February 16th

Photo Credit: Two One Photography

Tip of the Day: Invite your wedding officiant and a plus-one to your reception guest list. Many engaged couples forget to extend the plus-one or don't include their officiant altogether, but it's a nice gesture of gratitude. They'll appreciate the offer to share in your celebration, and so will their spouse or partner!

February 15th

Photo Credit: Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Tip of the Day: Don't forget that the scenery around you will be in your wedding photos, so choose a pretty comforter for the bed and pressed curtains (if you're getting ready in your bedroom). Declutter your bookshelves, clear off dresses, and check mirrors or other reflective surfaces for streaks or splatters. The camera captures every detail in the room, so have a bridesmaid help you make sure that everything looks tidy and neat. For example, you should close closet doors and move any empty water bottles out of the frame.

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Gorgeous Dresses for a Tropical Destination Wedding

Turn up the heat in one of these sleek, sexy gowns guaranteed to melt hearts.

By: Naima DiFranco

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Gorgeous Dresses for a Tropical Destination Wedding

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February 12th

Photo Credit: Love Life Images

Tip of the Day: Have your heart set on a Valentine's Day wedding? Bring your romantic vision to life through red and pink décor, bridesmaid dresses and even a late night snack, like these heart-shaped cookie and milk shooters! 

More fun ideas for a Valentine's Day wedding:

Bridal Style:

valentines day wedding
Photo by: Jose Villa on Snippet and Ink via Lover.ly

valentines day wedding
Photo Credit: Photo by: Caroline Tran on Grey Likes Weddings via Lover.ly
 

The Décor:

valentines day wedding
Photo by: Tonya Peterson Photography on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly

valentines day wedding
Photo by: Lauren Kinsey Fine Art Wedding Photography on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly

Photo Credit: Becca Rillo Photography

valentines day wedding
Photo by: Christa Kimble Photography on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly

Sweet Photo Op:

valentines day wedding
Photo by: Tealily Photography on Polka-Dot Bride via Loverly

Invitations:

valentines day wedding
Photo by: Erin Hearts Court on Inspired by This via Lover.ly

The Send-Off:

valentines day wedding
Photo by: Jonathan Ong on Inspired by This via Loverly

 

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Real Couples' First Dance Songs

Need some inspiration to find the perfect song for your first dance as a married couple? Here, real couples reveal how they chose the right song for that special moment.

By: Kristen Klein

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  • "Surrender" by Michele McLaughlin

    "Surrender" by Michele McLaughlin

    Shabnam and Matthew took dance lessons to prepare for their grand debut as husband and wife. "We chose this song because it's unique and romantic. Our family and friends were all impressed by our dance!" Shabham shared.

    See more from this wedding ►

    Photo Credit: Will Pursell Photography

  • “Save the Last Dance for Me” by Michael Bublé

    “Save the Last Dance for Me” by Michael Bublé

    Melissa and Frank hosted their wedding in a historic theater and shared their first dance on the same stage Melissa performed on as a child. “It was so fun to return to the stage where I grew up dancing and end my time there with my new husband. Of course, you can see how the song fit!” Melissa said.

    See more from this wedding ►

    Photo Credit: Ueda Photography

  • "Book of Love" by Peter Gabriel

    "Book of Love" by Peter Gabriel

    "We loved the simplicity of the lyrics, and it made us think of one another," Charlotte revealed.

    See more from this wedding ►

    Photo Credit: Timmester Photography

  • “Give Into Me” from the Country Strong soundtrack

    “Give Into Me” from the Country Strong soundtrack

    The lyrics of this song reminded Jackie and Richard of their journey to becoming a couple.

    See more from this wedding ►

    Photo Credit: Rose Street Studio

  • "You Make Me Smile" by Aloe Blacc

    "You Make Me Smile" by Aloe Blacc

     "During the first year we started dating, we would play it on a remix in the car all the time, and ever since then, it's been 'our song.' I think we just relate to the lyrics because we both fell in love with the fact that we make each other laugh so much," Mélissa said.

    See more from this wedding ►

    Photo Credit: Quetzal Photo

  • "You and I" by Michael Bublé

    "You and I" by Michael Bublé

    "Michael Bublé has a way with romance in his music, and the lyrics are so beautiful," said Amber.

