PHOTO COURTESY OF EMPRESS STATIONERY

$1,075+

Monograms are a unique and timeless way to express a new union as they typically consist of two or more letters intertwining to form one symbol. What a sweet element to include on your wedding invitation!

SPECIFICS

Created exclusively for each client, monograms can include up to three letters, a crest or wreath to be used on not only the invitation suite, but also on wax seals, thank-you notes, dance floors and more.

A standard four-piece invitation suite includes:

• Invitation
• Envelope with return address
• Response card
• Response envelope with return address

Customization of the paper thickness, printing process and add-ons may increase the investment.

BREAKDOWN

• 100 Digitally Printed Four-Piece Suites, $875
• 2 Letter Custom Monogram, $200
• Embellishments (wax seals, ribbon, etc.), Varies

The Designer Says:

We take so much care in giving our clients the very best in terms of design. Our semi-custom suites are uniquely typeset for each couple, letter by letter, and we work closely with our clients to ensure that their paper is everything they envision. We want each piece — from save-the-dates to invitations to programs — to tell the story of the couple. Monograms are very much a part of that story and travel well beyond the wedding day into the home! They are truly heirloom pieces, timeless in every way.

– JESSICA HINTON, OWNER & HEAD CREATIVE, EMPRESS STATIONERY

$1,250+

If you’ve always wanted to see your name in bright lights, this is the perfect time! Illuminate your reception with a custom neon display that’s distinctly you, whether it’s the family name, wedding year, a nod to the wedding theme, or a favorite quote or idiom.

SPECIFICS

A custom LED neon sign, wedding florals, a wall of ferns at a rustic farmhouse, plus a wedding planner to connect all the moving pieces were instrumental in creating this gorgeous centerpiece.

BREAKDOWN

• 3- by 5-Foot Neon Sign $1,080
• Floral $175
• Fern Wall (Included with Venue Rental)

CONTRIBUTING VENDORS

• yellowpop
• Darby’s Cottage
• Meadows at Mossy Creek
• One Weddings Events

The Planner Says:

Neon signs make anything better. They are a way to personalize your wedding in a unique way that you can keep and use in your first home, at an anniversary party and throughout the rest of your lives together.

– ALY COLLINS, OWNER, ONE WEDDINGS EVENTS

$1,200+

A mobile bar turns standard bar service on its head with a fresh and Instagram-able alternative that exudes vintage charm and romantic whimsy.

SPECIFICS

The vintage bar experience includes everything from consultation to cleanup, creating seamless integration into your event without a worry. Customize the taps to serve any beverage combination – signature cocktails, beer, wine, champagne, cold drinks, iced coffee, kombucha – to better reflect your vision for the event and create the wow fact guests won’t stop talking about.

BREAKDOWN

Custom packages typically include:

• Beverage consultation Delivery and setup
• Hosts to serve drinks
• All accoutrement (ice, drinkware, cocktail napkins)
• Cleanup and pickup

The Owner Says:

Break free from the usual bar setup and watch your guests light up with joy while being served almost any type of beverage you can imagine. This mobile bar turned centerpiece is the perfect conversation-starter for any event! 

– ALICIA WALLACE, Founder & Event Planner, Tippy Tap Co.

$940+

Skyscraper-esque centerpieces certainly add a wow-factor, but they’re also a practical option. Your guests will want to chat with their tablemates without having to dodge and weave around bushels of flowers. So, you get the grandiose look you wanted, and your friends and family can mingle unhindered by blocked sightlines. Two birds, one stone!

SPECIFICS

Elevate your wedding, literally, with these tall, modern centerpieces consisting of baby’s breath, phalaenopsis orchids, blush and lavender roses.

BREAKDOWN

For a table of 8:

• Velvet Linen Rental $79
• Velvet Napkin Rental $44
• Modern Place Settings (Includes Dinnerware, Flatware and Glassware Rental) $80
  Tall Centerpiece with Stand Rental $590 Bud Vases with Roses and Astilbe $147

CONTRIBUTING VENDORS

• LUXE Atlanta Events
• Ten Point Floral Design
• The Prissy Plate Company
• Barn South

The Planner Says:

The baby’s breath was hand sprayed to add a hint of color, making it feel modern and luxurious, but still delicate. The result is a customized piece of floral art that will capture your guests’ attention. To complete the look, we selected a mauve velvet linen and modern gold accents, including gold flatware and tableware.

– VICTORIA MILLER, Lead Planner, Luxe Atlanta Events 

Before heading to the mailbox, read these helpful tips to avoid any costly missteps with your wedding stationery.

INVITATION SUITE

Not every couple opts to include all of these items, but this comprehensive list gives you a place to start. Add ribbon, wax seals and other details for a finishing touch.

• Outer envelope
• Unsealed inner envelope
• Envelope liner
• Invitation
• Reception Details card
• Guest Accommodations card
• Custom map
• Reply card
• Reply envelope, with postage

DAY-OF WEDDING STATIONERY

Work with your stationer to create on-brand material for a cohesive look throughout your wedding.

