When working with my wedding coordinator he told me that one of the most forgotten wedding details is your send off. So to save you the headache close to the wedding, I wanted to share some ideas now to help make the decision easier. I also wanted to make sure there are ideas here for every budget because the priority you put on this detail of the wedding is totally up to you! 

1. the tradition alternate

   In every class movie wedding scene, you see people throwing rice. However, we’ve learned that rice can’t actually be digested by birds and other creatures so might we suggest bird seed? Same granular idea as rice, but nice to the wildlife.

2. other things to throw

These are all fun ways to create an arch around you and your new spouse as you run between your guests. Any of these will create such great photos with an almost halo effect. For this you will just have to make sure to have plenty of whatever you choose for each guest:

• Bubbles

• Flower petals, dried florals, or leaves

• Confetti (or confetti canons)*

• Streamer poppers

• Glitter* or sequins

• Paper planes

*Be sure to get the biodegradable version!

3. Things to hold

Much like the above suggestions, these ideas get your guests interacting with your exit. However, these are the objects they will be holding on to and NOT throwing:

• Flags (either custom with your initials/monogram or maybe the countries you’re from if you’re international)

• Glow sticks

• Ribbon wands

• Bells

• Sparklers (your planner will NOT be happy about this idea as drunk people + fire = usually not great things, but you need to know your options)

4. The release

Probably the most unique suggestion on the list: butterflies! Butterflies symbolize new beginnings and happiness.

5. Transportation

If you want exit photos that will really make a statement, rent a vintage car to have waiting out in front of your venue or (if you’re on the water) rent a boat! These are exits that you can also mix with ideas 1-3 to create a very memorable experience!

6. The party bus

Piggy-backing off the point above: For my recent wedding we bussed all of the guests back and forth from the hotel to the venue because we were in the backroads of Kentucky and I wanted a PARTY. There were 2 trips back and forth before the ceremony, and as many trips as needed for people wanting to leave anytime after the ceremony. The last bus left when the reception was over and that was the party bus! Everyone got on and my husband and I were the last people to get on this bus. That moment is one of my many favorite memories of the night! From there one group of people got dropped off at the hotel and the rest of us were dropped off at a bar downtown where we continued to dance the night away. I highly recommend this “exit” if you are wanting a fun way to continue the night with your people.

7. The show

Give your guests a last minute “wow” moment with fireworks, a light show, or air show (this one would have to be done in the daytime)! Just be sure to check with your venue first to make sure it’s permitted.

8. The irish exit

The introvert’s dream exit… leave without telling anyone! If you are already a little uneasy about all of the attention you are going to get for the ceremony, first dances, and speeches, feel free to sneak away whenever you are done. You are the couple, you make the rules!

One thing to remember is that from my experience (and hearing photographer’s recommendation), if you are wanting photos of your grand exit you are going to have to fake this exit before the end of the reception. Most photographers do not stay until the end of the night because there are only so many photos you want to pay for of your sweaty drunk cousin on the dance floor. It’s totally normal to gather everyone together during the party to take exit photos. 

Which grand exit are you planning to do for your wedding?

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a wedding designer executive and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Lauren is based in Kansas CIty and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

Hi, ya’ll! Sam here, and I just got back from another exciting season at New York Bridal Fashion Week. Trends tend to move a little slower than regular street fashion, but there’s still so many things to go over each time the new collections come out!

Reminder: looks are normally available in store 6+ months after fashion week so if you see something that debuted last week and you’re getting married this summer….maybe it’s time to look into custom options. Also, I know we’re in spring of 2024, but the official season title is Spring/Summer 2025 (that’s a rant for another time).

Let’s dive in to the trends:

1. Bows!

   The bow trend has reigned supreme for the past few seasons so those with a super strong feminine energy, this one’s for you. We’re seeing bows as hair accessories, on veils, dramatically big, adorably small, sheer, opaque, and everything in between. It’s a great way to add drama, color, or subtle design detail if you’re looking to “add” without overwhelming.

2. Dramatic sleeves

Another look that’s been gaining momentum for a while, sleeves can vary depending on the outfit. The strongest trend is off the shoulder and many of them are detachable! Call it two birds one stone. You’ll find a lot of billowy, sheer sleeves with lace appliques or simple gathered tulle sleeve that’s more form fitting to the arms.

3. Drop waists

Say hello to “coquettecore” and all that comes with it (aka vintage aesthetic). Mainly, drop waists. For those with a short torso (or just short in general), this is a great way to get a more elongated look even if the waist is only dropped by a couple inches. Gorgeous with a gathered skirt or if you’re going for a more romantic, ethereal tulle vibe.

4. Rosettes

3D florals are back, but with a specific look: roses. Fashion week was full of them from large and dramatic to softly sprinkled throughout an all lace gown. You’ll even see them as the print pattern in lace, or along the trim of a neckline or shoe. Roses have always been a staple of the wedding industry and they’ve made their way back into fashion.

5. structured minis!

In a world where city hall and elopement weddings are on the rise, mini dresses have been growing with it! Whether you want it for the main event or just for a rehearsal dinner, bachelorette, or engagement party, these little numbers are perfect. These mini dresses tend to be “stiffer” and hold a sophisticated shape. You’ll find them mainly used with satin and (if embellished) with beads or pearls.

special mentions

There’s always more going on than just a few trends each season so here’s a special mention for some other notable mentions:

• Platform heels

• Pastel gowns

• Tiered skirts

• Pearls (timeless!)

So, which trend is your favorite? Or better yet, which one are you incorporating into your wedding? Tell us in the comments!

Happy shopping!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Hello! Sam here 👋🏼 . As your resident artist, I’m super excited to bring this topic to you so let’s chat beautiful options for your big day!

As we’re all aware, art comes in many styles. This can be more traditional like painting or in the form of food decoration or photography. Whichever is your preferred medium, art is a beautiful way to show self expression and style. Also, as more and more weddings focus on guest experience, this is great way to get creative and wow your guests. So let’s dive in to a few specific ideas:

1. hire a live painter

   This is the most obvious idea, as it concentrates on the traditional idea of “art”. You can hire an artist to come to the wedding and paint a scene from the ceremony, first dance, etc. They usually spend a few hours on it on site and then will finish it up back home in their studio. This is the perfect blend of a memento (for you as the couple) and experience as guests will love seeing this come to life throughout the night.

   Option number two, is a live guest artist. This is what I personally specialize in and guests absolutely LOVE walking away with a custom piece of art created just for them. I have an entire blog post going over how all of this works, so check that out here.

2. custom place cards

Piggy-backing off of the point above, getting custom place “cards” for your guests is another way to gift them something personal. I would say this is a better option for the rehearsal dinner or welcome party as opposed to the wedding, but that really depends on your guest count and budget. These cards or place settings can be anything from custom sketches to mini embroidered hoops to personalized letters. I personally love this option as it acts as the wedding favor as well instead of gifting something generic that they don’t want anyway.

3. Interactive guest book

I will scream this from the rooftops for the rest of eternity: SKIP THE TRADITIONAL GUEST BOOK. The likeliness of you reading it ever again after (maybe) your first anniversary is very low. So, why not have an option that you’ll actually be able to see and admire after the wedding day? Guest “book” ideas can honestly be giving people anything they can write on, but if you want to be able to display this with pride in your home afterwards, signing art is going to be the way to go. Such as: a custom illustration of the two of you with (or without) your date underneath on canvas or oversized paper with plenty of space for guests to sign around it (click here to learn more about this). Or even something special carved out of wood or etched on glass.

We also did a blog post on the many guest book alternatives. Click here to look into more options.

