las vegas wedding planner Archives • Weddings by Leigh

Top 10 Destination Wedding Locations for 2025

July 29, 2024 Paige Thom Leave a comment Blog

Top 10 Destination Wedding Locations for 2025

Destination weddings are increasingly becoming the top choice for couples across the US. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration abroad, the unique locations, competitive costs, and stunning aesthetics make these events truly unforgettable. We have compiled a list of the top 10 destination wedding locations for 2025, each offering a perfect blend of beauty and romance for your special day.

1. Lake Como, Italy

Venue: Villa del Balbianello

Estimated Price: $9,000 – $60,000 for venue rental
Additional Costs: Catering, decoration, and accommodation can add another $22,000 – $55,000 depending on preferences and guest count.

Benefits: Nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Como, Villa del Balbianello offers an enchanting setting for a fairytale wedding. The historic villa, with its terraced gardens and panoramic views of the lake, provides a romantic and elegant backdrop for both the ceremony and reception. Its exclusivity ensures a private and intimate celebration.

More Information : HERE

2. Tuscany, Italy

Venue: Castello di Vicarello

Estimated Price: $13,000 – $19,500 for venue rental
Additional Costs: Full wedding packages, including catering and accommodation, typically range from $33,000 – $77,000.

Benefits: Set amidst the rolling hills of Tuscany, Castello di Vicarello is a luxurious 12th-century castle offering a blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. The castle’s vineyards, olive groves, and lush gardens create a stunning setting for a wedding. Couples and guests can enjoy gourmet cuisine, fine wines, and exceptional hospitality.

Learn More : HERE

3. Edinburgh, Scotland

Venue: Dundas Castle

Estimated Price: $10,000 – $19,000 for venue rental
Additional Costs: Wedding packages with catering, decoration, and accommodation can range from $25,000 – $65,000.

Benefits: Dundas Castle, located just outside Edinburgh, is one of Scotland’s most romantic and historic venues. The 15th-century castle offers a range of stunning locations for ceremonies, including the Auld Keep and the Croquet Room. Its beautiful grounds and elegant interiors provide a magical setting for a memorable wedding.

Learn More : HERE

4. Isle of Skye, Scotland

Venue: Kinloch Lodge

Estimated Price: $6,000 – $13,000 for venue rental
Additional Costs: Full wedding packages, including accommodation and catering, typically range from $18,000 – $45,000.

Benefits: Kinloch Lodge, a former hunting lodge on the Isle of Skye, offers a unique and intimate setting for a destination wedding. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, this charming venue provides a cozy and romantic atmosphere. The lodge’s award-winning restaurant and personalized service ensure an unforgettable experience for couples and their guests.

Learn More : HERE

5. Riviera Maya, Mexico

Venue: Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Estimated Price: $9,000 – $13,500 for venue rental
Additional Costs: Wedding packages, including accommodation and catering, can range from $22,000 – $55,000.

Benefits: Banyan Tree Mayakoba is a luxury resort located in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Its stunning beachfront and lush mangroves create a serene and exotic setting for a wedding. The resort offers a variety of beautiful venues, including beachfront locations and elegant ballrooms. Couples can enjoy world-class amenities and exceptional service.

Learn More : HERE

6. Los Cabos, Mexico

Venue: The Resort at Pedregal

Estimated Price: $11,000 – $16,500 for venue rental
Additional Costs: Full wedding packages, including accommodation and catering, typically range from $33,000 – $77,000.

Benefits: The Resort at Pedregal, nestled between the mountains and the ocean in Los Cabos, offers a dramatic and breathtaking backdrop for a destination wedding. The resort’s private beach, cliffside venues, and luxurious accommodations create an unforgettable experience. Its exceptional dining options and spa services add to the allure.

Learn More : HERE

7. Santorini, Greece

Venue: Canaves Oia Hotel

Estimated Price: $9,000 – $13,500 for venue rental
Additional Costs: Wedding packages, including accommodation and catering, can range from $22,000 – $55,000

Benefits: Perched on the cliffs of Oia, Canaves Oia Hotel offers panoramic views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea. The hotel’s whitewashed architecture and stunning sunsets create a romantic and iconic setting for a wedding. Couples can exchange vows on a private terrace overlooking the sea and enjoy luxurious amenities.

Learn More : HERE

8. Mykonos, Greece

Venue: Alemagou Beach Bar

Estimated Price: $6,000 – $13,000 for venue rental
Additional Costs: Full wedding packages, including catering and decoration, typically range from $18,000 – $45,000.