• Ceremony program
• Seating chart
• Favor tags
• Menus
• Table numbers
• Place cards
• Thank-you notes

By Christina Oddo | Photography by Social Shots Photography

Bridal trends come and go, but these fabulous fabrics are here to stay.

A dream dress is only as good as the material it’s constructed with. Top notch boutiques will typically give their brides a quick list of “dos” and “don’ts” so they know exactly how to take care of their dresses, but in case you need a refresher, here’s our guide to a few of the most popular bridal gown fabrics.

TULLE: Reminiscent of ballerina skirts, this flirty, feminine fabric is lightweight and billowy. Tulle is well-loved for its ability to create volume and avoid fraying, but wearers be warned: Tulle is highly prone to snagging. To avoid unsightly pulls in your gown, skip bedazzled accessories and opt for smoother jewelry that won’t tangle and snare.

CHIFFON: This soft, delicate fabric is often used not only for gowns but also veils, capes, and other bridal accessories. Despite its slightly rough texture, chiffon’s dainty translucence makes it perfect for layering. This breezy fabric is the ideal choice for outdoor, summery weddings and romantic portraits.

SILK: Long revered for its glossy shine and smooth texture, silk comes in countless varieties and has been a go-to wedding dress medium for thousands of years. Satin, one of the more famous silk derivatives, spent the past century as one of the most elegant and sought after gown fabrics, but modern silk variations like taffeta and organza are currently stealing the spotlight. While silk gowns are certainly worth the hassle, storing them properly requires a bit of extra work in dark, dry environments, so be sure to store your gown in a cotton dress bag before tucking it away in your closet.

LACE: Like silks, lace comes in a myriad of styles and textures and has been adored for centuries by designers and brides alike. From elegant Chantilly and delicate Alençon to the recently popular three-dimensional lace, this gorgeous material is sought after all around the world. Lace’s intricate design makes it highly prone to minor rips and snags though, so take a few notes from the tulle to-do list and avoid accessories with sharp edges and rough links. It’s also worth noting that lace yellows faster than other fabrics, which makes professional dry cleaning and proper storage a must.

CREPE: This light yet elegant material is well-known in the fashion world for its versatile applications and gauzy appearance. Perfect for formfitting gowns, crepe typically fits like a glove and leaves very little to the imagination, which makes choosing your undergarments important. Avoid unsightly bumps and lines by choosing seamless underwear or shapewear and a smooth-cupped bra.

Guests will likely always remember a few cornerstone wedding moments: the vows, first dances and the dessert! So, here’s your chance to have fun with it.

THE DONUT WALL

Just envision the beauty of dozens of donuts hanging like a giant piece of art for guests to choose from. You can select multiple flavors and no one can resist the doughy goodness of a perfectly glazed donut. The different flavors and colors provide a stunning visual, which is ultimately what most couples are looking to create with their dessert.

RAISING THE BAR

Bars aren’t just for drinks anymore. Bars of the dessert variety can be curated with all sorts of themes. Think: cookies, pie, ice cream and s’mores. There are a couple ways of doing this. Set up your unique dessert bar in a central location where guests can create their own dessert experience with different flavor options and toppings. Or you can bring the experience to your guests with mini bars set up at each table.

DITCH THE TABLE

Who doesn’t get excited about a food truck? Hiring a food truck for weddings has become increasingly popular and guests feel like they’re getting a VIP experience. Go old school with an ice cream truck; surprise guests with churros; or consider classic options like cupcakes, cake and cookies.

Chef By Request Catering

5100 Academy Dr., Ste. 200 | Lisle, IL 630.493.4300 | chefbyrequest.com

Chef By Request Catering is celebrating 25 years of catering amazing eats and treats all around the Chicagoland area. The CBR team takes pride in delivering a full-service hospitality experience, including an on-site catering coordinator, full-service bar and culinary team, as well as a professional wait staff. For the last 25 years, CBR has been an industry leader in both classic and trendy catering. So, whether your wedding calls for rounds of tasty hors d’oeuvres, an organic buffet, a BBQ picnic or a plated, formal dinner, CBR has you covered.

Bella Bianca Bridal Couture

875 N. Rush St., 2nd Fl. | Chicago, IL 312.787.2388 | bellabianca.com

Bella Bianca Bridal Couture’s new location in the Gold Coast is more beautiful than ever with floor-to- ceiling windows spilling in natural light as well as plush, private viewing spaces for brides to gather with their entourage. The new storefront is bigger than their previous Chicago location and offers an expansive showroom with over 400 dress options. Specialized customer service is essential with a stylist helping each bride find the perfect gown. From a family of small business owners, co-owners and sisters Melissa Russell and Natalie Bauer work hard to ensure that the bride feels like a VIP the moment she walks through the door.

