20 Backyard Wedding Details That Will Make You Ditch Your Big Venue

Jordan Strohl
Mar 14, 2017

Let’s face it: The more ways you can cut back on the cost of your wedding day, the better. So what if we told you that you can save serious dough without sacrificing style? The answer is literally in your backyard. Since renting out a wedding venue is easily one of the biggest budget suckers of wedding planning, these 20 wedding decor ideas will prove how easy it is to transform your very own backyard into an intimate ceremony and laid-back reception that can save you some serious cash. If you’re a bride on a budget, get your Pinboards ready for these effortless details that are totally relaxed and truly romantic.

1. Bridal Aisle:Creating an aisle in your backyard can be as easy as setting up a dramatic backdrop complete with chairs on either side. Add your personality to it with rugs, ribbons, or flowers. (via Taylor Clark Photography / Intimate Weddings)

2. Backyard Boho: Mismatched fabric on the chairs gives your reception dinner a homespun vibe that is totally relaxed. (via Jasmine Star Photography / Martha Stewart Weddings)

3. Pop of Pink: Making your sweetheart table stand out is easy when you incorporate bold colors (and giant peonies) that demand attention. (via Christina McNeill Photography / Brides)

4. Z Create Design Chair Signs ($38): These seats are taken! Claim your spots at the table with these adorable chair signs that proudly display your new titles.

5. Bridesmaid Style: No long, formal bridesmaid dresses here. Keep it casual by styling your girls in fun and flirty dresses that are perfect for twirling and dancing the night away. (via J. Bird Photography / Refinery29)

6. Lighting the Way: When it comes to your wedding photos, lighting is everything. Create a romantic and well-lit evening by displaying a combination of candles, string lights, and paper lanterns. (via Tana Photography / The Huffington Post)

7. Barn Inspired: Get creative with your seating arrangements by covering bales of hay with comfy blankets and strategically placing tree stumps near so that your guests can easily mix and mingle. (via Feather and Stone / Brides)

8. Dance Floor: We’re all for kicking your shoes off and dancing in the grass, but if you’re looking for something a little more traditional, consider installing a temporary dance floor that’ll make you forget you’re in your backyard. There’s no better way to share your first dance as newlyweds than under the stars. (via Clay Austin Photography / Wedding Chicks)

9. Ditched Tablecloth: Save your budget for the food truck and skip the linen rentals. Whether you opt for rustic carpenter tables or picnic tables, rely on a centerpiece and some lighting to dress up your occasion. (via Jillian Bowes / Intimate Weddings)

10. Floral Installations: Hanging flowers instantly makes for an upscale arrangement. Display your favorite stems above your head table for a glamorous addition to your decor. (via Laura Ivanova Photography / Style Me Pretty)

11. Double Backdrop: The same backdrop you use for your ceremony can easily be transitioned into a photo booth for your guests during the reception. After you’ve tied the knot, place a hashtag sign and a bucket of props next to the backdrop to encourage your guests to get their ‘gram on. (via Chandra’s Collection / 100 Layer Cake)

12. Love Bugs: Backyard weddings can draw some uninvited guests to your party. Keep everyone itch-free by supplying a bug spray station. For added protection (and lighting), place citronella torches around the perimeter. (via Priscilla Thomas Photography / Borrowed and Blue)

13. Drink Station: The lemonade stand setup will feel right at home in your yard, even if it’s not a kid-friendly beverage. (via Katelyn James Photography / Brides)

14. Main Menu: Decorating a pallet board with your menu is a quintessential detail for rustic-inspired backyard decor. (via Josh Snyder Photography / The Huffington Post)

15. More S’mores: This couple played up their newlywed status with a perfect play on their Moore surname. Even if your last name doesn’t offer up pun potential, this adorable idea that combines marshmallow wedding favors with dessert is one your guests won’t be able to resist. (via Leigh Elizabeth Photography / Style Me Pretty)

16. Backyard Bar: Serve drinks in style by hiring a bartender to mix up classic cocktails for your guests to enjoy. Fair warning — installing a bar into your backyard may become a permanent fixture. (via Chris Wojdak Photography / Storyboard Wedding)

17. Dessert Buffet: The only thing better than wedding cake is multiple wedding cakes. This way everyone will find something they love, even the pickiest of eaters. (via Inspire Styling)