4. portrait photographer

This is a very new option that I am SO excited is starting to trend. Imagine instead of a photo-booth, you had an actual photographer taking family/couples photos in that cute little sitting/backdrop area you already know you’re going to have somewhere (or at cocktail hour!). Because there’s nothing like a professional making sure you look best in photos. Plus, the photographer would gather guests’ info to send them the photos post-wedding. Wins all around.

5. Get literal

For all my fellow creatives, this one’s for you. If you want a little nod to your artsy side, here’s a couple options:

1. Mini easels and canvases as table numbers

2. Pantone cards for your seating chart (or table numbers)

3. Hand-painted veil or dress/outfit

4. Grazing table with food on (unused!) paint palettes

6. Painted food

Don’t worry, it’s still edible! If you want a more “temporary” art direction then go for the cake. Watercolor cakes are absolutely gorgeous and can really bring a non-traditional, romantic vibe to the dessert selection. Not having a cake cutting moment? Get famous paintings replicated on a bunch of mini cakes!

7. get it on paper

When all ideas fail, you really can go all out relying on your paper goods. It’s a great way to kick off your wedding journey as the invite suite will be guests’ first peak into your style. Here’s a few options:

1. Get an illustrated map to introduce guests to your area for the weekend (especially if your weekend activities are split between multiple venues)

2. A watercolor or pencil drawing of your venue for the envelope lining

3. An illustration of the couple for the save the dates or thank you notes

4. Food illustrations for a buffet sign or individual menus

5. A custom drink sign for your signature cocktails

6. Chocolate cards aka a delicious chocolate bar inside a custom decorated card aka the sweetest take home favor for your guests. Shoot me an email to learn more and get a quote!

As I usually end most of my blog posts, I love reminding you that your special weekend or day is just that: YOURS. So make it as unique as your love with your partner and let your personality shine through art. I would love to know, which idea did you like best? Tell us in the comments below!

Happy Planning!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

One of the key parts of wedding planning that will stick with you from day one to last call is your color palette. You will have Pinterest boards and screenshots to show your wedding vendors, key family members helping you pull your big day together, and your Fiancé (although they will need constant reminders…). It can be overwhelming to narrow down your color selection for this big day, so we’ve put together some suggestions of things to think about when making this decision.

1. Think of your own color tones

   Think about it… the colors of your wedding will be surrounding you in all of your photos. You want to make sure that the pallet works with your and your partner’s skin tones to make for the most flattering photos possible! It helps to think about the colors that you each wear regularly.

2. Think of your dream home

Your wedding is only one day, but again, the photos are what lasts forever. You want to be happy having photos of your bouquet, decor, and venue hanging on the walls in your home and everything should look cohesive.

3. Think about the feel of the wedding

Colors can very much convey emotion, so think about how you want people to feel when they walk into your ceremony and reception. Are you trying to have a raging party, focus on the romance, or create a whimsical environment?

4. Think about the saturation of the colors

The color palette of your wedding can represent either the pops of color throughout the day, or it can be the predominant focus of the day. Typically the bolder the colors you choose, the smaller the elements in those colors will be. If you chose cherry red as one of your colors, maybe that would just be represented in a couple of flowers in your bouquet, but if you want to focus more on a baby pink then that can be the entire bouquet (accents vs main colors). However, this depends on how “loud” you’re trying to be with your color choices and if it fits your personality and design look.

5. Think about the time of year

If you want an easy way to decide your color palette , just go with the colors of the season (or weather) you’re getting married in. This makes florals easier as everything you want will be in season for your wedding.  Most importantly, pick a color palette that makes you smile. You will be referencing it for every wedding planning decision that is made, so it has to make you happy!

Pro tip (and non-sponsored): check out https://coolors.co/. It’s a free site that makes it super easy to see colors that go together and generate different schemes. They even give you the hex code (your stationer/designer will know what that is) and color names.

So, what colors are you doing for your big day?! Let us know!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

New Year, new trends!

To be honest though, I’ve never been a fan of “trend” lists as I’ve always believed that if you like something you should go for it regardless if it’s “in” or “out”. That being said, it’s great to stay in the loop of what people are gravitating towards each year and can be a source of inspiration. So, 2024 couples, are you ready? Here’s the ultimate trend list for everything you’ll be seeing this year in weddings:

For themes/aesthetic

• Retro. Think: disposable cameras, vinyl, film photography, and vintage decor

• Themed parties. Think: specific dress codes, themed entertainment, blow outs for welcome parties/rehearsal dinner

• Color, color, and more color! Think: glassware, decor, florals, and tablescapes

• Prioritizing the guest experience. Think: entertainment (like artists. Hi, it’s me), fashion switches, something special at cocktail hour

• European aesthetics. Think: French chateaus and Italian palazzos

For florals

• Like we said before: COLOR (the bold kind)

• Increase in texture and variety. Especially those sticking with more neutrals, variety will help give florals depth

• Non floral accents. Think: moss, fruit, veggies, and mushrooms (fruit patterns are also going to be big!)

• Modern vases in contemporary shapes with glass or ceramic

• Going truly all out with florals. It’s a great way to transform a space!

think green!

More and more couples will be opting for eco friendly options. We just spoke all about this in a previous blog post, so check that out here!

For food & drink

• Mocktails (Pro tip: do 2 signature drinks and make one a mocktail!). Also be sure to get a drink sign to go with that.

• Paired drinks per food course so the whole experience is curated!

• Personalized menus. Your food and drink experience should reflect each of your personal interests as well as your theme!

• Farm to table food. I say again: hello, sustainability

• Centerpiece desserts. Instead of one big towering dessert piece, couples are opting to go horizontal and have it double as decor

• These previous trends that will only continue to grow stronger: extensive dessert options and late night snacks

For your registry

• One of a kind items. Think: custom portraits (get that here!), personalized china, boxes, etc.

• Straight up cash

• Experiences. Either during the honeymoon (zip-lining, tours, etc) or in their town (cooking classes, concerts, etc)

• Brand items. Think: Dyson, KitchenAid, Caraway, Our Place, etc

• Pet items! The majority of couples now live together (and buy their homes) prior to the wedding so a bit of the registry can be dedicated to the other household members

We can’t foget: fashion!

• Bold florals. Mostly aimed at guest/wedding party outfits

• Back to classic wedding gowns. Think: satin A-lines, full tulle skirts, and beaded bodices

• Party dresses. Think: short beaded dresses, fringe, and bows

• Suits…for everyone!

• Custom grooms suits. Think: perfectly tailored, standout color from groomsmen, fun colors

• Evening gloves (all kinds). Think: long satin, tulle, beaded or with pearls

• Multiple outfits. Yes, this has been a growing trend for years, but now it’s more common than ever to have a different look for the ceremony, reception, and after party.

Happy New Year and engagement season! Let us know in the comments, which trend are you most excited about?

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Weddings, just like any other large event, produce a lot of “waste”. But like….a LOT of it. According to the Green Bride Guide, about 400-600 POUNDS (or 181-272 kg for you non-Americans) of waste is accumulated PER WEDDING and The New York Times estimates around 57,152 kilograms of CO2. This isn’t to say “skip the reception”, but there are ways to be more eco-friendly when planning. Here’s how:

Reduce the amount of paper goods

Weddings go through a ton of paper, from the invite suite to programs/menus to signage. The easiest thing you can do is simply reduce to the bare minimum of what you need (I mean, honestly, no one needs a ceremony program and your save the dates can be via email). However, if you insist on having a lot of each of these things, it’s recommended to print on “seed paper”. Yes, paper that is literally made of seeds so when it’s planted or thrown out, it’s reincarnated into plants or is at least biodegradable. For signage, you can rent chalkboards or glass and have a calligrapher write out what you need and then it can all be cleaned and returned post-wedding.

go local

A solid majority of wedding waste comes from importing. From food to flowers to vendors, there’s a lot going on. By selecting local (and seasonal) food, wines, flowers, and vendors, there’s less transportation and you get to support local businesses. Bonus: the food will taste better and the flowers will be prettier. Speaking of blooms, you can reduce the amount you need by taking the ceremony arrangements and reusing them at the reception. Win for the environment AND your wallet (flowers aren’t cheap, ya’ll).