Benefits: Alemagou Beach Bar, located on the beautiful Ftelia Beach in Mykonos, offers a chic and bohemian setting for a destination wedding. The venue’s rustic design, combined with its stunning beachfront location, creates a relaxed and stylish atmosphere. Couples can enjoy beachside ceremonies and vibrant receptions.

9. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Venue: Villa Cimbrone

Estimated Price: $11,000 – $16,500 for venue rental
Additional Costs: Wedding packages, including accommodation and catering, can range from $27,000 – $66,000.

Benefits: Villa Cimbrone, situated on the Amalfi Coast, is known for its breathtaking views and historic charm. The villa’s beautiful gardens, terraces, and panoramic vistas make it a perfect location for a romantic wedding. Its elegant interiors and exceptional service ensure a luxurious and memorable celebration.

Learn More : HERE

10. Highlands, Scotland

Venue: Achnagairn Castle

Estimated Price: $9,000 – $15,000 for venue rental
Additional Costs: Full wedding packages, including accommodation and catering, typically range from $25,000 – $65,000.

Benefits: Achnagairn Castle, located in the Scottish Highlands, offers a grand and picturesque setting for a destination wedding. The castle’s stunning ballroom, beautiful gardens, and luxurious accommodations provide a perfect backdrop for a fairytale wedding. Couples can enjoy the castle’s rich history and enchanting atmosphere.

Learn More : HERE

Choosing the perfect destination wedding location is an exciting step in your journey to a memorable celebration of love. Each of these stunning venues offers unique benefits and unforgettable experiences, ensuring your special day is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. Our wedding planning and design team is here to help answer any questions you may have and guide you through every step of the process. Let us help you start your journey to the perfect destination wedding, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Request Your Destination Wedding Consultation Now!

Rethinking Wedding Favors: A Modern Take on a Classic Tradition

June 12, 2024 Paige Thom Leave a comment Blog, Uncategorized

Rethinking Wedding Favors: A Modern Take on a Classic Tradition

Recently, we shared a TikTok in our “Wedding Etiquette pt. 15” series, diving into the traditional practice of wedding guest favors. This sparked an engaging conversation about the relevance of these tokens in today’s weddings, and we couldn’t help but express our evolving views on this age-old custom. This had us Rethinking Wedding Favors, offering A Modern Take on a Classic Tradition.

The tradition of giving wedding favors is steeped in history, tracing back to the French aristocracy and upper classes. The term “wedding favor” originates from the French word bonbonnière, which literally means “box of bonbons.” These bonbonnières were luxurious small gift boxes filled with sweets or other treats, bestowed upon guests as a gesture of gratitude and to wish them good luck.

While this tradition carries a certain charm, we believe it’s time to modernize and personalize the concept of wedding favors. The days of generic chocolates, mints, and trinkets are behind us. Instead, we are advocating for favors that enhance the wedding experience, reflect the couple’s personality, and offer genuine value to guests. Here are some of our favorite contemporary favor ideas:

1. Calligraphy Keepsakes

Introduce a touch of elegance and personalization with a live calligraphy artist at your reception. They can create bespoke items for guests throughout the evening, such as luggage tags, themed cups, or key chains. These keepsakes not only align with your wedding theme but also provide a unique, memorable experience for your guests.

2. Personalized Bottles

For weddings at vineyards, in Italy, or in Sonoma, consider gifting personalized bottles of wine or olive oil. Elevate this favor by having a sommelier on-site to educate guests about the bottle they’re receiving. This not only adds an interactive element but also deepens the appreciation of the gift.

3. Late Night Bites

If your celebration extends into the late hours, offer a “late night bite” option. Personalize containers or tickets and surprise your guests with a delicious treat they can enjoy immediately. This thoughtful gesture will be a welcome delight as the night progresses.

4. A Flower for the Night

Channel the romance of classic movies with a single, beautiful flower or a small bouquet for each guest. This simple yet elegant gesture allows guests to enjoy a touch of natural beauty throughout the evening and take a piece of the celebration home with them.

When selecting wedding favors, we like to follow a few guiding principles:

Enhance the Experience: Does the favor add to the overall wedding experience?
Personalization: Is the favor personalized for the guest?
Practicality: Will guests actually want or use this item?
Convenience: Is it easy for guests to use on-site or take home (considering travel, hotels, etc.)?

