Your maid of honor has misplaced her earrings, your bridesmaid’s Jimmy Choo shoes have fallen victim to your teething puppy, and the humidity is wreaking havoc on all of your hairdos. Not life-altering events by any means, but on the day of your wedding, even the little things can cause anxiety for you and your bridesmaids. Before you let wedding day stress get the better of you, take steps to help keep the mood calm and relaxed with these 12 fabulous items from Etsy.

Let’s kick of this list with a variety of robes that your bridesmaids are sure to love!

Everyone will love wearing these wonderful robes from LeRoseGifts . They look fab in photos too!

Your girls will love these pretty, pink monogrammed robes from SincerelySofiDesigns.

The two most comfortable things on earth, rompers and robes, were combined to make these fabulous Harper bridesmaids rompers from Piyama.

These colorful bridesmaids robes from BunnyStreetCom are light and airy and will be used time and time again after the big day.

How cute are these robes from LeRoseGifts? Consider adding some confetti to the mix for awesome photos and great memories!

Keep everyone’s clothes in order with these personalized hangers from TheHeartCollective. They’re especially helpful if your bridesmaids have matching dresses.

Is there anything more relaxing than a face mask? This detoxifying pink clay face mask from FormularyFiftyFive will keep the stress level down and everyone’s skin soft and smooth.

These luxurious candles are from FormularyFiftyFive. You can choose between five different lovely scents including Lavender & Vervain.

Of all of the senses, scent has the strongest link to memory.  Help build new memories with these natural aromatherapy sprays from DaveandAthena.

Pop some bubbly and let the good times roll with these personalized champagne flutes from FoxblossomCo.

Everyone will enjoy these gourmet s’mores kits from whimsyandspice. Ooey gooey goodness to calm the nerves.

Munch on these honey and lavender shortbread cookies from whimsyandspice while getting ready. Pretty and tasty!

*This post contains Etsy affiliate links

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Thomas & Emilee (lead singer of the band Kitfox) held their special day at a secluded park in Providence, Utah. The couple chose to have an intimate wedding with 75 of their nearest and dearest.

“We wanted to celebrate with the ones who know us best,” Emilee said.

Nearly everything was DIY; Emilee even had the boys in her band take on the role of bridesmaids as well as play music at the reception.

Kudos to photographer Haley Nord for capturing the special day so beautifully.

Emilee, 23 & Thomas, 23

Location: Providence, Utah

Wedding Date: September 24, 2016

Number of Guests: 75

Wedding Cost: $7,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Von Baer Park

Wedding Reception Location: Von Baer Park

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We wanted our day to be about us and our love and to celebrate with the ones who know us best.

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

It was pretty hard deciding who got to be invited our ceremony.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

Yes! I didn’t want to leave anyone important out, but it worked out for the best when we decided to only have family at the ceremony!

‘

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

Not especially.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

I play in a band called Kitfox and I had the guys in my band (my bridesmen) play a song while I was walking down the aisle and I loved that. 

What were the highlights of the reception?

Our favorite part of the reception was definitely the dance party!

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

I think having a smaller guest list helped us focus more on the important stuff of the day and made it less stressful and easier to enjoy our wedding!

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

Do whatever feels best to you! Don’t feel obligated to invite everyone and don’t stress about who didn’t make the cut. Make your day completely about you and the love of your life.

Vendors:

Photographer: Haley Nord

Florist: Freckle Farms

Hair & Makeup: Emilee’s sister, Harmony Brownfield

Dress: Alta Moda Bridal

Veil: Petals and Promises

Groom’s Suit Coat: Urbana Custom Clothier

Groom’s tie: Tie One On

Groom’s Ring: Tiny Sparkle Studio

Bride’s Ring: Etsy 

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Stylist Stevie had seen the intense stress and anxiety that can often come with planning a big wedding. Seeing the stress firsthand for 13 years gave her the idea to plan an intimate wedding that allowed cherished loved ones to go on vacation together and truly enjoy themselves.

“I decided to take the same amount of money and create an experience that is unlike any other—forcing people to all go on vacation with each other at a beautiful destination,” Stevie said.

Friend of the couple Lindsay Campbell Photography captured Stevie and her new husband Mat in all of their beachy glory. We just love the laid-back romance of it all and we bet you’ll agree!

Stevie & Mathew

Location: Destin, FL

Wedding Date: September 24, 2016

Number of Guests: 50

Wedding Cost: $15,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Private white sandy beaches of Destin FL

Wedding Reception Location: Private residence

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

I am a stylist, so I have seen the stress that happens up until the day of the wedding. Over the last 13 years of witnessing this anxiety and stress, I decided to take the same amount of money and create an experience that is unlike any other—forcing people to all go on vacation with each other at a beautiful destination. I removed stress that had to do with pleasing somebody I didn’t know, the stress of lack of communication because of unfamiliar relationships and the stress of having other people see a vision of what our day should be.

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

The only challenge was picking the exact location. I wanted it to feel intimate and roomy at the same time. We needed the location to be a vacation spot for over 20 people.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

No, once again I really looked at past brides and their complaints. I saw the headaches of this and made it a priority that I would not get stressed out over the guest list. So if it didn’t fit, it didn’t fit. If I hadn’t spoken to someone in over year, then our connection is just not as strong as it once was. That doesn’t mean we don’t love you, but that probably means we’re not going to see you on our wedding day.

