There are so many opinions expressed when a couple decides to have a court house wedding;

“ Is she pregnant?”

“Well it should be, this is her second marriage you know”

“ Oh, they must not be able to afford a big wedding”

“ Good for them, save the money and buy a house”

“ Aww they must be really in love”

“ How Bold!”

Hi! I’m Sadia, fashion and bridal stylist. Whatever your reason is to have a court house wedding, you do not have to compromise your style. As a professional stylist, I have a few tips about choosing your look:

1. Scout your location

First thing you should do is make a trip to your local City Hall or County Clerks office, whatever they call it in your city, and scout the lobby area and the surrounding areas of the building for photo opportunities. This can help determine the look you might go for. If neither area is great for photos, choose a photo location (your photographer can also help) and this will give you more freedom to choose your look. Now you can determine which category you fall into and pairs well with your proposed photo location: Traditional, Boho, Romantic, Modern, Edgy or Glam.

2. pick your outfit length

Next decide what length do you want your dress to be: short, midi or long? Or do you want to wear a jumpsuit or suit? Are you keeping with tradition and wearing white or opting for a color? So many things to decide! A detail that is usually missed is what is the style of your future spouse? The goal is to blend your styles together to create a magical look for the day. I always say, your partner is your best accessory! Make sure they compliment your look.

3. Decide on budget

We are saving money on the ceremony, yes? So, what are you spending on your clothes, shoes, accessories and bouquet? Are we on a budget or going all out?

4. be true to you

Finally, always stay true to your style, who you are daily. This is not the time to be someone else and wear a “costume”. Your wedding look should be a direct reflection of who you already are! The photos will last forever so make sure you will recognize yourself.

I’ve gathered a few images that represent the styles I’ve mentioned above. Where does your style fall or is it a combination?

Traditional: Satin, classic timeless, feminine

Boho: lace, slip dress, effortless

Romantic: Tulle, lace, ballgown, bows

Modern: Sleek, sophisticated, structured

Edgy: color, unconventional, pant suits, tuxedos, jumpsuits, non-traditional

Glam: Shiny, feathers, sexy silhouettes, drama, beading

If you ever need help shopping for your wedding day look or simply want to have a wedding gown expert be with you on your wedding day (Day of Wedding service) stop by my website www.idoidoidony.com and I’d be happy to speak with you! Be sure to follow me on Instagram @sadiaseymour.

Happy Planning!

Sadia Seymour, Author

Since she was 8 years old, Sadia had the fashion bug. While also a stylist, she is currently an instructor at FIT (her alma mater). The New York native empowers students to follow their fashion dreams and you’ll probably find her busting out her dance moves backstage

Lauren here 👋🏻

Recently I was filling out a questionnaire for my wedding photographer and one of the questions was “what type of unity ceremony will you be including in your ceremony?” And I panicked because I hadn’t considered any of my options and we are a month out from the big day! If you are engaged or about to be, let me share some of our findings so you can plan better than I have!

1. The Celtic knot

Using a ribbon, rope, or scarf, this tradition shows the physical as well as spiritual bond that marriage represents through tying the couples’ hands or wrists together. Quite literally “tying the knot”. In ancient Ireland, this ceremony is also called “hand-fasting” and be tied together while you recite your vows.

2. Combining sand

This tradition is perfectly placed at a beach wedding so that you can use sand from the beach you are getting married on. It also works for blended families if you would like your children to be represented in the unity of the family. Sam went to a wedding where the couple each brought sand from their respective home countries.

3. lighting a candle

The unity candle is typically lit by each partner holding their own candles and lighting the third candle together, symbolizing two people becoming one. 

4. releasing a lantern

Best done during a dusk or night ceremony, this symbolizes sending your love out into the universe. Some like to put notes or vows inside as well!

5. The lasso

Put around the neck or head- the wedding officiant will wrap a garland of your choosing around each partner’s neck in an infinity symbol during the ceremony and then after it is removed the garland can become part of your home to be a constant reminder of your never ending love.  Traditionally, floral garlands are used in southeast Asian ceremonies, and around the head (attached with a ribbon) is usually seen during Greek weddings.

6. Pouring paint on a mini canvas

This is similar to the idea of pouring sand, but instead creates art for the walls of your home. Pick a color to represent each of you (and potentially a color for your children if they will be a part of the wedding). Combining the colors will show how two are becoming one on that day. 

7. Combining drinks

If art is not your thing, find what is! Do you like drinking wine together? Or is tea your comfort after a long day? Combine each of your favorite flavors to become one. 

8. Planting a tree

This is a great way to visualize your love growing and becoming stronger over the (many) years. Also, a great option for the more eco friendly couple!

9. The time capsule

You can add in wine, letters, objects*, and open it on important anniversary. This could be something that just the couple participates in, or the rest of the guests could be included if you’re having an intimate ceremony. Having memories to be reminded of years down the line will bring you back to the day you said “I do”.

*If you want a couple’s illustration to add to your box, just click here!

10. Jumping the Broom

This ceremony symbolizes jumping into your new life together and sweeping away your past so that you can start new as a married couple. 

Which of these ceremonies would you choose for your wedding? But most importantly, which one do I choose?!? Let me know in the comments!

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

Weddings are such a special time for friends and families to come and celebrate a couple taking a huge step in their lives together. If you are invited to a wedding it means that the couple considers you to be an important part of their lives and a part of their future together as spouses. The job of the wedding guest is not hard, but it does have a few boundaries that you should be careful not to cross. We have listed some of the most important rules of (general) guest etiquette for you so there’s no guessing involved!

