Some of Our Favorite Richmond & Hampton Roads Area Wedding Venues

Planning your big day on a budget? Don’t stress 🤍 I’ve put together this list of gorgeous SHEIN wedding dresses under $150 that are stylish, elegant, and perfect for saying “I do” without breaking the bank. Whether you’re having a small wedding, courthouse ceremony, or just want a stunning second dress, these affordable picks will have you feeling like a bride while keeping your wallet happy 🤍

sharing all of my buys during my bridal era - everything from save the date stationary, to bridesmaids bags/gifts, to my favorite bridal accessories and outfits!💍 and we all know that weddings are expensive, so i'm sharing all of my bridal buys that are cost efficient while still being classic, thoughtful, and elegant.

Weddings can be a big investment. That is how my (now) husband and I saw it because this was likely the only time all our friends & family would be together. We had people traveling from all over the US, including ourselves. Planning a wedding from out of state is stressful but I was so lucky to have great family and vendors to support us. This wasn't just “MY big day”. It was about having fun and sharing love with our favorite people, and this is how we made it possible. This page contains affiliate links, If you click and purchase I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally used.

Wedding bridesmaid or guest outfit inspo!

A roundup of affordable wedding guest dresses for every season — all stylish, flattering, and budget-friendly. Most are from Amazon for easy shopping, and they’re perfect whether you’re headed to a spring garden party, a summer beach wedding, a cozy fall celebration, or a winter formal. Cute, in-style, and won’t break the bank!

If you're a Swiftie, or need to plan a party for a Swiftie... here's some fun ideas to get you started with the latest album theme 💚🧡

Has she been scooped up by the one who makes her heart melt? Then it's time to celebrate in sweetness! Here are some my favorite finds for a stunning ice cream bridal shower 🍦 We will be going for bright pastels with gold accents.

As a recent 2025 bride, here are some of the most important things that came in handy (or that I wish I had) on my wedding day! 🥰🫶🏼

Many wedding invitations look the same, and it can be difficult to find the perfect one for you when you're looking for unique ideas. So, I've compiled this list of invitations that are a little bit different, unusual, and original. ( sometimes quirky )

Nobody warns you that six hungry, nervous women in robes will absolutely spiral before the ceremony if you don't feed them properly. I planned a gorgeous wedding but almost forgot the morning-of fuel — cue one bridesmaid nearly fainting during photos and another snapping at the makeup artist. Took me way too long to figure out the right spread, so here's everything I'd buy again in a heartbeat.

Based on my own wedding prep, I don't have much time or room for buying mistakes, so I compare options, read reviews, and check what other people say before I spend. I haven't tried these myself, so this is research, not a testimonial. Here's what kept making the cut for a bridesmaid proposal box, from a silk sleep mask to the card itself, plus a few small things that save the day, like blister cushions and a stain pen. Tell me what you'd add!

Here is my guide to the perfect witchy event down to the cobweb 🕸️🐈‍⬛ This was the perfect party as a September Libra celebrating with an October Libra ♎️

After planning a wedding in 2025, I learned quickly that not all registry items are created equal. This list is filled with actually useful, high-quality pieces we registered for (and loved), plus a few things we didn’t know we needed until married life started.

While an engagement ring isn’t required for a white dress, here’s a round up of some of my favorite finds during my bridal era!

As someone who is recently engaged, I have included everything bridal for a photoshoot, bridal shower, or the big day!

One time bride, 3x bridesmaid. Use this as inspo or a checklist for your big day of what you need to pack before you head out. Both for your bridal suite, as well as for your maid of honor/bridesmaids to carry around for you. I ordered the clutch section in order of most to least important. If you can only take some, I suggest the top 5.

I bet that year has flown by. It is worth a celebration, so here are my ideas, whether you are the husband or wife, or you are buying something for family or friends, happy 1st wedding anniversary

If you’re planning a wedding, shopping for bachelorette, elopement or honeymoon.. then this will be the thread of good finds!!

