Brides, you know just how quickly a wedding can go out of budget. Tropical flowers in the bouquets for an extra $500, the perfect wedding cake complete with darling fondant elements; little details add up to become huge expenses.

Weddings are expensive for guests too- especially those who are a part of the bridal party. Travel expenses (who picked Hawaii, again?), gifts, more gifts, wedding attire… so many details to cover!

To help keep your bridesmaids’ costs minimal, we suggest opting for budget-friendly bridesmaid dresses. Your bridesmaids will definitely appreciate the option of an affordable (and stylin’!) gown.

From beautiful blush dresses to stunning royal blue gowns, these bridesmaid dresses all run at $100, and are as pretty as can be!

Give your bridesmaids some leeway on dress styling while maintaining a cohesive bridal party look with these convertible bridesmaid dresses from IDoCrewDesign.

A halter neckline, open back, lace detailing: this royal blue bridesmaid dress from MywonyBridal has it all!

Blush bridesmaid dresses have been trending for a while now, and it’s easy to see why! You girls will love wearing these dresses from AmorDresses.

We love the timeless, sophisticated look of grey tulle, so needless to say we’re obsessed with these stunning tulle bridesmaid dresses from AmorDresses.

Give your bridesmaids the opportunity to reconnect with their inner ballerinas with these lovely pink tulle bridesmaid skirts from StarBrideShop.

These gorgeous turquoise bridesmaid dresses from MywonyBridal are perfect for an oceanside destination wedding.

Your bridesmaids will love wearing these darling tulle skirts from StarBrideShop.

With over 40 color options to choose from, these infinity wrap bridesmaid dresses from DressBridesmaidUS will match any wedding color palette.

*This post contains Etsy affiliate links.

Here at Intimate Weddings, we’re obsessed with all things desert-related. Cacti, hot sand, sunny skies; what’s not to love? It’s no wonder, of course, that many couples are opting for desert weddings- especially in the winter months.

Whether you want to tie the knot at an offbeat ceremony in Joshua Tree, or say your “I dos” surrounded by the red rocks of Arizona, desert weddings are perfect for couples who love unique attractions, stunning scenery and warm weather.

From intimate desert elopements to rustic chic Joshua Tree nuptials, these dreamy desert weddings are sure to inspire.

Arizona Desert Elopement Styled Shoot

Photography: Suzy Goodrick

Styling: Simple Means Events

Location: Pheonix, Arizona

Mojave Desert Styled Elopement

Photography: Trudy Moylan Photography

Event Designer: Styled Shoots Across America

Venue: Tumbleweed Sanctuary, Garden & Labyrinth, Joshua Tree, California

Janice and Austin’s Pioneertown Wedding

Photography: Paige Nelson Photography

Event Planner: Karson Butler Events

Event Venue: Rim Rock Ranch, Pioneertown, Joshua Tree, California

Red Rock Canyon Styled Shoot

Photography: Jenny Collen

Location: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Clark County, Nevada

Chris and Marissa’s Intimate Off-the-Grid California Wedding

Photography: Sam Arroyo

Venue: The Ruin Venue, Pioneertown, Joshua Tree, California

Bridesmaids are the unsung heroes of any wedding, and should no doubt be rewarded for their efforts. Last-minute DIY decor, hair and makeup checks, emotional support… What don’t they do? From one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces to must-have self-care kits, these bridesmaid gifts are equal parts beautiful, unique and luxurious.

Are your bridesmaids-to-be Harry Potter fans? They’ll be enchanted by these HP-inspired bridesmaid proposal boxes. 

With its stunning visual appeal and gorgeous natural bourbon rose scent, this ‘Will you be my bridesmaid?’ soy candle is the perfect way to propose to your besties. 

Soft, lightweight and oh-so cute, these Turkish peshtemal bridesmaid robes from turkishbathtowel will be worn long after your wedding day, adding a touch of luxury to everyday routines!

This minimal gold twig bracelet from StatementGrey is so lovely!

Dainty and elegant, your bridesmaids will definitely wear these constellation necklaces from ElegantSwan daily!

Looking for something that is equally chic and affordable? These minimalist pine cone necklaces from MignonandMignon are under $15!

We can’t decide what we love more… EverlyGrayce‘s beautiful packaging or the dazzling sterling silver necklace!

These beautiful rose bath bombs from westingwellness purify and soften the skin, and make for an indulging, luxurious bath. Ooh la la!

You’re not the only one who gets some finger bling! While no one expects you to get your bridesmaids diamond rings, there are many other gorgeous options.

Sleek, modern and ooak, these tricolor resin rings from daimblond are sure to put smiles on your bridesmaids’ faces.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Is there anything more romantic than running away to Rome to get married? We think not! That’s exactly what Nicholas and Rachael did – and they brought 37 of their nearest and dearest with them!

“Every inch of our reception was as glamorous as it was romantic. Parade Wedding ‘s suggestion of an imperial table, surrounded by candle light, decorated with smiles and flowers, and accented with stringed lights made our romantic Roman terrace look as if it were on the set of a movie,” says Rachael.

A big thanks to Parade Wedding  for sharing this destination wedding with IW!