Make it biodegradable

We already went over having seed paper for the paper goods, but we can do more. If you’re planning on having confetti or balloons (looking at you, bridal shower balloon arch), make sure they’re the biodegradable kind. There are even eco-friendly fireworks! Regular fireworks work up a lot of smoke contaminating the atmosphere, but the eco option is clean burning and uses a nitrogen based fuel which emits very little smoke.

Reduce fumes

Speaking of smoke, let’s talk about transportation. There’s a few different things that can impact this:

1) Provide a shuttle or a bus to/from the venue from your hotel blocks: less cars at the venue and everyone can drink

2) Have your ceremony and reception at the same venue (your guests will also appreciate this)

3) If you’re having a destination wedding (aka a location where you know everyone has to travel), keep the guest list as small as possible. Weddings produce 75 times the CO2 emissions of an average in-town wedding just off of guest travel alone.

rent & borrow

After you make a list of all the things you need for the wedding, go through and highlight everything you could possibly rent (your planner will have contacts for this as well) for your linens, decor, dishes/cutlery, or even outfits (tuxes and bridesmaid dresses). Next, see what you can buy second hand at a thrift shop. This could include welcome party/rehearsal dinner/after party outfits, decor, guest “book” options, or jewelry. Lastly, what could you borrow from a relative or close friend? This could usually be accessories like jewelry, shoes, or a veil. Or signage and decor (you would not believe the amount of stuff people accumulate from their own weddings and would be happy to let you buy/borrow!). Won’t know until you ask!

Interested in thrifting for your wedding? We have a whole blog post about it! Click here to read

give back

Lastly, find a way to off-set your wedding carbon footprint. First, use this calculator to determine how big your footprint will be. One bride I read about in the New York Times donated money to a non-profit that plants trees and others donate to other non-profit green organizations. You can choose vendors and venues that use more sustainable methods such as solar panels, insulated walls/window, biodegradable materials, and LED lights. Some companies even plant trees just for spending money with them (hello, Capital One Travel!). But my favorite (simple) way is to plant a tree for your unity ceremony. It’s the “greenest” thing you could do and it’s integrated into the wedding day. You know what they say about birds and stones.

So, go forth and plan…sustainably. Even if you’re not able to do much, every little bit helps. There’s about 2.5 MILLION weddings a year, so if each couple just did one or two things more eco-friendly, that’s a lot of impact. What will you do for yours? Let us know!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Sketch created for “The Honest Planner” by Susanna Richardson

In loving memory… 

The hardest part of getting older is saying goodbye to people you love. When you are getting married you are reminded that those you have lost will not be there with you in person on your wedding day and let me tell you… it sucks. 

My sister and I are both getting married this year (my sister a few weeks ago and me in a few months) and there have been countless phone calls about how we would do anything to have our Pa around for just a little while longer so he could see us enter this next big stage of our lives. I’m not going to lie, I am getting a little choked up just writing this. 

I know we aren’t the only ones deeply missing someone on our wedding days, so today we wanted to share a few ways to keep their memory alive on your wedding day and forever after. 

I’ll save a seat for you

Save a seat for your loved ones in the front row of your ceremony. Decorate the seat with flowers and either a photo/ sketch of them or a sign with a note saying “In loving memory of those who cannot be here today but are forever present in our hearts”

Click here for a custom person sketch

I’ll always remember you

Have SamiaLynn illustrate your wedding photos to include those who have passed and will not be photographed with you on your wedding day. This is a great way to forever embed them in the memories of your wedding. 

Click here for the “Family Group” Illustration

Click here for the “Wedding” Illustration 

To all who couldn’t be here today

If you and your fiancé have loved and lost too many people before your wedding day, set up a table at your ceremony in memory of all of those who could not be with you on your big day. Include framed photos of them, florals from your other centerpieces, and even some candles to bring attention to the table.

To have and to hold

Hold your loved ones close to you as you walk down the aisle by including a memento from them in your bouquet. This could be a small charm or locket attached to the florals, or using a small amount of fabric from their wedding dress to wrap your bouquet together. I have also seen some beautiful examples of this, but sewn to the inside of your wedding gown. 

For those of you who are having to choose one of these options, I am sorry for your loss. You are so loved and including these little details in your wedding will remind you of that for the rest of your life.

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Lauren is based in Kansas City and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

Lauren here! 👋🏼

As we have talked about a few times now, l am a 2023 bride and wedding planning has become a second job for me. I must admit, this might be my favorite job even though my first job does allow me to play with beautiful dresses everyday. One perk of wedding planning is that I get to see things in a new perspective, especially all of the offerings on samialynn.com!! Obviously I have studied Sam's website multiple times as I've been writing these blogs for years now, but the selection didn't fully hit me until planning my own wedding. That being said, here is my list of "must hire Sam for this ASAP” for my wedding planning needs.

1. Signature drink print

   We will be having his/hers cocktails and everything is more fun illustrated instead of just printed. Plus, there’s multiple layouts to choose from! Or maybe we’ll just go full custom. Stay tuned!

   Click here for the “Signature Drink” print

2. Custom group illustration

   My sister and I are both getting married this year so I love this as a gift for my parents after! Another great group option is for the wedding party

   Click here for the “Family Group” Illustration

   Click here for the “Wedding Party” Illustration 

3. Live illustration

   Who wouldn't love to leave a wedding with a sketch of their fabulous outfit to remember the evening by? It’s the perfect mix of entertainment and guest favors

   Click here to inquire for live sketching

   Click here for the FAQ blog post on live art

4. Wedding planning stickers

   I actually gifted these to my sister when she began to plan her wedding and she has been loving the organization and decoration! And this isn’t any old sticker set, these are actual customized with your wedding palette, skin tone, dress style and more.

   Click here for “Wedding Planner Stickers”

5. Custom makeup bag

   How cute would it be to show up to our honeymoon with an illustration of our wedding day to keep in my beach bag?? Also makes a great bridesmaid gift my friends would actually use

Click here to add a “Cosmetic Bag” to your cart*

*Please note the listing above does not include the custom illustration

6. Custom Veil

Perks of having a friend with a fashion degree. Sam and I have something special planned for my veil to go with my dream dress and we cannot wait to show it to you after my wedding in November!

Click here to learn more about custom veils and fill out the form

Readers, please tell me how Sam made your wedding perfect and unique! And if she hasn’t made something for you yet, what are you getting?!

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Lauren is based in Kansas CIty and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

As a bride, I know how many little details go into creating your wedding day. My mom likes to remind me that guests won’t remember 90% of these details that I started obsessing over well over a year before the wedding. She is probably correct, but we all know there are a few KEY parts of a wedding that, if gone wrong, guests will remember well after the DJ plays “you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here”. Let’s talk about them now, so your guests won’t have to talk about them later. 

1. Uncomfortable chairs

   This is one I am having a hard time with because DID YOU KNOW renting chair cushions is just about the same price as renting the chair?! This is mind blowing to me. My initial thought was to skimp on the cushions because realistically I want people up and dancing or mingling all night, but after having to sit in a chiavari chair for a meeting recently, I’m going to splurge for the cushions. Don’t waste your time like me, just get the cushions. Your guests are going to have to sit through your lovey dovey vows and listen to your little sister’s speech in those chairs, don’t make their experience any more uncomfortable. 