In reimagining wedding favors, we encourage couples to think beyond tradition and opt for items that are meaningful, memorable, and truly enhance their guests’ experience. Whether it’s through personalized calligraphy, a taste of fine wine, a late-night snack, or a romantic flower, the right favor can leave a lasting impression and a heartfelt thank you.

A Dreamy Italian Inspired Wedding at Hilton Lake Las Vegas

May 13, 2024 Paige Thom Leave a comment Blog, Uncategorized

Emily & Ra’s Timeless Spring Celebration: A Dreamy Italian Inspired Wedding at Hilton Lake Las Vegas

Wedding Day Team:

Photographer: Amber & Co Photography

Videographer: Lex Get Raw

Venue: Lake Las Vegas Hilton

String Quartet: Las Vegas Music Oasis

Hair & Make-Up : Beauty Studios Inc

In the picturesque setting of early spring, amidst the allure of Lake Las Vegas, Emily and Ra embarked on a journey to bring the timeless romance of the Italian coast to life. Choosing the stunning Hilton Lake Las Vegas as their venue, the WBL team helped to craft a celebration that seamlessly blended classic elegance with natural luxury. Leaving a lasting impression on our couple and their guest.

A Romantic Setting To Say “I DO”

Nestled within the beauty of Hilton Lake Las Vegas, Emily and Ra found the perfect backdrop for their dream wedding. With its stunning Italian chapel overlooking the tranquil waters, the stage was set for a ceremony that exuded romance and sophistication. In the early spring sun, the couple exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony, surrounded by the love of their closest family and friends.

Tented Reception by the Water

Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a reception under a beautifully adorned tent. This offered all guest panoramic views of the gorgeous water at sunset. The atmosphere was nothing short of magical as laughter and joy filled the air, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The tented reception provided the perfect blend of elegance and intimacy, allowing guests to dine and dance the night away.

Timeless Elegance in Decor

Emily and Ra envisioned a wedding style that was both classic and natural. They asked our team for a focus on lush draping greens and timeless white florals. Working closely with our WBL design studio, we brought the couple’s vision to life in every detail of the wedding design. From the elegant drapery adorning the chapel doors to the exquisite floral arrangements gracing the reception tables, every element was meticulously curated to reflect the beauty of the Italian coast.

Floral Magic

The floral team at WBL design studio played a pivotal role in bringing Emily and Ra’s vision to fruition. In particular, when designing Emily’s unique bridal bouquet, a challenge arose. Following a delayed bloom, our specialty floral farm was unable to provide the requested stephanotis, crucial for the bouquet’s foundation. As a result, just two days before the wedding, our design team managed to procure the nearest substitute: white tweedia and lily of the valley.

Conclusion

As the night sky sparkled with stars, Emily and Ra’s timeless celebration came to a close. They headed off, leaving behind memories that will be cherished by everyone for years to come. From the romantic setting of Lake Las Vegas to the elegant decor, every aspect of their wedding day was a testament to their love. And as they embarked on the next chapter of their journey together, they knew that their love would only continue to grow stronger with each passing day.

Ready to start planning your dream wedding day? Reach out for your one-on-one consultation today! REQUEST HERE

~Las Vegas Based Destination Wedding Planners~

Bride and groom cut the wedding cake with disco balls

Las Vegas Wedding Planner

January 6, 2023 Paige Thom Leave a comment Blog

What We Do

Planning your wedding is supposed to be an exciting and fulfilling experience. Unfortunately, however, a lot of brides and grooms find it too stressful and may find it very overwhelming. This is where Weddings by Leigh comes in; we are a unique Las Vegas wedding planning business and are a proud mom and daughter duo.

Las Vegas mom and daughter wedding planning team

We want our couples to feel confident during this process because we know that your wedding day is the most important day! We aim to highlight your love and personality with our wedding design and decor while providing a “best friend” like wedding planning experience by following our methodical process for wedding planning and budgeting.

Our services include planning packages that include everything from the design of the wedding to managing your special day. We have planning tools to support you by keeping tabs on your budget and the logistics of your wedding day. Weddings by Leigh’s combined 30 years of experience will ensure that your magical day runs as smoothly as possible, with the right budget and perfect design.

A One-Of-A-Kind Touch:

Besides all of the craziness that comes with planning a wedding (which we pride ourselves in managing effortlessly), we endeavor to make you feel as comfortable as possible through the entire wedding planning journey.

Our planners always strive’s to make a genuine connection with every single couple that we work with. While the design team take’s all of your ideas and dreams to ensure that they are featured in your desired wedding aesthetic. We team take a one-of-a-kind approach to your wedding design and wedding planning experience to ensure you get what you are paying for and more.

