in a line celebrating"},"heroCredit":"Zola","tldr":"## Inside this article \n\n- The average wedding size 2024\n- Average ratio of family:friends\n- What percentage of invited guests attend a wedding?\n- Wedding size for different weddings\n- How to decide who to invite to your wedding\n- How to limit guests on wedding invitations","body":"The big question finally was asked and it was accompanied by a resounding “YES!” You posted that beautiful engagement ring picture on social media. You’re both basking in the glow of fiancee-dom, when the comments start coming in. And, we’re not talking about the “OMGs” or the congratulatory emojis. We’re talking about:\n\n“So, are the kids invited?” “Can I bring this guy I met on Tinder? I think he’ll last!” “When’s the date? I want to make sure your third cousin Ali’s knee surgery doesn’t conflict.”\n\nAlmost as soon as you get engaged, friends and loved ones want to know if they’re invited to the wedding. But, before you start making that guest list, you’re going to have to decide how long that list is going to be. So, who gets a wedding invitation? What’s the average number of wedding guests? What’s the general percentage of wedding guests that decline? We'll help you decide how many wedding guests you should invite for your big day.\n\nSo, take a breath, put both of your notifications on mute, and let’s figure out how many people to invite to a wedding together.\n\n## How many people should I invite to my wedding?\n\nThe [number of people you should invite](https://www.tiktok.com/@zola/video/7152141616998894890?is_from_webapp=1&web_id=7218624746436494894) to your wedding depends on a few factors: your budget, venue, and vibe. Generally, it’s best to split the guest list between both you and your partner. So, if you want to invite a total of 100 people to your wedding, plan on doing 50 invitations each.\n\n## The average wedding size 2024\n \nThe average wedding size in 2024 is around 145, according to [Zola's 2024 First Look Report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2024). This includes immediate and extended family, kids, and one or two tables of friends and their plus-ones. The average cost of a wedding, in case you’re wondering, sits between $20,000 - $40,000.\n\n## Average ratio of family:friends\n \nThere's no hard and fast rule about the correct ratio of family to friends at a wedding. Smaller (or destination) weddings tend to have a higher proportion of family members, while larger weddings may include old friends and new. A lot depends on how big your families are, too!\nDon’t worry too much if you have a lopsided wedding guest list. It’s pretty common and the main thing is that your wedding includes everyone special to you.\n\n## What percentage of invited guests attend a wedding?\n \nExpert wedding planners estimate between 25-40 percent of guests invited to a wedding can’t make it. This means that if you invite 200 people, you can expect around 120-150 guests to attend your wedding. Keep in mind: factors like location, date, time, and budget can also affect attendance rates.\n\n## Wedding size for different weddings\n \nThere’s no one-size-fits-all for wedding guest numbers. The overall decision comes down to what you and your partner would feel most comfortable with according to your family traditions, budget, and relationship vibe. Not sure where your numbers fit in, in the big wide world of wedding sizes? Here’s some guidance. \n\n### The Elopement (4-10 guests). \nThis is you, your partner, a few lucky witnesses (maybe your parents, siblings, or best friends), and the officiant. It’s romantic, memorable, and you’ll save money on stamps for the “Save the Dates.”\n\n### Micro wedding (6-20 guests). \nThink of this option as the “Elopement Premium.” Your guest list will include you and your partner’s immediate families, plus a few extremely close friends. Most likely, you could fit your reception dinner at your favorite restaurant, or even in one of your family member’s large backyards.\n\n### Small wedding (20-80 guests). \nThe “Family Reunion” option means you’re expanding from the “Intimate” list to include your aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friend groups. However, your version of a family reunion might be the close friend groups from all aspects of your life. You might choose to invite your old Girl Scout troop, your high school AV club, and your book discussion group. Once you exceed 20 guests, a venue can offer you support and a bigger space to celebrate.\n\n### Average (100-200 guests). \n[Zola’s 2023 First Look report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2023) found that wedding guests in the U.S. range from 100 to 150 (31% of couples surveyed), and 150-200 (23%). This includes immediate and extended family, kids, and one or two tables of friends and their plus ones. \n\n### Large (200-500 guests). \nFor a “Block Party Wedding” vibe, pretty much anyone who shares a last name with you or your soon-to-be spouse gets the invite (unless your last name is Jones or Smith. That’s a whole other ball game). \n\nYou can also include friends, co-workers, college roommates, old teachers, neighbors, your parents’ friends, and the people who you see every day who don’t quite make the cut on typical guest lists. You do lose some of the intimacy with a large wedding. You might be so busy saying hello to everyone that you won’t get a chance to have more than a bite of your wedding cake. \n\nWith that aside, this kind of wedding has a strong community atmosphere and gives your guests the freedom to mix and mingle with everyone from all parts of your lives.\n\n### Massive (500-2,000 guests). \nWhile you might not be marrying royalty, you may want your wedding to feel like an entire town is celebrating with you. If you have the wedding budget and the ability to invite that many people, the answer to “How many people should I invite to my wedding” is pretty much infinite. Here’s who’s often left off a guest list.\n\n- Your immediate family and extended family (includes third, fourth, and fifth cousins).\n- Your co-workers from your last two previous jobs.\n- Your college, high school, middle school, and elementary school teachers.\n- Your parents’ best friends and their families.\n- Your entire mosque, synagogue, or church.\n- The doctor and nurses who delivered you into this world.\n- The staff at your favorite coffee shop.\n- Your entire apartment building or neighborhood.\n- Random celebrities who may or may not show up (for the viral social media potential).\n\nYou get the picture.\n\n## How to decide who to invite to your wedding\n \nStart with the people you can’t imagine celebrating your wedding day without, like your closest relatives and family members. Or, you might start with your “found family,” the parents who raised you, and the people you’ve known your entire lives. Whatever “essential” means to both of you, start there.\n\nStill wondering how many people you should invite to a wedding? Asking yourself the following questions may help you decide who gets an invite, and who's kept on the reserve list.\n\n\"Would I go out for dinner with this person, and would I pay for their meal?\" Or, “Will I be excited to see this person at my wedding, or will I try to avoid them?”\n\nIf you're having a destination or [micro wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/micro-weddings) where numbers are tight, it's worth really honing in on who knows you and your other half. For example, if they can't answer three basic questions about your SO, they don't make the cut. If they can't tell you what city they’re from, their last name, or their job, they aren't considered potential guests. While this is a suggestion, it may not work for all wedding lists!\n\n### Budget\t\nIf sticking to a [wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget) is important to you both, then how much you’re willing to spend will determine the number of people you can invite. Consider invitation costs, too. As your guest list grows, so does the average cost of wedding invitations.\n\nThe most important piece of the budget when it comes to your guests is the food. Start by calculating the price of food per guest. According to Zola’s First Look Report 2024, [the average wedding costs over $30,000](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2024) and the average number of guests is 145. That equals around $200 per guest for the wedding. For catering specifically, it can vary widely from around $27pp for buffet style up to around $60+ for a catered, sit-down meal.\n\nWhen you’re figuring the average number of guests at a wedding, keep in mind that budgets are very different across the U.S.!\n\nIf you’re imagining a wedding with a multi-course catered meal, this number will probably go up. If you’re imagining a fun buffet or food truck, the number will probably go down. Go from there and do the math to figure out if your wedding guests fit into your budget — and not the other way around.\n\nWedding Guest List Tip: The budget-first approach is a great way to get yourselves out of inviting cousins you’ve only met once, and coworkers you don’t really want there. However, if you don’t have a large budget, you both may have to make some tough calls on who gets a wedding invite and who doesn’t. At the end of the day, this is your day, your money, and your moment. Don’t feel guilty about not being able to invite everyone.\n\n### Venue\nYour hearts might be set on your favorite winery, the museum where you first met, or even a lochside castle in Scotland. If this sounds like you and your partner, then we’ve got good news. Thanks to your state’s (or local fief’s) fire marshal, your wedding venue has a set number of people allowed.\n\nThis lets you build your list within the venue’s parameters, and gives you an understandable reason to limit extra guests. “Sorry, Sal from accounting! My destination wedding venue is a historically accurate 18th-century Spanish galleon replica that only fits 30 people. You would not believe how much room the functional cannons take up on the deck!”\n\nExpert Advice: If you need to squeeze in a third cousin or your mom’s new friend from Zumba class, ask the manager about the capacity. Sometimes the maximum number of guests the venue lists on their website is just their estimate for the best possible experience. If that’s the case with your venue, you could probably negotiate your guest count and add a couple of chairs.\n\nFind your [wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) on Zola.\n\n### How many people to invite to wedding based on location\nKeep in mind that the more difficult and/or expensive it is for guests to get to your wedding destination, the lower your attendance rate will likely be. There'll probably be a big difference in numbers between a wedding in your hometown compared to one in Mexico or the Bahamas, for example. \n\n### Wedding vibe \nThe number of people you invite to your wedding will affect the overall vibe or atmosphere of your special day. Do you want to have a private wedding ceremony with only your nearest and dearest loved ones, or do you want a large wedding that feels like a city-wide carnival? Perhaps you’d like something in-between. \n\nWhatever ambiance you’re going for, we’ve broken down how the numbers will affect the atmosphere of your wedding, and created our own categories.\n\n## How to limit guests on wedding invitations\n \nLimiting guests on wedding invitations can be tricky, especially if you want to avoid hurting any feelings. Be clear and specific about who's invited by addressing the invitation envelope to only the guests invited, or by personalizing the RSVP card by writing the number of seats reserved for them.\n\n[Shop premium quality, perfectly priced wedding invitations.](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop)\n\n### Plus-one etiquette \nDeciding whether or not to allow plus-ones can help you curate your wedding guest list number. However, be wary of the “no ring, no bring” rule. That rule might’ve worked for our parents, but more and more often, serious couples decide to wait a while before putting a ring on it.\n\n### Questions to ask yourself when making the list \n\nOnce you’ve learned a little bit more about the kind of wedding you and your partner want, you’ll have a strong start on creating your guest list and deciding how many guests to invite to your wedding. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind as you decide who you want to attend your wedding. \n\n- Who would you enjoy seeing outside of your wedding day?\n- Will you still be in touch with this person in five years?\n- Do you get their Christmas cards?\n- Are you in consistent contact?\n\nIf the answers to all of these questions are yes, then the rule of thumb for wedding guest lists is that you invite them to your big day. If these potential guests aren’t blood-related, and you haven’t seen them since their wedding, things get a little more flexible. Just talk with your partner, and go with your gut.\n\nTo B-List or Not to B-List?\n\nA B-list is the list of people who didn’t quite make the wedding guest cut, but you wish they could be there. They don’t get “Save the Dates,” and they don’t get the first round of invites. B-Listers are the ones you call when someone on the A-list is unable to attend. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re not A-listers in your heart, but venues, budgets, and families put limitations on every wedding.\n\n### What to say if someone questions your guest list\n\nIn an ideal world, everyone will be happy and accepting of your wedding guest list. But, in the real world, there’s a fair to reasonable chance that at least one person might not be totally supportive of your choices. If/when that happens, these useful phrases can help to keep the peace.\n\n- “We appreciate your interest in our wedding, but we've decided to keep our guest list limited to our closest family and friends. We hope you understand and respect our decision.”\n- \"We could only have XX guests, so we invited those we are closest to.\"\n- \"Our venue has a very small capacity limit, which means we've had to be extra careful with our guestlist.”\n- While large weddings tend to be more common than smaller ones, this is a useful script to follow if you’re having a smaller event: “We're happy that you're excited for our wedding, but we have a strict guest list setup that we’ve agreed on with our families. We're following certain traditions and customs that limit the number of guests we can invite. We hope you can respect our culture and our choices.\"\n\nAs one last tidbit of advice, remember this: The more guests you invite, the bigger your registry can be. Wink, wink.\n\nUse Zola’s *free* [Guest List and RSVP Tracking Tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) to help make the logistics a breeze.","tag":"Advice","widget2":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:45:10.989Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"what-are-the-bridesmaid-duties","title":"The Bridesmaid Duties: A Full Breakdown","excerpt":"Being a bridesmaid means agreeing to a fairly long list of responsibilities. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of bridesmaid duties.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2018-12-18T17:46:36.309Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6QXWPz3k4MiAsmCmeU0eMA/7e2a00bd16521e40896f972d429c5189/Hero_RomanticWeddingatAbigailKirschatTappanHillMansion_ChristopherDugganPhotography__1_.jpg","altText":"Bridesmaid Duties"},"heroCredit":"Christggan Photography","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/brittany-michelle-photography","body":"Being a bridesmaid means agreeing to a fairly long list of responsibilities. As a part of the the Bride Tribe, a bridesmaid is expected to plan and attend all pre-wedding parties, help out with aspects of the wedding planning as needed, and be totally present and available to the bride on the wedding weekend. We’ve divided the list of bridesmaid duties into tasks that occur before the wedding and then actually on the big day. Every friend, sibling, or relative who’s asked to be a bridesmaid should have no trouble fulfilling her role if she follows these guidelines.\n\nPre-Wedding Bridesmaid Duties\n1. Shop (and Pay) for Bridesmaid Attire \n2. Help Plan (and Pay) for the Bridal Shower \n3. Help Plan (and Pay) for the Bachelorette Party \n4. Attend Any Other Pre-Wedding Events \n5. Book Travel & Hotel Reservations \n6. Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner \n7. Help Support the Bride Emotionally \n8. Help With Wedding Planning Tasks \n9. Buy a Wedding Present \n\nWedding Day Bridesmaids Duties\n1. Get Ready With the Bride \n2. Assist the MOH \n3. Provide Getting-Ready Snacks \n4. Be the “Bride Tribe” \n5. Participate in the Ceremony \n6. Be Photo-Ready \n7. Be Model Guests (and the Life of The Party) \n8. Maintain a Stress-Free Send-off \n\n## Pre-Wedding Bridesmaid Duties\nThese are the main duties that bridesmaids are typically expected to perform in the months and weeks leading up to the wedding:\n\n### 1. Shop (and Pay) for Bridesmaid Attire\n\n\nBridesmaids may be asked to visit a bridal shop as a group to try on and select dresses together, or each woman may be asked do her own shopping and simply send her measurements and dress pick to the bride (or to a chosen shop). If the [bridal party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-is-a-wedding-party-and-do-you-need-one) isn’t wearing matching attire, the bride may simply ask that each bridesmaid select her own outfit and share a photo to make sure it coordinates. Here are some additional tips when it comes to shopping for bridesmaid attire: \n- Whether shopping together or individually, follow the bride’s wishes with a smile on your face.\n- Be on time with your presence, your information, and/or decisions. \n- Provide supportive and sensitive feedback on the choice of bridesmaid attire *__only when requested__*. \n- Be prepared to pay for your own bridesmaid dress, jewelry, and shoes. \n\n### 2. Help Plan (and Pay for) the Bridal Shower \n\n\nThe bridal shower may be a shared responsibility among the bridesmaids, the maid of honor, or the parent(s) of the bride or groom—however, bridesmaids are expected to at the very least attend the shower, and if there are no other hosts that step forward, to help the MOH with the [shower planning](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-bridal-shower) and execution. \n\n### 3. Help Plan (and Pay for) the Bachelorette Party\n\nWhile the bulk of the bachelorette party planning usually falls to the maid of honor, the rest of the bridesmaids should lend her a hand wherever possible. This might include helping to secure travel plans, accommodations, activities, and transportation, as well as divvying up the costs between each bridesmaid so the bride’s expenses are covered.\n\n### 4. Attend Any Other Pre-Wedding Events\n\n\nWhether it’s an engagement party, a couples’ shower, or a gathering of helpers to do some wedding DIY over beers and pizza, bridesmaids are expected to attend all pre-wedding activities to the best of their abilities. \n\n### 5. Book Travel and Hotel Reservations \n\n\nBridesmaids should take care of their own transportation and accommodations for the wedding weekend. It’s a good idea to do this early on, so you can be sure your travel logistics are convenient to both the schedule and location of important events. Whenever transportation is not already provided, the bridesmaids should figure out how they’ll get from place to place during the festivities.\n\n### 6. Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner\n\n\nBridesmaids should be present at both the ceremony rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. Not only is this a practical concern—everyone involved in the ceremony needs to know where to assemble, enter, exit, and where to sit or stand during the service—but as a member of the bride’s support crew, she’ll need you there during these final moments of preparation before the big day. \n\n### 7. Help Support the Bride Emotionally\n\n\nAs her best friends, siblings, relatives, and just generally the people she wants surrounding her on this huge life decision, bridesmaids carry the role of being the bride’s emotional rock. Wedding planning can come with its fair amount of stress, so bridesmaids should check in with her throughout the process, ask what she needs, and do their best to thoughtfully and sensitively support her feelings. \n\n### 8. Help With Wedding Planning Tasks\n\n\nWhile bridesmaids are not wedding coordinators, florists, caterers, or cake bakers, they might be asked to help with certain smaller wedding planning tasks within reason. Activities such as stuffing envelopes, alphabetizing escort cards, getting hands-on with some easy DIY projects, or even making trips with the bride to pick out rentals or attend her hair and makeup trial are tasks where the bridesmaids can lend a hand.\n\n### 9. Buy a Wedding Present\n\n\nAs with any other wedding guest, bridesmaids should buy a wedding gift for the couple off of their [Wedding Registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) and have it shipped to their address before the wedding. The only time this expectation may be removed is if you’re serving as a bridesmaid at a destination wedding and your presence (i.e. travel expenses) are considered gift enough. Going in on a big-ticket [group gift](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) with all of the bridesmaids can be a fun way to give the couple somthing they really want! \n\n## Wedding Day Bridesmaid Duties\nOn the big day, bridesmaids help ensure everything goes smoothly for the bride, her maid of honor, and the majority of the wedding guests. Here’s how: \n\n### 1. Get Ready With the Bride\n\n\nBridesmaids should plan on showing up at the designated getting-ready location on time, with all of their gear (bridesmaid attire, shoes, jewelry, makeup, undergarments, etc.) in hand. Besides getting themselves aisle-ready, the bridesmaids should do whatever they can to assist the bride during this time, such as: \n- Keeping her smiling, laughing, calm, and collected\n- Answering any incoming texts, calls, or logistical questions for her \n- Making sure she eats something and stays hydrated \n- Pouring celebratory bubbly for everyone to enjoy \n- Keeping hair and/or makeup appointments on track \n- Helping her into her dress\n- Assisting her with her shoes, jewelry, or veil\n\n### 2. Assist the MOH\n\n\nThe maid of honor has a pretty big job on the wedding day. Bridesmaids should serve as her right-hand ladies, helping out with whatever tasks are needed—whether that’s making a last-minute run to the drugstore, coordinating with the photographer or wedding planner, or providing (and keeping track of) a wedding day emergency kit. \n\n### 3. Provide Getting-Ready Snacks\n\n\nIf no other arrangements have been made for getting-ready sips and snacks, the bridesmaids should take it upon themselves to provide these treats. Everyone—from the bride to her mother to even the photographer and beauty stylists—will appreciate the gesture and benefit from some food and drink throughout the busy day.\n\n### 4. Be the “Bride Tribe”\n\n\nBridesmaids should embody the concept of being the support crew for the bride and the maid of honor in all ways during the big day. They can also serve as a point of contact for guests and vendors when it’s helpful. Here are some tasks the bridesmaids can cover to be of service:\n- Double-check that all members of the wedding party and any special family members have their personal flowers (bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, flower crowns, or toss petals). Assist with pinning on boutonnieres or other floral accessories as needed.\n- Help guests navigate the venue, such as directing them to parking areas, bathrooms, handicap access, exits, and if applicable, the bar or refreshments station.\n- Standing near the gift table, guest book, or wedding favors to help direct and facilitate guests’ participation. \n\n### 5. Participate in the Ceremony\n\n\nBridesmaids should be in place at the ceremony venue on time, (most likely hidden out of sight), and ready for their cues to process down the aisle. Keep chatter to a minimum and be respectful of the planner, officiant, or whomever is running the show. During the actual ceremony, be sure to hit your rehearsed mark, fulfill any other roles you’ve been assigned during the actual service, and then process out of the ceremony according to plan. \n\n### 6. Be Photo-Ready\n\n\nIf the wedding party didn’t pose for photographs with the happy couple before the ceremony, typically these group photos occur right after the ceremony at the beginning of the cocktail hour. Rather than dispersing into the crowd, bridesmaids should stick together and be ready to follow the photographer’s commands—gathering stray folks for these shots can be tiresome, not to mention steal precious minutes away from the couple’s ability to enjoy their cocktail hour. \n\n### 7. Be Model Guests (and the Life of The Party)\n\n\nBridesmaids should mingle and chat with other guests, enjoy the food and drinks offered, sit down at their dinner table when asked, participate in guest-related activities like signing the guestbook or visiting the photo booth, listen to, applaud, and/or give any speeches (that have been pre-arranged), witness the special dances, and boogie down (tastefully) when it’s dance floor time.\n\n### 8. Maintain a Stress-Free Send-off\n\n\nFinally, bridesmaids should help the maid of honor, coordinator, or the couple’s parents assemble any items than need to be transported out of the reception venue at the end of the night. These packables might include: \n- Any getting-ready clothing or gear \n- Extra/unused ceremony programs, favors, or sparklers \n- Leftover alcohol \n- Any decor or signage that was personally provided (not rented) \n- The bride and/or bridesmaids’ bouquets\n- Wedding cards and gifts\n- The guest book\n- Special toasting flutes, cake servers, or cake plate\n- A basket of late-night leftovers (packaged by the caterer)\n- The top tier of the wedding cake\n- A few slices of late-night wedding cake (packaged by the caterer)\n- The bride and/or groom’s wedding attire, if they’ve changed into getaway clothes\n\nIn addition to making sure the above items leave the venue in the right vehicle(s), bridesmaids can lend a hand with these final logistical tasks: \n- Make sure all guests make it onto the right shuttle buses, find their cars, or otherwise make it safely out of the venue.\n- Hand out pre-addressed tip envelopes to the vendors.\n- Make sure the bride and/or groom’s overnight bags make it to their wedding night hotel room. \n- Organize guests to the after-party, if there is one. \n","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"What's the difference between a wedding party & a bridal party? Learn more & get expert planning tips to help you prepare for the big day.","title":"Bridal Party vs. Wedding Party: What's the Difference? ","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-party-and-do-you-need-one","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/68X8glzRII6myuoYsI6E0S/f9b9a7d44f481f5628e374b6b0c1e744/Hero_New_GildedGlamWeddingatSkyRoomatCrownePlazaMidtown_LoveInMotionLLC.jpg","altText":"formal portrait of wedding party. Bride and bride maids with bouquet are sitting on stair in the front , Groom and groom men are standing at the back"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Explore creative ideas to plan the perfect bachelorette party weekend. Get tips on how to plan the guest list, budget, itinerary, and more.","title":"A Guide to Bachelorette Parties","slug":"a-guide-to-bachelorette-parties","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5WNGSmVLkk8c6A0mqikmA0/9d0e0089b810d0ba0896d1af18dceea6/Guide-to-Bacherlorette-Parties.jpg","altText":"bride in white silk robe laughing with bridesmaids in mint green bride tribe tank tops"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Get all your questions about bachelor parties—from who is responsible for planning to what to do—in this comprehensive guide. ","title":"A Guide to Bachelor Parties","slug":"a-guide-to-bachelor-parties","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6xYvE1cGvmqiEWoqyMSoy0/c820939acd9d2ea06c136a83dc1d8a41/Hero_VentolaPhotography.jpg","altText":"groom and groomsmen"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A wedding registry is a personalized collection of gifts that an engaged couple has specifically chosen for their guests to shop from in order to make the wedding gifting experience simpler, easier, and more satisfying for everyone.","title":"What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-registry","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2MOrWgRKcg82A4y64i24iG/4449d94511192d74050b3418c02d3ec6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn the how-to's of wedding invitation wording, plus formal and casual wedding invitation examples from the experts.","title":"Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide","slug":"how-to-word-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rENN5B7RPAn14pYP75HgH/d457816cdf42b12cc74b3e7d88b73513/Wedding_Invitaion_Wording_Etiquette.jpg","altText":"green and white wedding invitation on green background"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This bridal shower guide will introduce you to the basics of bridal showers: traditional bridal shower etiquette (and which of those “rules” you can break), whom to invite, what to do, and who pays for it all.","title":"A Guide to Bridal Showers","slug":"a-guide-to-bridal-showers","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5o4uxtDjG6d4qgVGaLVrBU/16da092c9b0b80d7acca15ab930a1aef/A-Guide-to-Bridal-Showers.jpg","altText":"a bridal shower card labeled \"soon to be mrs.\" on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"The cost of a wedding cake will depend on factors like size, shape, & decor. Read our guide to gain insights on the average cost of a wedding cake this year.","title":"How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2025?","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-cake-costs","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ywuArPikb1BsvjvYzDQhn/24f27696b854c3c5a22eed69292c6c4b/Guide-to-Wedding-Cake-Costs-and-Price.jpg","altText":"Graphic of pink wedding cake with heart cake topper and price tag"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Dress to impress! Your go-to guide for wedding guest attire, from formal to casual. Find the perfect look for every dress code and celebration.","title":"Wedding Guest Attire: A Guide to Every Dress Code","slug":"what-to-wear-to-a-wedding","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5bgD1lwZNmIWCwyoiQgUI/abb4b34d02674b500f4edb610fb1eea6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding guests laughing with bride at wedding receptions"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:45:19.350Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"period-on-your-wedding-day","title":"Period Coming On Your Wedding Day? Here's What to Do","excerpt":"Periods happen—even on your wedding day. Here's expert advice on how to manage your period on your wedding day and how to keep calm about the situation.","author":"Laura Hensley","publishedAt":"2020-02-27T17:55:41.878Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/wBtXNd2eGbPXMpqm4HAHC/760d60e4fe2d50abe49e88d282e7b021/HERO_OneLovePhotography_1080x720_Meghann_Andrew.jpg","altText":"bride with bridesmaids on wedding day"},"heroCredit":"One Love Photography","body":"Periods have a way of sometimes arriving at the least desirable times in life. Whether it’s on vacation or during a stressful week at work, it’s likely your period has been an unwelcome visitor more than once. For those who experience cramps, bloating, and headaches during their period (thanks PMS), menstruation can be an even more inconvenient and uncomfortable experience. \n\nSo what happens when you realize your period may crash your wedding? Before you freak out, know there are many ways to deal with a wedding period. \n\n![INLINE WeddingsByThom 1080x720 Becky&Jacob](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6K4YZIUPpzN8MwQnpkjXjA/655c44882a5c165afca4a230e742e2ad/INLINE_WeddingsByThom_1080x720_Becky_Jacob.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Weddings By Thom\n\n## Alter your cycle… if you can.\nSome people’s periods are consistently regular and on time. If you’re one of those lucky folks, you might want to consult your period tracking app when choosing a wedding date if avoiding your period is important to you. Of course, not everyone has this option (venues have limited availability, after all) and periods can, unfortunately, have a mind of their own. \n\nIf you’re prone to sickness on your period or low mood, however, you might feel best avoiding those undesired symptoms altogether. If this is the case, you can talk to your doctor about manipulating your cycle to skip your period for your wedding.\n\nHormonal birth control pill packs can be used back-to-back without placebos to skip a period. Likewise, certain birth control pills extend your menstrual cycle, meaning you only get your period once every three months. \n\n*__Note: While it’s [generally considered safe to skip or suppress a period](https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/travel-health/how-can-i-delay-my-period/), it’s always best to speak with your healthcare provider first. Everybody is different, and it’s important to figure out what is best for you.__* \n\n### Expect something anyway.\nEven though the pill can help manage the timing of your period, manipulating your cycle isn’t a fool-proof plan; periods can still be irregular, especially if you’re stressed. (Here’s some tips on [how to combat wedding-related stress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-handle-overbearing-parents-when-wedding-planning).) \n\nWhat’s more, you may still experience [breakthrough bleeding](https://patient.info/news-and-features/how-to-prevent-breakthrough-bleeding-on-the-pill) even if you skip your period. To be safe, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for menses if you expect it to overlap with your wedding. \n\n## Plan ahead and be prepared.\nIf you know your period will arrive around the time of your wedding, be sure to alter some lifestyle practices ahead of time. Sugar and caffeine can [exacerbate PMS symptoms](https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome), while exercise, healthy eating, and [sleep are known to help](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/sleep-night-before-wedding). If you’re worried about stomach cramping and bloating, try to drink lots of water and avoid salt-heavy drinks and food.\n\n### Day-Of Prep\nOn your wedding day, take some over-the-counter pain medication in the morning and throughout the day as needed. If you can’t avoid your period you’ll want to minimize its presence. When it comes to your wedding attire, consider how heavy your period will be and decide on the most suitable preparation for where you are in your cycle.\n\n- __Choose the right product.__ Depending on the [style of your dress and undergarments,](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what's-your-wedding-dress-style) tampons or a menstrual cup may be your best bet. While pads are great for overnight use, they may create pad lines and limit your underwear options. Menstrual cups, like the DivaCup, can be worn up to 12 hours, depending on how heavy your flow is. A product that allows for longer use means fewer trips to the bathroom. \n- __Consider special underwear.__ If you want to be extra cautious around leakage, period-absorbing underwear is also a great idea. Brands like Thinx or Knix have different styles depending on your flow, including designs for super, moderate and light days. Some even absorb four regular tampons worth of blood. Period panties also come in different materials and cuts, meaning you can often find a pair right for your dress. \n- __Stock the venue.__ Lastly, make sure there are menstrual products available at your ceremony and reception venues. You can even get venue staff to stock bathroom welcome baskets with tampons and pads for yourself and other guests. Chances are you won’t be the only one dealing with Aunt Flo.\n\n![INLINE CortiellaPhotography 1080x720 Choumate&Berthony (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4Mvdo1pBF2gj994HbfJUVB/218f63fc5885863e7b90d5cd9d4a89db/INLINE_CortiellaPhotography_1080x720_Choumate_Berthony__1_.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Cortiella Photography\n\n## Lean on your wedding party. \nUsing the bathroom in an elaborate dress is hard enough, but add a period into the mix and you may need some assistance. \n\nInform your [maid of honor or wedding party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-many-people-in-wedding-party) about your period, and let them know you’ll need their help during the day. You might even want to pass off some ibuprofen to them for safekeeping. Ask them to hold some menstrual products for you, if need be, and get them to keep an eye on your dress. While it’s unlikely you’ll have an accident, it’s always comforting knowing someone has your back just in case. \n\n## Don’t stress too much.\nPeriods can be annoying, there’s no doubting that. But having your time of the month coincide with your big day isn’t the end of the world. It’s important to remember that you’ve lived through your period many times before, and you’ll get through it again, too. \n\nWith a bit of preparation and some help from trusted friends, your period doesn’t need to play a big role in your wedding. Because between dancing, amazing food and marrying the love of your life, you’ll have plenty of other things to think about. ","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:15.699Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"choosing-your-wedding-month","title":"How to Choose The Best Wedding Month ","excerpt":"Choosing your wedding month and date is a crucial first step in the wedding planning process. Here's how to decide on the best time of the year to get married. ","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2019-06-13T15:54-04:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/71pkqiAypqFZ7CL8KRWGIr/4f34666823e73a80647f762866ec1bd0/Hero_New_Unsplash.jpg","altText":"best month for wedding"},"heroCredit":"Unsplash","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/christine-magee-photography","body":"Choosing your wedding month and date is a crucial first step in the wedding planning process, along with choosing your venue, photographer, and caterer. The time of year in which you decide to get married will dictate a lot of your subsequent planning, and will stick with you for the rest of your life (hello, anniversary). \n\n## What is the Best Month for a Wedding? \nJune, September, and October are considered the best months for a wedding. June, traditionally, is the most popular month to get married, simply because of the mild weather. With that being said, there’s no wrong time to get married to the love of your life (though it does help to have good weather). \n\nIn most parts of the country, the late spring through early fall months are typically thought of as “wedding season,” but there is so much more to it than that. Let’s walk through the year and look at the pros and cons of each potential wedding month.\n\n__Note__: Keep in mind that while season matters greatly, geography is a factor as well. We have broken the seasons down very generally below, but even still, a winter wedding in the Florida Keys is going to differ drastically from a winter wedding in Lake Tahoe, where the cold weather and snow hazards will be much greater. Be sure to factor in your location when picking your perfect wedding month.\n\n## Spring\n. . . . . . . . . . .\n\n### March, April, May\n\nMarch comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. April showers bring May flowers. These are the traditional sayings that correlate with the spring months that we love so dearly. Emerging from the cold of winter, spring is such a welcoming time to host your special day. Without many calendar conflicts (St. Patrick’s Day, Passover, and Easter are the only holidays in the spring), your spring wedding should see good attendance. And after the drab, loneliness of winter, your friends will probably be busting at the seams to get out and celebrate with you.\n\nA spring wedding is a gamble, though, simply because the weather is so unpredictable. Will it be sunny and warm, or is a cold snap going to hit? Even still, the gamble may pay off if you can land one of those quintessential warm, flowery days. In April and May especially, you might begin to encounter increased pricing and competition with other brides for vendors and venues as “the season” set in. We’re talking: wedding season.\n\n![Colin-Lyons-Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2I7G4mApUnMjJhsy5Jl3Jb/53209c242d51920fe468dad7d825d8b5/Colin-Lyons-Photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Colin Lyons Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![3-2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6WNr5JisBMZ85xd2TKSIx6/26fa70d21a47bf3e8a8bbeac435e580e/3-2.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Pauline Conway Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![4-2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5ce7yS6d2k8yuYhLUbjG8E/217f24116aade587a4e43197819ae810/4-2.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Sarah and Rachel](https://www.zola.com/wedding/rachel-sarah/passcode)*\n\n![onelove-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rQO7D0nqBl2thPIDEUwJI/d9002976a70f8e78cac3f7dccbb45608/onelove-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [onelove photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![michelle-jones-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/10IZeVW4q8jsvuaGNrULY5/9685001b60b7696da5b0ac7519f145b6/michelle-jones-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Michelle Jones Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n## Summer\n. . . . . . . . . .\n\n### June, July, August\n\nWedding season is in full swing by mid-May, with June being traditionally the most popular wedding month. These hot months offer long days and vacation time. Many of your wedding guests will be able to get away from their lives to attend your ceremony thanks to more relaxed work schedules and school breaks. Far removed from the winter holidays, your guests are more likely to have a little extra room in their budgets for travel and wedding gifts. With an abundance of flowers and fruits in season, a summer wedding allows for countless floral options and your pick of delicious produce.\n\nHowever, these sunny wedding months are not quite that simple. Rising temps is definitely something to take into account, especially if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony. While it may look like a glorious day outside, if it is 100 degrees, you are going to be one sweaty bride with a bunch of hot and sticky guests. You can also just go ahead and count on venues and vendors being harder to book with steeper prices because of peak wedding season competition. Finally, vacation plans or other weddings may conflict with yours when it comes to your guests’ attendance.\n\n![sera-petras-photography-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5DBqt424TW6fxVupMcRREr/5f5b701c3ede984b76c8dd45ac9c3556/sera-petras-photography-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Sera Petras Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![10-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6oleAP7FuSKWiW8aoRT2ET/b09b179296b24f279d3f06e188c36c6f/10-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [JoPhoto](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![loved-memories-photography-videography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/64qkXcXELxt7XXEexvpXQi/b853e7f659bd6df81cfe3a16b8ba1407/loved-memories-photography-videography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Loved Memories Photography & Videography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![11-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4RiU2cVAawt6etn6imcVC5/828072c76d7d37b0a191dc16c3872137/11-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Limelight Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*","body2":"## Fall\n. . . . . . . . . .\n\n### September, October, November\nOh [fall weddings](https://www.zola.com/inspiration/real-weddings/fall), how loved you are! There is something so magical about the changing of the leaves and the cool, crisp air. A fall wedding month will make for cooler temperatures, happier party guests, and less bugs. And with a plethora of pumpkins, there are some very festive and unique [wedding themes](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-themes) to embrace.\n\nIn these autumn wedding months, possible conflicts include the beginning of a new school year, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. There are also fewer flowers in season, so you may have to be willing to re-imagine your ideal floral arrangements. And if you and your partner are football fanatics, a fall wedding month might prove difficult to schedule around big game days. What if you accidentally plan your wedding for the most important match-up of the season?\n\n![FALL-PIC-Nick-Davis-Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/Ubu6ZBziGjm2B4BORdyNT/33e2bb528d1b74ef66a630b03c36d93a/FALL-PIC-Nick-Davis-Photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Nick Davis Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![13-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3OtiKcANlOnPkYcCgvJY2a/460d2859aacdf429a5caabcf5687bd84/13-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [JoPhoto](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![B.-Dembowski-Images](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/w1pEtfzf7XNQuVPoJOBA2/d6785ab23a16cc84309dc10b2f8b51d7/B.-Dembowski-Images.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [B. Dembowski Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![suzanne-karp-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2IotEvPwRzyD4wYnZWWhO8/21bd6d5c7ac111d854c0c5618f77eb0e/suzanne-karp-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Suzanne Karp Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![megan-rolfe-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6KAeFqKNiAbKOGmoReYPDQ/e34989f661e509b236290e43d8a5b13c/megan-rolfe-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Meghan Rolfe Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n## Winter\n. . . . . . . . . . .\n\n### December, January, February\nA winter wedding month can be a hidden gem. Gleaming fireplaces, evergreen trees, snowy winter landscapes, less wedding competition (and thus the ability to negotiate prices), and more vendor/venue availability make a winter wedding very appealing for couples. There is something so romantic about wrapping up in warm blankets in front of an early sunset and clinging to each other for warmth.\n\nBut for all of the pros, there are still some cons to a winter soirée. Depending on the location of your wedding, getting snowed in (or out) could be a factor for outdoor wedding venues. There is less green outside, making for less picturesque landscapes that might force your wedding photos indoors. And… Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years. While these holidays are considered “the most wonderful time of the year,” they can create many conflicts for your special day. Traveling can be more expensive and difficult around the holidays, not to mention that money will most likely be a bit tighter for people, too.\n\n![17](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/11hvWyN8wxfj6ZSYiyT8SL/e594d0a49432a4f45d859a59669dfde2/17.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Jennings King Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![dana-widman-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/Kfdg6c8V9TlcOYdyDoXsP/62a288f8b3e8717982a365552cc9d4fb/dana-widman-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Dana Widman Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![Beautiful Winter Wedding Color Schemes](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2SGRFCSNwbm3TXmugQhtKy/0a47af24d0d7885c9f6253a72841fec5/inline_felicia_marti_photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Felicia Marti Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![modern-wedding-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2DwNzksI7fCOhWBtJSWKoF/3b5ceefc704779234c84cfdf48f2adab/modern-wedding-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Modern Wedding Photography](https://www.modernweddingphotography.tv/)*\n\n![Heather-Erson-Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6jT8kMSgL2JTQBo0EYrJAb/f13fb701d13b59411bf937be04ceaadb/Heather-Erson-Photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Heather Erson Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\nHave you fallen in love with your perfect wedding month yet? Once you make a decision, be sure to put the date into your [Zola Weddings Checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist) so you can get a whole bunch (or just a few) customized planning reminders up until the big day. Happy planning!