No white/ivory/cream

If I see one more TikTok with a wedding guest asking if her all white dress with a single black flower is wedding appropriate I might just become an internet troll. The rule of thumb is, if you have any doubt that your outfit isn’t appropriate, change outfits.

Always refer to the wedding website

Don’t know what to wear? Check the website! Don’t know where the couple is registered? The website has it! Don’t know where to stay for the wedding weekend? It’s on the website! I guarantee you, 95% of your questions will be answered on the wedding website. It’s literally what it was made for.

RSVP as soon as possible

From the second a couple sends out their invites they check DAILY to see who has responded. The sooner you can give them an answer the better. I know it can be hard if you think you cannot make it, but just know… there is a mini celebration every time a notification comes through saying someone cannot attend the wedding. Not responding doesn’t immediately mean a no, it means anxiety for everyone involved. So always respond and respond well before the deadline.

If the invite says "adults only" don't ask to bring your kid

Again, check the website. The general rule is always that the only people invited to the wedding will be listed on your invitation. Other than that your kids, auntie, and dog are not invited (sharing this from personal experience, not as a joke!)

Don't get in the photographer's way

The soon to be newlyweds have most likely spent thousands of dollars to photograph their big day. Your view is important, but not as important as the photographer's view! They are also not there to find your good side, so there’s no need for you to try to get into every photo possible.

If the couple says "unplugged ceremony", don't take photos

Again, thousands of dollars have been spent to memorialize the ceremony. Your iPhone photos are never going to be the photos that get printed and hung above the mantle. If the couple has asked for an unplugged ceremony it’s because they want you to be in the moment with them (and their ceremony photos to be devoid of hands with phones in the air). Let the professionals do the job they were hired for.

If you are married or are getting married soon, what are some pet peeves you have of wedding guests that we might have missed??

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

While many bridal store owners are flying back from Barcelona right now, we’re still reeling from the fashion at NY Bridal Market. 

If you don’t know what that is, it is a week (in April and October) where many bridal designers that are based in NYC and the surrounding areas show their newest collections to their retailers. Store owners/buyers fly in from around the country to order the samples that they will have available in store for brides to try on. There are other markets similar to this in Chicago, Los Angeles, and as I’ve already mentioned, Barcelona.  These events range from a room with racks of dresses all the way to a glamorous fashion show similar to fashion week. 

Every season we like to track the most common trends to see how real brides wear the trends in the next year. This year there were a few very distinct details that we have to tell you about!

1. Color

   We saw so many colors this season! Black wedding dresses are in the top of google searches as always, but this season many designers played with pastels and water colors (Ines Di Santo was one of my favs!)

2. Short dresses

A big conversation right now is second dresses, particularly short dresses. Many designers are coming out with entirely new collections of short dresses for the party look, but many others have included a shorty or 2 into their standard collections (hello, elopement people!). My favorite way to see this done is with a closed overskirt so you truly get 2 looks in 1! This is typically the most cost effective way to get a second dress as well, but short dresses are also popular for other wedding events like the engagement party, rehearsal dinner/welcome party, or day after brunch

3. Drop waist

In the same way jeans are dropping low in street style again, so are the waistlines of bridal gowns! You’ll see this in two different ways, a basque waist which is a v shape (think “Bridgerton”), or a standard straight drop waist. We are seeing these in every variety from just slightly lower than the natural waist to so low you’re concerned about what could be seen A La Lady Gaga at the Academy Awards this year

4. Sheer

Many brides have become more and more concerned with the weight of their wedding dresses. Personally, I blame Covid because we wore athleisure for over a year and now many of us still work from home at least a few days a week in casual clothes. The heaviest part of a dress can typically be the lining. Removing the lining not only takes physical weight away from the dress, but also visual weight. Being able to see slightly through the dress gives an airy look like the dream scenes from a movie

Which of these trends would you consider including in your wedding look? Or DM me on Instagram and I’d love to discuss!

PS- Have you seen the sketches I did of Berta’s new collection this season? They’ve been featured in the online magazine Wedding Day Match! Click here to check it out

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

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

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

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

Bridal veils have been around longer than any of our family wedding albums that are currently collecting dust at your grandparent’s house. There is just something about adding a veil to a white dress that SCREAMS wedding. What’s not talked about enough though is the brides that want a more subtle nod to the tradition. As wedding professionals who have worked with many brides before, we have heard time and time again that a veil just doesn’t feel right when tried on with the dress (or they just don’t like the concept all together). Today we wanted to share some alternative options to a veil that will still make a statement without necessarily blindly following tradition.

A Cape

Capes come in many shapes and sizes these days. The traditional twist to this is that almost all capes are made of tulle just like veils! Some capes clasp in front of you and cover your shoulders, some attach to the straps of your dress like wings. The details options on your bridal cape are endless, you can stick to plain tulle, or add anything from sparkles to lace to feathers

Caesar Style Veil

This is technically still a veil, but with a twist! Instead of one comb at the base of your head, this has two separate combs, but with tulle draping between the combs and down your back

Flower Crown

If you are a nature/BOHO type of human a flower crown is for you! Often times your florist can actually create this for you using the actual florals from your wedding. This is a great way to incorporate your wedding colors into your bridal look. You also have control over how dramatic this look becomes with how voluminous the crown is (and if you have long hair you can weave a few flowers in!)

A Birdcage

A birdcage veil is the perfect way to add a vintage spin to your wedding day. The veils came into popularity during war times in the 40’s due to a lack of fabric, but is a distinguished style from the Old Hollywood era which is where you will find the inspiration all over Pinterest!

A Statement Bow

Bows in all forms are probably the hottest bridal trend right now. Many brides have opted to let a bow be their hair piece rather than a veil that covers the back of the dress. Many are still tulle, but others are covered in pearls or made out of other unique fabrics.

