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Contrary to what some fashion novices may believe, not all suits and tuxedos are created equal; and when deciding which suit to wear, suit lapel styles are a key factor. As a rule of thumb, the width of a lapel should correlate with a man’s size. That is, slimmer men should select a narrower lapel, while larger gents can pull off a wider version. With three basic types to choose from – peaked, shawl, and notched – a lapel is much more than a piece of folded material.

The peaked lapel is the perfect way to dress up a suit. This cut features lapel edges that point upwards towards the shoulders, giving men a lengthening effect that is perfect for those who are looking to appear taller and/or slimmer. In fact, a dark suit with pinstripes, a peaked lapel and an edged pocket square is a fail-proof ensemble for larger men.

With an angular appearance, it’s also the ideal choice for formal events, as it creates quite the fashion statement (think Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Great Gatsby”). Choose a lapel that it just wide enough to make a bold impression, but not so wide that it overpowers the man in the suit.

The shawl lapel is characterized by one continuous curve of fabric, without any points or breaks, and is typically found on tuxedos and dinner jackets. Traditionally, this shape has been reserved for black-tie affairs and galas; but some of today’s designers have been pairing it with casual jackets, creating a more modern version of the style.

Most men can wear a shawl lapel, but it should be avoided by anyone with a round face or body type. The curve of the lapel will only accentuate the curves in the face, so a peaked or notched variety would be a better choice.

Universally flattering, the notched lapel can be found on everyday blazers and sport coats. It features a notch where the lapel meets the collar at a 75-90 degree angle, and is the most versatile out of the three styles. Easily dressed up or down, the notched lapel is a man’s version of the little black dress – it looks fantastic on men of all shapes and sizes, and easily transitions between day and night.

About the author: Lauren Malamala is a New York City-based writer and musician with an International Business degree from Richmond, the American International University in London. She currently works for a luxury bridal publication, and is a regular contributor to several online magazines and blogs.

What the lapel?

In the last 5 years, the process colloquially known as “renting a tux” has increasingly become renting a suit. This trend is primarily driven by four factors that are driving the way men dress:

Due to the casualization of the workplace, wearing a suit in an event like a wedding has become “dressy enough” to become the status quo.

Many brides have moved away from the classic black tuxedo for their wedding and are opting for more blues and greys.

The quality of brick and mortar “tux rental”

Most brick and mortar stores specialize in tuxedo rental, and the quality runs the gamut from offensively terrible to suitable. This has driven customers from the brick and mortar format to online, due to general dissatisfaction with tuxedo rental. Most of these tuxedos are boxy and have poor fabric quality. In general, online sites like Generation Tux and Menguin carry more suits than tuxedos, so there is a shift taking place to these higher quality suits.

Of course, James Bond still occasionally throws on a tuxedo, but overall his look has become more synonymous with tailored suits than a black tuxedo. We all want a little danger in our life, and Bond is as good of a fashion north star as any.

Suit rental is more popular than tuxedo rental

Sure, your style and the style of your wedding is ultimately up to the bride. However, there will be times when your partner actively seeks your opinion and one of those times should be regarding groomswear. Red alert! This is your time to shine, buddy. Don’t screw it up.

No, this is not a trick questions, but you should still err on the side of caution. Before you can nail down exactly what you want to wear on your big day (because, yes, it’s your day, too), you have to know your style. Unless you have a lot of experience with formal menswear, there’s a good chance you really don’t know what to go with. And that’s fine! Just make sure you’re prepared before your partner comes calling.

To aid you in this massive decision, we’ve put together this handy guide on how to narrow down your style to pick the groomswear that’s best for you.

First and foremost is to think about your own personal style. Are you a “shorts and t-shirt” kind of guy? Or do you like to look nice no matter the occasion? Or something in between?

Knowing your own style will help when you’re trying to determine the style of menswear you choose for your wedding. If you are ultra-casual in just about every situation and comfort is number one on your list, then you will probably prefer a suit over a tux. On the other hand, if chic is your middle name, then the sharp lines of a tuxedo are right up your alley.

Of course, you absolutely do not have to stick to the same-old, same-old. If you want to try something new, this is the perfect time. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to try out different looks.

So, you know what you like, but what about your partner? What are they imagining for this day? Too afraid to ask? That’s okay. Think about the details you’ve already locked down. The venue being the most important. Where’s everything going down? Huge cathedral? Quiet garden? Elegant ballroom? Industrial loft?