\n","tag":"Getting Started","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_RealWeddings"}},"widget2":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Seasons_Quiz"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"How does one go about choosing a wedding venue? Here's the rundown on one of the first tasks you’ll need to accomplish after saying “yes!”","title":"10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Dzm0QohK8uai2YouWoMUg/f7db6c6feb0fe4c3d27f9f2a914572ad/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-choose-venue.jpg","altText":"Bridge and groom in front of the church"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Weddings are fun, but planning them can be stressful. Here are practical ways to deal with wedding planning stress.","title":"5 Effective Ways to Fight Wedding Planning Stress","slug":"ways-to-fight-wedding-planning-stress","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3GTsIw6vsfY9q3xaj694Zo/8aefec865bd9f374f61f1f476876b440/Zola_HeroImage_1080x720__1_.jpg","altText":"woman using zola for wedding planning stress"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ve outlined the steps on how to make a guest list, and trim it, below. ","title":"How to Make a Wedding Guest List","slug":"how-to-make-a-wedding-guest-list","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2uQYQkS1axXHfIU0ytYBiV/aa217c09e138c235635ef4b2524d9060/V-yQBjIA.jpeg","altText":"Zola invitation suite and save the date on marble countertop"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Craft your dream wedding website effortlessly with Zola's step-by-step guide. Showcase your love story and details in style. Start creating today!","title":"How to Create Your Wedding Website: 10 Simple Steps ","slug":"how-to-make-a-wedding-website","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6a4MvmncJr4AKia1nFr6Tn/91e1616adecb7211caf14038546e0f27/DESKTOP_ww.png","altText":"Zola wedding website as seen on a laptop computer"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"You're engaged—congrats! To help you ease into wedding planning, we’re here with a list of the very first things you should do once you get engaged. ","title":"The First 10 Things to Do When Planning a Wedding","slug":"the-first-10-things-to-do-when-planning-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1lHUezgBQUbJVdqaqSXtw7/12659aa232d2f71bdd53451db5b76f34/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_First-10-things-to-do.jpg","altText":"woman and man just after getting engaged in front of a sunset in a green field about to kiss"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Don’t miss a wedding planning detail with our complete, expert-crafted wedding checklist and timeline. Free, printable version inside!","title":"2024/25 Printable Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline - Zola","slug":"your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist","topic":"Wedding planning 101","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4fA6of0jjP7aJqXJRy0JOx/edd3b48f6fea1e273025d3db462dd4be/Ultimate_Wedding_Planning_Checklist.jpg","altText":"wedding planning checklist"},"type":"checklistPage"},{"excerpt":" ","title":"Who Pays For The Wedding? Everything You Need To Know","slug":"who-should-pay-for-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5u5bUTU4EmdO2SsWyG5I4B/28f9bed9f90049ee650968096b1dfc6b/pexels-rose-rosen-18386512.jpg","altText":"Asian family with bride and groom looking down at a paper and smiling"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-06-03T02:06:19.435Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"a-guide-to-tipping-wedding-vendors","title":"How Much To Tip Wedding Vendors","excerpt":"Confused on how much to tip wedding vendors, which vendors to tip, and when to distribute tips? Fear not: explore our guide for tipping wedding vendors.","publishedAt":"2019-01-17T20:06:32.436Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/oljNU6JIHuglslJ7ouSRO/c09c8646dad52d410abed69adbc51a28/lovesome-photography.webp","altText":"how much to tip wedding vendors and venue coordinator"},"heroCredit":"Lovesome Photography","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/lovesome-photography","body":"You’ve signed the last check, paid the last deposit, purchased the final items, and settled up all the remaining balances…your wedding has been paid for! Or—has it? In the grand scheme of budgeting for your wedding, don’t forget to factor in funds for tipping wedding vendors. While not all vendors expect to be tipped for their services—instead choosing to make their prices reflect all the payment they feel they need—for some it’s an expectation to follow tipping etiquette in the wedding industry. Confused on which vendors to tip, how much you should tip each type of vendor, and when to distribute tips? Fear not: here’s a guide on tipping vendors.\n\n## Wedding Vendor Tipping Pointers\n\n1. Tips are a great way to show vendors your appreciation for their hard work at your wedding and may even be an unexpected surprise. You can also tip when you feel you’ve received extraordinary service.\n2. Check your contracts to be sure that gratuity has not already been included in the price.\n3. Generally speaking, you do not need to tip the owners of large businesses (just their employees). Small business owners, on the other hand, should be considered for tipping based on the quality of service you feel you’ve received.\n4. Tip or no tip, writing a thank you note to vendors who provided you with great service is always a thoughtful gesture and highly appreciated—as is leaving them positive reviews on wedding planning websites like [Zola for Vendors](https://www.zola.com/inspire/vendors).\n\n### Who's responsible for tipping?\n\nWhen it comes to tipping wedding vendors, the responsibility for providing the tip can sometimes be a point of confusion, especially if someone else is covering the cost of the wedding. In the scenario where the bride's parents or another party are paying for the wedding, it is generally considered thoughtful and appropriate for your as the couple to handle the tipping on their own. \n\nTipping vendors is a gesture of appreciation for their hard work and dedication in making the wedding day special. Even if someone else is funding the event, you've likely been involved in selecting and working with the vendors throughout the planning process, making it fitting that they express their gratitude through tipping. By taking on this responsibility, you can ensure that the vendors who contributed to your big day are properly acknowledged and thanked for their efforts.\n\n## How Much to Tip Wedding Vendors (by Vendor Type)\n\nWhile your tip should depend on your wedding budget and level of satisfaction & a few other factors, here are some quick guidelines on how to tip your wedding vendors, with additional protocol & tips below:\n\n- Photographers & Videographers: 10% of the total package cost if opting for a percentage, or $50-$100 per person\n- Wedding coordinator/planners: 10-20% of the total bill (up to $500)\n- Wedding Venue Coordinator/Catering Captain: $250-500, or 15-20% of the food and drink bill\n- Officiant: $50-$100\n- Ceremony Musicians: $15-$20 per musician\n- Florist: $50-100\n- Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: 15-20% of total\n- Transportation: 15-20%\n- Wedding Band: $25-$50 per musician\n- Wedding DJ: 10-20% of total\n- Reception Waitstaff: 15-20% of labor costs on food & drink bill\n- Reception Bartender: 10% of the total bill\n- Delivery Personnel: $5-$10 per person\n\n### Wedding [Photographer(s)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers) and [Videographer(s)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-videographers)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; consider tipping second shooters or staff beyond the business owner(s).\n- __Amount:__ Although not required, consider tipping wedding photographers and videographers 10% of the packgae cost or $50-$100 per person. You could also provide a good review as another nice gesture for their photography services. \n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception.\n\n### [Wedding Planner](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; about 50% of couples tip.\n- __Amount:__ Although wedding planners don’t expect a tip, if you’d like to show your appreciation for examples of exceptional service, consider offering a tip that’s 10-20% of the total bill (up to $500).\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception, or mail it after the honeymoon.\n\n### Wedding Venue Coordinator/[Catering Captain](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected, based on contract. If service fee is not included, tip according to below.\n- __Amount:__ Wedding venue coordinators and catering captains should be tipped $250-500, or 15-20% of the food and drink bill.\n- __Timing:__ If included in the contract, the final bill is due before the wedding. If not, at the end of the reception.\n\n### Officiant\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected, depending on officiant. If s/he works for a church or synagogue, you might consider making a donation to that institution additionally.\n- __Amount:__ A wedding officiant should be tipped around $50-100 for the officiant alone, depending on how much time they’ve spent with you pre-ceremony. Consider a $100-500 donation to the religious institution.\n- __Timing:__ Prior to the wedding (when paying the ceremony service fee), or after the rehearsal.\n\n### [Ceremony Musicians](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; consider the complexity of their setup and/or performance.\n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping each ceremony musicians $15-20 per musician.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the wedding ceremony.\n\n### [Florist](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional or not expected, unless you really loved their work and service.\n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping your wedding florist $50-$100 of your total floral bill.\n- __Timing:__ Include a separate check with the final invoice, or mail it after the -honeymoon.\n\n### [Hair & Make-up Artist(s)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-hair-makeup)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected\n- __Amount:__ Wedding hair and make-up artists should be tipped 15-20% of your total charge (just like at a salon!). You can discuss with your wedding party whether on not you plan to cover this cost or if they're expected to.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of their service.\n\n### Transportation\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected (but may be already included in the contract).\n- __Amount:__ Wedding transportation staff should be tipped 15-20% of your total bill.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the night or after the final ride.\n\n### [Wedding Band](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; consider their overall performance and responsiveness to your requests.\n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping your wedding band $25-$50 per musician\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception.\n\n### [Wedding DJ](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; consider their overall quality and responsiveness to your requests.\n- __Amount:__ Although not required, consider tipping your wedding DJ 10-20%.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception.\n\n### [Reception Waitstaff](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-catering)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional, based on contract (check to see if a service fee is included). Tip on top of service fee only for exceptional service.\n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping your wedding reception waitstaff 15-20% of labor costs on your food and drink bill. Reach out to the your lead caterer or catering captain to determine the best way to ensure each person you plan to give a tip recieves theirs.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception (or during set-up, to encourage great service).\n\n### [Reception Bartender](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bar-services)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional, based on contract (check to see if a service fee is included). Tip on top of service fee only for exceptional service. \n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping your wedding reception bartender 10% of the total liquor bill.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception (or during set-up, to encourage great service).\n\n### Delivery Personnel (Wedding Cake, Rentals, Flowers, Etc.)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected\n- __Amount:__ Wedding delivery personnel should be tipped $5-$10 per person\n- __Timing:__ Leave cash envelopes with the coordinator or catering manager (whomever will be on site overseeing delivery and setup) to distribute the tip(s).\n\n## How to Deliver Tips \n\nIt is essential to consider streamlining the process, especially amidst the bustling activities of the big day. One solution to designate a member of the wedding party, such as the best man or maid of honor, to take charge of distributing tips. This delegation allows the couple to fully immerse themselves in the joyous occasion, free from concerns about managing tipping logistics. This arrangement becomes particularly advantageous if the couple plans a grand exit, as they won't be burdened with carrying envelopes while making their departure. By entrusting a trusted individual with the task, the vendors' hard work receives the appropriate appreciation, contributing to a harmonious and memorable celebration for all involved parties.\n","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"The cost of a wedding cake will depend on factors like size, shape, & decor. Read our guide to gain insights on the average cost of a wedding cake this year.","title":"How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2025?","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-cake-costs","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ywuArPikb1BsvjvYzDQhn/24f27696b854c3c5a22eed69292c6c4b/Guide-to-Wedding-Cake-Costs-and-Price.jpg","altText":"Graphic of pink wedding cake with heart cake topper and price tag"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"How does one go about choosing a wedding venue? Here's the rundown on one of the first tasks you’ll need to accomplish after saying “yes!”","title":"10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Dzm0QohK8uai2YouWoMUg/f7db6c6feb0fe4c3d27f9f2a914572ad/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-choose-venue.jpg","altText":"Bridge and groom in front of the church"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Nervous about choosing your wedding colors? Don’t be: we’ve outlined some basic steps you can take to choose a wedding color palette that matches your vision and expresses your personality as a couple. ","title":"How to Choose Your Wedding Colors (+ Color Palette Ideas)","slug":"how-to-choose-your-wedding-colors","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6WI5HwIwEeW9NVO7U6xjRm/7676815b615c34e15513e31a876ba45e/How-to-Choose-Your-Wedding-Colors.jpg","altText":"wedding color palettes"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A wedding registry is a personalized collection of gifts that an engaged couple has specifically chosen for their guests to shop from in order to make the wedding gifting experience simpler, easier, and more satisfying for everyone.","title":"What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-registry","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2MOrWgRKcg82A4y64i24iG/4449d94511192d74050b3418c02d3ec6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn the how-to's of wedding invitation wording, plus formal and casual wedding invitation examples from the experts.","title":"Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide","slug":"how-to-word-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rENN5B7RPAn14pYP75HgH/d457816cdf42b12cc74b3e7d88b73513/Wedding_Invitaion_Wording_Etiquette.jpg","altText":"green and white wedding invitation on green background"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This bridal shower guide will introduce you to the basics of bridal showers: traditional bridal shower etiquette (and which of those “rules” you can break), whom to invite, what to do, and who pays for it all.","title":"A Guide to Bridal Showers","slug":"a-guide-to-bridal-showers","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5o4uxtDjG6d4qgVGaLVrBU/16da092c9b0b80d7acca15ab930a1aef/A-Guide-to-Bridal-Showers.jpg","altText":"a bridal shower card labeled \"soon to be mrs.\" on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Dress to impress! Your go-to guide for wedding guest attire, from formal to casual. Find the perfect look for every dress code and celebration.","title":"Wedding Guest Attire: A Guide to Every Dress Code","slug":"what-to-wear-to-a-wedding","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5bgD1lwZNmIWCwyoiQgUI/abb4b34d02674b500f4edb610fb1eea6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding guests laughing with bride at wedding receptions"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:08.828Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"what-is-a-wedding-party-and-do-you-need-one","title":"Bridal Party vs. Wedding Party: What's the Difference? ","excerpt":"What's the difference between a wedding party & a bridal party? Learn more & get expert planning tips to help you prepare for the big day.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2018-12-18T17:01:19.590Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/68X8glzRII6myuoYsI6E0S/f9b9a7d44f481f5628e374b6b0c1e744/Hero_New_GildedGlamWeddingatSkyRoomatCrownePlazaMidtown_LoveInMotionLLC.jpg","altText":"formal portrait of wedding party. Bride and bride maids with bouquet are sitting on stair in the front , Groom and groom men are standing at the back"},"heroCredit":"Zola","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/creative-images-photography","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- A wedding party is the group of people chosen by the couple to support them from engagement to marriage. \n- Siblings, close family members, and best friends are often chosen to be part of the wedding party.\n- The bridal party is the group chosen by the bride to support her on the wedding day.\n- Some members of the wedding party have specific roles, like the best man who might be expected to plan the bachelor party, or the maid of honor who is often expected to plan the bridal shower and bachelorette party.\n","body":"A wedding party is a group of people chosen by the couple to support and celebrate them throughout their journey from engagement to marriage. The people chosen to be in a wedding party are typically close friends and family members of the bride(s) or groom(s). They are responsible for certain duties, both before and during the big day. Some of these wedding party duties include: \n\n- Planning pre-wedding activities such as showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties.\n- Helping the bride and/or groom get dressed and ready on the big day.\n- Participating in the ceremony by standing nearby after the bride’s grand entrance until after the couple exchanges their vows.\n- Historically, members of the wedding party would be the witnesses to a marriage, and would sign off on any sort of legal documentation necessary. \n\n## What’s the Difference Between a Wedding Party and a Bridal Party? \n- A __wedding party__ is the term for the entire group of people who participate in the ceremony alongside the couple—the maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and any children such as the flower girl or ring bearer. \n- The __bridal party__, is just the group chosen by the bride to support her on the wedding day. \n\nTraditionally, bridal party members are made up of only women. However, as more and more couples are choosing to do things in their own way, the bride is no longer confined to choosing just women to be in her support crew. Thus the term “wedding party” (or even “commitment crew”) is the more modern, all-inclusive term used to describe the people chosen by the couple to surround and support them on their special day. \n\n## Who Should Be in My Wedding Party?\nThere are three categories of people who are usually included in the wedding party:\n1. __Siblings:__ Any siblings, including step-siblings or future siblings-in-law, are often first on the wedding party list. \n2. __Close family:__ Cousins or other relatives near in age to the couple are also often a good fit for the wedding party.\n3. __Best friends:__ The bride and/or groom’s dearest pals are another good choice for the wedding party—but they should be friends that have, or will, stand the test of time. Keep in mind these are the people that will be in your wedding photos forever!\n\n## Traditional Wedding Party Roles\nAt weddings with a \"head table,\" the wedding party sits with the bride and/or groom. With a \"sweetheart table\", the couple is seated separately from their wedding party, but their closest friends and family are still in close proximity.\n\nHere’s a quick breakdown of the titles and roles you’ll find in a traditional wedding party, as well as lengthier explanations for what each of these roles are expected to do. \n\n- *__Pro Tip:__ While these are the textbook divisions of matrimonial labor, however you choose to assign responsibilities is completely up to you and your partner. If you want to plan your own bachelorette party, skip it entirely, or skip having a wedding party for that matter, do what feels right for you. However you seek outside support during your wedding planning, make sure you articulate nicely and clearly what you need from each of the important people in your life so that they can help you have the meaningful, important day you’re hoping for.*\n\n### Quick Look at Traditional Wedding Party Roles\n- Best Man: the groom’s main dude. \n- Groomsman: the groom’s auxiliary dudes.\n- Maid of Honor: the bride’s main lady.\n- Matron of Honor: the bride’s main lady, but she’s married.\n- Bridesmaid: the bride’s auxiliary ladies.\n- Junior Bridesmaid or Junior Groomsman: usually tween-age family members or children of the bride and groom’s closest\n- Flower girl or boy: usually somewhere between the ages of 3 and 12; petal-tossers.\n- Ring Bearer: usually somewhere between the ages of 3 and 12; ring or sign holder.","body2":"### Detailed Look at Traditional Wedding Party Roles\n- __Best Man:__ A close friend of the groom, the best man is predominantly responsible for the social aspect of the groom’s wedding party. He is expected to:\n - Plan the [bachelor party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-bachelor-parties).\n - Attend the wedding rehearsal \n - Help keep the groomsmen on time throughout the big day.\n - Help out the groom and make sure he has everything he needs.\n - Assist with things like handing out programs to wedding guests or ushering before the ceremony.\n - Serve as keeper of the wedding rings (including handing them over at the correct moment during the wedding ceremony).\n - [Give a speech](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-give-a-great-wedding-toast) during the reception.\n - Share in the regular groomsmen’s responsibilities.\n\n- __Maid or Matron of Honor:__ Traditionally, the maid (or matron) of honor attends all pre-wedding events that the bride attends. Here are the maid of honor’s expected duties: \n - Help plan or host the bridal party luncheon.\n - Attend the wedding rehearsal.\n - Help plan or host the [bridal shower](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-bridal-shower). \n - Help plan or host the [bachelorette party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-bachelorette-parties).\n - Make sure all the bridesmaids are ready with their bridesmaid dress, hair, with hair and makeup and on time on the wedding day.\n - Provide refreshments during getting-ready hours.\n - Hold the bride’s bouquet during portions of the ceremony.\n - Help the bride navigate the bathroom in her dress.\n - Bustle the bride’s wedding dress before the reception.\n - Give a speech during the reception.\n - Shares in the regular bridesmaids’ responsibilities. \n\n- __Bridesmaids & Groomsmen:__ These wedding attendants share many of the same duties. Both bridesmaids and groomsmen are expected to: \n - Attend—and perhaps even plan—pre-wedding events such as the engagement party, bachelor or bachelorette parties, wedding showers, and wedding rehearsals.\n - Buy appropriate wedding attire and accessories.\n - Buy the couple a wedding gift.\n - Get ready with the bride or groom on the wedding day.\n - Process down the aisle and/or stand next to the couple.\n - Act as stand-in hosts as needed during the reception.\n - Hit the dance floor when requested.\n - Occasionally give a speech at the wedding reception.\n\n- __Parents of the Bride(s) or Groom(s):__ Traditionally, the bride’s parents and/or groom’s parents are expected to be involved in both the wedding planning, wedding rehearsals, and the actual wedding day itself, and may also share financial responsibility for part or all of the wedding. The parents of the bride and groom typically: \n - Serve as point people for extended or out-of-town families.\n - Serve as point people for guests who need extra assistance during the wedding ceremony and reception.\n - Some or all of the parents will give a toast at the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception, welcoming their new child-in-law and celebrating the union of their two families.\n\n - __Mother of the Bride:__ The bride’s mother can serve a similar role to the MOH in that she provides an extra level of support throughout the wedding planning process. Mothers of the bride usually help shop for the wedding dress, the bride’s necklace, costumes, and other important garments; she may also have a hand in planning the bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and possibly a bridal luncheon for the bridal party and close female family members. On the wedding day, she helps the bride get ready, may walk her daughter down the aisle, and participate in the first dances. \n\n - __Mother of the Groom:__ The groom’s mother may perform some or all of the above functions, though she usually plays a slightly smaller role than the mother of the bride. The mother of the groom takes part in the mother-son dance.\n\n - __Father of the Bride:__ The bride’s father typically plays a smaller role in the run-up to the wedding, but has several duties on the day of the wedding. Some families choose to have a “first look” with the father of the bride, which allows the bride and her dad to spend some quality time together before the ceremony. The father of the bride often walks his daughter down the aisle and “gives her away” at the altar, either by himself or with the mother of the bride. He will also take part in the father-daughter dance.\n\n - __Father of the Groom:__ The groom’s father’s role is often even more limited, though in recent years more and more grooms have included their fathers as members of their wedding party or even asked their dads to serve as their best men. \n\n- __Other Family and Friends:__ Between (step)parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, you might have a whole horde of family knocking down your door to celebrate you and your partner on your special day...and that’s not even counting all your dear friends. Whether to choose to have a wedding party or not, you can find ways to expand your VIP roster by honoring your loved ones with specific roles or responsibilities. Here are a few ideas (feel free to get creative with titles):\n - Ceremony reader \n - Ceremony musician or singer\n - Ceremony greeter who hands out programs\n - Ceremony usher\n - Guest book attendant \n - Wedding officiant\n - Wedding Dj\n\n## Do You Need to Have a Wedding Party?\nThe short answer is no—having a wedding party is definitely not a requirement if it doesn’t feel right to you and your partner. There are plenty of reasons why a couple might not want any wedding party members: perhaps they have too many friends and family to choose from and don’t want to make tough choices, or perhaps they would prefer to have just the two of them up at the altar for a more intimate moment. If you’re eloping, having a very small wedding, or if this is not your first time getting married, having a wedding party might feel unnecessary. The choice to have a wedding party—and if so, who those people are—is totally up to you.","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_RealWeddings"}},"widget2":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Being a bridesmaid means agreeing to a fairly long list of responsibilities. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of bridesmaid duties.","title":"The Bridesmaid Duties: A Full Breakdown","slug":"what-are-the-bridesmaid-duties","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6QXWPz3k4MiAsmCmeU0eMA/7e2a00bd16521e40896f972d429c5189/Hero_RomanticWeddingatAbigailKirschatTappanHillMansion_ChristopherDugganPhotography__1_.jpg","altText":"Bridesmaid Duties"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Explore creative ideas to plan the perfect bachelorette party weekend. Get tips on how to plan the guest list, budget, itinerary, and more.","title":"A Guide to Bachelorette Parties","slug":"a-guide-to-bachelorette-parties","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5WNGSmVLkk8c6A0mqikmA0/9d0e0089b810d0ba0896d1af18dceea6/Guide-to-Bacherlorette-Parties.jpg","altText":"bride in white silk robe laughing with bridesmaids in mint green bride tribe tank tops"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Get all your questions about bachelor parties—from who is responsible for planning to what to do—in this comprehensive guide. ","title":"A Guide to Bachelor Parties","slug":"a-guide-to-bachelor-parties","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6xYvE1cGvmqiEWoqyMSoy0/c820939acd9d2ea06c136a83dc1d8a41/Hero_VentolaPhotography.jpg","altText":"groom and groomsmen"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A wedding registry is a personalized collection of gifts that an engaged couple has specifically chosen for their guests to shop from in order to make the wedding gifting experience simpler, easier, and more satisfying for everyone.","title":"What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-registry","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2MOrWgRKcg82A4y64i24iG/4449d94511192d74050b3418c02d3ec6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn the how-to's of wedding invitation wording, plus formal and casual wedding invitation examples from the experts.","title":"Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide","slug":"how-to-word-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rENN5B7RPAn14pYP75HgH/d457816cdf42b12cc74b3e7d88b73513/Wedding_Invitaion_Wording_Etiquette.jpg","altText":"green and white wedding invitation on green background"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This bridal shower guide will introduce you to the basics of bridal showers: traditional bridal shower etiquette (and which of those “rules” you can break), whom to invite, what to do, and who pays for it all.","title":"A Guide to Bridal Showers","slug":"a-guide-to-bridal-showers","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5o4uxtDjG6d4qgVGaLVrBU/16da092c9b0b80d7acca15ab930a1aef/A-Guide-to-Bridal-Showers.jpg","altText":"a bridal shower card labeled \"soon to be mrs.\" on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"The cost of a wedding cake will depend on factors like size, shape, & decor. Read our guide to gain insights on the average cost of a wedding cake this year.","title":"How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2025?","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-cake-costs","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ywuArPikb1BsvjvYzDQhn/24f27696b854c3c5a22eed69292c6c4b/Guide-to-Wedding-Cake-Costs-and-Price.jpg","altText":"Graphic of pink wedding cake with heart cake topper and price tag"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Dress to impress! Your go-to guide for wedding guest attire, from formal to casual. Find the perfect look for every dress code and celebration.","title":"Wedding Guest Attire: A Guide to Every Dress Code","slug":"what-to-wear-to-a-wedding","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5bgD1lwZNmIWCwyoiQgUI/abb4b34d02674b500f4edb610fb1eea6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding guests laughing with bride at wedding receptions"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:45:23.818Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"not-inviting-family-to-your-wedding-dos-and-donts","title":"Not Inviting Family to Your Wedding: Do's and Don'ts","excerpt":"When creating your wedding guest list, you have to decide what family members to invite to your special day. ","author":"Shameika Rhymes","publishedAt":"2021-11-01T17:39:03.104Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2FasL7jbQMuE8Tog7QvCT9/27638355f72d377c0188c58e80b7f68a/Hero_Zola__12_.jpg","altText":"Not Inviting Family to Your Wedding: Do's and Don'ts"},"heroCredit":"Zola","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- There are some things to take into consideration when deciding not to invite family members. Ask yourself: Is your relationship repairable? Are they immediate family? Is there room in the budget to invite everyone?\n- If you decide not to invite family to the wedding, do be compassionate and considerate of their feelings, whatever they may be.\n- Stand your ground, and if you decide to not invite some family members to your wedding, don’t cave to emotional blackmail.","body":"You said “Yes!” Now comes the fun part of planning your dream wedding. But one of your first tasks can be a challenging one: narrowing down the wedding guest list. What if there are some family members that might not make the cut?\n\n__Table of Contents:__\n\nPart 1: Reasons to Not Invite Family to the Wedding \nPart 2: Dos to Consider When Not Inviting Family \nPart 3: Don’ts to Consider When Not Inviting Family \n\nIt’s your wedding, and you can invite whoever you want to. You should definitely never feel obligated to invite anyone, including family members, especially if there’s good reason to leave them off the list. \n\nStill, it can be an undeniably awkward situation. If you’re not sure how to handle it, [Zola](https://www.zola.com/)’s here to help. Read on:\n\n## __Part 1: Reasons to Not Invite Family to the Wedding__ \n\nWeddings often bring family drama to the surface. Usually, it’s important to invite family members to the wedding, but there are some exceptions. \n\n#### __The Relationship is Rocky and Can’t Be Repaired Before the Wedding__\n\nYou want your loved ones surrounding you on your big day, but if there’s tension hovering, things can be a bit awkward. The idea of celebrating your wedding with extra guests you don’t get along with, dislike, or haven’t spoken to in years can be a tough decision. But, you have to ask yourself if it’s worth potentially ruining a relationship. If you’ll be seeing the person or people at future family events, perhaps you should think about mending things. If it's not salvageable, be prepared for possible repercussions. \n\n#### __The Budget is Tight__\n\nThe amount of people you should invite to your wedding depends on a few things, including your budget, venue, and the type of vibe or atmosphere you’re trying to create. Usually, it’s best to split the guest list between you and your partner, so you have an even number of family and friends from both sides. \n\nIf you’re sticking to your wedding budget, then you have to think about how much you’re willing to spend, since that will determine how many people you can invite. Remember: [wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) cost money. If you’re on a tight budget, perhaps you can only afford to invite immediate family members from both sides. \n\n#### __They Make You and Others Uncomfortable__ \nSometimes, there are family members that tend to go overboard with everything. If having them at the wedding will make you or your guests uncomfortable, cutting them from your invite list is perfectly okay. While you could try to fix things ahead of time, sometimes it’s not worth the effort. \nOften, peace of mind is more valuable than having a relative that loves drama or has caused your family pain at the wedding. You shouldn’t feel forced to invite anyone that makes you uncomfortable, especially because it’s your wedding.\n\n## __Part 2: Dos to Consider When Not Inviting Family__ \nThere are many couples who choose not to invite family members for various reasons, but it’s especially hard when it’s because of a strained relationship. Even budget constraints can be delicate, since you still have to be aware of people’s feelings. Here are some things to do when you’re not planning to invite family members to your wedding. \n\n#### __Do Surround Yourself With Loved Ones__\nFor your wedding, you want to feel fulfilled rather than devoid, so it’s important to surround yourself with the people you’ve chosen as family. Family can mean close friends that you consider closer than blood relatives. \n\n#### __Do Be Honest__\nThe worst thing you can do is completely avoid any questions about the uninvited guests. Confront the situation head on by explaining to family members that you had a tough decision, and you wanted everyone there, but the guest list is final. There’s no need to go into why you opted to keep them off the guest list. It’s up to you how much to reveal. \n\n#### __Do Be Mindful and Gentle With People’s Feelings__ \nYou’re already dealing with a lot of stress planning the wedding, and having to hurt someone’s feelings only adds to it. Still, it’s important to be mindful of your family members' feelings and be aware that they actually wanted to share in your big day, not just the free food and drinks. If they ask why they weren’t invited, try not to be offended and understand that they may simply feel left out. \n\n#### __Do Think of Other Ways to Include Non-Invited Family Members__\n\nIf you’re having a smaller, intimate wedding and there are several family members that you weren’t able to invite to your celebration, there are still ways to include them. If you feel bad about not inviting them, have a second reception just for them. That can be in the form of a backyard cookout, a cocktail party, or even a big family dinner. It’s totally up to you and your partner. \n\n#### __Do Invite Them Virtually__ \nYour [wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-venues) and budget may not allow for a big wedding. You can still include them virtually. Set up a webcam, or ask your videographer about streaming the wedding online so family members that weren’t invited to the actual in-person ceremony can still take part. \n\n#### __Do Thank Uninvited Family Members for Gifts__\n\nIf the uninvited family member sends a gift, you should definitely thank them. If the non-invite issue comes up, it’s up to you whether or not you want to have that conversation. Remember: It’s your wedding day, and the guest list is up to you. You don’t have to explain yourself. However, if the person is sensitive about the situation, then you can just explain to them that you had tough decisions to make, but you still love them. \n\n## __Part 3: Don’ts to Consider When Not Inviting Family__ \n\nWith not inviting some family members, there’s bound to be drama and backlash. Here are some tips to help you stand your ground: \n\n#### __Don’t Argue About Your Decision__ \nIt’s inevitable that the uninvited family member is going to be hurt and upset. If they start debating your decision, don’t argue about it. Instead, give them a warning that it’s something you don’t want to discuss. If they continue to ignore that, politely end the conversation. It’s not worth getting into an argument that could get nasty and cause an even bigger rift. \n\n#### __Don’t Give in to Invite Fishing__\n\nIf someone starts getting pushy and fishing for an invite, don’t adjust your guest list because you feel guilty. Simply reiterate your decision and decline to discuss it further. Don’t answer any more questions about it after that. \n\n#### __Don’t Allow Yourself to Be Pressured__\n\nOnce invited family members hear that some other family members weren’t invited, they may threaten not to attend your wedding. This is your wedding, your decision and they have to respect that. Tell them you’re sorry they won’t be attending, but don’t give in to them pushing you to change your mind. \n\nUltimately, it’s your wedding day and your budget. If you have a large family and a smaller budget, there will be some tough cuts. Give yourself grace when creating your guest list, and stand by your decision. Don’t invite the family members that were left off the guest list because you feel obligated or pressured. It’s your wedding—you make the rules. \n\nIf you need help creating your guest list, let [Zola](https://www.zola.com/) help. Use our free and easy to use [guest list manager](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) to make it simpler to collect RSVPs, meal choices, and mailing addresses.","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_WeddingWebsite"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Create Your Free Website","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_WEBSITE"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:09.686Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"what-percentage-of-guests-should-you-expect-to-come-to-your-wedding","title":"How Many Guests Should I Expect to Come to My Wedding?","excerpt":"There are many factors that determine the average wedding size. One of the biggest ones? The percentage of invited guests that actually attend.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2021-09-28T16:50:57.568Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/hEh5LaI5BV3jrLLeswzmc/debe4f2a845721fb2d6db0017d690203/Hero_Zola.jpg","altText":"What Percentage of Guests Should You Expect to Come to Your Wedding?"},"heroCredit":"Zola","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- As a rule of thumb, you can usually expect around 75-85 percent of those invited to actually attend the wedding. \n- Sending out save the dates six to eight months in advance will give guests time to prepare for the wedding—ultimately increasing the number of people who will attend.\n- The average wedding guest list is around 167 people in 2021. Smaller weddings usually hover around 50 people, while larger celebrations can reach up to 300 or more guests. \n- Putting together your perfect guest list is easy at Zola. From stylish wedding invitations to digital seating charts, couples can plan everything with the click of a button.","body":"There are many joys that come with planning your wedding. From selecting the floral arrangements to trying on wedding bands, putting together your big day is full of fun, creative, and important choices.\n\nThen, there’s the guest list. Crafting your wedding guest list can be a source of stress for many couples. How many people should I invite? Can my wedding venue hold this many guests? Is my second cousin’s childhood best friend going to be angry if she’s not invited?\n\nThese are just a few of the burning questions soon-to-be spouses ask when putting together their wedding guest list. \n\nOn top of making these decisions, there’s also the question of who will even attend the wedding after they receive the invitation. The percentage of guests that actually RSVP can vary depending on the location, date, and time of your wedding. \n\nFortunately, Zola has you covered. In this article, we’ll be discussing all the variables that go into your wedding guest list, including how many people you should invite and which guests are most likely to show up. \n\n## Wedding Guests 101 \nThe simple truth is that not everyone you invite will end up coming to your wedding. Excluding extremely small ceremonies of just the wedding party, usually about 75-85 percent of the people you invite will actually attend your wedding.\n\n### Types of Guests\nOne of the biggest influences on whether or not a guest attends your wedding is their proximity to the location. Generally speaking, there are usually three different types of wedding guests:\n\n- __Local guests –__ Typically, around 85 percent of local guests will attend your wedding. These are people who live in or around the city where the ceremony is taking place.\n\n- __Out-of-town guests –__ For many people, a large portion of their list will be out-of-town guests. These guests may not live too far away, but they’ll usually need to stay a couple of nights in order to attend. Couples can expect about 55 percent of out-of-town guests to be present at their wedding. \n\n- __Destination –__ Finally, we have destination wedding guests. Destination weddings typically require a flight and an extended stay at the wedding location, making it the smallest percentage of the three. Couples should expect about 35 percent of destination wedding guests to attend their big day. That being said, guest lists for destination weddings are often much shorter than a traditional celebration, so this is a factor to keep in mind. \n\nIf you’re planning an out-of-town or destination wedding, finding accommodations for guests doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Zola users can easily create hotel blocks with our online [Hotel Planner](https://zola.hotelplanner.com/Group-Rate/)—making it possible for all your loved ones to join in on the celebration.\n\n### Average Wedding Size\nIt’s also important to note that the size of a wedding guest list can range quite a bit. While some people prefer to invite only family and wedding party members, others may include their friends and co-workers. The size of your guest list is ultimately up to personal preference, budget, and venue. \n\nTypically most weddings do not have guest lists that exceed 200 people. In fact, the average wedding in 2021 consisted of 167 according to Wedding Stats.\n\nBeyond this average, every couple will have a different idea of how big they want their wedding to be. Most weddings can be broken down into three categories:\n\n- __Small weddings –__ Small weddings are great for couples who want an intimate celebration of love. A short guest list can also keep your wedding budget low and leave money for decor, food, and experience. Smaller weddings are typically made up of around 50 people or so.\n\n- __Large weddings –__ If you have the money and the space, a large wedding can be a blast. Large weddings are also extremely inclusive and allow for all your friends and family to celebrate your big day together. Big weddings may have guest lists as long as 300 people or more. \n\n- __Destination weddings –__ Did you know that one in four weddings are actually destination weddings? This may surprise many people, but the truth is that destination weddings happen all the time; however, their guest lists are usually pretty exclusive. This is because many people cannot take the time off work or afford the accommodations required for a destination wedding. For these reasons, couples planning a destination wedding will typically keep their guest list small—with an average of 86 people.\n\n## Invitation Timeline \nEnsuring that a majority of your guests actually show up is all about timing. It’s crucial that couples give their loved ones ample time to prepare for the big day, especially when it comes to guests who are traveling to attend. \n\nThe key to preparing your guests for the wedding date is utilizing save the dates.\n\n### What Are Save the Dates?\nWhat’s the difference between a wedding invitation and a save the date? \n\nFor one, save the dates are more casual. They do not include an RSVP or any detailed information regarding the wedding ceremony and wedding reception. Instead, save the dates are a simple heads up that a wedding is in the works.\n\nSave the dates typically convey three main points:\n\n- The names of the couple\n- The city where the wedding is going to be held\n- The exact date of the wedding ceremony\n\nSave the dates are a vital step in the wedding process, and you’ll want to send them out around six to eight months before the wedding date.