planning

7 Thoughtful Touches to Add to Your Wedding Day for Your Guests

All eyes will be on you on your wedding day – from people gushing over your fabulous outfit to guests talking about how amazing your cake is – this is all about you and your partner.

With that being said, the people you’ve invited to your wedding are your guests, so it’s important that they enjoy your day just as much as you do.

This doesn’t mean that you need to go out of your way to make your wedding day about your guests, but there are small things you can do to make the celebration even more memorable.

Give them a welcome bag.

Wedding welcome bags are a hot trend at the moment and guests love them! Welcome bags don’t need to be over the top either. A simple tote with a bottle of water, some snacks, and maybe some comfy shoes for when the dance floor opens is a simple but effective way to make the day super comfortable for your guests. The more local to you items you can include the better. Consult with your wedding planner if you need some great ideas.

Offer drinks before your ceremony.

Guests will be hanging around for at least 30 minutes before your ceremony starts and if you are getting married during the warmer months, offering a refreshing welcome drink can get the day off to a good start.

Keep them warm.

Getting married during autumn or winter? Place a few blankets or pashminas at the entrance of your ceremony venue to ensure guests are warm while you’re saying your vows.

Shield their eyes.

If your ceremony will be taking place outside, make sure that your guests can see exactly what’s going on by offering them a pair of sunglasses. Buying them in bulk will cut the cost of this fun wedding extra.

Cater for late-night munchies.

If you know that most of your guests will be dancing and having a good time late into the night, bring a few sodas and light snacks out later in the night to keep their tummies full.

Send them home with a treat.

Say thank you by sending your guests home with a delicious treat such as a cupcake. This could even double up as a late-night snack if you want to save on costs.

Create a charging station.

Make sure that your guests can keep taking photos and recording fun videos of your day by setting up a phone charging station at your reception.

Making your wedding day extra-special for your guests doesn’t need to be complicated or cost a fortune – it’s the smaller details that matter.

What to do and Where to Start with Wedding Planning Now That You’re Engaged!

It happened! You are engaged! What a moment! This may be quite surreal or be something that you have been waiting for, for quite some time. However the question was popped, it finally happened and the moments, days and weeks following your proposal are guaranteed to be a bit of a whirlwind!

 

There’s lots to do, so many people to contact and much to get organized for but don’t be overwhelmed – there’s plenty of time to plan your wedding and the rest of your lives but if you’re like many newly engaged couples, you’ll be wondering what the next stages are after your engagement and in what order you should do them.

 

But before you start to stress, don’t worry you are in the right place and I’m here to help!  

 

From countless Pinterest boards, wedding magazines, shopping for the perfect outfits and venue searching…. planning a wedding is a timely process and one that’s usually hugely underestimated but you don’t need to start planning every decision the second you say “yes” to your significant other.

 

Every couple’s timeline is different, you don’t need to race up the aisle or rush any part of the planning process. When it comes to the timings of everything, yes it can be confusing – Who do you tell? How soon should you have an engagement party (do you even want an engagement party…)? What planning tasks do you need to tackle first? These are really common questions that many engaged couples wonder; luckily I have the answers for you.  

 

Read on for what to do now that an all-important proposal has happened. 

 

Break the news 

One of the first steps after you’ve got engaged is to share your happy news. Take as much, or as little time as you like! Some couples want to tell everyone as soon as possible and have the Instagram announcement posted pronto while others may like to keep it a secret to be enjoyed only by a few close friends or family for a little longer.


When you are ready to tell the world do make sure you’ve told immediate family and friends before posting to social media. Once your immediate family and closest friends are in on the news – you can go public and get your relationship status changed on Facebook.


If you are planning on posting a ring selfie be sure to get a manicure or at least make sure your nails are cleaned and shaped – you don’t want anything to distract from that gorgeous ring!

 

Enjoy being engaged 

 

Round up some of your best friends and family and go out for a celebratory drink or meal, or have a special date night with your partner if that’s more your style. You’re engaged, and it’s most definitely worth celebrating.

 

Once you have shared the news of your engagement you can now take as long as you’d like to just enjoy the experience with your partner. Relax, don’t jump straight into the planning and just enjoy this new relationship status for a little while. You may decide to have a party or arrange an engagement photo shoot to mark the occasion.  

 

Of course, if you are planning on having a shorter engagement or you just want to get straight into the planning then you won’t want to delay the planning for too long – do whatever feels right for the two of you. 

