October 23rd

Tip of the Day: Remember why you're getting married. "It is often easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of it all. Take a moment to look around at the people that mean the world to you and your partner, with whom you have chosen to spend the rest of your days with. The dresses, cake, flowers, food, and drinks have little importance on the success of your marriage. Because, let's be honest — in the end, love is all you need," says Vikki Marsee and Shannon Dexter from All You Need Is Love Events.

Plus, check out 10 Ways Your Wedding Prepares You for Marriage.

This Bouquet is a Gorgeous Tribute to Harry Potter

Instead of a traditional floral bouquet, bride Victoria Garcia decided to let her bouquet reflect her greatest literary love — Harry Potter. 

"While a wedding is all about the couple and two people coming together, I wanted to carry something that stood for me and me alone," she told HuffPost Weddings. "My husband Rey knows and accepts my love of Harry Potter! He thought that my idea [was] awesome."

October 22nd

Tip of the Day: When you’re planning your catering budget, factor in feeding your vendors! "This is something that is overlooked at many weddings. Making the vendors happy will ensure they will be at their best and shows your appreciation for their hard work," says Lou Lomibao from SnapKnot.com.

Arrange to have your photographer and videographer seated at a table close by so that they don't miss out on capturing spur-of-the-moment action (e.g. impromptu speeches, kisses, epic dance moves).

Plus, check out 30 Unexpected Costs Brides Forget to Budget For.

Ask the Experts: "How Do I Get My Disapproving In-Laws to Accept Me?"

Welcome to our second installment of "Ask the Experts," where our contributor team of wedding planners solves readers' most pressing wedding-planning dilemmas! This week, Regina Cialone from Cloud Nove Events and Amber Moltimore from Liz & Lex Events weigh in on a less-than-ideal in-laws situation. Have a question that you'd like to submit? Fill out this form, and we'll do our best to respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.

Q: "My mother-in-law and sister-in-law have never accepted me. They spoke badly about me and tore me down for three years, all the way up to the wedding day. They still won't accept me even though my spouse and I are married. I am tired of the depression and having to prove that I'm a good person to them. They have never gotten to know me and they probably never will. How do I cope with my feelings of rejection, pain and a broken heart? I just want them to like me." — BG reader Corinne

embrace
Photo Credit: Serendipity Corner Photography on Polka-Dot Bride via Lover.ly

Regina Answers:

October 21st

Photo credit: 

Hannah Arista Photography

Tip of the Day: “If you’re having an outdoor wedding and the sun refuses to shine on the big day, all is not lost!” says photographer Hannah Arista from Hannah Arista Photography.

She says: “If the sun is being fickle, console yourself with the knowledge that the most gorgeous photographs are taken on overcast days with diffuse light.” Arista points out that the sun is high contrast and tends to be less flattering. “On an overcast day, colors will also be richer and more vibrant, and faces will be more open and natural — expressions won’t be marred by squinting eyes.”

Plus, check out How to Get Gorgeous Wedding Photos in the Rain.

October 20th

Suffering from post-wedding blues? You're not alone — psychotherapist and author Sharon Gilchrest O'Neill tells us that she's seeing more clients experiencing this than ever before thanks to the extreme nature of weddings these days.

"As much as every bride wants her day to be perfect, and have all the events flow without a glitch, acquiesce to reality a little. Promise yourself that the 'blips' will not get in your way of enjoying every moment." She adds: "There is a certain fantasy element in thinking about one's wedding. It's important to understand that when we have looked forward to something for so long, there will always be a little bit of a natural let-down, psychologically." Check out more of her tips at ashortguidetoahappymarriage.com.

Plus, find out how other brides Beat the Post-Wedding Blues.

October 17th

Photo credit: 

Avery House

Tip of the Day: Researching wedding venues? Kristin Crawford, W Austin’s Director of Catering and Events, says: "Check out wedding planners' and photographers' blogs to see real wedding photos of the venue you're interested in; since they're not staged, you'll get a much better idea of what things can and really do look like." This is especially important if you're getting married in a destination affair and are unable to scope it out in person.

She also suggests asking for referrals since many venues have great relationships with past clients who would be more than happy to let you know how their experience was.

Plus, check out our Venue FAQ: What to Ask Before You Book.

October 16th

Photo credit: 

Tanja Lippert Photography

Tip of the Day: Make sure you contract for enough hours of photography. "I can’t tell you how many photographers will sell a client on a five to seven-hour package," says Aviva Samuels from Kiss the Planner. "Sure the price is more appealing. However, when you sit down to create the wedding timeline, you will most likely discover that you don't have enough hours to capture all of the special moments and details."

She recommends an eight to ten-hour package in order to capture the wedding prep, the first look (if you have one), the family portraits and all of the key reception moments.

Plus, check out How to Get Gorgeous Wedding Photos.

Fragrance Oil

Another free-spirited fragrance, Warm ($40, warmny.com) is all about the scent of sun-kissed skin and endless-summer beach days. Handmade in Malibu, Cali, it's a feel-good blend of citrusy, musky and light floral notes.

Cosmetics Bag

Makeup genius Sonia Kashuk designed this Sonia Kashuk Completely Organized & Celebrate limited edition bag ($12.99, amazon.com) to hold more than just cosmetics. Load it up with your keys, sunglasses phone, business cards and wallet…once filled, you can just move it from one handbag to another — or use it on its own as a chic clutch.

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