Downton Abbey may be over, but our love of the romantic styles of the 1920s certainly isn’t!

Looking to capture the effortless elegance and dazzling glamour of styles of the 1920s-1940s? Enter Nataya‘s vintage-inspired dress collection. Whether you’re a bride looking for an elegant dress for your garden wedding, or a mother-of-the-bride looking to make an entrance, Nataya‘s vintage-inspired dresses, available at Wardrobe Shop, are a must-see. Delicate embroidery, lace fringing and layers of tulle; the level of detail on each dress is mesmerizing. 

We can totally picture Lady Mary Crawley descending a grand staircase in the Downton Abby Tea Party dress. This would be a perfect mother-of-the-bride dress!

Brides, if you are looking to capture the vintage elegance of the roaring twenties on your wedding day, we recommend the Great Gatsby dress in ivory chiffon. The gown is flattering to any body type; the corset back lets you adjust the fit without requiring a tailor.

The Titanic dress is one of our faves from Nataya’s dress collection. We love the refined, classic style.

One reviewer shares:

“… The dress is gorgeous. I love the detailed lace. It is elegant, understated and perfect for the occasion. I am so thankful to have found Nataya’s line of Titanic style dresses. I wanted a vintage style dress and found the perfect one!! And, to top it off, it is super comfortable!”

The lovely Titanic dress in sage is the perfect mother-of-the-bride dress.

Opt for a timeless, feminine look with this Azure gown featuring soft blue tulle and delicate embroidery.

One you’ve chosen your dress from Nataya, complete the look with a pair of lace gloves, a beaded headpiece and a pair of Mary Jane pumps from Wardrobe Shop.

*Sponsored post.

You’ve planned the perfect proposal; maybe you’re taking her to her favorite restaurant, or popping the question on a tropical vacation. But there’s one detail that you’ve probably left out: the ring box. While a lovely ring and your everlasting devotion are  the most important part of a proposal, a special ring box is the cherry on top!

These eight heirloom-quality ring boxes from Etsy will keep the ring protected, and become treasured reminders of a huge relationship milestone.

This clam ring box from Waen  isn’t just cute; it has a beautiful meaning! The seller shares: “According to the legend Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, was born from sea foam and married to Poseidon, the God of Sea, who gave her a big seashell as a gift representing their love for each other.” Isn’t that just the most romantic thing ever? 

This wooden ring box from MUUJEE  can be engraved with a custom message/quote. Keep it simple with “will you marry me?” or make it extra-special with a quote from a fave movie or book. (“After all this time? Always.”).

Proposing to a nature-lover? This personalized oak ring box from OKTIEofficial wood be perfect!

We’re swooning over this fabulous mountain ring box from TheNorthernForest.

It has stellar reviews: “SHE SAID YES!! The quality of this artisans work is absolutely unparalleled. The box was beautifully crafted, our ring fit snugly, and the box stayed closed on its magnets. We have a close affinity with the mountains in our region, when I showed her that they formed mountains she started happy crying again.”

Highlight her gorgeous engagement ring with this elegant velvet ring box from VoeuDuCoeur.

This gem from Woodstorming is definitely worth the splurge! Click here to see how it opens. 

Easily conceal the ring until the right moment with this minimalist ring box from WoodsburyRingCases. 

One reviewer shares: “I’ve gotten more compliments on this box than I have on the actual engagement ring I got (which was also very nice). It was so convenient to have a thinner box to hold the ring as it fits nicely in your front pocket as opposed to a bulkier box. The way the ring rotates as you open up the box has a wonderful effect.”

If you’re having a photographer capture the proposal, you’ll definitely want to opt for this stunning geometric ring box from Waen.

Stellar review: “This item really made the ring I bought stand out and my new fiancé really loved it we got some fabulous photos of the ring in the white sand and the copper made the gold stand out even more :)”

*This post contains Etsy affiliate links.

We couldn’t be happier to share our first intimate wedding of 2019. Jacalyne and Andrew’s quaint wedding in Ohio is oh-so romantic, and filled with cute moments.

Their photographer, Luckybird Photography, shares:

“The couple did a first look before their ceremony and the cutest thing happened! They each wrote notes to each other and wrote almost the same note (checkbox style with a will you marry me vibe). It was hilarious and really shows how perfect for each other they are.”

This wonderful wedding featured lots of charming details: mismatched blanket scarves, Harry Potter details (the couple walked down the aisle to the Harry Potter theme song!) and a dreamy winter bouquet.

Jacalyne, 29 & Andrew, 27

Location: Toledo, OH

Wedding Date: Dec. 14, 2018

Number of Guests: 75

Wedding Cost: $10,000 (We had originally budgeted for $8,000, but there were a few things i.e. an open bar that we decided to splurge on last minute.

Wedding Ceremony Location: Collingwood Arts Center (The Gerber House Historic Mansion, Toledo OH)

Wedding Reception Location: The Blarney Event Center, Toledo OH

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We wanted to celebrate our special day with our closest friends and family in a way that allowed us to enjoy their company.