    See more from this wedding ►

    Photo Credit: Kate Wenzel Photography

  • "Marry Me" by Train

    "Marry Me" by Train

    Around the time Robert proposed to Vicharin, "Marry Me" was a constant fixture on the radio. It became a song that reminded them of that special time, leading them to choose it as their first dance song.

    See more from this wedding ►

    Photo Credit: Hollywood Pro Weddings

  • "XO" by Beyoncé

    "XO" by Beyoncé

    "We wanted something non-traditional and unexpected, and the lyrics to the song are actually quite touching," explained Emily.

    See more from this wedding ►

    Photo Credit: EP Love

  • "Evergreen" by Ryan Adams

    "Evergreen" by Ryan Adams

    "We were driving one day back when we first started dating, and I was bombarding him with Ryan Adams music. He really liked this song, and we decided that it would be 'our song' just for fun!" recalled Toby.

    See more from this wedding ►

    Photo Credit: Douglas Benedict Photography

  • "Till There was You" by The Beatles

    "Till There was You" by The Beatles

    While proposing to Katie, Todd chose to play "Till There Was You" by the Beatles in the background and remarked that it'd be a great first dance song. He later learned that it was actually Katie's parents' wedding song! "My parents joined in dancing with us," Katie shared.

    See more from this wedding ►

    Photo Credit: Dana Lane Photography

  • "All of My Days" by Alexi Murdoch

    "All of My Days" by Alexi Murdoch

    "We chose it while we were still in Scotland after getting engaged. We had always loved Alexi Murdoch and would listen to his music a lot while we were on the trip, so we picked our favorite out of all his songs," Margo said.

    See more from this wedding ►

    Photo Credit: Dan and Melissa Photography

  • “Free” by Zac Brown Band

    “Free” by Zac Brown Band

    “We used to listen to this song when we would take long road trips, and it has always made us feel happy and at peace. It’s a beautiful yet unconventional choice for a first dance, but we love the message behind it and the memories that it holds for us,” Brittan said.

    See more from this wedding ►

    Photo Credit: Browne Photography

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Real Couples' First Dance Songs

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February 11th

Photo Credit: Kunio Photography

Tip of the Day: It's important to plan fun, affordable dates with your fiancé to relieve some of that wedding-planning stress. Skip the ultra-expensive dinner and visit a restaurant during a live performance, where you can still dress up and stop in for a drink or two at the bar. Check your town's recreation website for fabulous festivals and free concerts, great low-budget excursions that get you out of wedding world.

Plus, check out 20 Cheap Date Ideas.

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21 Hacks Every Budget-Conscious Couple Should Know

Weddings can be expensive. The average cost last year was over $30,000, and engaged couples are using smart ways to save without compromising their big day dreams. For the pair who wants to save a little cash with clever shortcuts, here are 21 money saving hacks that every couple should know.

By: Alexia Conley for Loverly

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  • Choose a Friday or Sunday date.

    Choose a Friday or Sunday date.

     Saturday night weddings are prime time! To save money on venues and vendors, consider having your "I dos" on an off evening. Your big day will still be oh-so-fun, and with a Friday or Sunday wedding, you can host other celebratory activities that weekend.

    Photo Credit: Ueda Photography

  • Opt for a standing ceremony

    Opt for a standing ceremony

    Electing to use no chairs (save for a few chairs for elderly or disabled guests) can save money on the rental furniture costs. Just make sure your ceremony is short and sweet if attendees will be standing.

    Photo Credit: Maxwell Monty Photography

  • Buy a pre-owned wedding dress

    Buy a pre-owned wedding dress

    To stay on budget, consider buying a used dress or a floor sample gown. These gently-used versions retail at a fraction of the price.

    Photo Credit: Vanessa Joy Photography

  • Stock up on coupons for crafting

    Stock up on coupons for crafting

    Craft stores like Michaels and AC Moore offer discounts each week. If you're planning to do a little shopping in their wedding sections or if you want to get your DIY on, stock up on coupons or download the app to get the best deals. Insider tips: Both stores honor each other's coupons, and on the Michaels app, you can use the same coupon every day until it expires.

    Photo courtesy of 100 Layer Cake

  • Be your own DJ

    Be your own DJ

    Create a playlist on Spotify or iTunes and play music through the venue's sound system.