2. Cold food

   There has not been a single wedding where guests sit down for dinner and think “wow, I could care less about what is about to be served to me.” Usually the cocktail hour food is just a little teaser for your hunger levels after spending half of your day getting ready, traveling to the venue, and sitting through the ceremony. Whether you have a buffet or a plated meal, the most important part will be making sure the guests bite into a nice hot bite of food. You can cover up even the most mediocre large group catering with the perfect steamy plate.  

3. Not serving alcohol

   Ok, Ok, OK I hear you! Alcohol is expensive, your church doesn’t believe in it, or you personally believe that your life is better without it. All of this is correct! But that will not stop your coworkers/family/friends from complaining on Monday morning about how they went to a dry wedding on Saturday night and it was the longest reception of their life. Unless you are truly only inviting guests that are of the same beliefs as you, I’d recommend at least having beer and wine available for guests who may want to partake in spicing up the party just a bit. 

4. A (too) long ceremony

   Growing up Catholic, I understand how long some ceremonies can get! These are the moments where you share your love for your partner and vow to stand by them forever. There is an argument for stating that this is actually the entire reason you have brought all of your favorite friends and family together. But let’s be honest with each other here, they showed up to celebrate you with food, drinks, and good music. That being said, sitting still for over 30 minutes is very hard, especially if it’s in an uncomfortable seat (see above!). Try to keep your ceremony to only the most meaningful necessities! A great way to do this is reading your personalized vows to each other during your first look and keep the ceremony more simple (this also is a great option for anyone with public speaking jitters).

5. Extreme weather

   Unfortunately this is one part of your wedding that is out of your hands, but there are ways to prepare for extreme weather! For the heat make sure to have water and fans for guests when they arrive (shade if you’re outdoors and a venue with AC for indoors). For cold weather make sure to add space heaters to your budget. You can always take them off your rental the week of your wedding if the weather ends up being nicer than expected. If any events are outside, cozy blankets make great favors! Everyone think of me in November in Kentucky as I pray to not experience the extreme cold and make my guests miserable. 

Have you experienced any of these misfortunes at weddings recently?? Give us all the tea!

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Lauren is based in Kansas CIty and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

Custom client sketches created for Joy Abendmode Bridal

Many designers are seeing that even within their collections, brides all have unique needs with their wedding dresses. Customization options are typically the answer for “this dress is perfect but…” when dress shopping.  We all have parts of our bodies that we would prefer to show off and parts that we would like to not call attention to and your wedding dress should be the perfect balance of your style and comfort. The option of customizing your gown will also allow for you to have a unique twist on the samples’ style. Today we wanted to tell you about some of the standard customization options you will see while wedding dress shopping so keep reading!

Lined vs unlined

Many bodices (and some skirts!) on bridal gowns right now are sheer or unlined. This is to give the illusion of a smaller waistline and to take away some of the bulk that the lining could create. You will most often notice an unlined bodice in an ivory gown as opposed to a dress with a colored underlay like champagne or nude as those colors will blend in with many skin tones

Sparkle tulle vs regular tulle

Adding a light layer of shimmer to gowns through a sparkle tulle within the gown has been popular over the last few years. This can be a love or hate addition to the gown which is why many designers are now making this addition optional in many dresses.

Speaking of tulle, many companies will let you add or remove fabric layers to make the skirt fluffier or more slim. Never hurts to ask right?

Slits

We have been seeing more and more brides ready to show a little leg on their wedding day which means adding slits to all different types of dresses. Being able to have the option of slit or no slit means that you can decide if that is the look for you or not

Note: for more fitted gowns, it’s easier to sew up a slit than it is to create one due to the bit of extra fabric needed. So if you want to make the decision later in alterations, order the gown WITH the slit

adding straps or sleeves

You will see these added to many gowns as brides have over and over again shared a desire to draw attention to her collar bone and away from her arms. One thing to remember is that off the shoulder (or straight) straps can be added to any strapless dress to give it a brand new look. You can even add a cap sleeve or long sleeves to cover your shoulders!

Pro tip: if you want the best of both worlds, make the straps removable and you can take them off when it’s time to party at the reception!

Other popular customizations

• Dress color (most are offered in at least 2 different colorways)

• Raising or lowering of the neckline

• Extending the train

• Adding or removing buttons

• Adding or removing lace/beading

• Adding an overskirt

  Pro tip: it’s not necessarily a customization, but if you’re buying a lace gown and want extra lace for your veil, flower girl dress, or to make sleeves/bolero, be sure to ask how much the designer will sell it by the yard!

At the end of the day, what can or cannot be customized will vary depending on the company. However, your bridal stylist will be an expert in the changes (or there’s always a way for them to inquire) that are possible with the designers you are trying on, so make sure to ask a lot of questions! You might be surprised what can be done.

Have you gone dress shopping yet? What kind of custom changes are you interested in making for your dream dress?

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Want to know a trend that’s been gaining traction for quite a few years now?

Eloping.

It used to be viewed as “defiant”, done on a whim, or for those that don’t care about a big party. Well, that last one might be true for some couples, but if the pandemic taught us anything about weddings; it’s that some couples actually got to live out their intimate wedding or elopement dreams without being judged (FINALLY).

What is NOT true about all elopements, is that it doesn’t take planning. Some actually want to plan out their special day like any other couple: booking a photographer, scouting locations, and ordering your dream outfit months in advance. But, where do you start?

I thought the perfect person to ask would be Carrie Rogers of Carrie Rogers Photography, an incredible photographer who specializes in elopements and loves to travel with her couples wherever they want to be married. So here are some things you and your fiance should go over while planning:

let’s start with the legalities

Remember, legally binding yourself to another human is a requirement to being actually married. The “wedding” is the fun part. So, like any marriage, you need a license. These requirements vary by city, state, and country so be sure to check into this thoroughly and complete proper paperwork before the day of. Aside from any documents that might be required, you’ll also probably need:

• An officiant to conduct the ceremony

• A witness (or two) to sign the license

  Another option is to get legally married at a courthouse before jetting off to your elopement location. This is a much easier option for those that want to get married internationally. Even couples that have big weddings do this as well just for the convenience.

  Carrie says, “Even if your ceremony isn’t on the same day that you sign your license, it doesn’t mean your elopement is any less special or real. Your wedding day is more about committing yourselves to each other than signing a piece of paper!”

you need a budget

Or maybe you’re one of those lucky people that don’t and I love that for you. However, for the other 99%, do your research into the things & experiences you want and the places you’d like to go, how much they cost, and carve out a rough budget based on your priorities and what’s feasible for you both. Don’t rule something out just because you think it will be out of reach, get quotes first! Here are the major money points to consider:

• Flights, rental car / gas

• Accommodations

• Attire + Rings

• Location permits and fees

• Marriage license

• Vendors (Photographer, Videographer, Florist, Hair, Makeup, etc.)

• Food / Drinks

• Activities and Excursions

  Carrie says, “You’ll be surprised at just how amazing your day can be, while still spending less money than you would on planning a bigger, more traditional wedding. This is your WEDDING DAY. It deserves to be everything you want.”

imagine your dream day

When it comes down to it, you want your wedding day to be special and the whole point of an elopement is for it to be an intimate moment between the two of you (and possibly a few close loved ones), so why not make it exactly how you dreamed. Where do you feel your best and your happiest? What do you and your fiance like to do together or go together? Do what feels right for YOU.

Note: Want more tips on how to include your family/friends in your elopement? Carrie has a blog post on that right here.

Carrie says, “One of the biggest steps to planning your elopement is having a vision for the day that feels authentic and meaningful to you. Take this vision with you as you finalize all the details of the day.”

Choosing your location

Since elopement is all about NOT having the pomp and circumstance of a big wedding (which, TBH, is centered around guest experience), location and experience are the main parts of your big day. Do you want to go back to a place that is special or sentimental to you and your partner? Do you want to discover somewhere new together? Wherever you decide, make sure it’s your happy place. Here’s what to consider:

• Scenery: where are you? At the beach? On a snowy mountaintop? Hiking through fall foliage or red rocks?

