September 30th

Photo Credit: Toni Lynn Photography

Tip of the Day:  Order two to three additional certified marriage certificates if you're planning on changing your last name. "Having multiple copies allows you to file your name change forms simultaneously and streamlines your name change wait time. It also prevents you from losing your only copy to some dusty government drawer," says Danielle Tate, the CEO of MissNowMrs.com.

Plus, check out Changing Your Last Name: How to Decide What's Right for You.

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25 Beautiful Bespoke Wedding Gifts

Are you searching for a unique wedding gift for that special couple? The newlyweds will adore these personalized gift items.

By: Mary Wozniak

Enter Slideshow
  • Ornament

    Ornament

    Their wedding invitation is transformed into a treasured glass ornament.

    Photo courtesy of Our Gift Shoppe/Etsy

  • Keepsake Box

    Keepsake Box

    A gorgeous hand-painted wedding keepsake box includes a fabric lining and an acid-free envelope for special documents. 

    Photo courtesy of Stacie Dale/Etsy

  • Picnic Set

    Picnic Set

    Give everything they’ll need for a romantic picnic. An insulated picnic backpack is complete with a wine cooler, blanket, corkscrew, and four place settings.

    Photo courtesy of Personal Creations

  • Coasters

    Coasters

    A stylish set of custom coasters is laser-engraved on natural black slate.

    Photo courtesy of Engrave Me This

  • Candle

    Candle

    Their love is burning bright. A hand-poured soy candle, in delightful scents like Warm Lemon Pound Cake and Pumpkin Souffle, is customized with a city skyline.

    Photo courtesy of Define Design Etc./Etsy

  • 5blanket

    5blanket

    Memorialize their special day with a message in the sand, captured on a cozy cotton throw.

    Photo Credit: Courtney Noelle via Writing in the Sand/Etsy

  • Decorative Plate

    Decorative Plate

    Delightfully different: cool and colorful hand-painted artwork features a sugar skull bride and groom on a decorative plate.

    Photo courtesy of sewZinski/Etsy

  • Ring Dish

    Ring Dish

    A sweet and simple porcelain ring dish notes the happy couple and their wedding date.

    Photo courtesy of Designs by Luna C/Etsy

  • Photo Album

    Photo Album

    An upcycled record album makes for a truly unique guest book or photo album; choose black or chamois-colored photo cardstock.

    Photo Credit: Michael Haase via Phonoboy/Etsy

  • Lyrics Plate

    Lyrics Plate

    The wedding date has come and gone, and you’re still looking for that perfect gift? Be inspired by their romantic first dance. The bride and groom will cherish this keepsake plate, a custom drawing accompanied by the lyrics to their special song.

    Photo courtesy of Painted Silver Linings/Etsy

  • Wall Art

    Wall Art

    Include your message of good fortune on a personalized print.

    Photo courtesy of Picture It Personal/Etsy

  • Wall Art

    Wall Art

    Ken and Barbie, Shrek and Fiona… add the newlyweds to the list of famous couples for a fun wallhanging.

    Photo courtesy of Itsy Bitsy Creative/Etsy

  • Heart

    Heart

    A pretty papercut heart in a shadow frame is an enchanting wedding day memento.

    Photo courtesy of Edwards Scissorhands/Etsy

  • Lego Portrait

    Lego Portrait

    Give the ultimate custom wedding portrait: their photo becomes a printable 3D digital image of a LEGO bride and groom.

    Photo courtesy of Mr. Lego Art 3D/Etsy

  • Map

    Map

    Upcycled maps reflect places close to their hearts.

    Photo courtesy of Ekra/Etsy

  • Sign

    Sign

    And they lived happily ever after… a personalized wood sign is the perfect gift as their love story begins.

    Photo courtesy of Taylor Signs/Etsy

  • Wine Holder

    Wine Holder

    Wish them joy with a custom wine carrier that holds a wine or champagne bottle and two stemmed glasses.

    Photo courtesy of Joyful Moose

  • Wine Glasses

    Wine Glasses

    Salute the lucky groom and the future Mrs. with personalized stemless wine glasses.

     Photo courtesy of The Glass Heart Co./Etsy

  • Cutting Board

    Cutting Board

    A custom handmade cutting board is laser-engraved in maple, walnut, or cherry.

    Photo courtesy of Shop Froolu/Etsy

  • Lazy Susan

    Lazy Susan

    Artwork on this one-of-a-kind Lazy Susan depicts memorable relationship moments and the couples' favorite things.

