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.

I got engaged December 11, 2023 in St Maarten and we got married June 20, 2025 in Toronto at Hotel X! It gave us (aka me) a year and a half to plan the wedding and prepare everything we needed. Here is a glimpse of the things I bought and wore for the big day 🤍

These are my favorite pieces of decor and memorabilia from our wedding day. Enjoy! So much of these items we are also now using as home decor, as you might notice on my Instagram profile.

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.

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!!

This is a list of dresses you can wear to your formal event or wedding without breaking the bank AND still looking like a million bucks. I love originality and wanted to link pieces I necessarily haven’t seen before!

his “Love is Brewing” bridal shower theme is filled with cozy café vibes, soft neutrals, adorable coffee-inspired details, and the sweetest touches for celebrating the bride-to-be. From chic signage to thoughtful favors, and decor, this list has everything you need to create a shower that feels warm, elevated, and effortlessly cute. Perfect for the coffee-loving bride and guests who never say no to a little caffeine and champagne.

Invitations, party decor & outfit ideas for a citrus lemon themed Bridal Shower

CONGRATS on your engagement! I’ve curated your one stop shop if you’re looking for some guidance while putting together your Bridal party proposal gifts! I’m getting married next year and here are a few things I’m looking at getting for my squad when I ask them to be my Bridesmaids and MOH! 💍 hopefully one less thing to worry about when you’re busy planning your wedding.

I put this list together because planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, and it helps to have all the little details in one place. These are the pieces that I think truly make a difference for a bride — from beauty and style to comfort and peace of mind. Some are practical must-haves, like an emergency kit or comfy shoes, while others are special luxuries, like bridal lingerie, jewelry, or a signature perfume, that make the day feel unforgettable. Altogether, this list reflects the mix of essentials and meaningful touches that help a bride feel prepared, beautiful, and fully present on her wedding day.

I’ve been planning my wedding slowly and budget friendly. If I can do it myself to save money, I will. I will be doing a court house wedding with immediate family and then a reception party with everyone to celebrate the following weekend.

The 10th anniversary is traditionally tin/aluminium (strong, flexible, built to last) — so these ideas either use those materials or nod to the theme in a fun, modern way.

We are ALL so busy- this will be a carefully curated ongoing list of beautiful gifts and party supplies from incredible craftsmen (and women, hello). Including handmade birthday banners, cake toppers, invitation & clipart designers that will save MAJOR time and money. Which we can all use a little extra of!

I can't take credit for picking all these out, I owe my bridesmaids. But this is what my bachelorette party looked like!

Wedding registries are honestly so stressful to build! But if you don’t register for /something/ people (especially great aunts) will go off-book (and you’ll have to figure out how to return seasonal, quilted table runners…) so I do recommend taking time to register for literally anything that’ll make your life together easier! And after a couple years married, there are definitely items I swear by and others that we could totally live without- so here’s the list of my fav things we got that have really come in handy!

I dealt with a lot of drama leading up to my wedding and waited until last minute to order nearly everything. Don't be like me! These are some of the gorgeous gifts I was able to buy and some that I missed out on. But having interacted with most of these sellers I can tell you they are kind and care about their customers! Happy shopping! 🤍

This playful coastal theme mixes crisp blue and white stripes with pops of red and fun lobster details for a look that’s equal parts classic and cheeky. It’s fresh, summery, and perfect for celebrating the bride in a way that feels light, festive, and a little bit nautical.

I've always dreamed of having a unique yet classy engagement ring! From gorgeous bands to unique stones, I love scouting for the perfect ring! This list is a collection of rings that are sure to stand out in all of the best ways!

Class of 2025 Graduation is almost here and it's time to celebrate all of your student's accomplishments with a party. From what to eat, fun games, family trips, and invitations - here's some fun and fabulous graduation party ideas to get you going.

