Planning a wedding can be a whirlwind. You’ve got dresses or suits to try on, guest lists to create, cakes to sample, wedding bands to shop for, vows to write… oh, and colors, flowers, photos, menus, and more. Yeah, needless to say, it’s a little busy. But don’t worry, there are so many amazing resources to make sure everything can run smoothly. While you’re planning, though, here are some wedding tips for 5 important things to include!
1. Guestbook
Do I Need A Guest Book At My Wedding?
On your big wedding day there’s a lot that’s going on that will demand your attention, and that might just cause you to forget who was all there (sorry, Aunt Tilly). With a guestbook, you can make sure that you’re always remembering everybody who took their time out of their day to come and celebrate with you.
It would be amazing if you could remember everyone who attended a big event like your wedding and it’s nice to be able to keep them in mind with something you can cherish forever. A wedding guest book isn’t essential but I personally think that this is such an awesome idea because who knows when your next chance will come along again where everyone feels included in all aspects of the celebration?
Should I Get An Expensive Or A Cheap Guestbook?
Some couples aren’t sure whether it’s even important to have a higher-cost guestbook, or if a cheaper one is more fitting. When deciding, it is important to weigh the benefits of both against your desires.
For pricier guestbooks:
- Longevity: Purchasing a high quality wedding book is an investment that will last your lifetime. If you want your stroll down memory lane to come with a list of all who were present, then you want to make sure to choose something that will last for years after, which means spending some extra money on this important item.
- Lots of Materials: A major benefit of a more expensive guestbook is that you have a much wider variety of much higher quality materials to choose from. Whether you’re looking for cloth bound, leather (faux or real), even linen.
- Personalization: While you can also have a guestbook that suits your fancy for a cheaper price, more expensive books come with great opportunity (and higher quality) personalization to fit your entire overall theme.
For cheaper guestbooks:
- Affordable: Makes sense, right? Of course “cheaper” means “affordable.” But often the word “cheaper” is associated with low-quality. Not so here – you can find plenty of great guestbooks at a cost-effective price. Especially if keeping one is not high up on your list of wedding day priorities.
- Functional: Spending less on your guestbook isn’t going to make it work any less well. In fact, it will most likely work exactly the same. An inexpensive guestbook will still contain the names off all your family and friends who were present on your big day.
- Minimalistic: Not everyone wants a grand elaborate look to their guestbook. In fact, minimalism is an increasingly popular style among young couples (naked wedding cakes, anyone?) and it stands to reason that a guestbook in this style shouldn’t cost as much.
So when it comes down to it, the amount you want to spend on a guestbook is completely up to you. If it’s crucial that you have the highest quality one on the market, more power to you. If you are satisfied with an inexpensive book, then that’s great too. It’s your wedding day, so go with what makes you happy.
2. Wedding Rings
Ah yes, the wedding rings. Definitely do not want to forget about those. Of course, despite being a very important part of the ceremony, there are a couple common questions that come up when navigating the ring shopping phase.
Who Pays For The Wedding Ring?
While traditionally, the groom pays for the engagement ring of the bride, there are a couple of ways you can navigate the purchase of wedding bands. Traditionally, the groom buys the engagement and wedding ring of the bride, while the bride buys the wedding band and a gift for the groom. Tradition still holds for many, though in recent years a growing departure has arisen where rather than each buying the ring of the other, the cost is made together as a couple using what will be “their” finances.
How Much Should I Spend?
To put it plainly, there isn’t a specific rule in relation to cost. It’s really what you both feel comfortable spending. However, general rule of thumb (if one can truly be said to exist) is an average of 3% of your overall wedding budget on the rings. So, for example, if your budget for a wedding is $25,000, then your budget would be approximately $750. If you want to spend more, then it’s your choice.
3. Marriage License
What Is The Difference Between A Marriage License And A Marriage Certificate?
It’s important to keep in mind that a marriage license and a marriage certificate are not one and the same. They are two separate documents that solidify the union as “legal and lawful.”
To put it in its simplest terms: A marriage license is a document issued by a county clerk that shows you are able to get married. A marriage certificate is a document that proves you and your spouse are legally married. The first comes before the wedding, the second comes after the wedding. The easiest way to keep them straight is to remember that a license permits you to do something (in this case, marriage) while a certificate means you have completed something (in this case, the wedding).
Do I Need A Marriage License?
Whether you’re a couple looking to tie the knot or have already married, there are some things that should be considered before applying for your marriage license. Las Vegas is different from other cities. Here are some things to consider when going for your marriage license.
You will need two documents from each person: one which proves they are over 21 years old and another showing identification, such as driver’s license with photo ID card present at time of application (and not just copies). Nobody in Vegas can get married if they’re under 21 years old however there is the option for a fake wedding that the little Vegas chapel provides at the same quality of a traditional wedding.
