If you’re just getting started with planning your destination wedding, you are already thinking of the obvious: Who will do my hair and makeup? Who’s the best photographer? What will my bouquet look like? But, if you’re like most destination couples, it isn’t until a little further in the planning process that you realize you have not only invited guests to your wedding but you have invited them on vacation. You’re suddenly taking on the roles of bride/groom, travel agent, concierge, and event planner. This can be tons of fun but also a lot of pressure. Photo by Steve Steinhardt Photography; Planning & Design by Beth Helmstetter Events, Inc. Here are my top six tips to get you through hosting a destination wedding weekend: 1. Allow guests to enjoy their vacation. While they are there to celebrate your union, there is also a part of each guest that is looking forward to some down time. Because of this, don’t feel obligated to plan every minute for them. Give guests enough to do to get a good feel for your destination and why you’ve chosen it, but also allow them have enough time to relax and plan activities on their own. 2. ...
More »If you’re just getting started with planning your destination wedding, you are already thinking of the obvious: Who will do my hair and makeup? Who’s the best photographer? What will my bouquet look like? But, if you’re like most destination couples, it isn’t until a little further in the planning process that you realize you have not only invited guests to your wedding but you have invited them on vacation. You’re suddenly taking on the roles of bride/groom, travel agent, concierge, and event planner. This can be tons of fun but also a lot of pressure. Photo by Steve Steinhardt Photography; Planning & Design by Beth Helmstetter Events, Inc. Here are my top six tips to get you through hosting a destination wedding weekend: 1. Allow guests to enjoy their vacation. While they are there to celebrate your union, there is also a part of each guest that is looking forward to some down time. Because of this, don’t feel obligated to plan every minute for them. Give guests enough to do to get a good feel for your destination and why you’ve chosen it, but also allow them have enough time to relax and plan activities on their own. 2. ...
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We’ve entered a new age. When I began my career as a wedding planner, clients would approach me with their selected colors, an overall feeling, a spending limit, and so on. They would have purchased a few bridal magazines and page after page would be dog-eared, marking stories of what they envisioned. During meetings, couples would tell me with sincerity that they wanted an event that was “pretty,” “glamorous,” or a thousand other words that were completely subjective and could be interpreted in a myriad of ways. Everything has changed since those days. Now one of the first topics we discuss in meetings with new clients is not only the same dog-eared magazines, but also what they are admiring on shared-image ... More »
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After you've said "yes" to the love of your life's proposal, it's time to start planning a wedding! For many, it's also a time when getting in shape becomes of the utmost importance. No matter what your current fitness level may be, most brides-to-be want to look their best when they walk down the aisle. Thousands of photos will be taken by... More »
When it comes to bridal beauty, a lot of the focus is understandably on hair and makeup; however, your nails are an important part of your overall look as well. After all, people are going to want to look at your rings, and photos of your bouquet are bound to include your hands. If you regularly hit up the nail salon every month, you likely alre... More »
Depending on your plans for your bachelorette party, you may not think you need a playlist. After all, if you’re going to a club, there is bound to be a DJ. But no matter where you’re going, you’ll probably spend a good amount of time getting ready with your best girls. Anyone who remembers going to a school dance recalls the t... More »
Everyone has their favorite dance songs, and many brides imagine certain melodies for when they walk down the aisle. However, music is a factor throughout the wedding. While you’d hope that your guests would catch up and get to know each other at their tables during the start of the reception, it’s always helpful to have some backgro... More »
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Photo: DFH Photo
Your Vegas Bachelorette Itinerary from a Vegas Local and Travel Expert
Ladies, we’ve all been there before. Planning a get together with the girls can be almost as stressful as planning a bachelorette party. Getting everyone on the same page and agree on the itinerary can be a near impossible task. Dealing with the vendors can be a headache, and the prices are over the top. I created VegasGirlsNightOut.c... More »
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Photo: Carrie King Photography
Unique Welcome Parties to Kick Off Your Wedding Weekend
While destination weddings can be seen as inconvenient, they also give the couple and their guests more chances to celebrate. A whole wedding weekend is common in these instances, as well as when you aren’t traveling for your nuptials but many of your attendees will be. The first event on the itinerary of a weekend in honor of your upcomin... More »
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Photo: Ether & Smith
How to Change Your Look for the Reception Without Changing Your Dress
It’s become so popular to change into a reception dress for the wedding that in the case of celebrities, it’s almost expected! There are a lot of benefits to wearing a second gown, such as being able to go classic for the vow exchange and then switching to a more comfortable style in order to tear up the dance floor; however, it̵... More »
Planning a wedding can be so stressful that often couples start to fantasize about scrapping their plans and just eloping instead. However, usually reality sets in and the lovebirds don’t want to sacrifice the vision they’ve had for their special day. There are other solutions to this common problem though, and one of them is having ... More »
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Photo: Lilly Red Creative
How to Choose Jewelry to Pair with Your Wedding Dress
While the dress is the most important part of your wedding-day outfit, accessories will help complete the look. "Choosing your bridal accessories is not as straight forward as selecting what to wear on any other occasion, of course!” says Maradee Wahl, the bridal stylist behind Dear Maradee. Your jewelry, headpiece, or any other accessorie... More »
Whether you'll be having a band or DJ perform at your wedding reception, putting together the must-have songs you want played is a favorite wedding-planning task for many couples. There will certainly be suggestions provided by your entertainment company, but couples often offer a "must play" and a "do not play" list to ensure the music for... More »
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Photo: Deyla Huss Photography
Hailey & Justin Bieber's Wedding Day Style
A week after the celebration of their marriage, Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin have shared official photos from their big day. While we still don’t know much about their wedding décor, we do have more insight into the bride and groom’s style. From the previously shared snapshots from the photo booth, we theorized that Hai... More »
Unless you have a personal attachment to a particular location, it can be hard to decide where to host a destination wedding. Those still looking for the right place to say “I do” may want to consider the Barceló Maya Grand Resort, located between Tulum and Playa Del Carmen on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. The property f... More »
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Photo: Jay Lawrence Goldman Photography
Music Not to Include at Your Wedding Reception
The music selection at the reception can make or break the good time had by your guests. Hiring well-reviewed professionals, be them DJs or bands, is a great way to help make sure everything goes smoothly, but you will still have some control over the songs that are played. Use that power wisely. Not only do you want to add tunes you know will g... More »
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Photo: Laurie Bailey Photography
What You Might Forget to Do at Your Wedding
If there is one constant we hear from brides and grooms featured in Inside Weddings, it’s that the day is a whirlwind that ends before you know it. As a result, it’s not surprising that – even after months of planning – there are likely going to be things that slip through the cracks. The best thing you can do is min... More »