• Accessibility: How strenuous do you want your wedding day to be? i.e. hiking up a mountain in a tight mermaid dress. If you’re inviting guests who might have mobility issues or are older, take into consideration when researching locations

• Privacy: if you’re outdoors and in a public space (hiking trails, parks, landmarks, etc), your intimate moments might be surrounded by strangers. This can be distracting and chip away at the romantic idea you had in your head. Carrie recommends choosing a weekday or sunrise time to avoid crowds and allow yourselves to have a more private ceremony.

• Weather and time of year: regardless of where your location is, seasons should always be a consideration. Even warm weather places have rainy or stormy seasons. Example: desert places are best during the spring and fall to avoid extreme temperatures. Definitely be a little flexible on the date so you can get your most ideal weather scenario out of the location you pick.

Carrie says, “Your wedding day will feel like a “full circle” moment as you add a significant milestone to all the other special memories of that place. On the other hand, choosing a location you’ve never been to before means your wedding day memories will forever include experiencing that place together for the first time. This adds a new element of excitement to planning that really can’t be beat!”

picking a date

Speaking of weather, this is a major factor when picking your elopement date (see case in point above). If you’d rather get married on a date that has more significance to you, pick your location around that instead! But if you want your wedding on February 14th and you hate the cold, I would not suggest picking the Northeast of the US as your wedding location.

Carrie says, “Make sure you consider all the other factors that go into your day when making your final decisions.”

the big one: vendors

Obviously, this will look different for everyone depending on how you want your day, but here are a few vendors that most couples will need to hire:

• A photographer: just as with any other niche market, picking someone who specializes in elopements is ideal. Ultimately, you want someone that you get along with, who makes you feel comfortable, and that you love their editing style. The whole point in hiring a professional photographer is to get your most special moments captured while you look and feel your best, so make sure they’re the right one for you. Remember, they’ll be with you ALL day (or more).

• An officiant: We discussed this in the “legalities” section at the beginning, but if you want to get legally married on your wedding day you need to hire an officiant. Otherwise, you’ll need to get legally married prior and then whoever you’d like can conduct the ceremony. Fun fact: Carrie is ordained and has officiated her couples weddings before!

• Hair and make up artist(s): It’s your special day, why not look your absolute best? You deserve it. We have a whole blog post on hiring for hair and make up, click here to read.

• Florist: Again, this will depend on what kind of day you’re planning, but having a bouquet is always lovely!

Carrie says, “I encourage you to think first about what your DREAM elopement day looks like, estimate the costs of that (reach out to vendors for quotes), and THEN compare that to your financial situation. If you need to adjust your priorities, that’s okay!”

Elopement attire

This one’s quick, but still wanted to emphasize that you should always pick your dream outfit! Just because you’re not getting married in front of 200 people or have a traditional venue, doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to get married in something special. This is your wedding, wear what makes you feel your best and brings out your most confident self. It’s also important to note that you should consider location and weather when packing for before and after the ceremony: proper hiking boots, rain jacket, extra clothes, etc.

Carrie says, “These little details are pretty easy to take care of towards the end of your planning, but don’t forget about them.”

As we always say on this blog, you do you, boo. Your day is exactly that…YOUR DAY. I think one of the reasons I was so excited to do a blog post about Carrie is because of how much she encourages couples to do what’s best for them and makes them shine in the most authentic way. She says, “This is the day you and your partner commit yourselves to each other and you’ll look back on it for the rest of your lives! There are no rules here, so have fun with your planning and make your day exactly what you want it to be.”

Carrie is originally from a small town in Missouri, but is now based in Southern California where she lives with her partner and two adorable kitties. She frequently travels all over CA, as well as the Western USA and internationally, to capture those special and intimate moments for her clients. I highly suggest you follow her on Instagram @carrierogersphotography and grace your feed with all her gorgeous photos. If you’re looking to learn more or book her for a session, check out her website, www.carrierogersphotography.com.

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Happy New Year!! It is officially wedding year for me and that means finalizing details and way too much time on Wedding TikTok. With that comes visible trends for the weddings coming up this year! Today we wanted to share the trends we have seen the most, but the biggest reminder we have for you is that this is your wedding and trends are fun to keep up with, but they are not required to follow. Make sure your wedding is a representation of you and not the year you are getting married in.

The 80’s are back

As someone who has always loved fashion, I grew up looking at my mom’s wedding dress and mocking her for her big hair and even bigger balloon sleeves on her wedding dress. Before I realized how much trends truly do always come back I never imagined the possibility of seeing a dress like hers again. Now that is the most up and coming bridal trend in 2023. Puffy sleeves come in all shapes and sizes from chiffon, tulle and lace, off the shoulder, on the shoulder, or anything you could imagine. 

Even if you go more basic with your neckline, dresses in general are starting to take a turn for a more modest look with classic laces. Think appliqués, tulle, and beading rather than soft lace and textures.

More is more

Similar to the bigger sleeves on the dresses, you will be seeing more of everything in 2023. This is especially true for florals. Many celebrity weddings last year had an increasingly lavish amount of florals and I have been seeing more and more conversations about covering your wedding completely in flowers but at a non-celebrity price point. You will be seeing floral chandeliers, full table garland rather than simple centerpieces, and aisles that look like gardens. 

This trend will relate to many parts of the wedding party. Instead of taking the simple route with any details, over the top thrill will be put in place. You may notice other details being cut in this place though. Not every couple is choosing to follow every tradition, but the ones they choose will be done to the best of their abilities.

Party over romance

Many people that are getting married in 2023 are doing it out of a choice to bring all of their favorite people together to celebrate their love for each other. A wedding is no longer an obligation for family to see the couple dedicate their lives to one another, but a celebration of their continued commitment. Ceremonies are now just a break in the party for tradition, surrounded by a welcome party, reception, after party, and Sunday brunch. Brides still want the beautiful dress (because why not!), but it’s not all just for mom and grandma to feel satisfied. 

Candid photos

Personally, I have a love/ hate relationship with this trend. Looking at wedding photos, we all know that the portrait style photos are necessary and they get the best details and everyone of importance will get a photo. In this social media age, it’s the candid photos that make the biggest impact though. They show personalities and tell the best stories. Blurry photos are even becoming the preferred story to tell in a singular moment in time captured. Can you imagine just a few years ago asking a professional photographer to take and send you blurry photos of your wedding?? My only problem with these candid photos is that in the past they have only shown my personal insecurities, and I can imagine that I’m not alone in those feelings. On your wedding day, just try to remember how special the story is that these photos are telling. (At least that’s what I’ll be telling myself!)

Are you a 2023 bride? What is your favorite trend that you will be incorporated into your big day?

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Lauren is based in Kansas CIty and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

Florals designed by Wedding Events

Lauren here! Raise your hand if Pinterest is an overwhelming hub of options and inspiration…. Same. And I never fully realized until planning my own wedding that so many options that you see on Pinterest do not live in reality. There are so many inspirational photos that are just not feasible unless you are a Kardashian or President Biden’s granddaughter getting married at the White House! But you know you can always come to us for realistic wedding advice and today we wanted to share with you a few unique ways to decorate your aisle at (almost) any budget. 

Grounded Flowers

These have been a huge conversation in the wedding world recently. Just like the name suggests, this simply means that your flowers will surround you from the floor. Typically this included tall branch style flowers, some fuller greenery, and a variety of sizes of your signature wedding flowers. This look is particularly good if your surroundings are beautiful like the beach, the mountains, or a unique wall working your venue. 

