Green Wedding Shoe’s product selections are curated and/or tested by the editorial team and GWS community. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. Please consider shopping through our links if you would like to support GWS!

1. This “Just Married” Vintage Wedding Cake

That “just married” feeling has never tasted so sweet! We’ve been seeing these vintage heart-shaped wedding cakes everywhere lately, and safe to say we’re totally obsessed. Eat your heart out with buttercream frosting, pearl details, and plenty of Lambeth piping. Perfect if you want a cute personal cake for just the two of you!

2. This Bow-Adorned Vintage Wedding Cake

Old charm meets new trends with this cute vintage wedding cake. We love the nostalgic style of the intricate piping mixed with the trendy bow details. Because yes, bows are still majorly trending for 2025 weddings, and we can’t think of a cuter way to incorporate them into your big day!

3. This Dreamy Blue Beauty

Speaking of 2025 wedding trends, the Rococo aesthetic is having a serious moment this year, from elegant corset gowns to, yes, vintage wedding cakes! Pinterest even named Rococo Revival one of its top predicted trends for 2025, with opulent and ultra-feminine details taking center stage.

For the best Rococo inspo for your big day, look no further than this three-tiered masterpiece. From the fun and feminine color palette to the flower-infused cake stand, it’s a dreamy homage to the stylish era.

4. This Pretty Pink Vintage Wedding Cake

If Marie Antoinette were to choose a modern-day wedding cake, we’re pretty sure it would look something like this. The feminine florals! The elegant tiers! The intricate piping! It’s the definition of vintage romance.

Let them eat (wedding) cake!

There is also the option to consign your wedding gown which has become more and more popular over the last few years. “While there are consignment stores that will take wedding gowns, it’s best to choose one that focuses specifically on wedding gowns, like Loved Twice Bridal. Here we focus on selling once-loved designer gowns to new brides, while providing a luxurious and easy experience for our sellers. When you decide to sell through Loved Twice Bridal, your gown hangs in our Beverly Hills Boutique for brides to try on during their luxury shopping appointments. We also market your gown through our online marketplace where brides all over the country are able to view your item and even have it sent to them through our unique try-at-home program, allowing us to bring them peace-of-mind in their purchase that they don’t get on the traditional resale platforms. All of this means that we give you the highest chances of selling your gown, without you having to do anything to make it happen (other than get the gown to us).” – Sarah Ghabbour, Founder & Owner, Loved Twice Bridal

TIP: If you do plan to sell your wedding dress, have your gown professionally cleaned first.

“Take the time after your wedding to get your gown professionally cleaned. This ensures you’ll earn top dollar for your dress if you choose to sell it and will make your dress stand out in a crowded marketplace.” – Leah R. McCoy, President, Wedding Gown Preservation Kit

2. Re-design Your Dress for Your Future Family. 

“I love the idea of recreating your wedding dress into a christening gown for your child (or future children if you want to get a head start). Take your gown to a seamstress and have them recreate your gown into a family heirloom to be passed down generation after generation.” – Nora Sheils, Founder Bridal Bliss and Co-Founder  Rock Paper Coin

3. Donate your Wedding Dress

Another idea for your used wedding dress is to donate your gown to a charitable organization that repurposes wedding dresses for a good cause.

“NICU Helping Hands accepts wedding dress donations to create garments for babies who are born prematurely and spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). These gowns provide comfort to both parents and their little ones during a challenging time. Angel Gowns transforms donated wedding dresses into burial gowns for babies who have sadly passed away. These angel gowns provide comfort and support to grieving families during difficult times.” – Krisy Thomas, Owner of Southern Sparkle Wedding Planning & Vice President of Certified Wedding Planner Society

4. Have Your Wedding Dress Altered for Other Special Occasions

In the heart of every bride lies a desire to keep the magic of her wedding day alive, and what better way to do so than by repurposing her wedding dress into a stunning ensemble for an anniversary photo shoot or a bespoke piece for another special occasion? Transforming your wedding gown offers a unique opportunity to breathe new life into a garment that embodies so much love and joy, allowing it to evolve with your journey together.

Whether it’s restyling it for a romantic anniversary session, where each photograph captures your love as it flourishes year after year, or tailoring it into a dress that dazzles at future celebrations, repurposing your wedding dress creates a beautiful, tangible connection to one of the most cherished days of your life. This practice not only celebrates sustainable fashion but also ensures that the spirit of your wedding day continues to sparkle in your life, making every moment you wear it again feel just as enchanting and memorable.

