How to Create a Magazine-Worthy Wedding

Throughout your wedding planning, you’ve probably flipped through a magazine or two (or 12) and seen the stunning photos and gorgeous centerpieces of your dreams. But not everyone can afford a celebrity-style wedding day. Fortunately, there are things you can do to have your dream wedding without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for how to create a magazine-worthy wedding by creating a stunning ceremony and reception to reflect you and your fiancé’s love.

 Choose a gorgeous venue.

If you want to plan a wedding that will make your guests’ jaws drop, book a venue that will shine in photos and in person. An already lovely venue will require less décor and will make for a beautiful background in your wedding photos.

{The Magnolia Event Venue}

 {Capitol Theatre}                               {Sunsphere Events}

When touring venues, pay attention to the architectural details, lighting, ceiling, and even floors—these seemingly unimportant details will show up in every image of your big day. And if you’re planning an outside wedding, look for a venue with great natural views, like a flowering garden, a field with a mountain view, or a park on a lake.

 Thrift your décor.

Regularly stop in to your local thrift store to look for secondhand items you could use for your reception. Be sure to keep an open mind and think about ways you could repurpose items into unique centerpieces or signage. You can also ask family and friends if they have any slightly used—or even unused—wedding décor that you could borrow or buy at a discount. If you know anyone who recently got married, chances are they have boxes of wedding décor sitting around that they’d love to pass on to you.

{Parkside Resort}

 Make sure your colors pop.

All-white may be in style but keeping everything monochrome can be costly and make for dull photos. Add pops of color on simple items to brighten up your décor. Consider colorful placemats, ribbons tied around vases or napkins, or even bright dessert plates to add a little fun and visual interest.

{Parkside Resort}

Create a signature drink.

Everyone loves an open bar, but they can be incredibly expensive. As an alternative, consider making a signature cocktail that fits you and your fiancé’s personalities. You can serve your drink in a fun glass and give your guests something to talk about. Be sure to create both an alcoholic and a non-alcohol version to be considerate of guests who don’t drink.

Be flexible.

The more open you are to changing some aspects of your day, the more you can find ways to cut back on costs. Ask your venue about rates for weeknight or even Sunday weddings. Be open to changing your date to get a better price.

 Invest in an awesome photographer.

An experienced photographer can make even the most simple wedding look amazing. Choose a professional who’s a master of lighting and setting up shots. Talk to them about what you want from your wedding photos. After all, your photos are the one thing that will remain to remind you of your wedding for years to come. This is one area of your big day where you definitely don’t want to look for the cheapest option. A talented photographer can capture the emotion and joy of the day and freeze those moments in time. And if you need a magazine-worthy photographer who has been published, well, I just happen to know a girl…

With a little thought and planning, you can create the wedding day of your dreams. And, with the right photographer, you’ll have gorgeous photos to remind you of that day for the rest of your life. 

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© Shanell Bledsoe Photography – Knoxville Wedding Photographer