 

It’s also worth mentioning that you may want to get your ring insured early on. It’s a pretty sentimental piece of jewelry after all. If you add it to your home insurance policy it’s usually pretty inexpensive.

 

Get organized 

 

When you are ready to get down to the wedding planning – I'd suggest getting an organizer or a planner to keep everything in one place. There will be a lot to coordinate over the next few months. Get into the habit of keeping important information in a specific place – there's nothing more frustrating than trying to hunt out a contract or RSVP’s when you really need them.  

 

Start to have those discussions about what kind of wedding you both want to have. A formal gathering?  A relaxed outdoor wedding? Do you want a church?

 

 If you have no ideas where to start, think about what suits your individual personalities, do you enjoy a good party or are you happier at smaller, more intimate gatherings? Once you have an idea of your overall wedding vibe other things will fall into place.

 

The Internet is a super helpful tool when it comes to all things weddings. Pinterest and Instagram are great places to start. Create your own mood board and pin things that appeal to you, it’ll be handy when showing your suppliers exact colors, the atmosphere and mood you want to recreate for your day and ensure an overall cohesive look between every element.

 

Next, it’s time to think about what’s important to you as a couple. You may have always wanted a hog roast at your wedding or to arrive by horse and carriage, if you have something that you have always had your heart on then you should have it – and if you have a budget, make savings elsewhere.  


After you’ve had some of these high end discussions it is also time to think about hiring a wedding planner. If your lives are busy, full of things to do (school, work, family, life), you may want a planner. If you struggle with research and making decisions, you may want a planner. If you have a wedding vision that has lots of moving parts, you may want a planner.

 

Set aside some time to plan 

 

Popular wedding dates and venues get booked far in advance (like 12-18 months in advance) so if you are hoping to get married in the next year or two, it’s sensible to start thinking about dates early on. Find out what works for both of your families and whether there’s any dates to steer clear of.

Once you have chosen a wedding date, start a list of tasks that need planning. You can’t book a wedding without a venue so you’ll want to research venues and call or visit for information about available dates and pricing. You’ll want to have discussions about your wedding size and budget early on into your wedding planning. You can’t move forward with any area of your wedding plans until you’ve determined an overall budget and know who may also be contributing to parts of your wedding. Once you’ve had discussions about your budget and guest size you’ll be able to make decisions and book your wedding date and venue.

 

I would recommend setting aside some specific days or allotted time with your significant other to go through plans regularly between now and the wedding day. Planning is best done in stages so as not to get too overwhelming. But don’t let wedding planning take over date night, as it’s still important to set time away from planning as a couple. By allotting time specifically to tackle your wedding to-dos you’ll accomplish so much more than just getting round to bits ‘here and there’ at the end of a long day.

 

Make a list of what each of you is going to do and split the tasks so that you can both be involved. This will keep both of you involved, every step of the way. Keep communicating too so that you don’t end up contacting the caterer twice or booking two florists! Your partner may not want to be so involved in choosing the decorations for the tables and so that can go on your list and you may decide that you are happy for them to choose the evening entertainment and so that’ll go on theirs. Have some tasks that you’ll do together too and you’ll soon get into the swing of wedding planning.  

 

When the planning gets tough, take a break from it all. It will wait. Spend the time to reconnect as a couple and get excited about the day ahead.  

And there you have my top tips of what to do now you are engaged! Welcome to wedding planning, we know you are going to love it and remember I’m here to answer any questions you may have.

5 Ways to Enjoy More of Your Wedding Planning

You’re about to celebrate and commemorate your relationship in a big way. There is so much to consider as you plan a wedding, so much so that it can easily become overwhelming and stressful. This doesn’t have to be the case though – with a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy more of your wedding planning process.

1.  Delegate as Much as Possible

Avoid burnout by accepting help from people around you. Just because you want things done a certain way doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help. Friends and family are more than willing to help you out, you simply have to ask. Hand over tasks that you were planning to DIY. The extra hands will reduce stress and get things done more quickly.

Also, your wedding vendors are there for you! Have a question, not sure what you need or if you should DIY something. Reach out.

2.      Think About the Experience More

While it’s important to stick to a budget for your wedding, it can make the planning process more stressful. Instead of focusing on what you are able to purchase to bring your wedding day to life, focus on how you want your guests to feel. Once you start focusing on the experience, you will find that you don’t actually need everything you thought you did. Look at those things that will help you and your guests remember the sounds, smells, tastes and feelings evoked at your wedding!