18. Tent Rental: Setting up a tent in your backyard gives you that big venue feel while still saving on the cost of renting out one. Pimp out the space with stylish rentals that can totally transform your backyard into a wedding oasis. (via Justin DeMutis Photogrpahy / Style Me Pretty)

19. Chicken Wire Seating Chart: Who knew that a DIY seating chart could be so whimsical? Repurpose some chicken wire for a super creative and easy way for your guests to find their table. (via Allie Lindsey Photography)

20. Pallet Photobooth Backdrop: Stack wooden crates against the wall, and add a few totally boho floral arrangements for a befitting backdrop. (via Wedding Chicks / Thanos Asfis Photography)

Follow us on Pinterestfor more gorgeous ideas for your wedding reception.

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How To Successfully Paint Small Spaces Dark Colors & Actually Make Your Room Look BIGGER

Bold, monochromatic rooms are trending this year and odds are, if you scroll social media as much as I do, you’ve seen home transformations where paint is the main event. I’m talking paint on the walls, paint on the ceiling, the trim, the doors — everywhere.

The result is a luxurious, high-end feel that punches a pack to the senses in the best possible way. But how can you get the same luxe effect in your everyday DIY projects? Let me show you.

Inspiration & Influence 😍

Julia Marcum from @chrislovesjulia does this so well. In fact, her primary bedroom makeover was the original inspiration for our guest bathroom DIY project. Seeing her do such a moody color in a lower-light room gave me hope for my windowless, tiny guest bathroom. But I knew it wouldn’t be as simple as slapping on some paint. To make this work, I’d have to break all the design rules I had ingrained into my brain.

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WALLPAPERING THE CEILING stay tuned friends #bathroomdecor #guestbathmakeover #smallbathroomdesign #wallpaperceiling #ceilingwallpaper

I found the most perfect wallpaper, which featured a mystifying burgundy, outlined with bees and mushrooms throughout. This color was exactly what I was looking for, however, the folks on TikTok were not impressed.

I was talked out of this stunningly dark, chocolatey-red color and opted for a faded version of the shame shade. As I painted it on, I hated it. My vision for the space was much more elevated and moody — almost like a sexy boutique hotel bathroom, full of so much personality, you forget how small the space actually is…

Image via Mackenzie Edwards

This faded shade was giving preschool bathroom.

So against the better judgment of the very qualified viewers of TikTok ;), I painted over it with Benjamin Moore’s Townsend Harbor Brown.

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Replying to @dwrldgster but I like it 👏🏼 #unpopularopinioncheck #uniquebathroom #brownbathroom #bathroompaint

I affectionately call it “red velvet cake” because it’s rich and delicious. In some light, it’s a brown but with remarkable depth, and in other light, it’s a bold red lipstick shade worn by your favorite Hollywood icon.

The followers were too stunned to speak. Everyone flooded my comments section with overwhelming love and adoration for a 5-by-7 room decked out with mushrooms and golden accents.

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Mackenzie & Chance | DIY & Budget Home on Instagram: "I’m sure you’ve heard that dark colors make a space feel small… Which is why so many of you were *not* team brown to begin with and I get it! It makes sense that lighter brighter rooms would feel bigger… but there’s a few caveats to that and a few tips for making ✨bold and moody✨ work without shrinking your space: 🎨1. Paint the right surfaces 🎨 The bathroom could handle this bold color because one of the walls is just the bright white shower — so it breaks up the color. The wallpaper is also a lighter color with visual interest that immediately draws your eye up. In this sense, the dark colors lead you naturally to the ceiling, which makes this space feel taller! 🤎2. Monochromatic life is the life for me 🤎 Many of you worried that painting the vanity the same color as the wall would make it disappear… and you were right. Painting the larger pieces in a space to match the walls camouflages them, tricking your mind into thinking the room is bigger than it really is. Your eye doesn’t see a vanity and a wall, it sees the design as a whole! 🪞3. Reflect light however you can 🪞 Another concern with this color in this room was the fact that there are no windows aka no natural light. That’s why I LOVED this @framemymirror. It’s MASSIVE and reflects light from the hallway, the white shower, and the additional lights we added! Rules are made to be broken — especially in design!! Were you shocked that this room doesn’t feel like a cave? 😂"

Still Nervous To Double Down On Dark Paint? 🫣

I totally understand the hesitation to go for such a bold color. We were always taught that dark colors make spaces feel small. And while that may be the rule, there’s always an exception. Typically, when someone wants a space to feel bigger and more open, they’ll opt for a bright white or something that easily bounces light around the room. The combination of a clean palette and a mirror-like reflection of light can definitely make a small, dark space feel completely different. But it’s not the only way. Here’s what I would (and did) do.