Our Couples:

Today we wanted to highlight and celebrate the gorgeous couples that we have had the privilege of working with. We always learn so much from each and every one our couples and there is nothing better than making new, lifelong friends. Our couples are at the core of what we do as Las Vegas wedding planners, and this is why we use unique wedding designs to make every couple feel as though their voices are heard, and their style is highlighted during their magical day.

The Couple: Stacy and Jon:

One of our beautiful couples, Stacy and Jon, allowed us the privilege of planning their magical day. They wanted a modern yet retro and fun wedding, focusing on playful elements to encapsulate and represent their love for one another. We can often tell which type of couple we are working with by focusing on the details of their hopes and dreams for the wedding. This scenario was no different.

Stacy and Jon wanted to incorporate the fun, funky nature of Las Vegas with a nod to Stacys island roots. Tropical decor, a green & white color scheme, with a little bit of disco were able to bring this day to life.

This unique sweetheart table was hand crafted on site, and was fit only for royalty! With the disco balls symbolizing their fun and loving nature, and the foliage overarching the design, Stacy and Jon were able to sit down and bask in their love for one another during the entire wedding reception.

Unique sweetheart table with tropical leaves and disco balls

During the design process Stacy and Jon were able to hand pick elements from each of the proposed looks for their tropical white and green scheme. They preferred disco balls and tropical greens including a signature disco ball wedding chandelier. This statement piece in their design was dazzling and fun. Disco balls and Monstera leaves made for a magnificent combination; the words ‘chic’ and ‘retro’ come to mind.

Jon and Stacy focused their reception décor on welcoming guests and setting an atmosphere of play to thank them for being a part of their magical day. This was what Weddings by Leigh focused on during the design process.

We drew upon their loving and fun nature and their desire to bring this into their special day. Weddings by Leigh ensured that Stacy and Jon did not feel overwhelmed during the process and that all of their ideas and preferences were included in the reception.

One-Of-A-Kind Wedding Design:

Weddings by Leigh

We have been so lucky to be able to share and celebrate Stacy and Jon with you. Their reception wedding decor was playful, exquisite and detailed (see the full gallery here). It worked so incredibly well with their personality as a couple. A fun and energetic couple, Stacy and Jon wanted nothing but joy and togetherness on their special day. Weddings by Leigh is proud to say that we delivered! (You can see Stacy’s kind words HERE) Stacy and Jon’s unique wedding design and wedding decor were nothing short of spectacular.

As Las Vegas wedding planners, Weddings by Leigh strives to make a genuine connection with our couples and to highlight their unique style. We take all of your dreams and ideas and merge them into a magical piece of living art, also known as your wedding day.

We believe that your wedding day is one of the most momentous occasions by which you can celebrate your love for one another as a couple, and therefore, it should be your version of perfect! This moment will last a lifetime and having a timeless wedding is something that Weddings by Leigh will ensure to create for you as a couple.

Our wedding planning and wedding decor are flexible around you as a couple. Alongside the creative aspect of wedding planning, we have the more serious aspect of budgeting. Now, this may not be every couple’s cup of tea, however, we have a methodical approach to budgeting that works!

As you experience the build-up to your very own fairy-tale of a wedding, Weddings by Leigh will be with you every step of the way. With our unique wedding design, coupled with our combined 30 years of experience, we endeavor to being you nothing but the best. We will bring you your very own version of perfect! Reach out for a free wedding consultation today! Click Here

5 Steps Every Couple Should Be Taking Latest

December 5, 2022 Christy Thom Leave a comment Blog

Avoid C19 heart break and analyze your wedding plans now before the decisions are made for you.

Black and white wedding photography with bride and groom by fire — Alex & Crosbey 11.06.20

Did you know in the 1930s most American brides could not afford a wedding dress so they wore their best dress to a simple court house ceremony? How about in 1942 and 43, couples got engaged, sent out announcements on Monday, invitations via telegram (text message lol) on Wednesday, with a ceremony on Saturday? Couples in love have had to navigate monumental obstacles throughout different periods in time; culture, conflict, and trends, have all influenced weddings and often times resulted in a shift changing weddings from what they were to what they are today.

Unfortunately, brides and grooms today are facing some of the most frustrating and saddening wedding alterations due to the constantly changing mandates and restrictions in some counties, cities, and states across the US. We want you to know you are not alone and we understand you may be faced with some incredibly painful decisions right now so we are here to help! Below is the 5 steps every couple should be taking now to avoid heartbreak down the road. If you act and plan today you will feel in control moving forward through this ever changing terrain.