Bachelorette party decor and party favors ideas for a Love Island themed bachelorette party. Complete with recommendations for a variety of budgets and even some recommendations on what’s easy to DIY. Crack on!

If you're looking for some epic new ideas for your spy/secret agent themed wedding, you've come to the right place! Get inspired with this curated list of spy themed invitations, reception decor, wedding spy gadgets, secret agent inspired gifts and attire, and unique spy-inspired details to make your wedding unforgettable.

Here are all the things I purchased to prepare for my big fat Punjabi wedding. If you are a punjabi bride or you are someone who is planning on going to a lot of weddings this season, these products will be sure to help.

These are some of my favorite picks for wedding guest dresses for beach weddings! With both budget and splurge options, there’s a wedding guest dress for everyone!

AFFORDABLE wedding decor I purchased from AMAZON/SHEIN to make your special day beautiful 🤍 All recs will have actual photos of the items I purchased and used on my wedding day!

Custom wedding favor tags from a print shop were going to cost me over $400. That quote made me physically ill. So I bought a decent printer, some cardstock, ribbon, and a hole punch, then did the whole thing myself in two weekends. If you're planning a wedding on a budget and refuse to let favor tags be the thing that breaks you, scroll through everything I actually used.

Calling all brides, join me to build our closet! Engagement Party + Bachelorette + Bridal Shower + Rehearsal 🤍🤍 so many events, so many cute dresses!

My favorite decor, clothing and accessories for bachelorette parties! I'll be throwing a mini bach party in Palm Springs with a full bachelorette party next year!

A guide to help you be the best dressed guest @ any upcoming wedding! (For all seasons)

I had a year between engagement & my actual wedding. Within that year there was so many different events (family party, bachelorette, photos, etc) and I found myself circulating these websites the most for some bridal looks. Note: I wasn't strict about always wearing all white, I'd mix with other colors or wear a nude, etc.

Out with anything that says Bride or Miss to Mrs, in with thoughtful, curated engagement gifts! Here’s a basket I put together for my friend (it was a hit!)

Everything I leaned on planning a Vancouver wedding and elopement, from the dress and the glam to decor, invites and the little keepsakes. A mix of affordable finds and the local vendors we actually loved. Sorted so you can jump to whatever you are shopping for.

Just call me the Hostess with the Mostess lol. One of my favorite things to do is host friends and family for gatherings. These items help make sure they are gatherings to remember.

In your bride era and ready to celebrate on the green? Look no further! This curated list of recommendations includes the best favors, outfits, and decor to make your golf bachelorette party unforgettable. Whether you're aiming for elegance or fun, these picks will ensure your celebration is a hole-in-one.

This is such a unique bridesmaid proposal idea! I've put together everything you need, all you need to do is remember to say pretty pretty please with a cherry on top!

Look, I’ve been to my fair share of weddings—some in vineyards, some in Vegas chapels, one in a barn that smelled faintly of hay and regret. And every single time, the same question pops up: “What on earth do I wear?” This isn’t some stiff, rule-heavy manual. It’s a friendly, no-BS roundup of dresses that actually work—whether you’re dealing with a “cocktail” invite that means nothing, a destination wedding in July, or your cousin’s ultra-formal church ceremony. Plus, real photos, real price ranges, and a gentle reminder: please, for the love of all things holy, skip the white.

You know that one uncle who refuses to dance, the cousin who hides in the corner, and the friend who says she hates photos? I watched all three of them fighting over a pair of oversized sunglasses at my reception. If you're planning a party and want actual candid photos instead of stiff smiles, this is the setup that turned my most reluctant guests into the life of the party. Grab these before your next event so the photographer actually has something fun to work with.

Are you planning a casual yet classy Quinceañera for your 15 year old cowgirl? Here's a list of some super cute and easy to personalize party necessities. Choose from rustic chic invitations, welcome signs and party favors. Suitable for an informal barn party or farm or ranch style celebration theme.

List of potential dresses to use for weddings. These are targeted for formal to semi formal weddings not black tie. Mainly for weddings in warmer areas. Most dresses are also targeted for a mid size body type with a lower belly and smaller chest.