Floral chandeliers

These are another update to a wedding arch (which are still very popular and beautiful). This idea can come across more formal than the grounded flowers technique just for the added complication of hanging a full oversized flower arrangement. Using a floral chandelier will bring the eye up and depending on the size will either hide a ceiling or bring focus to it so I would make sure you know what your end goal is if you go this route! Many times this floral arrangement will include wisteria hanging out of the arrangement as well as full greenery and your choice of florals to give it dimension and make it your own. 

Candlelight

If you (like me) are trying to keep the cost of florals down, surround yourself with candlelight! You could always replace flowers with a traditional chandelier (which are easy to rent!) or instead of grounded flowers just surround yourself with different size and shape candles. There are plenty of good options these days for battery powered candles if your venue does not allow for fire hazards. 

Book shelves

Another great option that can be rented or thrifted. This is a great way to add height and fill up space without the hefty price of full florals. You can fill the shelves with scattered flowers, candles, or other things that might be sentimental to you as a couple. You could even go as crazy as putting actual books on the book shelves! 

Your wedding day is a day to surround your friends and family in your personal style, so make sure you are picking decor that tells a story of who you are as a couple. Which of these options sounds most like you?

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Lauren is based in Kansas CIty and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

Wedding prep isn’t just about ordering your outfit on time or booking vendors, it’s also about preparing yourself. Mentally, of course, but also physically (and we’re not referring to body size here).

In today’s post we’re talking skincare so you can GLOW on your wedding day, feeling your absolute best walking down that aisle. And there’s no better person to give us all the tips than Jillian Gottlieb: a hilarious actress, talented singer, and the TikTok skincare queen. But before we dive in to all the extra things you should do and when, it’s important that you already have your daily skincare routine locked in. Let’s go over that first:

Sample Morning routine

1. Cleanse

   (or skip this and go right to toner if you have dry skin)

2. Tone

3. Vitamin C Serum*

   You always want to pick a Vitamin C with the L-Ascorbic Acid between 10-20%. My fave is Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, or budget friendly Timeless, Maelove Glowmaker, or Makeup Artists Choice are also great.

4. Moisturizer

5. Eye Cream

6. Mineral SPF*

*The most important morning products are your Vitamin C Serum and SPF so pay special attention to those!

Sample night routine

1. Cleanse

2. Tone

3. Some nights AHA/BHA/PHA (chemical exfoliant pad / serum)*

4. Alternate Nights retinol or your prescription retinoid*

5. Eye Cream

6. Cover both with moisturizer

*At night, your retinol or prescription retinoid are key alternated with chemical exfoliants

Regardless if you’re getting married or not, having a regular morning & night skincare routine is important for keeping your skin looking and feeling its best! Be sure to start this as soon as you can and keep up with it post-wedding. Remember that everyone’s skin responds differently so starting early will be helpful in determining which products work/don’t work for you, and give your skin time to react.

3-4 weeks pre-wedding

If budget isn’t an issue (or you want to splurge) a laser treatment like Fraxel Dual or Clear and Brilliant, or a chemical peel will be sure to give you the wedding-day skin you dream of. All of these things I would schedule for 3-4 weeks before the big day. That will give you ample time to heal, but you'll still have that post-laser / post-peel glow!

Don't want an in-office treatment? I recommend getting Olga Lorencin's Red Carpet Facial in a Box and using it a few nights a week up till your wedding. This is glowy skin in a box, and I absolutely swear by it! Plus, it’s a great budget-friendly option.

2 weeks pre-wedding

If you already do Botox (and/or fillers) two weeks before your wedding is a perfect time for your touchup appointment! If you're a bruiser, this will give you ample time for swelling to go down and everything to settle beautifully.

If you're new to Botox (and/or fillers) and want to start doing these things before your wedding, then I recommend starting at least 6 months before the big day, or more if you can. You want to try these things out with ample time before your wedding so you can get acclimated to how it looks and feels. And if you don't like it - it'll be gone by your wedding! Highly recommend NOT getting botox or fillers for the very first time right before your wedding if you can't commit to doing a few "practice runs" months before.

4-5 days pre-wedding

If you want a gorgeous pre-wedding glow on a budget - schedule yourself a facial and add-on microdermabrasion or derma-planing. You can find great deals for this in NYC for about $150, so out of NYC this should be cheaper.

A little note to remember as well: many external factors will play a role in your skin health such as diet, sun exposure, make up, and smoking or alcohol.

If you want more info on anything we’ve gone over in the blog post, here are a few links to my TikTok:

Wedding Timeline Video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRxMkdSG/

My fave Chemical Peel: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRxMHDbe/

Why You Need Vitamin C Serum: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRxMk2J2/

Starting a Skincare Routine: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRxMrSph/

What is Dermaplaning: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRxMf8kW/

How to alternate nighttime retinoids and chemical exfoliants: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRxMAo2e/

Brand New to Skincare and confused?:https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRxMkag9/

Everything you need before and after laser treatment: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRxMkuJy/

Everything on Vitamin C can be found in my "Vitamin C playlist"

Retinoid info - "Retinol/Retinoid" playlist

Derma-planing and facials - "dermaplaning/facials" playlist

Other playlists include : Fillers. Botox. Chemical Peels. Sunscreen. And Skincare Routines which is all about how to use your products and apply them, and detailed morning and nighttime routines.

If you’re not following her already, Jillian can be found on TikTok @jilliangottlieb (main platform for skincare tips) and Instagram @jillian.gottlieb. For questions or collabs, you can email her at skincare@jilliangottlieb.com or check out her website www.jilliangottlieb.com.

Jillian Gottlieb, Author

Jillian is the master of combining skincare tips with comedy, gaining over 200k followers on TikTok. She’s based in NYC, but her acting work has brought her all over the country through theatre, commercials, and TV shows. She has a passion for books, cheese, and not taking herself too seriously

We all know that a man’s best friend is his dog. But a couple with a fur baby?! Nothing can come in between that family! Sometimes that connection can be lost while planning a wedding, but we want to make sure that you can include all of your important family members on your big day whether it’s in person or in the details. So let’s get into a few ways you can do that:

Give them a job

1. Have your four legged baby be the ring bearer by tying the rings to his collar and let them him strut down the aisle. 

2. Include your pet in the wedding party and have her stand with one of them. 

3. Any sort of meet and greet with the guests is always appreciated (and if it’s not you have invited the wrong people….kidding but not). And just remember that’s it’s OK to hire a dog sitter for the day so your pup can come and go as needed for the day to make sure that everyone is happy!

Stationary & decor

1. Have an illustration of your furry friend made and include that in your invites, on custom napkins, or topping of drink stirrers. Etsy is a great place to find all of these customization options!

2. Include your pet in the cake topper either alone or showing off the whole family!

3. Have your live painter paint your pet into the day whether or not they could attend the actual wedding

The life of the party

1. We all know that you have canceled or avoided plans with people so you could spend the night at home with your pets at least once, so make sure they are unmissable at the reception by naming your signature cocktails after your fur babies. 

2. Take over the dance floor with a large cutout of your pet to pass around the dance floor. Or include a cutout of them as a photo booth prop!

You also can’t forget the endless options of framed photos of your pets at the wedding as table numbers or just scattered around the venue. No matter what you do, we want to know how you have included your pets into your wedding day!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Ok, real talk: I know very (VERY) little about flowers.

I’m the odd Millennial that is as far from a plant lady as they come (hello faux plants), but like most people, I love floral decor! The way they can completely transform a space is incredible and it’s amazing the different varieties and colors they all come in. Floral designers are definitely in an art category all their own. So this post is for all my fellow “flower lover not flower knowers”. It’s the biggest gap in my wedding knowledge so I asked Haley and Allison of Cedar & Lime Collective to help with a few floral tips for fall:

1. Decide what YOU want!

Not your mom, not your best friend; just you and your fiancé. Hop on Pinterest or your favorite wedding blog and take the time to gather inspiration as a couple and find something that feels like *you* and goes with your overall wedding theme. Florals is where your color palette will really pop so make sure you are the one that truly loves them

2. Choose seasonal blooms

Just like produce, it’s best to pick what’s in season. This will look different depending on where you live, but for most of the US, fall is when dahlias shine! Dahlias come in every color imaginable and each variety is unique and beautiful. They make for a stunning focal flower and elevate every arrangement they're in!