1.) Reschedule

Invitation to celebrate your postponed wedding date — Save the New Wedding Date

We recommend rescheduling first because this is one of the easiest ways to maintain your original vision and many venues, vendors, guests will understand your predicament and do all they can to assist you.

2.) “Move” Your Event

Tan monochromatic wedding decor tented las vegas wedding

Sounds crazy right now but there are several states currently operating without COVID restrictions. You may move your event to a non-restricted state and have the freedom to build your dream wedding. Do keep in mind some family members may not feel comfortable traveling during this time so be prepared for some guest still declining.

3.) Reduce Guest Count

Covid19 safe wedding, desert wedding — Jerome Parks Photos

This is one of the hardest emotionally to do. How do you un-invite someone you love? Here is our recommended strategy for reducing guests. Highlight each guest type in a different color.

A. Family

B. Friends

C. Family you haven’t seen in 12 months or more.

D. Friends you haven’t seen in 3 months or more.

Start by removing guests from D & C. Write a lovely card to each expressing your apologies and gratitude for their understanding. Did you reach your guest count? If not, try this next approach.

Reduce to family only and couples only (no children) and consider having a party on your one-year anniversary for those you had to un-invite or remove from the list.

Still having trouble reducing your guest list? Consider only family or friends that are within driving distance.

4.) Private Property

10.10.20 Weddings By Leigh Backyard Wedding

Do you have a family member or friend with a house/yard big enough to support your guest count? This may be a great option for you. Private properties give couples a lot of freedom in planning without having to follow current business restrictions in your area. Beware, there are some hurdles to backyard weddings, before deciding to move forward check out our Backyard Wedding blog for a full scope on the challenges of backyard I Do’s.

5.) Elope!

Rustic wedding bride and groom Las vegas barn wedding — Jessecca + Aaron Wedding 10.01.20

One way to avoid hurt feelings, elope and postpone a reception until the restrictions are removed. Many couples have varying reasons for needing to/wanting to get married as soon as possible. If none of the above feel like the right option for you but you need to get married ASAP, Elope! There are tons of cute ways to still make it a magical fun day for you and your love.

Remember, getting married is about proclaiming your life long love and commitment to each other, in 5 years none of this CV19 craziness will matter. All that will matter is you and your soulmate are living your best lives! By following the 5 steps every couple should be taking now you are simply ensuring a less stressful wedding planning experience.

California beach engagement with champagne bottle

Top Tips For a Stress Free Wedding Planning Experience

March 3, 2021 Paige Thom Leave a comment Blog

It is officially Wedding Planning Season! With November – February being engagement season it is officially time for couples to begin the planning process. We have compiled our top tips for stress free wedding planning experience for any couple beginning their journey. You want to enjoy the planning experience and having the right foundation to get started will make all the difference.

Tip 1 – Set a budget!

Even if you end up changing your budget or plans its okay, start by talking money. Weddings do not need to be a financial drain or burden to be magical, but I want you to be prepared for the cost of things. Just like buying a car, I don’t want you to experience sticker shock, if you were expecting a Mercedes on a Honda budget.

Start with completing the Easy Budget Tool (Click Here to request your free download). You can either enter your number of guests or your estimated funds to see where those will most likely get allocated.

Tip 2 – See tip#1 … SET A BUDGET

Wedding budget for beginners infographic

We’re going to say it again! Setting a budget truly helps in decision making, design, venue selection, and everything else. Also, know that the single largest expense is food and drinks which is tied directly to your guest count. Need to cut cost? The easiest way is to reduce your guest count.

Tip 3 – Pick a date

Now that you have your finances in order (or so we hope) its time to pick a date! There are several different ways to approach date selection and here are a few.

Dream date – it is all the rage to select a date with numeric significance 10/10/2020, 12/21/21. 2/22/22. If you have your budget set and begin your venue search looking for your dream date you will be more prepared for the potential challenges of scheduling on a trendy date.
Length of engagement – are you in a rush? This may limit your selection at traditional venues as they often book 12 – 18 months in advance and sometimes even longer if it is a popular or historical site. If you have time to plan (and save $$$) then you will have access to a greater selection.
On a tight budget? – Monday – Thursdays are always less than Friday – Sunday. Pick mid-week and consider a breakfast, brunch or lunch ceremony/reception.
Season – Avoid peak wedding season to help save some money. April, May, September, and October, are the busiest wedding months and vendors do charge accordingly. Avoid peak season to save money on your venue and vendors.