Tulle Hair Scarf

This inspiration feels very much like a beach wedding or a romantic Greece getaway. Just like you would use any silk scarf to hold back your hair and add the finishing touches to an outfit, a tulle hair scarf will work just the same! And the best part is that this could easily be a DIY project with a few strips of ivory tulle

Are you a veil person, or will you be incorporating one of these veil alternatives into your wedding look? If you do, we want to see your pictures so tag us on IG! Reminder: SamiaLynn does offer a custom design service. Whether you’re looking for a cape or your version of a veil, this can be made for you.

Click here to learn more!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Let me preface this post with one important caveat: I LOVE WINTER! Or rather, I love all of the snowy outdoor, light-filled indoor images and cozy, wrapped-up-in-your-favorite-blanket-by-the-fire feelings that winter gives me. Plus, the best holidays of the year happen during the winter months. Come on, Christmas, New Years, Mardis Gras, Valentine's Day?! All the best excuses to go over the top in decor, outfits, and parties! Which is why winter weddings are some of my absolute favorites to plan. In fact, you may see some of the below suggestions appear in my own winter wedding details in January 2023.

Below, you'll find my top five suggestions for unique winter wedding details. Each of them is tied back to a sense of wonder and love that winter brings to me and can be easily tweaked to be incorporated into your own wedding plans.

#1 Use Texture Everywhere!

Winter weddings are the perfect opportunity to use texture throughout your event design. Here are some ways to incorporate texture in your design:

• Linens - Think cozy, luxurious fabrics like velvet, brocade, and satin

• Florals - Mix dried or non-floral elements like pampas grass, feathers, or lotus pods, in with traditional florals like red roses and nontraditional florals like amaranths, scabiosa, or dahlia

• Tablescapes - Rent unique chargers, plates, and glasses that are house-made or antique

#2 Incorporate Color and Metallics

Even if you want a traditional winter wedding theme of Christmas trees and cedar boughs, still incorporate various shades of green with pops of red, gold, and silver in your color palette. Weddings have no color rules, but winter weddings especially have no color rules! You want Mardi Gras colors? Go for it! You want a dark, moody landscape? You do you, boo! You want a bright white with silver to reflect the snow? You shine, winter queen! Just make sure to make it tasteful.

• Linens - This is a great area to bring color to your event design! Can't afford to rent all those tablecloths? Think about adding a pop of color in your napkins or a runner.

• Florals - Some of my favorite florals that come in lots of different colors are amaranthus, English primrose, and dahlias.

• Tablescapes - Think about adding fun chargers to your tablescapes. These can either be rented or purchased fairly cheaply and are found in so many different patterns, shapes, and colors.

• Lighting - Using uplighting around your dance floor in a variety or colors or adding some metallic candelabras to your tables are a great way to add color and shine to your design. Check with your DJ if they provide uplighting, and candelabras can often be found at thrift stores for very cheap, though they may need a little elbow grease to make them shine again.

#3 Mulling Spices as Favors

Who doesn't love a good mug of mulled cider or wine? They smell and taste wonderful! Bonus: These packages are TSA-approved (for the out of towners) and easily DIY-ed. Add a personal touch with a custom sticker to close the bag or a recipe from the couple.

#4 Candle Place Cards

I recently saw a couple use votives with lit tea lights inside as place cards on the tables for their guests. The votives had each guest's name calligraphed on it, and a meal icon sticker was added to the bottom corner to help the servers, but was easily peeled off after. The candles added light, warmth, and ambiance to the tablescape while serving double duty as a place card and a favor! There are many options on Etsy, or you could DIY with a Cricut and your own votives.

#5 Serve a Retro Warm Winter Beverage and Holiday Dessert!

During cocktail hour (and only during cocktail hour because later people will be sweaty from dancing) serve your favorite warm winter beverage. Some of my favorites, including retro throwbacks, are listed below. Also, when it comes to dessert, fewer and fewer couples are incorporating a traditional wedding cake. Think about what your favorite holiday desserts are, and serve those on a dessert bar instead! See below for some of my favorite ideas.

• Warm Winter Beverages:

  • Hot Toddy: Whiskey, honey, lemon, and cinnamon

  • Tom & Jerry: A creamy, sugary rum-based concoction

  • Irish or Kentucky Coffee: Coffee with whiskey or bourbon

  • Cranberry Gin Fizz: Cranberries and gin

  • Classic Eggnog: Creamy, cinnamony, whiskey goodness

  • Spiked Cider: Cider with bourbon, whiskey, or scotch

  • Wassail: Citrusy, cinnamon, vodka deliciousness
    

• Holiday Desserts:

  • Peppermint Bark

  • Gingersnaps

  • Snickerdoodles

  • Custom decorated sugar cookies!

  • Fudge

When advising clients on their winter wedding plans, especially when it comes to the design details, I ask them to close their eyes - yes, just do it - and think of some of their favorite winter or holiday memories. What colors were there? Can you instantly smell or taste a particular scent or delicious dish? What was the light like - bright and reflective or dusky and candlelit? What traditions do you have in the winter - sledding, ice skating, staying warm inside with a book or movie? Then we take those memories and incorporate those details into their wedding day. Each of them is tied back to a sense of wonder and love that winter brings to me and can be easily tweaked to be incorporated into your own wedding plans.

For more tips, inspiration, and to learn more about All the Dainty Details, visit us at www.allthedaintydetails.com and be sure to follow on Instagram @allthedaintydetails.

Happy winter planning!