Paint The *Right* Surfaces 🎨

Image via Mackenzie Edwards

The bathroom could handle this bold color because one of the walls is just a bright white shower, giving some necessary balance to the space. When looking in the paint can, this color seems like a black hole, sucking in all of the light. In reality, HALF of this room is a shiny, reflective white tile. Instead of painting the ceiling (which I almost did), I decided to add the patterned wallpaper. It has a lighter color background with loads of visual interest, which immediately draws your eye up. In this example, the dark colors lead you naturally to the ceiling, making this space feel much taller!

Make It Monochromatic 🖤

Image via Mackenzie Edwards

The viral monochromatic look can be tricky. Most people worry that painting everything the same color will just wash everything out. In this example, painting the vanity the same color as the wall did make it disappear…like magic.

Painting larger pieces in a space to match the walls camouflages them, tricking your mind into thinking the room is bigger than it really is. Your eye doesn’t see a vanity and a wall — it sees the design as a whole! Mission accomplished.

We also added a box trim detail on the walls, painting them the same color. This creates depth without feeling overwhelming.

Reflect Light However You Can 💡

Image via Mackenzie Edwards

This room felt dark when it was a lighter color… so I was worried. The fact that it doesn’t have any windows means that we’re reliant on overhead lighting, which usually isn’t the best. That’s why I opted for the largest mirror I could fit in here. It’s MASSIVE and reflects light from the hallway, the white shower, and the additional lights we added over the sink. Who needs a window?

The Finished Product ✨

Image via Mackenzie Edwards

I’d be lying if I said everyone on the internet loved my bathroom because they certainly didn’t, but it is my favorite room in our house. It’s full of personality and feels majorly high-end. I feel like I’ve stepped into a ruby every time I visit the bathroom.

Design rules are meant to be broken. As a self-proclaimed maximalist, it’s never about whittling down my style. It’s about making it well-rounded, multi-dimensional. These few tricks can help you jump on that design trend you’ve been eyeing without a major “this is what I wanted… and this is what I got” moment. Happy painting!

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Header image via Mackenzie Edwards

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Say Yes To The Mini Wedding Dress! Here Are 20 To Wear From Rehearsal To Reception

Mini, midi, maxi...the perfect wedding dress is such a personal choice. Some gals don't always covet the voluminous princess gowns and sometimes a big day calls for something short and sweet. If you want to buck tradition and go with something dance-floor-friendly, the mini wedding dress is hot rn, thanks to Kourtney Kardashian’s Dolce & Gabbana number. They still come in all the styles, from romantic and ruffle-y to minimal and body-con — not to mention, there are plenty of affordable options to wear that still look stunning. Check them out below for all the wedding festivities, from rehearsal to reception, and say yes to the mini wedding dress!

Helsi Structured 3D Floral-Embellished Mini Dress ($535)

This 3D floral embroidery will turn heads from aisle to dance floor. It's perfect for a warm weather wedding and would be super cute in a garden setting.

Sachin & Babi Grace Strapless Back-Bow Mini Dress ($395)

Make a statement with this dramatic back bow over a slightly flared skirt and pleated waist. Simplicity is indeed elegance.

V. Chapman Hollyhock Ruffled Corset Mini Dress ($385)

If you're looking to rock more ruffles, this off-shoulder dress has flirty details at sleeve, hem, and bodice.

Katie May Ellee Mini Dress ($525)

This playful mini has a whole lotta fun with tulle. TBH, we're looking for any excuse to wear this out, wedding or not!

Bridal by ELOQUII Off The Shoulder Empire Mini Dress ($119)

This sweet dress has an oh-so-flattering sweetheart neckline and the sleeves can be worn on or off the shoulder.