3.      Put All the Essentials in One Place

Couples can spend a lot of time answering the same questions once they start inviting guests to their wedding. To bypass this and reduce wedding planning stress, create a wedding website where guests can access all the information they need for the day. You now have more time to focus on other more important tasks. Creating an online gift registry is also highly recommended.

4.      Spend Enough Time on Vendor Research

Hiring experienced vendors is another way you can spend more time enjoying the months leading up to your wedding. Experienced vendors are more organized and will help you better plan your day without much effort on your part.

5.      Find Time for Self-Care

If you don’t find time for self-care, you might wake up on your wedding day feeling exhausted and frazzled. Self-care doesn’t mean a weekly spa visit either. Simply finding time to switch off for an hour several times a week is all you need. Take a long bath, go out for a quiet dinner with your partner with no wedding talk, or arrange a brunch with your besties. When you’re more balanced, the wedding planning process doesn’t feel as overwhelming.

If you are worried that you might turn into zilla, keep these tips in mind. The wedding planning process can and should be fun and memorable. 

Expert Tips for a More Picture-Perfect Wedding


Image - Sarah Kay Photography

You’ve put months of planning into your wedding day – from flower arrangements to bridesmaids’ dresses and canapes. However, once it’s all over, your photos are all that’s left to remember your day by. Therefore, it’s important to ensure your photos are as picture-perfect as possible.

While there’s no way to plan for every possible eventuality, these tips will cover the essentials.

-          Have a touch-up makeup set handy

Your makeup will look beautiful once you step out the door but sweat and tears could ruin that fresh look. Having a touch-up makeup kit handy will ensure you look great from start to finish.

-          Stay hydrated

It’s essential to keep drinking water throughout your day. However, to avoid smudging your lipstick, opt for water bottles and straws instead of cups.

-          Clean your rings

Your photographer will want to take a few detail shots, and these look a whole lot better if your rings have been cleaned and polished. Be sure to send your rings in for a cleaning before your big day. You could also keep some ring cleaner on hand to get rid of smudges on the day.

-          Get someone to keep a few tissues

You never know when you might need a tissue on your wedding day so ask one or two people in your wedding party to keep some handy.

-          Consider buying sweat-proof t-shirts for your guy

The last thing you want in your photos is sweat marks. Whether your groom sweats excessively or you know it’s going to be hot on your wedding day, sweat-proof t-shirts will avoid unsightly marks in your wedding photos.

-          Keep a disposable toothbrush in one of the bathrooms

If your photographer will be sticking around for photos after you eat, it’s best to give your teeth a quick brush. This way, your teeth will look great in all of your photos.

-          Buy a beautiful hanger

A wedding dress always looks more beautiful when it drops down from a beautiful hanger. These are inexpensive and will make all the difference to your wedding dress photos.

-          Clear up the room

Before your photographer takes those all-important getting-ready photos, clear up the room. Get rid of clutter, including trash, handbags, accessories, and anything that shouldn’t be in any of the shots.

-          A shot list

Lastly, don’t forget to create a photo list for your photographer before the day. This way, you can focus on enjoying the photos instead of worrying about whether your photographer is getting all the shots you had in mind.

**** Bonus tip ****

Use first and last names in your list as well as what side of the family they belong to. It will make it easier to track that person down or call out their name when it is time for them to join you for pictures.

With these simple tips in mind, you can look forward to eye-catching wedding photos that you will love looking back on over and over again.

The Father-Daughter Wedding Photos Brides Shouldn’t Miss Out On

There is nothing quite as heart-warming as the connection between a father and a daughter, especially on her wedding day. There are so many moments throughout your wedding day that involve your dad, but there are a handful that should definitely be on your shot list.

- The first look. Capturing your father’s reaction to seeing you in your dress for the first time is a must. If there is one father daughter photo to add to your list, it’s this one. Check out the blog post I wrote about the reasons why first looks aren’t just for you and your partner :)

- The post-look portrait. After your photographer captures your father’s natural reaction to your dress, pose for a portrait with him. This can be a really moving and emotional portrait that you both can treasure forever.

- The hand kiss or a similar ceremony moment.. You will always be your dad’s little princess, so grab a shot of your father holding and kissing your hand before he gives you away. This is a big moment for you both and it’s always something I ask the photographer to capture.