\n\n### When Should Invitations Be Sent?\nWedding Invitations are the more formal side of reserving loved one’s weekends. They typically include an RSVP card (or instructions for a digital RSVP process). Your invitations will also go into greater detail about the following information:\n\n- The exact location of the ceremony\n- The time of the ceremony\n- Reception information\n- Dress code\n- Travel information, transportation, and accommodations \n\nUnlike save the dates, invitations are sent out much later—around six to eight weeks before the wedding. \n\nSending your invitations earlier may seem like a good idea if you want all your guests to attend the wedding; however, this is not typically done. The reason is that many people aren’t able to predict their schedules much further than two months ahead. Additionally, when it’s set too far in advance, many people will forget the wedding is approaching. Plus, that’s what the save the date is for.\n\nLooking for a place to purchase all your wedding stationery? Zola has you covered. We offer hundreds of stylish [wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) and [save the date](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop) designs, and users can even match the two for a perfectly seamless look. \n\n## Expectations for Your Guest List \nPlanning a wedding is a lot of work, and setting realistic expectations is crucial to keeping the process smooth and organized.\n\nHere’s what you need to know about guest list expectations:\n\n- __Be realistic –__ You’ll want to keep expectations realistic by asking yourself important questions along the way. How many people do you really want there? How many meals can you afford? Which out-of-town guests have the means of traveling to the wedding location?\n\n- __Keep your space in mind –__ The ceremony and reception venue you select will have a major impact on how long your guest list can be. Consider how many people your venue can hold comfortably and work within these confines. Fortunately, Zola users can check out our database of pre-screened [wedding vendors](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) and search for [wedding venues](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-venues) based on size. We have options that range from intimate gatherings of 50 people to large celebrations of 300 or more.\n\n- __Don’t be offended –__ When crafting your guest list and sifting through RSVPs, it’s important to not let emotions get out of control. Planning a wedding can be stressful, and finding out a loved one can’t come never feels good. That being said, couples should keep in mind that people have busy lives, and some loved ones may not be able to travel at this time. Always remember that your friends and family still love you even if they’re unable to attend the wedding. \n\n## Creating Your Guest List\nSo we’ve covered the main question at hand: what percentage of people will attend your wedding, but where do you go from here? Gauging how many people will RSVP to your wedding is important because it will help you craft the best guest list possible.\n\nMost couples start by creating their own individual lists and then combining them for a final tally. Here’s how to do this, step-by-step:\n\n- __Step 1:__ Your immediate family – You’ll want to begin your guest list with the immediate family members who will be attending the wedding—this includes parents, siblings, and in-laws.\n\n- __Step 2:__ Wedding party members – By this point, you’ve probably already chosen your wedding party members (ie. best man, best maiden, maid of honor, man of honor, etc.)—so including these guests on your list will be pretty easy. Most wedding parties are typically no larger than 10 people, with five members on each side. \n\n- __Step 3:__ Extended family – Next, consider how many extended family members you’ll want to invite. This list includes grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and perhaps any close family friends. This step will often take up a large portion of your guest list, since many people have large extended families.\n\n- __Step 4:__ Close and mutual friends – Next, you have all the friends who are not part of the wedding party. Think about your friends in terms of groups and go through your list thoroughly to make sure that you haven’t forgotten anyone important. You and your fiance can also compare lists when it comes to mutual friends, in order to avoid sending out double invites by accident. \n\n- __Step 5:__ Co-workers – Do you have any colleagues from work that you’d like to invite? If you have the space on your guest list, now is the time to include them. The same goes for colleagues from any previous jobs that you’ve had who you remained friends with. \n\n- __Step 6:__ Spouses and significant others – Traditionally, it’s common courtesy to invite the spouses and partners of any of your guests. As far as new romantic relationships go, there is no cut-and-dry etiquette for invitations, but it’s always polite to give adult guests a plus one. \n\n- __Step 7:__ Children – If you’re inviting the parents of a young child, it’s a nice gesture to invite their children too. That being said, some couples may prefer to have a child-free wedding, and this practice is fairly common. Sometimes, parents are excited for a night to themselves—in this case, we recommend giving people a heads up so that they can find a babysitter. \n\n- __Step 8:__ Guests of parents – If parents are contributing money to the wedding, it's customary for them to add their own guests to the list—this goes for your spouse’s parents, too.\n\n- __Step 9:__ Out-of-town guests – For couples with close friends and family who live far away, it’s traditional to send out an invitation to them regardless of whether or not they can come. Not only is this the polite thing to do, but it also leaves room for a pleasant surprise if they actually can make it.\n\n- __Step 10:__ Plus ones – Although we briefly touched upon this subject in step six, plus ones are crucial to keep in mind when crafting your guest list. If you’re allowing a guest to bring a plus one, this must be stated on the invitation. If not explicitly stated, this usually means a plus one is not expected. Not being specific about plus-ones can lead to problems with seating, so just be sure to make this as clear as possible. Traditionally, single adults are allowed plus ones, while younger guests are not. Plus-ones can be a sensitive subject, since most people do not want to attend a wedding alone. This is why it's important to remain considerate when determining the plus one rule for your wedding day. \n\nYou and your fiance will each make your own list, and then compare at the end. While these lists should be relatively equal, the final number is ultimately up to you. If you tend to keep your circle tight, and your spouse is more of a social butterfly, there’s nothing wrong with them having a few more guests on their list. Just remember to communicate and make sure that you’re on the same page every step of the way. \n\n## Building Your Seating Chart\nAfter you’ve finalized the guest list, it’s time to move on to the seating chart. \n\nGenerally, weddings of over 50 people will need a seating chart to keep things organized. Here are some basic tips you’ll want to keep in mind when crafting this essential part of your wedding day:\n\n- __Choose tables wisely –__ You’ll want to spend a good amount of time figuring out who will sit together at each table. Usually, wedding party members sit together with the happy couple. Families will also typically sit together, often sectioned off by immediate family or sides of the family. The parents of the couple may sit together or with their own family members, depending on their relationship to each other. Friends from the same groups—such as high school friends, college friends, and co-workers—will usually sit together, too.\n\n- __Kids table –__ If you do choose to invite kids, you’ll probably have a designated kids table. Most weddings only have a single kids table, since a majority of guests will be adults.\n\n- __Surprise guests –__ Sometimes, you get a few surprise arrivals on your wedding day. This may be due to a lost RSVP in the mail, or an unexpected plus one brought by a guest. It’s important to have a few extra chairs on hand just in case an additional guest arrives.\n\n### How Many People Should Sit at Each Table? \nThe number of guests at each table will depend on your venue and layout, but large circular tables can usually fit around eight to 12 people comfortably. \n\nSome couples may opt for longer, rectangular tables to create a family-style dining experience. These types of tables are able to fit a larger number of people and may work better for more intimate gatherings by allowing all your guests to sit together. \n\nPutting together a seating chart on paper can be complicated and time-consuming. That’s why many couples are ditching the cork boards and thumbtacks for Zola’s [online guest list manager](https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard/wedding-guest-list?question=NAME). Users can create organized seating charts directly on our website and save them for later.\n\n## Plan Your Perfect Guest List at Zola \nWedding planning can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be when you use Zola.\n\nZola is your one-stop shop for all your nuptial necessities: from helpful planning tools—like our vendor database and online guest manager—to stylish invitation designs, and even [Expert Wedding Advice](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice). Once you start putting together your big day from the comfort of home, you’ll be able to ditch the stress and jump straight to the celebration.\n\nStart planning your wedding the modern way today, at Zola!","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"How does one go about choosing a wedding venue? Here's the rundown on one of the first tasks you’ll need to accomplish after saying “yes!”","title":"10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Dzm0QohK8uai2YouWoMUg/f7db6c6feb0fe4c3d27f9f2a914572ad/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-choose-venue.jpg","altText":"Bridge and groom in front of the church"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"All-inclusive wedding venues provide essential services, thus reducing your need to vet and book wedding vendors. Is all-inclusive right for you? Find out here.","title":"All-Inclusive Wedding Venues: Pros and Cons","slug":"all-inclusive-wedding-venues-pros-and-cons","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5eznmjUVFSy09jRw72LyF0/a741e4fd3b17ed5e3a8adba1d52d2be9/Hero_Zola.jpg","altText":"All-Inclusive Wedding Venues: Pros and Cons"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Don’t miss a wedding planning detail with our complete, expert-crafted wedding checklist and timeline. Free, printable version inside!","title":"2024/25 Printable Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline - Zola","slug":"your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist","topic":"Wedding planning 101","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4fA6of0jjP7aJqXJRy0JOx/edd3b48f6fea1e273025d3db462dd4be/Ultimate_Wedding_Planning_Checklist.jpg","altText":"wedding planning checklist"},"type":"checklistPage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"Save the dates add an extra touch of style and coordination to your wedding. Find out why and when you should send your save the dates with this complete guide.","title":"A Guide to Save The Dates","slug":"a-guide-to-save-the-dates","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1l4X83Mek3961mcDS1Mxap/63f3401f482b291ea6472fab334c2ef8/A-Guide-to-Save-the-Date.jpg","altText":"wedding save the date by zola"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Weddings are celebrations and things can get out of hand. Here's exactly how to deal with drunk wedding guests (and even prevent too much over-drinking).","title":"How to Handle a Super Drunk Wedding Guest","slug":"drunk-wedding-guest","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/rYISVmCrOfIIgAmkT3uFy/9765708ee6387e13b1da83eb0163a74f/pexels-cottonbro-3171736.jpg","altText":"drunk wedding guests"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:45:27.967Z"}],"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions","description":"Lots of questions come up when planning a wedding. Find answers to all of your wedding planning questions in these articles. From which vendors to tip to most common wedding etiquette questions to how to write thank-you cards, our experts guide you through."},"topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101","description":"Your complete guide to wedding planning from start to finish. Get practical advice and insider tips for planning your dream wedding from staying within your budget to creating your gift registry to all the little details in between saying \"Yes!\" and \"I do\". Find answers to all your wedding planning questions here.","subtopics":[{"featuredArticles":[],"name":"Real weddings","slug":"real-weddings","description":"Learn from real couples as they break down exactly how they planned and budgeted for their weddings. Find weddings similar to what you're planning and get inspired by these weddings across a varitey of locations and budgets."},{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Creating a budget","slug":"creating-a-budget"},"slug":"whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding","title":"How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost in 2024?","excerpt":"Stay within your wedding budget! See average wedding cost breakdowns by state, guest size, and vendor service, plus money-saving tips from the experts.","author":"Jane Chertoff and Georgie Darling","publishedAt":"2023-12-28T00:00-05:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4skZZwsBNNnII2pvCWRNPN/671c056531847a20ab06c1a85d2f37f5/1205_FLR2024_EA_header_editorial.png","altText":"Couple sitting on steps in wedding attire, with text \"The First Look Report 2024\""},"heroCredit":"Zola","tldr":"## Inside this article\n\n- How much do weddings cost in 2024?\n- How expensive are weddings really?\n- Which wedding expenses cost the most?\n- Average wedding cost by state\n- What does the average wedding cost by number of guests?\n- Average wedding cost in the largest metro areas\n- How couples are paying for their weddings\n","body":"Nothing can dull your excitement at planning your wedding right now. Until you start telling family and friends. And they start dropping those scary figures on you.\n\nPrices for weddings might be on the up, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank when walking down the aisle with your other half. So, how much does a wedding cost in 2024? We’ve got you, complete with a full breakdown of state-by-state and expense-by-expense average wedding costs.\n\nWant to keep track of your wedding budget? [Try our free budget tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) with payment reminders and tips on how much to spend.\n\n## How much do weddings cost in 2024? \n\nThe [average wedding expense](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2024) for couples getting married in 2024 totals around $33,000, up slightly from $29,000 in 2023. The most expensive state to get married in is Rhode Island with an average cost of $49,207. The cheapest state to get married in is Alaska with an average cost of $14,444.\n\n## How expensive are weddings really? \n\nEstimating the average cost of a wedding is both art and science. It’s important to keep in mind that average wedding costs are just that — averages. While helpful, a wedding budget doesn’t need to follow any set amount. While some people spend $100,000 on a wedding and the average is $33,000, plenty of couples spend $10,000 or even $5,000 or less.\n\nAverage wedding costs vary for several reasons: the number of guests, location, day of the week, and even the seasonality of food served and flowers displayed. It helps to picture the day and think about what matters most to the two of you. Think of the wedding budget in pieces and priorities, rather than imagining the whole thing at once.\n\nYou don’t have to spend at the high end of the range. \n\n## Which wedding expenses cost the most? \n\nOn average, the most expensive wedding expenses are the wedding venue ($6,500–$12,000), the catering ($6,500–$10,000), the band or DJ ($2,000–$7,000), and the photographer ($3,500–$6,500). The cheapest wedding expenses tend to be the cake, the ceremony music, and the hair and makeup services.\n\n### Average wedding cost per service in 2024\n\nOnce you nail down the major requirements — where, when, and who — you’re ready to start talking to [vendors](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) and decide how much to spend on each service. Your vendors can help you make budget-conscious decisions, such as selecting food and flowers that are in season or recycling ceremony decor for the reception. \n\nWhile you might not be able to splurge on every [checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist) item, what’s important is that your wedding still feels like a reflection of your relationship and future together.\n\nTo help you and your soon-to-be spouse plan ahead, here are the national average wedding expenses for services in 2024, based on a total budget of around $33,000 and a guest list of 100 people:\n\n### How much does a wedding cost, expense by expense?\n\n- Wedding venue: $6,500-$12,000\n\n- Catering: $6,500-$10,000 \n\n- Band or DJ: $2,000-$7000\n\n- Wedding planner: $1,500–$4,750\n\n- Photographer: $3,500–$6,500\n\n- Videographer: $3,000–$6,000\n\n- Flowers: $2,500–$6,000\n\n- Transportation: $700–$1,200\n\n- Cake: $600–$900\n\n- Ceremony music: $500–$800\n\n- Hair and makeup: $550–$850\n\n## Average wedding cost by state in 2024 \n\nHere’s a complete breakdown of more than 4,000 couples and their projected average spending on [weddings in 2024 by state](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/wedding-budget-diaries).\n\n![Avg. Cost by State v2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/sW6vqPrYXnmOpf7gX0ZpS/83018538ea7e07b0e1180bcb0eda95c3/Avg._Cost_by_State__1_.png)\n\n## What does the average wedding cost by number of guests? \n\nZeroing in on your [estimated number of guests](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-many-people-to-invite-to-a-wedding) and the size of your wedding party early on in the wedding planning process helps when evaluating everything from venue size to catering.\n\nIf you’re unsure how many people you'll invite, our team found the average wedding guest list in 2024 is 145 people, and about 75% of guests usually RSVP yes.\n\nThis is a good starting point for budget conversations if you’re unsure where to begin when it comes to the cost of weddings. Have open and honest discussions with vendors about how your guest count may impact the pricing of their services, such as how the price of fifteen table centerpieces might \ndiffer from the price of ten. \n\nSome wedding cost line items, like photography, are less dependent on guest count and more on other factors, such as services provided and time. But other line items, such as catering and decor, are greatly impacted by the size of the wedding.\n\nVendors are there to support you and help you get the information you need to make decisions, after all!\n\nAs with all things, the average cost per person for a wedding has a lot of variables. But we can derive some [data](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/2024-wedding-trends-zolas-first-look-report-data-deep-dive) based on the size of your guest list.\n\n### Average wedding cost by guest size in 2024\n\n- 500+ guests: $54,500\n\n- 200-300 guests: $42,751\n\n- 150–200 guests: $41,286\n\n- 100–150 guests: $33,957\n\n- 75–100 guests: $24,769\n\n- 50–75 guests: $20,581\n\n- 30-50 guests: $18,768\n\n- 10-30 guests: $17,048\n\n- Fewer than 10 guests: $11,667","body2":"## Average wedding cost in the largest metro areas \n\nYes, big-city weddings often come with higher price tags than weddings in rural areas. Still, for the possible tradeoff of some budget items, you can get the urban sophistication of a New York City, Houston, Phoenix, or other metro area wedding. \n\nMetro areas are also travel hubs, meaning they’re accessible and offer cheaper flights and accommodations than remote locations. It’s all about what matters to you.\n\nYou’ll have to balance out your wants with your needs of sticking to a budget and [reducing the guest list](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/small-wedding-guest-list).\n\n### How much do weddings cost on average in 2024, in the largest American metros?\n\n![Avg. Cost by Metro Area (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4MkuyZg2iI6HOD1I9CZWIj/e89b0270a1eb5b00eae2dba241eda470/Avg._Cost_by_Metro_Area__1_.png)\n\n## How couples are paying for their weddings \n\nThe most important thing to remember is that an amazing wedding can happen on any budget, and along with your team of vendors, Zola is here to guide you along every part of the journey. And there is more than one way to pay for a wedding. Today, the majority of couples contribute to their wedding expenses in some way, and we’ve found that in 2024:\n\n- 31.95% will utilize credit cards\n- 50.37% have saved for years to prepare\n- 16.69% are including cash funds on their registries to cover wedding costs\n\nSo remember that, although the average budget for weddings may seem pretty high, there are many ways to finance your big day!\n\n### 6 ways to save money on your wedding\n\nWith so many considerations, it helps to start with a wedding budget breakdown. Here you’ll decide what you want to spend in specific categories or what dollar amount you’d earmark for expenditures. To help get you started, we’ve got six tips to help save money on your big day.\n\n1. Zola’s budget tool\n\nCouples told us they wanted an easy way to track their budget… so we created one! It’s simple to use. In [Zola’s wedding budget tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget), enter your maximum budget and how much you plan to spend on everything from your venue to your videographer. Our handy tool helps you keep tabs on your spending, get payment reminders, and see expert tips on budgeting.\n\n2. Decide what’s most important\n\nEvery couple's “dream” vision is different. For most, the priority is having all of their loved ones in attendance, and often other details fall into place. Sit down as partners and decide on the top three must-haves and go from there, whether it be a live band, top-shelf open bar, videographer, or an unforgettable meal. There are no wrong answers.\n\n3. Explore Zola’s wedding planning tools and expert advice guides\n\nExplore the rest of our [Expert Advice](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice) articles covering even more tips and tricks on everything from wedding dresses to honeymoon planning to gift registry. After prioritizing the essential pieces of your big day, search Zola for [wedding vendors and venues](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search) based on price and other factors.\n\n4. Send digital save-the-dates\n\nSending digital save-the-dates is an easy way to save. Zola’s [digital save-the-dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/digital/save-the-date/shop) are completely free! If the cost of the average wedding looks a little scary, remember there are lots of little ways like this to save money.\n\n5. Thrift wedding attire\n\nUpcycling and thrifting have become second nature for many people in their everyday lives, but shopping secondhand is also a great way to save on wedding attire and decor. After all, doesn’t everyone need to find their perfect [something borrowed](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/7-something-borrowed-ideas)?\n\nIn fact, we found that 19% of today’s couples upcycle to avoid excessive spending on tuxedos, wedding dresses, other white outfits, wedding party attire, and more.\n\n6. Include cash funds in your registry\n\nThe vast majority of couples today — over 80% — add [personalized cash funds](https://www.zola.com/shop/honeymoon-cash-funds) to their registry. And, like we mentioned above, 16.69% are including cash funds on their registries to cover wedding costs. Not only does this help the happy couple start their life together, but it also helps them afford other major expenses — the dream home, a home renovation, or a future family.\n\n__Let Zola take the stress out of wedding planning__\n\nYour wedding day should be one of the best days of your life, and budget stress shouldn't take away from that. The average wedding cost breakdown figures above are averages, and planning your big day comes down to prioritization and must-haves.\n\nFor budget tools and everything else you need for your big day, Zola is here to help. Start by checking out our full suite of free wedding planning tools.","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"widget2":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_VendorMarketplace"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-04-22T19:14:58.360Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Creating a budget","slug":"creating-a-budget"},"slug":"how-to-set-your-wedding-budget","title":"How to Set Your Wedding Budget Step by Step","excerpt":"While it may not be the most exciting item on your to-do list, setting your wedding budget is essential. We’ll break down the typical expenses, guide you through the entire process from start to finish, and tell you where you can save money. ","publishedAt":"2024-10-02T08:00-04:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6XhGxWHyRGrUPWWVgkBzic/91d8435955228875ec57fdf5f974f5bc/Hero_New_Unsplash.jpg","altText":"Green/bluescale image of jar of money tipped over with change spilling out"},"heroCredit":"Unsplash","tldr":"__Inside this Article:__\n\n- What is a good budget for a wedding?\n- What is a realistic wedding budget?\n- Wedding budget breakdown and cost-saving tips\n- Things to consider when setting your wedding budget\n- Wedding budget mistakes to avoid\n- Use Zola’s calculator for budgeting","body":"When you’re enjoying being [newly engaged](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/relationship-advice/newly-engaged-couples), the last thing you want to think about is your wedding budget. In fact, almost half of all [Zola couples report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2024) that setting and sticking to a budget was the most stressful part of wedding planning. \n\nWe can’t promise you a completely stress-free experience leading up to your wedding day. However, we can help you avoid financial headaches as much as possible by tackling one of the most confusing questions for many couples: how to set your wedding budget. And Zola has answers.\n\n## What is a good budget for a wedding? \n\nThe [average wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding#) is $30,000. If that seems high, don’t panic. There are hundreds of ways to whittle that cost down to size. Plus, some people who have micro-weddings spend as little as $500 on their wedding and still enjoy a picture-perfect day. The cost of your wedding day is really up to you. \n\n## What is a realistic wedding budget? \n\nDetermining how much to spend on each part of your wedding costs isn’t exactly simple, as wedding costs vary by location and time of year. That said, there are a few straightforward steps you can take to help you get.\n\nMany couples ask, \"Is $10,000 a good wedding budget?\" The answer is: It depends. If you're having a backyard wedding with simple florals and catering, that amount is feasible. However, if you want to get married at an upscale hotel or winery, some wedding venues charge $10,000 just for rental. \n\nA realistic wedding budget is one that works for you and your partner, the size of your guest list, and the type of big day you envision.\n\n__Expert Advice:__ Easily set and keep track of your wedding budget from anywhere: try Zola’s [free budget tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) with payment reminders and tips on how much to spend.\n\n![Wedding Couple Bride Groom](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1ygQJ8Ljpvvun4siEqtyEX/63898622d16e45e9fb6fbf75feaad09c/Wedding_Couple_Bride_Groom.jpg) Photo by [Trulove Studios](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/jerrell-trulove-photography)\n\n## Wedding budget breakdown and cost-saving tips \n\nIt’s important to note that wedding expenses and wedding budgets are extremely individual—it’s part of what makes researching all things ‘wedding budget’ so frustrating. Here’s how most couples divide up their wedding budget breakdown. (Note that this totals over 100%, as not everyone will include every category in their wedding expenses).\n\n### Wedding venue: 24% \n\nWhat is the biggest expense in a wedding? Typically the venue, but you can save money on your venue a few different ways:\n\n- __Choose off-peak days and times.__ Saturday is the most popular day of the week for weddings and therefore almost always the most expensive. Consider a Friday evening or Sunday or, if it won’t wreck plans for your nearest and dearest, another weekday. \n- __Consider less popular seasons.__ This depends on where in the world you’re planning on tying the knot. Generally, winter months are more affordable than summer months. \n- __Look for all-inclusive packages.__ Particularly if you’re having a destination wedding, some wedding venues will offer [all-inclusive packages](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/all-inclusive-wedding-venues-pros-and-cons). Generally, this includes food and drink packages which can help save costs on a big expense. \n\nFind the [perfect wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues) on Zola’s marketplace.\n\n### Catering: 18%\n\nThe easiest avenue to saving money on your catering is to opt for a buffet rather than a sit-down meal. You can also look into a morning or afternoon wedding, as brunch, breakfast, or lunch packages tend to be cheaper (and less alcohol-focused!) than late afternoon or evening weddings. Your guest list size will also be a factor. You’ll need more food for a 100-person wedding versus one with only 20. \n\nSearch for a [caterer that fits your wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-catering) on Zola.\n\n### Photography: 7%\n\nWe’ll be honest: if there’s one area you shouldn’t skimp on when wedding planning, it’s your photography. After all, there’s nothing more crushing than looking back at photos from your special day that aren’t up to scratch. However, if you’re looking to cut costs, see if anyone in your personal network can offer a reduced photography fee as a wedding present to you and your partner. \n\nFind [professional wedding photographers on Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers).\n\n### Videography: 5%\n\nNot every couple includes videography in their wedding planning budget. If you’re trying to cut costs, leave this one out altogether. Or, see if you can find a student or amateur videographer (as long as you’ve got photography from a pro!)\n\nSeach your area for qualified [videographers on Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-videographers).\n\n### Flowers: 8%\n\nYou’ll need to be strategic if you’re hoping to restrict your wedding budget with your flowers. A few of the best ways include choosing seasonal blooms, bulking out your bouquets with greenery and foliage, choosing single-bloom bouquets, and looking for local or wholesale florists. You can also just opt for artificial flowers if you’re on a tight wedding budget. \n\n[Find florists](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists) within your budget on our marketplace.\n\n![Floral Ceremony Ring](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Jjd5WN7eWGMYYa4oWt7q0/141d2678e1f8dcbce518df5dcc76bd1a/Floral_Ceremony_Ring.jpg) Photo via [Belle of the Ball Designs\n](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists/belle-of-the-ball-designs)\n### Entertainment: 9%\n\nChoose a band or DJ rather than both. Or, to cut costs even more, ask someone musically-minded in your network to put together a wedding soundtrack that you can play yourself. If you know you want some kind of live entertainment, limit the hours they’ll play, book far in advance, and consider local artists who won’t have to charge transport fees. \n\n[Choose a band or a DJ](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs) from Zola’s list of vendors.\n\n### Hair and makeup: 2%\n\nOne of the best ways to save money on your hair and makeup? Do them yourself or enlist a friend’s help. If you’re looking for pro support, look into beauty schools (students are often super talented and have a great range of tools) or look for mobile stylists. When it comes to the actual work, choose simple styles rather than overly elaborate designs. \n\n[Find hair and makeup stylists](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-hair-makeup) within your budget on Zola.\n\n### Cake and/or dessert: 2%\n\nFor starters, opt for something fun like a donut wall or dessert bar rather than a sit-down dessert. Cakes with fewer layers tend to be less expensive than those with multiple tiers. Buttercream is cheaper than fondant, and common flavors are usually cheaper and more accessible than unique ingredients. The “naked cake” trend is another popular way to save money here. \n\nSearch for [cake and dessert bakers](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/florida--wedding-cakes-desserts) here. \n\n### Officiant: 1%\n\nIf you have a close friend or family member who's comfortable speaking in public, you could ask them to officiate your wedding. In many places, they can become ordained online for free or at low cost, although you'll want to check local and state laws first. \n\nSome couples choose to have a simple civil ceremony at the courthouse or city hall. The fees for these services are usually a fair bit lower than hiring a separate officiant.\n\n### Stationery: 3%\n\nThe easiest way to save money on your wedding stationery (save the dates, wedding invitations, thank you cards) is to go digital, and Zola has several [digital wedding stationery options](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/digital/save-the-date/shop). If that’s not to your taste, opt for standard-size envelopes, print in bulk, design the stationery yourself (check out our popular [DIY wedding invites](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/afe11498-7506-4d03-b30f-d7a024c91afa)), and use simple designs that don’t require fancy embellishments. \n\n![Wedding Stationery Flatlay](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/54AYbXAzPqPLxPrm7OmPVw/3a64000eced02331b2affdc2f2ba9115/Wedding_Stationery_Flatlay.jpg) Photo by [Candace Shiflet Photo](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/candace-shiflet-photo)\n\n### Wedding attire: 7%\n\nDon’t feel like you have to spend thousands on a wedding outfit for your special day. David's Bridal, Lulus, ASOS, and Azazie all offer great options at lower prices. You can also consider renting your [wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/fashion-beauty/wedding-dresses) from brands like Rent the Runway. \n\nWhen it comes to [accessories](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-shop-accessories), skip the bridal stores and head straight to your favorite fashion brands. Look for white (or your chosen color) accessories without the wedding mark-up. \n\n### Wedding planner: 6%\n\nA wedding planner is totally optional. But if you’re prioritizing one in your wedding budget, consider a “day of” or a \"month of” planner rather than full-service wedding planning. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know when it comes to [choosing a wedding planner in this article](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/questions-to-ask-wedding-planner). \n\n### Rentals: 5%\n\nYou’ve already ticked the budget-friendly box by renting rather than buying certain elements of your wedding. There are rental options for pretty much anything you might need for your wedding besides edible items. From vintage tableware and lounge seating to attire and silk florals, you can rent just about anything nowadays.\n\n### Transportation: 2%\n\nWhile no one expects you to hop on the bus to your wedding venue, there are still a few easy ways you can cut costs. Instead of renting multiple vehicles, consider using a single, larger vehicle for the bridal party or immediate family. \n\nOr, if you’ve got friends or family members with stylish cars, ask if you can borrow (or rent) their vehicle for your wedding day. If you have a large group to transport from A to B (like the ceremony venue to the reception), it's worth looking into shuttles rather than paying for individual cars. Check out our article on [wedding transportation](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-transportation-101), for more details.\n\n## Things to consider when setting your wedding budget \n\nNow you’re equipped with everything you need to know regarding saving money on your wedding, cost by cost. But don’t forget the admin side of things, too. \n\n### 1. Determine who's contributing\n\nFigure out who pays for the wedding and what each person or couple contributes. Many couples pay for the wedding themselves, while some couples’ families cover all or some of the expenses. See our guide on [who pays for the wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/who-should-pay-for-wedding#:~:text=As%20is%20often%20seen%20with,wedding%20costs%20on%20their%20own.) for a full breakdown of the best ways to broach the subject of asking for wedding budget contributions.\n\n### 2. Finalize your numbers\n\nOnce you know who is chipping in and how much they’ll be adding to the budget, it’s time to finalize your totals. \n\nTo determine your total wedding budget, add together how much each person is contributing. It sounds simple, but there are a few mistakes that some couples make during this wedding budget breakdown stage:\n\n- Assuming that family and/or friends can or will contribute without discussing it with them first.\n- Factoring in lines of credit, such as credit cards or loans, rather than creating a budget based on readily available funds like cash, savings, and income. \n\n__Pro Tip:__ Never acquire more wedding debt than you can repay within a few months.\n\n![Wedding Venue Brick Walls Indoor](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4PaVSKVnBrmjx3UPUP6Mdn/8d37f18415e75cb20e867ee7ab5b1015/Wedding_Venue_Brick_Walls_Indoor.jpg) Photo via [Melrose Knitting Mill](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues/melrose-knitting-mill)\n\n### 3. Do your research\n\nAfter you have finalized your totals, we recommend researching typical wedding costs in your wedding location to figure out how much you can expect to spend on wedding vendors specific to your area.\n\nRemember, beautiful weddings are planned on budgets of all sizes every year, so don’t get discouraged if prices are more than you initially expected. \n\nThere is always [room to negotiate](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-negotiate-with-wedding-vendors).\n\n### 4. Prioritize your spending\n\nYour research should give you a sense of what to expect and will help you set your priorities for your wedding. Sit down with your partner to discuss your visions for the day and what vendors and details are most important to you both. \n\nFor example, if a packed dance floor is one of your goals, consider setting aside a larger portion of your budget for a great live band or DJ. Keep your vision in mind as you plan, and use it as a guide when deciding when to splurge and when to save.\n\nTo help set your priorities, here’s a great exercise for you and your partner to do:\n\n*Answer the questions below individually at first, then come together to discuss why you each chose your answers and to reach an agreement on your mutual priorities.*\n\n1. What is my ideal engagement length (1 year, 6 months, etc.)?\n2. What is my ideal number of guests?\n3. What is my ideal wedding location (city, state, country)?\n4. What is my ideal wedding season?\n5. What is my ideal wedding ceremony and/or wedding reception environment (indoor, beach, church, etc.)?\n6. What is my ideal wedding dress code (black tie, casual, cocktail, etc.)?\n7. What is my ideal wedding budget?\n8. What is my ideal wedding vibe (laid-back, formal, intimate, etc.)?\n9. What is my ideal wedding theme or style (glam, boho, rustic, etc.)?\n10. What are three things I want my wedding to include (lots of dancing, great food, beautiful invitations, etc.)?\n11. What vendors do I not want to go without (videographer, wedding planner, etc.)?\n12. How do I want my guests to feel at the wedding (entertained, loved, excited, etc.)?\n13. What details do I want to prioritize for the biggest portions of the wedding budget (wedding flowers such as bouquets and centerpieces, reception venue, etc.)?\n14. What details, if any, am I interested in DIYing?\n15. Who would be my ideal pick to officiate the wedding?\n16. What do I want to do for wedding favors and gifts for the wedding party?\n17. Would I prefer an open or cash bar (or something else)?\n\n## Wedding budget mistakes to avoid \n\nThe following are a handful of budgeting mistakes you should look for as you navigate budget and [wedding planning](https://www.zola.com/). Getting ahead of them now means you won’t have to handle them later.\n\n### Setting aside less money than needed\n\nIt’s better to save more money than you believe you’ll need than to set aside too little and think you’ll ultimately be okay. Even if you might be, certain expenses can catch you off guard up until and even through your big day. Prepare not just for what’s needed—but that and then some, just in case.\n\n### Spending money without keeping expense records\n\nIt becomes difficult to stick to a wedding budget when you aren’t vigilant about tracking expenses. When you agree to an expense or purchase something, put the total spent into your wedding records. Keep this current and reflect often on how much you’ve spent and how much wedding money you have left.\n\n![Outdoor Fall Wedding Bride and Groom Lauughing](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1i1AXczOwlbL4WGGbvVcms/3fb34efd89653312feb8a07d3c0f628f/Outdoor_Fall_Wedding_Bride_and_Groom_Lauughing.jpg) Photo by [Rock & Love Weddings](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/rockandloveweddings)\n\n### Not considering the extras in your budget\n\nThere are a number of things you might not initially consider when creating your budget, from little things like linens, ceremony programs, and your marriage license to larger items, such as wedding attire, gratuities, and your rehearsal dinner. Up front, take the time to create an exhaustive list of everything you might spend money on to avoid overlooking anything. \n\n### Not saving for emergency purchases\n\nAlongside miscellaneous spending, you need to include an emergency purchases budget amount. This allocated money can be put toward just about anything leading up to your wedding, from forgotten and needed expenses to actual emergencies. Not accounting for this from the beginning can eventually put you in a difficult situation.\n\n### Not using any rewards program you may have access to\n\nIf possible, we highly recommend putting expenses on a rewards credit card you’re familiar with and understand. Ideally, you can put charges on this card, immediately pay them off, and then utilize the rewards points towards things like your honeymoon.\n\n## Use Zola’s calculator for budgeting \n\nIf you’re having—or anticipate having—trouble keeping track of your expenses, try using our [wedding budget calculator](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget). In the Zola app, simply tap on “start budgeting.” This will take you to a fully customizable budget sheet you can update throughout your wedding planning. No stress, no mysterious expenses.\n\nNow that you know how to budget for a wedding, you may have other questions. That's where Zola's [expert advice](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice) section can help. From [getting engaged](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/getting-engaged) to planning your [honeymoon](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/honeymoons), we have tons of advice at your fingertips. ","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Thousands of couples have incredible weddings every year without sacrificing on style or going over budget, and you can do it too. ","title":"How to Plan a Wedding on a Budget","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding-on-a-budget","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/12xT1Cmwna6F8ZH5lfSaZG/9ad57fff315f5f3634f00c3f162db28a/How-to-Plan-a-Wedding-on-a-Budget.jpg","altText":"Couple holding bouquets exiting outdoor wedding ceremony"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"The cost of a wedding cake will depend on factors like size, shape, & decor. Read our guide to gain insights on the average cost of a wedding cake this year.","title":"How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2025?","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-cake-costs","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ywuArPikb1BsvjvYzDQhn/24f27696b854c3c5a22eed69292c6c4b/Guide-to-Wedding-Cake-Costs-and-Price.jpg","altText":"Graphic of pink wedding cake with heart cake topper and price tag"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":" ","title":"Who Pays For The Wedding? Everything You Need To Know","slug":"who-should-pay-for-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5u5bUTU4EmdO2SsWyG5I4B/28f9bed9f90049ee650968096b1dfc6b/pexels-rose-rosen-18386512.jpg","altText":"Asian family with bride and groom looking down at a paper and smiling"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Confused on how much to tip wedding vendors, which vendors to tip, and when to distribute tips? Fear not: explore our guide for tipping wedding vendors.","title":"How Much To Tip Wedding Vendors","slug":"a-guide-to-tipping-wedding-vendors","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/oljNU6JIHuglslJ7ouSRO/c09c8646dad52d410abed69adbc51a28/lovesome-photography.webp","altText":"how much to tip wedding vendors and venue coordinator"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A wedding registry is a personalized collection of gifts that an engaged couple has specifically chosen for their guests to shop from in order to make the wedding gifting experience simpler, easier, and more satisfying for everyone.","title":"What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-registry","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2MOrWgRKcg82A4y64i24iG/4449d94511192d74050b3418c02d3ec6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn the how-to's of wedding invitation wording, plus formal and casual wedding invitation examples from the experts.","title":"Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide","slug":"how-to-word-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rENN5B7RPAn14pYP75HgH/d457816cdf42b12cc74b3e7d88b73513/Wedding_Invitaion_Wording_Etiquette.jpg","altText":"green and white wedding invitation on green background"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This bridal shower guide will introduce you to the basics of bridal showers: traditional bridal shower etiquette (and which of those “rules” you can break), whom to invite, what to do, and who pays for it all.","title":"A Guide to Bridal Showers","slug":"a-guide-to-bridal-showers","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5o4uxtDjG6d4qgVGaLVrBU/16da092c9b0b80d7acca15ab930a1aef/A-Guide-to-Bridal-Showers.jpg","altText":"a bridal shower card labeled \"soon to be mrs.\" on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-10-03T03:29:50.693Z"}],"name":"Creating a budget","slug":"creating-a-budget","description":"Learn how to create a wedding budget that works for you. Find practical advice and expert tips on how to stay within your budget while creating the wedding you want."},{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding websites","slug":"wedding-websites"},"slug":"5-creative-wedding-website-about-us-examples","title":"5 Creative “Our Story” Wedding Website Examples","excerpt":"Take a trip down memory lane together and read through our wedding website About Us examples to help guide and inspire you as you tell your own love story as you plan for your special day.","author":"Ruksana Hussain","publishedAt":"2024-09-25T13:00-04:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/zMxIHIn1oAqAvbIeyWc2o/ce539986b6dcbe9b8d6d9a29ce672f4c/hero_stephaniedeephotography.jpg","altText":"Couple outside smiling and dancing in front of a heart wall mural"},"heroCredit":"Stephanie Dee Photography","tldr":"__Inside this article:__\n\n- Our story examples for your wedding website \n- Tips for writing your own story \n- Letting your wedding website design guide your words ","body":"__TLDR__\n- Showcasing your story can include things like how you met, who popped the question, and how much you love each other.