Planning Tips from the Nation's Top Wedding Professionals

Discover the ultimate wedding-planning tips, top trends to incorporate into your big day, and more!

Take a look at expert wedding-planning tips, trends, and secrets from Inside Weddings' Editors Circle members! From dress shopping to planning the ultimate wedding day, read the expert advice from these top wedding professionals.

bride with bridesmaids in colorful mismatched pattern and color bridesmaid dresses pastel wedding
Photo: Dmitry Shumanev Production

There are hundreds of little decisions that will ultimately make your wedding day what it is. From shopping for the perfect wedding dress, to planning your pre- and post-wedding events such as the welcome party and rehearsal dinner or the farewell brunch, to choosing an overall design aesthetic that fits your personalities and the vibe of your venue – while staying up to date with the latest trends, you'll have a lot to consider during the wedding-planning process

While we recommend hiring a wedding planner to help you organize the details of your nuptials, we understand that many couples choose to plan their own weddings or gather advice from a number of sources, which is why we're always sharing the expert advice of our Editors Circle members, who are among some of the nation's top wedding professionals.

Since trends are constantly changing and couples have seemingly endless inspiration while wedding planning, look to these professionals who have been in the industry for years to know what to do and how to prepare for one of the biggest events of your life. We invite you to read the latest trends, discover planning secrets, and uncover tips from wedding planners, bridal stylists, floral designers, and photographers on a number of topics featured in the magazine. 

Take note of the advice showcased in the pages of our 2024 issues of Inside Weddings, and make these tips your own to fit your desired wedding look. Happy planning!

Host an Intimate Dinner Before the Wedding

"Host an intimate dinner with your nearest and dearest to kick off the wedding weekend before the larger group of guests arrive. It’s so nice to carve out time to celebrate with your closest friends and family, and it’ll end up creating some of your best memories from the weekend." - Allyson Joseph of Bob Gail Events

real wedding photo by bob gail events long wedding table with pattern linen cane chairs rattan pendant lights

Photo by Joel Serrato Photography; Planning & Design by Bob Gail Events

Take Care in Choosing Your Bridal Party

"When selecting your bridal party, choose those closest to you who will shower you with love, keep you calm, and support you and your upcoming marriage to your fiancé. Don’t be afraid to be selective." - Natalie Sofer of Natalie Sofer Weddings and Events

bride with bridesmaids in colorful mismatched pattern and color bridesmaid dresses pastel wedding

Photo by Dmitry Shumanev Production; Planning & Design by Natalie Sofer Weddings and Events; From Real Wedding: Vineyard Destination Wedding Featuring Pretty Pastels in Malibu, California

Be Inspired by Your Favorite TV Shows & Films

"Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so make it uniquely yours by embracing a fun and personal theme! Draw inspiration from your favorite TV series, like the romantic elegance of Bridgerton or the epic grandeur of Game of Thrones. Let these themes shine through in your décor, attire, and overall atmosphere." - Brenna Cicciari for Bridal Reflections

ruth wedding dress by kim kassas couture your majesty collection strapless wedding dress with vintage bodice

Photo courtesy of Kim Kassas Couture; Gown: "Ruth" from the Your Majesty Collection

Try a Dramatic Bridal Hood or Cape

"Hooded capes are the new veil, particularly when paired with a clean, slim-fitted dress. They simultaneously channel enchanting and intriguing, sexy vibes – and as the wedding-day festivities progress, hoods can be put down to become a cowled-back dress detail or removed altogether to reveal a dress change." - Belle Manjong of BBelle Style

andrea osei bride wedding dress with pearl cape hood detail on runway bridal fashion week

Photo by Kristen Pierce; Designer: Andrea Osei Bride

Let Your Bridesmaids Choose Their Own Looks

"Let your bridesmaids choose their own shoes, jewelry, and nail color. You often cannot even see the shoes in long gowns, and the jewelry and nail color really won’t matter on the day, as long as it is dainty and neutral. This freedom of self-expression will be appreciated by your leading ladies." - Tessa Brand of Tessa Lyn Events

bridesmaids in black silk bridesmaid dresses of their choosing with different hairstyles