- The embrace. Another option is to capture a warm embrace with your dad. This is another shot that you can treasure for years to come.

- The tie. To involve your dad in more photos during the getting-ready process, grab a few shots of you tying his tie or bowtie for him. Or have him help you with your necklace or hold your bouquet as you step out of the car.

- The walk down the aisle. This must-have shot is always beautiful. Not only does it capture this moment with your father but the emotions you feel as he guides you down the aisle towards your partner. If possible have your photographer capture the moment between your dad and your future spouse.

Ryan No Bull Photography

- The dance. Lastly, if you’re planning to dance with your dad, make sure your photographer knows to capture this moment. Dad is remembering all those times he twirled you around the living room!

If your dad is one of the most important people in your life, speak to your photographer about other photo ideas for your big day.

Wedding Designer, Wedding Planner - Both or ???

If you are planning a wedding chances are you are speaking to and negotiating with lots of different companies. Hopefully, to help you stay sane you’re considering a wedding planner or designer. So, what is the actual difference between a wedding planner and a wedding designer?

If you want to enlist some help when you start planning your wedding would you benefit from having both or are they actually interchangeable?

It’s likely that the tasks they perform will have an element of overlap, but it’s also the case that they each have a very different focus and the initial brief that you give them will be based on this.

Let's take a closer look at each, so that you can decide where the best place would be for you to invest your money to help you make your day a memorable occasion for all of the right reasons.

What does a wedding planner do?

In this case it’s all in the name, a wedding planner is going to be there right from the start with you, helping to plan each aspect of your wedding.



A priority within their role is to take the pressure off of the two of you, to help reduce your stress and anxiety levels, suggest ideas, make trusted recommendations and help with your budgets and give advice on pricing too.

Wedding planners will stick with you right through the process and be present on your wedding day too. They will be helping to ensure that everyone is where they need to be and at the right times so that the day goes as smoothly as possible (notice I didn’t say perfectly :) ).

Most wedding planners will be able to help with the following areas:

·   Reviewing your budget, breaking it down, allocating chunks of your budget to different areas of your wedding, and reception, based on your priorities as well as average market pricing in your area.

·   Creating checklists so that everyone knows what needs to be done and by when.

·   Liaising with pro team members and venues.

·   Set up and removal of different elements on the big day.

·   And of course – management of everything on the day from ensuring everyone in the wedding party knows what they need to do and where they need to be, through to guest management, pro team liaison and any troubleshooting and problem solving too.

 

A wedding full service planner will often put in hundreds of hours of their time into your wedding day, they will know you as a couple inside and out and be on hand to support you each step of the way, resolving as many issues and problems as they can for you.

Although you will come to your own agreement with your wedding planner over what they are responsible for and when you can contact them, you should think of them as your right-hand person who is there to support you in every way possible.

What does a wedding designer do?

In a nutshell a wedding designer is there to help you with the aesthetics of your wedding – bringing your wedding to life through color, props, and layout.

They are going to help you to wow your guests with how your wedding and reception is laid out and the items that you choose to utilize on this day. This could be helping you to finalize a color palette, designing centerpieces for your tables, or sourcing that one ‘wow’ element that you have visualized but need help to bring to life.

A wedding designer’s role has very little to do with the overall planning of the wedding. The role of a designer is purely aesthetic - a wedding designer creates a cohesive feel and your desired atmosphere. They’ll offer guidance on fabrics, textures, color palettes, props, furniture, and all décor elements.

Most wedding designers will be able to help with the following areas:

·   Finalizing your color palette.

·   Recommending trusted pro team members.

·   Designing table layouts and centerpieces.

·   They may be able to provide linens, chair covers and embellishments.

·   Sourcing of props and oversight of installation and take down.

·   Making sure the aesthetic vision you had for your wedding comes to life.

A wedding designer can help to remove the stress of all those final preparations and the on day set up of your wedding.

They may also be able to save you a considerable amount of money by being able to recommend reliable, trustworthy pro teams, and when it comes to any props, chair covers and embellishments they may have a variety that you can rent which will be perfect for your day and save you the expense of purchasing.

Should you hire a Wedding Designer?

  • Is the décor and atmosphere of your wedding is important to you

  • Would like someone creative involved who is able to take a blank canvas and turn it into the space you imagined

  • You want someone to be wholly responsible for decorating the event space for your wedding.

  • You’re looking for ornate or difficult to source props or equipment.