Leigh Maltby, Author

Leigh is the Associate Wedding Planner for All the Dainty Details in the DC area. She’s officially been in the wedding industry since 2017, but caught the event planner bug as a child. Between growing up in a military family that instilled a sense of service and a passion for creativity, Leigh is here to make all your wedding dreams come to life

Second to the dress, your ceremony backdrop will set the vibes of your wedding and has the ability to make or break your theme. This will also be what surrounds you and your new spouse in the “first kiss” photo we all dream of hanging on our walls forever. Many people end up taking this on as a DIY project, so don’t procrastinate starting this part of the decor! Today we have put together some inspo for you based on your venue choice. 

Outdoors/Scenic Views

If you are getting married in a forest or a lush mountaintop, you will be saving a lot of money on flowers and decor! We recommend framing the focus point with a simple arch or geometric shape made of either steel or wood that you will be standing in front of in that first kiss picture.

Statement building

If you chose your venue based off of the architecture, use your favorite part as the ceremony backdrop! This could be the fire place, the staircase, or even the front door. Whatever drew you to that location in the first place should be the most photographed and shared. 

Open concept space

If you have nothing but a blank slate to work with, you get to be as creative as possible. Start from the ground up with candles, pillars, flowers, greenery, anything to create a statement. It might feel overwhelming trying to fill the space, but keep in mind that all of the pieces can be moved around to decorate for the reception during the room switch (this is also the part where it’s super helpful to have a wedding planner or designer).

Country Club

If you are getting married anywhere that other people could potentially be walking around your ceremony location, we recommend creating some sort of screen as your backdrop. This could be as crazy as an old door with chipped paint, or as classic as draped fabric surrounded by flowers.  This type of solidity really defines the space

The most important thing to remember is that your ceremony backdrop will be the center of many of your wedding photos, as it’s not only a big piece of your special day, but also the first impression of your decor style to guests and will define the theme of your wedding more than anything else. It is also good to remember that any decor you use for the ceremony can be repurposed for the reception. You don’t want all of that creativity to go to waste! We’re all about repurposing here.

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

I’m probably one of the few people who look forward to destination weddings. I love to travel and usually just see it as an opportunity to go somewhere new and appreciate that I have friends who think the same way.

For the couple though, planning a wedding IN town can already be overwhelming so many don’t even want to consider elsewhere. Well, friends, it doesn’t have to be that way as long as you’re organized. First of all, you should be hiring a planner (we talked about that in a previous post) but I’ve also recruited destination planner Gabby Pinkerton from ‘Cause We Can Events to give ya’ll a few things to consider when you’re starting to plan your destination wedding:

1. Marriage licenses

Getting a marriage license in another country can be really hard! I always recommend having a legal ceremony back home and doing a fun ceremony abroad. If you don't want to tell your friends and family that it's not actually the "real ceremony" have your officiant bring their own made up marriage certificate. No one needs to know!

2. Plan for wrinkled clothing

I like to bring a portable steamer to help steam the wrinkles out of your dress, tux, jumpsuit, you name it!

3. Tipping protocol

Not every country tips (and some even consider it an insult)! Read up on local and cultural best practices when it comes to tipping your vendors. This also applies in the general sense that your country of choice should match your personal preferences

4. Sim cards and cell phone plans

Your current cell phone plan may not work abroad. Be sure to call your provider before leaving to choose a plan that works best for you for contacting your vendors and keeping guests in the loop. I also like to download WhatsApp so that I can "text" vendors over wifi instead of through my phone provider. It's free!

Gabby and her team are based in Nashville and are a full service wedding planning company. But they’re more than that, they’re here to make your adventurous wedding dreams come true. They keep it personal and unique to you and your S.O. (there’s a reason I like them so much!) so check them out at www.causewecanevents.com and view all the gorgeous photos on Instagram @causewecanevents.

Happy Planning!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Just about a year ago we wrote our first blog post about micro weddings. Before that we had never put the two ideas together besides just for elopements. Now that traditional weddings are a possibility in the near future, many brides are still opting for a micro size because they realize it fits their needs more than a large wedding. If you’re on the fence about which direction to go, we wanted to share some of the perks of doing a micro wedding that can’t happen for a traditional wedding (hint: it revolves around quality)

1. You can actually spend time with all of your guests

If you have 250 people at your wedding you will either spend the entire reception saying hi to every person for one minute at a time, or you will eat, drink, and party, and not see anyone at all 

2. Better food!

If you’re only feeding 20 people instead of 200 it’s easier and more cost effective to get a better quality meal for you and your guests. Plus you have more of an opportunity to get the exact menu you want

3. Go family style

If you only have a handful of people you can have one long family style table rather than many smaller tables. This will mean one set of (quality) decorations where you can go all out rather than distributing decor throughout a huge venue

4. The venue can be all you

You are no longer stuck with a hotel ball room or reception hall with bad carpet and white walls. With a smaller guest count you can take them to your favorite restaurant or rooftop, museum, or cute garden in your neighborhood. Let your personality shine through from the moment your guests step foot into your ceremony and reception 

5. Create an experience, not just an oversized dinner and ceremony service

If you are working around less people, you can make your wedding into a full weekend experience if you want to (hello destination locations!). Cancel any of the old school traditions that don’t feel like you and your partner, and create the wedding that represents your future marriage to its fullest.  This could be through elaborate table cards or escort walls, personalized gifts, or entertainment!

All any of this really means is that you can control any part of your wedding to be exactly what you want, not just what is expected of you. Also, think of all of the money you would save overall with a micro wedding!! That is a huge perk, but we wanted to focus on the more fun side of wedding planning. If you are doing a micro wedding, what was the most exciting part of planning it? Let us know in the comments!

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. Get enough wine in her and she will tell you about her perfectly planned wedding. Just promise not to ask about the groom, that’s one detail she’s still working on. Lauren is based in Kansas CIty and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

Gone are the days of bridesmaid norms: it’s no longer standard that they’re ugly and they no longer have to even be the same dress! Because unless you have a party of clones, everything looks different on everyone.

