Photo: www.therena.ca
Elegant, lavish weddings provide moments couples will remember for years to come. But while such storybook ceremonies and receptions remain popular, casual affairs are also gaining in popularity.
More and more couples are opting for less pageantry and more laid back panache when planning their weddings. For those who prefer something more intimate and more personalized, casual weddings may be the way to go.
There are many advantages to having a “luxe with less” wedding, including the ability to break molds and impart more of the couple’s personality into the event.
Transforming the festivities into a casual affair can help keep the overall budget low while still allowing for an exciting and enjoyable event. To put casual plans into motion, consider these ideas to help the wedding vision come to fruition.
Changing the venue also enables couples to pick unique spots that may hold special meaning to them. For example, couples can choose the site of their first date or the location where their proposal took place.
Enjoy a casual, free-spirited wedding that incorporates some aspects of formality in an off-beat way.
Menus or wedding programs printed at home can set the casual tone couples are looking for. Look for eclectic fabrics to use as gift tags or napkin holders. Hand-painted signs or a hodge-podge of picture frames can display pertinent information, such as itineraries or seating arrangements. Encourage friends or family to contribute a favourite menu item to the food offerings. A home-baked dessert can be delicious and budget-friendly.
Clothing often indicates the formality of an occasion. Everyone from the wedding party to the guests can dress down to make the whole thing a little more casual. Sundresses can replace taffeta bridesmaids’ gowns. Maybe the guys opt for tailored sports coats with jeans. Guests may feel comfortable in less formal attire that facilitates dancing and mingling.
Casual weddings are becoming more popular as many couples are playing down the party for various reasons, so don’t feel like you have to make everything super formal because of tradition.