It seems to have become a big trend recently for brides and their bridesmaids to take a more humorous and unique approach to their group photos. Especially since the film Bridesmaids, bridal parties have been recreating the iconic poster for some great looking photos! I for one am loving this trend there are some really great and not to mention hysterical photos out there. You only need to pop over to pintrest or google and you'll find loads of great of ideas. Below are some of my favourite pictures I have found recently!

  Enjoy! 

xo

Unique Summer Wedding Additions

Over the past few days Ive been collecting loads of unique and original ideas that can be used to make a summer wedding extra special.

Brighten the place up!. 

When you think of summer everything seems brighter and more colourful so why not include that into your wedding décor. By using hints of oranges, pinks, purples or any colour you like really just adds something exciting to your design. Especially if the majority of your design elements are white or cream coloured as it really makes it stand out. 

The main way you can add a splash of colour is by your floral décor. You could even be brave and go for a  bright bouquet which would look beautiful against your dress. Flowers along the aisle also adds a summer touch to the ceremony. 

Summer Snacks. 

If you cant have ice cream, lollies and massive jugs of ice tea at a summer wedding when can you! This is a great staple at summer weddings and its becoming more and more popular. Its a great way to keep guests cool in the sun and adds an element of fun. You can even go as far as monogramming your ice lollies...if you really want to! There are lots of ways of personalising your summer snacks and you can even tie them in with your colour scheme. 

I cant see!!!

Another great idea for summer weddings, especially if you are holding your ceremony outside is providing each guest with a pair of sunglasses on their chair. This way even if the sun is directly in their eyes they wont have an excuse!

If you know that the weather on your day is going to be rather warm why not supply little bottles of water on guest chairs as well. Maybe even personalised with the couples name or monogram or something fun like 'Drink me!'

Where am I Sitting!

Table plans are always a fun thing to customise to tie in with your theme and most wedding stationers will be able to create something for you. Some great summer wedding table plans include things like deck chairs, bunting or world maps. I love these ideas and think its a great touch to a summer wedding!

Enjoy!

xo 

6 ways to save money on a summer wedding.

Im kicking of the Summer Series with a way to save money without cutting corners on your summer wedding because who dosent love a bargain! 

When you start planning a wedding, the first thing to go through your mind is 'How much is it going to cost!?' 

Well lucky for you I have got 6 little steps that can help you cut the cost of your summer wedding for those of you who are on a budget!

1. Have the ceremony or reception outside.

The venue is the priciest part of planning a wedding and can eat up to 50% of your overall budget! Whereas an  outdoor wedding you can enjoy the weather and at a fraction of a venue cost. If your budget is very tight even a reception at a family or friends home can be just a beautiful. Although make sure you reserve a church as a free backup plan! There are many different alternatives if an outdoor wedding isnt for you, research your local area and see if any venue or local spaces are doing package deals or offers. 

2. Shop for a used wedding dress. 

Some may feel like wearing someone else's wedding dress is a curse. However seeing as it would have only been worn once before it is likely to be in pristine condition and could save you hundreds if not thousands of £££! There is also companies online where people sell their designer wedding gowns, and another alternative is looking in high street stores for a dress. Both H&M and Zara have just brought out their own versions of wedding dresses at a fraction of a cost of bridal stores. 

3. Opt for fake flowers and arrange them yourself.

Many craft shops have beautiful collections of fake flowers that you can turn into bouquets very easy! You can also add your own personal touches and still save a lot of cash. As an added bonus these flowers will also be easier to save after the wedding, or they can be used to decorate your new home together and look fresh for years.

4. Serve light foods at your reception rather than a meal 

Having a wedding in the early afternoon dosent call for a massive buffet of food. Finger foods or canapés is plenty if your planning your wedding on a budget. Save money on catering by having family and friends help you out with the food and putting the buffet table together. They can each make 1-2 things and then you will have more than enough to satisfy you guests!

5. Keep guests to a minimum 

The smaller the wedding the cheaper it will be overall. There will be less mouths to feed, you can book a smaller location meaing there will be less sace to decorate. Make sure you have everyone you want there but dont feel like you need to invite family youve never met or dont even like! Remember its your day!

and finally.....

6. Try and get someone you know to do the photography

Photography is an expensive part of the day but it is something no one wants to go without. Total wedding packages nowadays start at around £1000! However its now not uncommon for a least one person you know to have a nice camera and some decent photog skills. Or even a someone wanting to be a photographer looking for some experience. Allow them to capture the moments of the wedding and that way they help you out, save you money and they get some great experience!

I hope this post has helped some of you out! If you have any other money saving ideas feel free to share them below! 

Enjoy!

xo 

Link to original article: http://premeditatedleftovers.com/naturally-frugal-living/6-ways-save-money-summer-wedding/