The venue can play a big part in the style of your wedding. The nicer the venue, the nicer you want to look. Of course, that doesn’t mean everything, but it’s a pretty good indicator.

Another one would be the bride’s dress. You more than likely won’t see it until the day of the wedding, but go ahead and ask the bride what style of dress she’s wearing. Romantic? Simple? The fabric alone can tell you a lot. Satin? Pretty elegant. Lace? Ask what kind. Delicate lace is more formal and big lace is more casual.

The last factor we’re going to discuss is season. Season plays more of a role than you may realize when it comes to wedding style. Different colors work better with different times of year and if you’re going with a non-standard suit, different fabrics are better for different temperatures, as well.

Still don’t know what we’re talking about? You may need to enlist her help. But, simply put, if she implies that her dress is very formal and you’re having a black tie affair, that means you’re wearing a tux. If her style is bohemian, then a casual suit will work just fine. And don’t think by casual we mean boring. Suits of just about any color are still great options for a wedding.

So now that you have an idea of what you’re looking for, you can start making cuts.

The first step is suit or tuxedo. Not sure what the main differences are? We have this handy guide that tells you exactly what kind of look you’re going to get with each.

The second step is color (yes, even with a tuxedo). Your main colors are going to be black, blues, and grays. Each has its benefit and for a clearer picture, see our gallery.

Black will by far be the classiest look you can go for, with the tuxedos being a step above a suit. Blues and grays have so many choices that they can be formal or casual. A midnight blue tuxedo has a little more flair than a black tuxedo, while a navy suit is a standard for menswear. An iron gray suit looks great in fall, while cement gray is perfect for spring.

Here’s where you really get to show off your style. Your partner probably has in mind exactly what style or color suit they want to see you in the day of, but you can probably talk them into having free range over all the parts and pieces.

? With a suit, this means vest or no vest and with a tux, you can pick a vest, cummerbund or neither. Weather may again play a part here. If you’re going to be outside during a warm month, then your best option is to go no vest for the sake of coolness. Cummerbunds are more traditional than a vest, but we wouldn’t suggest wearing one if you’re on the hefty side—a vest is better in this case.

Second order of business, long tie or bow tie? Both 

 work in pretty much any circumstance, so it’s really whatever your preference is. Traditionally, bowties are worn with tuxes to show off the shirt studs, but you can opt for a long tie if you prefer. You can also have some style fun with your tie. Check with your partner first, but the world is your oyster, as long as its within the color palette. You can wear a solid tie featuring pretty much any color from the palette or a polished pattern that features the same colors, too. Or by all means, go floral!

. Now, before we get too far into this, keep in mind that you don’t need to go overboard. Pick a few things that really show off your style personality and leave the rest for another occasion.

: Cufflinks generally are worn with a tuxedo instead of a suit and they add just a little something extra to the cuffs of your shirt. You can have simple, elegant cufflinks or you can opt for something more you. Whether that’s something that’s personalized with your initials or a message to mark the occasion or something that’s even more out there, like funky pattern, special fun shape or an homage to your favorite comic book character.

: Again, tie bars can be any of a number of normal or fun designs and they add just a little bit of extra something-something to your tie. Just remember that your tie bar needs to match your tie in width.

: Lapel pins are worn in place of a boutonniere and can, therefore, be something flower-like or something out of left field. If you’re going with something crazy, though, do keep in mind your look and style you’re going for. You don’t want to completely throw off the vibe.

: There are no rules on whether or not you have to wear a pocket square, but we think they add just add another level of polish to your look. Pro tip: Don’t match your pocket square to your tie. And in case you need some more convincing on the benefits of a pocket square, check out this post.

There is a lot that goes into choosing and pulling off your wedding day attire. Need some more tips and style inspiration? Here’s some of our favorite advice from our style experts:

With Menguin’s low-stress process you’ll barely have to think twice about looking great for your wedding. Still not convinced? Groom’s can test drive your look months in advance, so you know you’re getting exactly what you want. See what we have to offer to make your union extraordinary.

Suited to You: A Guide to Picking the Right Groomswear

Fine menswear isn’t a luxury, it’s an investment. You don’t need to own a tux to wear one, of course — just renting one for a night or two opens you up to black tie events that otherwise might be off-limits to you.

If you’ve never rented a tuxedo for anything other than prom, you may not be convinced of the outfit’s power and versatility. But this single outfit can change your life. Check out this list of five places you can turn heads in a tux.

