The agate stone is a banded form of finely-grained, microcrystalline quartz that represents both balance and harmony. Because of this incredibly meaningful significance, the agate is the perfect stone to help achieve peace during your busy wedding day. We’ve made a list of ten awesome ways to incorporate agate into your big day.

As far as wedding bands go, this stunning blue and turquoise agate band by NicosNostalgia is definitely a winner.

These personalized agate flat rocks by ShotgunningForLove would be the perfect table markers, or a great way to leave special love quotes on each table.

You won’t be short of options with these stunning agate necklace pendants by bertu. 

Your bridesmaids will be smitten with these Boho necklaces made with slice agate gemstone edged with gold plated metal and gold plated chain by oliki.

Bertu is at it again with this breath-taking deep blue agate ring. What a statement piece!

Blue agate always seems to catch the eye, which means that these awesome table signs by SheFoxInvitations will make finding designated seats easy!

Why keep the agate to the reception when you can send off stunning invites like the ones by HoneydukeDesigns?

More beautiful agate pendants, this time by BohoCrystalRocks. We love the stunning bohemian texture of these pendants.

If our first agate band wasn’t your type, don’t fret! This stunning and bold agate wedding band by WallisReidJewelry aught to do the trick.

These gorgeous agate coasters by RoyalSuzieJewelry would look striking at each table setting!

*This post contains Etsy affiliate links.

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Like many couples who choose to have an intimate wedding, Chelsea and Jared simply wanted to share their  special day with those closest to them – their family and a few friends – while keeping the focus of their nuptials on each other and their loved ones. Paring down the guest list, however, was no easy task for the lovebirds. Despite some tough decision and a few awkward conversations, the couple managed to keep their wedding day exactly as they wanted – intimate and relaxed, and full of memorable and cherished moments.

Special thanks to Micahla Wilson for sharing the gorgeous photos of Chelsea and Jared’s big day with us!

Chelsey, 25 & Jared, 27

Location: Sieper, LA

Wedding date: November 14, 2015 

Number of guests: 60

Wedding cost: $5000-$6000

Wedding ceremony location: Family friend’s home 

Wedding reception location: Family friend’s home

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We decided to have an intimate wedding because we wanted to celebrate this special time in our lives with the ones we love the most – our family and closest friends. We wanted the focus of that day to be on each other and our loved ones rather than the stress that usually comes with having a larger wedding. 

What are some challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding? 

The biggest challenge we faced was narrowing down our guest list. My husband and I are both pretty sensitive people, so we were worried about hurting people’s feelings. Not only did we have to pare down the guest list, but also the wedding party. We thought it might be a little strange to have such an intimate crowd and then eight bridesmaids and eight groomsmen standing beside us. It was extremely difficult for me to try and pick which of my close friends to include or not include, so in the end, I decided to just have my two sisters as my bridesmaids. My husband had his cousin, who is more like a brother, and another close friend. 

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list? 

Yes, as I stated above, it was extremely difficult for us (me mainly) to pare down the guest list. It was hard to limit those invites to only those close family members and friends. We just knew we would rather celebrate that amazing day in our lives with those who meant the most to us. 

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends & family? If so, how did you address them?

It was especially hard having to tell our parents they couldn’t invite all the people they wanted to invite. We also had some instances where people would ask us questions about the wedding and just assume they were invited to the big day, so that made for some awkward conversations. However, we had to explain that we wanted the day to be focused around us and the love we share.

What were the highlights of the ceremony? 

I would have to say one of the highlights from the ceremony was our ring bearer (my son, who my husband loves as his own) going straight for the dessert table instead of the aisle. He definitely gave all the guests quite a laugh. On a more serious note, our vows were definitely a highlight of the ceremony. We both took the time to write our own vows and recite them to each other in front of our closest family and friends. I was the first to read mine and immediately started crying when I began reading them to my husband. It was so special to discover we had both shared some of the same memories in our vows to each other. Another highlight from our ceremony was that my husband’s father officiated, so it was memorable to share that moment in our lives with the man my husband looks up to the most. 

What were the highlights of the reception?

