Halfway through planning my wedding I realized I had receipts in my email, contracts in a drawer, and a timeline scribbled on a napkin — nothing was in one place and I almost double-booked my florist and DJ on the same deposit date. If you're drowning in vendor paperwork and your engagement joy is turning into spreadsheet dread, this is everything I used to pull it together before things got worse.
When it comes to weddings and elopements in this era, there are so many vendors and expenses that fall into your lap. I am a huge supporter of hiring local business owners, but sometimes that's out of budget. Luck for you, I have had to put together a bouquet and boutonniere a handful of times as an elopement photographer. Here are my favorite places to find florals around the greater Portland area and all the things you'll need to put together a stunning floral arrangement for your wedding/elopement!
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.
I've got three weddings on the calendar this August and pulled together every dress I'm actually considering — floor-length maxis and gowns for black-tie affairs, a few polka dot moments since it's clearly having its trend season, and shorter midi/cocktail options for daytime or casual ceremonies. Shopping from Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Shopbop, Mumu, and a few surprise finds.
Are you also trying to plan a wedding without blowing your budget? Been there, done that. As my wedding day passed amazingly, I want to share some of the tips and recommendations to make your life easier. These are the affordable, easy-to-use finds that save money, time, and stress, from planning tools to DIY décor and day-of emergency fixes. Perfect for brides, grooms, and maids of honor on a budget.
Gold decor is so classic and trendy for a wedding, but the problem is, where to find interesting pieces that won't break the bank? This is your list, there are so many creative, girly, classic pieces that would function beautifully for a wedding from Hobby Lobby, Amazon, Shein, Walmart and so forth.
I was a 2023 Bride and I got so many sweet gifts and gave a lot of gifts. Here are some of the gifts I received, would have liked to received, or have actually given, that I would recommend. From personalized keepsakes to luxe essentials, these gifts are sure to make any bride-to-be or bridal party member feel loved and celebrated! From the bride to the groom. From the mother of the bride to the Father of the Bride. From the ring bearer to the officiant and everyone in between!
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!
If you have a wedding on the calendar and nothing to wear with the dress yet, this is your shortcut: pearl and crystal earrings, small beaded clutches, hair pieces and bridesmaid gifts from Kendra Scott, Mejuri, Etsy and Anthropologie. Pick one statement piece, one pearl piece and one hair accessory, and the outfit is finished without a single extra shopping trip.
We've officially entered our Showgirl Era ❤️🔥 If you're planning a party (big or small) to ring in the new era, or to celebrate your favorite swiftie's birthday in style…check out these stunning ideas, supplies and decorations to help make your celebration shimmer in true showgirl fashion!
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.
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.
As a maid of honor, one of my duties was hosting the bride's bridal shower. Coming up with the theme and buying items for it was a blast. Here is a list of some of the items the bride and/or guests loved the most that stood out.
Spent three hours pinning wedding backdrop ideas only to realize half of them were discontinued and the other half looked cheap in person. If you're drowning in Pinterest inspo but can't find anything that actually photographs well without costing five figures, this is the list I built after way too much trial and error — save yourself the headache before your date locks in.
Started this the week after our wedding because I knew I'd forget what year we got that awful couch. One photo per anniversary, captions we actually wrote ourselves, and now it's the thing guests flip through before they even sit down. If you're a couple who keeps saying ‘we should do something with all these photos’ but never does — this is the laziest, most meaningful version of that. Took me four anniversaries of procrastinating to land on the right supplies, so steal my list instead.
I’m on a mission to learn how to make crepe paper flowers for my wedding decor. I plan to make the flowers for table decoration, chair posies and to decorate the cake.
My dad owns a printing business, so paper has oddly been a big thing in my life. From helping him when he brought work home (e.g. stuffing envelopes, glueing photos and binding calendars) to asking him to bring paper home for me to draw on.