You’ll impress your date in a suit. You’ll really impress your date in a tuxedo. A tux is a great way to make a positive first impression on a blind date, or rekindle a little passion and mystery with that special someone. In a tuxedo, you’ll be able to bring your date to high-end restaurants and other establishments you might not be able to touch in even a high-quality suit. Make your night together something special!

Many men only ever wear a tux to a wedding — whether it’s their own, or someone else’s. Look dashing in your tuxedo as you meet your soulmate at the altar, or give your showing as best man a touch of class. Give your daughter away at the altar while looking your absolute best. There’s only one man at a wedding who probably can’t get away with wearing a tux — and that’s the person officiating!

If you’re going to go out, why not dress up? Showing up to a high-end bar or nightclub in a tux is a great way to turn heads, start conversations, score phone numbers and get VIP treatment wherever you go. (Everyone will think you have money — whether or not you actually do.)

This strategy works great for special nights like New Year’s Eve or other major holidays, but can make any evening a special occasion. Painting the town red in a tux is a unique experience, and one every man should have at some point in his life.

Sometimes an evening out on the town isn’t enough. If you own a tux (or if you have a rental that lasts more than a day or so), you owe it to yourself to take your outfit on a spin to Vegas. You’ll go from humdrum ordinary to feeling like James Bond in the time it takes to put your new clothes on.

Fly or drive out, rent a hotel, don your tux and put yourself out there. Spend an evening at the blackjack table, or head out to a live show. You’ll soon discover something every menswear aficionado figures out: People really do treat you with more respect, interest and deference when you’re in a tuxedo.

Charity galas run the gamut. Some events cost thousands of dollars to get into, while others are more attainable — in the realm of a few hundred.

Either way, most upper-crust charity galas have a strict black tie dress code. For men, that means a tuxedo. Again, this outfit opens doors for you. Enjoy sumptuous dining, fine entertainment and some of the most fascinating company you’ll ever meet — all while giving back to something worthwhile.

5 different places to wear a tuxedo

Rest Assured Safety & Sanitation Are Our Top Priorities

At Menguin, the safety and security of both customers and employees is our top priority. In light of recent events, we wanted to share our cleaning process. Our cleaning process includes a detailed inspection and thorough sanitation procedures. If you have any questions, please contact our customer experience team for more information.

Upon receiving all returned rentals, each article of clothing is carefully inspected and placed into the cleaning categories required by its fabric content.

Categorization of each item’s cleaning process

Wool garments are safely dry cleaned using Green Earth – the safest dry cleaning solutions available.

Cotton pieces are wet washed with detergent and steam pressed at 350 degrees.

Shoes are cleaned, disinfected and hand-polished.

Using state-of-the-art commercial grade cleaning equipment, each article of clothing is taken through a rigorous cleaning process to ensure each garment is cleaned and disinfected appropriately.

Once each piece is inspected, cleaned and sanitized, the garment is then steam ironed or pressed and placed in plastic for storage.

At Menguin, we’re committed to providing our customers with clean and 

of the highest quality. If you have any questions on the details of our cleaning process or want more information on what we are doing to protect our customers 

Menguin Cleaning Process

Everybody wants an impressive venue for their wedding. But different venues can cost radically different amounts of money. In general, the more unusual or fancy the venue, the more money you’ll pay.

But these aren’t the only factors affecting your wedding’s cost. Some venues may seem more expensive than others, but they may come with extra perks that you would have to pay for out of pocket otherwise. Read on to learn the prices of various venues, as well as what’s included and what isn’t.

 for your wedding? It may cost you. Here’s a list of some of the most common venue types, and a range of prices you might pay for renting these venues for a small wedding in the Atlanta area.

 is designed to host large events, and may be ready with a PA system, catering, and other helpful details. For a low-end event center rental, you may pay around $2,000, but for a fancier one, be ready to shell out nearly $24,000.

 are specifically designed for catering to large crowds. You’ll pay $2,400 on the low end and $22,500 for a top-notch venue.

 have a unique feel and usually make for great photos. Be ready to pay about $4,000 at the lowest and almost $23,000 on the high end.

are huge open spaces and make great backdrops for photoshoots. It’ll run you at least $4,500 to have your wedding here and potentially as much as $15,000.

 is usually outfitted for catering large crowds and is a great choice for beer lovers. A rental will start around $5,000 and may cost as much as $10,000.

 host many private events and may offer a luxury experience. A budget hotel will run about $5,000, and a more upscale venue may run as much as $73,000.

 offers unique rustic charm and can make for amazing photo opportunities. These private venues can cost as low as $6,000, or as much as $12,000.

 is another impressive natural setting. Booking this venue will cost at least $8,000, and may be closer to $13,000 on the high end.