\n- Take your time writing your story, and allow yourself a few drafts before you finalize what you want to say.\n- Let the look and feel of your website help guide your words.\n\nWriting your \"about us\" story is a meaningful part of creating your beautiful __[wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website)__. It gives you a chance to reminisce about your relationship journey and gives you yet another reason to be excited for your wedding ceremony and celebration. While your website will include essential wedding details about your venue, dress code, and information about the spouses-to-be, it also provides the perfect opportunity to add a custom touch. \n\nThat's why including a beautiful story section about how the two of you met is highly recommended. It’s one of the most popular parts of a [wedding site](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/8-ways-to-create-a-personalized-wedding-website) and in wedding planning overall. Your guests and member in your wedding party want to read it, so why not try to make it enjoyable and engaging for them?\n\nA common way to approach writing an ‘about us’ story is to write the story of how you met from your point of view. This approach helps relatives and friends from both sides who may not know you as a couple or may have met your significant other only a few times more insight into your relationship.\n\nHowever, some couples opt out of telling the story of how they met. Maybe your friends and family already know the details of your love story. Maybe you’re childhood sweethearts and everyone who is attending your wedding has watched your relationship grow. You can still have an about us story and skip over the __[wedding website bios](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/5-lovely-wedding-website-bio-examples)__. \n\nFor example, people want to know the story of the proposal. It’s probably the first question people ask when they learn about your engagement. You can share this moment instead of, or in addition to, a how we met story. Other ideas include sharing a memorable date or milestone that you’ve experienced as a couple. Give information about each of your personalities and what you love about each other. It's like a trip down memory lane. \n\nYou could also talk about your love for each other and how you feel about getting married. [The best wedding website builders](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/make-wedding-website) will also offer an FAQs section where you can share some of the nitty gritty details, such as logistics and transportation, or arrangements for special dietary or mobility restrictions, etc. \n\n[![Zola QR Code Promo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5hYJyrZbdCbVYf8gL8ZRtq/1abe728cdf14a9b3e0e0ade433128c67/EA_Article__1_.jpg)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop)\n\n## “Our story” examples for your wedding website \n\nWhen coming up with your own [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-write-your-wedding-website)’s about us, think of a favorite moment from your relationship and share it with your loved ones. Here are five [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-a-wedding-website) examples inspired by Hollywood love stories to spark your creativity and inspiration for how to write your own story.\n\n### 1. Tell how you met\n![Love Story Wedding Website Example 1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/66I55zzM7AsNUlU1eTrCP/9b19086ab0fab9f9050c88238457b162/Love_Story_Wedding_Website_Example_1.jpg)\n\n*\"We were introduced through Sally’s college friend. We were both moving to New York (separately) from Chicago after graduation and Harry sat shotgun as Sally drove. We talked a lot on that road trip but parted ways as soon as we arrived in the city.\"* \n\n*\"Throughout the years, though, we’d run into each other randomly and eventually, we started hanging out and became close friends.\"*\n\nThis example follows the classic guideline of answering who, what, where, and when. Fill in the blanks of the questions for yourself and think about who introduced you as a couple, what you were doing when you met, where the first meeting happened, and when you realized that a relationship might be a possibility. Put it all in an easy to read format leading up to your special day.\n\n### 2. Focus on the proposal\n\n![Engagement Session on Wedding Website](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/01Suw0MpTVWMCravF9uPix/eeaae557a81bc48f6f7c5dd9000b1f86/Engagement_Session_on_Wedding_Website.jpg)\n\n*\"Michael was leaving on another extended business trip and as his train was pulling away, he rushed to the back and yelled out “Marry me!” to Kimmy who was standing on the platform.\"*\n\n*\"It was exhilarating and spontaneous and we both knew right then that no matter how many miles were between us or however many days we had to be apart. We wanted to be together for the rest of our lives.\"*\n\nWas your proposal a well-planned out affair or a spontaneous moment based on a rush of love and emotions? Let your proposal story be guided by the details of how it happened and the feelings that surrounded it. When writing your proposal story, let it provide a glimpse into your life. This example shows the distance challenges the couple faced and how it worked itself into the actual proposal and setting of a wedding date. Add an engagement photo gallery as pictures do speak louder than words. After all, everyone wants to know how he (or she!) popped the question and see your [engagement photos](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-get-most-out-of-your-engagement-photos).\n\n### 3. Share a memorable date or milestone\n\n![Proposal idea recreate first date](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7m6l5Ihxa4tSNWQMnvepSp/26a50652dc21889189b731f01a51372f/proposal-ideas-2.jpg)\n\n*\"We wouldn’t call it a date necessarily. But we started spending a lot of time together when Kevin was assigned to write a story on Jane.\" *\n\n*\"Her always-a-bridesmaid-never-a-bride tale was intriguing to Kevin’s newspaper and he followed Jane closely as she prepared for the upcoming wedding season, including her sister’s semi-impromptu nuptials.\"* \n\nInject humor when possible or specific details many may not know such as your first date or how you chose your destination wedding. It allows guests to feel like they have personal insight into what makes your love so special and will get everyone geared up for the big day. We know you can't wait to celebrate!\n\n### 4. Show your personalities\n\n![Love Story Wedding Website Example](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1578mqE6kY1YE3xvjVgBNU/35198dd4d8e2945c8680f28e25fdc691/Love_Story_Wedding_Website_Example.jpg)\n\n*\"Anna has lived in the spotlight her whole life. She likes jet-setting around the world and experiencing the finer things in life. William prefers his own quiet part of the world surrounded by only his closest friends and family. You’ll likely find his nose buried in a book.\" *\n\n*\"At first, our worlds collided serendipitously but not necessarily in a good way. But in the end, a change of pace is exactly what we both needed and we got to a place where we could completely be ourselves together. We found that we balance each other out in all the right ways.\" *\n\nShowing parts of your personality individually also illustrates how you work together as a couple. It gives your wedding party and guests a chance to know more about both of you since the bride’s side may not know too much about the groom’s and vice-versa. It is also a great way for family members and best friends to learn more about you and your special other in this section of your wedding website.\n\n## 5. Reflect on your love for each other\n![Love Story Wedding Website Example 2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6y2CjTulVydA5bYsZEdFUe/d413e457fa2a44e8139e224af926cb6c/Love_Story_Wedding_Website_Example_2.jpg)\n\n*Sara: When I met Alex, he seemed like another smooth talker trying to pick me up in a bar. While I must admit his suave demeanor was attractive, it was his sweet and thoughtful side that really drew me in, and the rest is history.*\n\n*Alex: I was immediately awestruck when I first laid my eyes on her but knew I had to be creative to win her over. She was someone special; I could just tell.*\n\nAn about us story can be short and sweet. Speak from the heart from your individual perspectives to keep it authentic and fill in the space by sharing your excitement about getting married. This will get your guests excited, too.\n\n## Tips for writing your own story \nThe about us section is one of the first parts you'll fill out on [your website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-website-examples-and-inspiration-themes-and-designs). Take your time when you create it. Write a few drafts before settling on the final story. Read your words aloud to each other and have fun laughing and reminiscing about fond memories before your wedding ceremony. Keep it to a few short paragraphs and add levity and authenticity when you write it. A few tips to keep in mind as you’re writing are:\n\n- __Tip 1:__ Write it like a casual conversation, not a professional bio. It should read like you’re telling the tale in person to a guest. You want it to feel warm and inviting. Skip writing inside jokes but freely share the humor of a story. Guests want to feel like they have a bit of insider knowledge about the spouses-to-be.\n\n- __Tip 2:__ Don’t overthink it. While most about us stories are about the length of a paragraph, if you want to sum it up in two or three sentences, do as you please. It’s about sharing your story in the way you want guests to receive it.\n\n- __Tip 3:__ Make sure the story flows. If you are each writing from your own perspective, make sure each part is similar in length. You don’t want one of you to extend the writing to several lines while the other person only contributes one or two.\n\nFollowing the Hollywood formula is useful as it answers the questions of who, what, when, where, and how. It also shows how to focus on the important details and select private moments.\n\n![Zola Wedding Website Photo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7iMxcB3Lsjs2rhBGZsN8Gs/161cd2722cc9508f4576a85c68d593d5/inline_simplyadriphotography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Simply Adri Photography\n\n## Let your wedding website design guide your words \n\nChoose from one of hundreds of [wedding website templates](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-website-examples-and-inspiration-themes-and-designs). Each will guide you to where and how much you should add to your wedding website’s About Us story. Using templates helps you decide __[what to put on your wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-z-list-of-what-to-put-on-your-wedding-website)__. You’re able to preview how it looks on the screen and decide if you want to add or delete words to make it easier to read. The design enhances the story by also reflecting your personalities and style of your upcoming nuptials. \n\nMatch your website to your wedding theme. Whether it’s an elegant evening affair, an afternoon countryside ceremony, or one of the many other aesthetics and locations in between, you’ll find one that sets the tone for your big day. This can also be extended to your RSVP, guest list, wedding registry, and wedding invitations. \n\nPart of creating your wedding website means taking a walk down memory lane while at the same time preparing for the future. It’s a special time so make sure you savor the moment when getting ready for your wedding day!\n\n## Zola, your best wedding website option\n\nWith Zola, you not only get a free [wedding website template](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/20-most-popular-zola-wedding-website-templates) but also a unique and customizable one with many features. Not only is there an exhaustive wedding registry to choose from, but the variety of designs and templates to add your personality to your wedding website design is huge. \n\nYou also receive a completion discount for items pending in your wedding registry past your wedding date so go ahead and set up your own [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) and [wedding registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) at Zola to see how easy and convenient a platform it is as you plan for your big day.","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Your wedding website provides your wedding guests with all the necessary info about your wedding. Here's exactly what to include and what to skip on your wedding website.","title":"11 Dos and Don'ts for Your Wedding Website","slug":"dos-and-donts-wedding-website","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6IftHAsGNVhNIVybKGWqoc/c77aacc7e75e08ce7472ee66b2624c47/hero_11_Dos_and_Don_ts_for_Your_Wedding_Website.jpg","altText":"zola wedding website"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Create a beautiful, shareable free wedding website that will keep all your information in one place and make you and your SO's life easier.","title":"How to Build a Wedding Website: Guide + Tips","slug":"make-wedding-website","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1ivfWCLfICZzRAlSL2XROu/d275878391dec1bf789fae38c8c5d62b/7-Reasons-to-Make-a-Wedding-Website.jpg","altText":"free wedding websites on zola.com"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Explore our guide to learn everything you need to know about enclosure cards. ","title":"A Guide to Invitation Enclosure Cards","slug":"a-guide-to-invitation-enclosure-cards","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3xBeaPPXZRsXCYtYeY4M9g/6eab7a512dcc0510ab0921301fce6b45/detail.jpg","altText":"Zola Napa ring wedding invitation suite"},"type":"articlePage"}],"cta":{"copy":"Start Your Wedding Website","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website"},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-09-26T01:05:31.856Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding websites","slug":"wedding-websites"},"slug":"how-to-include-your-wedding-website-on-your-invitation","title":"How to Include Your Wedding Website on Your Invitation","excerpt":"Wondering how to share your wedding website with guests? Explore etiquette tips for how to share your wedding website on an invitation.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2019-02-04T15:29:33.595Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/26CncJFSKWLqU3QCUNbXDz/adef7cbc39110ffd3962b155c77cb77a/HERO_Zola_1080x720.jpg","altText":"wedding website on invitation etiquette"},"heroCredit":"Zola","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/","body":"You [wrote your “how we met” story](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-write-your-wedding-website), uploaded your [beautiful engagement photos](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-get-most-out-of-your-engagement-photos), and [created your wedding registry](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/registry/registry-basics/tips-for-creating-a-wedding-registry). This can only mean one thing: you completed your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website). Congrats! Crafting a wedding website that communicates all the important details about your wedding day is no easy task. Now that you hit publish, you’re probably wondering when and how you should share your brand-spanking-new site with your wedding guests.\n\nWhile it can be tempting to post a link to your wedding website on your social media accounts right away, we strongly advise against it. Sharing your wedding details with all of your web-based followers and friends often leads to confusion about who is and isn’t invited to your big day. Instead, modern etiquette suggests that you share your website with your guests via your [wedding invitation](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) (and save the dates, if applicable). For more information on how to include your wedding website on your invitation, keep reading. \n\nJust getting started? Check out our step-by-step guide on [how to make a wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-a-wedding-website). \n\n## Why to Include Your Wedding Website on Your Invitation\nIncluding a link on your invitation is the easiest and most common way to share your website with your guests. Traditionally, the wedding invitation suite includes a few different enclosure cards to relay critical information to guests. While that’s still an option, many modern couples have opted to forego multiple enclosure cards and instead direct guests to their website to learn need-to-know wedding details, such as hotel recommendations and registry information. In addition to communication wedding details, the wedding website may be included on the invitation for the following reasons: \n\n__1. To Collect RSVPs Online__ — Many couples choose to collect online RSVPs rather than have their guests fill out paper response cards. That’s because sites like Zola make it easy to gather RSVPs through your wedding website and [manage the guest list](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) with real-time updates and easy-to-use tracking tools. \n\n__2. To Share Registry Information__ — In the past, registry etiquette dictated that the registry only be shared by word of mouth. The digital age has rendered that rule outdated, and it’s now considered standard to share where you’re registered on your wedding website. Including your website URL on your invite makes it easy for guests to find your registry without hassle. \n\n## How to Include Your Wedding Website on Your Invitation\nNow that we’ve covered *why* to share your wedding website on your invitations, let’s talk about *how* to include your wedding website on your invitation without sacrificing aesthetic appeal or committing an etiquette faux pas. \n\nIn general, when sending out the [formal wedding invitation](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop/formal), guests appreciate having the wedding website information all in one place. Wedding etiquette insists that you don’t include your website on the invitation directly, but if you do choose to share it on the formal invitation, add the website to the bottom of the invitation. Wedding save the dates and enclosure cards are also a great place to share your wedding website with guests. You can do this by either:\n\n- Adding your wedding website URL\n- Adding a QR code\n\nLet's explore these different options for how you can share your wedding website on your invitation.\n\n[![Zola QR Code Promo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5hYJyrZbdCbVYf8gL8ZRtq/1abe728cdf14a9b3e0e0ade433128c67/EA_Article__1_.jpg)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop) \n\n### Save The Dates\nAlthough your [wedding save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop) are sent out in advance of your invitations, they’re still a part of your invitation suite and the most popular choice for sharing the wedding website URL with guests as quickly as possible. \n\n__Where:__ If you make your save the dates using a pre-made design online, then the template will guide you on where exactly you should list your wedding website link. It varies by design, but in most cases, it’s listed on the back of the save the date or at the bottom of the front side. If you’re working with an invitation designer or making your own, where you place the URL is up to your personal preference. If you opt for a QR code, placing it on the back of your save-the-date would be ideal.\n\n__When:__ Send save the dates 4-6 months before your wedding date. \n\n### The Formal Invitation \nAlthough some wedding experts believe it’s bad decorum to include your wedding website on your invitation, we’re of the opinion that it’s okay if you’re collecting RSVPS through your site in lieu of response cards. Just keep in mind that unless the link serves a purpose other than broadcasting where guests can buy you gifts, that it may be considered poor etiquette to share your wedding website on your invitation. \n\n__Where:__ At the bottom of your invitation. Some wording examples:\n- “For more information, please visit [URL]”\n- “Kindly RSVP by [RSVP deadline] at [URL]”\n\nIf you opt to add a QR code instead, adding it to the back of the invite is best.\n\n__When:__ Send invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. \n\n### The Enclosure Card(s) \nYour other option is to include your wedding website URL on an enclosure card (an additional piece of your invitation suite used to communicate additional details to your guests). While there are many types of enclosure cards, these three are used to point guests to your website: \n\n- __RSVP Card__ — If guests should RSVP online via your wedding website and you don’t want (or have the space) to include these instructions on your invitation, an option is to include an RSVP card with instructions on where, when, and how guests should accept or decline your invitation online. \n- __Details Card__ — To communicate multiple pieces of information with guests on one card, many couples prefer to enclose a details card with their invite. This card may list your website, travel information, requested attire, and other fine points that your guests should know before the wedding day.\n- __Wedding Website Card__ — A final option is to add a wedding website card to your invitation suite. This card serves the sole purpose of sharing your website URL and is a great choice for couples who want their invitation to maintain a formal tone while also taking advantage of modern tech conveniences. ","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Craft your dream wedding website effortlessly with Zola's step-by-step guide. Showcase your love story and details in style. Start creating today!","title":"How to Create Your Wedding Website: 10 Simple Steps ","slug":"how-to-make-a-wedding-website","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6a4MvmncJr4AKia1nFr6Tn/91e1616adecb7211caf14038546e0f27/DESKTOP_ww.png","altText":"Zola wedding website as seen on a laptop computer"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Your wedding website is a key place to communicate with your guests and share pertinent information, so it’s important to write well to avoid confusion. Keep reading for writing tips, wording samples, and a breakdown of what to include in each section of your wedding website. \n","title":"What to Include on Your Wedding Website + How to Write It","slug":"how-to-write-your-wedding-website","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1UmijQFt4JzxNmSmvX6JlP/5fe0a294419eda7ccafa3d42174fde40/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-write-wedding-website.jpg","altText":" Zola eastwick wedding website displayed on laptop, tablet, and phone screens "},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Save the dates add an extra touch of style and coordination to your wedding. Find out why and when you should send your save the dates with this complete guide.","title":"A Guide to Save The Dates","slug":"a-guide-to-save-the-dates","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1l4X83Mek3961mcDS1Mxap/63f3401f482b291ea6472fab334c2ef8/A-Guide-to-Save-the-Date.jpg","altText":"wedding save the date by zola"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"When is it too early or too late to send out invites? Find out when to send wedding invitations and everything you need to consider for your planning timeline.","title":"When to Send Out Wedding Invitations","slug":"when-should-you-send-out-your-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2lQ7V9DVkYuuWgEcYu0CMC/73c9febfefd1550f366247a0174058b8/WhenToSendInvite-07.jpg","altText":"When to send out wedding invitations"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn the how-to's of wedding invitation wording, plus formal and casual wedding invitation examples from the experts.","title":"Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide","slug":"how-to-word-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rENN5B7RPAn14pYP75HgH/d457816cdf42b12cc74b3e7d88b73513/Wedding_Invitaion_Wording_Etiquette.jpg","altText":"green and white wedding invitation on green background"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Master wedding RSVP card wording and etiquette. Craft the perfect invitations with our guide, ensuring a smooth and organized guest response.","title":"Wedding Invitation RSVP Cards: Wording & Etiquette ","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-invitation-rsvps","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6K9NSYFpDymkYEYYI4gioE/4572664406974aaec1c6b93b91448422/RSVP.jpg","altText":"how to address wedding rsvp cards and envelopes"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A wedding registry is a personalized collection of gifts that an engaged couple has specifically chosen for their guests to shop from in order to make the wedding gifting experience simpler, easier, and more satisfying for everyone.","title":"What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-registry","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2MOrWgRKcg82A4y64i24iG/4449d94511192d74050b3418c02d3ec6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This bridal shower guide will introduce you to the basics of bridal showers: traditional bridal shower etiquette (and which of those “rules” you can break), whom to invite, what to do, and who pays for it all.","title":"A Guide to Bridal Showers","slug":"a-guide-to-bridal-showers","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5o4uxtDjG6d4qgVGaLVrBU/16da092c9b0b80d7acca15ab930a1aef/A-Guide-to-Bridal-Showers.jpg","altText":"a bridal shower card labeled \"soon to be mrs.\" on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"The cost of a wedding cake will depend on factors like size, shape, & decor. Read our guide to gain insights on the average cost of a wedding cake this year.","title":"How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2025?","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-cake-costs","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ywuArPikb1BsvjvYzDQhn/24f27696b854c3c5a22eed69292c6c4b/Guide-to-Wedding-Cake-Costs-and-Price.jpg","altText":"Graphic of pink wedding cake with heart cake topper and price tag"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Dress to impress! Your go-to guide for wedding guest attire, from formal to casual. Find the perfect look for every dress code and celebration.","title":"Wedding Guest Attire: A Guide to Every Dress Code","slug":"what-to-wear-to-a-wedding","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5bgD1lwZNmIWCwyoiQgUI/abb4b34d02674b500f4edb610fb1eea6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding guests laughing with bride at wedding receptions"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"While it may not be the most exciting item on your to-do list, setting your wedding budget is essential. We’ll break down the typical expenses, guide you through the entire process from start to finish, and tell you where you can save money. ","title":"How to Set Your Wedding Budget Step by Step","slug":"how-to-set-your-wedding-budget","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6XhGxWHyRGrUPWWVgkBzic/91d8435955228875ec57fdf5f974f5bc/Hero_New_Unsplash.jpg","altText":"Green/bluescale image of jar of money tipped over with change spilling out"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Create Your Free Website","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_WEBSITE"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:44:32.337Z"}],"name":"Wedding websites","slug":"wedding-websites","description":"What is a wedding website? Do you need one? Learn all about wedding websites, why they make wedding planning so much easier for you and your guests, and finally, how to create the perfect website for your wedding!","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_WeddingWebsite"}}},{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Legal","slug":"legal"},"slug":"a-guide-to-marriage-licenses","title":"A Guide to Marriage Licenses","excerpt":"Your marriage license isn’t the most exciting task on your road to married life, but it is a requirement for your union to be deemed legal. So how do you go about getting a marriage license? Our guide covers it all. ","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2019-01-25T20:26:29.674Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6IcJuHdO9FKSB9935zn2CW/8674613b9fcf7440e5c9d2d87360ac2c/Mackler_Studios.jpg","altText":"bride and groom sitting in the backseat of car posing with marriage license"},"heroCredit":"Mackler Studios","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/mackler-studios--4","body":"When you’re in the midst of planning all the details of your wedding day, it’s easy to forget the one thing that signifies that you are actually married: the marriage license. This bit of paperwork isn’t the most exciting task on your road to married life, but it is a requirement for your union to be deemed legal. So how do you go about getting a marriage license? Our guide covers it all below. \n\n## What Is a Marriage License?\nA marriage license is a document issued by the government that grants you permission to marry. It indicates that you are both legally eligible to enter into the union (i.e., neither of you are already married, underage, or otherwise ineligible for marriage). \n\n## What Is a Marriage Certificate?\nWhile a marriage license is a permit that legally allows you to get married, the marriage certificate is the official document you receive after your wedding has taken place. The certificate is granted after the marriage license has been returned to, and deemed valid by, the office where it was issued. In other words: \n- License = Permission to get married\n- Certificate = Proof that you are married\n \n## Why Do I Need a Marriage License? \nIf you do not obtain a marriage license, your marriage will be deemed illegal according to the law. While you can choose to be married in name only, or through a religious organization exclusively, the state will not permit you the rights typically reserved for legally married couples, such as certain tax breaks, social security benefits, joint healthcare plans, and inheritance rights. \n\n## Where to Get a Marriage License? \nWhere you get your marriage license depends on where you’re getting married—the office or location that handles them varies by state. Depending on your state, the location might be city hall, the clerk’s office, a designated marriage license bureau, or somewhere else unique to that area. \n\nTo learn more about your state’s marriage license requirements, check out [U.S. Marriage Laws](https://www.usmarriagelaws.com/marriage-license/application/requirements/procedures/documents-needed.shtml). \n\n## When to Get a Marriage License? \nWhen you should get your marriage license also depends on where your wedding will take place. Each state has its own set of rules for how long the license is valid (the license may expire if you do not get married and return the license to the state within a given number of days) and if there’s a waiting period. The waiting period is either the amount of time you have to wait between applying for and receiving the license, or a designated wait period between receiving the license and when you can tie the knot. \n\nAgain, [U.S. Marriage Laws](https://www.usmarriagelaws.com/marriage-license/application/requirements/procedures/documents-needed.shtml) is a great resource on this topic, but your local city hall will have the most up-to-date information. \n\n## How to Get Marriage License?\nThe process for obtaining a marriage license will vary by state (and sometimes city or county), but the process involves an submitting an application and paying a fee. Some states allow you to apply online, but most dictate that you apply in person and that both individuals be present that wish to be married. \n\n## What Do I Need to Apply for a Marriage License? \nThe exact requirements depend on the state’s individual laws, but there are a few things you can expect:\n\n- __Proof of identity (and that you are of legal age to marry)__\n - Birth Certificate\n - Social Security Card\n - Driver’s License\n - State ID\n - Military ID\n - U.S. Passport\n \n- __Proof that you are not currently married__\n - Divorce Decree, if you’re divorced \n - Death Certificate, if you are widowed\n- __Proof of citizenship (or residence)__\n - Birth Certificate\n - U.S. Passport\n - Certificate of Naturalization \n- __Payment for the application fee __\n\nConsult with your state for details on laws governing marriage age, blood test requirements, proxy, common law, and cousin marriages.\n\n*Pro Tip: Some applications may ask if you’re planning a [name change after marriage](https://zola.com/expert-advice/name-change-after-marriage). Make sure that you have come to a decision before you apply.* \n\n## How Much Is a Marriage License? \nFees for marriages licenses change range from $10 - $115 depending on the state, city or county where you apply. For accepted payment methods, check with your local licensing office. \n\n## Who Signs The Marriage License? \nMost states require that the marriage license be signed by both spouses, the officiant, and 1-2 witnesses, but, as we’ve mentioned before, every state is different. Be sure to ask for details when you apply for your marriage license. \n\n## Where Do I File for a Marriage License If I’m Planning a Destination Wedding?\nIf you’re planning to wed abroad, you can file for your marriage license two ways: \n\n__1. Apply in your home state and have a civil ceremony before or after the destination wedding.__ \n- Pros: \n - It’s cheaper\n - No need to file additional paperwork.\n - It’s less complicated.\n- Cons:\n - Your official wedding date will not be the day of your destination wedding.\n \n__2. Apply for a license in the country you’re getting married in, then have your marriage legally authenticated in your home state.__ \n- Pros: \n - Your official wedding date will be the same day as your destination wedding.\n- Cons:\n - It can be expensive.\n - You may have to hire translator (if the license isn’t in English).\n - It requires additional paperwork.\n - It can be complicated.\n","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Don’t miss a wedding planning detail with our complete, expert-crafted wedding checklist and timeline. Free, printable version inside!","title":"2024/25 Printable Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline - Zola","slug":"your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist","topic":"Wedding planning 101","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4fA6of0jjP7aJqXJRy0JOx/edd3b48f6fea1e273025d3db462dd4be/Ultimate_Wedding_Planning_Checklist.jpg","altText":"wedding planning checklist"},"type":"checklistPage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A wedding registry is a personalized collection of gifts that an engaged couple has specifically chosen for their guests to shop from in order to make the wedding gifting experience simpler, easier, and more satisfying for everyone.","title":"What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-registry","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2MOrWgRKcg82A4y64i24iG/4449d94511192d74050b3418c02d3ec6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn the how-to's of wedding invitation wording, plus formal and casual wedding invitation examples from the experts.","title":"Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide","slug":"how-to-word-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rENN5B7RPAn14pYP75HgH/d457816cdf42b12cc74b3e7d88b73513/Wedding_Invitaion_Wording_Etiquette.jpg","altText":"green and white wedding invitation on green background"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This bridal shower guide will introduce you to the basics of bridal showers: traditional bridal shower etiquette (and which of those “rules” you can break), whom to invite, what to do, and who pays for it all.","title":"A Guide to Bridal Showers","slug":"a-guide-to-bridal-showers","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5o4uxtDjG6d4qgVGaLVrBU/16da092c9b0b80d7acca15ab930a1aef/A-Guide-to-Bridal-Showers.jpg","altText":"a bridal shower card labeled \"soon to be mrs.\" on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:40:52.830Z"}],"name":"Legal","slug":"legal","description":"Find guidance on legal aspects of getting married and planning a wedding like changing your name, marriage certificates, wedding venue insurance, wedding vendor contracts and more."},{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning tools","slug":"wedding-planning-tools"},"slug":"small-wedding-details","title":"25 Small Wedding Details You Don't Want to Forget","excerpt":"A lot of details go into a wedding. Don't forget the small wedding details! Add these often overlooked (but essential) items to your to-do list and check it twice.","author":"Monica Mercuri","publishedAt":"2019-08-22T17:03:19.557Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2IALiWRgjTTZ28cqO0LoM0/c3e85dbcc4325ba87b0992e44b6be359/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding couple celebrates small wedding details"},"heroCredit":"Zola","body":"When it comes to wedding planning, there are a lot of big pieces you figure out quickly. Of course, things get a bit more complicated as you start to nail down the hundreds of details that need your attention. Don’t worry! Everything is going to come together to create your dream wedding. Here are a few often-overlooked small wedding details to remember for before, on, and even after your wedding. \n\n## Top 10 Wedding Details to Remember\n\n### 1. Create a wedding website (before you send out invitations). \nYour [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) will act as a hub where your guests can get important information about your wedding day. This is where you can include all the additional info that doesn’t fit on your wedding invitations—think directions to the venue and links to your registry. Of course, you need to include the URL on your actual physical invitation, so start with the website first and foremost.\n\n### 2. Leave enough time for dress alterations.\nWedding dress alterations are a bit more involved than say tailoring a pair of pants. You may have up to three or four fittings before your day, all spaced out over a few months. Depending on your wedding timeline, plan to leave enough time to get them all done so you can have the perfect fit. \n\nOnce you [find your dress](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-shop), you’ll know right away how many alterations need to be made. Head to a seamstress soon after that to gain a clear understanding of just how much time your overall alterations will take—and plan from there.\n\n### 3. Arrange transportation.\nDepending on where your ceremony and reception take place, you may require various forms of transportation. Typical wedding transportation situations include:\n\n- Getting your wedding party from the ceremony to the photo locations to the reception\n- Getting your wedding guests to the ceremony and/or to the reception\n- Getting all your wedding guests back to accommodations post-ceremony\n\nYou may not need all these lines of transportation, but you’ll likely need at least some. Don’t forget to set up party buses, limos, or drivers for cars. If nothing else, offer to arrange Ubers and Lyfts so no one has to worry about drinking and driving. Then, be sure to include all of this transportation information on your wedding website so guests know how they’ll get to point A, B, and maybe C.\n\n### 4. Buy gifts for your wedding party.\nIt’s your day, of course, but not without the help of your loyal wedding party. It’s customary (while not required) to give small tokens of appreciation in the form of gifts for everyone in your wedding party, including the maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, and ring bearer. Gift something practical like jewelry or socks that your wedding party members will actually wear for the ceremony. Many couples choose to gift customized items to their wedding party, too. Whatever you decide, be sure to order all gifts early enough. You want time to wrap each gift and attach a heartfelt note of thanks to go along with it. \n\n### 5. Coordinate vendor meals. \nYour vendors are going to be working away while you’re enjoying your wedding day. Ask your coordinator or venue about vendor meals ahead of time. They can usually provide boxed sandwiches or something similar so everyone will stay fed and happy. \n\n### 6. Hand out vendor tips. \nWe know you’re hyper-focused on your budget—and we’re sure you heard to budget tips for your vendors into your overall cost. Good! Get cash out or prepare checks ahead of time and put everything in clearly marked envelopes for each vendor, like your caterer, bartender, and florist (that you haven’t already tipped). Then, assign a wedding party or family member to distribute day-of.\n\n![inline PhotoByBrandyAngelPhotography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2PCKsaTQLroHQl2zC2sf0c/4ef44793547697e2494b1769b3d1996f/inline_PhotoByBrandyAngelPhotography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Brandy Angel Photography\n\n### 7. Check if the venue has disability access.\nYou want all your guests to arrive safely and comfortably. As you’re venue hunting, ask if each location has disability access. This will make or break an early-on decision about where you’ll host your ceremony, reception, or both. Your dream venue should be one where all your guests of all ages and abilities can easily access. \n\n### 8. Prepare a plan B for bad weather. \nIf you’re hosting an outdoor wedding, you’re in for a beautiful wedding with nature as your scenic backdrop. That said, you’re also potentially in for some elemental troubles. There are a number of outdoor wedding issues to account for and you need to be prepared with a plan B in the case of rain, or worse. Your venue and vendors should be able to assist you with coming up with a plan of action (or defense).\n\nCheck out our [guide to common outdoor wedding problems](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/10-common-outdoor-wedding-problems-and-how-to-solve-them)—and their solutions, too. \n\n### 9. Add yourself to your catering order guest count.\nYou’re going to be busy, busy, busy on your wedding day, but you still need to eat! If you’re having a seated dinner, don’t forget to include yourself and your partner when you give the caterers a final headcount. Place your orders like any other wedding guest to make sure your food is ready when you need it most.\n\n### 10. Make a “Do Not Play” list for the DJ.\nIf you [chose a wedding DJ over a wedding band](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/choose-wedding-band-or-dj), you have some extra liberty around what gets played at your wedding—and what doesn’t. Ahead of your wedding day, sit with your partner and put together a “do not play” list. Review it with your DJ and feel confident that you’ll skip the line dancing you so loathe.\n\n## More Wedding Details You Can't Miss\nStill need direction on the planning process? Here are some more little details you'll definitely want to add to your [wedding planning checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist)\n\n### 11. Organize transportation for yourselves.\nWhile you’re setting up transportation options for your guests and wedding party, don’t forget yourselves. Decide as a couple how you want to exit your ceremony and your reception. Many couples want total privacy to and from their various locations. Others may choose to leave their ceremony in a fancy car or carriage but hop on the party bus with everyone post-reception. It’s up to you entirely—just be sure to make the arrangements. \n\nAll the small wedding details may feel like a lot, but with careful planning, it will all be worth it when you see your vision come together on your big day.\n\n### 12. Book your officiant.\nIf you want your wedding to be official, you need someone who can legally marry you—or, in other words, your officiant. If you're having a friend or family member act as your officiant, make sure to let them know in advance so they have enough time to get certified—and if you're hiring an officiant, make sure to book them far before your wedding day, as many book up months ahead of time.\n\n### 13. Secure your rentals.\nSome reception venues come with everything you need to pull off your big day. But others require you to secure rentals—and if that's the case, you'll want to check that off your to-do list well before your wedding. Ask your venue what you'll need to rent (for example, linens, napkins, tables, or chairs)—and then ask if they have any rental vendors they can recommend so you can reserve what you need.\n\n### 14. Plan your accessories.\nChances are, you're not going to forget your dress. But it can be easy to forget the smaller details of your wedding style, like your shoes or jewelry. Once you pick your wedding dress, make sure to plan out your accessories and buy them in advance so they're ready to go on your big day.\n\n### 15. Buy family gifts.\nSome couples like to buy their gifts for their families as a \"thank you\" for helping with wedding planning—and if you're one of those couples, you'll want to add gift shopping to your to-do list.\n\n### 16. Pack flats for the wedding reception.\nSome people do well in heels. Others...not so much. If you struggle to walk in heels—but you're set on walking down the aisle in them—make sure to secure another, more comfortable pair of shoes for the reception (like a pair of ballet flats or sandals). That way, you can get out and enjoy the dance floor—without the discomfort of too-high heels.\n\n### 17. Order your guest book.\nMany guest books are custom made to order—so if you're planning to have a guest book at your wedding, make sure to order it well in advance.\n\n### 18. Confirm food allergies or dietary restrictions.\nMost wedding caterers will offer alternative meals for guests with allergies or dietary restrictions (for example, vegan guests)—but only if you let them know ahead of time. Make sure to collect any dietary information from your guests on their RSVP cards—and relay that information to your caterer by their deadline.\n\n![INLINE PhotoBySaraRieth-RomanticStorytelling](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6EFmHosxTPsGYIJYEHxJNJ/00cc7a674ad9c2e60436b4e00d29c286/INLINE_PhotoBySaraRieth-RomanticStorytelling.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Sara Rieth\n\n### 19. Write (and print!) your vows.\nIf you're planning to write your own vows, you actually have to plan for it; otherwise, you may get caught up in other wedding tasks—and find yourself frantically writing your \"I do's\" the night before your big day. Schedule a few blocks of time on your calendar the month before your wedding to write your vows; then, schedule a time the [week of your wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist) to make any necessary changes or edits. And don't forget to print out a copy!\n\n### 20. Assemble an emergency kit.\nHopefully, nothing will go wrong on your wedding day. But if it does, you want to be prepared! Assemble an emergency kit filled with items to tackle any potential wedding day mishaps, like a sewing kit, a stain remover pen, and extra deodorant.\n\n### 21. Order \"getting ready\" food.\nIf you and your bridal party are planning on getting ready together the day of your wedding, you'll want to have food on hand—and you'll want to order that food in advance. Consider getting brunch delivered—or, if that's not an option, designate a friend or family member to pick up food and bring it to your getting ready location. And don't forget drinks!\n\n### 22. Book your hotel block.\nIf you have guests coming from out of town, they're going to need hotel rooms. Many hotels will block off rooms and offer a discounted rate for weddings—so make sure to do your research, choose your hotel, and book your room block at least a few months before your wedding.\n\n### 23. Assemble welcome bags.\nYou want your out-of-town guests to be comfortable—and welcome bags are a great way to do that. The week before the wedding, carve out time to assemble welcome bags with snacks, drinks, and other wedding favors to make your guests comfortable; then, deliver the bags to the hotel and ask them to put them in your guests' rooms before they arrive.\n\n### 24. Set a point person to help with wedding photos...