Sachin & Babi Dorien Puffed One-Shoulder Bow Train Wrap Mini Dress ($365)

Go for a one-shoulder neckline, some ruching at the waist, and a show-stopping side train for a day to remember.

Reformation Maves Satin Dress ($348)

This off-the-shoulder mini dress is structured but still so comfortable and has eco props. Made in a sustainable silk alternative made with renewable wood pulp and repurposed waste, it's way less impact than conventional silk.

Bridal by ELOQUII Mini Dress With Puff Sleeve Cape ($159)

Wear the puff sleeve cape over this elegant crepe dress (that has some nice stretch), then toss it off when it comes time to party.

Claire Mini Dress ($158)

This versatile dress comes with a detachable waist sash and detachable bows for the straps, plus the fitted bodice has smocking to fit a range of bust sizes.

LaMarque Alena Ostrich Feather V-Neck Mini Dress ($875, on sale $656)

Shake it on the dance floor in this swingy dress adorned with ostrich feathers.

ASOS EDITION Crystal and Bead Mini Dress With Faux Feather Hem ($225)

Prefer faux feathers? Channel the roaring '20s in this sparkly beaded mini.

Reformation Enza Dress ($278)

This mini dress with a straight neckline, adjustable shoulder ties, and a lightly ruched skirt is the sweetest!

Altar'd State Blake Beaded Dress ($170)

Dress in a beaded and sequin dress with floral pattern all over for cocktail hour and beyond.

White Sleeveless Metal Ring Halter Mini Dress ($100)

This affordable mini is so unique with its built-in jewelry, a flexible metal ring and faux pearl detail at the neckline.

JULES AND CLEO Mini Faux Wrap Sheath Dress ($90+)

Sleek charmeuse dresses up a classic wrap silhouette for a stylish party look. Just look at that draping!

Galia Lahav CARMEN DEEP SLIT DREss ($2,010)

It may have a steep price tag, but this dress has glamour written all over it. The beaded mini peeks out of a strapless crepe column dress with a just-the-right-amount-of-sexy side slit.

Jenny Yoo Tatiana Dress ($298)

This chic and classic mini dress flatters with a feminine scoop neckline, angled pleats, and tulip skirt. Perfect for beach weddings!

Romance Language White Backless Lace Dress ($69)

Floral lace wows over knit fabric that looks body-con but feels cozy. We love the open back too.

AW JANET WEDDING DRESS ($350)

This super feminine look has all of these sweet details wrapped into one A-line mini: tulle fabric, puff sleeves, sweetheart neckline, even a built-in bra!

SELFIE LESLIE DREAMY OFF-SHOULDER MINI DRESS WHITE ($80)

Off-shoulder, ruffle sleeves and flirty ruffles at the hem flank stunning embroidery throughout the torso in this adorable dress. It's a match made in heaven!

Want more wedding inspo? Browse our Wedding page and follow us on Pinterest!

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Leandra Ellis-Gaston From “Six” Paves The Way For More Black Broadway Stars

Gen Z glam, Broadway, and pop music don’t typically mix, but Six: The Musical proves just how well they blend together. The hit Broadway musical follows fictionalized versions of Henry VIII’s six wives competing to see who had it worse…through a singing competition.

I’ve seen plenty of Broadway shows, but I’ve never had a collective experience with an audience like I had at Six. There were cheers, there was clapping, and an audience member even stood up to dance!

Leandra Ellis-Gaston (who already has Broadway credits like Tina — The Tina Turner Musical and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical under her belt) plays a fun, feisty, and flirty version of Anne Boleyn. And in addition to Six’s empowering message and playful color palette, each queen’s unique vocal style emphasizes the overarching theme of finding your voice.

SIX Broadway welcomes new cast of Queens | First MegaSix

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SIX Broadway welcomes new cast of Queens | First MegaSix

“My favorite number in the show would have to be ‘No Way,’ which is a song that [Hailee Kaleem Wright’s Catherine of] Aragon sings. But I get to dance in that number, which makes me really happy,” Ellis-Gaston says. “It also has a Latin feel to it so I get to kind of shake my hips and really move my body a lot, which is super exciting.”

