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

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

Hi ya’ll, Sam here 👋🏼

As someone with a degree in fashion design, fabric talk comes second nature to me. But for the other 95% of the non-industry population, I might as well be speaking like the Minions from ‘Despicable Me’. Fabric selection can (and should) make all the difference to the outfit you pick for your wedding. Especially if you know your venue location will have an extreme type of weather or you’re hoping for specific design details.

I know that bridal fabrics can be super overwhelming and confusing, particularly when you don’t even know how to describe it. So let’s go over a few of the basics you’ll see across the board while shopping for your wedding look(s):

Quick note: natural fabrics (such as cotton, silk, etc) always have a synthetic alternative. Sometimes you won’t notice and sometimes it makes ALL the difference. Just something to keep in mind while you shop!

1. Satin

Satin is a classic, smooth fabric that tends to be thicker and comes in either matte or shiny. This makes for beautiful, elaborate ballgowns and it can handle the weight of crystals if you’re going for a more embellished look. If you’re aiming for a non-embellished and more “architectural” feel, then this also works amazing for big bows and deep pleats. Due to it’s “thicker” nature, this fabric is best for cooler environments and not your beachside wedding.

Pairs well with: ballroom venues

2. Micado

Micado is often confused for satin, but its major difference is the texture. Satin is smooth while micado has a “twill” texture to it (aka more woven and has a diagonal grain). However, like satin, micado is a beautiful fabric that is more thick and typically made of silk. Therefore, it’s not great for super hot environments. It’s great for structured gowns and can come with a shiny or matte finish. Certain types of micados are super stretchy so this could be a great option if you’re going for something super tight and form-fitting. You usually won’t see micado gowns embellished, the texture is gorgeous on it’s own!

Pairs well with: estate or chateau venues

3. crepe

Yes, it’s the same spelling as the delicious French stuffed pancakes, no it is not pronounced the same (but that’s a different story). Crepe is a medium thick fabric that is opaque, but does not hold structure very well. You can find it on its own, but most designers like to pair it with lace. It’s perfect for fit and flare/trumpet dresses and makes an incredible long train if that’s your style. It does have a slight texture to it, but it’s very matte. Depending on its makeup, crepe can either be stretchy or slightly more stiff. It’s also become a very popular option for bridesmaid dresses.

Pairs well with: chic city venues

4. Tulle

Want to look like a princess on your wedding day? Tulle is your go-to. This fabric does come in a few different mediums, but the most popular is made of nylon (or silk if you want to be fancy and spend a lot of money) and is what veils are made of. For quality purposes, I would not recommend the polyester version. Tulle is a sheer netting and can snag easily, but it’s edges won’t fray so it can just be cut and done! If you’re looking for it as part of your gown, this will typically be the skirt portion, although there are some gorgeous full tulle options out there. The bigger the skirt, the more “classic princess” you’re going to look. If you’re going for more subtle, then a few layers over the lining or an overskirt will give you a truly romantic, ethereal vibe.

Pairs well with: garden venues

5. chiffon

One of the most popular evening fabrics, chiffon is a semi sheer and very light fabric. Tulle and chiffon have the least amount of structure out of any fabric you’ll come across and always requires lining (unless see-through is your goal). It breathes well which makes for a great beach outfit. Due to its lightweight nature, it can’t really hold heavy embellishments on its own, so that’s usually why you’ll find crystals or beading on the bodice. It’s usually not stretchy so just letting it drape and be its natural, flowy self is best. Chiffon is also the most used fabric for bridesmaid gowns and comes in a ton of different colors.

Pairs well with: tropical venues

6. Lace

Lace is more of a fabric embellishment (?), but we’ll dive in: lace is usually made of cotton which is twisted and knotted into various designs and also comes in many different thicknesses. These terms all have French names and the ones you will typically see in the wedding world are called “alencon” (pronounced Ah-Lon-Sawn) and “chantilly”. Alencon is more textured and has cording woven into the design. Chantilly is light and delicate, and can come with little “eyelash” edges. If a gown is fully lace, there will be lining underneath (unless shear is your thing then you do you). Lace is a great way to bring interest to sleeves, hems, and necklines without shine or beading (the looks that go ALL OUT with have both!). Lace is also very popular on the edge of veils and the best factories are in England, France, and Italy. It can come in full yards, like any other fabric, or just as a trim.

Pairs well with: any venue!

7. embellishments

Ok, I know this isn’t a “fabric” per-say, but it is a topic that many people get confused about so let’s clarify a few fashion terms:

• Sequins: those flat or slightly concave shiny plastic tiny “discs” that are sewn through a hole in the center. They can make a fabric shiny without beading or crystals.

• Beading: beads come in many (MANY) forms, but when it comes to bridal, you’ll usually see them in white, ivory, clear, or silver (or gold). A full beaded gown may be heavy, but they’re great for making beautiful designs.

• Crystals: also can be called “rhinestones”, these gems usually have prongs (like jewelry) and, again, can come in many sizes. Typically you won’t see them in color, but to each their own. Crystals are what make up most wedding belts and sashes.

At the end of the day, if you’re getting confused in the world of wedding fabrics, just ask your stylist or seamstress. They work with these fabrics ALL DAY and can usually answer any question you may have. But, I hope this guide helps you feel a bit more informed when going on your shopping adventures. Looking to have a custom gown designed? Let’s chat! Just click here.

Happy planning!

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

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!

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

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

The holiday season is officially here and we are already loving all of the seasonal wedding pictures that are filling our Instagram feeds! 

That being said, we know it’s not easy to decide on a holiday wedding. Long weekends, beautiful decorations, and iconic playlists are all very enticing (along with an anniversary date your spouse can’t forget). We love the romance of it all, but will your guests be just as happy to leave their family to celebrate your nuptials? We have put together our suggestions for planning the holiday wedding of your dreams! 

The “dos and don’ts” of scheduling a holiday wedding:

Do: send out invites early! 

If you are asking people to travel around a major holiday, you have to give them enough time to plan it out. 

Don’t: Expect the normal acceptance rate

Because of long standing traditions, many invitees will not be able to attend. This just means they will be the first to like your Instagram pictures so they can feel like they were there with you! 

Do: Make sure the food is EXTRA good! 

Most of us spend the entire year dreaming about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Eve dinners. Make your wedding one to really remember by sharing an amazing meal with the friends and family that join you on this extra special day. 

Don’t: Play only holiday music

There’s a time and a place for some beautiful background music with the classics. I even recommend turning some right now, I am listening to my Christmas playlist while writing this! But, after the ceremony is a reception, not a corporate Christmas party. Don’t loose sight of what you are all gathered for. 

Do: Think about the extra costs

Many vendors will charge extra for hiring them on a major holiday (and higher flight costs for guests). Focus on what’s most important to you and put the money there (for some it’s food, others it’s photography. I would have a hard time choosing!) 

Don’t: let anything stop you from having your dream wedding! 

If you have always wanted a snow angel themed Christmas Eve wedding, let nothing get in the way of that. This might mean compromising on other things like having a huge guest list, or getting married in Saint Patrick's Cathedral, but you can still make your dream wedding come true. Get some backup fake snow just in case it’s not a white Christmas, gather your closest friends and family, and go get married!

Happy holiday planning!

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