USA TODAY Announces the Top 8 Budget Friendly Wedding Destinations

Destination Weddings are on the rise and Sedona, Arizona, has recently been named as one of the top eight locations by USA Today and Oyster.com. Sedona’s natural beauty is awe inspiring and you and your guests will find the community brimming with things to see and do.

Sedona, is home to many wonderful hotels however, you may want to book your wedding at the only premier wedding and event center in Sedona. The Agave of Sedona Wedding and Event Center is centrally located in the heart of Red Rock Country. This stunning venue will wow even the biggest skeptics. A private venue offering indoor and outdoor areas with breathtaking Red Rock views. For further details on this fabulous venue just click on the following link: http://www.agaveofsedona.com/

 

 

For more details on the other budget friendly locations please click on the link below.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2015/07/01/budget-destination-wedding-hotels/29516251/

Bridesmaids

What is the deal with bridesmaids?  How many should you have?  What’s the difference between a maid of honor and matron of honor?  What if I want a man as my honor attendant?  We are here to answer all of your questions and give you a little history lesson on bridal attendants.  

The tradition of bridesmaids started in ancient Rome.  They were highly honored wedding guests whose jobs were to protect the bride.  They dressed the same as the bride to confuse evil forces.  (Similar to the protection “something blue” was believed to provide in the Four Somethings)  There were always ten bridesmaids and ten groomsmen, simply because ten witnesses were required at ancient Roman weddings.  Eventually the tradition faded away.  Now bridesmaids dress differently than the bride in dresses of the bride’s choosing, and their responsibilities aren’t quite as dire (unless you’re like us and consider planning the perfect bachelorette party dire)

A bride can now have as many bridesmaids as she wants, whether that is 1 or 12.  Of course one of the big decisions is to decide who will be your maid and/or matron of honor for your wedding.  What’s the difference?  Simple: a Maid of Honor is an honor attendant who is unmarried, and a Matron of Honor is an honor attendant who is.  It is perfectly acceptable to drop the maid or matron and just call them Honor Attendants as well.  Honor attendants are typically a bride’s best friend or sister.  Is your best friend a man?  Then have him be your Man of Honor (also if the groom chooses a female as his honor attendant then call her the Best Woman)

The most important thing is to be surrounded with the people who matter most to you on your special day.  They are there to support you, whether that is fixing the train on your dress, or giving you a hug when you need one.  Choose the people who have been there for you and have seen and helped your relationship bloom into the beautiful marriage now taking place.  

The Four Somethings

We’ve all heard the old saying, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”.  But what does it mean and where did it come from?  The tradition originated in England in the 19th century.  There is symbolism in each piece of the traditional rhyme.

• Something old represents tradition.
• Something new to look forward to the future.
• Something borrowed was traditionally the undergarments of a woman blessed with fertility (We suggest skipping that idea, though)
• Something blue was used along with “something old” to ward off the evil eye, which could make a woman barren.

Nowadays, “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” has taken on some new meanings.  We have some ideas for new twists on this treasured tradition:

Something Old:

Nothing says tradition like reaching back through the generations of your family.  A locket with pictures from your grandparents or parents wedding could be a beautiful addition to your bridal attire.  Whether you wear it as a necklace, bracelet, or attach it to your bouquet it will be a special reminder of their love.

Something New:

Traditionally the wedding dress is a brides “something new”, however this could be almost anything you want.  Treat yourself to a new piece of jewelry, new shoes, a new hairdo, whatever you want; it’s your day!

Something Borrowed:

This is usually borrowed a happily married couple so that they can pass their happiness on to you.  This can be anything you like.  Think about including your dad in this tradition; borrow a button up shirt to get ready in, or wrap your bouquet in his wedding tie.

Something Blue:

There are many ways to bring something blue into your wedding, whether it be your shoes, jewelry, garter, or a sash on you dress.  One creative idea is to sew the date of your wedding inside your dress in blue thread.

As you can see there are many ways to incorporate this age old tradition into your wedding.  Let us know in the comments what you did or plan to do for your wedding, and don’t forget the silver sixpence in your shoe!

2015 Wedding Dates Still Available

2015 wedding dates are still available. How about a November or December wedding in the Red Rocks!

Beauty abounds in the winter months when snow covers the red rocks. A beautiful sight to behold, and what better way to view the scenery than from the Agave of Sedona terrace.

If snow on the red rocks doesn’t entice you, how about special discount rates? Contact us for further details: 928-554-4995 or fill out our contact form.

Most Popular Wedding Dates

Did you know that the most popular wedding months in Sedona, Arizona, are September and October?

Spring and fall dates are usually the most popular in all areas of the country but in Sedona, September and October are a bride’s favorite.  Little rain, warm days and cool nights make these months perfect for a ceremony with the beautiful red rocks as your backdrop. So if you are planning a wedding keep that in mind as those dates book quickly.

On the other hand, if you are on a tight budget ask for off season rates. Off season in Sedona is July, August, January and February. Keep in mind that weddings can be beautiful any month you choose. This particular wedding was in February and it was a stunner!! Thanks to LIV Photography by Jennifer Ann Marie for this gorgeous photo!