  • You have a specific, detailed theme in mind and need help developing and executing it.

…then hiring a wedding designer may just be for you. Typically due to the nature of their work they tend to book up quite early on so we would recommend sourcing your wedding designer as far as 12 months before your wedding day. This will also give your chosen supplier time to source any obscure or unique items for the day.

In Summary…

Whilst there is an area of overlap between a wedding planning and a wedding designer, they have very different roles to play when it comes to the planning and execution of your wedding.

Deciding on the level of help you want to invest in will depend on a number of things including how much of the planning you want to do yourself, how much time you have to invest in planning your wedding, how creative you are and of course the budget that you are working with.

 You could opt to work with just one, both or neither – the choice is all yours but hopefully you now feel armed with the information that can help you to make an informed decision.

And if you do decide to higher a wedding planner, please reach out! We’d love to help!!




The Cost of Being a Wedding Attendant (PS It's not JUST about money)

Here comes the couple—with wishes far and wide.

While it's an incredible honor to be a wedding attendant in a close friend or family member's wedding, the role may be more expensive than you think. There are numerous monetary expenses, as well as time and energy, involved in serving as an attendant.

While most attendants genuinely appreciate the honor of standing by their loved ones at a life-changing event, many also find the entire experience stressful.

Each attendant spends about $1,200 at every wedding. If you include an outfit,  alterations, pre-wedding parties and events, and presents, the cost escalates to nearly $2,000. Add travel and accommodation, and the cost may significantly go higher.

Then there's the fact that couples are often sold on the notion that their wedding is the most important day of their life. With that mindset and expectations, the lead-up to the wedding—and ensuring that everything is perfect for the couple—is frequently laden with anxiety, stress, and fear of disappointment.

Before you say yes and commit to several months of attendant duties, it is important to know what to expect financially—and mentally. Let's break down the average cost of participating in a wedding.

Attire and Alterations

A great wedding party should look cohesive and elegant, with the intent to complement the couple’s appearance and contribute to the overall wedding aesthetic with the different colors and textures of their attire.

The cost of the attendant outfit is determined by several factors, including where you buy it and the fabric used. The better the quality of the outfit, the more expensive it will be. A wedding attendant outfit typically costs between $140 and $210. 

Moreover, these outfits typically require alterations to ensure a great fit. Some couples may also insist on matching shoes and accessories. The cost of these alterations and accessories can quickly add up and should be factored into the overall cost of the outfit.

Hair and Makeup

Hair and makeup rates vary significantly between small and large cities, either due to the cost of living or the popularity of the stylist. On average, fees range between $50 and $300 per service. With that in mind, prepare to shell out at least $100 for hair and makeup if this is something that you choose

Some couples choose to cover hair and makeup to express their gratitude to their friends. However, this is not always the case, especially when the wedding party is big. Every couple wants their attendants to look fantastic, but the budget may not always allow for both hair and makeup.

Pre-Wedding Events

Attendants are expected to throw different parties, including helping the parents with the engagement party, pre-wedding shower, and celebration  party. That often means buying or making decorations, party favors, finger food, and treats for each occasion. 

Make it a point to reduce the use of plastics at the wedding and pre-wedding events by removing unnecessary single-use plastic items and giveaways, such as plastic water bottles and lanyards, and choose reusable items instead. 

Many couples choose  destination celebration parties, too. While attendants aren’t expected to pay for the couple’s plane tickets, a weekend getaway can quickly burn a hole in your pocket.

Travel and Accommodation

If you're lucky, the wedding will take place near your home. However, for many, attending a wedding involves travel. This can be as little as $30 for a tank of gas or as much as $100 for a one-way train ticket, or as high as $650 for a cross-country flight.

Expect destination weddings during and post-COVID to cost even more.  The number of people traveling is rising again—and so are the prices. Airline tickets and hotel rates are increasing as people return in droves for the first time since the pandemic began, excited to head to mountains and beaches or visit family and friends after over a year of being stuck at home.

Even if the wedding will be held in your hometown, many couples want to have their attendants nearby the night before the wedding. This means that most attendants are likely to pay for an overnight hotel stay.

Gifts

A personalized jewelry organizer for the bridal shower, sexy lingerie for the bachelorette party, personalized champagne flutes for the engagement party, and something else for the couple on the wedding day itself. 