Phillip Christopher Filmmaker & Photographer

Volle’s Bridal & Boutique

53 S. Old Rand Rd. | Lake Zurich, IL 847.438.7603 | vollesbridal.com

Volle’s Bridal and Boutique is thrilled to announce an exclusive partnership with designer Victoria Sdoukos to offer brides the Atelier Experience that Volle’s started over 50 years ago. Sdoukos’s sophisticated and glamorous designs are paired with the finest fabrics, embellishments and construction. The new partnership offers brides a truly unique opportunity to have their dream dress crafted right here in Chicago. Volle’s is a full-service bridal salon also offering mother of the bride, bridesmaids and flower girl dresses, along with men’s formalwear. Make your appointment at Volle’s to meet the designer as well as see her dresses and customized accessory line.

Lori Sapio Photography

The Barn at Blackberry Farm

100 S. Barnes Rd. | Aurora, IL 630.892.1550 | blackberryfarm.info/weddings-at-the-farm

While Blackberry Farm might be half a century old, the barn has recently opened to host weddings. It offers all the rustic charm and modern appeal you could possibly ask for. The expansive barn seats 220 people comfortably with plenty of room for guests to roam around the outdoor patio and lawn. Hosting your wedding at The Barn at Blackberry Farm gives you full access to the park, a beautiful carousel and paddle boats — all of which make for great photo opportunities. With individualized service and careful customization, your dreams easily become a reality.

Written by E. Ce Miller | Photography by Emma Belen Photography

Setting up the wedding gift registry might be every engaged couple’s favorite part of wedding planning. Except, maybe, for cake tasting! And honestly, who can blame you? You’re basically shopping for all those splurge- worthy items you have always wanted but never really needed, without actually spending any money yourself.

Plus, if you rock it old school (aka: actually register for gifts in a store, in person) you get to use one of those super- fun barcode scanners on your phone. If you’ve never done this before, wielding a barcode scanner in this capacity comes with a surprisingly exhilarating sense of power — use it wisely.

But like every other element of wedding planning and prep, setting up your wedding registry comes with its fair share of etiquette, and some helpful guidance to go with it. Here are some things to keep in mind while setting up your registry — guaranteed to keep you and your gift-giving guests happy.

1. CHOOSE YOUR PRICE POINTS MINDFULLY.

Before you even start to put together that gift registry, really think about who you’re inviting to your wedding, and plan your wish list accordingly. Be sure to have a few big-ticket items for those folks who you know are going to want to splurge on you. But also be mindful of anyone — like your old college roommate and those co-workers still paying off student loans — who might be operating with a more modest budget. The bulk of your registry items should fall somewhere in the middle of your highest price point and your lowest. A good rule of thumb is to expect guests to spend around the same amount of dough as you are budgeting per person for your big day, give or take.

2. CONSIDER EXACTLY THE KIND OF WEDDING YOU ARE HAVING.

Naturally, if most of your guests live locally and will have minimal travel expenses, they’re going to have more to offer in the gift-giving department. If you are asking your guests to venture across the country — or even around the world — to attend your (undoubtedly, fabulous) destination wedding, keep that in mind when you’re registering for gifts.

Make sure your expectations take into account what your gracious guests will already be spending just to attend your wedding, both in travel costs and in any time they might need to take away from work. Also make sure you set up your registry so that everything is delivered directly to your home address (or wherever you want all your gifts to go). No one wants to transport a Crock-Pot across 3,000 miles, only to have you transport it right back.

3. TRY TO KEEP THAT REGISTRY AS ORGANIZED AS POSSIBLE.

We once gifted a soon-to-be-wedded friend a dozen napkin rings, 18 napkins, nine place settings, a soup ladle, and the lid to a butter dish. This was not by design. The folks who had gotten to her registry before us had completely ransacked it — buying a couple plates here, a few table linens there, a butter dish (sans lid), without any rhyme or reason that we could discern. It’s funny in hindsight, but a good reminder that if you’re registering at one of those housewares stores where everything comes with its own barcode, it can be hard to keep your registry orderly. If possible, try to register for things in sets, and try to refrain from constantly editing the items on your registry throughout your engagement.

It makes things very confusing (and unnecessarily embarrassing) for your guests. Particularly those of us who are not especially adept at wrapping one half of a butter dish.

4. KNOW YOURSELF (AND YOUR FIANCÉ).

Don’t feel like you have to register for items you will never use, even if it’s a classic registry gift. Should you register for a bread maker and then actually receive one, you will most likely attempt to make said bread exactly one time, before you realize two things: 1.) You are not all that interested in baking homemade bread and 2.) You have now made it entirely impossible to return your shiny, brand new bread maker for something you will actually use and love.

If the person who gifted you the bread maker is someone who regularly spends time at your house, you will be obligated to pull the bread maker out of the back of your pantry and place it on your kitchen counter every single time they come over. And bread makers, for anyone who hasn’t spent a lot of time moving them to and fro, are notoriously heavy. Know yourself, register for things you will actually use.

5. BUT DON’T BE AFRAID TO TREAT YOURSELF EITHER.

If you’ve always been interested in, say, brewing your own beer (or, you know, actually baking your own bread) then, by all means, your wedding registry is the opportunity to treat yourself to the pricier items you have had your eye on — with the added benefit of someone else’s budget.

6. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX.

