Expert Advice - Inside Weddings

What You Should and Should Not Do for a Summer Wedding

In our world, summer is typically thought of wedding season. Even if you’re currently planning your own nuptials, we wouldn’t be surprised if you had a few celebrations to attend in the next month or so – if you haven’t already been a guest at several, that is! Being present at these soirées has given you a chance to notice what makes summer weddings a fun night of partying and what makes them unpleasant and miserable. If you’re planning your own celebration for the warmer months, we have a few tips on how to keep everyone happy – especially if you live where the weather gets hot and if you’re planning on an outdoor fête. Do provide relief from the heat. This can come in many forms. Umbrellas can be set up above the ceremony chairs, or parasols can be provided for guests. A water station will keep attendees from ... Read More »

How to Give a Father-of-the-Bride Toast

Photo by Lin & Jirsa; Floral Design by Flowers by Cina At traditional weddings, the father of the bride tends to have an important role. He will generally escort his daughter down the aisle (sometimes alongside the mother of the bride), participate in a father-daughter dance, and give a toast at the start of the reception. This all stems from the custom of the bride’s family paying for the wedding. As women were not always able to work outside the home, this meant the father was the head of the household and would be honored at the event he was seen as hosting. Of course, nowadays a couple may pay for their nuptials themselves or share the cost between both sets of parents – not to mention the fact that the mother of the bride may be the breadwinner of the family. However, plenty still choose to embrace the traditional customs ... Read More »

The Much-Needed Wedding Day Timeline

We’ve all been to a stunning wedding where the ceremony starts an hour late, the toasts are interminable, and the maid of honor is running around frazzled asking if anyone’s seen the photographer. When planning your own special day, you can avoid wedding fails by creating a detailed timeline. While the décor elements are more visible, having your big day progress smoothly will transform your celebration from merely a beautiful event to a magical one. Photo by Koman Photography; Planning & Design by Ilana Ashley Events Creating a Timeline: Who, How & Why All of your vendors should know when you expect them to arrive, when they should be done setting up, and what time they need to return for clean up. Consider making a condensed version for your wedding party and family to ensure that they know where they need to be. Block off your wedding day into 15-minute segments that start ... Read More »