Photo by Valorie Darling Photography; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events

Hire a Team That Understands Your Vision

"Hire a team that you feel truly understands you and your vision! A talented professional planning and vendor team will know what to do in any situation that may arise, and when you know your wedding is in the hands of experts you trust, you are guaranteed a smoother event." - Jonathan Reeves of International Event Company

luxury outdoor wedding ceremony with greenery and white flowers international event company

Photo by John Solano Photography; Planning & Design by International Event Company

"Never underestimate the value of a wedding planner who is also a designer. A luxury wedding planner will do more than simply organize your tasks. He or she should draw inspiration from your personal narrative and weave it into the design of every event element, ensuring that your wedding day feels deeply personal and exquisitely tailored to you. Embrace opulent details in your celebration – from lush floral installations to intricate tablescapes and dramatic lighting – to create a lush setting of sophistication and glamour." - Andrea Eppolito of Andrea Eppolito Events

luxury wedding ceremony andrea eppolito events white flowers candelabra bride and groom recessional

Photo by Brian Leahy; Planning & Design by Andrea Eppolito Events

Consider a Grab & Go Station vs. Welcome Bags

"When planning a destination wedding, instead of a standard welcome bag for guests, create a grab+go station at the welcome party where guests can pick and choose what they would like to take. This reduces waste, and guests get to walk away with items they will actually eat/use!" - Kaylen Davidson of Sara Judith Events

wedding welcome bag alternative grab and go station at welcome party with wedding favors

Photo by Jenna Brisson Photography; Planning & Design by Sara Judith Events

Ask Your Photographer About Drone Photography

"Drones are a hot trend for weddings more recently and that’s because the results can look amazing! Having the option to include drone footage in your photography collection is a major bonus. If it’s available, you and your photographer will have to make sure it’s allowed at the venue and that the shots needed can be timed with the time of day that allows the overhead point of view to look spectacular. If it’s a sunny day, shadows can play tricks on the images themselves so make sure your photographer plans it all out." - Maya Myers of Maya Myers Photography

Prepare Paper Goods for Your Photographer

"Make sure you put a folder together with clean samples of your save the date and invitation suite with stamps for your photographer to take pictures of on your wedding day." - Heather Lowenthal of Posh Parties

real wedding invitation suite with rose and seashell design neutral colors posh parties and paper

Photo by Stetten Wilson Photography; Planning & Design by Posh Parties

Have Fun with Your Seating Chart

"The seating chart is a detail all of your guests see, making it a great option to tie in personalization. Doing something that’s unique or sentimental to you both is a great way to make a lasting impression on your guests!" - Kaylen Davidson of Sara Judith Events

be our guest seating chart display with colorful tassels on escort cards sara judith events

seating chart display with colorful tassels on escort cards sara judith events

Photos by Joey Kennedy Photography; Planning & Design by Sara Judith Events

Choose Long, Family-Style Tables

"Whether family-style dinner or plated, long tables are a better choice – all of the décor, from the flowers and candles to the straight line of the chairs, looks much more elegant and dramatic when you and your guests first walk into the space." - David Pressman of David Pressman Events

destination wedding tablescape long family-style table with ocean beach view david pressman

Photo by Beautiful Day Photography; Planning & Design by David Pressman Events

Pay Special Attention to Tabletop Details

"Tabletop is now just as important as flowers. Colorful and intricate linens, upgraded glassware in corresponding hues, and details with personality really set the stage for the beautiful florals and overall feeling of the room or event space." - Mindy Weiss of Mindy Weiss Party Consultants

tabletop details at mindy weiss wedding peach and gold plate with ornate flower laser cut menu design