The cost? $60 per individual; couples pay an extra fee depending on how many individuals in total made up this pair – whether 2 people doing business together alone pays less than 4 parties sharing 1 certificate ($90), 3 folks splitting 2 licenses. Depending on the chapels that you go to, the prices can vary drastically from very low to very high depending on the type of wedding that you’re looking for.
For more information on obtaining a wedding license, you can view our full page here.
4. Flowers for the Bride, Bridesmaids, and Groom
It can be easy to place flowers on the backburner of your wedding priority list, but believe us when we tell you that your wedding bouquet (and other flowers) are not something to put off till the last minute. In fact, the flowers are incredibly important.
What Makes Flowers So Important To A Wedding?
Flowers are an integral part of setting the tone of your wedding. They are deeply tied to not only the theme of your wedding, but also what’s important to you. Perhaps you have a favorite flower that you want to have with you on this special day, maybe there’s a certain color scheme you want to achieve, or maybe you want the same kind of flowers that your grandparents had at their wedding and want to feel that special familial connection.
On top of that, there’s another thing to take into account – photos and video! A great photographer/videographer will know how to use the flowers to achieve amazing and artistic shots that will capture the emotions of the day.
How Much Should I Spend On Flowers?
This varies, depending on the size, kind, availability, etc, that you’re looking for. For most questions, it is best to ask a professional florist. However, we can give you a general estimation of what to look for.
According to the popular website Brides.com, the average costs go something like this:
- Bridal bouquet: $250
- Bridesmaid bouquet: $80
- Head table centerpiece: $120-$600
- Groom’s boutonniere: $20
- Flower girl petals: $25 per bag
Generally the bill falls to whoever is paying for the wedding overall, including that of the bridesmaid bouquets and flower girl’s petals. Traditionally, the responsibility of paying for the bridesmaids’ bouquets does not fall on the bridesmaids themselves.
Here at the Little Vegas Chapel, we are proud to offer you floral arrangements for less than the average costs, that way you can lessen the stress of wedding budgeting and focus on enjoying your big day.
5. Let Them Eat Cake!
Who can forget the classic staple of a wedding cake? This fixture has marked weddings for generations now and discussion of flavors and tiers and styles and more all has their own special place in the wedding planning process.
Of course, there’s no requirement that you even need to have a wedding cake on your big day. Some couples opt instead for other dessert alternatives (a popular one being a chocolate fountain and a “first dip” instead of a “first slice”). Heck, you could have wedding cinnamon rolls if that’s what suits your fancy. It’s your big day! Quite literally treat yourself!
How Much Does A Wedding Cake Cost?
A lot of factors go into determining the cost of a wedding cake, including design, tiers, and “complexity of flavor” (in other words, a white frosting cake with white buttercream filling is going to be, understandably, less expensive than a cake with Swiss meringue buttercream and a raspberry compote).
At the lowest, couples usually end up spending $125 and on the highest they spend as much as $700. Though according to research done by Brides.com, the average is around $350 (though other popular sites such as TheKnot.com and WeddingForward.com have set the average at between $500-$560).
What Are Some Wedding Cake Styles
While in the past wedding cakes tended to follow a certain formula, nowadays the only true limit is what the maker is capable of. Some popular styles among couples include:
- Traditional: This is your classic staple, elegant and sweet (in looks and flavor). Generally they will stick to either round or square, usually tiered, and either white piped patterns or else fondant and frosting flowers.
- Modern: These are marked by being much more angular than traditional designs, and while make take on a square shape, it is not uncommon to see hexagons and other shapes (and often mixed and matched). These often are quirky or whimsical, which makes it popular among couples who happily go against the grain.
- Naked: This style has taken weddings by storm. Rather than your traditional fondant or frosting layer covering the entire outside of the cake, this dessert opts instead to forgo all but the most minimal amounts of frosting on the outside and compensates with extra filling within. While unconventional, it has grown increasingly popular (particularly among those who don’t have sweet tooths) and is praised visually for its minimalistic feel. Elegant and simple all at once.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that won’t break the bank, the Little Vegas Chapel has an offer you might just find your mouth watering for: Bundt cakes and bundtinis. That’s right, take a unique spin on the classic wedding cake by having an adorable bundtini to enjoy after your ceremony! These treats are delectable, look divine, and are a totally affordable option, if you’re not wanting to break the bank on your wedding dessert.
Need A Venue? We’ve Got You Covered
Of course, an important part of your wedding is having a place to get married. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here at the Little Vegas Chapel, you can let go of much of the stress that comes with preparing for your special day. Venue, packages, cakes, flowers, photos, ministers, and yes, even a spa day for the bride and her bridesmaids. We do Elvis weddings, fake weddings, and more.
So what are you waiting for? Book your Las Vegas wedding today with the Little Vegas Chapel! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!