On average, attendants spend $125 on wedding gifts, but this may vary depending on two factors: the wedding registry and how many guests have beat you to the registry list. If you're a last-minute shopper, you may find yourself left with the most expensive options or scrambling to find a gift by yourself.

Mental and Emotional Costs

You've calculated the figures and are financially prepared to be an attendant. It's also important to be ready for the mental "expenses" that come with the job description. Throughout the planning process, you'll need to be emotionally available and supportive to help the couple realize their vision for the big day.

As an attendant, you should help keep things drama-free and diffuse any stress or tension to make things as easy and relaxed for the couple as possible. You want the couple to walk down the aisle happy and excited, not with eye bags and wrinkles caused by months of stressful preparation.

Final Thoughts

Being in a wedding  may sound a little overwhelming, but it is well worth the money, time, and effort. You'll create wonderful memories as a part of your friend's big day and all the days leading up to it.  While there are financial and emotional costs involved, being with your loved one during this milestone occasion is priceless.

Why Your Wedding Reception is About Your Guests (and NOT You)

If wedding ceremonies are all about the newlyweds, then the reception is all about the guests. Wedding photos will not be as beautiful without your loved ones in the composition.

At first glance, the title of this blog might raise some eyebrows—especially for all the nearlyweds out there. The truth is, weddings will not be complete and meaningful without your friends and family there to bear witness and celebrate it with you. It will not feel as special if there is no one to share a feast with and enjoy every memorable moment on your wedding day.

That is not to say that the spotlight should be given to your guests during your reception. Rather, it means showing appreciation for their presence and time.

Wedding Receptions Represent Togetherness 

When planning your wedding, you think about the venue, the theme, the decorations, and most typically, the food. 

Why is that?

The reason is that weddings are not just a celebration of love. It is also sharing an intimate milestone with the people who matter in your life. Otherwise, why would you painstakingly make sure that everything—from the meals to the venue to the details—suits your dream wedding perfectly?

Your guests add more excitement to your party. You base your reception’s overall vibe of the people who make up your ‘exclusive crowd’. You want to leave a good and lasting impression and may even hire a professional wedding planner to help do the job.

Here are a few more reasons why your wedding reception is defined by the people who attend your special day:

Guests share the flood of emotions at your wedding.

No wedding is  complete without a dose of happy tears, contented sighs, and boisterous cheers. All of these  emotions are not enough to be contained within two individuals only. Your guests are there to experience and honor your love story with your spouse. They are one with you in acknowledging your brand new journey. Besides, wouldn’t the happy emotions double or triple with more people there to experience it with you?

You express gratitude to your guests through your reception.

Your wedding reception gives you the opportunity to express your appreciation to your guests. By feeding your guests and providing them with a one-of-a-kind event that they will enjoy and remember, you make them know just how much their presence means to you. At the end of the day, the people who truly care about you and the milestones in your life are the ones worth hosting an amazing wedding reception for. 

Be more thoughtful of your guests.

While the couple chooses what to serve at their wedding reception, that does not mean that the menu is entirely an exhibition of foods that only the two of them fancy. Generally speaking, when you invite people to celebrate a milestone in your life, it is just right that you be considerate of their needs. By that, it means considering whether some of your guests have allergic reactions to specific types of food or spices. The least you can do for the people who can make time for your special day is to go through your guest list and check whether your choice of food does more harm than good for them. 

The food is not the only detail to consider on your reception. The venue and accommodation are just as essential. For instance, if you plan to get married in the winter, it would be best to choose a cozy, indoor venue complete with warm drinks and soups. If you are to be wed during the hotter seasons, an outdoor setting may or may not be ideal.l. You can also have fans and additional stations for refreshments prepared to keep your guests feeling refreshed throughout the entire celebration. 

More importantly, check whether your wedding venue is accessible for most—if not all—of your guests. How easily will they be able to get transportation to reach the venue? Can your budget accommodate shouldering the travel expenses for all your guests? Also, how will you ensure the safety and comfort of guests who may have underlying health conditions or disabilities?

The reception is essentially a thank you to your guests.

When you ask people to attend your wedding you are asking them to commit to a number of things. Potentially taking time off from work, pull their kiddos out of school, paying for transportation and accommodations, buying new outfits and purchasing gift(s). This all adds up. And yes, your guests will usually, joyfully do these things to be a part of your wedding celebration. But how do you think these same guests will feel if there is little to no consideration for them after the wedding ceremony? If there is nowhere for them to sit, no food or drinks or limited, specialized food or drinks, no consideration for their health or dietary needs, or asking them to pay for food or drinks? It is for these reasons that we say that your reception is about your guests.