One of the highlights of the reception was sharing our first dance as husband and wife to “Forever like that” by Ben Rector. We will always cherish the memories of that moment together! Another unforgettable moment from our reception was having my 91-year-old great grandmother sign our marriage license. She requested to be one of the witnesses who signed, and we were more than happy to oblige!  

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding? 

We loved having an intimate wedding, because it allowed us to truly have a celebration of love with our closest family and friends. We weren’t worried about having the biggest or best of anything. We were focused on sharing our vows while sharing little touches of “us” with those we love the most! 

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding? 

For those considering an intimate wedding, I would say don’t hesitate! We have not once regretted our decision to keep our wedding intimate. Even though it comes with some challenges, I would say to always keep in mind why you are having a wedding in the first place. Your wedding should be a celebration of you and your partner’s love for each other. Don’t sweat the small stuff! Things will, inevitably, go wrong but those make for the best stories and memories. Laugh about the blunders and take in every single moment, because it all goes by in the blink of an eye! 

Vendors:

Photography: Photography by Micahla Wilson 

Flowers: Botanical Occasions by Leanne Graves 

Food: Prepared and served by family & friends 

Cake: Made by a family friend 

Macrame backdrop: Wild Boheme on etsy 

Dress: Anna Campbell 

Hair & Makeup: Hope Fontenot 

With plans to buy a new house after their wedding day and not wanting to start their marriage in debt, Kimberly and Parker decided to keep their budget and their guest list small. Being frugal, however, doesn’t mean the couple didn’t splurge a little on the things they felt were worth it – like they’re wonderful photographer Common Dove Photography. With spectacular beach views for their ceremony, two stunning gowns for the bride, and a surprise sparkler exit, their wallet friendly nuptials felt nothing short of luxe.

Kimberly, 29 & Parker, 31 

Location: Atlantic Beach, NC

Wedding Date: April 14, 2016

Number of Guests: 30 for the ceremony; 70 for the reception

Wedding Cost: $10,500

Wedding Ceremony Location: Coral Bay Club

Wedding Reception Location: Cottages at Bay Ridge

Why did you have an intimate wedding? 

I read the average couple spends between $19,833 and $33,055 for their wedding day and was appalled! I didn’t want to start our marriage in debt and knew we both wanted to buy a house after our big day instead of spending a fortune on a wedding (or honeymoon).

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding? 

Even though the wedding was intimate, it was still a lot of planning! Give yourself plenty of time to plan, even if you are going the intimate route.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list? 

Surprisingly, no! We both come from fairly small families and knew who we wanted to be there to share our special day.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them? 

There were times I was concerned about hurting someone’s feelings if I wasn’t able to invite them to the small ceremony (i.e. girlfriends I may not have seen in a year or two but was once close with) but you have to remember, this is YOUR day to be with your spouse. Trust your gut and invite people you know who love you.

What were the highlights of the ceremony? 

The highlights include the look my father had when he saw me in my dress, the closeness I felt with my husband at the altar, and the love I felt from everyone around me. The beach views were also spectacular! 

What were the highlights of the reception? 

The highlights of the reception were the band, the homemade food, and the beautiful surprise exit with sparklers.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding? 

You get to spend time with EVERYONE! You know you are in the presence of those closest to you and you are able to actually enjoy it. You are able to focus on your future instead of throwing a 35k dollar party for 500 people.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding? 

Splurge on your photographer! I cannot stress this enough!

Vendors:

Photography: Common Dove Photography

Ceremony Venue: Coral Bay Club, Atlantic Beach, NC

Reception Venue: Private home, The Cottages at Bay Ridge, Atlantic Beach, NC

Dress Boutique: CC’s Bridal Boutique, Tampa, FL

Dress: Watters– from the WTOO line

Shoes: Audrey Brooke Blair

Rings: Adiamor

Earrings: Kiss the Ring, Hattie Gruber, New York

Purse: Embellished Clutch from the “Wonder by Jenny Packham” Line

Florals: Sandy’s Flower Shop, Morehead City, NC & Tena Hardee (Bride’s Sister in law’s Mother)

Flower Crown: Jessica Brass, Common Dove

Groom Suit: Yves Saint Laurent 

website: http://www.ysl.com/us

Flower Girl Dress: Cecil & Lou

Coordination: Sister in law of the Bride, Jordan Blodgett

Cake: Douglas Smith

Catering:  Family

Hair: Susan Lewis, Hair Class Hair Styling 

Make up: Shannon Baker

Band: “The Mason Jars” out of Athens, GA

Admittedly, wedding planning is not always sunshine and roses. There are moments when it can get the best of you if you let it. To avoid feeling frustrated, we have listed ten toxic things to avoid doing during wedding planning.