Tip 4 – Get organized!

Break out the trusty 3 ring binder and organize the event into major sections in chronological order. You don’t need to rush and confirm an officiant before you have a venue and you won’t need a florist until you have a design. You will save hours of frustration and stress simply knocking things off the checklist in order. Think of the event in this order…

When are you having it? (Pick your date)
Who do you want to be there? (Confirm your guest count – this will dictate your venue options)
Where will it be? (Confirm your venue)
What will it look like? (design the wedding BEFORE you pick entertainment, invites, etc – wedding design drives the entire event experience)
What will we do? (traditions, ceremony, dances, toasts – this all drives how the event is laid out and what vendors need to be confirmed)
How are we notifying people? (invites, website, etc)
Who is coming? (RSVP and contract final payments)

Tip 5 – Get help!

Mother of the bride and bridesmaids helping but the wedding dress on

If you are planning the DIY route, I suggest getting a trusted family member or friend to assist you with the day of details. If you are organized and have a clear vision of your wedding day you are a perfect candidate for the DIY strategy but when it comes to your big day you will want to turn the reigns over so you can enjoy the magic. One person will need to coordinate with your vendors on your behalf plus manage the timeline of events, I recommend a professional or a friend or family member that is willing to lean in to help make the day come to life.

For couples that desire being more hands off or need guidance, I recommend connecting with a wedding planner and/or designer as soon as you know your date or shortly after confirming your venue (some venues have full service planners included in your venue rental). Brining your planner in early on will ensure your wedding design and event are a cohesive seamless experience. Wedding planning is a long journey but can be enjoyable if you follow our tips for a stress free wedding planning experience.

Happy Planning! ~Christy Leigh Thom

Rustic fall wedding invitation with burnt orange sunflowers

6 Truly Unique Wedding Invitation Ideas

February 18, 2021 Paige Thom Leave a comment Blog

“You only get one chance at a first impression, so start with the invitation!”
~Christy Leigh

I don’t know about you, but when I start planning a wedding the first thought that comes to mind is, “how is this going to be different than any other wedding?” Being the lead designer on our team I am also particularly sensitive to ensuring the couple’s individuality is also represented in their special day. I believe each couple should stand out from the crowd. I mean… It’s you, it’s your day it shouldn’t look like any other. Let’s look at 6 truly unique wedding invitation ideas below!

Personality meets style starting with the design phase. Our process begins by getting to know what our couple client likes their interests, hobbies, even home décor. (Because, what better way to understand your personality than getting a glimpse into your home.) Taking all the information we have plus looking at Pinterest boards or inspiration pictures, likes and dislikes, chosen venue and desired experience we start at the end and work our way to the beginning. Meaning, we create the entire vision of the day from what champagne will be served, to lighting, time of day, entertainment, weather, florals, colors, etc. Then we move into the details like signs, invitations, name cards and save the dates.

Which brings me to designing invitations that are as unique as you and give your guests a WOW first impression of your wedding day. Below are my favorite invitation ideas for making a fantastic and memorable first impression that is all your own.

1.) Get Artsy

Fall wedding invitation with sunflowers and burnt orange — Custom artwork for our bride who wanted a rustic inspired, fall wedding. The artwork will be used on all wedding stationery including name cards and welcome sign.

What better way to have a one-of-a-kind invite than one created by a fine artist? This is absolutely one of my favorite invite ideas because you can be as opulent or simplistic as you like and the art may be used for your welcome sign, menus, place cards, thank you and more.

2.) Mini Book

There is nothing more unique to you than your story so share it with your guests in a mini book invite. Include pictures of you along with event details all in a keepsake style invite. To be honest we had a hard time finding an example of this specific idea (which should tell you how unique it is!). So we did this little mockup to give you a better idea of what it would look like. Keep it simple and small, include personal photos, and the wedding details. A 2×3 book is only $4.96 from Walmart and you can include your entire love story!

3.) A Sprig

Elegant wedding invitation with sprig of lavender

I am an absolute gluten for fresh herbs and flowers and for my BoHo couples this is my top pick for giving your guests a sneak peak at either what’s on the menu (slip in a sprig of cilantro or rosemary secured to your invite with jute). Or, the vibe of your nature inspired celebration (lavender, grass, baby’s breath sprigs tied with a simple ribbon). Try to keep the sprigs small and tight so they don’t make a mess of your guests counter when they open the invite.