“Did you have a sleeker wedding dress design? If so, perhaps getting it altered for more regular wear to future fancy celebrations is your style! This way you could re-wear your wedding dress for an anniversary celebration or vow renewal years down the road.” – Alexandra Denniston, Owner & Lead Planner, Eventlightenment Planning

5. Have a Trash The Dress Photo Shoot.

After the joy of your big day, what’s next for your wedding dress? “If keeping it isn’t on your agenda, we’ve got the perfect idea to help you decide what to do with that beautiful gown. Consider adding a touch of adventure with a “Trash the Dress” photoshoot, creating unique and memorable images. Say goodbye to the dress and hello to the next chapter!” – Anastasia Shevchenko, Sheff Production Photography & Videography

25. The Farm at Glenwood Mountain – New York City, New Jersey

The farm at Glenwood Mountain is a family farm located on 180 acres in the mountains of northern New Jersey. They are now hosting micro weddings and private parties with their 3 beautiful venue locations: The Herb Garden, The Pasture and The Barn. Come and enjoy an authentic farm to table experience, submerse yourself in the beauty of a fully working farm and enjoy world class cuisine using ingredients raised and grown on the farm.

photo: Meadow Lark Stills | florals: Whisper & Brook Flower Co

26. Wythe Hotel – Brooklyn, New York

Wythe Hotel is an industrial chic Brooklyn wedding venue on the waterfront of New York City’s creative epicenter, Williamsburg. Perfect for micro weddings, the former factory has been fully renovated and its original character and charm serve as a wonderful backdrop to a Brooklyn wedding.

top photo: Benj Haisch Photography

bottom photos: Joanna Fisher | planning: Wildflower Events & Design| florals: Buds of Brooklyn

27. The Gardens at Uncanoonuc Mountain – Goffstown, New Hampshire

A fairy tale setting for wedding ceremonies, The Gardens at Uncanoonuc Mountain offers outdoor, cottage, and tented celebrations from mid-April through October. Here you will find their gardens are overflowing with color all summer long, then giving way to autumnal hues which illuminate the grounds with classic New England foliage.

photo courtesy of The Gardens at Uncanoonuc Mountain

Coast to Coast Micro Wedding Venues

28. Airbnb Rental – Across the US

Looking for something even more personal? Check out our fave airbnb wedding venues! We’re rounded up our fave castles, cabins and desert retreats perfect for your intimate wedding.

photo by Henry Tieu Photography

29. Cloth & Flame – Across the US

Cloth and Flame are the experts if you are looking to have a micro wedding (or elopement!) in a hard to plan place. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate mountaintop ceremony for just the two of you or a magical forest celebration for your 30 closest family members and friends, their team are the experts at making deeply romantic, exciting, and boundary-pushing wedding experiences possible without the stress. Their focus has always been to make stunning experiences comfortable and accessible in seemingly impossible locations – and they currently have more than 50 unique sites in Arizona, California, Utah, Nevada, Texas, and Washington.

photos: top from a dinner (first one ever!) they hosted at the Grand Canyon | next photo from a Joshua Tree House wedding by Kayla Fisher | ceremony in Sedona by Jane in the Woods | bottom dinner photo in Page, AZ by Kayla Fisher

They’ve been with you through the good times and bad. They’ve witnessed you find the love of your life. And chances are, they’ve got a few stories that you’re hoping won’t re-emerge come toast time. But for better or for worse, your people are your people. For all the memories and all the effort they put into making your day special, the pressure is on you to find the best groomsmen gifts…and we’ve got you covered with the most unique ideas!

While traditional groomsmen gift ideas, like pocket squares and drink koozies, are fool-proof choices, we tend to prefer gifts that feel a bit more special. These aren’t just any old groomsmen — they’re your ride or dies! And they deserve gifts that are unique, personalized, and seriously cool.

We’ve rounded up the very best groomsmen gifts and ideas for every crew, from soon-to-be inside jokes to dapper picks for the big day. But before you choose that perfect gift, you might have a few questions.

Green Wedding Shoe’s product selections are curated and/or tested by the editorial team and GWS community. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. Please consider shopping through our links if you would like to support GWS!

Green Wedding Shoe’s product selections are curated and/or tested by the editorial team and GWS community. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. Please consider shopping through our links if you would like to support GWS!

How Much to Spend on Wedding Favors

While there are no hard-and-fast rules or best practices for how much to spend on wedding favors, most couples spend between $3 and $5 per favor. How much you spend will ultimately come down to your budget and the overall vibe and size of your wedding.