With a unique structure that moves along with her, Ellis-Gaston’s costume is like its own piece of art. “My costume is the favorite, it's the best one. Period, end quote,” she jokes. “It's a two-piece and the way the skirt lays, it has its own life. Anytime I move on the stage, the skirt is also moving. Anytime I talk, the skirt is also talking.”

And while Ellis-Gaston’s costume is a focal point for her character, her makeup is just as important. When she joined the cast of Six on Broadway, the pre-approved shade range didn’t include what she needed for her darker complexion. Ellis-Gaston used her voice (much like the queens in the show) and helped expand the makeup products to include a larger shade range and artistic flexibility — meaning the queens’ roles will be more accessible in the future, no matter their skin tone.

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Saturday Day GRWM#grwm #worklife #makeup #eyeshadowtutorial #sixthemusical

If you want to get a glimpse into Ellis-Gaston’s makeup routine, you can find a variety of step-by-step videos on her TikTok channel. The Get Ready With Me-style breakdowns feature the other queens and amazing eye looks that change on a daily basis.

Along with her makeup, Ellis-Gaston also performs with box braids and gelled baby hairs that are “so authentic to a Black lifestyle.” As much as it means to her on a personal level, she’s also coming to terms with the scale of its impact.

A conversation about what Ellis-Gaston’s version of the iconic queen would look like “had a lot to do with my identity as a Black woman, and knowing that I represented not only myself but millions of little Black girls [so] it was important that we found a way to incorporate that in the character.”

Even though she’s a Broadway vet, Ellis-Gaston’s had a few firsts with Six. “This is the first show I’ve ever done where I didn't get a job because I was Black,” she says. “I’m playing Anne Boleyn, but they're not sticking to history. Anybody can step into those shoes. So to think that I could step into them and also bring something that's really cultural to me to the role is just out of this world incredible.”

Although onstage diversity has grown over the last few years (The Visibility Report revealed that 29% of onstage actors in the 2018-2019 New York theatre season were Black, compared to just over 23% in previous years), there is still such a long way to go — for different body types, gender expressions, and racial diversity.

“It's important that when people come see the show, they see curvy women, they see darker-skinned women like myself, they see all ethnicities represented,” Ellis-Gaston says. “It's really important because this world is not made up of just one kind of person. And so any moment we can highlight that or showcase that in a new way is really, really important.”

Six as a whole represents all kinds of women, and welcomes every kind of person to take part in the story. “If art cannot represent what is happening right now in the world, it is not true art,” Ellis-Gaston says. “[Our show is a] musical that empowers people to have a new perspective, a musical that allows people to know that your voice matters.”

Image via B+C

Leandra Ellis-Gaston in her dressing room before an evening performance of Six: The Musical

The queens’ journeys and personalities on their own are just as important (if not more) than they are as a collective unit. “[Boleyn] is a spitfire [and] I love how honest she is,” Ellis-Gaston says. “People now get so nervous to say things out loud. And she was never scared to push the envelope.”

Boleyn’s honesty and security in who she is makes her more human — something that Ellis-Gaston also had to learn about herself when she walked on stage in the wrong costume. “I am a perfectionist and I have to remind myself in moments like that, like stupid things happen to you, it reminds you that you're human,” she says. “It was a very humbling moment to be like, ‘Bad things can happen to you, and yet you will live.’”

My favorite part of the show comes near the end, when the queens all realize that even though they’re remembered because of Henry VIII, he’s also only remembered because ofthem. In a unifying moment, Taylor Iman Jones’ Catherine Parr reminds the other queens that they’re all one-of-a-kind.

“She goes down the line and every day I get emotional,” Ellis-Gaston says. “I get chills because I'm like, ‘Whoa, my 12-year-old dreams are coming true.” And because of those childhood dreams, she understands how important it is for all of the young people coming to see the show now.

“It's important for not only Black women to be represented in this show, but as a dark-skinned woman, the range of women showcased in this show [is incredible],” she says. “I just can't get over how a show like this can reach beyond so much further than we could ever imagine.”

Follow Leandra Ellis-Gaston on Instagramand Tiktok, and check out the products she uses for Six: The Musical below:

Check out our pop culture page for more exclusives like this, and read our interview with A Doll's House star Jesmille Darbouze!