\nYour wedding photographer likely has a list of shots they'd like to capture on your big day—many of which involve other family members, members of the wedding party, or loved ones. But your photographer doesn't know who those people are—so you'll want to put someone (like a trusted friend) in charge of rounding up who your wedding photographer needs, when they need them.\n\n### 25. ...and to ensure nothing gets left behind.\nAt the end of your wedding, chances are, you're going to be exhausted. But you don't want to leave anything behind at the venue, so make sure to put someone (again, like a trusted friend or a wedding coordinator, if you have one) in charge of doing a sweep at the end of the night. If anything gets left behind, ask them to grab it and get it to you in the days following the wedding.\n","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:41:36.984Z"}],"name":"Wedding planning tools","slug":"wedding-planning-tools","description":"We breakdown all of the must-know wedding planning tools to help make planning your wedding seemless. Discover articles on tools that help you keep track of your budget, guest list, RSVPs, gifts, and more. Learn which tools to use and how best to use them to create the wedding you envision, stress-free."},{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"how-many-people-to-invite-to-a-wedding","title":"How Many People Should I Invite to My Wedding?","excerpt":"What's the average wedding size? How do you decide who to invite? Here's everything you need to know about guest lists and who to invite.","author":"Jane Chertoff and Georgie Darling","publishedAt":"2023-12-20T00:00-05:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1ZpIxwqIcetPEILmdpBQj4/940fd517a85d46fd0d37e3b1f3cfcb53/hero_HowManyGuests.jpg","altText":"Graphic of four people standing in a line celebrating"},"heroCredit":"Zola","tldr":"## Inside this article \n\n- The average wedding size 2024\n- Average ratio of family:friends\n- What percentage of invited guests attend a wedding?\n- Wedding size for different weddings\n- How to decide who to invite to your wedding\n- How to limit guests on wedding invitations","body":"The big question finally was asked and it was accompanied by a resounding “YES!” You posted that beautiful engagement ring picture on social media. You’re both basking in the glow of fiancee-dom, when the comments start coming in. And, we’re not talking about the “OMGs” or the congratulatory emojis. We’re talking about:\n\n“So, are the kids invited?” “Can I bring this guy I met on Tinder? I think he’ll last!” “When’s the date? I want to make sure your third cousin Ali’s knee surgery doesn’t conflict.”\n\nAlmost as soon as you get engaged, friends and loved ones want to know if they’re invited to the wedding. But, before you start making that guest list, you’re going to have to decide how long that list is going to be. So, who gets a wedding invitation? What’s the average number of wedding guests? What’s the general percentage of wedding guests that decline? We'll help you decide how many wedding guests you should invite for your big day.\n\nSo, take a breath, put both of your notifications on mute, and let’s figure out how many people to invite to a wedding together.\n\n## How many people should I invite to my wedding?\n\nThe [number of people you should invite](https://www.tiktok.com/@zola/video/7152141616998894890?is_from_webapp=1&web_id=7218624746436494894) to your wedding depends on a few factors: your budget, venue, and vibe. Generally, it’s best to split the guest list between both you and your partner. So, if you want to invite a total of 100 people to your wedding, plan on doing 50 invitations each.\n\n## The average wedding size 2024\n \nThe average wedding size in 2024 is around 145, according to [Zola's 2024 First Look Report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2024). This includes immediate and extended family, kids, and one or two tables of friends and their plus-ones. The average cost of a wedding, in case you’re wondering, sits between $20,000 - $40,000.\n\n## Average ratio of family:friends\n \nThere's no hard and fast rule about the correct ratio of family to friends at a wedding. Smaller (or destination) weddings tend to have a higher proportion of family members, while larger weddings may include old friends and new. A lot depends on how big your families are, too!\nDon’t worry too much if you have a lopsided wedding guest list. It’s pretty common and the main thing is that your wedding includes everyone special to you.\n\n## What percentage of invited guests attend a wedding?\n \nExpert wedding planners estimate between 25-40 percent of guests invited to a wedding can’t make it. This means that if you invite 200 people, you can expect around 120-150 guests to attend your wedding. Keep in mind: factors like location, date, time, and budget can also affect attendance rates.\n\n## Wedding size for different weddings\n \nThere’s no one-size-fits-all for wedding guest numbers. The overall decision comes down to what you and your partner would feel most comfortable with according to your family traditions, budget, and relationship vibe. Not sure where your numbers fit in, in the big wide world of wedding sizes? Here’s some guidance. \n\n### The Elopement (4-10 guests). \nThis is you, your partner, a few lucky witnesses (maybe your parents, siblings, or best friends), and the officiant. It’s romantic, memorable, and you’ll save money on stamps for the “Save the Dates.”\n\n### Micro wedding (6-20 guests). \nThink of this option as the “Elopement Premium.” Your guest list will include you and your partner’s immediate families, plus a few extremely close friends. Most likely, you could fit your reception dinner at your favorite restaurant, or even in one of your family member’s large backyards.\n\n### Small wedding (20-80 guests). \nThe “Family Reunion” option means you’re expanding from the “Intimate” list to include your aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friend groups. However, your version of a family reunion might be the close friend groups from all aspects of your life. You might choose to invite your old Girl Scout troop, your high school AV club, and your book discussion group. Once you exceed 20 guests, a venue can offer you support and a bigger space to celebrate.\n\n### Average (100-200 guests). \n[Zola’s 2023 First Look report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2023) found that wedding guests in the U.S. range from 100 to 150 (31% of couples surveyed), and 150-200 (23%). This includes immediate and extended family, kids, and one or two tables of friends and their plus ones. \n\n### Large (200-500 guests). \nFor a “Block Party Wedding” vibe, pretty much anyone who shares a last name with you or your soon-to-be spouse gets the invite (unless your last name is Jones or Smith. That’s a whole other ball game). \n\nYou can also include friends, co-workers, college roommates, old teachers, neighbors, your parents’ friends, and the people who you see every day who don’t quite make the cut on typical guest lists. You do lose some of the intimacy with a large wedding. You might be so busy saying hello to everyone that you won’t get a chance to have more than a bite of your wedding cake. \n\nWith that aside, this kind of wedding has a strong community atmosphere and gives your guests the freedom to mix and mingle with everyone from all parts of your lives.\n\n### Massive (500-2,000 guests). \nWhile you might not be marrying royalty, you may want your wedding to feel like an entire town is celebrating with you. If you have the wedding budget and the ability to invite that many people, the answer to “How many people should I invite to my wedding” is pretty much infinite. Here’s who’s often left off a guest list.\n\n- Your immediate family and extended family (includes third, fourth, and fifth cousins).\n- Your co-workers from your last two previous jobs.\n- Your college, high school, middle school, and elementary school teachers.\n- Your parents’ best friends and their families.\n- Your entire mosque, synagogue, or church.\n- The doctor and nurses who delivered you into this world.\n- The staff at your favorite coffee shop.\n- Your entire apartment building or neighborhood.\n- Random celebrities who may or may not show up (for the viral social media potential).\n\nYou get the picture.\n\n## How to decide who to invite to your wedding\n \nStart with the people you can’t imagine celebrating your wedding day without, like your closest relatives and family members. Or, you might start with your “found family,” the parents who raised you, and the people you’ve known your entire lives. Whatever “essential” means to both of you, start there.\n\nStill wondering how many people you should invite to a wedding? Asking yourself the following questions may help you decide who gets an invite, and who's kept on the reserve list.\n\n\"Would I go out for dinner with this person, and would I pay for their meal?\" Or, “Will I be excited to see this person at my wedding, or will I try to avoid them?”\n\nIf you're having a destination or [micro wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/micro-weddings) where numbers are tight, it's worth really honing in on who knows you and your other half. For example, if they can't answer three basic questions about your SO, they don't make the cut. If they can't tell you what city they’re from, their last name, or their job, they aren't considered potential guests. While this is a suggestion, it may not work for all wedding lists!\n\n### Budget\t\nIf sticking to a [wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget) is important to you both, then how much you’re willing to spend will determine the number of people you can invite. Consider invitation costs, too. As your guest list grows, so does the average cost of wedding invitations.\n\nThe most important piece of the budget when it comes to your guests is the food. Start by calculating the price of food per guest. According to Zola’s First Look Report 2024, [the average wedding costs over $30,000](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2024) and the average number of guests is 145. That equals around $200 per guest for the wedding. For catering specifically, it can vary widely from around $27pp for buffet style up to around $60+ for a catered, sit-down meal.\n\nWhen you’re figuring the average number of guests at a wedding, keep in mind that budgets are very different across the U.S.!\n\nIf you’re imagining a wedding with a multi-course catered meal, this number will probably go up. If you’re imagining a fun buffet or food truck, the number will probably go down. Go from there and do the math to figure out if your wedding guests fit into your budget — and not the other way around.\n\nWedding Guest List Tip: The budget-first approach is a great way to get yourselves out of inviting cousins you’ve only met once, and coworkers you don’t really want there. However, if you don’t have a large budget, you both may have to make some tough calls on who gets a wedding invite and who doesn’t. At the end of the day, this is your day, your money, and your moment. Don’t feel guilty about not being able to invite everyone.\n\n### Venue\nYour hearts might be set on your favorite winery, the museum where you first met, or even a lochside castle in Scotland. If this sounds like you and your partner, then we’ve got good news. Thanks to your state’s (or local fief’s) fire marshal, your wedding venue has a set number of people allowed.\n\nThis lets you build your list within the venue’s parameters, and gives you an understandable reason to limit extra guests. “Sorry, Sal from accounting! My destination wedding venue is a historically accurate 18th-century Spanish galleon replica that only fits 30 people. You would not believe how much room the functional cannons take up on the deck!”\n\nExpert Advice: If you need to squeeze in a third cousin or your mom’s new friend from Zumba class, ask the manager about the capacity. Sometimes the maximum number of guests the venue lists on their website is just their estimate for the best possible experience. If that’s the case with your venue, you could probably negotiate your guest count and add a couple of chairs.\n\nFind your [wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) on Zola.\n\n### How many people to invite to wedding based on location\nKeep in mind that the more difficult and/or expensive it is for guests to get to your wedding destination, the lower your attendance rate will likely be. There'll probably be a big difference in numbers between a wedding in your hometown compared to one in Mexico or the Bahamas, for example. \n\n### Wedding vibe \nThe number of people you invite to your wedding will affect the overall vibe or atmosphere of your special day. Do you want to have a private wedding ceremony with only your nearest and dearest loved ones, or do you want a large wedding that feels like a city-wide carnival? Perhaps you’d like something in-between. \n\nWhatever ambiance you’re going for, we’ve broken down how the numbers will affect the atmosphere of your wedding, and created our own categories.\n\n## How to limit guests on wedding invitations\n \nLimiting guests on wedding invitations can be tricky, especially if you want to avoid hurting any feelings. Be clear and specific about who's invited by addressing the invitation envelope to only the guests invited, or by personalizing the RSVP card by writing the number of seats reserved for them.\n\n[Shop premium quality, perfectly priced wedding invitations.](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop)\n\n### Plus-one etiquette \nDeciding whether or not to allow plus-ones can help you curate your wedding guest list number. However, be wary of the “no ring, no bring” rule. That rule might’ve worked for our parents, but more and more often, serious couples decide to wait a while before putting a ring on it.\n\n### Questions to ask yourself when making the list \n\nOnce you’ve learned a little bit more about the kind of wedding you and your partner want, you’ll have a strong start on creating your guest list and deciding how many guests to invite to your wedding. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind as you decide who you want to attend your wedding. \n\n- Who would you enjoy seeing outside of your wedding day?\n- Will you still be in touch with this person in five years?\n- Do you get their Christmas cards?\n- Are you in consistent contact?\n\nIf the answers to all of these questions are yes, then the rule of thumb for wedding guest lists is that you invite them to your big day. If these potential guests aren’t blood-related, and you haven’t seen them since their wedding, things get a little more flexible. Just talk with your partner, and go with your gut.\n\nTo B-List or Not to B-List?\n\nA B-list is the list of people who didn’t quite make the wedding guest cut, but you wish they could be there. They don’t get “Save the Dates,” and they don’t get the first round of invites. B-Listers are the ones you call when someone on the A-list is unable to attend. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re not A-listers in your heart, but venues, budgets, and families put limitations on every wedding.\n\n### What to say if someone questions your guest list\n\nIn an ideal world, everyone will be happy and accepting of your wedding guest list. But, in the real world, there’s a fair to reasonable chance that at least one person might not be totally supportive of your choices. If/when that happens, these useful phrases can help to keep the peace.\n\n- “We appreciate your interest in our wedding, but we've decided to keep our guest list limited to our closest family and friends. We hope you understand and respect our decision.”\n- \"We could only have XX guests, so we invited those we are closest to.\"\n- \"Our venue has a very small capacity limit, which means we've had to be extra careful with our guestlist.”\n- While large weddings tend to be more common than smaller ones, this is a useful script to follow if you’re having a smaller event: “We're happy that you're excited for our wedding, but we have a strict guest list setup that we’ve agreed on with our families. We're following certain traditions and customs that limit the number of guests we can invite. We hope you can respect our culture and our choices.\"\n\nAs one last tidbit of advice, remember this: The more guests you invite, the bigger your registry can be. Wink, wink.\n\nUse Zola’s *free* [Guest List and RSVP Tracking Tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) to help make the logistics a breeze.","tag":"Advice","widget2":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:45:10.989Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"what-are-the-bridesmaid-duties","title":"The Bridesmaid Duties: A Full Breakdown","excerpt":"Being a bridesmaid means agreeing to a fairly long list of responsibilities. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of bridesmaid duties.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2018-12-18T17:46:36.309Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6QXWPz3k4MiAsmCmeU0eMA/7e2a00bd16521e40896f972d429c5189/Hero_RomanticWeddingatAbigailKirschatTappanHillMansion_ChristopherDugganPhotography__1_.jpg","altText":"Bridesmaid Duties"},"heroCredit":"Christggan Photography","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/brittany-michelle-photography","body":"Being a bridesmaid means agreeing to a fairly long list of responsibilities. As a part of the the Bride Tribe, a bridesmaid is expected to plan and attend all pre-wedding parties, help out with aspects of the wedding planning as needed, and be totally present and available to the bride on the wedding weekend. We’ve divided the list of bridesmaid duties into tasks that occur before the wedding and then actually on the big day. Every friend, sibling, or relative who’s asked to be a bridesmaid should have no trouble fulfilling her role if she follows these guidelines.\n\nPre-Wedding Bridesmaid Duties\n1. Shop (and Pay) for Bridesmaid Attire \n2. Help Plan (and Pay) for the Bridal Shower \n3. Help Plan (and Pay) for the Bachelorette Party \n4. Attend Any Other Pre-Wedding Events \n5. Book Travel & Hotel Reservations \n6. Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner \n7. Help Support the Bride Emotionally \n8. Help With Wedding Planning Tasks \n9. Buy a Wedding Present \n\nWedding Day Bridesmaids Duties\n1. Get Ready With the Bride \n2. Assist the MOH \n3. Provide Getting-Ready Snacks \n4. Be the “Bride Tribe” \n5. Participate in the Ceremony \n6. Be Photo-Ready \n7. Be Model Guests (and the Life of The Party) \n8. Maintain a Stress-Free Send-off \n\n## Pre-Wedding Bridesmaid Duties\nThese are the main duties that bridesmaids are typically expected to perform in the months and weeks leading up to the wedding:\n\n### 1. Shop (and Pay) for Bridesmaid Attire\n\n\nBridesmaids may be asked to visit a bridal shop as a group to try on and select dresses together, or each woman may be asked do her own shopping and simply send her measurements and dress pick to the bride (or to a chosen shop). If the [bridal party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-is-a-wedding-party-and-do-you-need-one) isn’t wearing matching attire, the bride may simply ask that each bridesmaid select her own outfit and share a photo to make sure it coordinates. Here are some additional tips when it comes to shopping for bridesmaid attire: \n- Whether shopping together or individually, follow the bride’s wishes with a smile on your face.\n- Be on time with your presence, your information, and/or decisions. \n- Provide supportive and sensitive feedback on the choice of bridesmaid attire *__only when requested__*. \n- Be prepared to pay for your own bridesmaid dress, jewelry, and shoes. \n\n### 2. Help Plan (and Pay for) the Bridal Shower \n\n\nThe bridal shower may be a shared responsibility among the bridesmaids, the maid of honor, or the parent(s) of the bride or groom—however, bridesmaids are expected to at the very least attend the shower, and if there are no other hosts that step forward, to help the MOH with the [shower planning](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-bridal-shower) and execution. \n\n### 3. Help Plan (and Pay for) the Bachelorette Party\n\nWhile the bulk of the bachelorette party planning usually falls to the maid of honor, the rest of the bridesmaids should lend her a hand wherever possible. This might include helping to secure travel plans, accommodations, activities, and transportation, as well as divvying up the costs between each bridesmaid so the bride’s expenses are covered.\n\n### 4. Attend Any Other Pre-Wedding Events\n\n\nWhether it’s an engagement party, a couples’ shower, or a gathering of helpers to do some wedding DIY over beers and pizza, bridesmaids are expected to attend all pre-wedding activities to the best of their abilities. \n\n### 5. Book Travel and Hotel Reservations \n\n\nBridesmaids should take care of their own transportation and accommodations for the wedding weekend. It’s a good idea to do this early on, so you can be sure your travel logistics are convenient to both the schedule and location of important events. Whenever transportation is not already provided, the bridesmaids should figure out how they’ll get from place to place during the festivities.\n\n### 6. Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner\n\n\nBridesmaids should be present at both the ceremony rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. Not only is this a practical concern—everyone involved in the ceremony needs to know where to assemble, enter, exit, and where to sit or stand during the service—but as a member of the bride’s support crew, she’ll need you there during these final moments of preparation before the big day. \n\n### 7. Help Support the Bride Emotionally\n\n\nAs her best friends, siblings, relatives, and just generally the people she wants surrounding her on this huge life decision, bridesmaids carry the role of being the bride’s emotional rock. Wedding planning can come with its fair amount of stress, so bridesmaids should check in with her throughout the process, ask what she needs, and do their best to thoughtfully and sensitively support her feelings. \n\n### 8. Help With Wedding Planning Tasks\n\n\nWhile bridesmaids are not wedding coordinators, florists, caterers, or cake bakers, they might be asked to help with certain smaller wedding planning tasks within reason. Activities such as stuffing envelopes, alphabetizing escort cards, getting hands-on with some easy DIY projects, or even making trips with the bride to pick out rentals or attend her hair and makeup trial are tasks where the bridesmaids can lend a hand.\n\n### 9. Buy a Wedding Present\n\n\nAs with any other wedding guest, bridesmaids should buy a wedding gift for the couple off of their [Wedding Registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) and have it shipped to their address before the wedding. The only time this expectation may be removed is if you’re serving as a bridesmaid at a destination wedding and your presence (i.e. travel expenses) are considered gift enough. Going in on a big-ticket [group gift](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) with all of the bridesmaids can be a fun way to give the couple somthing they really want! \n\n## Wedding Day Bridesmaid Duties\nOn the big day, bridesmaids help ensure everything goes smoothly for the bride, her maid of honor, and the majority of the wedding guests. Here’s how: \n\n### 1. Get Ready With the Bride\n\n\nBridesmaids should plan on showing up at the designated getting-ready location on time, with all of their gear (bridesmaid attire, shoes, jewelry, makeup, undergarments, etc.) in hand. Besides getting themselves aisle-ready, the bridesmaids should do whatever they can to assist the bride during this time, such as: \n- Keeping her smiling, laughing, calm, and collected\n- Answering any incoming texts, calls, or logistical questions for her \n- Making sure she eats something and stays hydrated \n- Pouring celebratory bubbly for everyone to enjoy \n- Keeping hair and/or makeup appointments on track \n- Helping her into her dress\n- Assisting her with her shoes, jewelry, or veil\n\n### 2. Assist the MOH\n\n\nThe maid of honor has a pretty big job on the wedding day. Bridesmaids should serve as her right-hand ladies, helping out with whatever tasks are needed—whether that’s making a last-minute run to the drugstore, coordinating with the photographer or wedding planner, or providing (and keeping track of) a wedding day emergency kit. \n\n### 3. Provide Getting-Ready Snacks\n\n\nIf no other arrangements have been made for getting-ready sips and snacks, the bridesmaids should take it upon themselves to provide these treats. Everyone—from the bride to her mother to even the photographer and beauty stylists—will appreciate the gesture and benefit from some food and drink throughout the busy day.\n\n### 4. Be the “Bride Tribe”\n\n\nBridesmaids should embody the concept of being the support crew for the bride and the maid of honor in all ways during the big day. They can also serve as a point of contact for guests and vendors when it’s helpful. Here are some tasks the bridesmaids can cover to be of service:\n- Double-check that all members of the wedding party and any special family members have their personal flowers (bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, flower crowns, or toss petals). Assist with pinning on boutonnieres or other floral accessories as needed.\n- Help guests navigate the venue, such as directing them to parking areas, bathrooms, handicap access, exits, and if applicable, the bar or refreshments station.\n- Standing near the gift table, guest book, or wedding favors to help direct and facilitate guests’ participation. \n\n### 5. Participate in the Ceremony\n\n\nBridesmaids should be in place at the ceremony venue on time, (most likely hidden out of sight), and ready for their cues to process down the aisle. Keep chatter to a minimum and be respectful of the planner, officiant, or whomever is running the show. During the actual ceremony, be sure to hit your rehearsed mark, fulfill any other roles you’ve been assigned during the actual service, and then process out of the ceremony according to plan. \n\n### 6. Be Photo-Ready\n\n\nIf the wedding party didn’t pose for photographs with the happy couple before the ceremony, typically these group photos occur right after the ceremony at the beginning of the cocktail hour. Rather than dispersing into the crowd, bridesmaids should stick together and be ready to follow the photographer’s commands—gathering stray folks for these shots can be tiresome, not to mention steal precious minutes away from the couple’s ability to enjoy their cocktail hour. \n\n### 7. Be Model Guests (and the Life of The Party)\n\n\nBridesmaids should mingle and chat with other guests, enjoy the food and drinks offered, sit down at their dinner table when asked, participate in guest-related activities like signing the guestbook or visiting the photo booth, listen to, applaud, and/or give any speeches (that have been pre-arranged), witness the special dances, and boogie down (tastefully) when it’s dance floor time.\n\n### 8. Maintain a Stress-Free Send-off\n\n\nFinally, bridesmaids should help the maid of honor, coordinator, or the couple’s parents assemble any items than need to be transported out of the reception venue at the end of the night. These packables might include: \n- Any getting-ready clothing or gear \n- Extra/unused ceremony programs, favors, or sparklers \n- Leftover alcohol \n- Any decor or signage that was personally provided (not rented) \n- The bride and/or bridesmaids’ bouquets\n- Wedding cards and gifts\n- The guest book\n- Special toasting flutes, cake servers, or cake plate\n- A basket of late-night leftovers (packaged by the caterer)\n- The top tier of the wedding cake\n- A few slices of late-night wedding cake (packaged by the caterer)\n- The bride and/or groom’s wedding attire, if they’ve changed into getaway clothes\n\nIn addition to making sure the above items leave the venue in the right vehicle(s), bridesmaids can lend a hand with these final logistical tasks: \n- Make sure all guests make it onto the right shuttle buses, find their cars, or otherwise make it safely out of the venue.\n- Hand out pre-addressed tip envelopes to the vendors.\n- Make sure the bride and/or groom’s overnight bags make it to their wedding night hotel room. \n- Organize guests to the after-party, if there is one. \n","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"What's the difference between a wedding party & a bridal party? Learn more & get expert planning tips to help you prepare for the big day.","title":"Bridal Party vs. Wedding Party: What's the Difference? ","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-party-and-do-you-need-one","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/68X8glzRII6myuoYsI6E0S/f9b9a7d44f481f5628e374b6b0c1e744/Hero_New_GildedGlamWeddingatSkyRoomatCrownePlazaMidtown_LoveInMotionLLC.jpg","altText":"formal portrait of wedding party. Bride and bride maids with bouquet are sitting on stair in the front , Groom and groom men are standing at the back"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Explore creative ideas to plan the perfect bachelorette party weekend. Get tips on how to plan the guest list, budget, itinerary, and more.","title":"A Guide to Bachelorette Parties","slug":"a-guide-to-bachelorette-parties","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5WNGSmVLkk8c6A0mqikmA0/9d0e0089b810d0ba0896d1af18dceea6/Guide-to-Bacherlorette-Parties.jpg","altText":"bride in white silk robe laughing with bridesmaids in mint green bride tribe tank tops"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Get all your questions about bachelor parties—from who is responsible for planning to what to do—in this comprehensive guide. ","title":"A Guide to Bachelor Parties","slug":"a-guide-to-bachelor-parties","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6xYvE1cGvmqiEWoqyMSoy0/c820939acd9d2ea06c136a83dc1d8a41/Hero_VentolaPhotography.jpg","altText":"groom and groomsmen"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A wedding registry is a personalized collection of gifts that an engaged couple has specifically chosen for their guests to shop from in order to make the wedding gifting experience simpler, easier, and more satisfying for everyone.","title":"What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-registry","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2MOrWgRKcg82A4y64i24iG/4449d94511192d74050b3418c02d3ec6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn the how-to's of wedding invitation wording, plus formal and casual wedding invitation examples from the experts.","title":"Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide","slug":"how-to-word-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rENN5B7RPAn14pYP75HgH/d457816cdf42b12cc74b3e7d88b73513/Wedding_Invitaion_Wording_Etiquette.jpg","altText":"green and white wedding invitation on green background"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This bridal shower guide will introduce you to the basics of bridal showers: traditional bridal shower etiquette (and which of those “rules” you can break), whom to invite, what to do, and who pays for it all.","title":"A Guide to Bridal Showers","slug":"a-guide-to-bridal-showers","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5o4uxtDjG6d4qgVGaLVrBU/16da092c9b0b80d7acca15ab930a1aef/A-Guide-to-Bridal-Showers.jpg","altText":"a bridal shower card labeled \"soon to be mrs.\" on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"The cost of a wedding cake will depend on factors like size, shape, & decor. Read our guide to gain insights on the average cost of a wedding cake this year.","title":"How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2025?","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-cake-costs","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ywuArPikb1BsvjvYzDQhn/24f27696b854c3c5a22eed69292c6c4b/Guide-to-Wedding-Cake-Costs-and-Price.jpg","altText":"Graphic of pink wedding cake with heart cake topper and price tag"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Dress to impress! Your go-to guide for wedding guest attire, from formal to casual. Find the perfect look for every dress code and celebration.","title":"Wedding Guest Attire: A Guide to Every Dress Code","slug":"what-to-wear-to-a-wedding","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5bgD1lwZNmIWCwyoiQgUI/abb4b34d02674b500f4edb610fb1eea6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding guests laughing with bride at wedding receptions"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:45:19.350Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"period-on-your-wedding-day","title":"Period Coming On Your Wedding Day? Here's What to Do","excerpt":"Periods happen—even on your wedding day. Here's expert advice on how to manage your period on your wedding day and how to keep calm about the situation.","author":"Laura Hensley","publishedAt":"2020-02-27T17:55:41.878Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/wBtXNd2eGbPXMpqm4HAHC/760d60e4fe2d50abe49e88d282e7b021/HERO_OneLovePhotography_1080x720_Meghann_Andrew.jpg","altText":"bride with bridesmaids on wedding day"},"heroCredit":"One Love Photography","body":"Periods have a way of sometimes arriving at the least desirable times in life. Whether it’s on vacation or during a stressful week at work, it’s likely your period has been an unwelcome visitor more than once. For those who experience cramps, bloating, and headaches during their period (thanks PMS), menstruation can be an even more inconvenient and uncomfortable experience. \n\nSo what happens when you realize your period may crash your wedding? Before you freak out, know there are many ways to deal with a wedding period. \n\n![INLINE WeddingsByThom 1080x720 Becky&Jacob](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6K4YZIUPpzN8MwQnpkjXjA/655c44882a5c165afca4a230e742e2ad/INLINE_WeddingsByThom_1080x720_Becky_Jacob.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Weddings By Thom\n\n## Alter your cycle… if you can.\nSome people’s periods are consistently regular and on time. If you’re one of those lucky folks, you might want to consult your period tracking app when choosing a wedding date if avoiding your period is important to you. Of course, not everyone has this option (venues have limited availability, after all) and periods can, unfortunately, have a mind of their own. \n\nIf you’re prone to sickness on your period or low mood, however, you might feel best avoiding those undesired symptoms altogether. If this is the case, you can talk to your doctor about manipulating your cycle to skip your period for your wedding.\n\nHormonal birth control pill packs can be used back-to-back without placebos to skip a period. Likewise, certain birth control pills extend your menstrual cycle, meaning you only get your period once every three months. \n\n*__Note: While it’s [generally considered safe to skip or suppress a period](https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/travel-health/how-can-i-delay-my-period/), it’s always best to speak with your healthcare provider first. Everybody is different, and it’s important to figure out what is best for you.__* \n\n### Expect something anyway.\nEven though the pill can help manage the timing of your period, manipulating your cycle isn’t a fool-proof plan; periods can still be irregular, especially if you’re stressed. (Here’s some tips on [how to combat wedding-related stress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-handle-overbearing-parents-when-wedding-planning).) \n\nWhat’s more, you may still experience [breakthrough bleeding](https://patient.info/news-and-features/how-to-prevent-breakthrough-bleeding-on-the-pill) even if you skip your period. To be safe, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for menses if you expect it to overlap with your wedding. \n\n## Plan ahead and be prepared.\nIf you know your period will arrive around the time of your wedding, be sure to alter some lifestyle practices ahead of time. Sugar and caffeine can [exacerbate PMS symptoms](https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome), while exercise, healthy eating, and [sleep are known to help](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/sleep-night-before-wedding). If you’re worried about stomach cramping and bloating, try to drink lots of water and avoid salt-heavy drinks and food.\n\n### Day-Of Prep\nOn your wedding day, take some over-the-counter pain medication in the morning and throughout the day as needed. If you can’t avoid your period you’ll want to minimize its presence. When it comes to your wedding attire, consider how heavy your period will be and decide on the most suitable preparation for where you are in your cycle.\n\n- __Choose the right product.__ Depending on the [style of your dress and undergarments,](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what's-your-wedding-dress-style) tampons or a menstrual cup may be your best bet. While pads are great for overnight use, they may create pad lines and limit your underwear options. Menstrual cups, like the DivaCup, can be worn up to 12 hours, depending on how heavy your flow is. A product that allows for longer use means fewer trips to the bathroom. \n- __Consider special underwear.__ If you want to be extra cautious around leakage, period-absorbing underwear is also a great idea. Brands like Thinx or Knix have different styles depending on your flow, including designs for super, moderate and light days. Some even absorb four regular tampons worth of blood. Period panties also come in different materials and cuts, meaning you can often find a pair right for your dress. \n- __Stock the venue.__ Lastly, make sure there are menstrual products available at your ceremony and reception venues. You can even get venue staff to stock bathroom welcome baskets with tampons and pads for yourself and other guests. Chances are you won’t be the only one dealing with Aunt Flo.\n\n![INLINE CortiellaPhotography 1080x720 Choumate&Berthony (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4Mvdo1pBF2gj994HbfJUVB/218f63fc5885863e7b90d5cd9d4a89db/INLINE_CortiellaPhotography_1080x720_Choumate_Berthony__1_.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Cortiella Photography\n\n## Lean on your wedding party. \nUsing the bathroom in an elaborate dress is hard enough, but add a period into the mix and you may need some assistance. \n\nInform your [maid of honor or wedding party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-many-people-in-wedding-party) about your period, and let them know you’ll need their help during the day. You might even want to pass off some ibuprofen to them for safekeeping. Ask them to hold some menstrual products for you, if need be, and get them to keep an eye on your dress. While it’s unlikely you’ll have an accident, it’s always comforting knowing someone has your back just in case. \n\n## Don’t stress too much.\nPeriods can be annoying, there’s no doubting that. But having your time of the month coincide with your big day isn’t the end of the world. It’s important to remember that you’ve lived through your period many times before, and you’ll get through it again, too. \n\nWith a bit of preparation and some help from trusted friends, your period doesn’t need to play a big role in your wedding. Because between dancing, amazing food and marrying the love of your life, you’ll have plenty of other things to think about. ","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:15.699Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"choosing-your-wedding-month","title":"How to Choose The Best Wedding Month ","excerpt":"Choosing your wedding month and date is a crucial first step in the wedding planning process. Here's how to decide on the best time of the year to get married. ","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2019-06-13T15:54-04:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/71pkqiAypqFZ7CL8KRWGIr/4f34666823e73a80647f762866ec1bd0/Hero_New_Unsplash.jpg","altText":"best month for wedding"},"heroCredit":"Unsplash","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/christine-magee-photography","body":"Choosing your wedding month and date is a crucial first step in the wedding planning process, along with choosing your venue, photographer, and caterer. The time of year in which you decide to get married will dictate a lot of your subsequent planning, and will stick with you for the rest of your life (hello, anniversary). \n\n## What is the Best Month for a Wedding? \nJune, September, and October are considered the best months for a wedding. June, traditionally, is the most popular month to get married, simply because of the mild weather. With that being said, there’s no wrong time to get married to the love of your life (though it does help to have good weather). \n\nIn most parts of the country, the late spring through early fall months are typically thought of as “wedding season,” but there is so much more to it than that. Let’s walk through the year and look at the pros and cons of each potential wedding month.\n\n__Note__: Keep in mind that while season matters greatly, geography is a factor as well. We have broken the seasons down very generally below, but even still, a winter wedding in the Florida Keys is going to differ drastically from a winter wedding in Lake Tahoe, where the cold weather and snow hazards will be much greater. Be sure to factor in your location when picking your perfect wedding month.\n\n## Spring\n. . . . . . . . . . .\n\n### March, April, May\n\nMarch comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. April showers bring May flowers. These are the traditional sayings that correlate with the spring months that we love so dearly. Emerging from the cold of winter, spring is such a welcoming time to host your special day. Without many calendar conflicts (St. Patrick’s Day, Passover, and Easter are the only holidays in the spring), your spring wedding should see good attendance. And after the drab, loneliness of winter, your friends will probably be busting at the seams to get out and celebrate with you.\n\nA spring wedding is a gamble, though, simply because the weather is so unpredictable. Will it be sunny and warm, or is a cold snap going to hit? Even still, the gamble may pay off if you can land one of those quintessential warm, flowery days. In April and May especially, you might begin to encounter increased pricing and competition with other brides for vendors and venues as “the season” set in. We’re talking: wedding season.\n\n![Colin-Lyons-Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2I7G4mApUnMjJhsy5Jl3Jb/53209c242d51920fe468dad7d825d8b5/Colin-Lyons-Photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Colin Lyons Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![3-2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6WNr5JisBMZ85xd2TKSIx6/26fa70d21a47bf3e8a8bbeac435e580e/3-2.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Pauline Conway Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![4-2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5ce7yS6d2k8yuYhLUbjG8E/217f24116aade587a4e43197819ae810/4-2.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Sarah and Rachel](https://www.zola.com/wedding/rachel-sarah/passcode)*\n\n![onelove-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rQO7D0nqBl2thPIDEUwJI/d9002976a70f8e78cac3f7dccbb45608/onelove-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [onelove photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![michelle-jones-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/10IZeVW4q8jsvuaGNrULY5/9685001b60b7696da5b0ac7519f145b6/michelle-jones-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Michelle Jones Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n## Summer\n. . . . . . . . . .\n\n### June, July, August\n\nWedding season is in full swing by mid-May, with June being traditionally the most popular wedding month. These hot months offer long days and vacation time. Many of your wedding guests will be able to get away from their lives to attend your ceremony thanks to more relaxed work schedules and school breaks. Far removed from the winter holidays, your guests are more likely to have a little extra room in their budgets for travel and wedding gifts. With an abundance of flowers and fruits in season, a summer wedding allows for countless floral options and your pick of delicious produce.\n\nHowever, these sunny wedding months are not quite that simple. Rising temps is definitely something to take into account, especially if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony. While it may look like a glorious day outside, if it is 100 degrees, you are going to be one sweaty bride with a bunch of hot and sticky guests. You can also just go ahead and count on venues and vendors being harder to book with steeper prices because of peak wedding season competition. Finally, vacation plans or other weddings may conflict with yours when it comes to your guests’ attendance.\n\n![sera-petras-photography-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5DBqt424TW6fxVupMcRREr/5f5b701c3ede984b76c8dd45ac9c3556/sera-petras-photography-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Sera Petras Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![10-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6oleAP7FuSKWiW8aoRT2ET/b09b179296b24f279d3f06e188c36c6f/10-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [JoPhoto](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![loved-memories-photography-videography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/64qkXcXELxt7XXEexvpXQi/b853e7f659bd6df81cfe3a16b8ba1407/loved-memories-photography-videography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Loved Memories Photography & Videography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![11-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4RiU2cVAawt6etn6imcVC5/828072c76d7d37b0a191dc16c3872137/11-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Limelight Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*","body2":"## Fall\n. . . . . . . . . .\n\n### September, October, November\nOh [fall weddings](https://www.zola.com/inspiration/real-weddings/fall), how loved you are! There is something so magical about the changing of the leaves and the cool, crisp air. A fall wedding month will make for cooler temperatures, happier party guests, and less bugs. And with a plethora of pumpkins, there are some very festive and unique [wedding themes](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-themes) to embrace.\n\nIn these autumn wedding months, possible conflicts include the beginning of a new school year, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. There are also fewer flowers in season, so you may have to be willing to re-imagine your ideal floral arrangements. And if you and your partner are football fanatics, a fall wedding month might prove difficult to schedule around big game days. What if you accidentally plan your wedding for the most important match-up of the season?\n\n![FALL-PIC-Nick-Davis-Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/Ubu6ZBziGjm2B4BORdyNT/33e2bb528d1b74ef66a630b03c36d93a/FALL-PIC-Nick-Davis-Photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Nick Davis Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![13-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3OtiKcANlOnPkYcCgvJY2a/460d2859aacdf429a5caabcf5687bd84/13-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [JoPhoto](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![B.-Dembowski-Images](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/w1pEtfzf7XNQuVPoJOBA2/d6785ab23a16cc84309dc10b2f8b51d7/B.-Dembowski-Images.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [B. Dembowski Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![suzanne-karp-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2IotEvPwRzyD4wYnZWWhO8/21bd6d5c7ac111d854c0c5618f77eb0e/suzanne-karp-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Suzanne Karp Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![megan-rolfe-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6KAeFqKNiAbKOGmoReYPDQ/e34989f661e509b236290e43d8a5b13c/megan-rolfe-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Meghan Rolfe Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n## Winter\n. . . . . . . . . . .\n\n### December, January, February\nA winter wedding month can be a hidden gem. Gleaming fireplaces, evergreen trees, snowy winter landscapes, less wedding competition (and thus the ability to negotiate prices), and more vendor/venue availability make a winter wedding very appealing for couples. There is something so romantic about wrapping up in warm blankets in front of an early sunset and clinging to each other for warmth.