It's a love story and she said yes! If you're like me, you cried finding out that Taylor would finally have her fairytale. And you also probably started daydreaming about incorporating Swiftieism into your own big day! Here are some picks to help you do just that, sorted by era. I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase with one of these links - thank you for your support <3

Get ready to raise a glass (or three) because this Margs & Matrimony bachelorette party is serving up tequila, tacos, and unforgettable memories 🌮🍹💍. From salty rims to spicy dance floors, it’s all about celebrating love with laughter, late-night cheers, and just the right amount of chaos. One last fiesta before the forever after!

A curated collection of personalized gifts and custom gift ideas perfect for birthdays, holidays, weddings, and meaningful celebrations. From monogram pieces to custom keepsakes, these gifts feel thoughtful and personal without being over-the-top.

After over 7 years in the industry, we've learned a thing or two about who to trust and depend on. This is our list of the top Colorado wedding vendors that we know and trust, with an emphasis on businesses that are LGBTQ-affirming, giving back to their communities, and minimizing their environmental impact. If you need further recommendations, just ask! Please check out our BLOG for more great resources.

If I had an unlimited budget for my wedding or if I have some extra budget at the end this is what I’ll want to spend my money on. Decor

Outfit inspo for all of the big bridal events you may have during your bridal era!

Meaningful keepsake ideas to help you remember and honor the ones you’ve lost. From personalized jewelry, memory boxes to thoughtful storage solutions and handmade mementos. This guide offers inspiration for preserving the love and legacy of those who remain forever in your heart.

Our second oldest is graduating this year, here are my favorite party invitations, decorations and more in his school colors, red and black ❤🎓

✨ 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.

💍 As a 2025 bride myself, I know how overwhelming (and exciting!) it can be pulling all the details together. This list is filled with the invitations, stationery, signage, and little extras that helped me bring my wedding vision to life. Think of it as your shortcut to the pretty pieces that make the whole day feel seamless and special. If you’re in the middle of planning, I hope this saves you time, stress, and gives you a touch of inspo for your own big day!

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.

A curated list of decor, activites, favors and bridal gifts for your Veuve before Vows // Last Rendez Veuve themed bachelorette party. From champagne glasses to Veuve-themed ballon decor to Prosecco Pong, this list will make party planning a breeze! Whether you're looking to host a more luxury party or are planning on a budget, there's recommendations for everyone.

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.

everything i bought, loved, and actually used for my bach weekend 💍✨

I’ve done the research and know all of the bridal trends! From sunglasses to shape-wear, from veils to jeweled head pieces and belts, these accessories are a solid way to enhance all your bridal looks this season!

Spring barn wedding ideas that I used for my own May wedding! We loved how the colors pulled together with our assortment of spring flowers and the outdoorsy vibe!

Everything I bought and used to plan my best friend's Camp Bachelorette themed weekend which had a few little naughty touches to it! This was great for a girl's weekend in the woods!

Everything from wedding events leading up to the big day and everything in the middle from a bridal consultant!

Elegant wedding guest dresses for women over 50: draped satin, velvet, lace and feathers from Valentino-level ateliers like Oscar de la Renta, Elie Saab, Victoria Beckham, Safiyaa and Brunello Cucinelli. Mother of the bride and black-tie looks, edited by a creative director.

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.

After all the work of planning the wedding, there's also gifts for others to consider. There are some ideas I used to thank my girls and parents for being a special part of my 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:

A jewelry box reflects one's particular flair. A sleek leather box communicates modern elegance, whilst a classic oak chest oozes timeless appeal. These boxes frequently have sentimental value, becoming mementos as they secure important memories and gifts.

Are you planning a rustic chic sunflower barn wedding ceremony and reception theme? These are some of my favorite designs for a country western or ranch style event. Easy to personalize and order.

Sharing with you our beautiful wedding. It couldn't have been more perfect. We decided to make it a family and close friends holiday with the wedding in the middle of the week. We were skeptical booking the Vila online but OMG, it was everything it advertised and more the scenery was just stunning everywhere you looked!

All things wedding! Currently planning my wedding and it has been stressful! Here are some helpful recommendations so you don’t have to search as hard as I did!

These venues are all located downtown, or west of Indianapolis, and I have personally attended weddings at each one on this list. I hope this helps out all of you Indy area brides!