For smaller, more intimate affairs, you may opt for pricier wedding favors with a personalized touch, such as custom camping mugs or unique candles. On the flip side, larger celebrations may call for cost-effective (but still memorable!) wedding favor ideas, like cute matchboxes or sweet treats.

Have a smaller budget? No prob! We’ve included tons of unique wedding favor ideas for under $1 each in our list below!

GWS Pro Tip: Don’t forget to include packaging and presentation in your budget. Elegant wrapping or personalized packaging can elevate even the simplest wedding favors, but it may add some extra costs to your overall budget.

10. Tropical Bridal Shower Theme Ideas

A bridal shower that feels like a getaway to a tropical island? Say no more! Channel a tropical bridal shower theme with leafy greenery, rattan accents, and other island-inspired decor ideas. And no, an island destination isn’t a requirement — just set up the party in your backyard or other outdoor venue and schedule it for a sunny summer day!

We especially love these bridal shower ideas if the bride-to-be is tying the knot somewhere tropical or has a connection to a specific island destination. Such a rad personal touch!

11. Italian Inspired Bridal Shower Theme Ideas

We’re currently in our Aperol spritz era, so obviously we had to include an Italian theme on this list of bridal shower ideas! We saw Italy-inspired party themes allllll over our social media this past year, and we couldn’t be more obsessed.

In addition to Aperol spritz cocktails, bring the Amalfi Coast to your bridal shower with citrus decor, an orange and yellow color palette, and plenty of Italian food ideas. (Pizza? Pasta? Seafood spreads? There are no wrong answers here!)

12. Parisian Bridal Shower Theme Ideas

Prefer champagne and macarons over Aperol and pasta? Then prepare to fall in love with these Parisian themed bridal shower ideas! Paris is known as the City of Love, after all, and we can’t think of more fitting inspo for your pre-wedding celebration.

Embrace the romance of the city with elegant florals, unique champagne cocktails, and a dessert table that would make Marie Antoinette proud. It’s one of our favorite bridal shower theme ideas that will never go out of style!

How to choose bridesmaid dresses

The age-old question: how do you choose the best bridesmaid dresses? There are several factors at play when choosing bridal party dresses: budget, style, sizing, sleeves or strapless, etc. To choose the best gowns for your big day, you’ll want to think about which silhouettes match your venue, theme, dress code, time of year, and overall color palette — while also making your crew feel comfy and confident.

For example, a formal winter ceremony calls for elegant and cozy bridal party dresses, such as velvet gowns or designs with longer sleeves. On the other hand, if you’re planning a cute cottagecore ceremony in a garden, then you’ll want breathable dresses that match the vibe, like the cute gowns above!

As we mentioned above, a mix-and-match look is the simplest way to make your bridesmaids feel like themselves while still accomplishing your dream aesthetic. But for anyone who prefers a more traditional or minimalist look, matching dresses are also a classic for a reason! Either way, we’ve found the best places to buy gorgeous bridesmaid dresses online to satisfy alllll your needs, so you and your gals can shop with ease.

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What happens at a rehearsal dinner? – Ideas for Entertaining

After your ceremony rehearsal, it’s time for dinner! As is implied by the name, the idea behind a rehearsal dinner revolves around a shared meal where you and your guests can decompress and spend time together before the big day. It’s a fun and relaxed way for both sides of your friends and family to meet, mingle, and start the weekend off on the right foot.

In addition to the all-important food, another etiquette hallmark of the rehearsal dinner are the toasts. (Keep scrolling for more info on who typically gives speeches during this celebration!) Penny recommends having your photographer and videographer join this part of the evening to capture all the most memorable moments.

Finally, this celebration is also when you should give your gifts to the groomsmen and bridesmaids. If you have gifts for your parents, this is also the perfect time to have an intimate moment with them before the rush of the big day.

And don’t forget the most important part of your event — celebrating! To make sure you don’t forget anything, here’s an easy rehearsal dinner timeline to help you plan all your ideas:

• 6:00 pm – Cocktails and small bites (optional)
• 6:30 pm – Welcome speech from the hosts
• 6:45 pm – Quick toast from the love birds — you can plan this for before or after dinner
• 7:00 pm – Dinner is served
• 8:00 pm – Open the floor to speeches
• 8:30 pm – Give out your thank-you gifts
• 9:00 pm – End with dancing, an after-party, or an early night!