 Rachael, 30 & Nicholas (Nick), 33

Location: Palazzo Berardi, Rome, Italy

Wedding Date: July 6, 2019

Number of Guests: 37

Wedding Cost: $16,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Campidoglio, Sala Rossa

Wedding Reception Location: Palazzo Berardi, Rome, Italy

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

Every time we considered a bigger wedding in Chicago (our home), we found that we were compromising our favorite parts of any good party. Namely, we wanted an event in which we could slow down and enjoy the food, have conversations with each of our guests, and, of course, we wanted to have an event that we, as newlyweds, spent together. The smaller event did all of these things and more. The inclusion of a private chef—planned and coordinated by our event planners, Parade Wedding—made the event meaningful and personal; the spectacular event space that began to feel more like a home away from home provided privacy in the middle of a big city; and because of our small group, we were able to listen to more speeches and talk to each guest, making our wedding truly a shared experience. We would do the same event again in a heartbeat.

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

The most challenging thing was editing the guest list. Because we wanted a small wedding, we knew we couldn’t invite all of our friends. Although sad to not have everyone with us on our wedding day, we promised to party with them upon our return. And who would say “no” to another fun party? We certainly wouldn’t!

The rest of the planning was made easy because of our wedding planners at Parade Wedding. At first, we were contemplating eloping to Rome, throwing our hands up in the air and saying, “Whatever…We’re in Rome! Let’s just go to a restaurant and call it a day.” We cannot express how happy we are that we did NOT do that. Instead, Parade Wedding brought us through the Italian legal process to get married in Italy AND coordinated the wedding of our dreams.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

Initially, yes, but, as stated above, those who were not included understood: this was a family and super close friend affair.

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

For the most part, we did not have any issues. The minute we framed our wedding as a small, family event, people understood. We found that being very open and honest about our reasoning was the best way to make people feel included in our event, even if they didn’t travel to Rome with us. Promising to text pictures or share them on Instagram was a quick way to bring people to our big event (thanks Salt N Pepper photography!).

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

Everything from the historic room to my Nonna translating the ceremony for us was moving and spectacular. It’s not everyday that a person gets to leave a real mark in a different culture’s legal system, but our names will be recognized in Italian and American law forever. With a smaller group, the ceremony was more meaningful because everyone got a front-row seat and were witnesses to a wedding in a different culture.

What were the highlights of the reception?

While I was getting my makeup done (before the ceremony), my mom came downstairs, crying. I immediately asked her, “wait, why are you crying?”

“The flowers are here,” she said. “And they are perfect.”

Much to the dismay of my makeup artist, Isabella Avenali, I started crying too, despite not setting eyes on the flowers yet. “So..why are you crying,” I sniffled to my mom.

“Because they [Parade Wedding] got it right—they matched your taste perfectly,” she said. “Rachael, it is ?so? beautiful up there.” Of course, she was referring to where our reception was being held.

If you knew my mom, you’d know that she is a party guru; someone who has been throwing amazing parties for 30 years, including opening her own catering business by the young age of 20. Her opinion, to me at least, is not only hard to impress when it comes to the perfect party, but it is the equivalent of Martha Stewart congratulating a host on the spectacular success of his party. And it is safe to say, she was thrilled at the whole event.

Every inch of our reception was as glamorous as it was romantic. Parade Wedding’s suggestion of an imperial table, surrounded by candle light, decorated with smiles and flowers, and accented with stringed lights made our romantic Roman terrace look as if it were on the set of a movie.

The food was a highlight for all of our guests, as were the speeches that the intimate wedding allowed us to have. We had ten speeches total, which sounds like a guest’s worst nightmare, but because of the intimate space, it was easily the most moving part of the evening. We got precisely what we wanted: laughter, love and a shared experience with our family and friends.

Before Nick and I cut the cake, we had a moment to stand up in front of our guests and say our vows. Yes, we did this out of the traditional order, but, after the beautiful stories shared by our guests, it served as a climax to the narrative of our dinner together. This truly unplanned and organic expression of love will always be one of my favorite moments of the day because of how indescribably happy everyone on the terrace was; a moment that could not have happened at a bigger wedding.

The vows turned into cake, the cake transitioned into dancing, and the dancing turned into a goodnight stroll to Giolitti for our first gelato as husband and wife.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

An intimate wedding gave us the freedom to savor each moment with our guests without feeling like anyone is left out.

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

Just go for it! Don’t be afraid of doing something different or less traditional. The old cliche advice is true: your wedding is your day. If your heart is telling you to have a small event, you should do it. We promise, you will not regret it.

Vendors:

Planning & Design Parade

Wedding Venue: Palazzo Berardi

Florals: Ophicina Botanica

Personal Chef: Mood Ginevra Antonini

Photography: Salt’n’pepper

Bridal Dress: Alyssa Kristin

Planning a proposal, but can’t find the perfect ring? We have exciting news to share: you can create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind ring with just a few clicks!

We love all things personalized (especially when it comes to bridal jewelry!), so we are seriously obsessed with the 3D jewelry editor from Giliarto, a small New Jersey based jeweler that specializes in custom, made-to-order engagement rings.

From the stone type to the band material, Giliarto lets you customize every element of your engagement ring so that you can be sure sure that the ring suits your S.O. to a tee!

Will a topaz stone match a rose gold band? Does a sapphire stone set in a silver band catch the eye like one set in a gold band? Take the guesswork out of customizing your engagement ring with Giliarto‘s unique 3D jewelry editor.

Looking for some engagement ring design inspiration? We’re swooning over these five customized engagement rings from Giliarto!

This leaf-adorned engagement ring is perfect for the nature-lover.

These classic diamond engagement rings from the Clio collection are simply stunning!

Rose gold adds a modern flair to these gorgeous vintage-style engagement rings.

Dazzle everyone with these intricately detailed engagement rings.

If she love the styles of the Roaring Twenties, she’ll swoon over these Art Deco-inspired engagement rings.

Visit Giliarto to start ring shopping now!

*Sponsored post.