Written by Sophia Young Content Studio

Ask an Expert - 7 Wedding Gown Questions Answered by Laurie Dickman - Laurie's Bridal, Scottsdale AZ

I’ve been planning weddings for a long time and one of the things that I’ve come to appreciate is that I work with a lot of fabulous professionals that really know their stuff. I’ve also learned that each specialty has a number of quirks about it that always inspire questions. In our Ask the Expert series, we’re going to talk with, well, the experts and answer some of those fun questions that you may or may not have wondered about.

In this post we are going to talk with Laurie Dickman with Laurie’s Bridal based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Laurie sells amazing gowns with a personal touch. She truly cares about each one of her clients and wants them to feel gorgeous on their wedding day! Here’s a little more about Laurie -


Originally from New York, Laurie’s flair for fashion began in her teenage years, when she started working part-time at a high-end clothing and dress boutique in her local mall. In the very early 1990’s, she started working for a leading bridal dress and headpiece manufacturer. Laurie worked her way up and was soon traveling all over the United States as a Trunk Show Coordinator, training store owners, and their employees on how to properly sell wedding gowns, to educate their customers and to help listen to what the consumer wanted and bring that back to the company.

‘I loved every single thing about our wedding! I still look at my wedding pictures and LOVE LOVE LOVE my own wedding gown and yes, I still love my groom too!’ I tell all of my brides to be true to who they are when choosing their bridal gown. Don’t worry about matching the venue, but match who you are. ~ Laurie

Laurie wants all of her customers to have fun. With a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, surrounded by gorgeous dresses, it’s not difficult to find that dress of your dreams here. Bridal appointments are private and exclusive and you get to work with Laurie, herself! Being a hands-on owner, Laurie definitely brings the fun back into dress shopping!


Now, about those questions -

1. What is the ideal number of people to bring with when trying on dresses?

Ideally, we recommend you bring the 2-3 closest people in your life. Buying a bridal gown is very emotional and personal. Too many opinions may not be a good thing.

2. How soon should I start looking for a dress?

We recommend 12-15 months in advance. Most special order gowns, meaning, not purchasing off the rack, can take anywhere from 5-9 months, depending on the designer.

3. When should I schedule alterations?

Typically alterations should be scheduled about 2-3 months before your wedding, depending on the time of year. There is a busy season for alterations and you don’t want to find your alterations specialist saying they don’t have time to take you.

4. Should I get a bustle?

ABSOLUTELY!  Why wouldn’t you want to get a bustle?  Do you want to be lugging around that gorgeous train all night? I tell all my brides, bustling is an art and can be almost as spectacular as the front of your gown.  By the way, that little loop under the skirt, is NOT a bustle. It’s for the bridal shops to lift the bustle up off the floor and hang it up. An alterations specialist is worth every penny! 

5. Will you recommend a dress for me, or do I need to know what style I want to wear?

I chat with every bride prior to her appointment to hear what her vision and her thoughts are. By the time she comes in, I already have an idea of what she’s thinking. I tell every single bride, “My job as a stylist is to also put you in gowns that you may not have thought of. A good stylist will put you in gowns that look amazing on you, whether or not you like them, that’s up to you.”

6. What should I bring with me for my appointment?

UNDERWEAR!!!  Not only should you wear your underwear, but please wear proper underwear, not a thong. Nude seamless panties are perfect. You’ll be in and out of gowns all day and need to be comfortable.  Trying on bridal gowns is like trying on bathing suits, until it’s yours, underwear is a must ☺

 Also you may wish to wear a strapless bra.  Even though most gowns come with built in bra cups, a strapless bra will help you feel more comfortable. 

7. What is your favorite tip for people dress shopping?

Every single bride hears this from me, I should trademark it I say it so often: “Be true to who you are because you don’t want to look back at your pictures and think oh my, what was I thinking.” It’s ok to say yes at the first shop, in the first dress. Don’t be pressured into buying something you think everyone else wants you to buy. Most importantly, have fun! This is an exciting time in your life, that you plan to only do once!

Looking for your wedding dress? Make an appointment with Laurie today! And tell her I sent you!


