Welcome to our latest installment of "Ask the Experts," where our contributor team of wedding planners solves readers' most pressing wedding-planning dilemmas! This week, Kristin Alexander from Esoteric Events and Claire Gordon from Claire Gordon Events weigh in on the sticky subject of plus-ones. Do you have a question that you'd like to submit?
Every couple wants their wedding to be special, meaningful and memorable; a celebration of love to share with family and friends that not only encompasses all of the joy they’re feeling but also tells their story in such a way that guests will always remember how unique the wedding was — and how much fun they had.
One of the biggest trends today is the rustic-chic wedding. Brides and grooms are having barn, farm, prairie, country, ranch and vineyard weddings where they can showcase myriad details in any number of inventive ways.
Bridal Guide's "Gowns" Pinterest board features over a whopping 6,000 stunning styles (and counting).
Photo Credit: iStock
Hoping you'll find an engagement ring under the tree this year? While some guys can keep a secret like they're in the CIA, others aren't quite so swift. Here, readers share some odd behavior they noticed before their fiancés popped the question.
1. He becomes overly protective of his cell phone
Colin Miller
Tip of the Day: Want wow-worthy centerpieces on a budget? "I love the idea of small vessels, packed abundantly with one type of flower per container, to make a lavish statement. For added texture and glamour, you can use votives or tapers, spaced at intervals between the flowers," says celebrity designer Colin Cowie from Colin Cowie Weddings.
Plus, Find Out Which Flowers Are in Season for Your Wedding.
This past year, we profiled extraordinary couples who triumphed and overcame all odds to get married, as well as those who opened their hearts and helped those in need. Their kindness, resilience and unwavering courage serves as a reminder of what's truly important on the wedding day.
Tip of the Day: "I cannot tell you how many brides come in swearing they want a ball gown, yet end up loving a slinky sheath instead — and vise versa. And brides who claim they want no beading can easily fall in love with a head-to-toe beaded number. Keep an open mind when trying on gowns; just like with dating, you never know when love will strike," says Liz Sellassie from Designer Loft bridal boutique.
Tip of the Day: "If a bride wants to hear, ‘This is the best wedding!’ she has to get out of the ‘It’s my day’ mentality and think about the guest experience," says wedding planner Sasha Souza from Sasha Souza Events. "From the moment a couple becomes engaged the classic line that gets repeated is, ‘It’s all about the bride’ — but it’s not! The couple is taking on the role of host for the biggest party they’ll probably ever throw. What’s a host’s main role? To make sure their guests are comfortable and enjoying themselves."
Plus, check out 10 Ways to Be Gracious Hosts.
Tip of the Day: If you plan on hiring a wedding coordinator, do so at least three months out. “All the small things tend to pile up in the last couple of months and time flies,” says Kristi Klemens from KLK Photography.
Featured: Weddings by Palladium