The art of paper flowers is a beautiful but personal incorporation into my wedding day. Of course, if I had the budget I’d rather not do the manual labour but wedding tax is real 🤣. Creating this list for anyone starting out the new hobby!
💍 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!
All the fashion moments leading up to your big day, from engagement party dresses to bridal shower looks, rehearsal dinner outfits, and honeymoon-ready pieces.
Our grand exit was supposed to be magical — instead half the guests couldn't get their bubble containers open and the other half blew sad little drips onto the sidewalk. If you're planning a wedding send-off and don't want your photographer capturing confused faces instead of floating bubbles, I tested a ridiculous number of options so you can skip the trial-and-error phase.
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
A hand-picked collection of rich burgundy wedding finds with timeless vintage charm. Deep wine florals, antique gold accents, candlelight, and heirloom-inspired textures.
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.
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!
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 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
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
Spent way too long at weddings and parties watching favor tables go completely ignored — cute little bags just sitting there while guests walked right past. After hosting six events where half the favors ended up in my closet, I finally cracked the code on placement, packaging, and treats people actually want. If you're planning any kind of gathering and refuse to waste money on favors nobody takes, steal this whole setup before your next event.
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!
The best bridesmaid proposal box ideas — from personalized keepsakes to fun, celebratory gifts. This list includes unique finds your bridal party will love, including my own handmade wine charms from my Etsy shop. Perfect for making your ‘Will you be my bridesmaid?’ moment unforgettable. This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them - at no extra cost to you
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
My favorite decor, clothing and accessories for bachelorette parties! I'll be throwing a mini bach party in Palm Springs with a full bachelorette party next year!
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.
What I have added to my personal wedding registry! We have already lived together for almost 5 years so it was a little tricky to start this. Hope this can help you ⛪️💍
Have you ever thought about a wedding in the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area? Even if you haven't here is your sign to DO IT! The views are amazing, there are endless options for entertainment from hiking, the Gatlinburg strip, The Island, Dollywood, etc. Here are some of the vendors in the area that we used and LOVED!
I've planned enough parties to know it's the little details that make the biggest difference. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, holiday gathering, baby shower, movie night, or just getting friends together, this collection is full of fun finds that instantly elevate the experience. From practical party essentials to unique details your guests will remember, these are the products that make hosting easier—and a lot more fun. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. #ad
In honor of my upcoming nuptials, I want to share a few of my most coveted perfume recommendations. Whether you prefer floral, fruity or anything in between there is something for you on this list.
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.
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
Planning a wedding with a tiny flower girl who has strong opinions about what she carries down the aisle? My four-year-old niece refused every basket I showed her until I started digging through handmade shops and found ones that actually made her squeal. Whether your little helper is picky, shy, or the type to dump petals in one dramatic toss — this list has something that fits. Save yourself the last-minute panic I went through.
This past weekend, my fiancé and I had both of our families together to celebrate our engagement! We found a nice sized venue and decorated the space with earth toned decor. This list includes some of the items we got off Amazon!
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!
These are all the things I loved having and leaned on after I got engaged and leading up to our wedding (and nothing that I didn’t bc there is a LOT of stuff you really don’t need, I promise)
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!!
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.
Planning a wedding is a blur of spreadsheets and seating charts — somewhere in the chaos I forgot to actually feel like a bride. Then I put on a silk robe at 7am on a random Tuesday and it hit me. If you're deep in the planning trenches and haven't had that moment yet, start here. Took me months of impulse buys to narrow this down so you don't have to.
Every girl dreams of their special day and making it unique to them. Here's some things I personally used on my big day or just simply loved the idea of using. Even if I can't give you exactly what you're looking for, I hope I can set you on the right path!
Planning a wedding on a budget nearly broke me — I spent weeks scrolling through overpriced favor options that all looked like dollar store rejects or cost $8 per guest. If you're staring at a 150-person guest list doing mental math and panicking, this is everything I actually used and tested. Took me four months of sampling, returning, and DIY disasters so you can skip straight to what works.