…The gift box, that is. Although receiving eight blenders and a stash of sterling silver candlesticks you will (probably) never use has practically become the stuff of wedding clichés, that doesn’t mean you’re limited to filling your registry with items that can fit inside a standard gift box.

Consider registering for experiences instead of, or in addition to, items to stock your home. Take some of the financial stress out of your honeymoon by setting up an account where guests can contribute to your travel budget. You can make “experiential gifting” feel a little more personal than just writing a check by inviting your guests to put together a few fun date night goodie bags for you and your new spouse. Instead of adding everything and the kitchen sink to your registry, you can also put together a shorter list of bigger ticket items (think camping gear, a wine tasting class, his-and-hers kayaks, etc.), and make sure your guests know they can pool their giving toward one larger item or experience for the two of you. At the end of the day, your guests just want to give you something you’ll both love.

7. PAY IT FORWARD.

Have everything you could ever need and want, and a comfortable travel budget to boot? Consider using your wedding registry to pay your own hard work and good fortune forward. If there’s a charity you and your soon- to-be-wedded love, or a nonprofit near and dear to your hearts, invite your guests to make a donation in your names, in lieu of gifts. Giving back is definitely a great way to celebrate your new life together.

Check out these vendors for help with your registry, favors, gifts and more.

Written by Bailey Heldmar & Christina Oddo | Photography by Photography by Lauryn

As you’re busy planning and prepping, it’s easy to forget about all the events leading up to your big day. From an engagement party to a day-after brunch, each event is a chance to celebrate your love story with your nearest and dearest. But more events also mean more questions. Who should you invite? Where should you have it? Who’s supposed to host, plan and pay for them all? We have rounded up the most common wedding-related events, along with the tradition and etiquette for each. Keep in mind that none of these events are required (besides the ceremony, of course!), but the more celebrations the merrier!

ENGAGEMENT PARTY

You said “yes,” which is definitely cause for celebration! There’s not a rule for who hosts the engagement party, but it’s usually the parents of the couple. However, many couples choose to plan their own. Held during the first few months of the engagement before the stress of wedding planning kicks into high gear, the party is a fairly casual affair. Although if everyone is in on the surprise, you may head straight to your engagement party after the proposal!

You don’t have to invite everyone that you plan to invite to the wedding; in fact, it’s customary to keep the guest list to just family, the wedding party and perhaps a few other close friends. However, don’t invite anyone to the engagement party that you don’t also plan to invite to the wedding. Speaking of invitations, an engagement party doesn’t require formal, mailed invites. Evites or even a Facebook event are an acceptable and easy way to get the word out.

Host your engagement party at home or at your favorite restaurant to keep cost and planning to a minimum. It’s still early, so save your budget for the big day! Many restaurants and bars have rooms available to rent for large groups that are perfect for engagement parties. If you host at home, ask a few close relatives to pitch in with food prep and decorating.

No matter what size your party is in terms of number of guests, make sure to assign someone (a reliable close friend or family member) to take candid photos throughout the night. And it’s also fun to have some sort of guest book, or even a place where guests can write down a quick tip or advice about wedding planning.

While most guests will likely bring a small gift, it’s not mandatory at the engagement party. Some guests might take a peek at your registry if you already have one, but don’t feel obligated to register before the party. A card and nice bottle of wine are an appropriate engagement party gift.

BACHELOR & BACHELORETTE PARTIES

Hosted by the bridesmaids and the groomsmen, bachelor and bachelorette parties take place closer to the wedding — think two months to two weeks before. While it’s tradition to have them on the same weekend, don’t stress if you and your sweetie celebrate your final days as singles on different dates. It’s more important to find a time that works for everyone in your individual wedding parties. While not everything about the party has to be a surprise, your friends should take on the majority of the planning for this event. After all, it’s a time for you to relax, let loose and forget about wedding planning.

The guest list for the bachelor and bachelorette parties is by no means limited to only those in your wedding party; feel free to include other close friends and siblings. This is another event that does not call for formal invitations. In fact, a group text may be the easiest way to determine everyone’s schedule to start planning!

Whether your friends have planned a night on the town in your hometown or a weekend getaway to a different city, the most important thing is to have fun at your bachelorette or bachelor party. Whether you go out for dinner and dancing, enjoy mani-pedis and a wine tasting, take in a local sports game, explore a new city or simply lounge by the pool, there are endless ways to celebrate your upcoming wedding with friends!

One point of contention for bachelor and bachelorette parties can be the cost. As a rule of thumb, the wedding party should treat the guest of honor to a night out; however, if travel is required, the bride or groom should cover her or his own expenses, with the exception of a nice dinner or a few drinks on their friends at the destination. And if you do opt for a weekend getaway, don’t be offended if some of the invitees can’t attend; there are plenty more opportunities to celebrate you.

Bachelorette parties are notorious for being recognizable in public because the entire group is wearing matching sashes, shirts or hats. Make sure to let your wedding party know if there is anything (a wearable item, wording on a shirt, planned party destination) that would make you uncomfortable, so there’s no tension during the weekend of the festivities.

