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

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

The 80’s are back

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

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

More is more

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

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

Party over romance

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

Candid photos

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

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

Lauren Allen, Author

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