My favorite (long term) trend is having each bridesmaid wear a different look, giving everyone the option to purchase a dress/outfit that they’re comfortable in and enjoy wearing while still looking cohesive with the other members of the bridal party.

How to do it without looking like a mess?

That was a question I got ALL the time as a bridesmaid stylist and yes, the process can be a little overwhelming, but that’s what this post is for! So here’s the ultimate guide for how to mix and match your bridesmaid dresses:

There are 3 main components of a bridesmaid look

Color, Cut, and Length are the things to play with when wanting a little variation among the bridal party. You can pick just one to keep the same (my personal recommendation) or mix them all up! Combo suggestions:

• all the same color and length, but different necklines and silhouettes (super popular)

• Different shades of the same color with different necklines, but same length

• Different lengths and necklines with the same color

• Different styles in the same color (ex: jumpsuit, short dress, long dress, separates)

Let’s talk color

1) If you’re a bride that feels 100% out of her element when it comes to color and fashion, do yourself a favor and stick to the SAME DESIGNER for all the bridesmaid dresses. It’ll guarantee you that the colors will be similar, while getting the same fabric (yes fabric is important).

2) You can either stick to one color and do a variety of shades (ex: blues- midnight, sky, slate, etc) OR go for a color palette (ex: coral, baby pink, fuchsia, nude)

3) Add in patterns! So many bridesmaid designers are now offering patterned dresses and it’s a great way to incorporate all your favorite colors and give your photos a little extra dimension. Tip: not everyone has to be in a pattern, break it up with a few people wearing a solid color that matches!

4) If you got SUPER stressed just reading the points above, visit a bridal salon and they’ll help you pick! Stores keep swatch books as well as sample gowns so you can have all your options laid out in front of you. If you don’t want to go in person, many online retailers will mail you swatches! It’s a great way to not only see the color, but get a chance to feel the fabric as well

Fabrics are fun

Switch it up with a variety of fabrics! Go all out and have everyone in something different while keeping with the wedding colors. Popular fabric choices for bridesmaids are:

• Chiffon

• Jersey

• Crepe

• Sequins

• Beaded

If you’re going to have people in varying fabrics, the color will automatically be different so take advantage and put them all in complimentary colors too!

One last thing

If you still want all your bridesmaids in the same dress, but want your Maid/Matron of Honor to stand out, apply the tips above to only her! She can definitely be the singular bridal party member in a complimentary color, beaded gown, or patterned look.

If you’re only just now starting your dress search and you’re beginning to hyperventilate after reading all of this, then I’d suggest (taking a deep breath first) reading the blog post about shopping for bridesmaid gowns. You can find that here.

Happy coordinating! As always, feel free to email me with any questions you may have and I’d be happy to help

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Winter is the most magical ~looking~ time of the year. Who doesn’t love a striking wedding picture with blankets of snow in the backdrop of a first kiss photo? Snow falling gently over the bridal party as they line up for photos with their bouquets help against their waists, every color popping against the bright background. If you have ever dreamed of a winter wedding, that is exactly what you are looking to capture on your big day. 

Picturesque Location

Unfortunately there aren’t many places that you could guarantee snow on your wedding day, but not many guests would be mad about traveling to a beautiful ski resort for a weekend to watch you tie the coziest of knots. If you know there is going to be snow, you will want to make sure there are safe ways for your guests to get to your nuptials without fear of getting stuck in the ice. 

Bringing the Heat

Whether or not you end up with a fresh dusting of snow surrounding you on your big day, there are a few things you can guarantee for your guests to make sure they stay warm and cozy throughout the day. Besides the obvious, space heaters (which should be available everywhere), you might also consider finding a huge selection of fuzzy blankets in neutrals like ivory and tan, to have waiting for the guests on their chairs (and maybe a pre-ceremony beverage?). They can stay warm while listening to your hand written vows. 

All Fired Up

The cocktail hour is another time that typically goes between indoor and outdoor, so having a fire pit or two will allow for great mingling between people who might not know each other as they warm their hands by the fire. You can even have a s’mores station for the kids! Let’s be honest though, the grown ups will be more than happy to dive in as well. 

The Extras

If you are willing to go as magical as having horse drawn sleigh available for your guests, we want an invite!! How enchanting would that be?! Don’t forget the faux fur capes for you and your bridesmaids, you all will be warm and  very photogenic. 

Did we miss any important details for the perfect winter wedding? Let us know!

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. Get enough wine in her and she will tell you about her perfectly planned wedding. Just promise not to ask about the groom, that’s one detail she’s still working on. Lauren is based in NYC and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

As a bridal consultant, one of the questions I ask every bride is “how many people are you expecting at your wedding?” This would typically be answered in the hundreds. Now the response I get is, “well, we were planning for X amount, but now we are just wait to see what will be allowed.” And this is for weddings over a year from now! We are starting to think that micro-weddings may be the way of the future, so why not start planning for them rather than fearing them? 

What you’ll need: 

• A Dress:

  That is your preference if you’d rather order a white dress from Revolve, or pick up a more traditional dress at a bridal salon’s stock collection. Just remember that this will probably be the most photographed dress (or jumpsuit!) you will ever wear, so make sure you love it! 

• Flowers:

  Want to save money on a florist? Raid your local grocery store (or bodega if you are in NYC) and pick your own flowers! This could be a fun adventure for you and your mom/maid of honor. Pick a variety of options and then mix and match for bouquets and center pieces. 