As a 2025 bride, I've been on the hunt for all the white dresses. I'm trying to mainly find pieces I can rewear again and again, even beyond my wedding!

This collection features illustrations of religious structures like churches and synagogues, which are perfect for wedding and christening invitations. All these clip art graphics are handmade, either with digital or traditional watercolors, and no AI art is permitted. #noai #humanmande

Planning a wedding is a blur of spreadsheets and seating charts — somewhere in the chaos I forgot to actually feel like a bride. Then I put on a silk robe at 7am on a random Tuesday and it hit me. If you're deep in the planning trenches and haven't had that moment yet, start here. Took me months of impulse buys to narrow this down so you don't have to.

Would you like to be engaged, but curious on the current engagement rings trends? Check out this curated list of trending engagement rings for Summer 2025. I would always encourage you to physically try on engagement rings in person. A design may look great in a video, but take into account the shape of your fingers, the length, comfort and day to day activities.

For anyone who wants the gift to say the year mattered. Inside: Vada Ellery's anniversary rotation — coupes for toasts, letters, leather, and candlelight — timeless anniversary gift ideas for your spouse or for couples you love, at prices that leave room for the dinner too. Traditional-material touches (cotton, leather, silk, crystal) noted where they fit. Some links are affiliate links; I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Some of my favorite bridal looks you could wear to your engagement party, shower, bachelorette, welcome party, rehearsal dinner, second look, and honeymoon!

✨ The Best Wedding Guest Dresses You Can Shop Now ✨ Looking for the perfect outfit to wear to your next wedding? This curated list of wedding guest dresses has you covered for every dress code and season. From chic cocktail dresses and elegant midi styles to floor-sweeping gowns and flirty floral minis, these pieces are hand-picked to make sure you look stylish, appropriate, and effortlessly put-together.

Invited to Everything? These dresses will be your wedding season MVPs. Whether you're headed to a breezy beach ceremony, a black-tie evening affair, or a backyard bash, this list of wedding guest dresses has you covered. From trending colors and flattering silhouettes to budget-friendly picks and head-turning styles, these dresses are perfect for every dress code and vibe.

i'm a gemini baby and my 24th birthday is coming up in the spring and with that i need to start planning for my 24 hour party with the 24k gold theme. i'm sharing my decor and my plans for my 24 hour party for my 24th birthday and i do consider my birthday a spring holiday and i believe everyone that has a spring birthday deserves to consider it as a spring holiday

This bachelorette weekend theme captures that coastal charm with soft blues, breezy neutrals, and sun-kissed details that feel effortlessly chic and fun. It’s the perfect mix of relaxed beach vibes and special moments shared with your closest girls.

Are you getting married at the beach? Then check out this list for all the best outfit inspo for your beach wedding! Beach weddings are some of my favorites to photograph and the bridal outfits are the most fun to find inspo for!

Every girl dreams of their special day and making it unique to them. Here's some things I personally used on my big day or just simply loved the idea of using. Even if I can't give you exactly what you're looking for, I hope I can set you on the right path!

Tangled inspiration for anyone who may be planning a Disney wedding soon

✨ Getting ready for the big day ✨ I’m on the journey to find the one — the dress that feels just as unforgettable as the moment itself. 💫 Here are the stunning Anthropologie bridal gowns I’ve added to my shortlist… and trust me, they’re all worth falling in love with. 💖

Planning a wedding as a plus-size bride? This curated list has everything you need to feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful on your big day. From bridal shapewear and supportive undergarments to wide-width shoes, anti-chafing essentials, and curve-flattering accessories, these must-haves are designed with curvy brides in mind. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect foundation pieces, bridal robes, or day-of emergency kit items, this guide makes sure you’re covered from head to toe.

I have been happily married to my partner for three years now. We had so much fun planning our wedding and I wanted to share some of the pieces that made it feel extra special. Maybe this will help give inspiration for future newly weds!