Of course, leaving aside aesthetics, these venues aren’t created equal. You’ll generally pay more for catering, plated dinners, an open bar, live music, and other factors. Keep in mind that what’s included may vary from place to place, but here are some common guidelines:

will be either to not serve it, or have a BYO system. An open bar will cost more, but some venues may bundle this in.

 are generally less expensive. Catered dinners will cost more, and you’ll pay more for each course. Again, some venues may bundle this into your costs, for a small extra fee.

during your reception will cost you extra, at most venues. Some venues may come with PA and other 

, while others may require you to rent your own.

, you may bring and set them up yourself, or you may delegate this to the venue. If you have the venue set them up, they’ll probably charge you for this.

. Otherwise, if you want security at your wedding, you’ll probably have to hire it separately.

The cost of your wedding venue rental may vary considerably, based on the type of venue you choose, the amenities included, and what extras you choose. By weighing all these options carefully, you’ll come away with the best venue for both your guests and your pocketbook.

What factors affect the cost of your wedding venue?

‘Tis the season for celebrations, which means your social calendar is likely jam-packed with parties and events in the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve – the most wonderful time of the year! And those weekends are probably filling up even faster as many couples are now using this festive time of year to say I do. And why not? Most venues are decked out in holiday décor—making wedding photographs truly stunning—and a Christmas wedding or New Year’s Eve reception is the perfect way to get family and friends together during this meaningful time.

With any special occasion, you want to look and feel your absolute best—whether you’re getting married, in the wedding party, or are attending as a guest. Luckily, Menguin has everything you need to put together a holiday ensemble that is sure to turn heads, both in-person and in photos.

When it comes to dressing for a holiday wedding, you’ll want to step up your fashion game. Check out some of these latest trends in men’s winter wedding guest attire to inspire your look.

While the holidays are synonymous with certain colors—red and green for Christmas, blue for Hannukah, brown and orange for Thanksgiving, etc. —you don’t want your accessories to make you look like you’ve been invited to a holiday office party. Instead, explore other color options such as navy blue, burgundy, and even emerald green. Winter formal tuxedos or suits in rich dark colors stand out against the weather.

This is a big fashion trend for weddings in general but gives a nod to the holiday season without going overboard. It also coordinates with so many other colors and is easy to dress up or down, depending on your mood or wedding.

During the winter months you’ll be moving from the cold outside to the heat indoors, so you need to keep that in mind when choosing your attire. All of Menguin’s winter wedding guest attire like our suits and tuxedos are made with Super 130’s and 140’s Merino Wool, keeping you comfortable throughout the entire event.

Many brides are changing outfits between the ceremony and reception—why shouldn’t the guys get to do the same? For example, wear a traditional black or navy tuxedo for the ceremony, and then switch into a colorful suit for the reception.

Winter is a great time to play with different fabrics, including velvet. You can easily incorporate this into your ensemble via your accessories, such as a tie or pocket square.

Choosing your ensemble for a holiday wedding will depend on the dress code of the event. Since it is such a festive time of year, many couples opt for black tie or formal affairs, especially if the wedding is being held on or near New Year’s Eve. If that’s the chosen dress code, the choice is pretty simple: You’ll be expected to show up in a tuxedo.

For inspiration, you can start with figuring out the kind of lapel you want to wear to easily narrow down your choices. There are three options to choose from:

· A shawl lapel is a formal lapel style with a continuous round edge. Menguin offers the

· A peak lapel features a collar where the tip of the lapel points upwards, creating a “peak”. Our two tuxes with this style are

· A notch lapel is a classic style with a v shaped indentation in the lapel, and is an excellent choice when you are unsure which one to choose for your event. All of our other tuxedos—including gray and blue options— feature this lapel.

With other popular dress codes, including semi-formal, cocktail, and festive, you can opt for a suit, which Menguin also has in black, gray, and blue.

Pull together your whole tuxedo or suit look by choosing the right color, choosing a tie to match, and pairing it with a boutonniere and pocket square.