Website - https://lauriesbridal.com

Emails - LauriesBridal@Gmail.com

Telephone - 480-699-3973

Address - 14891 N. Northsight Blvd Northsight Crossing Shopping Center Scottsdale, AZ 85260

10 Bouquets We Love - Desert Edition

In my personal opinion, flowers make the wedding! Take a peek at some of my favorite wedding bouquets with a desert spin!

Bouquets courtesy of PJ’s Flowers. Check out their IG for more gorgeous images!

Which bouquet is your favorite?

5 Tips For Attending A Virtual Wedding Show

Thanks so much Covid for changing the way we plan weddings (insert total sarcasm voice here).

You can’t interview vendors in person. Talking about your wedding with your family and friends after dinner is mostly non-existent. And you can forget about attending a wedding expo or wedding show.

Or can you?!?

Have you heard of a virtual wedding show? No, check out our article on What Is A Virtual Wedding Show??? Interested? We thought you might be! How about some tips on making your experience amazing?

  1. Put the date and time on your calendar as soon as you sign up and make it a priority.

    I know stuff happens, but you won’t get any benefit if you don’t actually attend. Besides, most of the discount codes won’t be given out until the end of the show.

  2. Download the appropriate app before the show.

    This one seems a little silly, but it will make clicking the link and getting into the show faster and easier day of.

  3. Take a peek at the schedule and see who you want to be sure to be present for.

    You may have already booked a vendor or two already and are really interested in others. Look at the schedule to make sure you’re online and in a place to listen and interact when those you are super interested in will be presenting.

  4. If you have the time, listen to everyone, even vendor categories you may have already booked.

    You may pick up some tips, tricks and advice to help with those vendors already booked.

  5. Open the emails that come before and after the show from the organizers and participating vendors.

    This is where the discount codes, special offers and other goodies will be given to you. You don’t want to miss them.

I know this isn’t ideal. It isn’t normal. It isn’t what you dreamed about. And trust me, my heart is breaking for you. But I do love that I get a more intimate experience with you while you decide which vendors to hire. I love that attending a virtual option keeps you safe. And I love that the vendors that chose to step into this mode of working with you are among the most progressive and professional in our area.

Mark November 15th, 2020 on your calendar and get your ticket to the Arizona Online Wedding Show!

What Is A Virtual Wedding Show???

Virtual Conference Image

So there is pre-Covid life which I think most of us are really missing right now. And then there is during Covid life, which unfortunately is our current reality. And I’m going to be honest with you, during Covid life is really, really terrible in so many ways - no parties, no get-togethers, limited travel, limited everything including how you plan for your wedding.

Remember this -

Engagement Ring


Leads to this (usually) -

But in-between we have a whole lot of this -

Wedding planning involves a ton of research, talking to loads of people and spending tons of money. Pre-Covid, you would talk to your friends over dinner for referrals and to make plans, meet with more than a few professionals as you try to hire just the right person for the job, oh and attend wedding shows/open houses.

All of which YOU CAN’T DO RIGHT NOW!!!!

Does this mean that you’re supposed to wing it? Not plan a wedding? Try and figure things out using Google and praying that you are hiring someone with value, integrity and who has just the right stuff?

Or…

You could attend a virtual wedding show. What’s that you say?? You’ve never heard of a virtual wedding show?!?! Let me tell you all about it!!!

A virtual wedding show has so many perks that I don’t know why we didn’t have them pre-Covid!

  • They are typically free or very low cost to attend.

  • You don’t have to fight through traffic and pay for parking.

  • Crowds are non-existent (unless you have 1,000 of your best friends staying at your house).

  • No back breaking bag full of promotional materials that you took just to get someone to leave you alone.

  • They are full of curated, professional vendors that are on a schedule so you can pop in and only watch the ones you are interested in.

  • You can interact with the vendors on a one-to-one basis and ask all the questions, without feeling over-whelmed.

  • Typically you are still offered a discount or some other perk for signing on.

  • You can attend in your PJ’s or hanging out by the pool.

  • No need to get a babysitter, you can watch on mute while the kiddos are in the other room.

  • Need an excuse to get together with your besties but don’t want to expose them to 3,000 other people? Have a watch party with mimosas!

  • No masks or social distancing AT ALL!

You’ll still get to meet amazing vendors! You’ll still get to work on planning your wedding! You’ll still get those moments of “OMG, I really am getting married”.

So, you’re hooked and ready to sign on for the next show???

Mark your calendar for November 15th, 2020 at 11:00 am and register for your free ticket to the Arizona Online Wedding Show!