Weddings can be a big investment. That is how my (now) husband and I saw it because this was likely the only time all our friends & family would be together. We had people traveling from all over the US, including ourselves. Planning a wedding from out of state is stressful but I was so lucky to have great family and vendors to support us. This wasn't just “MY big day”. It was about having fun and sharing love with our favorite people, and this is how we made it possible. This page contains affiliate links, If you click and purchase I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally used.
Nobody warns you that half the sparklers on the market fizzle out in 8 seconds, smoke up your wedding photos, or leave burn marks on your dress. I learned all of this the hard way at my sister's wedding and then spent weeks researching before mine. If you're planning a sparkler send-off and don't want a smoky, anticlimactic disaster — here's everything I figured out so you can skip the trial and error.
When my husband and I got married, we went to the courthouse and had a very small get together at a restaurant with close family and friends. For our 5 year vow renewal, we are making it a mission to have that dream wedding that every couple dreams of. This list shows everything that
Destination guests land fried, then they hit 110-degree sidewalks and a 2 a.m. after-party. These are the things I tell couples to drop in the hotel-room bag so people actually show up on time and still look human in group photos. Not the couple’s day-of kit. That list is separate.
Finding the perfect anniversary gift can be difficult. Here are a few niche ideas, traditional to modern themed, to solve indecision—Or spark some unique ideas, at the very least
My style is a blend of vintage and simplicity. I love gemstones and mix gold with silver—my wedding band is gold, while my engagement ring is white gold. In this guide, I’ve curated rings that are both eye-catching and timeless.
You hired a photographer, but they can't be everywhere. They miss the dance floor chaos, the kids stealing cake, the uncle doing karaoke. I scattered disposable cameras across our tables and the candid shots we got back were honestly better than half the professional ones. If you're planning a wedding and want those real, unfiltered moments your guests actually lived, grab these before your big day.
Planning a wedding on a budget felt like trying to fit champagne taste into a lemonade wallet — every Pinterest board mocked me. If you're engaged, staring at venue quotes, and quietly panicking about how to make it all look expensive without a second mortgage, this is the exact lineup I used. Took me five months of trial-and-error so you can skip straight to the good stuff.
We spent months picking out the perfect dining table after the wedding, then left water rings on it within the first week. If you're a newlywed couple moving into your first place together and you want coasters that actually mean something — not just random cork circles from a dollar store — I tracked down the ones worth keeping forever. Grab these before you host your first dinner party and panic.
For all the 2026 brides-to-be, here's my list of potential welcome party dresses. I've been scouring the internet for months trying to find unique and fun dresses for the weekend!
Discover the best local wedding pros all in one place here in idaho falls. From hair and makeup to cakes, rings, venues, and more—this guide highlights trusted experts who help bring your dream day to life. Consider it your go-to list for every detail that matters.
All things wedding for an upcoming bride. Vendor recs, planning & stationary, makeup and clothing. Whether you are DIY or hands off this is for you. Hope it helps!
Plan an epic, elegant bachelor party with our curated list of personalized black-tie poker night invites, decor, and unique favors. This list contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, we may receive a commission, without any extra charge to you.
It's so hard to find the perfect dress to wear to weddings that's the right amount of formal, fun, classic and feminine! This is my roundup of Lulu's wedding guest dresses!
This list covers my recommendations for wedding anniversary gifts for couples that they will both appreciate. I include the traditional and modern gifts by year.
A wedding reception is a great time to relax and celebrate after exchanging vows. The couple can hang out with family and friends, eat food and party. Here are some festive decorating ideas as well as acccessories and favors, to help make the festivity as memorable as possible. (Some of these would make great bridal shower gifts!)
Valentines is coming up! I know some couples roll their eyes and call it commercial, but it's still special to my husband and I. And don't let the title fool you, I LOVE chocolate (and flowers). However, I know that a little thought goes a long way. Here is a list of things that are thoughtful gifts that will hopefully bring a smile.
I feel like since we've been engaged I haven't looked at any of the fun stuff because I've been so focused on baby. This curation is of all the things I would want for fits for bachelorette trip, couples shower or bridal shower.
NJ Wedding Officiant Andrea Purtell, For This Joyous Occasion Officiating Services
Discover a curated collection of bridal gowns that blend timeless elegance with modern chic style — all without breaking the budget. From romantic lace silhouettes to sleek minimalist designs, this board features trendy, unique, and affordable wedding dresses for every bride-to-be. Whether you’re dreaming of boho vibes, classic glamour, or fashion-forward details, you’ll find stunning inspiration and budget-friendly bridal looks that feel luxurious at every price point. Perfect for brides searching for stylish wedding gowns, affordable bridal fashion, and chic wedding dress ideas that stand out beautifully.