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Featured image via Joan Marcus

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These Are The Best Wedding Shoes For 2023 Brides

When you're in wedding planning mode, there are a few universal truths that every bride-to-be can agree on: weddings are stressful, trends come and go (remember wedding neons?) and DIY is time-consuming. But one oft-overlooked fact of wedding planning is that most bridal shoes are exceeding dull or aggressively ornate. After spending days, weeks, and months on end obsessing over the dress, our wedding shoes become an afterthought. From one bride-to-be to another, here are a few picks to help you avoid the all-too-common pitfall of wearing the infamous pair of Loeffler Randall heels on your big day.


Vagabond Jolin Ballet Flat

After living through the Tory Burch craze of 2012, I swore I'd never go back, but these stylish ballet flats from Vagabond are making me think twice. The pointed toe and band gives them an extra flair that still feels cool and minimalistic.

Stuart Weitzman Goldie Sneakers

If you don't need the height and would prefer not to bother with heels, don't! These pearled leather sneakers will keep you cute & comfy all day long.

Larroude Goldie Mule

Free-spirited brides and nature lovers will adore these low heels from Larroude. As an added bonus: the daisy detailing gives them rewear potential beyond your big day!

ASOS Sydney Slingback

For some added height without sacrificing mobility, choose a thicker block heel.

Kate Spade Love Sandal

This low-heeled mule from Kate Spade is lovely on its own, but it has a hidden detail - a wedding cake within the heel!

Franco Sarto Angie

This sculpted heel makes quite the statement (you're a cool bride, after all!), while keeping the toe and strap classic.

SJP Tartt Pump

Leave it to Carrie Bradshaw herself to create the ultimate wedding shoe. If you're not tied to wearing white, consider this shimmery mary jane.

Cult Gaia Ilona Sandal

You can never have too many pearls. Disagree? Keep scrolling. Agree? Consider these gorgeous heels from LA-based brand Cult Gaia.

Aquatalia Mella Pearl Pump

In addition to the gorgeous quilted pattern, these pumps have a slight sheen when the light hits in just the right way.

Francesca's White Strappy Heels

We're calling it: strappy sandals are the perfect summer wedding shoe.

Chinese Laundry Tinie Platform Sandal in Lizard

At first glance, these might look like a simple leather heel, but it's the lizard-embossed leather that makes them truly special.

Larroude Annie Sandal

If a true white seems too intense, opt for a nude or off-white instead. These barely-there heels pairs well with almost everything.

Dolce Vita Pearl Braided Heels

Braided straps + pearl detailing = a match made in heaven! And if you prefer this vibe with more of a 70's twist, Dolce Vita has you covered, too.

Rebecca Minkoff Anita Heel

There's someone out there for everyone, and that extends to maximalists and their shoe choices. Add some shimmer with this mule from Rebecca Minkoff.

NA-KD Hourglass Heel Pumps

For brides who love a statement heel, but want to keep it relatively classic on the big day, opt for this hourglass silhouette.

NA-KD Crossed Straps Heels

These minimalistic sandals are reminiscent of The Row, without being too bare.

Dolce Vita Kanika Pearl Heels

Full disclosure: I own these heels, and I wear them all. the. time. They're coquette in all the best ways and I'll probably wear them on my wedding day as well!

Be Mine Malisha Heels

For brides getting married in the spring or fall, when weather can be unpredictable, a mule is a safe choice to stay warm and dry all day.

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Wendy’s Newest Menu Item Is Pretty Much A Starbucks Drink—But Cheaper

Summer is coming — which means our credit card statement is sure to be flooded with Starbucks drink purchases (anyone else crave the strawberry açai beverage the minute the weather turns warm?). With spring in full swing, fast food companies are beginning to hop on the refresher bandwagon. First, Reddit claims that Dunkin’ dropped a mango pineapple refresher, and now Wendy’s launched an exciting (and slightly familiar) offering: a blueberry pomegranate lemonade. Available on March 28th for a limited time, the drink is the latest addition to Wendy’s Dave’s Craft Lemonade lineup.

Last year, Wendy’s lemonade lineup consisted of Sunburst Melon, pineapple mango, all-natural, and strawberry flavors. The fast food chain claims that “nothing compares” to its lemonade, especially now that the blueberry pomegranate is the star of the show. Wendy’s describes the drink as “perfectly refreshing with bright tart notes of pomegranate and a pop of color worthy of any Instagram in-feed post.” Because these days, why even bother concocting a new drink if it’s not mouth-watering and postable?!