\n\nBut for all of the pros, there are still some cons to a winter soirée. Depending on the location of your wedding, getting snowed in (or out) could be a factor for outdoor wedding venues. There is less green outside, making for less picturesque landscapes that might force your wedding photos indoors. And… Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years. While these holidays are considered “the most wonderful time of the year,” they can create many conflicts for your special day. Traveling can be more expensive and difficult around the holidays, not to mention that money will most likely be a bit tighter for people, too.\n\n![17](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/11hvWyN8wxfj6ZSYiyT8SL/e594d0a49432a4f45d859a59669dfde2/17.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Jennings King Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![dana-widman-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/Kfdg6c8V9TlcOYdyDoXsP/62a288f8b3e8717982a365552cc9d4fb/dana-widman-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Dana Widman Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![Beautiful Winter Wedding Color Schemes](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2SGRFCSNwbm3TXmugQhtKy/0a47af24d0d7885c9f6253a72841fec5/inline_felicia_marti_photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Felicia Marti Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![modern-wedding-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2DwNzksI7fCOhWBtJSWKoF/3b5ceefc704779234c84cfdf48f2adab/modern-wedding-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Modern Wedding Photography](https://www.modernweddingphotography.tv/)*\n\n![Heather-Erson-Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6jT8kMSgL2JTQBo0EYrJAb/f13fb701d13b59411bf937be04ceaadb/Heather-Erson-Photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Heather Erson Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\nHave you fallen in love with your perfect wedding month yet? Once you make a decision, be sure to put the date into your [Zola Weddings Checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist) so you can get a whole bunch (or just a few) customized planning reminders up until the big day. Happy planning!\n","tag":"Getting Started","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_RealWeddings"}},"widget2":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Seasons_Quiz"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"How does one go about choosing a wedding venue? Here's the rundown on one of the first tasks you’ll need to accomplish after saying “yes!”","title":"10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Dzm0QohK8uai2YouWoMUg/f7db6c6feb0fe4c3d27f9f2a914572ad/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-choose-venue.jpg","altText":"Bridge and groom in front of the church"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Weddings are fun, but planning them can be stressful. Here are practical ways to deal with wedding planning stress.","title":"5 Effective Ways to Fight Wedding Planning Stress","slug":"ways-to-fight-wedding-planning-stress","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3GTsIw6vsfY9q3xaj694Zo/8aefec865bd9f374f61f1f476876b440/Zola_HeroImage_1080x720__1_.jpg","altText":"woman using zola for wedding planning stress"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ve outlined the steps on how to make a guest list, and trim it, below. ","title":"How to Make a Wedding Guest List","slug":"how-to-make-a-wedding-guest-list","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2uQYQkS1axXHfIU0ytYBiV/aa217c09e138c235635ef4b2524d9060/V-yQBjIA.jpeg","altText":"Zola invitation suite and save the date on marble countertop"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Craft your dream wedding website effortlessly with Zola's step-by-step guide. Showcase your love story and details in style. Start creating today!","title":"How to Create Your Wedding Website: 10 Simple Steps ","slug":"how-to-make-a-wedding-website","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6a4MvmncJr4AKia1nFr6Tn/91e1616adecb7211caf14038546e0f27/DESKTOP_ww.png","altText":"Zola wedding website as seen on a laptop computer"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"You're engaged—congrats! To help you ease into wedding planning, we’re here with a list of the very first things you should do once you get engaged. ","title":"The First 10 Things to Do When Planning a Wedding","slug":"the-first-10-things-to-do-when-planning-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1lHUezgBQUbJVdqaqSXtw7/12659aa232d2f71bdd53451db5b76f34/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_First-10-things-to-do.jpg","altText":"woman and man just after getting engaged in front of a sunset in a green field about to kiss"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Don’t miss a wedding planning detail with our complete, expert-crafted wedding checklist and timeline. Free, printable version inside!","title":"2024/25 Printable Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline - Zola","slug":"your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist","topic":"Wedding planning 101","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4fA6of0jjP7aJqXJRy0JOx/edd3b48f6fea1e273025d3db462dd4be/Ultimate_Wedding_Planning_Checklist.jpg","altText":"wedding planning checklist"},"type":"checklistPage"},{"excerpt":" ","title":"Who Pays For The Wedding? Everything You Need To Know","slug":"who-should-pay-for-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5u5bUTU4EmdO2SsWyG5I4B/28f9bed9f90049ee650968096b1dfc6b/pexels-rose-rosen-18386512.jpg","altText":"Asian family with bride and groom looking down at a paper and smiling"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-06-03T02:06:19.435Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"a-guide-to-tipping-wedding-vendors","title":"How Much To Tip Wedding Vendors","excerpt":"Confused on how much to tip wedding vendors, which vendors to tip, and when to distribute tips? Fear not: explore our guide for tipping wedding vendors.","publishedAt":"2019-01-17T20:06:32.436Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/oljNU6JIHuglslJ7ouSRO/c09c8646dad52d410abed69adbc51a28/lovesome-photography.webp","altText":"how much to tip wedding vendors and venue coordinator"},"heroCredit":"Lovesome Photography","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/lovesome-photography","body":"You’ve signed the last check, paid the last deposit, purchased the final items, and settled up all the remaining balances…your wedding has been paid for! Or—has it? In the grand scheme of budgeting for your wedding, don’t forget to factor in funds for tipping wedding vendors. While not all vendors expect to be tipped for their services—instead choosing to make their prices reflect all the payment they feel they need—for some it’s an expectation to follow tipping etiquette in the wedding industry. Confused on which vendors to tip, how much you should tip each type of vendor, and when to distribute tips? Fear not: here’s a guide on tipping vendors.\n\n## Wedding Vendor Tipping Pointers\n\n1. Tips are a great way to show vendors your appreciation for their hard work at your wedding and may even be an unexpected surprise. You can also tip when you feel you’ve received extraordinary service.\n2. Check your contracts to be sure that gratuity has not already been included in the price.\n3. Generally speaking, you do not need to tip the owners of large businesses (just their employees). Small business owners, on the other hand, should be considered for tipping based on the quality of service you feel you’ve received.\n4. Tip or no tip, writing a thank you note to vendors who provided you with great service is always a thoughtful gesture and highly appreciated—as is leaving them positive reviews on wedding planning websites like [Zola for Vendors](https://www.zola.com/inspire/vendors).\n\n### Who's responsible for tipping?\n\nWhen it comes to tipping wedding vendors, the responsibility for providing the tip can sometimes be a point of confusion, especially if someone else is covering the cost of the wedding. In the scenario where the bride's parents or another party are paying for the wedding, it is generally considered thoughtful and appropriate for your as the couple to handle the tipping on their own. \n\nTipping vendors is a gesture of appreciation for their hard work and dedication in making the wedding day special. Even if someone else is funding the event, you've likely been involved in selecting and working with the vendors throughout the planning process, making it fitting that they express their gratitude through tipping. By taking on this responsibility, you can ensure that the vendors who contributed to your big day are properly acknowledged and thanked for their efforts.\n\n## How Much to Tip Wedding Vendors (by Vendor Type)\n\nWhile your tip should depend on your wedding budget and level of satisfaction & a few other factors, here are some quick guidelines on how to tip your wedding vendors, with additional protocol & tips below:\n\n- Photographers & Videographers: 10% of the total package cost if opting for a percentage, or $50-$100 per person\n- Wedding coordinator/planners: 10-20% of the total bill (up to $500)\n- Wedding Venue Coordinator/Catering Captain: $250-500, or 15-20% of the food and drink bill\n- Officiant: $50-$100\n- Ceremony Musicians: $15-$20 per musician\n- Florist: $50-100\n- Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: 15-20% of total\n- Transportation: 15-20%\n- Wedding Band: $25-$50 per musician\n- Wedding DJ: 10-20% of total\n- Reception Waitstaff: 15-20% of labor costs on food & drink bill\n- Reception Bartender: 10% of the total bill\n- Delivery Personnel: $5-$10 per person\n\n### Wedding [Photographer(s)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers) and [Videographer(s)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-videographers)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; consider tipping second shooters or staff beyond the business owner(s).\n- __Amount:__ Although not required, consider tipping wedding photographers and videographers 10% of the packgae cost or $50-$100 per person. You could also provide a good review as another nice gesture for their photography services. \n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception.\n\n### [Wedding Planner](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; about 50% of couples tip.\n- __Amount:__ Although wedding planners don’t expect a tip, if you’d like to show your appreciation for examples of exceptional service, consider offering a tip that’s 10-20% of the total bill (up to $500).\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception, or mail it after the honeymoon.\n\n### Wedding Venue Coordinator/[Catering Captain](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected, based on contract. If service fee is not included, tip according to below.\n- __Amount:__ Wedding venue coordinators and catering captains should be tipped $250-500, or 15-20% of the food and drink bill.\n- __Timing:__ If included in the contract, the final bill is due before the wedding. If not, at the end of the reception.\n\n### Officiant\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected, depending on officiant. If s/he works for a church or synagogue, you might consider making a donation to that institution additionally.\n- __Amount:__ A wedding officiant should be tipped around $50-100 for the officiant alone, depending on how much time they’ve spent with you pre-ceremony. Consider a $100-500 donation to the religious institution.\n- __Timing:__ Prior to the wedding (when paying the ceremony service fee), or after the rehearsal.\n\n### [Ceremony Musicians](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; consider the complexity of their setup and/or performance.\n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping each ceremony musicians $15-20 per musician.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the wedding ceremony.\n\n### [Florist](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional or not expected, unless you really loved their work and service.\n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping your wedding florist $50-$100 of your total floral bill.\n- __Timing:__ Include a separate check with the final invoice, or mail it after the -honeymoon.\n\n### [Hair & Make-up Artist(s)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-hair-makeup)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected\n- __Amount:__ Wedding hair and make-up artists should be tipped 15-20% of your total charge (just like at a salon!). You can discuss with your wedding party whether on not you plan to cover this cost or if they're expected to.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of their service.\n\n### Transportation\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected (but may be already included in the contract).\n- __Amount:__ Wedding transportation staff should be tipped 15-20% of your total bill.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the night or after the final ride.\n\n### [Wedding Band](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; consider their overall performance and responsiveness to your requests.\n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping your wedding band $25-$50 per musician\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception.\n\n### [Wedding DJ](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; consider their overall quality and responsiveness to your requests.\n- __Amount:__ Although not required, consider tipping your wedding DJ 10-20%.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception.\n\n### [Reception Waitstaff](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-catering)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional, based on contract (check to see if a service fee is included). Tip on top of service fee only for exceptional service.\n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping your wedding reception waitstaff 15-20% of labor costs on your food and drink bill. Reach out to the your lead caterer or catering captain to determine the best way to ensure each person you plan to give a tip recieves theirs.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception (or during set-up, to encourage great service).\n\n### [Reception Bartender](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bar-services)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional, based on contract (check to see if a service fee is included). Tip on top of service fee only for exceptional service. \n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping your wedding reception bartender 10% of the total liquor bill.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception (or during set-up, to encourage great service).\n\n### Delivery Personnel (Wedding Cake, Rentals, Flowers, Etc.)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected\n- __Amount:__ Wedding delivery personnel should be tipped $5-$10 per person\n- __Timing:__ Leave cash envelopes with the coordinator or catering manager (whomever will be on site overseeing delivery and setup) to distribute the tip(s).\n\n## How to Deliver Tips \n\nIt is essential to consider streamlining the process, especially amidst the bustling activities of the big day. One solution to designate a member of the wedding party, such as the best man or maid of honor, to take charge of distributing tips. This delegation allows the couple to fully immerse themselves in the joyous occasion, free from concerns about managing tipping logistics. This arrangement becomes particularly advantageous if the couple plans a grand exit, as they won't be burdened with carrying envelopes while making their departure. By entrusting a trusted individual with the task, the vendors' hard work receives the appropriate appreciation, contributing to a harmonious and memorable celebration for all involved parties.\n","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"The cost of a wedding cake will depend on factors like size, shape, & decor. Read our guide to gain insights on the average cost of a wedding cake this year.","title":"How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2025?","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-cake-costs","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ywuArPikb1BsvjvYzDQhn/24f27696b854c3c5a22eed69292c6c4b/Guide-to-Wedding-Cake-Costs-and-Price.jpg","altText":"Graphic of pink wedding cake with heart cake topper and price tag"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"How does one go about choosing a wedding venue? Here's the rundown on one of the first tasks you’ll need to accomplish after saying “yes!”","title":"10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Dzm0QohK8uai2YouWoMUg/f7db6c6feb0fe4c3d27f9f2a914572ad/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-choose-venue.jpg","altText":"Bridge and groom in front of the church"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Nervous about choosing your wedding colors? Don’t be: we’ve outlined some basic steps you can take to choose a wedding color palette that matches your vision and expresses your personality as a couple. ","title":"How to Choose Your Wedding Colors (+ Color Palette Ideas)","slug":"how-to-choose-your-wedding-colors","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6WI5HwIwEeW9NVO7U6xjRm/7676815b615c34e15513e31a876ba45e/How-to-Choose-Your-Wedding-Colors.jpg","altText":"wedding color palettes"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A wedding registry is a personalized collection of gifts that an engaged couple has specifically chosen for their guests to shop from in order to make the wedding gifting experience simpler, easier, and more satisfying for everyone.","title":"What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-registry","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2MOrWgRKcg82A4y64i24iG/4449d94511192d74050b3418c02d3ec6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn the how-to's of wedding invitation wording, plus formal and casual wedding invitation examples from the experts.","title":"Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide","slug":"how-to-word-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rENN5B7RPAn14pYP75HgH/d457816cdf42b12cc74b3e7d88b73513/Wedding_Invitaion_Wording_Etiquette.jpg","altText":"green and white wedding invitation on green background"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This bridal shower guide will introduce you to the basics of bridal showers: traditional bridal shower etiquette (and which of those “rules” you can break), whom to invite, what to do, and who pays for it all.","title":"A Guide to Bridal Showers","slug":"a-guide-to-bridal-showers","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5o4uxtDjG6d4qgVGaLVrBU/16da092c9b0b80d7acca15ab930a1aef/A-Guide-to-Bridal-Showers.jpg","altText":"a bridal shower card labeled \"soon to be mrs.\" on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Dress to impress! Your go-to guide for wedding guest attire, from formal to casual. Find the perfect look for every dress code and celebration.","title":"Wedding Guest Attire: A Guide to Every Dress Code","slug":"what-to-wear-to-a-wedding","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5bgD1lwZNmIWCwyoiQgUI/abb4b34d02674b500f4edb610fb1eea6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding guests laughing with bride at wedding receptions"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:08.828Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"what-is-a-wedding-party-and-do-you-need-one","title":"Bridal Party vs. Wedding Party: What's the Difference? ","excerpt":"What's the difference between a wedding party & a bridal party? Learn more & get expert planning tips to help you prepare for the big day.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2018-12-18T17:01:19.590Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/68X8glzRII6myuoYsI6E0S/f9b9a7d44f481f5628e374b6b0c1e744/Hero_New_GildedGlamWeddingatSkyRoomatCrownePlazaMidtown_LoveInMotionLLC.jpg","altText":"formal portrait of wedding party. Bride and bride maids with bouquet are sitting on stair in the front , Groom and groom men are standing at the back"},"heroCredit":"Zola","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/creative-images-photography","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- A wedding party is the group of people chosen by the couple to support them from engagement to marriage. \n- Siblings, close family members, and best friends are often chosen to be part of the wedding party.\n- The bridal party is the group chosen by the bride to support her on the wedding day.\n- Some members of the wedding party have specific roles, like the best man who might be expected to plan the bachelor party, or the maid of honor who is often expected to plan the bridal shower and bachelorette party.\n","body":"A wedding party is a group of people chosen by the couple to support and celebrate them throughout their journey from engagement to marriage. The people chosen to be in a wedding party are typically close friends and family members of the bride(s) or groom(s). They are responsible for certain duties, both before and during the big day. Some of these wedding party duties include: \n\n- Planning pre-wedding activities such as showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties.\n- Helping the bride and/or groom get dressed and ready on the big day.\n- Participating in the ceremony by standing nearby after the bride’s grand entrance until after the couple exchanges their vows.\n- Historically, members of the wedding party would be the witnesses to a marriage, and would sign off on any sort of legal documentation necessary. \n\n## What’s the Difference Between a Wedding Party and a Bridal Party? \n- A __wedding party__ is the term for the entire group of people who participate in the ceremony alongside the couple—the maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and any children such as the flower girl or ring bearer. \n- The __bridal party__, is just the group chosen by the bride to support her on the wedding day. \n\nTraditionally, bridal party members are made up of only women. However, as more and more couples are choosing to do things in their own way, the bride is no longer confined to choosing just women to be in her support crew. Thus the term “wedding party” (or even “commitment crew”) is the more modern, all-inclusive term used to describe the people chosen by the couple to surround and support them on their special day. \n\n## Who Should Be in My Wedding Party?\nThere are three categories of people who are usually included in the wedding party:\n1. __Siblings:__ Any siblings, including step-siblings or future siblings-in-law, are often first on the wedding party list. \n2. __Close family:__ Cousins or other relatives near in age to the couple are also often a good fit for the wedding party.\n3. __Best friends:__ The bride and/or groom’s dearest pals are another good choice for the wedding party—but they should be friends that have, or will, stand the test of time. Keep in mind these are the people that will be in your wedding photos forever!\n\n## Traditional Wedding Party Roles\nAt weddings with a \"head table,\" the wedding party sits with the bride and/or groom. With a \"sweetheart table\", the couple is seated separately from their wedding party, but their closest friends and family are still in close proximity.\n\nHere’s a quick breakdown of the titles and roles you’ll find in a traditional wedding party, as well as lengthier explanations for what each of these roles are expected to do. \n\n- *__Pro Tip:__ While these are the textbook divisions of matrimonial labor, however you choose to assign responsibilities is completely up to you and your partner. If you want to plan your own bachelorette party, skip it entirely, or skip having a wedding party for that matter, do what feels right for you. However you seek outside support during your wedding planning, make sure you articulate nicely and clearly what you need from each of the important people in your life so that they can help you have the meaningful, important day you’re hoping for.*\n\n### Quick Look at Traditional Wedding Party Roles\n- Best Man: the groom’s main dude. \n- Groomsman: the groom’s auxiliary dudes.\n- Maid of Honor: the bride’s main lady.\n- Matron of Honor: the bride’s main lady, but she’s married.\n- Bridesmaid: the bride’s auxiliary ladies.\n- Junior Bridesmaid or Junior Groomsman: usually tween-age family members or children of the bride and groom’s closest\n- Flower girl or boy: usually somewhere between the ages of 3 and 12; petal-tossers.\n- Ring Bearer: usually somewhere between the ages of 3 and 12; ring or sign holder.","body2":"### Detailed Look at Traditional Wedding Party Roles\n- __Best Man:__ A close friend of the groom, the best man is predominantly responsible for the social aspect of the groom’s wedding party. He is expected to:\n - Plan the [bachelor party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-bachelor-parties).\n - Attend the wedding rehearsal \n - Help keep the groomsmen on time throughout the big day.\n - Help out the groom and make sure he has everything he needs.\n - Assist with things like handing out programs to wedding guests or ushering before the ceremony.\n - Serve as keeper of the wedding rings (including handing them over at the correct moment during the wedding ceremony).\n - [Give a speech](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-give-a-great-wedding-toast) during the reception.\n - Share in the regular groomsmen’s responsibilities.\n\n- __Maid or Matron of Honor:__ Traditionally, the maid (or matron) of honor attends all pre-wedding events that the bride attends. Here are the maid of honor’s expected duties: \n - Help plan or host the bridal party luncheon.\n - Attend the wedding rehearsal.\n - Help plan or host the [bridal shower](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-bridal-shower). \n - Help plan or host the [bachelorette party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-bachelorette-parties).\n - Make sure all the bridesmaids are ready with their bridesmaid dress, hair, with hair and makeup and on time on the wedding day.\n - Provide refreshments during getting-ready hours.\n - Hold the bride’s bouquet during portions of the ceremony.\n - Help the bride navigate the bathroom in her dress.\n - Bustle the bride’s wedding dress before the reception.\n - Give a speech during the reception.\n - Shares in the regular bridesmaids’ responsibilities. \n\n- __Bridesmaids & Groomsmen:__ These wedding attendants share many of the same duties. Both bridesmaids and groomsmen are expected to: \n - Attend—and perhaps even plan—pre-wedding events such as the engagement party, bachelor or bachelorette parties, wedding showers, and wedding rehearsals.\n - Buy appropriate wedding attire and accessories.\n - Buy the couple a wedding gift.\n - Get ready with the bride or groom on the wedding day.\n - Process down the aisle and/or stand next to the couple.\n - Act as stand-in hosts as needed during the reception.\n - Hit the dance floor when requested.\n - Occasionally give a speech at the wedding reception.\n\n- __Parents of the Bride(s) or Groom(s):__ Traditionally, the bride’s parents and/or groom’s parents are expected to be involved in both the wedding planning, wedding rehearsals, and the actual wedding day itself, and may also share financial responsibility for part or all of the wedding. The parents of the bride and groom typically: \n - Serve as point people for extended or out-of-town families.\n - Serve as point people for guests who need extra assistance during the wedding ceremony and reception.\n - Some or all of the parents will give a toast at the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception, welcoming their new child-in-law and celebrating the union of their two families.\n\n - __Mother of the Bride:__ The bride’s mother can serve a similar role to the MOH in that she provides an extra level of support throughout the wedding planning process. Mothers of the bride usually help shop for the wedding dress, the bride’s necklace, costumes, and other important garments; she may also have a hand in planning the bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and possibly a bridal luncheon for the bridal party and close female family members. On the wedding day, she helps the bride get ready, may walk her daughter down the aisle, and participate in the first dances. \n\n - __Mother of the Groom:__ The groom’s mother may perform some or all of the above functions, though she usually plays a slightly smaller role than the mother of the bride. The mother of the groom takes part in the mother-son dance.\n\n - __Father of the Bride:__ The bride’s father typically plays a smaller role in the run-up to the wedding, but has several duties on the day of the wedding. Some families choose to have a “first look” with the father of the bride, which allows the bride and her dad to spend some quality time together before the ceremony. The father of the bride often walks his daughter down the aisle and “gives her away” at the altar, either by himself or with the mother of the bride. He will also take part in the father-daughter dance.\n\n - __Father of the Groom:__ The groom’s father’s role is often even more limited, though in recent years more and more grooms have included their fathers as members of their wedding party or even asked their dads to serve as their best men. \n\n- __Other Family and Friends:__ Between (step)parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, you might have a whole horde of family knocking down your door to celebrate you and your partner on your special day...and that’s not even counting all your dear friends. Whether to choose to have a wedding party or not, you can find ways to expand your VIP roster by honoring your loved ones with specific roles or responsibilities. Here are a few ideas (feel free to get creative with titles):\n - Ceremony reader \n - Ceremony musician or singer\n - Ceremony greeter who hands out programs\n - Ceremony usher\n - Guest book attendant \n - Wedding officiant\n - Wedding Dj\n\n## Do You Need to Have a Wedding Party?\nThe short answer is no—having a wedding party is definitely not a requirement if it doesn’t feel right to you and your partner. There are plenty of reasons why a couple might not want any wedding party members: perhaps they have too many friends and family to choose from and don’t want to make tough choices, or perhaps they would prefer to have just the two of them up at the altar for a more intimate moment. If you’re eloping, having a very small wedding, or if this is not your first time getting married, having a wedding party might feel unnecessary. The choice to have a wedding party—and if so, who those people are—is totally up to you.","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_RealWeddings"}},"widget2":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Being a bridesmaid means agreeing to a fairly long list of responsibilities. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of bridesmaid duties.","title":"The Bridesmaid Duties: A Full Breakdown","slug":"what-are-the-bridesmaid-duties","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6QXWPz3k4MiAsmCmeU0eMA/7e2a00bd16521e40896f972d429c5189/Hero_RomanticWeddingatAbigailKirschatTappanHillMansion_ChristopherDugganPhotography__1_.jpg","altText":"Bridesmaid Duties"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Explore creative ideas to plan the perfect bachelorette party weekend. Get tips on how to plan the guest list, budget, itinerary, and more.","title":"A Guide to Bachelorette Parties","slug":"a-guide-to-bachelorette-parties","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5WNGSmVLkk8c6A0mqikmA0/9d0e0089b810d0ba0896d1af18dceea6/Guide-to-Bacherlorette-Parties.jpg","altText":"bride in white silk robe laughing with bridesmaids in mint green bride tribe tank tops"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Get all your questions about bachelor parties—from who is responsible for planning to what to do—in this comprehensive guide. ","title":"A Guide to Bachelor Parties","slug":"a-guide-to-bachelor-parties","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6xYvE1cGvmqiEWoqyMSoy0/c820939acd9d2ea06c136a83dc1d8a41/Hero_VentolaPhotography.jpg","altText":"groom and groomsmen"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A wedding registry is a personalized collection of gifts that an engaged couple has specifically chosen for their guests to shop from in order to make the wedding gifting experience simpler, easier, and more satisfying for everyone.","title":"What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-registry","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2MOrWgRKcg82A4y64i24iG/4449d94511192d74050b3418c02d3ec6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn the how-to's of wedding invitation wording, plus formal and casual wedding invitation examples from the experts.","title":"Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide","slug":"how-to-word-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rENN5B7RPAn14pYP75HgH/d457816cdf42b12cc74b3e7d88b73513/Wedding_Invitaion_Wording_Etiquette.jpg","altText":"green and white wedding invitation on green background"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This bridal shower guide will introduce you to the basics of bridal showers: traditional bridal shower etiquette (and which of those “rules” you can break), whom to invite, what to do, and who pays for it all.","title":"A Guide to Bridal Showers","slug":"a-guide-to-bridal-showers","topic":"Parties & events","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5o4uxtDjG6d4qgVGaLVrBU/16da092c9b0b80d7acca15ab930a1aef/A-Guide-to-Bridal-Showers.jpg","altText":"a bridal shower card labeled \"soon to be mrs.\" on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"The cost of a wedding cake will depend on factors like size, shape, & decor. Read our guide to gain insights on the average cost of a wedding cake this year.","title":"How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2025?","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-cake-costs","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ywuArPikb1BsvjvYzDQhn/24f27696b854c3c5a22eed69292c6c4b/Guide-to-Wedding-Cake-Costs-and-Price.jpg","altText":"Graphic of pink wedding cake with heart cake topper and price tag"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Dress to impress! Your go-to guide for wedding guest attire, from formal to casual. Find the perfect look for every dress code and celebration.","title":"Wedding Guest Attire: A Guide to Every Dress Code","slug":"what-to-wear-to-a-wedding","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5bgD1lwZNmIWCwyoiQgUI/abb4b34d02674b500f4edb610fb1eea6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding guests laughing with bride at wedding receptions"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:45:23.818Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"not-inviting-family-to-your-wedding-dos-and-donts","title":"Not Inviting Family to Your Wedding: Do's and Don'ts","excerpt":"When creating your wedding guest list, you have to decide what family members to invite to your special day. ","author":"Shameika Rhymes","publishedAt":"2021-11-01T17:39:03.104Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2FasL7jbQMuE8Tog7QvCT9/27638355f72d377c0188c58e80b7f68a/Hero_Zola__12_.jpg","altText":"Not Inviting Family to Your Wedding: Do's and Don'ts"},"heroCredit":"Zola","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- There are some things to take into consideration when deciding not to invite family members. Ask yourself: Is your relationship repairable? Are they immediate family? Is there room in the budget to invite everyone?\n- If you decide not to invite family to the wedding, do be compassionate and considerate of their feelings, whatever they may be.\n- Stand your ground, and if you decide to not invite some family members to your wedding, don’t cave to emotional blackmail.","body":"You said “Yes!” Now comes the fun part of planning your dream wedding. But one of your first tasks can be a challenging one: narrowing down the wedding guest list. What if there are some family members that might not make the cut?\n\n__Table of Contents:__\n\nPart 1: Reasons to Not Invite Family to the Wedding \nPart 2: Dos to Consider When Not Inviting Family \nPart 3: Don’ts to Consider When Not Inviting Family \n\nIt’s your wedding, and you can invite whoever you want to. You should definitely never feel obligated to invite anyone, including family members, especially if there’s good reason to leave them off the list. \n\nStill, it can be an undeniably awkward situation. If you’re not sure how to handle it, [Zola](https://www.zola.com/)’s here to help. Read on:\n\n## __Part 1: Reasons to Not Invite Family to the Wedding__ \n\nWeddings often bring family drama to the surface. Usually, it’s important to invite family members to the wedding, but there are some exceptions. \n\n#### __The Relationship is Rocky and Can’t Be Repaired Before the Wedding__\n\nYou want your loved ones surrounding you on your big day, but if there’s tension hovering, things can be a bit awkward. The idea of celebrating your wedding with extra guests you don’t get along with, dislike, or haven’t spoken to in years can be a tough decision. But, you have to ask yourself if it’s worth potentially ruining a relationship. If you’ll be seeing the person or people at future family events, perhaps you should think about mending things. If it's not salvageable, be prepared for possible repercussions. \n\n#### __The Budget is Tight__\n\nThe amount of people you should invite to your wedding depends on a few things, including your budget, venue, and the type of vibe or atmosphere you’re trying to create. Usually, it’s best to split the guest list between you and your partner, so you have an even number of family and friends from both sides. \n\nIf you’re sticking to your wedding budget, then you have to think about how much you’re willing to spend, since that will determine how many people you can invite. Remember: [wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) cost money. If you’re on a tight budget, perhaps you can only afford to invite immediate family members from both sides. \n\n#### __They Make You and Others Uncomfortable__ \nSometimes, there are family members that tend to go overboard with everything. If having them at the wedding will make you or your guests uncomfortable, cutting them from your invite list is perfectly okay. While you could try to fix things ahead of time, sometimes it’s not worth the effort. \nOften, peace of mind is more valuable than having a relative that loves drama or has caused your family pain at the wedding. You shouldn’t feel forced to invite anyone that makes you uncomfortable, especially because it’s your wedding.\n\n## __Part 2: Dos to Consider When Not Inviting Family__ \nThere are many couples who choose not to invite family members for various reasons, but it’s especially hard when it’s because of a strained relationship. Even budget constraints can be delicate, since you still have to be aware of people’s feelings. Here are some things to do when you’re not planning to invite family members to your wedding. \n\n#### __Do Surround Yourself With Loved Ones__\nFor your wedding, you want to feel fulfilled rather than devoid, so it’s important to surround yourself with the people you’ve chosen as family. Family can mean close friends that you consider closer than blood relatives. \n\n#### __Do Be Honest__\nThe worst thing you can do is completely avoid any questions about the uninvited guests. Confront the situation head on by explaining to family members that you had a tough decision, and you wanted everyone there, but the guest list is final. There’s no need to go into why you opted to keep them off the guest list. It’s up to you how much to reveal. \n\n#### __Do Be Mindful and Gentle With People’s Feelings__ \nYou’re already dealing with a lot of stress planning the wedding, and having to hurt someone’s feelings only adds to it. Still, it’s important to be mindful of your family members' feelings and be aware that they actually wanted to share in your big day, not just the free food and drinks. If they ask why they weren’t invited, try not to be offended and understand that they may simply feel left out. \n\n#### __Do Think of Other Ways to Include Non-Invited Family Members__\n\nIf you’re having a smaller, intimate wedding and there are several family members that you weren’t able to invite to your celebration, there are still ways to include them. If you feel bad about not inviting them, have a second reception just for them. That can be in the form of a backyard cookout, a cocktail party, or even a big family dinner. It’s totally up to you and your partner. \n\n#### __Do Invite Them Virtually__ \nYour [wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-venues) and budget may not allow for a big wedding. You can still include them virtually. Set up a webcam, or ask your videographer about streaming the wedding online so family members that weren’t invited to the actual in-person ceremony can still take part. \n\n#### __Do Thank Uninvited Family Members for Gifts__\n\nIf the uninvited family member sends a gift, you should definitely thank them. If the non-invite issue comes up, it’s up to you whether or not you want to have that conversation. Remember: It’s your wedding day, and the guest list is up to you. You don’t have to explain yourself. However, if the person is sensitive about the situation, then you can just explain to them that you had tough decisions to make, but you still love them. \n\n## __Part 3: Don’ts to Consider When Not Inviting Family__ \n\nWith not inviting some family members, there’s bound to be drama and backlash. Here are some tips to help you stand your ground: \n\n#### __Don’t Argue About Your Decision__ \nIt’s inevitable that the uninvited family member is going to be hurt and upset. If they start debating your decision, don’t argue about it. Instead, give them a warning that it’s something you don’t want to discuss. If they continue to ignore that, politely end the conversation. It’s not worth getting into an argument that could get nasty and cause an even bigger rift. \n\n#### __Don’t Give in to Invite Fishing__\n\nIf someone starts getting pushy and fishing for an invite, don’t adjust your guest list because you feel guilty. Simply reiterate your decision and decline to discuss it further. Don’t answer any more questions about it after that. \n\n#### __Don’t Allow Yourself to Be Pressured__\n\nOnce invited family members hear that some other family members weren’t invited, they may threaten not to attend your wedding. This is your wedding, your decision and they have to respect that. Tell them you’re sorry they won’t be attending, but don’t give in to them pushing you to change your mind. \n\nUltimately, it’s your wedding day and your budget. If you have a large family and a smaller budget, there will be some tough cuts. Give yourself grace when creating your guest list, and stand by your decision. Don’t invite the family members that were left off the guest list because you feel obligated or pressured. It’s your wedding—you make the rules. \n\nIf you need help creating your guest list, let [Zola](https://www.zola.com/) help. Use our free and easy to use [guest list manager](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) to make it simpler to collect RSVPs, meal choices, and mailing addresses.","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_WeddingWebsite"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Create Your Free Website","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_WEBSITE"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:09.686Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"what-percentage-of-guests-should-you-expect-to-come-to-your-wedding","title":"How Many Guests Should I Expect to Come to My Wedding?","excerpt":"There are many factors that determine the average wedding size. One of the biggest ones? The percentage of invited guests that actually attend.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2021-09-28T16:50:57.568Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/hEh5LaI5BV3jrLLeswzmc/debe4f2a845721fb2d6db0017d690203/Hero_Zola.jpg","altText":"What Percentage of Guests Should You Expect to Come to Your Wedding?"},"heroCredit":"Zola","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- As a rule of thumb, you can usually expect around 75-85 percent of those invited to actually attend the wedding. \n- Sending out save the dates six to eight months in advance will give guests time to prepare for the wedding—ultimately increasing the number of people who will attend.\n- The average wedding guest list is around 167 people in 2021. Smaller weddings usually hover around 50 people, while larger celebrations can reach up to 300 or more guests. \n- Putting together your perfect guest list is easy at Zola. From stylish wedding invitations to digital seating charts, couples can plan everything with the click of a button.","body":"There are many joys that come with planning your wedding. From selecting the floral arrangements to trying on wedding bands, putting together your big day is full of fun, creative, and important choices.\n\nThen, there’s the guest list. Crafting your wedding guest list can be a source of stress for many couples. How many people should I invite? Can my wedding venue hold this many guests? Is my second cousin’s childhood best friend going to be angry if she’s not invited?\n\nThese are just a few of the burning questions soon-to-be spouses ask when putting together their wedding guest list. \n\nOn top of making these decisions, there’s also the question of who will even attend the wedding after they receive the invitation. The percentage of guests that actually RSVP can vary depending on the location, date, and time of your wedding. \n\nFortunately, Zola has you covered. In this article, we’ll be discussing all the variables that go into your wedding guest list, including how many people you should invite and which guests are most likely to show up. \n\n## Wedding Guests 101 \nThe simple truth is that not everyone you invite will end up coming to your wedding. Excluding extremely small ceremonies of just the wedding party, usually about 75-85 percent of the people you invite will actually attend your wedding.\n\n### Types of Guests\nOne of the biggest influences on whether or not a guest attends your wedding is their proximity to the location. Generally speaking, there are usually three different types of wedding guests:\n\n- __Local guests –__ Typically, around 85 percent of local guests will attend your wedding. These are people who live in or around the city where the ceremony is taking place.\n\n- __Out-of-town guests –__ For many people, a large portion of their list will be out-of-town guests. These guests may not live too far away, but they’ll usually need to stay a couple of nights in order to attend. Couples can expect about 55 percent of out-of-town guests to be present at their wedding. \n\n- __Destination –__ Finally, we have destination wedding guests. Destination weddings typically require a flight and an extended stay at the wedding location, making it the smallest percentage of the three. Couples should expect about 35 percent of destination wedding guests to attend their big day. That being said, guest lists for destination weddings are often much shorter than a traditional celebration, so this is a factor to keep in mind. \n\nIf you’re planning an out-of-town or destination wedding, finding accommodations for guests doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Zola users can easily create hotel blocks with our online [Hotel Planner](https://zola.hotelplanner.com/Group-Rate/)—making it possible for all your loved ones to join in on the celebration.\n\n### Average Wedding Size\nIt’s also important to note that the size of a wedding guest list can range quite a bit. While some people prefer to invite only family and wedding party members, others may include their friends and co-workers. The size of your guest list is ultimately up to personal preference, budget, and venue. \n\nTypically most weddings do not have guest lists that exceed 200 people. In fact, the average wedding in 2021 consisted of 167 according to Wedding Stats.\n\nBeyond this average, every couple will have a different idea of how big they want their wedding to be. Most weddings can be broken down into three categories:\n\n- __Small weddings –__ Small weddings are great for couples who want an intimate celebration of love. A short guest list can also keep your wedding budget low and leave money for decor, food, and experience. Smaller weddings are typically made up of around 50 people or so.