A “will you be my bridesmaid” gift box written in the stars! I've picked out everything you need for a celestial-inspired bridesmaid proposal.

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!

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!

Planning a party doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. These are my go-to essentials for everything from kids’ birthdays to bridal showers and weddings. Decorations, hosting must-haves, and little details that make events feel special — without overspending or stressing out.

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

normally all my lists with be budget-friendly or sales, but i couldn't resist. this list will include things from Amazon at $5 up to who knows how much from who knows where. it's a list I’ve compiled helping all of my lovely bride friends (my day is coming I just know it). for people who don’t want to shop on the same classic wedding sites and want elegant but funky outfits and accessories

Spring and summer weddings are the perfect excuse to bring out bright colors, soft pastels, and flowy silhouettes. Whether you love soft blues, fresh greens, blush pinks, or bold shades like purple, yellow, and orange, there’s a wedding guest dress for every vibe and venue. I rounded up my favorite dresses by color to make shopping easy—just pick your palette and find the style that fits your mood.

Wedding Day Lifesavers! (I used every single one)

My search continues for inclusive brands and designers with affordable bridal outfits made for curvy, mid-to-plus size women. If you are a 2027 mid-size bride like me, follow along as I curate selections of items made for our bodies. For this part of my bridal series, I've curated a list of mid-size bridal looks (size 10-16/L-XL) all for less than $200.

I put together a wedding day emergency kit for my friends wedding and this is all the things we actually needed

Wedding registry finds I truly love 🤍 From cozy everyday essentials to elevated hosting staples—these are pieces meant to last long after the vows and into real life together.

Planning a party soon? These are some must have products to decorate! Adding a few pics of ways I have used some of these products in my parties!

Ideas and inspirartion for a Roaring 20's party theme. So bring the 1920's into the 2020's, and see how they partied 100 years ago.

Finding the perfect wedding guest dress should feel exciting, not stressful. 💐 This collection features elegant spring and summer styles that are beautiful, flattering, and celebration-ready—from breezy florals to romantic silhouettes that photograph beautifully. The goal: look amazing, feel confident, and still let the bride have her moment.

Finding the perfect wedding guest outfit can start as super fun trying on such beautiful dresses then turn stressful to see how much they can end up being. These are some options that have the best of both worlds, beautiful and affordable.

Sharing the research from my wedding planning

You can't go wrong shooting engagement photos in Maine, there are so many beautiful places. Here are some of my favorite spots to shoot couples!

I'm venturing into wedding collections, which is kind of fun…This is a suite of watercolor ivory flowers and sage green leaves designs. I painted the flowers and greenery myself, so it's a totally homegrown effort!

Celebrate your 2026 graduate in style with this curated list of must-have graduation party supplies, perfect for creating a memorable and Instagram-worthy event. From trendy decorations and personalized grad banners to tableware, party favors, and photo booth props, these 2026 graduation essentials make party planning easy and stress-free. Whether you're hosting a backyard bash or an elegant celebration, these graduation party ideas will help you honor your senior’s big achievement in unforgettable fashion. #ad As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn commissions for qualifing purchases. #ClassOf2026 #GraduationPartyIdeas #GradPartyDecor #2026Grad #SeniorCelebration

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.

These wedding day gifts for your parents say a huge thank you. They're sentimental and meaningful and are bound to make them cry.

Engaged the same time as Taylor Swift? We're so lucky!! Here's a list of amazing dress options for all the wedding occasions you'll need a new outfit for. Engagement parties, Bridal Shower, Bachelorette, Rehearsal dinner etc. broken down in different price ranges! As well as some accessories, a few casual options anddd honeymoon outfits at the end!! Let me know if you'd like to see more!

Advice from an old married lady on what she should've put on her registry.

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!

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!*

✨💖 The PERFECT Party Favors, Extra Touches and Unique Ideas That WOW!!

As a bride on a budget I am going to add everything I have gotten/will get for my Oct. 2026 wedding from Shein and Amazon!!