BRIDAL SHOWER

Another event that takes place in the last month or two before the big day is the bridal shower. True to its name, the bride is showered with love and gifts at this traditionally daytime event. As for the host, it can be anyone from your maid of honor to your mom or another close female relative.

Historically ladies only, the guest list should include family, the wedding party and other close friends of the bride. A classic wedding shower is brunch at the host’s home; opening presents would follow light snacks, refreshments and maybe a few games. If you’re imagining something less traditional and a little more relaxed, have the festivities at a restaurant or an art class.

As with many events on this list, the female-only rule is increasingly broken by couples that choose to have a joint shower. As with a traditional wedding shower, a relative or the couple’s close friends would host a coed event at their home or favorite local spot. Whatever kind of event you choose to have, mailed invitations are expected.

Make sure to register for wedding gifts before your shower because guests will look to it as a source for what to gift you at the shower. Often the shower hostess will coordinate the purchase of a larger, more expensive item to be gifted by a group of guests. Alternatively, some brides opt to have a lingerie shower where guests are asked to gift lingerie or sultry sleepwear for the honeymoon. While this doesn’t require a registry, be sure to list your sizes and perhaps a few preferred brands on the invitation.

REHEARSAL DINNER

The groom’s parents traditionally host the rehearsal dinner, which is always held the night before the wedding. After the couple and their wedding party rehearse the ceremony at the venue, they’ll head to dinner to celebrate with their closest relatives and friends. While the father of the bride, best man and maid of honor will give speeches the next day at the reception, the rehearsal dinner is a time for other guests to share their fond memories and well wishes for the couple. You might consider putting together a slideshow or video of you as a couple to watch after dinner.

Like the engagement party, you don’t have to invite everyone to the rehearsal dinner that you invite to the wedding. The guest list should always include the wedding party and immediate family, but many couples choose to invite extended family and other close friends as well, and often guests who have traveled for the wedding and are staying overnight. In the case of a destination wedding, it’s a courtesy to invite all guests to the rehearsal dinner.

Since the main event is the next day, most couples opt to have a more casual rehearsal dinner that complements the wedding. The rehearsal dinner is a time for everyone to mingle and enjoy each others’ company before the production of the wedding day. Be sure to thank guests from near and far for attending and being a part of your celebration as you rest assured that everything is set for the big day.

The venue could range from your parents’ backyard to your favorite restaurant. Whatever you choose, the rehearsal dinner is the perfect time to infuse a little of your personality as a couple into the wedding weekend. Was your first date at a taco truck? See if you can rent it for the event! Did you bond over a love of craft beer? Host the rehearsal dinner at your favorite brewery. If it’s a destination wedding, think about a restaurant that showcases the local cuisine.

Paper invitations are customary for the rehearsal dinner and are sent after you receive wedding RSVPs. Guests do not bring gifts to the rehearsal dinner, but the night before the wedding is a good time to give thank you gifts to your wedding party, especially if it’s something you’d like them to wear during the ceremony. It’s the perfect opportunity to thank your wedding party in person for being part of your celebration.

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION

The main event! Although tradition states the bride’s parents host the wedding and reception, like many traditions, this one no longer holds firm. Many couples choose to host their own wedding, the groom’s parents may offer to host or all three parties could chip in a little bit to pull off your dream wedding. The wedding ceremony and reception should need no explanation, but there are a few details that often need clarification.

The guest list is historically the same for both events, but some couples choose to have an intimate ceremony followed by a larger reception. Although it depends on the couple’s style, the ceremony and reception will be the most formal of all your events, which means mailed invitations are a must. The typical wedding stationery suite will include an invitation, reception card, an RSVP card with pre-addressed envelope, directions to the venue, an accommodations card for out-of-town guests, as well as any other information you think your guests will need.

Whether you hold the ceremony and reception at separate venues or at a location that can accommodate both, it’s helpful to have a day-of coordinator.

Even if you choose not to have a wedding planner, most event spaces have an event coordinator that keeps things running smoothly while you enjoy your special day to the fullest. Similarly, you wouldn’t want your mom or best friend running around the venue putting out fires instead of celebrating at your side.

Guests should bring gifts from your registry to the wedding. Register for gifts at a variety of price points at a few different stores so that every guest can find the perfect gift at a price they feel comfortable with. If you don’t need or want physical gifts, you can also ask that guests contribute money to a honeymoon fund. Although this trend is still catching on, there are a few websites designed to help.

DAY-AFTER BRUNCH

Whoever hosted the ceremony and reception may also host a brunch the day after the wedding. Especially common for destination weddings, the informal and completely optional party is for wedding guests to say a final goodbye to the newlyweds before they jet off to their honeymoon. Of course, a brunch is just one more event to add to an already busy wedding calendar; nobody will question if you choose to skip this event and start the honeymoon a little early (or you just want to sleep in).

Invitations to the brunch can be an added insert in the wedding invitation, but a digital invitation is equally appropriate. While destination weddings typically call for inviting everyone that attended the wedding, in other cases, it’s acceptable to invite only the wedding party, immediate family and out-of-town guests as a courtesy. Common places to host a morning-after brunch are at the host’s home or at the hotel where most of your guests stayed.