• Backdrop:

  We believe it’s still important to have a great backdrop for your ceremony, even if only a handful of people sitting down to look at it. Just think of the pictures!! This could be anything from an extensive flower arch, or your family home’s front door decorated in the most romantic way possible. 

• Photographer:

  Whether this is someone that you trust with a point and shoot camera, or a professional with a face mask, you are going to want pictures of your wedding to fill your Instagram and the walls of your first home together. Don’t skimp out on the photos, they will help you share your special day with everyone in your life. 

• Borders:

  Don’t let your micro wedding feel empty just because you couldn’t have hundreds people in attendance. Enclose the area where you are having your reception to give it a more intimate feel. We love the idea of doing this with fairy lights or draped fabric!

Only invite the people you love most: Blood may be thicker than water, but put the people you love to sit back with a glass of wine with at the top of the list. Think about who will be sitting on your front porch rocking chairs with you 30 years down the road and invite those friends and family to join you for your intimate nuptials. 

Which wedding detail do you feel like you can’t live without while planning your Micro Wedding?

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. Get enough wine in her and she will tell you about her perfectly planned wedding. Just promise not to ask about the groom, that’s one detail she’s still working on. Lauren is based in NYC and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

The search for your wedding vendor team has begun and by that I mean the stress of sifting through the hundreds of caterers, planners, bands, and everyone else needed to throw your dream wedding. You’ve probably realized by now that you need to either up the budget a little or cut back on a few ideas.

The one place you shouldn’t cut from? Your photos.

(and the food, but I digress)

Meet Berit Bizjak (illustrated above):

She’s a luxury wedding photographer with 20 years experience in the industry. Her first photo job experience was as a sports photographer (the football fan in me is LIVING for this) in NYC after getting her BFA in Photography (honors, ya’ll!) and only after that did she start concentrating in fine art photography and assisting other photographers at weddings. Fast forward to after her kids being in school full time, she founded her business, Images by Berit. But, she didn’t stop there and proceeded to spend the next 2 years in intensive training so she could learn how to best run her business and photograph weddings. She has since become a Certified Professional Photographer and Berit says this is “a milestone that means that I can actually succeed in the unusual combination of technical and artistic skills, also known as fine art wedding photography”.

So much more goes into being a wedding photographer than people realize so Berit has given us a few reasons why it’s completely worth it to spend those extra bucks and go “luxury”:

1. They got the skills

By the time a photographer has reached the level of photographing high-end weddings, her skills will be second nature, allowing her to be fully present and creative on your day of celebration. You won’t have to worry about consistency in her documentation and portraiture, or having the proper equipment and back-ups to do the work

2. They can actually handle your wedding day sh*t

Calmness is key, as well as organization and professionalism. Your photographer should be accustomed to working with event planners and other professionals in high-demand environments that involve precise timing. She’s always got your back

3. They never stop learning

We continually take courses, seminars, and live training, as the industry is constantly evolving. This will cumulatively affect the results of your images

4. They understand the importance of a timeline

She understands the cadence of your wedding day, as most of us have photographed hundreds and hundreds of weddings. Your photographer should know how to multitask and know what to expect while welcoming the unexpected, too! If you live in the northeast, we also know how to work with and prepare for constantly changing lighting. From dark ballrooms to shooting on a sun-drenched beach, it’s all in our back pocket

5. They’re dedicated

Successful luxury photographers love their craft, and love humanity. She gets excited about learning new cultures and traditions, and studies them in detail prior to your wedding day. Her dedication and love of people should show in everything she does

6. No shortcuts. Ever.

She loves the work, and spends unlimited time with her clients before, during, and even after your wedding. The quality of her products and albums are the best in the industry, with every detail attended to

7. They take the time to make everything feel right

She takes the time to get to know you as a couple (engagement photo sessions are great for this), and it shows in your imagery. Couples should look and feel relaxed, and should have some fun, also! Creating unique portraiture that you are comfortable with is important

8. They get you the results you want

There is a reason you love her work, and you may not know exactly why, but I would say it’s because of all of the above. Experience does cost more, but photography is the only tangible from your wedding that grows more valuable with time

Just to drive #8 home: remember that when all is said and done, what you’re left with to remember your special day (besides your memories) are your photos/video, so make sure they’re the best they can be!

You can find Berit on Instagram @imagesbyberit or peak her BEAUTIFUL photos through her website, www.imagesbyberit.com. She’s not only a talented photographer, but is such a genuine person with a love for learning and passion for celebrating the differences that make us who we are.

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Bridal gowns come in every different shape and style you could ever imagine (and then some), but not every bride wants the trendy sheer bodice with a plunging neckline that hits just about the belly button. Seeing these trends flood Pinterest pages can worry some more modest brides, making them think they can’t get a beautiful wedding dress without making a large amount of custom changes to a gown. It is possible to look beautiful and elegant without showing much skin in the process. Below are our favorite neckline and sleeve options for a more modest bride to look absolutely stunning on her wedding day. 

Neck lines:

-Boat neck- this neckline accentuates the collar bone by falling just below while scooping up at the top of the shoulders. 

-Scoop neck- a mix between a boat neck and a sweetheart style, this neckline shows slightly more chest while still keeping you covered from all angles. 

-Mock neck- a turtleneck's little sister, the mock neck style shows off your long neck while allowing optimum detail to fill the neckline. 

-Illusion neck- most of these necklines could also fall until the illusion neck family. Illusion is simply tulle that is either your skin tone or ivory (white in the bridal world). This is then covered in pieces of lace appliqué and could be either lined or unlined underneath. Illusion is intended to give the tattooed lace look, as if there is nothing there but the beautiful lace. The more lace on the illusion, the more modest the final look is. This also leads to much easier alterations if you love a gown, but wish it covered more surface area. 