Photo by Bethany Paige Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants

Incorporate Peach Wedding Flowers

"Peach is the emerging color of the season in wedding florals. More couture-looking and unexpected than pink, and much more approachable than orange, peach is warm and soft, romantic and elegant." - Andrea Eppolito of Andrea Eppolito Events

peach wedding flower trend tall centerpiece with peach roses andrea eppolito events reception

Photo by John & Joseph Photography; Planning & Design by Andrea Eppolito Events

Use Disco Balls in Your Décor

"Disco balls have made a comeback. Many of our couples love the glamour, energy, and unique lighting effect that disco balls provide a wedding reception. Hanging some above the dance floor brings an instant 'party pop' and adds an unexpected wow." - Victoria Dubin of Victoria Dubin Events

luxury wedding reception victoria dubin events greenery ceiling installation with disco balls blue decor

Photo by Nicolas Manassi for Roey Yohai Studios; Planning & Design by Victoria Dubin Events

Be Methodical with Your Bar Placement

"To avoid guests leaving the dance floor for too long, place a bar or two near where dancing will take place, so guests can just easily step off the dance floor for a refill and get back to dancing as quickly as possible." - Beth Helmstetter of Beth Helmstetter Events, Inc.

bride with silent disco headphones and fringe after party dress on dance floor at wedding reception

Photo by Lauren + Abby Ross; Planning & Design by Beth Helmstetter Events, Inc.

Choose a Fun Minidress for a Second Look

"Straight from Bridal Fashion Week in New York, minidresses are in! If you are planning on changing into a second look at your reception, choose a fun minidress that will help you keep the party going all night long!" - Heather Lowenthal of Posh Parties

bride in minidress for second look chic after party or reception looks for brides

Photo by Lauren + Abby Ross; Planning & Design by Posh Parties

"Plan to see brides choosing beautiful, classic wedding gowns with timeless details such as luxurious, long trains, and later changing into a completely different second look featuring a flirty, fun ensemble." - Berit Bizjak of Berit Bizjak Photography

Plan a Fun After-Party

"One of our favorite elements of producing a wedding weekend is the after-party. The primary goal is simple: keep the party going! We love to dream up ways to surprise and delight guests with details as the night continues. For some, it’s as simple as delicious well-crafted late-night snacks or tray-passed espresso martinis, and for others, we change up entertainment with live music and custom comfy kicks for guests to slip into." - Katie Pincus of Bob Gail Events

live saxophone player on dance floor at wedding luxury wedding entertainment bob gail events

Photo by James Moes; Planning & Design by Bob Gail Events

Surprise Your Guests with Fireworks

"Looking for a way to surprise your guests, create some beautiful photos, and light up the sky to celebrate your wedding? Then fireworks are the answer. The average cost per minute is $1,000-2,000, and two minutes is just the right amount of time to wow everyone and leave them wanting more. Safety comes first, so have your wedding planner confirm they’re legal, and then hire professionals because your wedding is not the time or the place for amateurs." - David Pressman of David Pressman Events

bride and groom watching firework show at wedding by the beach david pressman

Photo by Laura Grier; Planning & Design by David Pressman Events

Make Your Thank-You Notes Unique

"Newlyweds… make your thank-you notes unique and personal by collecting postcards from your honeymoon destination. Jot down your heartfelt messages while exploring beautiful locations – or if time doesn’t allow, when you get home. Either way, your friends and family will love receiving a piece of your honeymoon adventure in the mail." - Mallory Ladenheim of Rikki & Mal

hawaii postcard wedding thank you notes unique thank you note ideas to stand out

Photos courtesy of Rikki & Mal

For more wedding ideas, discover more wedding advice from our Editors Circle members, find out what to do once you get engaged, and see must-have products and services for brides and grooms! We also encourage you to follow @InsideWeddings on Instagram and Pinterest for daily wedding ideas and inspiration!

Opening photo by Dmitry Shumanev Production; Planning & Design by Natalie Sofer Weddings and Events; From Real Wedding: Vineyard Destination Wedding Featuring Pretty Pastels in Malibu, California