How to Plan a National Park Wedding (Without Losing Your Mind Over Permits)

Thinking about skipping the ballroom for a mountain? A wedding planner breaks down the harsh reality of National Park weddings, including exact links to Special Use Permits, how to dodge tourists, and what food actually works on the trail

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Personal Guide to a Fresh Caprese Salad Bar for Weddings

Want a wedding appetizer that is fresh, affordable, and interactive? A DIY Caprese Salad Bar is the answer. In this guide, I share my shopping list for 50 guests, tips for keeping ingredients cool outdoors, and unique twists like adding stone fruit and citrus.

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Southern Biscuit Wedding Bar Guide

Looking for a wedding food station that feels like a warm hug? A Southern-style biscuit bar delivers comfort and creativity in equal measure. In this guide, I share how to style savory and sweet toppings, calculate quantities for your guest list, and even share my favorite homemade buttermilk biscuit recipe.

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DIY Kombucha Mocktail Bar for Weddings: A Refreshing, Gut‑Friendly Station

If you’re looking for a drink station that feels fresh, inclusive and fun, a kombucha mocktail bar might be the perfect choice. When I planned our summer micro‑wedding, we wanted a non‑alcoholic option that still felt celebratory.

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DIY Herbal & Iced Tea Bar for Weddings: My Guide to Creating an Interactive Drink Station

Creating a tea station was one of the best decisions I made when planning our affordable wedding. Not only did it fit our rustic aesthetic, it gave guests a fun way to customize their drinks without relying on alcohol.

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Wedding Planning, Wedding Budget Colleen McCarthy Wedding Planning, Wedding Budget Colleen McCarthy

Beautiful At-Home Wedding Ideas on a Budget

Whether you are looking to save money or simply love your space, at-home weddings are growing in popularity. They are intimate and easy to personalize to your unique taste. 

Hosting an informal wedding doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your vision. There are many ways to ensure your special day is elegant and luxurious without breaking the bank. 

Here are some perfect at-home wedding ideas on a budget that offer beauty and savings! 

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Wedding Budget, Wedding Planning Colleen McCarthy Wedding Budget, Wedding Planning Colleen McCarthy

How to Write a Wedding Check for a New Couple

If you’re considering gifting money to the soon-to-be couple, a check is a great way to deliver it. But when a couple is getting married, so many things come into play.

Is anyone changing their names? If so, who? Do they share a bank account? Should I use “and” or “or” when addressing them? These questions continue to distress check writers alike.

Learn how to write a wedding check step-by-step, along with some pros of using a check and frequently asked questions.

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Wedding Budget Colleen McCarthy Wedding Budget Colleen McCarthy

How to Win Weddings Sweepstakes, Contests and Giveaways

If you’re on a tight budget, it probably sounds like a dream come true. But is it? Can you really win a free wedding? Yes, you can! There’s lots of companies that regularly hold wedding sweepstakes, contests and giveaways for everything from a free wedding to wedding dresses and accessories. Some offer cash prizes or gift cards that you can use towards your wedding.

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Wedding Budget Colleen McCarthy Wedding Budget Colleen McCarthy

Budget Wedding Catering: How to Save Money on Your Reception

If you’ve started pricing out your wedding reception, you might be shocked by some of the costs - especially the catering!

The best way is by choosing the right caterer and making the right choices for your menu. Start by understanding a caterers service and exactly what they’ll be charging you for.

Let’s take a look at ways you can save money on your wedding reception by utilizing tips for wedding catering on a budget!

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