The sleeve lengths are a little more self explanatory. It’s also good to keep in mind that any full sleeve can pretty much be altered to any of the other sleeve lengths:

-Sleeveless 

-Cap sleeve 

-Elbow length 

-¾ sleeve 

-Full sleeve 

Another great option to cover a more revealing gown is a bridal jacket, or bolero. These can be removed after the ceremony, or sewn onto the gown for permanent coverage. These come in hundreds of different styles and can be easily added to any gown. They do work best with sweetheart necklines typically. These are also great for anyone’s winter wedding when trying to get photos outside! 

With these options alone, you have hundreds of unique combinations for your ideal wedding gown to make you feel comfortable and confident!

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. Get enough wine in her and she will tell you about her perfectly planned wedding. Just promise not to ask about the groom, that’s one detail she’s still working on. Lauren is based in NYC and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

You have successfully overcome your list of bridal salons, menu selections, and even flower choices. Now is the time to sit down and make the hardest list of all. The guest list. That looming list of all of your loved ones, and the people that your parents think are priorities. They might be the life of the party (or they might be the best gift givers), but you have to consider what your venue allows and what your budget can handle. 

After years of working with brides, one thing that I have noticed is the stress that revolves around narrowing down the guest list. One rule of thumb that I have come to appreciate is that if you wouldn’t want to spend time with and buy someone dinner on an average day, then don’t feel the need to on your wedding day. Besides that, we have compiled a breakdown of the best ways to tackle this no-so-glamorous part of wedding planning: 

1. Make your list with your significant other before handing over the pen to your parents 

The first draft of your guest list should strictly be written between you and your fiancé. You will have plenty of outside opinions on who should be included in your nuptials, but the base line should be the close friends and family that you couldn’t imagine getting married without. After that list is completed you will know how many seats you have left to hand over to your mom and mother-in-law to use as they please. This will guarantee that your requirements will be met, and let your family feel like they were part of the planning. 

2. A-list and B-list invitees 

There is one secret about your wedding that your guests never need to find out about. Your B-list. Most venues are just as focused on their minimums as they are their maximums. Your A-list will get their invites first and will be asked to RSVP in a timely manner, giving you an idea of how many extra seats you will have available for your B-list. Those invites will be sent before the A-list RSVP deadline expires just in case the two get mixed up, but still with enough time to get all of the answers back before your caterer needs the final head count. 

Make sure your B-list is organized in order of importance, so if 10 people on your A-list can’t make it, the first 10 on your B-list can be sent their invites. Also, keep families and friend groups on the same list so they can’t compare invite delivery times or RSVP by dates… You’ll thank me later for that note. 

3. Decide on children attendance 

This is your wedding, and only you can decide if you want children to be a part of your big day, or if you want this to be an adults-only event. Make this decision early on and then stick to it. Do you want your niece that's under one, but not children older than that? Make it clear from the beginning and allow no exceptions. Most parents will be more than happy for an adults night out, so don’t feel guilty about your decision either way. This will also help you narrow down the amount of seats needed and allows for more possible B-list attendees! 

4. Plus one distribution  

Times have changed and it is no longer required to give everyone you invite a plus one to your wedding. You do not need to feed your second cousin’s latest hookup dinner just because you offered them a date option. Being selective with the plus ones you hand out will allow you more flexibility in your guest list because you will know exactly how many seats you are filling. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of people there for anyone coming alone to mingle with. You never know if your wedding is the reason for the next wedding! You should know the people you are inviting well enough to know if they will need a plus one or not. 

There have been rules in the past about “no ring, no bring” but that doesn’t always apply anymore. Just like children, though, you have the option to make a date rule and stick to it! They don’t live together? You don’t like him? You haven’t even met her? All reasons to not give a plus one if you don’t want to! 

This is your wedding day. It is a day to be surrounded by everyone you and your fiancé know and love. Make sure every name on your guest brings you joy and fond memories. Also make sure that they leave the embarrassing stories of you from the past, in the past unless you are ready to get roasted on your wedding night during toasts. 

COVID note: We know that 2020 weddings have not been unraveling the way they were expected to, and we don’t know what weddings in the next year will look like, but we want you to be prepared whether your wedding is 10 people or 300 people!

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. Get enough wine in her and she will tell you about her perfectly planned wedding. Just promise not to ask about the groom, that’s one detail she’s still working on. Lauren is based in NYC and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

When it comes to bridesmaid shopping, I know the frustration can get REAL.  Back in my days of being a consultant in the bridesmaid department, I’ve had brides tell me how the stress and anger surrounding the process actually made them lose their friends!

Yes, you read that correctly: women are breaking up with their friends over a wedding.  Granted, this frustration usually develops over multiple instances, including the bridesmaid dress, but still, I’ve seen my fair share of fighting and crying in the dressing room.

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but I have one word for you when it comes to bridesmaid shopping: COMPROMISE

So, I have tips for ya’ll on bridesmaid dress shopping, because the #1 thing I always hear is “I had no idea the process would be like this”

BRIDES, my loves, these are for you:

1. Not everyone can or wants to be a bridesmaid.  

I know you picked your best girls (or guys) to stand by your side, but the modern truth is not everyone has the financial or emotional capacity to fulfill that role.  So save your friendship and give your people an “out” if they need it.  No feelings hurt.

2. Respect the financial investment involved.  

Gone are the days of cheap dresses.  Please understand that your girls will have to shell out money, even for the ugliest dress (not forgetting the extra fees for shipping, rush, and alterations).  So unless you’re paying for it, your bridesmaids should have a little bit of a say in the dress they’re buying and keep in mind they really do want to look their best for your special day.