If you’re not sure of what qualifies as men’s wedding guest attire, you simply cannot go wrong with a black tuxedo or suit. 

 will all help you bring out your inner James Bond, mixing a modern aesthetic with timeless elegance. Our

 is the perfect look with any evening affair.

The great thing about a black tux or suit is that you can go the traditional route by pairing it with black or white accessories, or you can step out of the box with some bolder colors or pair it to match with your Christmas wedding’s overall theme and color scheme. The choice is up to you.

If you want to incorporate some color into your overall suit or Christmas tuxedo, Menguin has you covered. Our color options include:

Like black, gray can be paired with an array of colors, but it is seen as a more creative neutral choice when it comes to special events. Our

, which would be perfect for an evening event. For a daytime holiday or Christmas wedding, we have our

As for suits, Menguin has five stunners to choose from: the

 are all great options for an evening event, while the

 are better suited (no pun intended) for daytime vows.

No matter which gray tux or suit you choose, you can pair them with a mix of metallics or jewel tones to take your holiday wedding look to the next level.

Ready to take your color game up a notch? Don’t shy away from donning a blue tuxedo or suit for holiday weddings. Our

 is a stunning midnight blue with black lapels, a perfect look for when you want to look traditional with a twist. Or if you want to break with tradition completely, consider the

We also have several blue suit options, including the

Not sure what holiday colors pair perfectly with blue? Think ruby red, burgundy, emerald green, silver, white, and gold.

And of course, if you’re the groom getting married at a Christmas wedding, you might want to stand out from the pack entirely. With that in mind, our

 could be the perfect choice, paired with black flat front pants.

, but whether you opt for a bowtie or necktie is up to you. This is the perfect way to incorporate some color into your ensemble, whether it’s the wedding colors or just to show off your own personal style. Don’t be afraid to get a bit adventurous by choosing a bold color or even a fun print, including striped, zig zag, paisley or plaid.

If you’re not sure which color will work best—or you need to match your accessory colors with bridesmaids’ dresses—simply request some of our free color swatches, which will be delivered right to your home.

If you’re in the wedding party, you will most likely be wearing a boutonniere. If you have any say in the type of flower chosen, make sure that it is hearty enough to handle the cold weather. Some good options include ranunculus, roses, anemones, calla lilies, and gardenias.

. Just be sure not to match your tie and pocket square. Instead, the pocket square should complement your overall look. And you absolutely can wear a pocket square with a boutonnière. Just make sure your pocket square isn’t too high out of your pocket and your boutonnière is high enough so that it has its own space.

If you’re not into a boutonniere, you might consider a

, which we have in a variety of colors. Menguin also carries

 in an array of colors and patterns that can really help you show off your personality.

 are usually worn for formal events, rules are more flexible with semi formal attire, so do whatever makes you comfortable. We offer both gold and silver designs.

 can make or break an outfit. Unless the couple specifically requests otherwise, you should wear a nice pair of dress shoes to a holiday wedding. Don’t have your own pair? No problem—you can rent them with Menguin!

Once you’re ready to start shopping for your winter winter wedding, or wedding guest attire, browse through our selection of stylish suits, shirts, ties and other accessories for an ensemble that will have you looking and feeling your best.

How to Dress for a Winter Wedding

While traditional church or backyard weddings are certainly lovely, there is a strong trend towards using alternative venues for weddings. Places such as a park, castle, farm or other location that have meaning for the couple are becoming increasingly popular. If you are planning a wedding, consider having your ceremony are one of these somewhat unconventional locales.

There’s just something romantic about sand on your feet and the gentle lapping of the waves hitting the beach. You don’t have to live in Florida or California to enjoy a beach wedding. Great Lakes and East Coast beaches are equally appealing. You can even create a romantic ceremony at the edge of a lake.

Beach weddings also have the advantage of being more casual, a big plus for that bride and groom who don’t particularly like getting dressed up in formal wear.

If you enjoy the rustic charm of the outdoors, consider a farm setting for your wedding. Some farms rent their properties for special events. Plus, there are farm-themed wedding venues with converted barns, petting zoos for the little ones and plenty of woods and pasture that make great settings for your wedding photos.

Your guests will likely appreciate not having to go out and buy a new dress or suit if you opt for a farm wedding. The dress code and the reception menu is casual and fun.

Castles aren’t just for royalty. Many cities have historic mansions or other elegant homes that you can rent for your wedding venue. You can even find some castle ruins for that eclectic outdoor wedding. A castle makes a great setting for that fantasy Disney wedding.