Fitting the more casual atmosphere, the day-after brunch can be a come- and-go event. Let guests know that they should feel free to stop by anytime within a two- or three-hour period to offer any final congratulations. A buffet or an à la carte menu are easy ways to feed your guests without much stress; offer light breakfast options like muffins, quiche and fruit that do not require a sit-down meal. While a mimosa or Bloody Mary bar is always festive, be sure to have plenty of coffee and water!

If you take anything from this, it should be that there are a few rules that can’t be broken. Talk to your family and friends well in advance about what events are a must and which you’d rather skip. Discuss who might be willing to host and what you’d like to take on yourself, and set budget expectations for each event. Most importantly, remember that every event is supposed to be a celebration of your unique love story!

Written by Micaela Fischer | Photography by Marc & Mindy

With your life so consumed by the insanity of planning a wedding, it may be hard to believe that your big day will eventually come and go. When the dust of your wedding finally settles, you will be left with photos filled with precious memories and magical moments to reminisce about for years to come. So, don’t let them succumb to collecting digital dust on your computer. How can you get the most mileage out of your gorgeous images? Well, from the perfectly crafted photo album to the personalized gifts for the special people in your life, there are plenty of ways to make use of your wedding photos.

CRAFTING THE PERFECT ALBUM.

Although digital images take center stage in our high-tech world, the joy of holding a physical photo album can never be replaced. It’s a beloved, traditional heirloom to be passed down by your family for generations to come that will never go out of style. But no pressure, right? Out of hundreds of photos, somehow you will have to narrow it down to just your favorites. Your wedding album will only have so much room. We can already hear your sighs of protest: but they’re all my favorites! Not to worry, here are some general rules of thumb to guide you through this tough decision.

LET YOUR ALBUM TELL A STORY.

More than just a collection of your favorite images, the photos in your wedding album should weave together a narrative of the day. This means the layout of the album should follow some sort of logical organization. The easiest choice is for your album to be chronological, but that doesn’t have to be the case. With your spouse, decide on all the important hallmarks of your wedding that you want highlighted in your album. On that list, you’ll definitely want to include all your big “firsts”. Think: first-look, first-kiss, first-dance. Don’t forget to include all of the sentimental details you spent hours planning, such as your grandmother’s locket you wore for your “something borrowed” or the custom signs you had made for your signature cocktails. Along with your significant milestones, you will also want images of your full wedding party and fun dancing shots of your guests to tie everything together.

YOUR HEART WILL LEAD THE WAY.

When it comes time to choose the pictures, go for the emotional impact. Pick the photos you think accurately capture how you both felt that day. That way, each time you flip through your album, it will be like reliving those moments all over again. Don’t think that you and your spouse have to be the focal points of every picture, either. It’s true that your wedding album is an anthology of your love story, but if your photographer captured the sweetest smile of your flower girl, or caught your mom in a tender, tearful moment, don’t hesitate to put those precious snapshots in your album. Those are the memories you’ll never regret preserving.

TIME TO GET TECHNICAL

Once you finally trim your photos down to a reasonable number, pat yourself on the back because you deserve it. But hang tight, you are not out of the woods quite yet. It’s time to think about your album layout and design. Albums are not what they used to be. Unlike your parent’s wedding album where images were either printed and placed between the the page and a plastic protector or stuck in a book with photo corners, album pages are now designed and printed.

Couples have been favoring sleek and simple designs for a clean, minimalist look. This is a great choice because it allows your pictures to speak for themselves without unnecessary text and embellishments cluttering the pages. If you opt for something more stylized, consider that certain designs, fonts, or borders might look dated several years from now. Sticking with simple layouts will give your album a classic, timeless look.

PICK YOUR BINDING AND MATERIAL

The sky is the limit with the types of paper, bindings and covers available for your photo album. Leather or canvas are great choices for covers that draw on time-honored binding techniques to give a classic look to your album. But many couples also go for photo-covers with one of their favorite pictures covering the surface area of the front, back and spine.

Lay-flat pages allow images to extend seamlessly across a two- page spread — lending a dramatic, panoramic effect to wedding albums. Flush-mount wedding albums with thick, sturdy pages mounted on cardboard are also a popular option.

DO SOME FIELDWORK

To get your creative juices flowing, turn to other wedding albums for inspiration. Ask your married friends and relatives to see their albums to get an idea of how you might want your album to look. Pinterest is also a treasure trove of inspiration. This may feel like cheating, but it is the best way to get an idea for what you like without fully committing.

If you’re still unsure, you can always ask your wedding photographer for their recommendations about building your photo album. As the expert, he or she can make sure that the layout of your photos flows seamlessly from one page to the next. Many photographers even offer packages to create the album for you. This is a great option if you’re feeling overwhelemed or don’t know where to start.