\n\n- __Large weddings –__ If you have the money and the space, a large wedding can be a blast. Large weddings are also extremely inclusive and allow for all your friends and family to celebrate your big day together. Big weddings may have guest lists as long as 300 people or more. \n\n- __Destination weddings –__ Did you know that one in four weddings are actually destination weddings? This may surprise many people, but the truth is that destination weddings happen all the time; however, their guest lists are usually pretty exclusive. This is because many people cannot take the time off work or afford the accommodations required for a destination wedding. For these reasons, couples planning a destination wedding will typically keep their guest list small—with an average of 86 people.\n\n## Invitation Timeline \nEnsuring that a majority of your guests actually show up is all about timing. It’s crucial that couples give their loved ones ample time to prepare for the big day, especially when it comes to guests who are traveling to attend. \n\nThe key to preparing your guests for the wedding date is utilizing save the dates.\n\n### What Are Save the Dates?\nWhat’s the difference between a wedding invitation and a save the date? \n\nFor one, save the dates are more casual. They do not include an RSVP or any detailed information regarding the wedding ceremony and wedding reception. Instead, save the dates are a simple heads up that a wedding is in the works.\n\nSave the dates typically convey three main points:\n\n- The names of the couple\n- The city where the wedding is going to be held\n- The exact date of the wedding ceremony\n\nSave the dates are a vital step in the wedding process, and you’ll want to send them out around six to eight months before the wedding date.\n\n### When Should Invitations Be Sent?\nWedding Invitations are the more formal side of reserving loved one’s weekends. They typically include an RSVP card (or instructions for a digital RSVP process). Your invitations will also go into greater detail about the following information:\n\n- The exact location of the ceremony\n- The time of the ceremony\n- Reception information\n- Dress code\n- Travel information, transportation, and accommodations \n\nUnlike save the dates, invitations are sent out much later—around six to eight weeks before the wedding. \n\nSending your invitations earlier may seem like a good idea if you want all your guests to attend the wedding; however, this is not typically done. The reason is that many people aren’t able to predict their schedules much further than two months ahead. Additionally, when it’s set too far in advance, many people will forget the wedding is approaching. Plus, that’s what the save the date is for.\n\nLooking for a place to purchase all your wedding stationery? Zola has you covered. We offer hundreds of stylish [wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) and [save the date](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop) designs, and users can even match the two for a perfectly seamless look. \n\n## Expectations for Your Guest List \nPlanning a wedding is a lot of work, and setting realistic expectations is crucial to keeping the process smooth and organized.\n\nHere’s what you need to know about guest list expectations:\n\n- __Be realistic –__ You’ll want to keep expectations realistic by asking yourself important questions along the way. How many people do you really want there? How many meals can you afford? Which out-of-town guests have the means of traveling to the wedding location?\n\n- __Keep your space in mind –__ The ceremony and reception venue you select will have a major impact on how long your guest list can be. Consider how many people your venue can hold comfortably and work within these confines. Fortunately, Zola users can check out our database of pre-screened [wedding vendors](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) and search for [wedding venues](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-venues) based on size. We have options that range from intimate gatherings of 50 people to large celebrations of 300 or more.\n\n- __Don’t be offended –__ When crafting your guest list and sifting through RSVPs, it’s important to not let emotions get out of control. Planning a wedding can be stressful, and finding out a loved one can’t come never feels good. That being said, couples should keep in mind that people have busy lives, and some loved ones may not be able to travel at this time. Always remember that your friends and family still love you even if they’re unable to attend the wedding. \n\n## Creating Your Guest List\nSo we’ve covered the main question at hand: what percentage of people will attend your wedding, but where do you go from here? Gauging how many people will RSVP to your wedding is important because it will help you craft the best guest list possible.\n\nMost couples start by creating their own individual lists and then combining them for a final tally. Here’s how to do this, step-by-step:\n\n- __Step 1:__ Your immediate family – You’ll want to begin your guest list with the immediate family members who will be attending the wedding—this includes parents, siblings, and in-laws.\n\n- __Step 2:__ Wedding party members – By this point, you’ve probably already chosen your wedding party members (ie. best man, best maiden, maid of honor, man of honor, etc.)—so including these guests on your list will be pretty easy. Most wedding parties are typically no larger than 10 people, with five members on each side. \n\n- __Step 3:__ Extended family – Next, consider how many extended family members you’ll want to invite. This list includes grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and perhaps any close family friends. This step will often take up a large portion of your guest list, since many people have large extended families.\n\n- __Step 4:__ Close and mutual friends – Next, you have all the friends who are not part of the wedding party. Think about your friends in terms of groups and go through your list thoroughly to make sure that you haven’t forgotten anyone important. You and your fiance can also compare lists when it comes to mutual friends, in order to avoid sending out double invites by accident. \n\n- __Step 5:__ Co-workers – Do you have any colleagues from work that you’d like to invite? If you have the space on your guest list, now is the time to include them. The same goes for colleagues from any previous jobs that you’ve had who you remained friends with. \n\n- __Step 6:__ Spouses and significant others – Traditionally, it’s common courtesy to invite the spouses and partners of any of your guests. As far as new romantic relationships go, there is no cut-and-dry etiquette for invitations, but it’s always polite to give adult guests a plus one. \n\n- __Step 7:__ Children – If you’re inviting the parents of a young child, it’s a nice gesture to invite their children too. That being said, some couples may prefer to have a child-free wedding, and this practice is fairly common. Sometimes, parents are excited for a night to themselves—in this case, we recommend giving people a heads up so that they can find a babysitter. \n\n- __Step 8:__ Guests of parents – If parents are contributing money to the wedding, it's customary for them to add their own guests to the list—this goes for your spouse’s parents, too.\n\n- __Step 9:__ Out-of-town guests – For couples with close friends and family who live far away, it’s traditional to send out an invitation to them regardless of whether or not they can come. Not only is this the polite thing to do, but it also leaves room for a pleasant surprise if they actually can make it.\n\n- __Step 10:__ Plus ones – Although we briefly touched upon this subject in step six, plus ones are crucial to keep in mind when crafting your guest list. If you’re allowing a guest to bring a plus one, this must be stated on the invitation. If not explicitly stated, this usually means a plus one is not expected. Not being specific about plus-ones can lead to problems with seating, so just be sure to make this as clear as possible. Traditionally, single adults are allowed plus ones, while younger guests are not. Plus-ones can be a sensitive subject, since most people do not want to attend a wedding alone. This is why it's important to remain considerate when determining the plus one rule for your wedding day. \n\nYou and your fiance will each make your own list, and then compare at the end. While these lists should be relatively equal, the final number is ultimately up to you. If you tend to keep your circle tight, and your spouse is more of a social butterfly, there’s nothing wrong with them having a few more guests on their list. Just remember to communicate and make sure that you’re on the same page every step of the way. \n\n## Building Your Seating Chart\nAfter you’ve finalized the guest list, it’s time to move on to the seating chart. \n\nGenerally, weddings of over 50 people will need a seating chart to keep things organized. Here are some basic tips you’ll want to keep in mind when crafting this essential part of your wedding day:\n\n- __Choose tables wisely –__ You’ll want to spend a good amount of time figuring out who will sit together at each table. Usually, wedding party members sit together with the happy couple. Families will also typically sit together, often sectioned off by immediate family or sides of the family. The parents of the couple may sit together or with their own family members, depending on their relationship to each other. Friends from the same groups—such as high school friends, college friends, and co-workers—will usually sit together, too.\n\n- __Kids table –__ If you do choose to invite kids, you’ll probably have a designated kids table. Most weddings only have a single kids table, since a majority of guests will be adults.\n\n- __Surprise guests –__ Sometimes, you get a few surprise arrivals on your wedding day. This may be due to a lost RSVP in the mail, or an unexpected plus one brought by a guest. It’s important to have a few extra chairs on hand just in case an additional guest arrives.\n\n### How Many People Should Sit at Each Table? \nThe number of guests at each table will depend on your venue and layout, but large circular tables can usually fit around eight to 12 people comfortably. \n\nSome couples may opt for longer, rectangular tables to create a family-style dining experience. These types of tables are able to fit a larger number of people and may work better for more intimate gatherings by allowing all your guests to sit together. \n\nPutting together a seating chart on paper can be complicated and time-consuming. That’s why many couples are ditching the cork boards and thumbtacks for Zola’s [online guest list manager](https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard/wedding-guest-list?question=NAME). Users can create organized seating charts directly on our website and save them for later.\n\n## Plan Your Perfect Guest List at Zola \nWedding planning can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be when you use Zola.\n\nZola is your one-stop shop for all your nuptial necessities: from helpful planning tools—like our vendor database and online guest manager—to stylish invitation designs, and even [Expert Wedding Advice](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice). Once you start putting together your big day from the comfort of home, you’ll be able to ditch the stress and jump straight to the celebration.\n\nStart planning your wedding the modern way today, at Zola!","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"How does one go about choosing a wedding venue? Here's the rundown on one of the first tasks you’ll need to accomplish after saying “yes!”","title":"10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Dzm0QohK8uai2YouWoMUg/f7db6c6feb0fe4c3d27f9f2a914572ad/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-choose-venue.jpg","altText":"Bridge and groom in front of the church"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"All-inclusive wedding venues provide essential services, thus reducing your need to vet and book wedding vendors. Is all-inclusive right for you? Find out here.","title":"All-Inclusive Wedding Venues: Pros and Cons","slug":"all-inclusive-wedding-venues-pros-and-cons","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5eznmjUVFSy09jRw72LyF0/a741e4fd3b17ed5e3a8adba1d52d2be9/Hero_Zola.jpg","altText":"All-Inclusive Wedding Venues: Pros and Cons"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Don’t miss a wedding planning detail with our complete, expert-crafted wedding checklist and timeline. Free, printable version inside!","title":"2024/25 Printable Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline - Zola","slug":"your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist","topic":"Wedding planning 101","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4fA6of0jjP7aJqXJRy0JOx/edd3b48f6fea1e273025d3db462dd4be/Ultimate_Wedding_Planning_Checklist.jpg","altText":"wedding planning checklist"},"type":"checklistPage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"Save the dates add an extra touch of style and coordination to your wedding. Find out why and when you should send your save the dates with this complete guide.","title":"A Guide to Save The Dates","slug":"a-guide-to-save-the-dates","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1l4X83Mek3961mcDS1Mxap/63f3401f482b291ea6472fab334c2ef8/A-Guide-to-Save-the-Date.jpg","altText":"wedding save the date by zola"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Weddings are celebrations and things can get out of hand. Here's exactly how to deal with drunk wedding guests (and even prevent too much over-drinking).","title":"How to Handle a Super Drunk Wedding Guest","slug":"drunk-wedding-guest","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/rYISVmCrOfIIgAmkT3uFy/9765708ee6387e13b1da83eb0163a74f/pexels-cottonbro-3171736.jpg","altText":"drunk wedding guests"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:45:27.967Z"}],"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions","description":"Lots of questions come up when planning a wedding. Find answers to all of your wedding planning questions in these articles. From which vendors to tip to most common wedding etiquette questions to how to write thank-you cards, our experts guide you through."},{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding decorations","slug":"wedding-decorations"},"slug":"wedding-themes","title":"75 Wedding Themes to Inspire Every Type of Couple","excerpt":"Looking for wedding themes to suit your personality and style? Zola has you covered with 75 of the best wedding theme ideas from classic to artsy to seriously unique.","author":"Jane Chertoff and Georgie Darling","publishedAt":"2023-12-20T00:00-05:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3HoNcgvHL38H89n8156o1/1017eb099f8518bbd5457c495a5e4753/73_Wedding_Themes_to_Inspire.jpg","altText":"Grid of different wedding styles - glitz and glam, tropical, rustic, summer camp."},"heroCredit":"Zola","heroCreditUrl":"http://www.zola.com","tldr":"## Inside this article \n\n- The 25 most popular wedding themes\n- Do I need a theme for my wedding?\n- How do I choose a wedding theme?\n- 50 more wedding theme ideas","body":"The perfect wedding theme awaits you!\n\nChoosing your wedding theme is one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day. But with so many to choose from, where do you start? \n\nSure, you could keep it simple with a non-themed wedding. \n\nOr you could branch out with wedding aesthetics that perfectly match your personality and style. We’ve put together an extensive list of different wedding themes that can be tailored to all sorts of couples, tastes, and budgets. \n\nRead on for 75 of the most popular wedding themes, complete with visual inspo and decor tips to help you plan your own wedding day.\n\n## 25 most popular themes for weddings\n \nBefore we jump into all the types of wedding themes to choose from — whether you're classic or creative, glam or vintage, alternative or boho-inspired — we’ve rounded up some of the most popular wedding themes for today's soon-to-be-married couples:\n\n1. __Formal Contemporary__\n![venue](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/NCb4QSehqsH1O6ku81ZwQ/f1b36511ffe074d0fa2206620cd54fcd/AdobeStock_124832951.jpeg)\nStick to the basics with this upscale wedding theme that uses modern design elements. Draped fabrics, crystal chandeliers, and tall centerpieces will bring this sophisticated look together.\n\n2. __Classic Glam__\n![gabriella-clare-marino-lcGz6gZsSsk-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6nhKyagLnjkBU86Stv0GTa/56cd1704e129754dd9272ec0f50d8de6/gabriella-clare-marino-lcGz6gZsSsk-unsplash.jpg)\nA classic glam affair is dazzling and over the top, with luxurious details from the venue to the decor. Monochromatic color palettes are popular, with metallics mixed in to add glitz and glamor.\n\n3. __Natural__\n![3](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/mQVJUEDKRzSAcxNhkzS5r/06a8f988d6f6c5b27a6305aa089fcb5c/3.jpg)\nConsider an open-air courtyard to celebrate the beauty of nature throughout your wedding day. Eco-friendly wedding details such as edible favors and a sustainable exit help add detail to your natural wedding vibe.\n\n4. __Winter Wonderland__\nYour winter wedding celebration can glisten like snow with a winter wonderland theme. Use sparkles, snowflakes, and holiday decorations to achieve this dreamy aesthetic.\n\n5. __Full Bloom__\n![5](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/123fEytq6FEaqjrbMVosxh/82c2ce732970503702bfc8f50bcb3a41/5.jpg)\nIn spring, all the flowers are in bloom—and you can use those vibrant bouquets as inspiration for your wedding theme. Incorporate fresh spring flowers into every element of your wedding decor — from elaborate table arrangements to a floral arbor.\n\n6. __Modern Minimalist__\n![6](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5XuVKWIWHNJYPAdSsaRZlQ/fda90e4a35159a191260ca339a3332f1/6.jpeg)\nLess is more with this simplistic theme that uses shapes, geometry, and small pops of color to come to life. You could even take it one step further, with a black and white wedding theme.\n\n7. __Mid-century Modern__\nEmbrace this retro (yet still modern) design style in your wedding decor with clean lines, sleek wooden textures, retro tablescapes and burnt orange furniture.\n\n8. __Art Deco__\n![8](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2J5GNIvt5PR4pBEK4VuDhQ/1dc157f53715d502158be278d83abeea/8.jpg)\nCelebrate the timeless elegance of the roaring ’20s with gold decor, sparkling sequins, feathers, and lots of bubbly. Use a wedding style color scheme of white, gold, and black for a sophisticated art deco design.\n\n9. __Classic Romance__\n![9](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3ZsG4M3PS4Wpg9uvAvHrzX/b8f4b01fba69c5b21d62dd332895fed8/9.jpg)\nThis timeless wedding theme comes with a soft, delicate palette of pinks and golds and traditional table decor such as bouquets made of roses and peonies. To set the romantic mood, provide candlelight and intimate seating for your guests.\n\n10. __Vineyard Chic__\nWine enthusiasts can make bubbly an important part of their wedding day with a vineyard chic celebration. To bring your vision to life, consider hosting your ceremony and reception at an actual vineyard and using wine bottles and corks as creative decor.\n\n11. __Botanical Theme__\n![11](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/xZSL48LapGehOVh9b62H0/df650db710d783d39815eac4513b0003/11.jpg)\nIf you plan to play up florals on your wedding day, consider a botanical wedding theme. This upscale garden party theme is luxe and sophisticated, and typically features metallic palettes and opulent floral displays. Send a floral save the date, wedding invitation, and wedding paper to match your wedding theme decor.\n\n12. __Rustic__\n![pablo-lancaster-jones-eIm1bSLSBSk-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/Ip8zWaSayVAc84dIM44wD/0e2d2e9895c1f47a8f49a0bc4149967e/pablo-lancaster-jones-eIm1bSLSBSk-unsplash.jpg)\nFor a rustic theme—which is popular with outdoor weddings—play up natural elements or homey decor (like plenty of greenery and mason jar floral arrangements).\n\n13. __Vintage Travel__\n![23](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3xptsVMWQTP85NL0wCTBd9/2da07077f1c124614d9144e7b5b1e127/23.jpg)\nAdventure seekers will love decorating for this theme that uses antique globes, postcards, and other vintage travel pieces as creative decor. Celebrate your wanderlust as you embark on the greatest journey of all.\n\n14. __Art History__\n![sara-darcaj-oXJ2SGSvZZs-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/66RHqmmSMIBAZ214Hgqjgl/872c028b099a14ba178c85031d61a55f/sara-darcaj-oXJ2SGSvZZs-unsplash.jpg)\nFor a tasteful and refined affair, consider a theme that commemorates art history throughout its decor and design. A museum or small art gallery is the perfect setting for this eventful art lesson.\n\n15. __Country__\n![15](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/BrdpO0Z0fVTagdg4A6sKg/649d3f3d06038eb421bdfcf4193882aa/15.jpg)\nBreak out the cowboy boots and country music at a ranch-style wedding. You can even incorporate ranch activities like hayrides and horseback rides if your venue allows it.\n\n16. __Shabby Chic__\n![16](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5L5g4wJV22i05ZtalQz7xh/5c6cc222fd3d043a7c196a5388e411d8/16.jpg)\nThis rustic-meets-vintage wedding style is all about romantic, soft textures and warm colors. Take something old and make it new again by decorating with antique centerpieces and light fixtures.\n\n17. __Tropical__\n![17](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3lYIwjJeCeh1Bxa0ATwu43/38fa98159face58ebb0acfbb7146b51e/17.jpg)\nYou don’t have to get married on the beach to embrace the island vibe. Use lush palms, exotic flowers, and conch shells to pull together a tropical wedding, and encourage guests to get into theme with resort wear.\n\n18. __Nautical__\nIf your ideal honeymoon is something water-based, a nautical theme might be the best choice for you. Anchor your love in place with a wedding theme that celebrates the high seas. Dress your celebration up with blue hues, breezy linens, and delicious seafood stations.\n\n19. __Beach__\n![19](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7r5QGMTzRURk2sEl5aLGRT/bbe086ec3848797181e856f3b38c0d89/19.jpg)\nIf you’re dreaming of getting married barefoot, toes in the sand, then a beach wedding is for you! Embrace the shoreline with your decor and bouquet with a wedding arch made of dried poms.\n\n20. __Tea Party__\nHost a vintage tea party for a daytime wedding celebration that’s both casual and cute. Serve snacks on fine China, have bridesmaids carry parasols, and don’t forget delicate touches of lace in your vintage wedding invitations and decor.\n\n21. __Royal Wedding__\n![21](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1UZ1uCYGA6Eo9jgSE3UGVR/3c99b4dc106b2bfd08aca74c23375c46/21.jpg)\nThis is one of those wedding party themes that takes inspo from the experts. Channel the grace of Meghan Markle and the tradition of the British royal family with this romantic wedding theme. Myrtle flowers, London artwork, tiaras, and tea help make this look authentically chic.\n\n22. __French Countryside__\n![22](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/62fKY1mDFNrUQP5Vg4bdzA/cc5fbdf5407e0c966e95aa388eefc1da/22.jpg)\nIf you’re getting married at a chateau-style venue, consider saying “I do” the French way. This wedding theme mixes opulence with rustic chic. Make sure to bring lots of lavender, macarons, and baguettes baked with love.\n\n23. __Fall Foliage__\n![12](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2AGHcR19ih0yOMVuDinigw/153a7a3f19c636642a17285d26db281d/12.jpg)\nUse the colors of fall to inspire your wedding style—think maroon, gold, and forest green.\n\n24. __Masquerade__\nWhether you’re channeling Venice or Mardi Gras, this fun and festive wedding theme is heavy on glitz, glamour, and mystery. You can even ask guests to join in on the fun with thematic masks. \n\n25. __Alice in Wonderland__\nTake your guests down a rabbit hole with this themed garden party idea. Bring the look together with eclectic touches such as clocks, cards, pocket watches, and pastels.\n\n## Do I need a theme for my wedding? \n \n\nThough having one isn't mandatory, having a wedding theme can help you decide on the style of your dress and bridesmaid dresses, the wedding cake/food you serve, the design of your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) and invitations, the color of your flowers and more. Having a wedding theme can also help you create more cohesion with your other pre-wedding events—for example, connecting your wedding theme with your [bachelorette party theme](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/bachelor-party-ideas).\n\n## How do I choose a wedding theme?\n \n\nIf you’re looking for wedding inspiration, you’ve come to the right place! Regardless of whether you are planning a fall wedding or spring wedding, there are plenty of unique wedding reception themes for you and your partner to choose from. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite wedding theme ideas that will provide inspiration for every type of couple, from book lovers to outdoor enthusiasts and more!\n\n## 50 more themes for weddings\n \nLooking for something a little more outside-the-box when it comes to your wedding theme? Read on for 50 more themes for weddings, inspired by art, culture, travel, movies and more.\n\n### Classic wedding themes with a twist\n\nIf you're a traditional, classic person, chances are you're going to gravitate towards traditional, classic wedding themes.\n\nBut \"classic\" and \"traditional\" certainly don't need to translate to \"boring!\" There are plenty of different ways to make these wedding themes unique and exciting, and an expression of your style as a couple:\n\n### Classic modern wedding themes\n\n26. __Preppy:__ Your country club wedding is the perfect stage for a preppy wedding theme. Combine bright accents and modern patterns together for a bold and flirty design in your modern [save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop), [invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop), and [decor](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/party-supplies-decor).\n\n27. __Feminine Maximalist:__ More is more with this colorful and bold wedding theme that plays up dramatic displays and quirky touches. Make your maximalism pretty in pink with cascading florals and bright embellishments.\n\n![wedding-themes-modern](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5nMSWtCHql6osd2SuhfSkO/34635f336c93404eb8e25349d9190943/wedding-themes-modern.png)\nSources: [Mariah Naella](https://weddings.mariahnaella.com/) | [Kate Merrill Photography](https://www.katemerrillphoto.com/) | [J Wiley Photography](https://jwileyphotography.com/) | [Captured Frames](https://capturedframes.com/) \n\n### Classic glamorous wedding themes\n\n28. __Chic Estate:__ Old world glam takes center stage on the sprawling estate lawn during your ceremony and reception. Dress up your wedding tent with linens, lights, and floating florals for a look that’s elegant and refined.\n\n29. __Renaissance:__ Take your love back in time with this historical wedding theme. Consider replacing the traditional bridal dress with a medieval gown and serving up a menu full of ancient spices.\n\n### Classic rustic wedding themes\n\n30. __Farm-to-Table__: Make food the focal point of your day by creating an outdoor ambiance using organic decor and fresh menu offerings. Try an earthy palette and [centerpieces](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-centerpiece-ideas) that feature fruits and vegetables.\n\n31. __Southern Charm__: Peach cobbler and citrus are just some of the fixings to serve at your Deep South-inspired celebration. Play up feminine details and casual elegance in your ceremony and reception.\n\n![wedding-themes-rustic](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5C7BBB22goYR39EyK4V51D/1756be84e55408a255a481a8a5376210/wedding-themes-rustic.png)\nSources: [Stacey Able Photography](http://www.stacyable.com/citrus-lake-atitlan-guatemala-destination-wedding-photography/) | [Mango Studios](https://mangostudios.com/) | [Lara Hotz](http://larahotz.com/) | [Nichols Photographers](https://www.nicholsphotographers.com/) \n\n### Classic destination wedding themes\n\n32. __Grecian:__ Host a wedding worthy of the gods by adorning your venue in drapes, vines, and earthy colors. Gold accents and greenery can help make the white and cream drapery pop.\n\n33. __Midnight in Paris__: You don’t have to go all the way to France to have a dazzling Parisian wedding celebration. Go full 1920s glam or create a more subtle vibe using nostalgic touches such as books written by Hemmingway as centerpiece decor.\n\n## Creative wedding themes\n\nWant to embrace a more bespoke vibe for your wedding? Then creative wedding themes might be just what you've been looking for. Think outside of the box while planning your dream wedding with these unique, creative wedding themes:\n\n### Creative seasonal wedding themes\n\n34. __Summer glamp:__ Go glamping for a laid-back camp-themed wedding with a touch of glamour. Elevate a barn or backyard venue with feminine furniture and festive food stations for a summer camp experience like no other.\n\n35. __Midsummer:__ Celebrate the Swedish Midsummer holiday with a summertime ceremony that is centered around florals. Host a daytime picnic where you and your guests relax in the sun while making flower crowns and wreaths.\n\n### Creative modern wedding themes\n\n36. __Postmodern industrial:__ Revitalize an unexpected venue space such as an old factory or abandoned warehouse with a gritty and contemporary spin by using sharp lines and sleek accents. This theme looks to the future of design so have some fun picturing what your postmodern world looks like.\n\n37. __Geode:__ This glittering gemstone wedding theme really rocks. Incorporate agate place cards, a geode cake design, and other stone accents to achieve this look.\n\n38. __Pop art:__ If you’re looking for a bright wedding theme that always stays relevant, throw a pop art wedding. This style, made famous by artist Andy Warhol, mixes pop culture items with more traditional pieces for a look that’s anything but boring.\n\n### Creative glamorous wedding themes\n\n39. __Desert chic:__ Achieve an earthy glam aesthetic—with a boho touch—by mixing elevated bohemian elements with desert plants. This is perfect for a summer wedding theme in the western heat. Send guests home with a succulent wedding favor to complete the theme.\n\n40. __Breakfast at Tiffany’s:__ Your wedding palette can’t get more luxurious than Tiffany Blue. This classy wedding theme will embody the late great Audrey Hepburn, so play up her timeless style with white and black fashion accessories.\n\n![wedding-themes-vineyard](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5a6sYi76hFOXds4k9tixJs/4de7808084b73d3b6252d3960c97a1ea/wedding-themes-vineyard.jpg)\n\n### Creative rustic wedding themes\n\n41. __Kentucky Derby:__ This upscale country wedding theme is perfect for spring weddings. Bring southern glitz and glamour into your day with derby favorites like chic hats, mint juleps, and of course, horses!\n\n42. __Patriotic:__ If you, your spouse, or someone you love has served, consider paying homage to their sacrifice with red, white, and navy blue wedding details. You can encourage veterans and service members to come dressed in uniform.\n\n### Creative vintage wedding themes\n\n43. __The Beatles:__ All You Need Is Love, and what better way to prove it, than with a Beatles-themed wedding? Get creative with a songwriting guestbook or tables named after your favorite songs. \n\n44. __1950s:__ Take it back to happy days with a retro rock-a-billy wedding. Wear a tea length wedding gown and perfectly coiffed hair to achieve the aesthetic, and set up a photo booth to capture all the fun.\n\n45. __Elvis elopement:__ Elope like you’re in Las Vegas, complete with your own Elvis Presley officiant. You can keep it casual with this vintage style ceremony.\n\n46. __Fantasy of flight:__ If you’re an aviation enthusiast, consider celebrating the fantasy of flight on your wedding day. Pick a former airport hangar as your venue, and have fun with vintage photography of famous journeys in the air.\n\n47. __Theatre:__ If you and your partner are film buffs, consider hosting your wedding at a historical theater. Make movie magic part of your day with popcorn, a film screening, and touches of old Hollywood glamor.\n\n48. __Peacock:__ Channel the glamor of 1920s lounges with a peacock wedding theme. This mod, chic wedding style uses the beautiful shades of peacock feathers to bring together the ceremony and reception details.\n\n![wedding-themes-vintage](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4WYEPXwvnrWa8EmgcIBVlf/1706751532c9b5957dc651f45153a4f9/wedding-themes-vintage.jpg)\n\n### Creative storybook wedding themes\n\n49. __Harry Potter:__ If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling to Hogwarts, a magical ball might be the wedding theme for you. Break out your wand, spell books, and chocolate frogs and throw a party that would make Potter proud.\n\n50. __A Midsummer Night’s Dream:__ Host a magical Shakespearean-inspired wedding in the height of summer — think fairy lights and greenery at a post-sunset celebration that’s heavy on the romance and wine.\n\n51. __Romantic Fairytale:__ Plan an upscale fairytale wedding that’s rich in romantics. Use a pink and white color palette for a dreamy aesthetic and add tasteful touches to your reception decor.\n\n52. __Great Gatsby:__ Celebrate the Jazz Age with a Gatsby-inspired party featuring diamonds, feathers, and glamorous accents — don’t forget the champagne towers and fringe.\n\n53. __Twilight:__ Edward and Bella knew a thing or two about love. Channel the infamous Twilight wedding outdoors with dangling florals and wooden furniture.\n\n54. __Enchanted Forest:__ Earthy couples can embrace the mystique of the forest with this wedding theme that features twinkling lights, hanging moss, and greenery vines.\n\n55. __Secret Garden:__ Take a page from the English novel and host a wedding inspired by the cozy and lush charm of a British garden.\n\n56. __Disney:__ Inspire childlike wonder with a Disney-themed wedding. Whether you focus on one story, such as Cinderella, or mix in elements from multiple fairytales, this theme is sure to evoke nostalgia in your guests. These [Disney-inspired Save the Dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/disney) and invitations come with free, Disney-themed wedding websites, too.\n\n![wedding-themes-storybook](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3IFGw2bYrJRy1ZQ1lZnZ6d/ca5f543d579da46308713572557ccad5/wedding-themes-storybook.png)\nSources: [Stephanie Weber Photography](https://stephanieweberphotography.com/) | [Nirav Patel](https://niravpatelphotography.com/) | [Abigail Malone](https://abigailmalone.com/) | [Arte De Vie](https://artedevie.com/) and [Blue Gardenia Events ](http://www.bluegardeniaevents.com/)\n\n### Creative destination wedding themes\n\n57. __Bali Vibes:__ Even if you’re not saying “I do” with your toes in the sand, a Bali-themed wedding complete with rattan decor, vibrant flowers, and tropical floral decor will have you feeling the sunshine on your back on your special day.\n\n58. __Aloha Brunch:__ Host a Hawaiian-inspired luau during the day so you can take advantage of the sunshine and vibrant colors. The morning reception opens up new menu offerings like banana pancakes and mimosas.\n\n59. __Jungalow:__ What is a Jungalow wedding? Jungalow designer Justina Blakeney describes this design style as wild, cozy, and homey, with boho touches and lots of plants—perfect for a more bohemian wedding.\n\n60. __Yacht:__ This is not your average wedding on the water. Take your nautical up a notch with an upscale, black-tie wedding on (or inspired by) a yacht!\n\n61. __Under the Sea:__ Hold your under-the-sea nuptials at an aquarium so you can say “I do” alongside creatures of the deep. Decorate with turquoise, coral centerpieces, and sand dollars.\n\n62. __Rainforest:__ If you’re interested in hosting a private, tranquil affair, consider a rainforest-themed wedding. Pick a destination with rich, natural landscapes, send a destination wedding save the date, and play up the greenery decor.\n\n63. __Yoga Retreat:__ Enter marriage with a cleansed mind and spirit. You and your guests can reach a Zen state through meditation during the ceremony. Then dress up your reception with yoga-inspired relics and handwoven blankets.\n\n64. __Safari:__ If you and your spouse are animal lovers, consider a safari wedding theme. Embrace natural tones mixed with animal prints for an eclectic, bush-inspired vibe.\n\n### Creative alternative wedding themes\n\n65. __Rock ‘n Roll:__ Get inspired by rock stars from decades past with a wedding theme that celebrates your love for music, fashion, and eclectic decor. You can rock n’ roll all wedding night, and then party every day with your spouse from here on after!\n\n66. __Festival:__ If you and your partner love music festivals, consider a festival wedding where guests camp onsite, rock floral crowns, and dance into the night\n\n67. __Carnival:__ Be kids for the day with this wedding theme that lets you relive your childhood. Incorporate playful touches such as balloons, circus tents, and fair food.\n\n68. __Gothic:__ A castle-like venue is the perfect setting for a gothic affair. Consider ditching the white wedding dress in favor of something more thematic and don’t forget to light up lots of candelabras.\n\n69. __Steampunk:__ This chic and sexy wedding theme is reminiscent of the steam-powered aesthetics of the Victorian era. Have some fun with your wedding day outfit and encourage guests to get into the theme, too!\n\n70. __Celestial:__ If your love burns as bright as the stars in the galaxy, consider a celestial wedding to celebrate the sky. Star-crossed lovers can get decor inspiration and color palettes from astronomy, stars, and outer space with this out-of-this-world wedding theme.\n\n71. __Mountain:__ If you’re a morning person and/or lover of the outdoors, how about a hiking-themed wedding that has your guests up and active at dawn? Play up the hiking theme after your intimate, mountainside ceremony with a celebratory brunch reception.\n\n72. __Halloween:__ If you’re getting married in the fall, take advantage of the spooky season’s deep color palette and popular accessories such as pumpkins, smoke, and crystal balls.\n\n73. __Murder mystery:__ While you have everyone all dressed up, why not throw a murder mystery (and some funky accents) into the mix? Perfect for couples who love games, this wedding theme can be incorporated into the decorations, entertainment, and menu.\n\n74. __Game of Thrones:__ Winter is coming to your wedding with this theme straight from Winterfell. Let your wedding party get into character with faux fur, tiaras, and thick braids.\n\n75. __Superhero:__ Celebrate your favorite comics with a superhero wedding theme. Think a photo booth with props and costumes, a superhero trivia game, or cake toppers with your favorite characters.\n\nAfter you’ve found a wedding theme that will reflect you and your partner’s style, it’s time to start wedding planning. Shop for thematic save-the-dates, invitations, and decor elements on Zola’s [Wedding Boutique](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-shop).\n\n![wedding-themes-alternative](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6KF7Kfp5f2WR1PH2XgqoAt/98fa5d92d309df258f4f4975d8ba1323/wedding-theme-alternative.png)\n\nSources: [Uriel Photography](http://www.uriel-photography.com/) | [Michelle Edgemont](https://michelleedgemont.com/) | [Nichols Photographers](https://www.nicholsphotographers.com/) \n","tag":"Wedding Style","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"In this wedding style guide, find out why thinking about your wedding style early on will help you in your planning, and how to use Zola Inspiration to discover your own personal wedding vision. ","title":"What's Your Wedding Style? + 130 Decor Ideas","slug":"whats-your-wedding-style","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2pqMpa47wQuGqyuWMKAIM8/129f21dfd693c80007fb121e3287f929/Whats-Your-Wedding-Style_BrandyAngelPhotography.jpg","altText":"What's Your Wedding Style? "},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Discover the best trends in wedding favors for 2024. Explore unique, thoughtful and personalizable gifts to say thank you to your guests.\n","title":"57 Best Wedding Favor Ideas Guests Will Love","slug":"wedding-favor-ideas","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How To","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4htHvgMQ2kudreHw1fqB8n/d78a19bfafdcf0518d029991930d3aa8/close-up-of-wedding-party-favors.jpg","altText":"Wedding favor gift boxes laid out on a white table."},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"From unique venues to creative menus, Zola has the ultimate guide to having a unique rehearsal dinner.","title":"Unique Rehearsal Dinner Ideas","slug":"unique-rehearsal-dinner-ideas","topic":"Wedding planning 101","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5WcyJuBjdsmglD8meE708L/90ba583caa8336a8a73636097184840e/Hero_Black-tieAffairAtCapitolTheatre_AmandaMayPhotos.jpg","altText":"Unique Rehearsal Dinner Ideas"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Classic wedding themes are tried and true. Explore these 20 classic wedding themes with Zola, your wedding day experts!","title":"20 Classic Wedding Theme Ideas for an Unforgettable Celebration","slug":"10-classic-wedding-themes","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1UtlYrRvOVd4tN0Jpub4RM/90ffbe9b31f87e52d8ecfb00f555180a/Hero_New_DisneyFairytaleWeddingatTheCarriageHouse_C.BaronPhotography.jpg","altText":"couple on a beach"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"How does one go about choosing a wedding venue? Here's the rundown on one of the first tasks you’ll need to accomplish after saying “yes!”","title":"10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Dzm0QohK8uai2YouWoMUg/f7db6c6feb0fe4c3d27f9f2a914572ad/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-choose-venue.jpg","altText":"Bridge and groom in front of the church"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Need wedding cake ideas but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered with this list of 112 wedding cake ideas, organized by wedding season. ","title":"112 Wedding Cake Ideas & Designs","slug":"wedding-cake-ideas","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5V0DFlLCeXlId6h1UScbIm/b57fdd7bbf656730765e7a6c1d8ff03f/112-Wedding-Cake-Ideas-and-Designs.jpg","altText":"wedding-cake-ideas-by-season"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Weddings and flowers go together like… well, you and your partner. To really bring the flower power, check out these tips for a botanical garden wedding.","title":"Botanical Garden Weddings: What You Need to Know","slug":"botanical-garden-weddings-what-you-need-to-know","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/35tccxIJq1BFTQeswqfv4r/c1f48af62970c0c713335efe02f62cfb/Hero_NaturalSpringWeddingatMiamiBeachBotanicalGardens_NathaliaFrykmanPhotography.jpg","altText":"couple on the dance floor in garden"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:51:26.817Z"}],"name":"Wedding decorations","slug":"wedding-decorations","description":"Planning your wedding decorations and theme just might be the best part. Whether you're searching for beautiful ceremony backdrops, color palette inspo, or unique and trendy ideas, you'll find the inspiration you need to create a picture-perfect celebration."},{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding day","slug":"wedding-day"},"slug":"heres-exactly-what-to-put-in-your-wedding-welcome-bags","title":"12 Tips on What to Put in Your Wedding Welcome Bags","excerpt":"Greet your guests with thoughtfully curated wedding welcome bags. Find perfect favors & essentials to delight your guests as they join your celebration.","author":"Laura Hensley","publishedAt":"2024-12-01T12:00-04:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3zZPEPdvLUwpkPiVDeNx3A/5f13e01c5e40872d216606d25e5ca605/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"Zola image of blue wedding bag with tissue paper and a heart on front"},"heroCredit":"Zola","tldr":"__Inside this article:__ \n- Why have wedding welcome bags?\n- Ideas on what to put in wedding welcome bags\n- How to package wedding welcome bags\n- When to give out wedding welcome bags\n- Zola's expert tips on personalizing your wedding welcome bags\n- Who should receive a welcome basket?\n","body":"__TLDR:__\n- Practical things like snacks, water bottles, and a local map all add interest to wedding gift baskets.\n- You can use totes, boxes, or baskets to hold your wedding welcome bag items.\n- For out-of-town guests, have their welcome gifts ready as soon as they arrive—even waiting in their hotel room to surprise them.\n\n## Why have wedding welcome bags? \n\nWedding welcome bags are a great way to warmly greet [wedding guests](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/wedding-guests) as soon as they arrive at your festivities. These gift bags let family and friends know that you’re grateful they’re able to share your special weekend with you. Plus, wedding welcome bags are filled with items that will make guests’ experiences as comfortable—and memorable—as possible. \n\nAccording to McKenna Folmar, wedding planner at [Events by McKenna](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners/events-by-mckenna), welcome gifts can make your guests feel appreciated. \"Wedding welcome bags are a delightful way to greet your guests, especially those who have traveled to join in your special day,\" she says. \"They offer a warm, personalized touch that can make your loved ones feel appreciated right from the start.\"\n\nIt's no wonder that welcome bags are particularly popular for [destination weddings](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/destination-wedding-checklist), but they’re also super common for local celebrations. They're a nice surprise for your wedding guests that can be waiting for them in their hotel room upon arrival. \"Wedding welcome bags are more than just a thoughtful gesture; they’re a chance to make your guests feel taken care of and excited for the weekend ahead,\" says Folmar. \n\nRead on for our tips on how to build and how to package your wedding welcome bags—and when you should give them out to guests. \n\n## Ideas on what to put in wedding welcome bags \n\nAccording to Folmar, the essentials are always a great place to start. She says, \"These are items that not only show thoughtfulness but also help make your guests’ experience smooth and enjoyable.\"\n\n### 1. Welcome note\nWhat would a wedding welcome bag be without a welcome note? Your note doesn’t need to be long—a simple, meaningful message is all that’s necessary. [Handwritten notes](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-write-wedding-thank-you-cards) are always appreciated, but if time doesn’t permit, try to at least sign your names in ink. Don’t forget to include your wedding hashtag at the bottom of the note, too, or any other [social callouts](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/9-savvy-ways-to-use-social-media-at-your-wedding) you want to make. \n\n[Forever Moments](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners/forever-moments--2) wedding planner, Brittany Poole also added her insight. \"I highly recommend a hand written note for each bag,\" she says. Having the personalized touch of showing appreciation and adding specific anecdotes can make your guests feel extra special.\n\n![Wedding Welcome Bag Notes](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6XGT7i0k49aVKt2BX3OFhL/e9641c188ee4a9dba6ebe4df9a323c39/Wedding_Welcome_Bag_Notes.jpg)\n\n### 2. Itinerary\nEven the simplest wedding needs a plan. \"Including a simple wedding weekend itinerary ensures your guests are informed and know where they need to be and when,\" says Folmar. \"This can be especially helpful for out-of-town guests who may not be familiar with the area.\" For getaways or multi-day events, a detailed itinerary is crucial. Letting guests know where they need to be and when saves them from texting or calling you, or continuously logging onto your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website). \n\n### 3. Map\nIf you’re hosting a destination or an out-of-town wedding, include a map of the area and suggestions of things to do. \"Providing a small guide to the area with maps, restaurant recommendations, or must-see attractions can help guests make the most of their time, especially if they have some downtime during the weekend,\" says Folmar. \n\n### 4. Contact list\nWe recommend also including a list of contacts. You can add local emergency numbers and the names and numbers of the best people to reach out to for any questions—you and your fiance will havé enough going on.