This is the lighting I actually pack for Vegas weddings and corporate events. V100 and a FlashBender on camera, AD200s off camera, continuous for speeches, and the Bowens boxes they sit in. I've tried MagMod. I didn't like it. For shooters who want one speech-light kit that already lives in the bag.
I donned the cap and gown (many moons ago), and was I glad not to have planned the convocation ceremonies for this milestone (or, for that matter, the smaller graduation party for myself!) But celebrating graduation is a must today, whether your kids are graduating from preschool, elementary or college/university. The road to a lifetime of learning has just begun … but first, the party (and all the madness that it entails): namely, the invitations, gifts, the party favors (edible and otherwise) and supplies, and the signs. Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.
I bet that year has flown by. It is worth a celebration, so here are my ideas, whether you are the husband or wife, or you are buying something for family or friends, happy 1st wedding anniversary
A collection of Anthropologie bridal finds, perfect for engagements, bridal showers, bachelorettes, wedding day details, and newlywed life. These timeless, romantic pieces make beautiful gifts and are just as perfect for brides to treat themselves! This list contains affiliate links, I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you.
Planning a wedding or baby shower registry from a laptop at midnight felt impossible when I kept spotting things I loved while shopping in person. If you're the kind of person who finds the perfect towel set at the store but forgets the name by the time you get home, this whole list is the setup that finally made registering feel effortless. Took me two registries to figure this out so you don't have to.
You spent months picking out your dress, and now it's the morning of your wedding and it looks like it was balled up in a suitcase. Garment bags don't prevent wrinkles. Hotel irons are terrifying near tulle. If you're a bride, bridesmaid, or mother of the bride who needs everything crease-free without the panic, this is every tool and product I actually used. Took me three weddings (two as a bridesmaid, one as the bride) to figure this out so you don't have to.
LGBTQ+ Wedding + two brides are better than one. I'm not going to lie, the wedding industry has not evolved enough for queer couples. Hopefully my list will give you all the right places to look. #lesbianwedding #wedding #lgbtqwedding #loveislove #winterwedding #weddinginspo #pride
Planning a wedding with 150 guests and a paper seating chart taped to my fridge was a disaster waiting to happen — I moved Aunt Linda six times before I even picked the font. If you're deep in reception planning and the table assignments are making you question everything, these place cards actually made the whole process feel manageable. Grabbed most of these months before the wedding so I wasn't panic-ordering at 2am the week before.
As a newly Bride-to-Be I am focusing on finding the things that make me feel my absolute BEST during this new season of life. Since it can bring stress in so many ways these are the things I do in my daily life to look good and feel good as I prep for the aisle!!
These gifts for couples are all about spending more good time together, from date night games and outdoor gear for two to relationship books you can read side by side. They work for newlyweds, longtime partners and anniversaries. Pick one, or put a few together for a date night box.
Planning a birthday or wedding and staring at generic plastic cake decorations that scream ‘I grabbed this at the grocery store ten minutes ago’? Same. I spent way too long settling for toppers that looked nothing like us until I finally tracked down ones that actually felt personal. If you're the type who puts real effort into celebrations but keeps getting stuck on the cake detail — this saves you the three-hour rabbit hole I went down.
Sage green is all the rage for 2025 and 2026 weddings! Whether you're a bride shopping for her besties or a bridesmaid-to-be, these gorgeous green picks will have you saying yes to the (bridesmaid) dress! I included plus size options for size inclusivity so all your girls are feeling their best on your big night.
A collection of stylish, practical, and slightly life-changing home finds that make everyday life feel easier, cozier, and more put together. Think ambient lighting, luxury bedding, smart apartment upgrades, kitchen essentials, cozy home decor, and the kind of “boring” adult purchases you suddenly become obsessed with after moving in together. Perfect for modern wedding registry ideas, apartment essentials, home upgrades, and creating a space that actually feels warm, personal, and lived in.
Whether you're planning your dream wedding or shopping for the perfect gift, these are the vendors, decor finds, and planning tools I'd personally recommend to any bride!
The suite still has four wire hangers and no steamer. That is how portraits start 40 minutes late. These are the things I tell brides and planners to set up in the hotel so the dress is hung, the irons stay in the closet, and nobody is steaming over a toilet at 9 a.m. Not the day-of emergency kit. That list is shine, stains, and a dead phone.
When I was wedding planning in the fall of 2022, it was so important to me to thank the people in my wedding party and family with sentimental, heartfelt gifts. These loved ones put in so much time and effort to be there for you to celebrate your big day! I'm a huge believer that these thank-you gestures don't have to be expensive to be touching, useful, and memorable.
Out with anything that says Bride or Miss to Mrs, in with thoughtful, curated engagement gifts! Here’s a basket I put together for my friend (it was a hit!)