We just had our wedding and here is everything that I’d totally buy again if we did it all over. Outfits that are affordable but still look phenomenal in photos. We did the bare minimum for decor since our venue was stunning on its own but Polaroids and guest book was 100% worth every penny!💍💕

i’m planning my wedding for 2027 and here’s all of the things i’m using! trying to stay on the cheaper side!

Birthdays don’t have to be over the top to feel magical. This kit is filled with simple, reusable, and affordable items that turn any birthday into a special memory. From morning traditions to keepsakes you’ll treasure for years.

Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue... Gift I have given to my girlfriends who are recently engaged.

These wedding day gifts for your parents say a huge thank you. They're sentimental and meaningful and are bound to make them cry.

Editable Canva templates for itineraries, invites, games, etc. to make bach or bridal shower planning fun and easy, or easier ;)

The most stunning wedding dresses for spring/summer 2026. I am giving you options for casual, destination and black tie.

A curated edit of gorgeous wedding guest dresses for every dress code, season, and celebration. From romantic floral midis and chic cocktail dresses to elegant black-tie gowns, these are the styles worth bookmarking for your next wedding invitation.

From low key to black tie- find a dress that you 1. love 2. would actually wear again and be excited to have in your closet

We've officially entered our Showgirl Era ❤️‍🔥 If you're planning a party (big or small) to ring in the new era, or to celebrate your favorite swiftie's birthday in style…check out these stunning ideas, supplies and decorations to help make your celebration shimmer in true showgirl fashion!

I feel like it is just wedding SEASON lately and I have perfected the wedding guest guide! This folder has all the wedding guest necessities and looks that you need for inspo!

I order everything in bulk and ahead and keep the gift stuff stocked up to make all the last minute gifts ready to go!

Looking to add personal touches to your wedding? Here's a list of thing we used at our wedding to add unique charm and individuality to our day. From fun ideas like a message in a bottle guest book, polaroid photos, cheesecake cake with fun cake topper, and DIY buckeye favors, below is everything we used to stay in our decor budget of under $2,500.

Whimsical Holiday and Christmas cards that will make your mailbox happy!

With how saturated the wedding market is, I highly recommend going out of your way to support local and small business owners and contractors! They will put so much more care and attention into you and your day than a big corporation. If something isn’t perfect, they will make it right and provide great customer service every step of the way. Check out some of these vendors I used for my 2023 Maple Grove, MN wedding!

The best way to support small business! Some of my favorite purchases over the year. From special occasions, to gifts, to little treats, here's what I've been loving from Etsy.

Escape to paradise and say 'I do' in the breathtaking Dominican Republic! Exchange vows amidst stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. I married on the beach, barefoot in a light blue dress, holding few yellow roses, nothing compares to that.how could I separate this list. This list is about many places in Dominican Republic that you could go to and tie the knot. You will have the best experience in DR just as I had and many of my friends.

Christmas in July parties are a great option for families who can get together to celebrate the holidays during summer or for someone who has a summer birthday that loves Christmas. Order sunny Santa Claus invites, decorations, and fun party favors.

Check out these Disney-inspired wedding accessories! 👰✨ From magical touches to whimsical details, these accessories are perfect for adding a fairytale charm to your special day. Create a wedding as enchanting as your favorite Disney stories! 🌟💍

Planning a wedding on a budget felt like trying to fit champagne taste into a lemonade wallet — every Pinterest board mocked me. If you're engaged, staring at venue quotes, and quietly panicking about how to make it all look expensive without a second mortgage, this is the exact lineup I used. Took me five months of trial-and-error so you can skip straight to the good stuff.

You’re about to have SO much fun at the beach with your favorite girls, and you may or may not know the itinerary yet. Here’s a list of some clothes and essentials to pack to keep you ready for whatever the weekend brings.

Showing up to a wedding with a generic blender feels wrong, but scrolling through 10,000 personalized options feels worse. I spent way too long hunting down gifts that couples actually display, use, and ugly-cry over. This is the shortlist for anyone who wants to give something meaningful without losing a whole weekend to searching.