4.) A Sprig + Eco Friendly

Eco-Friendly wedding invitation with plant seeds — Etsy is a great resource to use. These are only $0.93 each!

Take it a step further and send your invite on plantable paper!

5.) Venue Inspired

Wine bottle label wedding invitation — Labels can be found on Etsy and we suggest Trader Joes, or Costco for inexpensive wine choices unless it is in your budget to send a bottle from your winery.

I know, how vague! But here is what I mean, if you are getting married at a winery send a cork, a wine bottle, a bottle opener. If you are getting married on the beach, send a treasure map, a beach survival kit with sunscreen, glasses, sun visor each with another piece of info or message in a bottle.

6.) Puzzle Pieces

I fell in love with blank puzzles from Amazon because you make it into anything you want and when you share it the activity is fun to unravel the mystery. We used these last Christmas to give a ski trip spread out among lots of little gifts.

In todays world of Pinterest Weddings, and Instagram styled shoots it can be difficult to find truly unique wedding details for your day. It feels like everyone is doing the different versions of the same basic ideas. Hopefully these 6 truly unique wedding invitation ideas helped you get started on the right path. Need some invite inspiration or wedding design help? Send us a note!

How To Take A Unique Approach To A Popular Trend

January 8, 2021 Paige Thom Leave a comment Blog

5 easy wedding decor tips for a rustic wedding theme

Have you ever wondered how trends get started and why some take hold like wildfire and others fade off into obscurity? The easy answer is this, the fashion industry drives trends that influence almost every market you can imagine including weddings. And long story short, fashion insiders like designers and celebrities basically tell the rest of the world, “hey this hot”.

The people we see on TV, in movies, social circles, and on the web are leading drivers of trends and statisticians and marketers help guide where the investment dollars will go. The vested trends get the window (or virtual window) and shelf space which means it becomes what have most access to. The long and short of it (or rather epically simplified version) celebrity combined with industry = trend. Let’s be honest, who didn’t fall in love with Texas couple Chip and Joanna that brought us the romantic world of rustic farmhouse décor?

Boiled down this means for a DIY couple; trends = limits. It’s not easy to create your own look when most affordable choices all look the same. Paige and I decided we would take on the challenge of a white, rustic wedding without using any of the design staples that are presently flooding Pinterest, Instagram and retailers.

1.) Your Vase

Natural wedding decor centerpiece with white roses and eucalyptus

I am a glutton for clean lines and sophisticated design, so my first change is replacing bulky mason jars with Dollar Tree vases. This swap is about a $0.20 increase in cost per vase. Then add river rocks, fairy lights and florals for a romantic and simple centerpiece.

2.) Ditch the Wood

Inexpensive Nature inspired wedding centerpiece

My second swap is replacing the wood stump with a sprawling nature scape of greenery and polished river rock complimented by votive candles. Good news, this swap will save you big dollars! 9” rustic wood centerpieces are about $8.00 each compared to the nature scape, which is $1.00 for the bag of rock, $1.00 for greenery, and $1.00 for votive candles ($3.00 total).

3.) Place Settings

White and silvers wedding table setting with eucalyptus

Next up, I like add classics to the table by including a charger or china. For this setting we did both, to keep it chic and affordable stick with just the charger plate. These can be found online or at the Dollar Store for $1.00 an under.

4.) Have Some Fun

White and blue summer wedding table setting and napkin — While we didn’t add a colorful napkin this time, we did want to share a great example of how it can be easily done! Click Here to save it.

Swap bland for bold when it comes to your napkins! Whether you have a wood finished table or tablecloth your napkins are the easiest way to add a pop of color without breaking the bank or risking a dangerous mistake. Every color in the rainbow looks beautiful with white and natural colors. Add orange, emerald green, hot pink, cranberry red, sapphire blue. Get creative with a pocket fold placing your flatware in the fold and centering it on the plate for buffet service or charger for sit down.

5.) Florals

White roses and eucalyptus wedding decor

For our mock event I chose eucalyptus as my primary green and ivory roses. By doing so the eucalyptus is complimented by the silver accents (flatware and charger) creating a romantic, summer feel. Taking this same look, you can swap the eucalyptus for cedar or juniper to create a rich winter vide that would look beautiful with gold.

It can be so easy to get wrapped up in current trends especially when Pinterest, target, and instagram are all pushing the same designs and styles. But there are simple ways to stay in trend while also making some unique changes. If you ever get stuck or feel overwhelmed in the design process reach out to a trusted design team. We offer wedding designs as low as $250! Or, stay tuned for our next DIY mock event where we will be bringing on the color!