This “He Popped the Question” bachelorette theme is all about bubbly energy, flirty fun, and that unmistakable soda‑girly aesthetic. Think silver accents, heart‑popping details, and a whole lot of fizzy charm inspired by the bride’s favorite drink.. It’s sweet, sparkly, and perfectly on‑theme for a crew that loves a little carbonation with their celebration. From decor to bach bags to outfits, every detail is designed to feel refreshing, playful, and totally bride‑approved.
I was a DIY bride and my husband and I planned and executed our whole wedding by ourselves. So this list is for any brides doing the same on a budget and needing some ideas! If you have any questions about how we executed our backyard wedding on a budget, let me know! <3
Finding a gift that doesn't end up in a donation bag three months later is genuinely hard. If you're tired of giving candles that get shoved in a closet or gift cards that feel impersonal — this is everything I've actually given that made someone tear up, laugh, or bring it up at dinner years later. Took me a lot of awkward gift-giving failures to land on these, so steal the list.
These 20 1 year anniversary gift ideas for him mix small, thoughtful add-ons with real upgrades to the things he carries, wears, and uses every single day, so the first paper anniversary feels like more than a card. I built this one after watching my own husband wear through three wallets before I finally bought him one meant to last, so every pick here had to earn its spot the same way mine did. From a $17 tin of tea to the one splurge he will actually brag about, there is something here no matter what your first year together looked like. Tell me in the comments which one you ended up wrapping.
You spent real money on the gift — then you wrapped it in crinkly dollar-store paper and a crooked bow and suddenly it looks like an afterthought. If you're the person who panics in the wrapping aisle twenty minutes before the ceremony, this is everything I figured out after botching three wedding presents in one summer.
I worked as a bridal stylist for years, which means I’ve seen it all- happy tears, panic sweats, and moms with opinions 🙃
When it was my turn to be the bride (pre-mom life!), these are the things I actually loved! My tried-and-true bridal favorites. ❤️
I started working in Bridal when I lived in South Fl, got engaged while working in PDX boutique, and got married in Golden, CO. So I have lots of recs all over!
Just call me the Hostess with the Mostess lol. One of my favorite things to do is host friends and family for gatherings. These items help make sure they are gatherings to remember.
Some of my favorite things as a northeast Ohio native. NE Ohio will always be home ❤. My recs on food as well as wedding vendors if you're a future NE Ohio bride.
Some of my favorite bridal looks you could wear to your engagement party, shower, bachelorette, welcome party, rehearsal dinner, second look, and honeymoon!
wedding season is REAL. when everyone around you is getting married (i literally have like 15 weddings this year), these are the looks I’m actually wearing as a guest⭐ marked with a star ⭐ are budget friendly
Giving gifts to loved ones is certainly a must to please them, it has become a tradition in all circles, giving gifts is usually done during birthday celebrations, anniversaries, wedding anniversaries, Valentine's Day, Christmas, New Year or at important events such as engagements, weddings, important family gatherings, here I recommend some gifts that are suitable according to the event so you don't need to be confused about what gift to give to your loved ones
Planning a wedding on a budget is stressful enough without dropping $40 per bridesmaid box from some overpriced subscription service. I had six bridesmaids and about $60 total to work with, so I figured out how to DIY proposal boxes that looked like I spent way more. Every single one of them teared up — and two full-on ugly cried. If you're engaged and trying not to go broke before the wedding even starts, steal this whole lineup before prices creep up for wedding season.
You know that one uncle who refuses to dance, the cousin who hides in the corner, and the friend who says she hates photos? I watched all three of them fighting over a pair of oversized sunglasses at my reception. If you're planning a party and want actual candid photos instead of stiff smiles, this is the setup that turned my most reluctant guests into the life of the party. Grab these before your next event so the photographer actually has something fun to work with.
Step into the enchanting world of fall weddings with our carefully curated collection of guest outfits. This season, we've gathered a range of styles that effortlessly capture the essence of autumn's beauty. From rustic elegance to layered sophistication, our outfits are designed to ensure you shine as a guest while celebrating love amidst the changing leaves. Rustic Elegance: Fall's warm and earthy tones take center stage in this collection. Think deep burgundy, rich emerald, and rustic mustard - colors that harmonize with the season's backdrop. Textured fabrics like tweed, lace, and velvet provide a tactile charm that complements the rustic wedding themes often seen in autumn. Layered Sophistication: Fall weather can be unpredictable, but our outfits have you covered. Explore tailored blazers, shawls, and wraps that transition seamlessly from outdoor ceremonies to indoor receptions. With layered sophistication, you'll stay comfortable and chic, no matter the venue or temperature. Browse our fall wedding guest outfit collection and embrace the elegance of this magical season.