Mixing together two fruits for a tasty lemonade has been a long pastime — especially for brands like Starbucks, with its most popular refreshers including its Mango Dragon Fruit and Pineapple passionfruit. To be clear, we are so not complaining about the lemonade epidemic, just taking note of the influx of drinks we need to order at all our favorite fast food chains next. While a tall mango dragon fruit lemonade at Starbucks goes for $4.25, Wendy's small blueberry pomegranate lemonade sells for approximately $2.29 — so do with that information what you will!

In addition to Wendy’s new beverage, the brand added a grilled chicken ranch wrap and grilled chicken Cobb salad — perfect for a picnic in the park or a much-needed beach day! You can grab the latest Spring offerings at your local Wendy’s, or place an order on the eatery’s handy delivery app. If you’re a regular Wendy’s customer, you can also opt for your Wendy’s Rewards, which will earn you points towards your next purchase. While the mobile app loads on our phones, we’ll be anxiously awaiting the rest of the new beverages set to launch this summer (we are looking at you, Starbucks).

Have thoughts on Wendy’s new lemonade? Let us know what you think on Brit + Co’s twitter.

Photo: Courtesy of Wendy's

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Emily Ratajkowski Can Date Whomever She Wants To

Supermodel Emily Ratajkowskiand singerHarry Styles were seen locking lips in Tokyo this past weekend, sparking international speculation as to whether or not the duo is dating.

In an up-close-and-personal video, EmRata and Styles, both newly single, share a very passionate kiss in the streets of Tokyo.

The kiss heard 'round the world (quite literally) happened earlier this week, but fans are still shocked by the unexpected pairing, especially considering both of their recent (and very public) relationships.

Celebrities also shared in the collective dismay on social media, most notably singer (and IMO the funniest celeb on social media) Lewis Capaldi.

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so unsatisfied

Styles recently split from actress and director Olivia Wilde, following an on-again-off-again relationship that spanned two years, which was a whole *thing* all on its own. While the “As it Was” singer was rumored to date several women since the split, nothing has been confirmed by Styles himself.

"Harry is seeing someone. He’s going to great lengths to keep her identity quiet after the circus surrounding his relationship with Olivia," a source told The Mirror of Styles’ alleged new 'ship. "But his close circles all know about the romance. Though it’s early days, things seem to be going well."

While it’s not clear who the source was referring to, we can only assume they meant Ratajkowski. The model recently ended her marriage to actor and producer Sebastian Bear-McClard, who is best known for his work in Uncut Gems. The couple announced their divorce following four years of marriage and one child together.

Since their divorce, Ratajkowski is no stranger to the limelight. The bestselling author of My Body started a podcast, called the High Low with EmRata, which aims to host intimate conversations on low and high-brow topics, from TikTok relationships to politics, philosophy, feminism, and sex.

Despite her growing career, Ratajkowski rockets to the front-of-mind for celebrity news aficionados because of the men she’s often linked to, not her ongoing work.

Pre-Styles, she’s been linked to industry pros likeBrad Pitt, DJ Orazio Rispo, Pete Davidson, and Eric André (which prompted this viral photo), all resulting in a lot of backlash.

The question has to be asked: Why do people care so much about who Ratajkowski dates? And why don’t people care about Styles?

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let her LIVE #greenscreen #emrata #harrystyles #emilyratajkowski

Who anyone chooses to start a relationship is truly none of our business. Whether they want to date around for fun, or are looking to find love, it really shouldn't matter. When Taylor Swift sang that if she were a man she’d be “just like Leo in Saint-Tropez” in her Lover-era song, she articulates this conundrum perfectly — why can’t women be surrounded by models without all the salacious gossip and hate?

Women are scrutinized and objectified enough in the public eye – yes, even supermodels. Societal expectations can be ruthless, especially for single moms, so there is no need for anyone to pile their opinions onto the life of another.

So date around! Do whatever you want, because at the end of the day everyone deserves to find someone special, and no one should suffer from the burden of outdated, and frankly sexist, cultural norms.

We’re happy for you, EmRata! But, uh, if Harry’s up for smooching…send him our way next please! ;)

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