Most of America’s 400 national parks allow couples to host their wedding ceremony within the park. It’s important to plan early and you’ll need to apply for a permit. That keeps the park from being overrun with wedding parties on any given day. If you’ll be having your reception at the park also, be sure to review the park rules and regulations before you book your caterer. Some parks have strict limits to what you can and cannot bring into the park.

National parks that make a particularly lovely backdrop for a wedding include Yosemite National Park in California, Big Bend National Park in Texas, Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

Renting a room in a museum for your wedding is another great alternative venue, especially if you and your spouse-to-be are art lovers. Most museums will limit your party to a specific room or section and most have rigid rules about where you can serve food and beverages. However, getting married at a museum means you have automatic decorations and your guests will have something interesting to do while you are having your wedding pictures taken.

Country weddings have a lot of appeal. Head out to a beautiful field to enjoy the sunshine, rustic charm and … alpacas?

is a Maryland ranch that’s home to several of these friendly, fuzzy Peruvian creatures. The venue specializes in down-home, intimate settings and offers event space from May through November, for up to 130 guests. The grounds are filled with lush gardens, charming ponds, a farmhouse dating back to 1910 and other beautiful scenery. Just make sure one of the farm’s gentle denizens doesn’t steal the show!

If you’re like most fiancees, you take your partner’s breath away. But you’ve probably never considered handing them a SCUBA tank to make up for it.

 has hosted several weddings. Couples love to pose with for photos with colorful fish, curious octopi and other underwater creatures. But in 2016, Justin and Crystal Reynolds proposed something unusual to the aquarium’s staff: a wedding at the bottom of the 6.3 million gallon Ocean Voyager habitat.

The aquarium gave the go-ahead, and the couple married underwater, with breathing gear and heavy weights to keep Crystal’s tiara from floating away. Why share your first dance surrounded by party guests when you can have manta rays on your dance floor, instead?

You probably don’t associate bowling alleys with high-class events. But 

 is different. This chain owns businesses in some of America’s most upper-crust neighborhoods and offers bocce and a full high-end bistro experience, in addition to bowling.

Pinstripes hosts many events, including weddings, private meetings and other parties. They’re dedicated to the idea that upper-class dining and entertainment don’t have to be stuffy or dull. Besides, what could be better than getting a strike in a wedding gown?

You can’t board a starship for your wedding. (Elon Musk is still working on it.) So why not something a little closer to home? If you’re a Trekkie, a Star Trek-themed wedding is a dream come true.

There’s no out-of-the-box plan for a Star Trek wedding, so you’ll have to do like 

 did and improvise. A fan convention is a great setting, and of course Starfleet uniforms are a must. The show’s epic, sweeping music themes make great music to walk down the aisle to, and a creative baker can put together a retro-future cake for you. Just make sure the bar’s stocked with plenty of Romulan ale, and any 

 duels should take place off the dance floor.

 Niagara Falls. Anyone can do that. Getting hitched underneath the famous falls takes daring, a real delight for optics — and, of course, a willingness to get a little wet. Jim and Pam from “The Office” did it, and you can, too!

 is a company that will wed any Canadian citizens (sorry, Americans) who book a wedding trip on one of their eponymous cruise ships. Rev. MacQuarrie and the ship he works on have brought countless intrepid couples beneath this thundering waterfall to take their vows. He’ll help you take the plunge, too.

Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself to art museums, car museums, botanical gardens, toy museums and even quirky venues like quilt museums also make fun and memorable venues.

If you’re looking to make your wedding stand out from other ceremonies you’ve attending recently, consider having your wedding at a non-traditional venue, such as a park, castle or beach. You’ll be creating memories not only for you and your spouse, but for your friends and family as well.

Great alternative wedding venues

Weddings give a lot of couples sticker shock. Renting a venue, catering, invitations, tux rentals, a wedding gown and everything else can seriously add up.

But you’re probably on the budget plan compared to these venues! Read on to learn about some of the most expensive wedding venues in the world — and all the perks they offer the lucky couples who can shell out for them.

, in the British Virgin Islands, is a 74-acre property owned entirely by business magnate Sir Richard Branson. He’s turned the island into a miniature paradise — replete with a 10-bedroom villa in traditional Balinese style decorated with rare art from around the world.

The island’s hosted a number of weddings over the years — including 

 — and the venue can hold up to 200 visitors. But be warned: you’re looking at a price tag of about $120,000 for exclusive access to this unusual exclusive tropical island!

