With wedding season right up the alley, I personally have a lot of weddings to attend to (some friends, some family) and in the past it's always been a hassle for me to figure out what to wear based on the theme. I think I'm finally at a point where I've perfected each theme to a T, so this is my way of giving back!! I know how hard it can be to find a nice dress and sometimes even find one last minute. So here is a run down of my favorite guest outfits for a black tie theme wedding.
I'm a local to the Joshua Tree area since March 2020. As a wedding and elopement photographer, I know all the permitted spots to get married within JTNP, along with size restrictions and all that… Here's a little info about each of the permitted spots to choose from.
Hi!! I often find the best places for natural/relaxed family and engagement sessions are locations that mean something to you; hence why I love photographing people in their homes and yards - especially kids. But if you're looking for somewhere a little different, then I have some suggestions below. I've also tried to include links to my blog posts in most of the descriptions, so that you can see more photos. As always, for more general info please click here - darcytroutmanphotography.com
Wedding planning can be chaotic! It’s hard to determine what you like, do not like, or what direction you even should begin at! To ease that stress and get ideas flowing, all my favorite wedding things are all right here 🤍
When asking my bridesmaids to be in my bridal party, I had no idea where to start in curating the perfect box of goodies. As someone who has been on both sides of the bridesmaid proposal box - here are my top picks that are sure to be useful to your bridal party :)
At age 66, there's a lot about my former marriage I look back and regret. Among other things, I wish we could have afforded a big and splashy wedding, complete with bridesmaids. I found myself thinking about this, while I was watching the fun romantic comedy: “The Wedding Planner”. This list of Recommendations is the result of the sentimental mood I was in, when I created my Wedding Do-over Wish list. You'll find all the wonderful wedding apparel and accessories any bride would love, regardless of the price. Since this is a wish list, why not really do it up? After all, it's MY second time around :-)
Love green? Having a wedding with classic foilage and simple white cream flowers. You will love my green dream ideas for that super special green hued color coordinated wedding.
This is a list of everything I used/had at my wedding in the fall of 2024! I DIY'd a lot of things, had wood sola flowers, had a very small guest list to make it feel cozy & more manageable to talk to everyone, and I made most of the signs with Canva!!
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
If you're heading to a black tie wedding and have no idea what to wear—don’t stress, I’ve got you. I rounded up the most stunning black tie wedding guest dresses that are chic, classy, and totally photo-worthy!
My favorite gifts to give for any occasion: wedding, birthday, anniversary, holidays, just because, housewarming, baby gifts. I like to give gifts that you don't find everywhere.
This collection features illustrations of religious structures like churches and synagogues, which are perfect for wedding and christening invitations. All these clip art graphics are handmade, either with digital or traditional watercolors, and no AI art is permitted. #noai #humanmande
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.
Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and gift giving is a love language! What are you getting your special someone? Here are some cute, practical and mostly budget-friendly ideas for Valentine's Day gifts that anyone would appreciate! Hopefully this list helps you get the gift ideas flowing!
Dresses for the elegant weddings in the winter months! I love getting fancy without the price tag and these are all options I’d have in my cart for a winter wedding!
These are celestial themed wedding decor and other items that I happened to stumble upon. I love galaxy themed stuff, so this stuff definitely caught my eye while I was browsing.
As a 2025 bride, I've been on the hunt for all the white dresses. I'm trying to mainly find pieces I can rewear again and again, even beyond my wedding!
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!
To keep your linen signs displayed beautifully and securely you need the right stand! We have listed our recommendations below according to the sign size. All can be found on Amazon.
Timeless elegance meets modern romance—bridal attire designed to make every bride shine on her special day. Looking for the perfect fit for your engagement party, bachelorette, or bridal shower? Look no further!
I LOVE the look of mismatched bridesmaid dresses, and even though I’m married already, I want to help you source your dresses! 💕
This list is PINK dresses, including gorgeous ditsy florals! Follow along for some great finds 💄🌸💍
✨ The Best Wedding Guest Dresses You Can Shop Now ✨
Looking for the perfect outfit to wear to your next wedding? This curated list of wedding guest dresses has you covered for every dress code and season. From chic cocktail dresses and elegant midi styles to floor-sweeping gowns and flirty floral minis, these pieces are hand-picked to make sure you look stylish, appropriate, and effortlessly put-together.