3. Not all bodies are created equal.

Going off of #2, be mindful that dress shopping can be hard for those that are insecure about their bodies.  Especially if they go into a store that doesn’t even carry their size or something just isn’t physically possible (big boobs, meet backless dress).  So if you’d like your girls to all wear the same dress (which is totally fine!), pick something that’s universally flattering and comfortable.

BRIDESMAIDS, here you go:

1. It’s not about you.

This isn’t your wedding.  I’m all about you having your opinion heard regarding the dress you’re being forced to pay for, but at the end of the day there’s a whole group of people to consider and that can add to the already stressed bride.  Keep the bride’s wedding vision in mind while you share your thoughts.

2. HELP the bride instead of freaking out at her.

Brides are stressed humans.  If she’s trying to make you wear a long satin evening gown for a beach wedding, GENTLY point out that chiffon or a light jersey would cause less heat strokes.  If she can’t figure out a color that will flatter everyone’s skin tones, suggest something more neutral.  Just showing her that you’re on her side to make her wedding amazing can do wonders for keeping everyone calm.  She would probably even love a little inspiration help!

3. Be honest without being a b*tch

Going off of #1, emotions are running high right now.  Remember that there’s a NICE way to give your opinion while the bride is trying to dress you up like a cupcake.  I swear, she really does want you to look amazing.  If it’s a money issue, have an honest talk with her and see if there’s a solution you can work out together.

One last note for EVERYONE:

* It’s a PROCESS.  It takes TIME.  Don’t expect to go into a store and leave in under an hour with your order placed (the majority of my customers spent 3-5 hours at the store) or jump online and buy from the first website you land on.  Be patient with each other.

See?  You can have your cake and eat it too, it just might be a different flavor than you were expecting (but at least you still get cake).  So bridesmaids, help your bride find you something amazing to wear that fits her vision; and brides, respect your girls opinions and everything will go much more smoothly.

My inbox is always open for anyone needing to tap into my bridesmaids dress knowledge.  Happy shopping!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Weddings are full of romance, love, and RULES (I mean, traditions…). Almost every part of the process has a tradition to incorporate into your nuptials. You do these things because your mother and grandmother did them and now they expect you to do the same. Have you ever looked into the origins of these wedding rituals? Some of them may shock you! 

• The Veil

  • When you think of veils you may think about hiding the bride from the groom before the vows are said, but did you know that veils were used to ward off evil spirits in the Roman period?

• The Wedding Ring

  I was raised to believe that the shape of the ring was most symbolic, a circle has no beginning and no end as does the commitment made going into a marriage.

  • We have kept this tradition from Roman times also as they believed that there is a vein in the fourth fingers on your left hand that leads directly to the heart. It was later found that this is not special to the left hand, but the tradition still stands. 

  • Diamonds are the most commonly used stone in wedding and engagement bands because diamonds are the strongest and most indestructible mineral on earth, symbolizing forever. It didn’t start so luxuriously though, the first rings were made out of hemp, twigs any other items found while foraging. Romans began using Iron rings to symbolize marriage, and the wealthiest Romans had gold rings in addition to the iron rings to be worn out in public. 

• The Bouquet Toss

  As so many weddings are being postponed right now, learning about the origin of bridal bouquets is a flashback to the largest pandemic in history.

  • During the Bubonic plague brides carried bouquets of garlic and herbs to ward off evil spirits and to distract from the foul odors lingering. 

  • The tossing of the bouquet stems from the idea that brides are considered lucky, so taking something from the bride would bring you good luck. When it became frowned upon to steal a bride's earrings, hair, or other accessories (think Cinderella getting stripped down by her step sisters), brides began throwing their bouquet and letting the single ladies fight for that bit of luck. 

• Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue

  This rhyme rolls way back to the Victorian era. Each item listed in the rhyme is intended to be a different piece that should be worn on the wedding day.

  • Something old represents your past before becoming one with your significant other, something new represents your life as a now married couple, something borrowed represents your family or close friends being a part of this important day, and something blue represents fidelity. 

• Do not see each other the day of the wedding  

  • Unfortunately there’s not exactly a romantic way to spin this one. The tradition of the bride and groom not seeing each other on the wedding day stems straight from the days of arranged marriage, enforced so that it was too late for the man to change his mind by the time he saw his bride’s face. Now it is seen as bad luck to see each other before the bride walks down the aisle. 

    Can I now use this moment to suggest a first look? This is the perfect way to have a moment with your future spouse before the chaos of the day goes into full swing, and also gives you a chance to fix your makeup before you take all of your professional pictures. This could also allow you to take all of the boring but necessary pictures before the ceremony so that you can join the cocktail hour you spent countless hours planning. 

• Why Wear White?

  This is one of my favorite unknown bridal facts that I didn’t know until after becoming a bridal consultant! 

  • Queen Victoria spun the world into a tizzy by showing up to her wedding in a white silk gown in 1840 instead of the rich colors, furs, and jewels that made up brides outfits during that time. At first people were shocked that she didn’t stand out the way she was expected to with over the top jewels and fabrics. Soon it was realized that wearing white symbolized money. Instead of wearing a dress she already owned, Queen Victoria chose to get a new gown made in white knowing that it would be almost impossible to be kept clean and only needing to wear it once showed high status. 

Which of these traditions will you be incorporating into your big day?

I know for a fact that nothing could stop me from wearing a white gown and a long veil on my wedding day. And as Tik Tok has reminded me over and over again while social distancing, Corona has delayed my wedding! I am not engaged or anything, but this surely has delayed the process.

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. Get enough wine in her and she will tell you about her perfectly planned wedding. Just promise not to ask about the groom, that’s one detail she’s still working on. Lauren is based in NYC and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here