This venue is nearly 100 years old and is one of the largest private residences in the world. 

 is located in the Indian city of Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan, and tradition says King Umaid Singh decided to build this extravagant, sprawling residence as a way to buoy the spirits of his people (and stimulate the local economy, no doubt) during a lengthy drought.

The building is an enchanting mixture of Eastern tradition and Western technology, and its unique style and history have made it a popular venue for weddings for the ultra-rich. With 64 rooms, you can host up to 750 of your family and friends on your special day… so long as you have $380,000 to spare.

 is filled with all the Old World charm you might expect: marble floors, antique furniture, paintings by world-renowned master artists and sprawling olive groves visible from panoramic balcony views. This clifftop retreat is conveniently located near several attractions, including Villa Rufolo, Amalfi Cathedral and Grotto dello Smeraldo.

This outstanding site hosts many weddings and parties, both in the garden and the building proper. But you get what you pay for: it costs a whopping $430,000 to host your wedding here. At least your guests will never forget their trip!

The most expensive wedding venues in the world

Wedding planning requires you to make a lot of decisions, ranging from minor to major. Without a doubt, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is whether you want your wedding to take place indoors or outdoors. In fact, this is one of the first choices you’ll need to make before you can book the venue and start planning other details. Everything from your decorations to the date of your wedding depends on whether your event will be outside or inside. Here are the pros and cons to consider before you make this big decision.

Outdoor weddings are popular for a reason. They’re typically in gorgeous settings, such as at the beach or in the mountains. Add a pretty sunset and you’ll quickly see you can’t duplicate that kind of beauty at an indoor event. You might even save money on decorations since you don’t need to dress up nature to get a beautiful look. As an added bonus, the great outdoors is much larger than any indoor venue. That means if you want a wedding with hundreds of people, an outdoor event is ideal. Plus, you have extra space to allow children to run around and even play lawn games, ensuring they’re kept busy during the wedding reception.

Of course, nature isn’t always perfect. The setting might be breathtaking, but it won’t feel like it if it’s rainy, windy, cold or hot on the day of the wedding. That’s why you need to check the weather forecast or at least have a backup plan if you want to host your wedding outdoors. And in some areas, you can expect hot or freezing cold weather for months at a time during certain seasons, which means outdoor weddings are only a good idea during some parts of the year. Finally, the logistics can be difficult outside, as nature doesn’t have electrical outlets or nice bathrooms for your guests. You have to make arrangements for these instead.

If some of the drawbacks of an outdoor wedding seem to be outweighing the benefits, you might be drawn to the idea of an indoor event. After all, when you have your wedding at an indoor venue, you don’t have to worry about the weather on your special day. This means you can choose any day you want, without having to avoid entire seasons due to bad weather. You also don’t need to figure out where your vendors will get the power for their electronics because there should be outlets on every wall.

Granted, indoor events have their own drawbacks. You may be more limited on how many guests you can have at your wedding, since most indoor venues have a limit, and it’s usually pretty close to 200. So that dream wedding with several hundred guests may need to take place outside unless you’re willing to spend time hunting down an unusually large indoor space. In addition, indoor lighting is typically dimmer than sunlight, requiring flash photography during the event. Speaking of photography, your photographers will have less room to roam as they take pictures of your big day. And whoever decorates your indoor wedding will have to put in a little more work than for an outdoor event, where nature is pretty enough to leave bare.

Outdoor vs Indoor weddings: Pros and cons

Flowers, food, decor, and attire are a few of the many things you’ll spend money on to make a memorable wedding. There’s no denying that weddings are costly. In fact, the average cost of a wedding was 

So, how do you afford all these costs? Most Americans don’t have that kind of money lying around. For some, a credit card can be a great option to cover some of these wedding expenses. You’ll receive unique protections and the ability to earn rewards depending on your card.

Before you go out and max out your credit cards, it’s important to understand how they work. They’re serious financial tools that will shape your future depending on how you use them. Always use credit cards with discipline to avoid any fees or extra debt.

Some credit cards offer the chance to earn value back as you make purchases, which can be a great option as you shop and travel for your wedding. Unlike rewards cards that offer points or miles, rewards on a cash back card will credit money back to your card or bank accounts.

The best part of using a cash back card is that no matter what you spend, these cards will give you a bit of a discount. The cash back percentages usually range between 

. With these cards, you can essentially save on your wedding purchases as you get some money back.