    Photo courtesy of Wood With Heart/Etsy

  • Growler

    Growler

    Craft beer enthusiasts will appreciate your gift of a custom laser-engraved growler.

    Photo courtesy of Sigil and Growler

  • Wine Box

    Wine Box

    Add your favorite vintage to a custom-engraved bamboo wine box.  

    Photo courtesy of Circle City Design Co./Etsy

  • Throw Pillows

    Throw Pillows

     A custom pillow in eco-friendly cotton and linen celebrates special dates and places:  the first date, the first kiss, and the wedding day.  

    Photo courtesy of Uptown Artworks

  • Serving Set

    Serving Set

    A lovely vintage cake server and forks are custom hand-stamped.

    Photo Credit: Holly Schuyler via Baby Puppy Designs/Etsy

  • Name Frame

    Name Frame

    A custom name collage is created from black and white architectural alphabet photos.

    Photo courtesy of Art of Whimsy Photo/Etsy

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25 Beautiful Bespoke Wedding Gifts

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10 “Overdone” Wedding Day Details You Still Can’t Help But Love

Sure, you’ve seen oh-so-many chalkboard wedding signs and sipped your share of signature cocktails (most likely in Mason jars…), but you can’t help but think these darling details would be just the right touch for your own big day. While some people might tell you these popular wedding trends are totally overdone and encourage you to stay away, we’re here to remind you that they’re popular for a very good reason: everyone loves them!

Here are 10 touches your guests won’t be able to get enough of.

September 29th

Photo Credit: Anna and Spencer Photography on Smitten Magazine via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: Aim to keep your first dance around the two-minute mark. "That eight-minute Justin Timberlake ballad may have lots of meaning to you, but a long first dance will become a bore for your guests," says Marina Tarsinov, a wedding dance choreographer/owner for Fred Astaire Dance Studio.

She also recommends scheduling your dance as the first event of the evening so that you don't end up dancing to the sound of forks clinking on plates.

Plus, check out The Most Romantic First Dance Songs and Tips for Picking a First Dance Song.

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Find the Right Hairstyle for Your Gown

Discover the hairstyle that will best flatter the neckline of your dress with these tips and tricks from the experts.

By: Katie Hoppenjans

Enter Slideshow
  • Asymmetrical

    Asymmetrical

    Play up an intricate one-shoulder neckline with straight-as- can-be locks falling neatly behind your shoulders. Eva Scrivo says, “Pin-straight hair with a center part will add balance to an asymmetrical dress and let the shoulder detail take center stage.”

    Photo Credit: Tom Rauner 

  • Bateau

    Bateau

    “With a bateau neckline, it’s best to wear the hair up to showcase the dress and create clean lines at the shoulders,” says Kelsey Smart, stylist at Fox & Jane Salon. “Opt for a loosely textured updo with volume at the crown to soften the look.”

    Photo Credit: Tom Rauner 

  • Sweetheart

    Sweetheart

    The sweetheart neckline epitomizes classic bridal style, so a polished, romantic ’do is always a natural fit. Stylist Triana Francois at Haven Spa recommends soft, glamorous curls to balance out bare shoulders and add an extra dose of allure to your look.

    Photo Credit: Tom Rauner 

  • Off The Shoulder

    Off The Shoulder

    Showcase your shoulders with an oh-so-elegant, softly swept- up style. “I love an un-fussy updo with a lacy dress,” Kelsey Smart says. “It draws attention to the eye-catching, off-the-shoulder neckline and gives the gown a fresh, youthful vibe.”

    Photo Credit: Tom Rauner 

  • Plunge

    Plunge

    Edward Tricomi, master stylist and co-founder of Warren- Tricomi Salons, suggests pairing loose, flowing waves with a plunging neckline. “Waves will balance out the revealing neckline,” Tricomi says. “Plus, the texture will add dimension to the look.”

    Photo Credit: Tom Rauner 

  • High Neck

    High Neck

    Avoid anything sleek or severe if your dress has a high neckline and long sleeves. According to Kelsey Smart, “Flowers and loose tendrils allow a high-neck dress to look whimsical rather than overly buttoned-up. They’re like a breath of fresh air.”

    Photo Credit: Tom Rauner 

  • Scoop Neck

    Scoop Neck

    Pair a scoop neckline with ultra-chic waves for a fresh take on old-Hollywood glamour. According to Eva Scrivo, founder of Eva Scrivo Salons, “An off-center upsweep with most of the hair on one side accentuates the softness of a scoop neck beautifully.”

    Photo Credit: Tom Rauner 

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Find the Right Hairstyle for Your Gown

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