Unique dresses for untraditional brides. Go ahead, show your true colors.

Destination guests land fried, then they hit 110-degree sidewalks and a 2 a.m. after-party. These are the things I tell couples to drop in the hotel-room bag so people actually show up on time and still look human in group photos. Not the couple’s day-of kit. That list is separate.

Super sweet decor I've come across--no particular theme here, just stuff that's adorable. Weddings, showers, etc.

If you are looking for pretty & timeless decor for the elegant bride, here are some of my floral favorites, candles, sparkly accessories & custom details for your big day. All recommendations are from stores and brands I’ve used as well.

It's a love story and she said yes! If you're like me, you cried finding out that Taylor would finally have her fairytale. And you also probably started daydreaming about incorporating Swiftieism into your own big day! Here are some picks to help you do just that, sorted by era. I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase with one of these links - thank you for your support <3

That first Christmas after the wedding hits different — you're unpacking ornament boxes and realizing none of them represent this massive life change you just went through. If you're scrambling to find something meaningful before December sneaks up (and it always does), I spent way too long searching so you can skip the generic big-box aisle and go straight to the good stuff.

One thing that our couples are always looking for are great Rehearsal Dinner Venues. Here is a list of some of the best in Charlotte, sectioned out by area!

Never let them wonder who gave them the gift! Personalize everything you give and make it that much more special.

Pink themed bat mitzvah party decorations, invitations, and favors with personalized name over the white Star of David. Lots of cute desserts and welcome signs with your photo. Favorite pink dresses at the bottom of the list.

Start here! Whether you're getting married, moving in together, or just want to refresh your everyday home essentials, this list is full of timeless, stylish, and practical finds. From elevated kitchenware to cozy home upgrades and thoughtful entertaining pieces, these are registry-worthy picks you’ll actually use (and love for years). Even if you're not tying the knot, it's a great place to find gift inspiration for a loved one—or treat yourself to a little upgrade.

This playful theme is all about celebrating her new “engaged” status with fun market touches like a flower bar. Think chic signage, soft neutrals, and a mix of rustic touches that make the whole shower feel lighthearted, stylish, and totally memorable.

I've always dreamed of having a unique yet classy engagement ring! From gorgeous bands to unique stones, I love scouting for the perfect ring! This list is a collection of rings that are sure to stand out in all of the best ways!

The ideas will help the diy Bride. Plus there will be places to order everything from invitation to venue decor. So many things to do! I got you.

Check out some of my posts from my Las Vegas Wedding! In this list are tips, a wedding centerpiece DIY, and a Vegas wedding favor DIY too! I also have links to the beautiful Vegas Wedding Venues I visited and some fun Vegas wedding items that can make your big day extra fun!

Hi!! I often find the best places for natural/relaxed family and engagement sessions are locations that mean something to you; hence why I love photographing people in their homes and yards - especially kids. But if you're looking for somewhere a little different, then I have some suggestions below. I've also tried to include links to my blog posts in most of the descriptions, so that you can see more photos. As always, for more general info please click here - darcytroutmanphotography.com

Etsy is brimming full with great gifts, but some of the product are so same- samey! I have done the search for you! Check my most favorite shops on etsy & gifts that I think would be perfect to gift newly engaged couples, newly-weds, your wedding party, or even gift yourself!!! lots of love, Maggie

A running list of the prettiest wedding guest dresses I find — the unique cuts, chic silhouettes, and those “where did you get that?” pieces that always photograph beautifully. Plus the dresses that no one else will be wearing at the event :) Whether it’s a black-tie night, a garden ceremony, or something in between, these are the dresses I’d wear myself (and would want someone to send me if I needed inspo). Updated constantly with the standout, special ones. 💌

This playful coastal theme mixes crisp blue and white stripes with pops of red and fun lobster details for a look that’s equal parts classic and cheeky. It’s fresh, summery, and perfect for celebrating the bride in a way that feels light, festive, and a little bit nautical.