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

Figuring out who to invite and not to invite, and where to draw the limits. The groom has a blended family that lives out of state, and the bride has large extended family who live in the area. We had to find a balance between what we wanted and our families’ expectations. 

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list? 

Yes and no. It was difficult to discuss with family members their expectations of who should and shouldn’t be invited. When we took a step back and looked at our vision for this day it became easier and felt more like us. 

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

At first it was difficult to explain why we were having an intimate wedding instead of a large one, and why we were choosing who to include and not include. As we started to make decisions and get closer to the wedding it finally made sense to everyone. 

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

– Less awkward, it felt more comfortable expressing ourselves with our closest friends and family

– Our venue was incredibly accommodating and made sure that the day was perfect. They were already decorated for the holidays which for our winter wedding was a bonus. They were always available to answer any questions, and went above and beyond what we expected.

What were the highlights of the reception?

Our friends are scattered around the country and getting to see all of them in the same place and celebrate with them made the day even more special. Our venue was located in the heart of downtown which showcased the character of our city. We wanted to share what we loved about our home with our friends and family. We had an amazing DJ, Jason, who created a soundtrack that matched us perfectly. Luckybird, our photographer, spent the day capturing all of the details of our intimate winter wedding.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

We got to spend more time with the people we care about and we really got to enjoy the day, rather than trying to please everyone else and throw other people a party. This was us all the way. 

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

Do it. Seriously, do it. It will be the best day of your life!

Vendors:

Photography: Luckybird Photography

Ceremony Venue: Collingwood Arts Center, Gerber House

Reception Venue: The Blarney Event Center

Dress: Atlas Bridal

Hair Stylist: Shannon Thetford

Makeup Artist: Raquel MaChelle Beauty

Invitations: Minted

Rings: MidwinterCo

Decor: Bride/Family DIY

Florist: Bartz Vivano

Cake: Eston’s Bakery

DJ: Book That DJ

Photo Booth: I Got Framed

Transportation: Tecumseh Trolley & Limousine

Photo: Romanza String Quartet

As you walk down the aisle surrounded by your nearest and dearest, you can’t help but feel that something is missing. Cue the quartet!

Whether you opt for the timeless Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride), or a one-of-a-kind rendition of your favourite film score, there is nothing like walking down the aisle to the beautiful music of a string quartet. What better way to set the mood and leave a lasting impression on all of your guests?

No matter what your wedding theme or music preferences, you’ll find the perfect musicians for your wedding with Last Minute Musicians Directory. With over 3,000 diverse acts listed, including over 100 string quartets, there is a plethora of talented musicians to choose from for your UK wedding. Every listing features videos and audio clips of the musicians, as well as reviews to ensure that you choose the act that will blend in seamlessly with your big day. 

Here are five reasons why we think a string quartet for your ceremony should be music to your ears!

Oh-So Romantic

This one is a given. Seriously, we can’t think of anything more elegant and romantic than a live string quartet serenading you and your S.O. with music that brings tears to your eyes as you walk down the aisle. Still not convinced? Listen to this rendition of Human by The Killers played by the Vyne String Quartet featured on the Last Minute Musicians Directory.

Photo: Vyne String Quartet

One-of-a-Kind Wedding Songs

Does it sound like a dream to have a beautiful, one-of-a-kind song created just for your wedding day? Well, Last Minute Musicians can make that dream a reality!

When booking your string quartet through Last Minute Musicians, many songs can be customized and/or rearranged exclusively for your wedding ceremony. Simply send them the song title and a recording (if you have one), and their musicians will create a custom arrangement for your wedding ceremony!

Photo: The String Quartet Company

A Lasting Impression

Your guests are sure to be charmed by live music at your ceremony. After all, it’s not every day that you’re serenaded by world-class cello, viola and violin players. Plus, music helps to create lasting memories; when your guests hear your wedding songs long after the ceremony, they will be flooded with memories of your special day.

Up Tempo, Down Tempo

Flower girl dawdling down the aisle, basking in the spotlight, not to mention holding up your entrance? With a Spotify playlist, you might be in trouble; little Lucy could be walking down the aisle to “Here Comes the Bride” instead of you! But don’t fret; your live musicians can adjust the music to adapt to unexpected situations.

Photo: Surrey Strings

Encore! Encore!

You and your guests can enjoy live music before and after the ceremony too! Set the tone for your wedding with bright, ambient music as the guests arrive at the venue. During cocktail our, opt for bolder music, like the Harry Potter film score, or fabulous renditions of your fave 80s rock songs.

Photo: Rosewood String Quartet

Of course, you’ll also need live music for your wedding reception. Check out the Last Minute Musicians’ Acoustic Bands directory to discover the perfect UK band for your wedding reception.

Sponsored Post.

Photo by Velvet Sage Photography from Karen and Hector’s $6,000 Chapel Wedding in Texas

You’ve made a list of your fave wedding venues (that you found with the help of the Intimate Weddings Venue Finder, of course!), and now it’s time to choose the one.