Credit card benefits differ depending on your card and issuer. But no matter what card you have, these benefits will increase your confidence and provide security while you shop.

A wedding is a perfect example of having to spend on a variety of purchases like the venue, services, planners, catering, 

. Just thinking about all these purchases can create a lot of anxiety.

Fortunately, most credit cards offer some type of purchase or return protections. These protections provide you with insurance in case a purchase becomes lost, damaged, or stolen for any reason.

In addition to that peace of mind, credit card companies also offer other perks, like a type of personal assistant or concierge services. These services are available to help cardholders book restaurants, hotels, or trips with their cards. These perks can be a great stress reliever while planning your rehearsal dinner or honeymoon.

Look for credit cards that offer an introductory 0% APR period for purchases you make. These offers provide a length of time, usually between 

, where you won’t have to pay interest on your balances as long as you make the minimum payments.

You can essentially treat these cards like an interest free loan during this period, making it ideal for a wedding where you often make large periods during a short period of time.

Remember to be careful while using these cards and pay them off as you go. It’s always advised to keep the balances as low as possible to help keep your credit in good shape. Also pay attention to the date the offer expires, as the 0% introductory period will switch to a new APR. Pay off the full balance before the 0% period runs out and you’ll avoid all interest.

So as you’re planning your wedding, credit cards should be an option for purchases. They offer different protections, which can provide you with an added sense of security. Taking up a 0% introductory APR offer will enable you to pay your wedding expenses off over a longer period of time. Also, cash back reward cards offer a percentage of cash back on every purchase made on the card for your wedding. Credit cards make paying for your wedding day easier so you can focus on the big event… or the weather.

Should You Put Wedding Expenses On a Credit Card?

You’re getting married! But before you can make all the fun plans like your DIY favors and finding your perfect wedding dress (squeal!) you need to decide where you are going to get married. Not only does the location help set the tone for your day, but it can also play a factor in the other wedding decisions that you make, that is why we made these helpful wedding venue tips.

So, without further ado, here are the top 5 things to consider when choosing a wedding venue.

Ah, the ever-present budget. But, before you can pick your location, you have to know how much you can spend on it. Private estates or lavish ballrooms can take a big bite out of your budget before you even make any other wedding day decisions. If you’re working on a tighter budget, you can consider outdoor locations like state parks where fees are minimal and beautiful décor is provided by Mother Nature.

Does the event space provide tables, chairs or any décor? Is there an in-house caterer? Do they allow outside catering companies? These are all factors to consider when deciding on a wedding venue. When a venue provides many of the items, it will help cut down on rental fees – and delivery fees. Keep in mind that items rented and brought to your venue will also incur a delivery and possibly set-up charge.

Consider the time of year you are getting married. Many venues offer discounts during the winter months when they are not as busy, for Sunday weddings, daytime weddings or getting married on a weekday. Friday and Saturday nights will be the most expensive times to rent your venue.

Before you can decide on a venue, it is a good idea to have an estimate of the number of people you plan on having at your wedding. Not only do you need to ensure there is enough space to comfortably seat all your guests, but you need to consider space for a dance floor, band or DJ or buffet tables. You also don’t want a space that is too big. If you have a large event space and only 30 guests, the space will feel large and uninviting.

Planning to get married outside? Some may argue that there’s nothing prettier – plus all that natural décor helps save on the floral budget! But, it also means that you are dependent on the weather. Make sure you can get hitched without a hitch by finding a venue with a viable backup plan – a beautiful indoor space that you would also be happy with should Mother Nature rain on your wedding day parade. This can also come in handy if it’s too hot outside for the event, or too cold.

5 tips for choosing your wedding venue

No one readily admits it, but an elegantly crafted wedding cake can fiercely compete for glory with the newlyweds. A wedding cake acts as a superb conversation starter at cocktails, and it is an important focal point. Its presence on the table should help brighten the entire room. To ensure a pleasing outcome with long-lasting memories of that special day, consider incorporating these wedding cake tips and tricks.



WEATHER PROOF IT! CONSIDER THE SEASON AND TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE

An outdoor wedding reception sounds idyllic, but, as many newlyweds discover, this can quickly turn into a hot mess. Wedding cakes must be designed for the outdoors, despite a bride’s insistence on midsummer buttercream frosting. A practical solution for a tiered confection is fondant. It’s gelatinous, putty-like covering will often survive an outdoor cake event.

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