    More from Loverly:

    February 2016 Love and Relationship Horoscopes
    15 Things Every Couple is Thinking While Making Their Guest List

    Photo Credit: Turn Loose the Art

  • Serve up a spread of delightful sweets

    Serve up a spread of delightful sweets

    Creating a dessert bar can be a cheaper alternative to the wedding cake. You can purchase the treats from local establishments, set up a candy or cookie bar, or even ask friends and relatives to bake some tasty confections for an on-budget dessert display.

    Photo Credit: Abby Rose Photo

  • Have your baker create a faux cake

    Have your baker create a faux cake

    Ask your baker to make the top tier of your cake real (for cutting). Then, create other tiers out of styrofoam and decorate it accordingly. Your presentation cake will still be gorgeous while saving a few dollars — and you can have sheet cakes in the back for serving.

    Photo Credit: Elegantly Iced

  • Use bouquet flowers as centerpieces

    Use bouquet flowers as centerpieces

    After the ceremony, have your florist or coordinator place the bouquets in vases for your tables.

    Photo Credit: Sarah K. Chen Photography

  • Keep stemware simple

    Keep stemware simple

    Instead of going overboard with your glassware, go for minimal and classic. You'll keep more money in your pocket.

    Photo Credit: Rashon Carraway

  • Sometimes, buying is cheaper than renting

    Sometimes, buying is cheaper than renting

    When it comes to décor items, table settings, and linens, sometimes it's better to purchase outright. Once you get a quote from the rental company, determine whether it's more cost effective for you to purchase them. You may even be able to sell the items after to make a little money back.

    Photo Credit: Kevin Kelley Photography

  • Consider a buffet

    Consider a buffet

    With guests serving themselves, it can considerably cut some of the waitstaff fees.

    Photo Credit: Dominique Bader Photography

  • Create wedding signage instead of printing hundreds of paper items

    Create wedding signage instead of printing hundreds of paper items

    Display the menu or program on a canvas or in a frame as opposed to printing one for each guest. Trust us, it'll be totally cost effective.

    Photo Credit: Candice Benjamin Photography

  • Serve a signature cocktail instead of having an open bar

    Serve a signature cocktail instead of having an open bar

    Get crafty with your mixed drinks to ensure that you don't over-spend on liquor. Serve guests beer and wine with one specialty drink, like a mint julep or a martini to wet their whistles.

    Photo Credit: AkaPertyfultings/Etsy

  • Provide your own alcohol

    Provide your own alcohol

    If the caterer allows you to purchase alcohol for the reception, you could potentially save some big bucks. By eliminating the vendor's markup, your finances will stay in tact. However, you'll be putting in extra time to purchase and deliver the alcohol to your big day venue.

    Photo Credit: D. Park Photography

  • Purchase flowers wholesale online

    Purchase flowers wholesale online

    If you're planning to DIY your flowers, look into purchasing them online. A retailer like FiftyFlowers helps cut costs and increases the variety of blooms available to you.

    Photo Credit: The Natural Wedding Company

  • Get creative with the bouquet

    Get creative with the bouquet

    Ask your florist to use a few impactful flowers, and then fill-in with less expensive blooms, like Queen Anne's lace and baby's breath. This will help make each arrangement cost less.

    Photo Credit: Carley Rehberg Photography

  • Let your fave market be the big day caterer

    Let your fave market be the big day caterer

    Some supermarkets, like Whole Foods, offer specialty floral and catering services. Check your local store to see if they provide any services you can incorporate into your reception.

    Photo courtesy of Publix

  • Have your ceremony and reception at the same place

    Have your ceremony and reception at the same place

    If you opt for one wedding site, you'll cut the costs associated with renting two venues and the transportation between spaces.

    Photo Credit: Aaron Delesie

  • Use credit cards to purchase services and get rewards

    Use credit cards to purchase services and get rewards

    You should invest in a card that offers cash rewards or airline miles. Then you can spend your perks on other "I do" items or put those bonuses toward your honeymoon.

    Photo Credit: iStockphoto

  • Follow vendors on social media for discounts

    Follow vendors on social media for discounts

    Sometimes, businesses will give special promotions or discounts to their Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram fans! Follow along to see if they offer any deals.

    Photo courtesy of Written Word Calligraphy/Instagram

  • Find a venue that

    Find a venue that's flexible with vendors

    Look for a space that allows you to use caterers, florists, and bakers outside of their preferred list. If you choose a location that requires you to use their partners, you'll be locked into using vendors that might be out of your range.

    Photo Credit: Rhee Bevere

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21 Hacks Every Budget-Conscious Couple Should Know

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