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

We were pretty up front with our relatives and gave them our agenda right away. We wanted to make sure they understood this is going to be about us and our immediate family and friends who had really witnessed our relationship up to this day. This is not about our parents’ boss or some third cousin that would get their feelings hurt because they didn’t get an invite. I think communication and relationship building is the best thing that you can do when having any event, especially a wedding.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

The ceremony was so special because the focus was just on my husband and me. Getting to that moment was so nerve-racking and exciting and beautiful all at the same time. The clouds were perfect, the water was absolutely beautiful and all of the hard work and energy put toward this was seen in this moment.

What were the highlights of the reception?

During the reception each of the vendors, our personal relationships that we brought to Florida, got a chance to speak about the care and love they put into this event. To be able to see everybody in one room that made this happen and people who had traveled so far to be a part of this was simply beautiful.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

The best thing about having an intimate wedding is the true relationships that blossom, and the amount of time that you can actually spend with the people who are there. We had our event last the entire week, that way we would remember each moment and get to spend quality time with the people that are a part of our lives.

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

Utilize your resources, don’t choose the vendor that is the most popular, choose the vendor that you have a great relationship with. Even if you don’t know that person right away, see who they are, see if their values align with yours. It’s going to serve you best in the long run when somebody really has your best interest at heart. Our mission is to continue living our entire lives this way. My husband and I have grown our circle of friendships just by seeing the people that are around us and their gifts that they contribute to this world. We were so fortunate to have incredibly talented people around us, and I understand that is rare. I believe that if we form genuine relationships with the people who serve us, this world would be less anxious during major events like a beautiful wedding.

Vendors:

Photographer: Lindsay Campbell Photography

Coordinator and flowers: Brandon Beets

Catering: Becca Rabby

Minister: Christine Hardman

Makeup: Amanda O’Donnell

 Venue: Five Star Gulf Rentals

 Cake: Publix

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Backdrops are an excellent way to add drama to ceremony and reception decor. And there are so many ideas to choose from! We’ve scoured Etsy to find ten backdrops that will definitely add the ‘wow’ factor to your wedding decor!

This large macrame backdrop from TheHousePhoenix is going to be the talk of your wedding! Use it at the reception, your ceremony or at the cake table.

Try this stunning paper flower arrangement from PaperFlora, if you wish to create your own breathtaking backdrop.

A boho wedding would not be complete without this stunning macrame backdrop from NiromaStudio.

Once this piece from ByBrittanyBranson has wowed your guests on the wedding day, you can display it as a dramatic tapestry in your home. That way, you can always be reminded of your special day.

For a fun and colorful option, try this peach and mint wedding garland from ohMYcharley. Perfect for a cake or treats table!

Having a whimsical wedding? Try this amazing handmade garland from untoldimprint.

How cute is tribal garland from LinnTwins? It would be perfect for a photo booth!

How stunning is this one of a kind backdrop from TheLittleCanopy made out of silk flower petals? It’s perfect for any wedding!

This ribbon backdrop from Simplypeachystyling is ideal for an outdoor wedding! It’s both whimsical and romantic.

The possibilities for these dreamy paper peonies from pompomblossom are endless!

*This post contains Etsy affiliate links.

Save

Save

Save

Save

Is wedding stress getting the better of you? Does the idea of running away from it all sound like the perfect antidote to your wedding planning woes? Do you relish the idea of basking in the sun, while listening to the sound of palm trees rustling in the breeze, and gentle waves kissing the shoreline?

A destination wedding at Aruba Marriott will let you relax and focus on the excitement of your upcoming big day, rather than the demands that come with orchestrating a thousand little details. Which brings us to our first reason why Aruba Marriott is the perfect choice for your destination wedding.

You will be excited, instead of stressed! Getting married is exciting – and the planning should be fun. For so many couples, however, wedding planning causes turmoil.  Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way. Aruba Marriott offers a seamless process while eliminating the typical stress of wedding planning. A sales coordinator is the bride’s first contact for inquiries, and once a date is set, there is no need to worry about arrangements. The events manager will plan every detail of your big day, including flowers, set-up and cake, and will be on hand during your special day to make sure everything runs smoothly.

You will be in good hands.  One of the most important things about planning a wedding in a faraway place is knowing that you can trust the vendors that you are working with. After all, letting others at a distance orchestrate your wedding details is a leap of faith! At Aruba Marriott, you can trust that the service leading up to your wedding – and on the day itself, will be impeccable.

You will have the beach wedding of your dreams. Whether you chose to have an elegant sunset ceremony with sweeping views of the Caribbean and a buffet reception or a casual cocktail wedding right at the shoreline, Aruba Marriott will create the perfect beach wedding to suit your needs. At any of their beautiful beaches (Tradewinds Beach, West Beach, South Beach, La Vista Terrace), Marriott offers a variety of personalized options to take your beach wedding to the next level.

You and your guests will have the experience of a lifetime. Before and after your wedding, you and your guests have a variety of awesome activities to choose from, including an Island Bus Tour, Land Rover Adventure, Natural Pool Safari, Paddleboarding and Snorkeling. Just think of the fantastic memories that will be made at your destination wedding!

You have discovered the perfect honeymoon spot. Once your wedding is over and your guests have gone home, you and your sweetie can have some delightful one on one time during your honeymoon at Aruba Marriott, where there is a honeymoon package for everyone. Honeymoon Bliss (how can you beat Breakfast in Bed?) and One Happy Honeymoon Program (includes a free night when returning for first anniversary trip) are just a couple of options to choose from.

Want to learn more about having your destination wedding at Aruba Marriott? Visit Aruba Marriott.

Sponsored Post.

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save