5 Steps Every Couple Should Be Taking Now

November 24, 2020 Paige Thom Leave a comment Blog

Avoid C19 heart break and analyze your wedding plans now before the decisions are made for you.

1.) Reschedule

2.) “Move” Your Event

3.) Reduce Guest Count

This is one of the hardest emotionally to do. How do you un-invite someone you love? Here is our recommended strategy for reducing guests. Highlight each guest type in a different color.

A. Family

B. Friends

C. Family you haven’t seen in 12 months or more.

D. Friends you haven’t seen in 3 months or more.

Start by removing guests from D & C. Write a lovely card to each expressing your apologies and gratitude for their understanding. Did you reach your guest count? If not, try this next approach.

Reduce to family only and couples only (no children) and consider having a party on your one-year anniversary for those you had to un-invite or remove from the list.

Still having trouble reducing your guest list? Consider only family or friends that are within driving distance.

4.) Private Property

5.) Elope!

The Wedding Secret Budget Bride’s Need To Know

August 10, 2020 Paige Thom Leave a comment Blog

5 Ways Every Bride Can Avoid Paying 50% or More In Dreaded Wedding Taxes!

Budget Bride standing on vintage VW Beetle in the desert with hot air balloons

Disclaimer! I do not condone intentionally lying or deceiving a vendor in order to “save a buck”. What I do recommend is following these wedding planning secrets from a pro, which can help brides that want to have an affordable, and memorable experience without going into debt or draining financial resources. So what is the wedding secret budget bride’s need to know, well first we need to start with wedding tax.

What Is The Wedding Tax?

To be blunt, it is a vendor markup for having to deal with the headaches associated with weddings. Using the example of a bakery, woman calls and orders a cake for a friend’s birthday party. Not complicated, make it cute, and spell the friends name correctly. Done! Now, same woman calls and wants a wedding cake. But not just any wedding cake, she wants to taste every flavor of cake you make along with different frosting combinations, she wants 3 tiers and each tier a different flavor because Uncle Jeff hates vanilla, and the maid of honor insists raspberry is the hottest trend, and…and… get the idea?

Weddings have become (and may have always been) these massively emotional and egotistical events with overly demanding consumers that want a royal affair regardless of their ability to pay for dominating a vendor’s time and attention. If you are NOT that type of bride, you most certainly may avoid (in most cases) WEDDING TAX.

1.) Keep It Simple

2 layer white wedding cake with eucalyptus — FT. 100layercake.com

When purchasing décor, florals, or renting tables, chairs, etc. simply request exactly what you need and when. Be prepared in advance and keep the questions minimal. Order a plain white, 2 tier cake, 50 folding chairs, 10 tables, etc. without diving into any details. Do not call and ask “how to” questions; expecting the vendor to spend extra time on your order.

2.) Be Open To New Ideas

Vintage record player used as wedding guest book sign in

If you are working with a wedding planner make it fun! Wedding planners are most often creative people who love weddings. If you have a limited budget give them a bit of input and let them be creative. Plus, delightful people are such a pleasure to work with, you will find vendors, planners, and venues will go above and beyond to ensure you have an incredible experience.

3.) Honesty Always Wins

Wedding budget for budget brides beginners info-graphic

Be up front about what you want and what you can pay for it. You may find a vendor will negotiate especially if you are paying with cash or bank transfer.

4.) Don’t Be Afraid To Shop Around

Cup of tea and saucer with lap top and plant

If the tax is too high keep on looking. It may take you additional leg work to find what you need without paying a high price.

5.) Stand Out From The Crowd

Black bride in modern lace wedding dress with boho hat

Don’t do what everyone else is doing. If something is trendy (like planning your wedding on a numerically fancy date) then vendors will be charging higher prices because they can and will get paid for desirable dates, styles, etc.

Most vendors in the industry love what they do and truly enjoy helping make a couples dream come true. But there is an almost added guarantee that a vendor will have to spend more time, and energy on a wedding than any other special event. Now you understand the wedding secret budget brides need to know! Need some more help on negotiating with vendors? We would love to help, Click Here to request a consultation with our team.

The Experts Tips & Tricks

June 15, 2020 Paige Thom Leave a comment Home slider

The Brides Guide

Weddings by Leigh is a Las Vegas based mom and daughter team helping couples with everything they need to plan their dream wedding on a real budget. Click here for all our latest tips and tricks!

Free Wedding Budget Guide

June 15, 2020 Paige Thom Leave a comment Home slider

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