Fall in love with your fall themed bridal shower - shop my selection of fall bridal shower outfit ideas and matching party decor for an elegant autumn bridal shower.
All types of dresses for all types of weddings or events: black tie, prints & patterns, mini dresses, lace, dresses under $100, comfort, etc. Check them out ☺️🫶
Items that are must haves on the big day!! After being a bridesmaid one too many times, I’ve learned a thing or two. Some of these items are no brainers but some of them were a lesson learned because the bride was searching for the item the day of. So it’s better to have them ready so that she has a smooth day :)
All of the links are the cheapest price found online to help make things easier. You’ve got enough to worry about prepping for the big day! Most of these are from Target so you could do a mass pickup order if you wanted to.
I was a 2024 bride and work in the wedding industry so I see weddings every day and am always keeping up with what's trending. I love seeing brides show their personal style! Whether it's a bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, or reception dress change I love to see people's style. Because when else do you get to wear all the white glitz and glam?!
My only son is getting married this June!! And this is my list of everything I used and we did to prepare. It is outside of Miami, so I'll post alll the fun places as well!!
A stress-free, step-by-step digital checklist that turns the chaos of bar/bat mitzvah planning into a joyful, organized celebration. Designed for busy parents, you’ll honor the milestone without losing your mind.
Dressing nicely at a wedding reception is important because it shows respect for the couple, adheres to event etiquette, contributes to a festive atmosphere, and boosts confidence.
When registering for items to create your lives together you always think about what you're currently missing, but not about how the quality will stand up over time. This list has items that we have been using for years now as well as what we wish we had registered for in the first place.
As a 2025 bride who did a bunch of DIYs but also doesn't love the "look" of a DIY here are the things that absolutely saved me leading up to the big day.
A wedding detail box is a MUST. As someone who has photographed many weddings, the details are so necessary to making your wedding photos so special. Here’s things that will make your wedding photographer life easier:
I love a custom gift I can remember the day by that I can use later down the road too. I curated a list of the BEST ones that anyone would love to take home with them!
I had so much fun putting this list together, I want to get married now! Let one of these designer wedding invitations inspire your creativity! I love looking at wedding theme ideas, and I am definitely drawn to the more luxurious deeper color palettes. The themes that feel cozy, but rich, and sometimes colorful and eclectic! I imagine these weddings would be romantic, at night, maybe in the fall or winter, and definitely romantic! My personal favorite is the first one, with the rustic poppies and parchment paper. I imagine a evening fall wedding with lots of fairy lights and mulled wine. All of these themes are represented by an invitation. These invites are all found on Zazzle.com, a wonderful website for personalized stationary, cards and invitations. If you are looking to save a few bucks on wedding stationary and decor, you can order from collections and personalize everything yourself. Awesome! Some of the links associated with this list may be affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase something by following my link, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My fiance and I have lived together 3+ years so we had a lot of the basics. You want find your basic registry items here - no plates, silverware, pots and pans, or bedding. While all of that is fine this list will provide you with some unique ideas that you might be forgetting - even if you've been established on your own for some time.
I got engaged back June 2024. It was in beautiful Banff, specifically Emerald Lake. It was so unexpected and I was so shook because we had just seen a black momma bear with her cubs. Any who, I just recently got married and was engaged for over a year and a half. So I wanted to created a list for my engaged girlies !! This is an amazing and fun season ! Enjoy every second of it as the next chapter will be even better ❤️❤️
Looking for the ultimate wedding day emergency kit checklist and essential reception setup tools? From last-minute dress wrinkles and wardrobe slip-ups to dark venue corners and aching feet on the dance floor, unexpected day-of mishaps can derail your timeline. This curated wedding planning guide features high-impact, problem-solving bridal accessories, guest experience upgrades, emergency touch-up kits, and reception content creation tools. Discover how to fix last-minute wedding emergencies, keep your bridal party comfortable, and execute a stress-free wedding day setup.
Some of my favorite finds for wedding events as the bride. I'm excited to share some of top contenders for my upcoming wedding! I have so many favorites that I am having trouble deciding. I have picks for my reception, bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner and more. I even have accessories I am considering. Feedback on favorites is welcomed!
If you are looking for pretty & timeless decor for the elegant bride, here are some of my floral favorites, candles, sparkly accessories & custom details for your big day. All recommendations are from stores and brands I’ve used as well.
Pink themed bat mitzvah party decorations, invitations, and favors with personalized name over the white Star of David. Lots of cute desserts and welcome signs with your photo. Favorite pink dresses at the bottom of the list.
In your bride era and ready to celebrate on the green? Look no further! This curated list of recommendations includes the best favors, outfits, and decor to make your golf bachelorette party unforgettable. Whether you're aiming for elegance or fun, these picks will ensure your celebration is a hole-in-one.