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! 🌟💍
✨ As I celebrate my 4th year in business as a wedding florist here in Austin, Texas, I’ve put together a list of my absolute must-haves that I use daily in my studio. These are the tools, supplies, and little luxuries that keep my floral business running smoothly and help me bring each couple’s wedding vision to life. Whether you’re a fellow florist, a budding creative, or just curious about what goes into the art of wedding flowers, these are my tried-and-true essentials I couldn’t work without!
Based on my own wedding prep, I don't have much time or room for buying mistakes, so I compare options, read reviews, and check what other people say before I spend. I haven't tried these myself, so this is research, not a testimonial. Here's what kept making the cut for a bridesmaid proposal box, from a silk sleep mask to the card itself, plus a few small things that save the day, like blister cushions and a stain pen. Tell me what you'd add!
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.
As a wedding and couples photographer who prioritizes comfort while still looking professional, these are my tried and true go-to repeat outfits! As someone who tries to be money-conscious, I do try to find cheaper options of my favorites, or buy clothes when they're on clearance from my favorite name brands.
When wedding planning, all decor can add up so fast and Amazon has such cute wedding decor for so affordable! Here are some decor i used and am so glad i did!
Celebrate another fabulous year with Aging Like Fine Wine birthday party ideas—featuring chic outfit inspo, wine-themed decor, classy cake toppers, balloons, table settings, and photo-worthy party details. This board is packed with elegant, trendy finds for milestone birthdays, girls’ night celebrations, and luxe wine-inspired parties. Perfect for women who want a stylish, Instagram-worthy birthday aesthetic that feels classy, fun, and confident.
Weddings and red roses just go together, and this popular theme exudes elegance. I have been in more than my fair share of weddings, and I love helping my friends and family put together everything they need for an unforgettable event of a lifetime. This list includes red rose-themed invitations, wedding favors, reception decor and more.
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!
As a September 2024 bride these are the gifts I gave to my bridesmaids and tbh… I think I killed it! I know it may look pricey but I’m telling you… START SAVING NOW! I was able to slowly save up for over a year to #1 be able to afford this #2 not have to touch my wedding budget for these gifts!! If I can afford it so can you!!
Looking for the best dress to wear to a wedding? I spent months scouring the internet looking for dresses for my nephew's wedding this spring for both my daughter and myself. There are so many options out there so this list is some of our favorites we saved. Hope you enjoy them too! #ad This list contains affiliate links.
Time to grab your gals and start a flamingle party! From flamingo party straws to the perfect pink party decor, flamingo themes bring you back to summertime and tropical vibes! Perfect theme for bachelorette parties, wedding showers, birthdays or just because you want to have a party with your friends!
Some of my favorite bridal looks you could wear to your engagement party, shower, bachelorette, welcome party, rehearsal dinner, second look, and honeymoon!
Everything I’ve loved (or wish I’d had) for wedding season — whether you're planning your own, helping a friend, or just looking for inspo. From bachelorette party ideas and outfit finds to makeup, wedding day must-haves, and vendor recs, this list covers a little bit of everything. Most of it can work for anyone, but since I'm in Kansas City, the location-based ideas (like venues, vendors, and activities) are KC-inspired.
Planning a celebration and realizing your mismatched kitchen drawer knives won't cut it (literally) for a cake moment worth photographing? Whether you're hosting a wedding, a milestone birthday, or a baby shower, I spent way too long piecing together serving sets that looked cheap or fell apart mid-slice. This is everything I landed on after three events and one embarrassing cake avalanche — grab what you need before your next big day sneaks up on you.
Whether you're the bride, the MOH doing all the planning, or a crafter making custom party merch to sell — this list has everything you need to pull off the ultimate western bachelorette. Grab the SVG designs, pair them with these aesthetic blanks, and get to crafting! From satin robes and tees to wine tumblers, totes, and photo booth props, every pick is designed to help you build a cohesive "last rodeo" moment that photographs beautifully.
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
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.