Commemorate wedding anniversary milestones with a mix of time-honored and modern themed gifts and party supplies/decor. 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.

Planning a teen birthday party and want it to be fun, aesthetic, and on point? This list has everything you need to throw the best teen birthday ever — from stylish decor and dessert ideas to party favors, outfit inspiration, and entertainment. I've pulled top finds from Amazon and Etsy, so everything is easy to shop and teen-approved. Whether you're planning a relaxed hangout or a full-on celebration, these must-haves will help you set the vibe and make it a party to remember.

My fiancé is going on his bachelor trip this weekend so I packed them all “adult” goodie bags as my way of saying thank you for attending. Think hangover kit meets mans needs and hobbies.

Editable Canva templates for itineraries, invites, games, etc. to make bach or bridal shower planning fun and easy, or easier ;)

Choosing a theme for a bachelorette party is hard! Whether you are the bride and looking for ideas for yourself or the maid of honor planning it all out; I made the perfect guide to a pink beach theme bachelorette party with decorations, outfits and themed gifts!

I've tested countless party products and curated a list of my absolute favorites to make your next celebration unforgettable. These picks, from dazzling decorations to thoughtful favors, will elevate any event.

Welcome to Bridal Must-Haves by Benable, where we curate the perfect collection for newlyweds embarking on their journey together! Dive into a world of bridal essentials, from stunning wedding attire and accessories to elegant home decor and honeymoon must-haves. Our handpicked selection ensures that every bride finds something special to make her big day even more memorable. Whether you're searching for the dream wedding dress, personalized keepsakes, or practical items for your new life together, Benable has you covered. Say "I do" to our curated bridal finds and start your happily ever after in style!

I’m a wedding photographer who shoots across the U.S. and internationally. This is the exact gear I depend on to capture weddings - from camera bodies to lenses, flashes, and all the small essentials that keep things running smoothly! 🤎

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.

Getting married soon? Check out my must haves from Amazon that I immediately added to our registry! These items are going to help us stay organized and will keep our counters clear for more cook prep.

What to get your mom and mother in law on your special day… she is the woman who birthed you and raised you and raised your soon to be spouse. Giving them a sweet gift is a special gesture and a tangible takeaway from your big day. It’s best to be intentional and consider something they would really love.

Find everything you need for your Love is in Bloom bridal shower!

Looking to add personal touches to your wedding? Here's a list of thing we used at our wedding to add unique charm and individuality to our day. From fun ideas like a message in a bottle guest book, polaroid photos, cheesecake cake with fun cake topper, and DIY buckeye favors, below is everything we used to stay in our decor budget of under $2,500.

Planning your big day on a budget? Don’t stress 🤍 I’ve put together this list of gorgeous SHEIN wedding dresses under $150 that are stylish, elegant, and perfect for saying “I do” without breaking the bank. Whether you’re having a small wedding, courthouse ceremony, or just want a stunning second dress, these affordable picks will have you feeling like a bride while keeping your wallet happy 🤍

Thoughtfully designed and fun tickets for parties and events.

I created this board for anyone planning a Quinceañera and looking for beautiful digital invitation ideas. I’m a designer myself, so I know how much time and money a good editable template can save. Here I’m collecting Quinceañera invitation websites I genuinely like, stylish, easy to customize, and practical with features like RSVP, event details, maps, and more.

Set the tone for your casual yet classy rural ranch marriage ceremony and reception with the charming Rustic Sunflowers and Cowboy Boots Country Western Wedding Collection. Personalize wedding invitations, rsvp cards, save the date announcements, bridal shower invites, thank you notes and paper reception products. Perfect inspo or idea for cowgirl bride and cowboy groom planning an informal summer or fall farm style event. Invitations are available printed for mailing or as a digital download for easy sharing digitally online.

Wedding season is coming! If you are invited to be a bridesmaid, the main challenge is always to find the perfect dress for the occasion without spending too much! Here is a selection of budget-friendly bridesmaid dresses that are cute, elegant and trendy based on your budget!

All of the wedding things that I used & needed for wedding day, including decor & bridesmaids gifts.