1. Micromanaging

When you hire vendors, pick your bridal party or ask a friend for wedding help, you should ask them because you trust them. Micromanaging, by not relying on their vision and trying to control everything is toxic to yourself and to other people. Let the professionals–and the people you ask for help–do their job.

2. Trying to do everything yourself

On the extreme side of the first example is trying to do everything yourself because you want complete control. Let people help you, otherwise you will overwhelm yourself. You could even consider hiring a wedding planner to help you organize everything. There is no harm in asking for help.

3. Letting Stress Get the Better of You

Emotions run high during the wedding planning process. We all know the bride can get stressed out, however there is no use in picking fights with friends, family or vendors over wedding details. You will not help to resolve a situation if you get angry or upset.

4. Not giving yourself enough time

Giving yourself enough time to finish wedding tasks is important. The same goes for planning your wedding day. Give yourself plenty of time for getting ready, having photographs taken and having meals in between everything. Rushing through things is not a good feeling.

5. Not sticking to the budget

It’s a given rule that you should probably stick to your budget. Adding extra items or a few more guests can make your budget skyrocket. Then there are all of the extra costs that creep into your expenses. For example, a $1000 wedding dress may be much more after taxes, alterations, cleaning and accessories. Consider these things in your first draft of the budget, so you don’t freak out later.

6. Impractical ideas

Tying to create a wedding that is far out of your reach or budget will not make you happy. We know how tempting it is to look on Pinterest for amazing wedding ideas. Sometimes those ideas may not be realistic. For example, maybe you saw a “dream” wedding venue, but it won’t fit your number of guests or it is too difficult for guests to get to.

7. Ignoring other people’s input

We know it can sometimes be tempting to brush off other people’s ideas. Even if it is “your” wedding, other people just want to help. If you take the time to listen, they may surprise you with an interesting idea or way to help out.

8. Not taking a break

Take breaks from wedding planning every once in awhile. It is alright to have a weekend that is not full of wedding tasks. Sometimes you need to step away from everything to get some perspective.

9. Not keeping things in perspective

Speaking of perspective, your wedding day is important, but in five years will it really matter that a few people sent RSVPS in late or someone got the wrong meal at the reception? Marriage is the most important outcome and not the party itself.

10. Forgetting to enjoy things

Don’t forget to have fun! You will have amazing memories of your wedding day if you remember to enjoy every last moment and not let the those negative feelings get in the way.

Photo one: nicolaspurcellstudio.com

Some brides may keep the diamonds to jewelry and dresses, but we love trendy diamond inspired centerpieces and accessories just as much, so we made a list of some of our favorites.

Here are eight diamond inspired wedding items from Etsy that we are currently crushing on.

Contemporary and bold, this diamond inspired cake topper by TheRocShop is a great way to add a little something to a simple cake.

Diamonds are not only a girl’s best friend, and this awesome diamond print bow-tie by TinkerFinca proves it.

To add some detailing while keeping your invitations simple, we absolutely recommend this geometric inspired invite by luckypennypaperie.

This gorgeous diamond necklace casing by CIVAL is the perfect accessory for any bride who is looking for something with a modern and bohemian feel.

This stunning diamond shaped ring by LexLuxe is one of our faves!

We know how hard it cam be to choose between diamonds and bold gemstones, so why not have both with these gorgeous necklaces by ChaseAndScoutDesign.

We at Intimate Weddings absolutely love geometric centerpieces, and this diamond shaped display box by Waen is no exception. This piece would be perfect with a small candle inside.

Though similar to our previous design, this diamond terrarium by Waen is designed to be used as a ring box for your ring bearer to use. What a lovely alternative!

*This post contains Etsy affiliate links