3. Lean in to fall colors

This doesn't mean you need to stick with the traditional fall colors across the board, but pick one or two as a base and build the rest of your palette around it. Love yellow? Add a little orange and red if you want traditional fall colors, or soften it up with white and peach if you want something a little more subtle! Muted greens and darker accent flowers also read more “fall”

4. Don't be afraid of dried goodies!

Grasses and foliage begin to dry and brown in the fall and it can be a great way to add texture to your pieces. You can also mix in dried flowers with fresh for a unique fall look or “alternative” grasses like pampas or tail. Not everything needs to be fresh (and dried lasts longer too!)

5. Trust your florist!

At the end of the day, your florist will always know what to do. Come to them with a broad vision of what you like and let them fine tune the details of how to make it happen. They're professionals and you're hiring them for their talent and expertise!

One more thing to add: depending on what you’re looking for (especially out of season blooms), many florists import plants from out of state or out of country. Therefore, it’s always recommended to start the process a year in advance (as you would for many wedding vendors), but 6-8 months also works as well.

Haley, Allison, and the whole team at Cedar & Lime do gorgeous work to make your wedding vision a reality so be sure to check them out on Instagram @cedarandlimeco and if you’re in the DMV area looking for a florist you can reach out to them online at www.cedarandlimeco.com

Haley Tobias, Author

Haley is the founder and lead floral designer of Cedar & Lime Collective and is based in the DC area. Her love of plants encompasses not only work, but her own flower and veggie garden as well. Her favorite flower is the Icelandic Poppy and she also has a background in ballet and modern dance!

As we are currently in a wedding boom, it is getting harder and harder to book a venue less than 2 years out. If you are looking for a Saturday wedding at a traditional venue I hope you are willing to wait a while because that is going to be the next availability. However, if you are looking for inspiration that is a little out of the box you have come to the right place!

We love the idea of finding an untraditional wedding venue that speaks to you both as a couple rather than simply what the first page of Google tries to sell you. Make sure that every step along your wedding journey feels like you. It can be easy to get pulled into what is expected as well as what #weddingtiktok shows you, but everything from your venue to your cake cutting (or lack thereof) has to feel genuine.

Are you aiming for an intimate celebration or even an elopement?

If you are already skirting around tradition you might as well go the extra mile and step outside of your cell phone range for your nuptials. Get yourself a dress that you can crumple into a backpack and hit the trails. All you need is your fiancé, an officiant, a photographer and a witness or 2 to have the most incredible wedding. Your backdrop could be the top of a mountain, the depths of a rainforest or even the back of a waterfall.

Oftentimes these “venues” are free (or very cheap) making this the most cost effective route to go for wedding planning (and believe me, your photos will be INCREDIBLE)

Sharing your day with your loved ones?

There are plenty of places to host your soiree that aren’t an event room or barn (no offense to either of those venues, they are classics for a reason). Think about locations that mean something to your relationship:

• Was your first date a 6 pack of local beers in a park because you met during the shutdown? Rent out a brewery

• Do you bond at outdoor music festivals? Go with a large campsite for the weekend and make the wedding a multi day party with music, food, drinks and so much love (Cause We Can Events, featured in a previous blog post, can make your festival wedding dreams a reality!)

• Were you long distance for a while? Consider a train station for your movie moment. Many train stations still have the beauty of a black and white love story filled with gorgeous architecture and all the space you could need

• Do you both have a fascination with history? You could do libraries, museums, or even monuments!

• Did you get engaged under the stars? Tie that in with a planetarium, where weather is not remotely a concern and the stars are guaranteed to always be twinkling

There are so many options for you to personalize your wedding, so why not start with the venue itself? Look into private beaches, boats, rooftops, or any of the options above! Whatever you choose, make it YOU. What’s your dream wedding venue? Let us know in the comments!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Shopping for a wedding dress can be an exciting and also daunting process. There are countless options out there and so many stores in every town, how do you narrow down and pick just one to say yes to? We are here to help with a 5 step plan to help you successfully find your wedding dress with zero stress and all of the fun!

Before that though, it’s important to remember that this is your experience and you need do what’s best for you. That means not letting the blogs (hi!), your family, or what you see on television sway you away from what is right for you. Our only hope is that is you can take these few steps into consideration, your bridal appointment will be one to remember forever.

1. Pick your budget

Before you can begin looking at dresses, you have to know how much you would like to spend on your wedding gown! To have a large assortment of options, a budget somewhere in the realm of $2000-4000 will give you access to many of the main stream designers

Don’t forget: budget INCLUDES alterations, shoes, and accessories so be sure to take all those into account

2. Timing is everything

Wedding dresses are special ordered to your size and can take up to 8 months to make. This means that you should choose your gown about a year before your wedding. On average you should expect 6 months for delivery and 2 months for alterations. It’s never too early to find your dress because will love it for the next 50 years as much as you love it the day you found it! There are also plenty of options available is you have less than 6 months to find the perfect dress, so just work with your store to find exactly what you need

3. Do your research

Choose the store you shop at carefully. Make sure you read the reviews on every store you’re interested in and see what designers they carry. Google the price points of each designer and make sure that the designer you are most interested in is in your price point. Don’t know what designer you like? Make a Pinterest board of dresses that excite you, most of the time you will find a trend. From there you can simply google what their price point is typically (or you can ask the company and/or wedding salon)

4. Location Matters

Be sure to take into account the location and/or time of year you’re getting married. If you’re having a beach wedding, you’ll be much more comfortable in a light and airy dress as opposed to a giant satin ballgown. Or for the colder months, remember to add a jacket or faux fur stole into the budget. We’re all for wearing whatever you want on your special day, but remember that your comfort should definitely be factored in

5. Follow your gut

FOMO is a trickster when it comes to wedding dresses. If you have already picked your budget, and done your research, there is no reason that you shouldn’t find your dress in your first day of shopping. None of this “it’s only my first time shopping” excuse, because deep down you know what you want. But, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, that’s totally normal! Your stylist will help you bring your dream to life by finding out what you like and don’t like in a dress, and pulling you the gown that checks all of your boxes. When you’re twirling in the dress, smiling, and picturing yourself on your wedding day, follow your gut and say yes to the dress!

When it comes to wedding dress shopping you should obviously be trying them on in person, however, there is so much research you can do before even setting foot in a salon! This will save you a ton of time and frustration, plus when you do finally go in for your first appointment you’ll be extra prepared and have a more productive shopping experience.

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Photo by Peach Photography

Wedding entertainment can be as elaborate or as simple as you want to make it and can come in many forms. For most people, they want their big day to have unique elements that their guests will enjoy. I mean, the whole purpose of booking entertainment is for your guests right?

My particular service is illustrating live and I’ve been doing it since 2018. I’ve had couples reach out with many of the same questions about hiring a live artist so I’m going to answer them all below!

1. What is live illustration?

A live illustrator or artist is someone that comes to the venue itself and creates artwork on the spot. Depending on the artist, this can come in many mediums such as painting, charcoal, markers, or more and can be done on canvas, paper, or products. Everyone’s process is different so be sure to do a deep dive into your artist’s work and offering before putting down a deposit.

2. Who is the illustration made for?

There’s 2 different options: individual sketches for the guests, or one big illustration for the couple. Guest illustrations are usually done quickly within minutes (varies from artist to artist) while one big piece is done for the couple to take home at the end of the night, or shipped to them post-wedding.