ALBUMS MAKE GREAT GIFTS

While you will obviously want to create a larger album for yourselves, you may consider creating smaller, more customized albums to give as gifts. Maybe surprise your bridal party with a nostalgic memento or a brag book for your parents to display proudly on their coffee table.

The people who played a special part in your wedding day deserve a little something extra and they are sure to appreciate the thoughtful gift.

DECIDING WHAT GETS FRAMED.

Along with building your stunning wedding album, you’re probably stressing over which pictures you want to be framed. This task may be even harder because you’ll have to narrow your favorites down even further (unless you give in to the temptation of covering every square inch of your house with your wedding pictures). At the same time, getting pictures framed can give you a surprising amount of freedom, particularly when it comes to giving them as gifts.

IF YOU LIKE IT, PUT A FRAME ON IT

So, what goes in a frame? The heart- melters; the tear-jerkers; and above all, the memory-makers. If the picture puts a lump in your throat, you know you have a winner. Unlike your album, these pictures will be on full display in your house every day. They’re the images that will adorn your walls, your bedside table, living room, you name it. Ideally, you want to choose the pictures that make you remember how in love you were on your wedding day. Many photographers are glad to help with this process as well. By sending a photo of your wall, the photographer can mock up your choices so you can see exactly how they will look.

PAY HOMAGE TO YOUR LOVED ONES

Along with romantic pictures of you and your new spouse, you might consider allotting one or two frames for your maid of honor and best man. These are the real MVPs in your life, and just as you reserved a special place for them at your wedding, they deserve a spot immortalized next to you on the mantle. Having framed pictures of elderly grandparents and young children is also a great idea. Those memories will become so much more precious as time goes by!

SEEING DOUBLE

As you choose which pictures to get framed, you might notice that some of them also appear in your wedding album. Don’t sweat the duplicates. Some overlap is totally fine — encouraged, even! You’ll probably end up wanting multiple copies of your favorite pictures anyway.

SMALL GESTURES GO A LONG WAY.

Framed wedding photographs make simple, yet impactful gifts for your far away friends and family. It’s a nice gesture, especially for those few who missed out on your wedding day for one reason or another (hey, life happens). And with more guests not able to attend due to COVID restrictions, they will be thrilled to receive a keepsake from your special day. It will let them enjoy a small taste of the magic they missed.

Although digital images make sharing wedding photos with family and friends extraordinarily convenient, there are plenty of other ways you can use your pictures. Hard-copy albums and printed photographs carry a special sentimental weight that digital just can’t compete with. No matter what design choices you make or who you gift your photos to, they embody the happiest moments of your life and should reflect exactly how you felt on the day you said “I do”.

Find your perfect photographer for the big day here.

Written by Mackenzie Jager & Christina Oddo | Photography by Carrie White Photography

When you’re planning a wedding, it’s never too early to decide on your color palette. Your colors will set the tone for your wedding, and they should be featured everywhere on the big day — from dresses to decor to party favors and more. And if you’re really thinking ahead, colors will play an important role in your venue decision as well.

1. FIGURE OUT WHICH COLORS YOU’RE NATURALLY DRAWN TO.

Brides often feel overwhelmed when faced with choosing a color palette, but it’s important not to stress. Taking a quick look at your wardrobe and home décor is usually enough for most brides to discover what colors and patterns they tend to gravitate towards. If your clothes and wall hangings don’t give you a clear answer though, create an inspiration board to catalogue your favorite colors and styles. As you add to your boards, you’ll be surprised at how quickly patterns and preferences emerge.

2. TAKE YOUR VENUE’S COLOR SCHEME INTO ACCOUNT.

Before your colors are finalized, consider the aesthetics of your top venue choices. If you’re determined to do a pink wedding, a ballroom with bright red walls is not for you. Bold colors like pinks call for venues with “blank slate” color schemes — neutrals such as grey, white, and cream will play well with almost any palette. The same rule works in reverse. If you’re dead set on hosting your wedding in that bright red ballroom, you’ll want to choose neutral colors for your wedding.

The key is to avoid visual competition between your venue and your color palette. If you force bold colors on a colorful venue, you’ll either end up with a chaotic-looking wedding or you’ll spend a fortune covering up walls.

3. REMEMBER THAT COLORS CREATE MOODS.

Not everyone interprets color the same way, but it’s safe to assume that the majority of your guests will make the same basic associations. Lilacs, corals and even bright oranges — are great contemporary choices, while whites and creams are dreamy and romantic.

Jewel tones are dramatic, and reds are passionate. We could go on forever, but the main idea here is that choosing a color is choosing a mood, so making sure that your colors coordinate is essential. Ideally, couples should choose three to four colors for their color palette, but never choose more than five. You want your guests to feel welcome at your wedding — not bombarded by a color explosion. So, if you can’t resist using one or two bolder shades, plan to also incorporate softer, neutral tones that tastefully support the vibrant ones.

