aquamarine

from Fall/Winter 2016 Issue

amethyst

PHOTOGRAPHED BY THE BUTT ERFLY PHOTOGRAPHY

Inspired by nature, the beauty of the sky and the water, aquamarine was the gem of this shoot with TRENDING T high centerpieces, a hanging backdrop and a horizontal bouquet.

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How to Create Your Wedding Budget

After the 200 phone calls, 25 Instagram pictures, 75 snapchats and squeals of excitement announcing your engagement, your next step isn't exactly the most pleasant one: creating a wedding budget. As dreams of the perfect Cinderella dress and 7 course meal dance through your mind, it will quickly calm as you and your soon to be spouse now have to have a frank discussion. However, don't become disheartened! It's a crucial aspect of the wedding that you'll be glad you took care of down the line. Here are a few tips that will assist you in creating a reasonable and realistic wedding budget.

Talk Debt

It might be slightly uncomfortable, but think of this way: no one wants to start their marriage off in debt because extravagance was valued over practicality. This isn't to say you can't have the wedding you want, however it's important to take note of current debts, how much is left to be paid off and how long it may take. Be sure to include your monthly living expenses and compare that to what you both bring in monthly. This will give you an excellent idea if you are ahead of the game or need to make some adjustments in order to start saving money for the big day. Paying off debt and starting married life out as fresh as possible can take much of the anxieties of life away.

Plan Ahead

O ne or both of you may have opportunities to find days to work some overtime. Extra money can either go towards getting rid of pesky debts or can be put towards specific wedding vendors. E ither way, be careful during the discussion process to ensure that the arrangements are respectful and fair to both of your schedules.

Start Outsourcing

If you have decided against hiring a planner, it's best to start looking around online within your area to see which vendors are available. Look up potential venues and consider what they have to offer – most of their websites should have a general cost breakdown to budget based on.Venues will also want to know how many people you intend to have present, so have a number ready keeping in mind that the more guests you have, the more expensive it will be! Do the same research for florals, entertainment, catering companies, etc. By looking up vendors ahead of time, you will have a fairly good idea as to the rough cost of your wedding. This number will then paint a clear picture of what you can reasonably afford.

Find The Magic Number

This is the conversation you and your partner have after compiling all the information from previous steps. Once you can both see the amount you have in debt, if overtime is a possibility, and when and what the rough costs of wedding vendors are in your area, you can set a number. This is the "magic number" that you want to ensure you stay under. This number will be somewhat of a compass as you decide which vendors to hire, what menu's to choose from and other areas where you will spend.

Budgeting doesn't have to be scary and awkward, with the right mindset and proper planning it will enable you both to work together to create the wedding you've always wanted. Your life as a team begins now, open and honest communication is essential to make the ultimate wedding budget that works for both your circumstances.

BY ASHLEYVICTORIA GUY

It Pours When it Rains

When it rains, it pours! But it doesn’t need to wash away your dreams of a fabulous outdoor wedding day. We've all heard the horror stories of a supposedly sunny summer's day calling for hours of downpour just a week before, so how does one ensure that their wedding is rain-proof? Follow these 3 simple precautions, and your outdoor ceremony or reception will be weatherproofed, even on the rainiest of summer days.

1. Don’t Underestimate the Importance of a Big Tent.

We know, there are extra costs associated with it, but think of this tent as your rain insurance policy! If it doesn’t rain, you have ample shade for your guests. If it does pour, put down the sides of the tent and you can party outside all night long.

2. Bring Back-Up Umbrellas.

Logged onto Pinterest or E tsy lately? There is so much wedding swag you can use to personalize your big day, but one less thought of are initialized umbrellas—you can even order them in your wedding colours! Have a few of these kicking around so guests don’t get soaked running to/ from the car. Put them near the front entrance to the church or reception and order a few extras for your wedding party. If it happens to rain, you’ll have playful, unique pictures to boot!

3. Create a Photography Rain Plan.

When you initially meet with your photographer, brainstorm at least one shoot idea that's weatherproof. Indoor spaces have a few perks; the lighting is consistent, you can book the space well in advance with minimal external distractions, and these are spaces you can count on regardless of weather.