\n\n### 5. Snacks\nIt’s not a welcome bag if there’s no food. Well, it can be, but your guests will be happy to have their favorite snacks. Folmar says, \"Go-to snacks like granola bars, nuts, pretzels, or candy offer a little something for guests to munch on in between meals.\" \n\nThe welcome bag snack is also a great time to showcase a local treat, like homemade caramel squares or fresh shortbread cookies from a popular bakery. \"If you want to get a bit fancier, local specialties like artisan chocolates or regional treats are a fun way to elevate this standard,\" adds Folmar.\n\n![BluePhotoNYC InlineImage 1080x720](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2ET2WujqYArzqjKl4KtBV5/2017e7c56f62b9dce66c73f5a8325532/BluePhotoNYC_InlineImage_1080x720.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Blue Photo NYC\n\n### 6. Water bottle—or two\nThis is a necessary staple. If your guests are staying in a hotel, they may not feel comfortable drinking tap water. Offer water bottles that they can bring with them to events or can graciously grab the morning after your reception. It’s a wedding after all—people will be celebrating. Folmars insight? \"Whether guests are just arriving after a long journey or getting ready for a day of wedding festivities, having a bottle of water is always appreciated,\" she reveals.\n\n### 7. Mints\nWeddings are basically mixers for your guests. It’s a lot of small talk with a lot of people. Add in [passed hors d'oeuvres](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/top-10-tips-for-successful-cocktail-hour) and things can get, well, stale. Keep everyone fresh with a small pack of mints. Add a tin of your favorite mints and guests can throw them in their clutches or suit jackets for the night. \n\n### 8. Something personal \nYour wedding welcome bag should be an extension of you and your partner. So, add a memento that’s reflective of your relationship. If you’re a huge tea lover, give guests a bag of your favorite kind. If your partner has a notorious sweet tooth, include their favorite [chocolate bar](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wow-your-guests-with-a-delicious-wedding-dessert-bar). If you two are famous for your homemade jam, gift everyone a small jar. Include a little note or label to explain the item’s significance. \n\n\"Personalized items such as monogrammed tote bags, candles, or even custom koozies give your guests a little something to remember the weekend by,\" says Folmar. \"These extras show thoughtfulness and add an element of surprise.\"\n\n![vahdam-teas-set](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3KSTT5UISXMg3vKPFSORFL/40b46d46f366626ffc3ed5f9b4e177bb/vahdam-teas-set.jpg)\n\n### 9. Single-serving alcohol\nHelp guests get the [party started](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-bar-ideas) with a cute mini bottle of champagne, a can of a local craft beer, or a sparkling rosé. You can also gift a mini liquor bottle and a small mixer. For example, a nip of gin and a can of flavored tonic will set the evening off—or end it—right. Throw in a colorful paper straw and bottle openers for a decorative touch.\n\n### 10. Beach towels\nHaving a waterside destination wedding? Your guests will love the idea of having a beach towel to take to the beach or pool. Destination wedding welcome bags are extremely fun for couples to curate. Just choose items that will aid your out of town guests throughout your wedding weekend. Gifts + a [beach wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/pros-and-cons-of-a-beach-wedding) always equals a win in our book.\n\n### 11. Hangover kit\nHaving an open bar? Include a hangover kit in your welcome baskets. \"Hangover kits are both practical and fun,\" suggests Folmar. \"A mini hangover kit could include items like Advil, mints, an eye mask, and a hydrating drink or electrolyte powder to help your guests feel their best after a night of celebrating.\"\n\n### 12. Seasonal items\nBordering on the practical, include season-specific items for the comfort of your guests. \"For summer weddings, sunscreen, bug spray, and fans are great additions,\" recommends Folmar. \"In the fall or winter, think about including cozy extras like a small blanket or hand warmers.\"\n\n## How to package wedding welcome bags \nPackage your wedding welcome bags in a way that showcases your [wedding’s theme](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/5-wedding-color-palettes-to-try-right-now) and your personality. If you’re getting hitched waterfront, for example, you may want a nautical-style tote with a rope handle. If your wedding is in a country garden, think floral-print paper bags with pastel ribbon. \n\n### 1. Gift bags\nVellum or craft paper bags are easy to personalize and decorate—and they’re budget-friendly. They also make packing and bringing them to your guests’ accommodations easy. Use a stamp or customized sticker to label each bag with your and your partner’s name and wedding date.\n\nIf you want something more playful, brand each bag with the [wedding hashtag](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/9-easy-ways-to-create-your-wedding-hashtag). Add tissue paper on top, and tie a ribbon around the bag’s handles to seal the gift. \n\n![Unsplash InlineImage 1080x720 (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4Ohw1ymX79s12z2bBdhOa0/422197e4daafbe545c496709223486c8/Unsplash_InlineImage_1080x720__1_.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Unsplash\n\n### 2. Tote bags\nTote bags are a take-home souvenir in and of themselves. This option may be better for smaller weddings as it’s definitely an expensive choice. You can go classic with a standard plain tote, or personalize the bags with a custom design or message. You can customize the bags with your couple monogram, your names, or just your wedding date and location. \n\n### 3. Baskets\nUnless they're collapsible, baskets may not be practical for a destiation wedding or guests who are flying. However, if you're willing to thrift and wash your baskets, this can be an economical way to provide something beautiful to house your wedding welcome present fo guests who are within driving distance.\n\n### 4. Boxes\nLike craft paper bags, paper or cardboard [wedding welcome](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-welcome-sign-ideas) boxes are easy to assemble and recycle—which is ideal for guests traveling light. Give a box the same treatment you would give a bag. Add a custom sticker, fill it with tissue paper, and add your items. It’s important to get a box that’s sturdy enough to hold your bag contents, too. \n\n![Wedding Welcome Box Ideas](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6qY7XwjAlqIyrOrQkWSkEH/1182e6ae8e53392560e925645f6dfec0/Wedding_Welcome_Box_Ideas.jpg)\n\n### 5. Burlap bags\nLove burlap? Instead of including it in your wedding decor, put your items inside of burlap bags complete with gift tags welcoming your friends and family. What to put in your welcome bag is as important as what you put it in, too. Bags made of burlap are also sturdy and pack well, meaning they're perfect for destination weddings. Your guests can use the bag for packing well beyond the wedding day.\n\n## When to give out wedding welcome bags \n\n### If you’re having a destination wedding…\nIf guests are coming from out of town at various times, it’s best to have their wedding welcome bag ready for them as soon as they arrive. \"Most couples opt to have the welcome bags delivered to the guests’ hotels,\" says Folmar. \"Coordinate with the hotel staff to have the bags placed in the guests' rooms or handed out at check-in. This way, your guests can enjoy them as soon as they arrive.\"\n\nIf possible, arrange for the bags to be ready in their rooms (if everyone is staying at the same accommodation), or have them handed out at check-in. Ask your wedding party to help organize this.\n\nThings to consider: If you’re traveling far for your [destination wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-are-the-best-wedding-destinations), you want to either have your wedding bags shipped to your location ahead of time or packed carefully and transported by your wedding party. Since it’s easy for things to get moved around or damaged in transit, don’t assemble the bags until you’ve arrived. \n\n### If you’re having a local wedding…\nIt’s pretty typical to have welcome bags ready at the various hotels or other guest [accommodations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-book-hotel-rooms-for-your-wedding-guests). However, if your wedding is small or most of your guests are traveling from their homes day-of, you can also have welcome bags on display in a designated area of your venue.\n\n\"If you’re hosting a welcome party or rehearsal dinner, distributing the bags there ensures all your guests receive them at once and sets the tone for the weekend,\" advises Folmar. You can arrange gifts on a front table, stack on a decorative shelf, or have members of the [wedding party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-many-people-in-wedding-party) hand them out to each guest as they arrive.\n\n![Wedding Welcome Gift Box Ideas](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/aN5de1DVp24ZDxGXhnBjz/a0862c7bb4979c0e51172c4ad0ad48c6/Wedding_Welcome_Gift_Box_Ideas.jpg)\nPhoto by Wijdan Mq on Unsplash\n\n## Zola's expert tips on personalizing your wedding welcome bags \n\nBeyond learning what to put in wedding welcome bags, you may also be wondering how to infuse your personality while designing gifts that really speak to your guests. Here are a few ideas from our expert team on personalizing your welcome gifts.\n- Use your wedding website to query your guests on what they like. If you're putting together snacks or drinks, you can surprise them with their favorites.\n- Also, make note if your guests have any allergies. Special diets, such as lactose-free or gluten-free, should be noted on their responses, and you can use this insight to curate the perfect goodie baskets.\n- Get ultra-personal by providing monogrammed items. An initialed travel beauty bag or personalized dish towel can add a specialty touch.\n- Have favorite products? Include them in your welcome goodie baskets. If you found an amazing natural suncreen, soothing lip balm, or game that's a surefire hit, put it inside. \n\nPoole suggests polling your guests beforehand to further curate your welcome gifts. \"Because I always recommend the couple ask their guests about any food allergies/dietary restrictions in the RSVP, the couple will also have that information to provide any alternatives to the original food/beverage selections for those specific guests,\" she adds. Poole also notes that adding his and hers food and beverages can further hone your selections. \n\nLastly, Poole recommends adding a location-specific gift to your welcome baskets. \"I tell the couple to include some type of location-based gift such as a keychain or cup,\" she adds. \"One of my bride's welcome bags had a Starbucks mug with the city they were getting married in.\" How thoughtful!\n\nFolmar also has ideas for locally-sourced treats. \"Incorporating items that highlight the location of your wedding adds a unique touch,\" she says. \"Hosting your wedding in California? Include local wine or a pack of gourmet almonds. For a wedding in New Orleans? Maybe some beignets or chicory coffee would be perfect.\"\n\n## Who should receive a welcome basket? \nOf course, wedding welcome bags aren’t required for all weddings (budgets are important, we get it!), they are a thoughtful addition that really adds to the guest experience. However, if you choose to have them, there is a bit of protocol to follow.\n\n\"As for etiquette, it’s recommended to provide welcome bags for all your out-of-town guests,\" advises Folmar. \"If budget allows, you may even consider including local guests, especially if they’re staying overnight at the hotel or attending the full weekend of events.\"\n\nAre you looking for more ways for your wedding guests to feel comfortable? Learn how to keep your guests informed about [changes to your big day](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-update-guests-about-changes-to-your-wedding) and briefing them on [what they should wear](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-to-wear-to-a-wedding), Zola has all the answers you need.","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-12-01T22:47:10.307Z"}],"name":"Wedding day","slug":"wedding-day","description":"Advice to make your wedding day go smoothly from start to finish. From ceremony timelines to wedding favor ideas to writing your vows, our experts help you plan the perfect wedding day."}],"featured":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning tools","slug":"wedding-planning-tools"},"slug":"wedding-planning-guide","title":"Wedding Planning 101: Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding","excerpt":"Your guide to planning a wedding from start to finish. Learn about all of our free wedding planning tools and so much more to help you on this journey!","publishedAt":"2023-12-07T16:53:05.833Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5C3xgAOgu8EhsWuHR6LIPV/df4a2c1fcad988921c26d259ba076b3a/wedding-planning-guide-hero.jpg","altText":"bride and groom under veil"},"heroCredit":"Unsplash","tldr":"## Inside this article\n\n- Wedding Planning Timeline\n- Wedding Planning Checklists & Glossary\n- Creating a Wedding Budget\n- Choosing a Wedding Venue\n- Making a Wedding Website\n- Wedding Planning Tools\n- Selecting Your Wedding Vendors\n- Wedding Decor & Themes\n- Legal To-Dos\n- Wedding Planning Questions\n- Real Weddings","body":"You’re in love, you’re engaged, and you’re seeing the world through rosé-tinted glasses of celebratory champagne. Cheers! We are SO here for this. And you know what else we’re here for? You, planning your special day like a total pro. We know what you’re thinking: Can I really plan my own wedding? Between the vendors, the invitations, and the décor, wedding planning seems like a massive undertaking.\n\nTrust us on this one, though: You can [plan your own wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-you-yes-you-can-plan-your-whole-wedding). Whether you want to save money or simply enjoy creative projects, wedding planning can be a fulfilling experience. Couples just like you do it every day. It doesn’t even have to be overwhelming with the right organizational tools and timelines — and don't worry, we've got you covered on both counts. Our handy wedding planning guide will help you handle all the to-dos before “I do!”\n\n## Wedding Planning Timeline\n \n\nBefore you plan your wedding, you need to plan for planning your wedding. And no, that’s not as crazy as it sounds! In fact, creating an outline of important tasks, dates, and deadlines will keep your stress levels low and your productivity high throughout the planning process. Then again, why create one yourself when we’ve already done it for you? Allow us to introduce our definitive [wedding planning timeline](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist).\n\nOur printable checklist breaks down all your important milestones by month and effectively walks you through two years’ worth of wedding planning, from your first kiss as fiancés to your last wedding day dance. We’ve ensured that all major events are included, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment with every checked-off item. Sticking to a schedule truly makes all the difference.\n\nWhile you’re at it, create a timeline for your wedding day (or wedding weekend, if you’re doing the traditional rehearsal dinner and morning-after brunch). It can be as detailed as you like, but we recommend planning your wedding by the hour. The more effort you put into outlining events, the easier it will be to relax and enjoy them. For a breakdown of a standard wedding day’s events including tips and time estimates, check out our [wedding weekend timeline](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/ultimate-wedding-weekend-timeline).\n\n## Wedding Planning Checklists & Glossary\n \nWhen you’re planning a wedding, keeping track of tasks is almost as important as completing them. Our [wedding planning checklist](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/checklist) will help you stay organized and send you friendly reminders to ensure you never miss a deadline. You can even delete, edit, and add tasks as your wedding plans evolve. Oh, and it’s free — regardless of whether you register through our [online store](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) or use our [stationery](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/paper). Consider it an engagement gift from Zola to you.\n\nAside from regularly checking in with your checklist, you may want to brush up on some wedding planning language. In the world of weddings, “charger” and “train” may not mean what you think they mean. Our [glossary of wedding planning terms](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/your-wedding-planning-glossary-a-z) covers common words you’re bound to hear during the hustle and bustle of orchestrating your nuptials, so you’re not left scratching your head after a call with that caterer (or that pun we just made).\n\n## Creating a Wedding Budget\n \nIt’s tempting to dive right into visiting venues, hunting for the perfect attire, and curating your reception playlist — but first, budget! While it’s not the most romantic aspect of wedding planning, tackling financial details is one of the first things you should do. Why? Because weddings can be expensive.\n\nThe operative word here is “can.” They don’t have to be expensive. In fact, it’s completely possible to plan a dreamy wedding for way, way less than the average cost of $29,195[1]. If you’re wondering [how to plan a wedding on a budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-wedding-on-a-budget), you’ve come to the right place. And once we get budgeting out of the way, we promise we’ll move on to the fun stuff!\n\nTo determine your budget, ask yourself a few important questions:\n\n- __Who’s footing the bill?__ If you’re paying for the wedding yourself, you know how much money you want to spend — but remember to clearly communicate with your partner to make sure there are no surprises. If you’re expecting contributions from family members, you’ll want to determine exactly how much they’re willing to spend before you make any assumptions (or deposits).\n\n- __What’s the best use of my funds?__ Once you’ve figured out how much money you have to spend, it’s time to decide how you’ll spend it. Not only does budgeting help you manage your expectations (and save you the disappointment of realizing you can’t afford that $10,000 ballgown), but it also encourages you to prioritize your purchases. Do you care more about your location or your attire? Your guest list or your dinner menu? The occasional tough choice must be made, but remember, it’s all about what will ultimately make you happiest.\n\n- __How can I save money?__ If your budget is tight, there are countless ways you can save money. Get married on a weekday, snag that wedding dress at a sample sale or trunk show, or skip fancy wedding invitations and provide a simple liner that directs guests to your website. Pro tip: Sometimes it’s as simple as removing the word “bridal” from the equation — for instance, a bridal bouquet will cost more than regular flowers and a bridal hairstyle will be far more expensive than your standard blowout.\n\nIn addition to answering all of the above, determine how much of your budget you’ll allocate to each wedding expense and monitor your spending with a [wedding budget calculator](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) like this. The wedding venue will likely be your biggest investment, so determine how much you’re willing to spend on your event space and then divide your remaining funds among other major expenses like catering, wedding rings, photography, flowers, and music. And speaking of your wedding venue…\n\n__Expert Advice:__ We make budgeting fun and stress-free. Find all of our articles about [Wedding Budgets](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/planning-101/budgeting) here.\n\n## Choosing a Wedding Venue\n \nAside from choosing to get married, choosing where to get married is one of the biggest wedding decisions you’ll make. Your venue quite literally sets the scene for your special day. It should fit your carefully set budget, work with your schedule, and reflect your personal style — suffice to say, there’s a lot to consider. Fortunately, Zola makes it easy to discover, contact, and [book venues online](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues). We also have a few [tips for choosing your wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue):\n\n- __Decide what you want.__ Easier said than done, we know, but you don’t have to go at it alone. Set a time to sit down with your fiancé and bounce ideas back and forth. First off, decide whether you want to have your ceremony and reception at the same location. If not, you'll need to search for two venues. Then, try to picture your dream wedding. Does the ceremony take place in a country club or in a church? Are you after a bohemian or black-tie affair? Think about how you want your wedding to look and feel, and let that be your guide.\n- __Consider your guests.__ It’s a fact: Your wedding venue will impact your guest list. Not just due to its capacity, but due to its location. Weddings are expensive for your guests, too, and selecting a faraway venue will inevitably result in fewer attendees. A destination wedding can be a great way to guarantee a more intimate ceremony. If you’d like a good turnout, keep it local so your guests don’t have to shell out for accommodation.\n- __Start researching.__ Familiarize yourself with the areas you’re considering and the average venue rates in those areas. Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a few venues, gather information about those specific venues like their capacity, amenities, and whether onsite services are provided.\n- __Explore alternatives.__ It’s possible to forgo an official venue altogether. Say your parents have a lovely backyard or your aunt has a lake house you’ve always adored. If they’re willing to let you set up shop for the day, you’ve just scored yourself a free venue! Many public parks and beach spots in the U.S. are also available for events; you’ll pay a fee, but it’ll be much less than the cost of a standard venue.\n- __Schedule tours.__ This is the fun part. When you start visiting venues, it starts feeling real. Make a day of it with your significant other and a couple of close friends or your parents (especially if they’re helping you pay for it). Accept their input, but follow your instincts. If a wedding venue doesn’t feel like the one, it probably isn’t.\n- __Ask questions.__ Before your venue visit, assemble a list of questions to ask your tour guide. During your tour, take notes and photos. They’ll come in handy when you reflect on the experience later. Most venues offer wedding venue floor plans, which can be customized to illustrate your wedding and help you envision your wedding in the space.\n- __Scope out the surrounding area.__ Get to know the areas surrounding your top venues. If guests will be traveling to your wedding, check out nearby hotel and vacation rental options so you’ll have suggestions for them.\n- __Weigh your options.__ Once you've visited a few venues and chosen your favorites, it's time to compare and contrast. A pro/con list can be helpful here! Consider the venue price, space, whether it fits your vision, and how it made you feel.\n- __Book your venue.__ Some popular wedding venue locations are booked out years in advance, so you’ll want to secure your spot sooner rather than later. We’d recommend doing this at least nine months before your wedding or perhaps even further in advance if you’re getting married during a popular wedding month (May through October).\n\nThe decision is a big one — but once you choose your wedding venue, other aspects of your wedding will start falling into place. The time of day you want to get married, whether you’ll have an indoor or outdoor wedding, and where you’ll take your photos will become clearer once you can visualize your location. Your next step? Make a wedding website so your guests can start planning, too!\n\n__Expert Advice:__ See all of our articles on [Choosing a Wedding Venue](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/planning-101/venues) for more insight into the process!\n\n## Making a Wedding Website\n \nOnce you’ve set the date, booked your venue, and prepped your [save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop), it’s time to create a website. Ideally, you’ll do this about six to eight months before your wedding. A wedding website serves as a hub for you and your guests. It’s where your invitees can go to RSVP, check out your wedding details, peruse your registry, and “aww” at your engagement photos. It’s also where you can go to review your RSVPs, update your event and registry information, and “aww” at your own engagement photos (don’t worry, we all do it).\n\nIn this modern world, a website is a pretty essential component of a wedding.\n\nThe good news? You don’t need to be a web designer to make a wedding website. You don’t even need to be creatively inclined. At least, not with us by your side! With tons of templates and a user-friendly interface, our [wedding website builder](https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard/wedding-website) makes it easy to create a professional, beautiful website in no time at all. \nHere’s how:\n\n- __Step 1: Pick your platform.__ It doesn’t have to be Zola…but for the sake of this how-to, let’s say it is. Our website builder isn’t just accessible — it’s also free! Your budget can thank us later.\n- __Step 2: Select a template.__ Did we mention we have more than 200 customizable templates? Whether you’re after classic elegance, modern minimalism, or flirty florals, you’re bound to spot a style that makes you smile — and matches your wedding invitations and save the dates, too.\n- __Step 3: Choose your domain name.__ Play it straight or get creative while brainstorming a web address that represents you as a couple. Just make sure it’s available before you get attached! Once you’ve locked down a domain name, you can direct guests to your website on your save the dates.\n\nNext up, personalize the site with information about your wedding. Your website is the perfect place to add all those details that won't quite fit on the official wedding invitation. Here are a few things you’ll want to include:\nThe basics. List the date, time, and place each of your wedding events will occur.\n\n- __The attire.__ State your wedding dress code (or lack thereof). Those considering heels might appreciate a heads-up if they’ll be walking on sand or uneven terrain.\n- __Your registry.__ Tell your guests whether you’re accepting gifts or charitable donations for your wedding; if you are, include a link to your gift registry. For seamless integration, [create your wedding registry with Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry).\n- __Your story.__ This is optional, but it’s also pretty fun. Create an “About Us” page that tells your love story alongside favorite photos or a timeline of your relationship.\n- __RSVP information.__ Most invitees will appreciate the option to quickly RSVP online. Digital RSVPs are eco-friendly, more affordable, and easier for you to manage. However, some older invitees may prefer RSVPing by mail. When in doubt, give your guests the online option while also including a card with the invitation.\n- __Travel information.__ Provide helpful information regarding accommodation (like whether you’ve reserved a block of hotel rooms) and transportation (like whether you’re providing shuttles from the ceremony to the reception).\n- __Little details.__ Include any important notes about your reception and ceremony — for instance, whether children are welcome.\n\nAt this point, all that’s left to do is proofread, check your links, and publish your site! You can decide whether to make your site public or keep it password-protected for guests. Just make sure your site goes live before you send your save the dates. Ready to get started? For a 10-step guide to creating the perfect website, visit our [wedding website planning guide](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-a-wedding-website).\n\n__Expert Advice:__ Check out all of our articles on [Wedding Websites](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/invites-paper/website-invites) here.\n\n## Wedding Planning Tools\n \nUnless you’re an event planner by trade, planning a wedding will likely be the most significant endeavor of your (un)professional career. You’ll need more than the standard to-do list and a few scattered notes on your phone. Luckily, organizational [wedding planning tools](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/best-wedding-planning-tools-or-zola) aren’t hard to come by. We’ve created quite a few wedding planning tools for you, all of which are guaranteed to make planning easier.\n\nWe’ve already covered our [wedding planning checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist) and [wedding website builder](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) — two of the greatest wedding planning tools in existence, if we may be so dramatic — and we’re not ones to repeat ourselves. So. Moving on to the rest!\n\n__Wedding Registry Creator__\n\nOnce upon a time, building a wedding registry meant wandering through department stores with a little contraption that beeped when you aimed it at barcodes. Today, you can still totally do that, but you can also assemble an online wedding registry from the comfort of your own couch.\n\nOur [wedding registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) allows you to quickly add items from thousands of top brands or select things from other stores of your choosing. You can browse items by category or a curated collection like \"At Home Spa\" or \"Build Your Bar.\" Already have enough stuff? Shift your focus to experiences and register for zero-fee cash gifts or gift cards for Airbnb, hotels, airlines, and more. Your registry will automatically update when a gift has been purchased, so you won’t end up with two toasters (unless you want two toasters). We’re not here to judge.\n\nBonus: After your wedding, we give you a 20% discount off of anything that’s left on your registry — and that offer stands for six months! Talk about a honeymoon phase.\n\n__Guest List Tracker__\n\nCreating a wedding guest list often leads to overthinking. Our [guest list tracker](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) gives you a sense of control, even if you still can't decide whether to invite your college roommate who always wishes you a happy birthday even though you haven’t seen each other in years.\n\nAdd individual guests, couples, or families along with their addresses, contact information, and RSVP status. You can also specify how you’re related to your invitees and whether they’re definitely, maybe, or definitely maybe invited. Once you’ve added all your guests to the tracker, you can collect missing addresses, order free addressing for your save the dates and invitations, and enjoy automatic synchronization with your online RSVP list.\n\n__Seating Chart Organizer__\n\nOnce you’ve got your guest list sorted, it’s time to figure out where everyone will sit. Creating a seating chart isn’t inherently difficult, but you do have to wait until all your guests RSVP to finalize the seating arrangements. There’s not much you can do about that (aside from sending a friendly RSVP reminder via our guest list tracker), but you can remove all other stressful aspects from the equation!\n\nOur [seating chart tool](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-create-a-wedding-seating-chart) is super straightforward. Simply navigate to your wedding event on our website and click “Create Seating Chart.” From there, enter the number of tables and chairs. This is where your online list of RSVPs comes in handy — the names of all your attendees are accessible directly from the seating chart tool, so all you have to do is assign a seat to each person. You can also edit your seating chart as much as necessary.\n\n__Expert Advice__\n\nWe’ve got your back. [Expert advice](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice) is just another way we're proving it. Here, you’ll find in-depth articles, advice, tips and tricks, and access to Team-Z (aka your own personal wedding advisors, available via [email](https://:advisor@zola.com), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/zola/), [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@zola), and [Coffee Chats](https://www.zola.com/advisor#:~:text=Advisor%20spotlight%3A%20Hi%2C%20I%27m%20Ian%20%F0%9F%91%8B)). Browse topics like décor, honeymoon, and invites, and get the inside scoop on wedding trends from our seasoned pros.\n\nWhile we're on the subject of experts, it's time to select your wedding vendors.\n\n## Selecting Your Wedding Vendors\n \nHello, cake tastings! Vendors are the experts who bring the goods (and goodies) to your wedding. Your vendors will be an integral part of your big day, so approach the selection process with clear expectations — and an appetite, for the aforementioned cake tastings. Before you start, solemnly swear you’ll stick to your budget and make sure you’re aware of any vendor restrictions your venue might have.\n\nAnother important part of selecting wedding vendors is [developing a request for proposal](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-write-a-wedding-rfp). No, not that kind of proposal! Also known as an RFP, this is a document that includes your wedding date, budget, expectations, and other important details about what you want from a specific vendor. When the vendor receives your request, they'll send you a proposal detailing what they can (and cannot) do for your big day. And when you use Zola to inquire with vendors, we provide the questions you should ask to get the answers you need.\n\nOn average, couples hire a whopping 15 vendors for their big day. Do you need that many? Absolutely not — but you’ll probably want to consider the following:\n\n- __Catering.__ When [choosing a caterer](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-catering), you’ll want to consider the type of meal service that suits your wedding. Sit-down service is the formal option, whereas buffet-style cultivates a more relaxed, “serve yourself” atmosphere. \n- __Desserts.__ The [wedding cake](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-cakes-desserts) is a classic, but there are tasty alternatives. Pies, cupcakes, cookies, pastries, doughnuts, all of the above…anything goes!\n- __Bar and beverage.__ A *full* [bar](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bar-services) is neither expected nor necessary, but your guests will appreciate an open bar if you can afford it. Provide a limited menu featuring a couple of specialty cocktails and a few classic standbys.\n- __Florists.__ [Flowers](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists) and weddings go together like you and your fiancé. From bouquets and boutonnières to centerpieces and walkways, a floral flourish is always welcome!\n- __Photographer and/or videographer.__ Hire a [photographer](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers), a [videographer](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-videographers), or both to capture the magic of your wedding day.\n- __Band or DJ.__ A live [band or a DJ](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs) is essential for most couples — especially if a dance party is on the agenda. \n- __Beauty.__ Whether you want an intricate updo and makeup or help with styling and selecting the perfect accessories, a [beauty professional](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-hair-makeup) (or entire glam squad) will make sure you’re photo-ready on your big day.\n- __Officiant.__ As the person who guides you through your vows, an officiant plays a pretty important role at your wedding. Many couples enlist a family member or friend to perform this duty, while others hire a seasoned professional.\n- __Day-of coordinator.__ Don’t worry, you can still say you planned your own wedding even if you hire a [day-of coordinator](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners). All the plans are 100% yours! A day-of coordinator is merely there on the day of your wedding to ensure all your carefully laid plans are flawlessly executed. Not to mention, they’ll handle any last-minute issues that arise so you can relax, enjoy, and get hitched without a hitch.\n\nMake sure you meet potential vendors for trial runs, taste tests, and vibe checks. They should provide clear pricing, tell you exactly what’s included in their packages, and answer any questions. Traditionally, you’ll tip the drivers, valets, bartenders, cake bakers, catering staff, musicians, attendants, and delivery people on the day of your wedding. If you don’t see mention of a tip in their contract, it doesn’t hurt to ask what's expected.\n\nIf you’re searching for wedding vendors in a big city, narrowing down the options can feel a lot like resisting your favorite dessert: practically impossible. That’s why we feature favorite vendors on our [Wedding Venues and Vendors](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) page. Shuffle through vendors in your area or take a quick quiz to find your best match. And remember: Only commit to vendors you genuinely love.\n\n## Wedding Decor & Themes\n \nYour wedding décor is what makes your venue yours. It’s what unites all the little details and transforms your wedding into a cohesive, one-of-a-kind celebration. That said, with so many options and trends, settling on one style can be tricky.\n\n__Find Your Style__\n\nNot sure where to start? Imagine your ideal venue. If you want to say your vows in a restored barn surrounded by sun-kissed meadows, a rustic theme could be your thing. See yourself dancing the night away in a swanky hotel? A formal, chic aesthetic may fit the bill. Other tried-and-true wedding décor styles are modern, vintage, whimsical, romantic, holiday/seasonal, and beachy/tropical.\n\nNote that while all weddings will have a style of décor, not all weddings will have a theme.\n\n__Lean Into a Theme__\n\nA theme can guide your décor in the same way your venue can, and many couples who have their hearts set on a theme will choose their venue to suit it, not vice versa. Movies, books, time periods, and locations are all popular sources of inspiration, and you’re bound to find something you like on our extensive list of [75 wedding themes](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-themes).\n\n__Start Decorating__\nOnce you find your style or settle on a theme, you’ll find it much easier to start decorating. Every wedding is different, but décor generally includes the following:\n\n- Lighting\n- Table numbers and place cards\n- Guest book\n- Signage\n- Centerpieces\n- Florals\n- Aisle runner and markers\n- Dessert display\n- Altar arrangements\n- Menu\n- Table linens and tableware\n\nOur [wedding décor checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-decor-checklist) will ensure you don’t miss a thing!\n\n__Get Inspired__\n\nTo explore beautiful wedding dresses, unique theme ideas, classy charcuterie spreads, DIY hacks, and more, try Pinterest. It’s an endlessly scrollable source of wedding inspiration that lets you pin your favorite images and create as many aspirational mood boards as your heart desires. To really hone your vision, head to Zola's Real Weddings. (More on that later!)\n\nWhen it comes to wedding décor, we have only one rule: Your chosen wedding décor and theme should speak to you and your partner. No exceptions!\n\nFor now, onto an aspect of wedding planning that doesn’t allow for quite so much creative freedom.\n\n__Expert Advice: __See all of our [Wedding Decor & Inspiration](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/decor-inspiration) articles for the best wedding decor ideas.\n\n## Legal To-Dos\n \nThis is where making it official gets really official. Yes, it often feels like you’re planning one big party, but that doesn’t mean you can leave your t’s uncrossed (or your vendor contracts unsigned). Read on for a few legal to-dos:\n\n1. __Get a marriage license.__ Note that we said license, not certificate! You must obtain your marriage license prior to your wedding in order to receive your marriage certificate after your wedding. The process may differ depending on your location, so visit your state’s government website for specifics.\n2. __Complete vendor contracts.__ Your florist may feel like an old friend, but it’s in your best interest to get a signed [contract](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-to-look-for-in-a-wedding-vendor-contract) after enlisting their services. This allows you recourse in the event that *gasp* flowers are nowhere to be found on your wedding day.\n3. __Get liability insurance.__ Many wedding venues require you to sign a liability release when booking your wedding. That means that if anything goes wrong, you’re on the hook. In our world, all wedding days would be perfect days…but it’s good sense to protect yourself from unfortunate accidents with [liability insurance](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-vendor-insurance-what-you-need-to-know), just in case.\n4. __Change your name…__ that is, if you’re [changing your name after marriage](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/name-change-after-marriage). And if you are, we’ve got one made-up word for you: HitchSwitch. This service lets you skip the lines and change your name online in three simple steps. Queue-free is the way to be! \n5. __Discuss a prenup.__ Prenups aren’t for everyone, but they aren’t just for celebrities either. A prenup can protect both you and your soon-to-be spouse in the event of a divorce, and it's prudent if either of you has significant assets.\n\nYou should consider doing all of the above tasks, but definitely don’t skip the first three! What’s a bit of paperwork when it’s getting you one step closer to the best day of your life?\n\n## Wedding Planning Questions\n \nThroughout the process of planning your wedding, you’re bound to have many, many questions. We’ve organized a few pertinent ones for you to ask your venue, your vendors, and yourself.\n\n__Ask Your Venue__\n\n- What are the event space options?\n- How much is your deposit and rental rate?\n- How many hours will I have the space?\n- What services are included in my booking?\n- Can I bring in my own vendors?\n- What’s your parking situation?\n- When can I book?\n- What happens if I have to cancel?\n\n__Ask Your Vendors__\n\n- Can I see samples of your previous work?\n- Based on my budget, what services would you suggest for me?\n- How many weddings have you done?\n- What’s your cancellation policy?\n- Is a tip included in your contract?\n\n__Ask Yourself__\n\n- Am I clearly communicating with my partner throughout this process?\n- Am I staying true to my wedding vision when possible and compromising when necessary?\n- Am I making the most of all my resources?\n- Am I making time to connect with my partner and not talk about wedding planning?\n\nLucky for you, you're planning a wedding in the age of the internet. If you have a wedding planning question, it’s likely already been asked and answered on a wedding forum. Wedding-specific discussion threads and blogs can be a great resource for wedding planning because you can learn from the struggles and successes of other couples. You can also join our [Zola Community](https://www.facebook.com/groups/zolacommunity/) on Facebook, where newlyweds often share detailed recaps of their big days and the lessons they learned while planning their own weddings.\n\nAnd it goes without saying, but you can always ask us anything! Team-Z lives to answer your wedding questions. Email us at advisor@zola.com with what’s on your mind or visit the [Advisor page](https://www.zola.com/advisor) for more details!\n\n## Real Weddings\n \n[Real Weddings](https://www.zola.com/faq/360004190072-what-is-zola-s-real-weddings-) is the destination for engaged couples planning a wedding and searching for vendors. We created this platform so you can get inspired by the real weddings of couples like you!\n\nYou’ll find professional wedding photos, decked-out venues, magical fairyland dance floors, on-trend wedding cakes…we could go on and on, and you will too. Of course, that’s not to say there are no organizational features — you know us better than that by now. Our gallery can be searched by keyword and filtered by season, style, venue type, location, and color.\n\nThe best part? All the stunning images you see on Real Weddings feature real vendors. As in, best-in-class vendors that you can hire for your own wedding, tagged for your convenience. Simply glance to the right of your favorite photos and click on a vendor to view their Zola profile, complete with:\n\n- Verified reviews from Zola users\n- Rates\n- A gallery of their work\n- Biography\n- Location\n- Summary of services\n- Contact and social media information\n\nYou can either reach out right away or save them to your favorites list for later.\n\nFun fact: We’re always accepting new submissions from wedding photographers. If you ask yours to send us photos from your wedding, your special day can earn a place in the Real Weddings gallery.\n\n__Summary__\n\nWedding planning is only as complicated as you make it.\n\nYour wedding can be big or small, simple or extravagant. What's important is that you stick to your budget, mind those checklists, and cultivate a wedding day atmosphere that makes you happy.\n\nAfter all, once the planning is complete and you're walking down that beautifully decorated aisle as your loved ones cheer, all that really matters is the person you’re walking toward.\n\nWe may be biased, but Zola is an invaluable one-stop shop for all your wedding planning needs. Once you pop the question or say yes, hop onto our website and [create a free account](https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard/wedding-planning).\n\nFrom there, you’ll have access to all the tools, checklists, expert advice, and other wedding planning necessities we just explored. The best part? We’ll even help you figure out what to do with all those [wedding leftovers](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-leftovers) and send thank-you notes to your guests and gift-givers. Planning your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and we're here for you every step of the way!\n\n__FAQs__\n\n__Where do I start with the wedding planning process?__\n\nStart with the wedding planning basics: your budget, checklist, vision, and \nvenue. \n\n__What wedding planning tools should I use?__\n\nZola! Yes, that’s us. Here’s everything you’ll need: wedding planning [checklist](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/checklist), budget tracker, [registry creator](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry), wedding website creator, venue and vendor marketplace, invitation shop, [guest list tracker](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests), [seating chart organizer](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-create-a-wedding-seating-chart), and [expert advice](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice).\n\n__What are all the steps in the wedding planning journey?__\n\nThe main steps of wedding planning include budgeting, creating a guest list and seating chart, sending invitations, creating a registry, finding a venue and vendors, making a wedding website, getting your marriage license, and putting together a timeline and checklists to keep track of everything. Check out our [15-step wedding planning guide](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-wedding) for more!\n\n__How can I simplify wedding planning?__\nA simple wedding isn’t as elusive as it seems, and organization is key to streamlining your wedding planning process. If things start feeling too complicated, regroup and scale back. Ultimately, your wedding day is about marrying the one you love. 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Wedding planning questions

Lots of questions come up when planning a wedding. Find answers to all of your wedding planning questions in these articles. From which vendors to tip to most common wedding etiquette questions to how to write thank-you cards, our experts guide you through.

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