4. TAKE TRENDS AND SEASONS INTO ACCOUNT, BUT DON’T LET THEM RUN THE SHOW.

It can be fun to play with trendy colors in your wedding, but be careful not to go overboard. You still want to be happy with your color choices 10 or 20 years after you say, “I do,” so restraint is crucial. If you’re determined to incorporate trendy colors into your celebration, use them as the cherry on top. Pantone, the authority on color trends, is a great resource for inspiration. Every year and season, it releases trending palettes, which often range from muted to totally electrifying. Taking the season into account is important, so perusing color trends could help you narrow your choices. Choose the tone you want, and then tailor your wedding to the season by adding details such as beautiful wreaths or gorgeous wildflowers. Quick tip: Metallics such as gold, silver and rose gold are always trending. If you love the look of it, use it as an accent instead of your main color. Metallics pack a bigger punch in smaller amounts.

5. THINK ABOUT WHERE YOU WANT YOUR GUESTS’ ATTENTION TO GO.

When choosing your colors, keep in mind that they’ll most likely be accompanying you down the aisle. A bright bouquet is gasp-inducing and eye-catching, but it also takes some of the attention away from the bride. If you’ve chosen bright colors for your wedding and you don’t mind sharing your aisle spotlight with attention-snatching blooms, go ahead and incorporate your colors into your bouquet. If you’d rather keep all the eyes on you, opt for a subtler bouquet that complements your color palette but doesn’t detract from your grand entrance.

6. SEAL THE DEAL WITH A COLOR WHEEL.

To finalize your color scheme, pull out a color wheel. Select your dominant color and then note what colors are directly opposite and on either side of it. These are your complementary colors, and they’re guaranteed to work well with your dominant color. Confused? Here’s an example. If you want to feature royal purple in your wedding, choose other purples (the colors that flank royal purple on the color wheel) or greens (the colors that are across from royal purple on the wheel).

7. KEEP YOUR COLORS CONSISTENT AND YOUR VENDORS IN THE LOOP.

Picking out your wedding colors is one thing, but successfully incorporating them is another. Your colors should appear everywhere, starting with your invitations and following through to your take home gifts. This ensures that your wedding is a beautiful and cohesive affair. On the day of the wedding, make sure your vendors are all bringing the correct shades of your color. Your linen supplier and your florist might have different definitions of pale blue, so setting the record straight prior to your celebration is key. Colors should add to the magic of your day, not take away from it, and keeping things consistent is the best way to avoid unwanted color distractions. Looping in your vendors also allows them to take things to the next level. Little touches like having the wait staff wear bow ties that match your colors can add a layer of sophistication and consistency to your wedding that otherwise might have been missing.

If you’re still feeling uncertain, look at your guest list. Will you be throwing a black-tie event? A charming backyard wedding? Think about your favorite colors and the moods the different color families create, and you’ll be able to choose the perfect color palette for your wedding. With your carefully chosen colors and our expert planners’ decorating tips ringing in the back of your mind, you’ll be fully prepared to design the wedding of your dreams.

Check out these real weddings to get more wedding color inspiration.

By Emily Conley | Photography by Chloe Darling Photography

Being ready for your wedding day involves more than just getting a quick shave and a haircut. We’ve got your guide to looking handsome and feeling suave right here.

BEGIN WITH THE BASICS

Don’t neglect your basic skincare routine. Wash your face, drink plenty of water and consider exfoliating once a week. If you have a beard, take time to keep it trimmed and conditioned in the weeks leading up to your wedding. It’s also quite common for men to get a few pre-wedding facials to really get their skin in order. Need a bit more help? See a dermatologist for a topical prescription if you suffer from bad breakouts and never pick at any zits or bumps. You might also consider laser hair removal. It’s a great solution for reducing ingrown hairs and redness, while saving you valuable time spent on shaving.

SOMETHING OLD, NOTHING NEW

Your wedding is not the day to try something new. Get your hair cut seven to 10 days before your wedding for a clean, natural look. Using hairspray or a new hair product? Don’t try it for the first time on your actual wedding day. Two weeks before the big day, spray some on for a test-drive to see if you like it and how it holds up. You may have just found a new addition to your dopp kit!

WANT AN ALTOID?

You don’t want your first kiss as a married couple to be marred by your bad breath. Tackle the issue at the root by visiting the dentist for regular cleanings, flossing every day and using a powerful mouthwash. Dry mouth intensifies bad breath, so stay hydrated (with water, not beer) and make sure you brush your teeth after eating anything before the ceremony.

SWEATY SOLUTIONS

Outdoor weddings are beautiful, but if it’s remotely warm out, expect to deal with some sweat. Even if you’re indoors, you may also have some sweat issues because of nerves or finicky thermostats. Outdoor grooms should wear sweat-wicking undergarments and choose light, breathable fabrics for your attire. Choose an antiperspirant rather than a deodorant since it actually blocks sweat ducts and can be applied outside of your underarms. Apply anywhere you typically sweat but test the application a few days ahead of time to avoid any irritation or staining.

Find the Men’s Fashion vendors you’re looking for here.

Photo by Rachel Mae Photography

You already have acne from the stress of planning a wedding during a pandemic and now you have to deal with maske, too? Don’t worry! Here are five ways to keep maskne to a minimum and ensure you look your best on the big day.­­

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