Are you getting married sometime in 2026 or 2027? Then, this list is just for you!! Take away the stress of hopping from one website to another trying to find everything you need. With my wedding coming up May 2026, this is something I would have loved, so I decided to make it myself! 😌
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.
Some beautiful dress options if you're an upcoming wedding guest (but make it sustainable)! I need to be invited to more weddings so I can wear some of these!!!
Planning a wedding as a plus-size bride? This curated list has everything you need to feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful on your big day. From bridal shapewear and supportive undergarments to wide-width shoes, anti-chafing essentials, and curve-flattering accessories, these must-haves are designed with curvy brides in mind. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect foundation pieces, bridal robes, or day-of emergency kit items, this guide makes sure you’re covered from head to toe.
I made this list because it can be SO stressful finding the perfect wedding gift. This list has a wide variety of options at all different price points.
my bridal era, curated 💍✨
everything that made wedding planning a little prettier, easier, and more fun - from DIY details and bachelorette finds to fit checks, honeymoon looks and all the little bridal extras in between
Unique ideas for a cinematic black tie wedding with gold and black elegance. Get inspired with this curated list of decor, lighting, glassware and unique spy-inspired details to make your wedding unforgettable.
A selection of items for a gothic wedding, halloween wedding or black themed wedding including black gothic wedding dresses, matching attire for him as well as accessories, party decor and a curated selection of gothic wedding invitations.
A curated Amazon Wedding Registry featuring top-rated kitchen appliances, premium cookware, luxury bedding, and smart home essentials. Perfect for building your dream home together or finding the ultimate wedding gift. 🛒 Prefer to view or add all these items directly on Amazon? [See the complete Amazon Idea List here →] amzn.to/4fRPqHh or create your own Wedding Registry: amzn.to/4xikbME
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.
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:
NJ Wedding Officiant Andrea Purtell, For This Joyous Occasion Officiating Services
Create the wedding ceremony of your dreams with stunning arches, romantic flower backdrops, elegant tents, and beautiful ceremony décor — all at prices that fit your budget. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, our curated décor pieces add style, charm, and unforgettable beauty to your special day without the luxury price tag.
After planning a wedding in 2025, I learned quickly that not all registry items are created equal. This list is filled with actually useful, high-quality pieces we registered for (and loved), plus a few things we didn’t know we needed until married life started.
A roundup of festive holiday cards to make the season brighter! From elegant and traditional styles to modern and playful designs, this list has the perfect card to send warm wishes to family, friends, or coworkers
Has she found her main squeeze? Then check out these zesty finds that I used (and a couple I couldn't make room for) for my little sister's #mainsqueeze bridal shower this summer!
I feel like it is just wedding SEASON lately and I have perfected the wedding guest guide! This folder has all the wedding guest necessities and looks that you need for inspo!
Products I used to have long, healthy and shiny hair before my wedding day! Start using these products a year to 6 months out from your wedding for optimal results
One thing that our couples are always looking for are great Rehearsal Dinner Venues. Here is a list of some of the best in Charlotte, sectioned out by area!
Invited to Everything? These dresses will be your wedding season MVPs. Whether you're headed to a breezy beach ceremony, a black-tie evening affair, or a backyard bash, this list of wedding guest dresses has you covered. From trending colors and flattering silhouettes to budget-friendly picks and head-turning styles, these dresses are perfect for every dress code and vibe.
Elopement dress that are built for the birthplace of eloping! These dresses are fun, unique, quirky, elegant and anything but normal. I believe if you are eloping in Vegas, you want a little party in your life. These dresses, jumpsuits and accessories will help your bring the party!
Here are all the things I purchased to prepare for my big fat Punjabi wedding. If you are a punjabi bride or you are someone who is planning on going to a lot of weddings this season, these products will be sure to help.
PLUS SIZE GIRLIES UNITE!! I KNOW how hard it is to find a cute white dress that doesn’t look like it’s for an old lady. This is what I found that doesn’t cost a fortune and looked so cute! And TRUST me I looked EVERYWHERE!!
Check out these Disney-inspired wedding accessories! 👰✨ From magical touches to whimsical details, these accessories are perfect for adding a fairytale charm to your special day. Create a wedding as enchanting as your favorite Disney stories! 🌟💍
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.
Some of my favorite bridal looks you could wear to your engagement party, shower, bachelorette, welcome party, rehearsal dinner, second look, and honeymoon!