Note: some couples choose to have both! A piece for them and sketches for their guests. This option, of course, requires 2 artists

3. What event can I hire an artist for?

If you don’t choose to have an artist at your wedding, most couples have a few events aside from the big day. This includes bridal showers, engagement parties, rehearsal dinner or welcome party, bachelor/bachelorettes, and day after brunch. All of these are a perfect opportunity to wow your guests with a fun and unique favor for them to remember your special day or weekend.

4. How does it all work?

I can’t speak for other artists, but this is how I do it:

• I arrive at the venue 15-30 minutes prior to set up

• When someone wants an illustration, I have them put their name/email on a sign up sheet

• After they sign in, I take a photo of them on my phone or iPad (so they don’t have to wait around and can enjoy the event)

• I complete the sketch in the order on that’s on the list

• They come pick it up at the end of the night, or if the sketches are digital I will email it to them the next day

• If the couple chooses overtime, the guest will receive it after the wedding

5. You mentioned overtime, what is that?

I only let the amount of people sign up I know I can complete while I’m there. If the couple decides they’d like more guests to have sketches, they can pay per sketch (as opposed to the normal per hour rate) or have me stay additional hours. I will complete overtime illustrations after the wedding and ship it to the couple within a week (US addresses only).

6. how long does this all take?

For individual guest sketches, most artists work at relatively the same pace which is 5-15 minutes per illustration depending on how many people are in the sketch and how intense their outfits are to draw. This works out to around 6-8 people (or 3-4 couples) per hour. For this reason, I do recommend hiring more than 1 illustrator if you’re having over 75 guests.

For a full scene illustration, it usually takes a minimum of 5-6 hours or more depending on the size and intensity. Some artists will finish by the end of the night and some will complete it post-wedding and work off a photo.

Hiring a live illustrator is the perfect way to memorialize your special day. Regardless if they’re sketching individuals or a big scene, your guests will love to watch the process and remember it for years to come. If you choose to have guest sketches, they’ll be leaving the wedding with a favor that they truly love, as it was made JUST for them. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Interested in live illustration? Click here to fill out the form and I can send you a quote! I will travel to wherever your event is (I love to travel!), however, please be aware that anywhere outside of Boston, DC, and NYC will have additional travel fees

Check out these live illustration reviews!

“Samantha is an incredibly talented artist! I was lucky enough to have Samantha at my wedding in Red Bank, NJ for live illustration for my guests and she was fantastic! She has great communication throughout the planning process and even found another amazing sketch artist to join her for my wedding to accommodate the amount of guests I had. She is easy to work with and open to all of my ideas, even sketching the first dances! My guests have not stopped texting me raving about Sam and how much they love their sketches. This was the perfect addition to my wedding, to give my guests not only a memorable experience but a custom illustration that will last a lifetime!”

- Sarah, 2023 Bride in NJ

“Samantha was super friendly and great to work with for our Bloomingdale's Spring Fashion event. She was efficient in creating sketch illustrations for our guests! During the planning process, she was quick to respond and an overall great vendor to add to our list. Looking forward to doing more events with her in the future!”

- Karen, Event Coordinator for Bloomingdale’s in VA

“Samantha is nothing less than amazing!! She was one of our guest portrait artists at my wedding in 2023, and I have only positive things to say! She is so warm and friendly and her portraits all came out perfectly. We used these portraits as our guest favors and our guests couldn’t stop talking about how cool they were and loved their photos! 100/10 would recommend Samantha for any event or portrait you’re looking to get!”

- Kate, 2023 Bride in GA

“Samantha was great to work with while planning to bring her talents to our wedding day. At the wedding, guests raved about her beautiful sketches! She was a hit and we are so honored to have had her at our big day!”

- Ashley & Bob, 2023 couple in PA

“I cannot say enough good things about Samantha, or recommend her highly enough for any event! We were looking for an artiist to do live sketching at our wedding, and we found her website and impressive work online. Samantha was very responsive and so easy to work with before the big day, and on the day itself, she was truly one of the hardest working people at our wedding! Our guests raved about how they loved getting her sketches of them, and Samantha did a sketch of my husband and I as well, which we are currently having framed! Her sketches are incredible and were such a unique and special part of our day. She's the best!”

- Andrea, 2021 Bride in NY

“I had her at an event over Valentines day weekend and she was FANTASTIC. Rave reviews by all. She was the hit of the event. Thank you!”

- Brian Curry, event in DC

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Oh yes, it can be done! And as more and more people are becoming increasingly eco-conscious, second hand is definitely the way to go. Even for your wedding. Today on the blog we have Carmen, the face behind Loudoun Thrift, who creates social media content about thrifting in & around Loudon County, VA. With over 30 years of thrifting experience, she shows others where to go, how to thrift, and what they might find. She loves helping others find unique items, save money, and support sustainable style! Be sure to also check her out on Instagram @loudounthrift and here are her tips on how to thrift for your special day:

Oh, wedding season is upon us! Which means it’s time to go thrifting for your wedding.

Wait, what? Yes, I know those are two words that we don’t commonly hear together- wedding AND thrifting, but I’m going to let you in on some ways you can actually thrift amazing items for your wedding, save some money, and showcase your unique style with secondhand items. Here are my favorite four:

1. Thrifted Bridal Gowns

Ok, I know. Maybe this wasn’t the first thought when I mentioned thrifting. Not every thrift store will have bridal gowns, but generally the larger stores will. With a lot of people purging or downsizing nowadays, bridal gowns are sometimes the first things to go. Most times, you can score a gorgeous vintage gownfrom the 60’s, 70’s, or 80’s. Even if the gown is not quite your style or size, you may be able to have it altered and tailored specifically for you. In the end, you’ll have a beautiful, one-of-a-kind gown that’s all you

2. Thrifted Bridesmaids Dresses

Now we’re talking! Almost every thrift store, even the smaller ones, will have a year-round selection of bridesmaid dresses or similar formal wear. If you’ve even been a bridesmaid (3 times as maid of honor for me!), then you know that these are often donated dresses. If you have a small wedding with one bridesmaid, then finding a thrifted dress will be simple. If you have a larger party, think outside the box. Each bridesmaid wears the same/similar color but in different dress styles. Or try a mix & match color theme- half the bridesmaids wear one color & the other half wear another color (be open to mixed dress styles). It will definitely make for some insta-worthy pictures!

3. Thrifted centerpieces or decor

We love décor, right? The options can be endless when shopping for wedding décor. Do some homework before you shop and look for stores with a large housewares section. You will usually find vases galore, but other wedding décor items I often spot are lanterns, glass bottles, faux flowers, wreaths, mason jars, and canvas art. With the explosion of canvas word art and shabby chic looks in mainstream retail, you will often find a large amount of this in the thrift stores. Think about small art for places like the cake table or guestbook area. Larger pieces can be peppered throughout the reception area for a unique look with words that speak to you and your groom!

4. Wedding favors

Everyone likes a gift to take home! And now, you can thrift for favors without breaking the bank. Think candles, small glass votive holders, mini vases with flower buds. A favorite I once spotted in a magazine used thrifted spoons dipped in chocolate (just the spoon part), then bagged and ribboned to be used as coffee or hot chocolate dippers. Again, these can be somewhat non-traditional ideas, but they are unique, sustainable, and budget conscious.

So, now that we’ve discovered that we can thrift for weddings, which one would you try out first?  Let me know in the comments below!

Carmen Corsi, Author

Carmen is an avid thrifter (30+ years!) based in Loudoun County, VA and blogs about her finds, plus tips & tricks to help you find your own second hand gems. Other passions include coffee, make up, and the fluffiest eyelashes she can find. Click here to check out her site