You have a few options in mind: the lovely rustic barn on a hobby farm, the restored church by the waterfront and the historic inn located within a 100-acre forest.

But wait! Don’t make your decision just yet. While beautiful venues certainly get bonus points, there’s more to think about than just the aesthetic. You want to be fully informed about the venue before you book, so asking these 50 questions is a must. Trust us; they are totally necessary. You don’t want to find out that the venue doesn’t serve alcohol, or won’t allow you to do that epic confetti toss that you had always dreamed about after you sign the contract.

One more thing: make sure that the promises that the venue makes are in writing.  Each of the venue staff may have different ideas about what is and isn’t possible, so verbal agreements aren’t enough.

The Lakeview, Ontario

Dates

1. Is the space available on my ideal wedding date?

2. Are there any other weddings booked for that date? If you wedding is not the only event that day, we suggest choosing a different date that has no other weddings booked. If there is another wedding scheduled before or after yours, it can result in rushed set-up, limited parking, and confusion for your guests.

3. If my preferred date is not available, is there a wait list?

Ancaster Mill, Ontario

Cost:

4. What is the rental fee? Is there a different fee for particular dates, times and seasons?

5. What is included with the rental fee? Is there tax + a gratuity fee?

6. How much is the deposit, when is it due, and is it refundable?

7. What is the payment plan for the bill?

8. Are there wedding packages  offered?

9. What is your cancellation policy? Will I get my deposit back?

Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences, Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

Guests

10. How many guests can the the venue comfortably accommodate? Max. capacity means max. capacity. Just because you can fit 100 people in a space doesn’t mean you can fit 100 people in a space comfortably.

11. How many guests can the venue accommodate for a seated meal?

12. Do you accommodate small weddings? Many larger wedding venues have a guest minimum, and you don’t want to find that out after you sign the contract.

The Morris Estate, Michigan

Logistics

13. How many hours do we have at the venue? What charge is there for “overtime”?

14. Is a ceremony rehearsal included?

15. Is the venue ceremony-only or can you host the reception too?

16. Are there separate rooms for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception?

17. If not, can the you “flip” the ceremony space? Many venues will “flip” the ceremony space into a reception space during cocktail hour. Make sure that the venue has a standard procedure for “flips”, and there are no hidden fees for the service.

18. If its an outdoor venue, is there a backup plan for rain or bad weather?

19. Is there parking on-site? If so, how many parking spots are there? If not, where will my guests park?

20. Is parking complimentary?

21. Is valet parking available?

22. Are children allowed at the venue? If so, is there a time that they have to leave by?

23. Are pets allowed at the venue?

24. Is the venue handicap accessible?

25. Are there accommodations available at the venue? If so, how many people can be accommodated?

26. If so, can we book room blocks for are guests?

27. If there is a bridal suite available, is it included with the venue fee?

1 Hanover Square, New York

Photo Ops

28. Where are the best spots for wedding photos?

29. Which season best highlights the venue? To get the most out of your venue, book your wedding for the season that best highlights the venue: a quaint cabin in the woods for winter or fall wedding, or a church surrounded by rose gardens for spring or summer nuptials.

Kemah Gardens, Texas- Photo: J&D Productions

Vendors & Staff

30. Is there a list of preferred vendors?

31. Do we have to use the preferred vendors? If so, what is the cost?

32. What time can my vendors set up on my wedding day?

33. Do you offer a wedding coordination service?

34. Do you provide a coat check service?

The Cottages on Charleston Harbor, South Carolina

Rentals & Decor

35. Are tables, chairs, linens etc. available at the venue? If so, is there a fee?

36. Are there any restrictions on decor? Candles, confetti, fireworks… fun, but definitely a liability.

37. Can I move the existing decor? Do you HATE the 1980s drapes that are hanging right behind the altar? You’d better make sure that you can swap them out for your wedding!

Wolf Cove Inn, Maine

Food & Drinks

38. Does the venue offer catering service?

39. If there is no in-house catering service, do we have to go with a preferred caterer or can we hire our own ?

40. Is there a kitchen on-site? If there is no kitchen, your menu options will be restricted.

41. Do you offer a food tasting before we choose the menu?

42. What’s the service charge?

43. What is your policy on alcohol? There are a handful of venues that do not allow alcohol, so this question is important!

44. Do you have a liquor license?

45. Can we bring our own beer, wine and liquor? If so, is there a corkage fee?

46. Will I need to hire a bar staff? If not, is there an extra fee?

VIVO! Mediterranean Grill & Catering, New York

Sound & Music:

47. Is there a sound system with a microphone and speakers for the ceremony and reception?

48. Can the venue accommodate live music for the ceremony and/or reception?

49. Are there any noise restrictions?

50. Is there a dance floor?

Embassy Suites Hotel Parsippany, New Jersey

All venues featured in this post are part of the IW Venue Finder. Contact us to list your wedding venue!