This is a list of stuff i purchased for my wedding. Full rating included! We got so much im trying to find it all bestie! One of the best purchases, was my veil. It was STUNNING!
Tossing the clichéd floral bouquet and coffee mug is a necessity at this point. Moms everywhere can now get it in one guess what they will be gifted for a special occasion like Mother's Day - the horror! The last thing you want is to become so predictable that your mom is now outsmarting you! There is no time like the present to shake things up and keep her guessing about her gift, one that also has just the right touch to convey a strong "I love you to bits" message. These gift ideas may very well be on her wishlist!
Shop everything we used to host my sister’s Pearls & Prosecco themed bridal shower. This was classy and elegant with so many opportunities for fun decor.
I just exited my bridal era with a wedding in Fall 2025 and loved every minute. Here are some of my favorite picks for anyone entering their bride era! 🤍👰♀️💍🕊️
Are you getting married at the beach? Then check out this list for all the best outfit inspo for your beach wedding! Beach weddings are some of my favorites to photograph and the bridal outfits are the most fun to find inspo for!
Floral wedding arches are so expensive even if they are made with fake flower and you're renting. I decided to make my own to save some money because weddings are already so expensive!! I made my own floral decor with purchases from amazon for under $250. It did take some time to put together but I was so proud of it, and it saved me so much money. I put together this list to help other brides who are trying to DIY some items! This list is everything I purchase to make my arch and a little summary of how I put everything together! I hope you get some use out of it and honestly DM me or leave a comment if you have any questions! I would be more than happy to help!! <3 Also, I was able to sell the arch for $500 to another bride after my wedding!
I recently got married and I used these South African based sites to order some of my gifts. So here is my ultimate plug, especially if you don't want to order from overseas. :)
List of potential dresses to use for weddings. These are targeted for formal to semi formal weddings not black tie. Mainly for weddings in warmer areas. Most dresses are also targeted for a mid size body type with a lower belly and smaller chest.
A running list of the prettiest wedding guest dresses I find — the unique cuts, chic silhouettes, and those “where did you get that?” pieces that always photograph beautifully. Plus the dresses that no one else will be wearing at the event :) Whether it’s a black-tie night, a garden ceremony, or something in between, these are the dresses I’d wear myself (and would want someone to send me if I needed inspo). Updated constantly with the standout, special ones. 💌
As a 2025 bride, I decided to add my recommendations for decor for my bridal shower and wedding that I have ordered and will be ordering especially for some brides on budget!
Hi girlies! I am a 2025 destination bride (Italy) and I wanted to share some of my favorite recs so far! I love to travel so a destination wedding was a MUST. This list incorporates everything bridal + travel
Great buys for others in your life! One of a kind or customized for your loved ones! These shops have given such high quality work and great communication!
Once I got engaged, I started to realize just how tough it was to plan a Pagan Commitment Ceremony. Hopefully, these ideas might help you as your plan your big day!
This list is for anyone planning a “Last Toast on the Coast” bachelorette party! You’ll find cute decor, pool party necessities, and fun activities to do with the girls! *This list includes affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my recommendations!*
Planning a bridal shower with a charming farmer’s market twist? This “She’s Off the Market” themed list is filled with fresh, fun, and stylish finds—from rustic-inspired invitations and floral decor to produce-themed favors and signage. Whether you're going for casual and cozy or chic and elevated, these affordable yet aesthetic picks will help you throw a celebration that’s sweet, memorable, and totally on theme. Perfect for outdoor garden parties, spring and summer showers, and brides who love a fresh, farm-to-table vibe!
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.
For most people purchasing an engagement ring is a once in a lifetime investment. Each items link will take you to my page that explains that type of diamond. If you do not know how to go about this monumental task remember you are not alone and I have set up a place to help it seem easier to choose.
Several of the items I used at my daughter's wedding. The products are beautiful and they added some much to the decor of the event. Many of the items listed are being used at Engagement Parties, Bridal Showers, Weddings & Baby Showers. My Event/Parties Business allows me the freedom to try some many items to add to the experience.
Looking for a way to give back to your girls in a way that’s meaningful? Here’s what I’m putting in my gift bags for my Palm Springs bachelorette in May!
These are all dresses from Amazon for formal events that I either own and have worn or bought as options anad have tried. All are good quality to last through nights of fun on the dance floor and beyond!