Lauren here! 👋🏼

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

1. Signature drink print

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

   Click here for the “Signature Drink” print

2. Custom group illustration

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

   Click here for the “Family Group” Illustration

   Click here for the “Wedding Party” Illustration 

3. Live illustration

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

   Click here to inquire for live sketching

   Click here for the FAQ blog post on live art

4. Wedding planning stickers

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

   Click here for “Wedding Planner Stickers”

5. Custom makeup bag

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

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

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

6. Custom Veil

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

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

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

Lauren Allen, Author

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

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

1. Uncomfortable chairs

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

2. Cold food

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

3. Not serving alcohol

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

4. A (too) long ceremony

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

5. Extreme weather

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

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

Lauren Allen, Author

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

Every bachelorette party is different, but the concept of a girls weekend never gets old. Picking a party theme has many uses including making packing easier for everyone attending, keeping the group together while out, and of course you can't forget how good the Instagram posts will look while everyone is dressed on theme! If you need inspiration for your bachelorette party, we've got you covered with a few ideas:

Last disco

Who doesn't love a disco ball right now? This is a fun excuse to dress in all of the sparkles and flared pants you can find! On trend right now: “Disco cowgirl”. Just add a cowboy hat and/or boots, maybe a little fringe, with your sparkle and you’re good to go!

Locations suggestions: NYC, Vegas, Nashville, Austin, LA

Final Sail Before the Veil

Having a girls day on a boat somewhere for your bachelorette? This is the perfect time to wear your nautical blues and whites while pretending you know how to sail the blue seas (or maybe you’re one of those cool people that actually do)

Locations suggestions: Miami or Key West, Cape Cod, San Diego, the Hamptons, Martha’s Vineyard

Hoedown Throwdown

Hannah Montana anyone (or Shania Twain for my true 90’s babes)?? Go line dancing with your girls, but not before turning your jean shorts into Daisy Dukes! Don't forget your flannel to keep you warm on the late night out

Locations suggestions: Nashville, Dallas, Charleston, San Antonio

Roaring 20’s

A personal favorite. Pull out some fringe and drink the bathtub gin or moonshine before heading to a speakeasy for the night. This works best for a bride in her 20s excited to take the next step in life (marriage!)

Locations suggestions: NYC, New Orleans, LA, Boston

Boho Bach Bash

If the bride searched for "different, unique, or boho” wedding dresses, then this is the theme for you.  Each person can decide on their own personal version of boho and run with it for the weekend

Locations suggestions: Palm Springs, Scottsdale, LA, Savannah

No matter where you choose (or whether you’re doing one night vs a weekend), just make sure to have your favorite people with you and you’ll have the time of your life. What bachelorette theme will you be using for your wedding?

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

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

The 80’s are back

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

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

More is more

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

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

Party over romance

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

Candid photos

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

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

Lauren Allen, Author

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

Florals designed by Wedding Events

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

Grounded Flowers

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

Floral chandeliers

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

Candlelight

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

Book shelves

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

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

Lauren Allen, Author

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

A couple weeks ago we had Jen Essex on the blog talking about cake/desserts (YUM-you can check that out here), but this week we have a different Jenn guest writing on another one of my favorite things: wine!

Jenn Carruthers is a sommelier and owner of JC Select Wines, a company she built to help expose clients to the wines that she personally enjoys, and loves sharing with friends and family. It also allows her to educate about wines that can both fit your lifestyle and elevate your next event.

Here are her professional recommendations on the best wines for your wedding and the food to pair it with:

Let’s talk bubbly

Champagne goes with everything, plus they’re lower in alcohol and won’t stain clothing like reds. Here are her 3 go-to’s:

• Charles Heidsieck - NV Champagne Brut Reserve

  Fun fact: it was the Champagne served on the Titanic

  Thanks to 40% of reserve wines, the blend offers a complex, elegant, voluptuous nose with a touch of freshly baked brioche, rich toasted notes and sun-drenched fruits - mango, apricot and mirabelle plum - accented by dried fruits, pistachio and almond. On the palate the texture is reminiscent of a crisp layer of nougatine on a velvety cream pastry, filled with plump red plums and ripe cherries. The selection of reserve wines gives the wine lushness. The finish unveils notes of praline and vanilla.

• La Caravelle, Cuvée Nina, Champagne, France

  This goes very well with seafood or fried chicken

  Paying homage to legendary NYC French fine dining restaurant La Caravelle, which Rita and André Jammet owned. La Caravelle, hand chosen by Rita and André, reflects the classic roots and contemporary sensibility of the brand. It's an elegant expression of Champagne. Talk about the perfect summertime pairing. La Caravelle is an elegant expression of Champagne. Think warm citrus, white flowers, perfectly buttered brioche and the most refreshing white peach.

• The Naveran Brut Vintage Reserva, Cava, Spain

  Cava = Spain’s answer to Champagne

  This grower Cava is made from 100% estate grown, organically farmed fruit with extended lees aging far beyond the minimum requirements for the Cava DO. Made by the Naveran family since 1901. This winery has a tradition of crafting Cavas that are superb expressions of clean, bright, citrus-inflected aromas and flavors with beautiful texture and weight from the extended lees contact, designed to stand up among the great sparkling wines of the world.

refreshing whites

Personally, I always associate white with seafood, but there are SO many other options! Here’s a couple:

• Mottura GRECHETTO di Civitella d'Agliano, Latour a Civitella, IT

  Great with pasta dishes (like Pâtes a La Carbonara), chicken, seafood (especially salmon), salads (Caccio e Pepe is a famous pairing) and Alfredo

  Really versatile and I'd almost describe it as halfway between a Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay in terms of pleasing those from each "side of the aisle" (pun intended). It’s really quite a brilliant wine and made by an incredibly talented producer. The Sergio Mottura Latour a Civitella is a pure expression of Grechetto from Lazio's Civitella d'Agliano IGT appellation near the Umbria border. The best grapes from five Grechetto vineyards of the "Poggio della Costa" clone, planted in different parcels, are used to make this outstanding dry white wine. This wine benefits from some brief time in oak to build texture and aromatic intensity, with preserved lemon and fresh apricot.

• Stolpman Vineyards Roussanne, Ballard Canyon, CA

  A red lovers white wine. Pairs with everything listed above but also more robust meals like pork, steak, and prime rib

  Meet the opulent and intriguing Roussanne. The varietal is extremely slow to grow and mature through the season and the conditions at Stolpman combine to allow for even, albeit late, ripening. It's also a pain in the butt to grow! La Cuadrilla takes every possible effort in the vineyard to optimize the Roussanne fruit. Most notably, in late July the leaves get pulled away from the fruit to allow direct sun penetration. A month prior to forecasted harvest, every grape cluster is rotated 180 degrees to facilitate an even sun-tan. Aromas of Asian pear and honeysuckle sprinkled with citrus tell the tale of a rich, indulgent Roussanne ready to coat the palette in full-bodied splendor. On the nose, one can almost smell the rich texture and the mouthfeel doesn’t disappoint. While opulence carries the day, complimentary notes of lychee, lemongrass, and jasmine bring a more delicate prettiness. Aromas of white flower give further lift while golden hay – the only evidence of toasty oak barrels – brings the wine to a long, luxurious finish.

getting into color

When it comes to reds, consider a blend if you’re only going to offer one red wine. Otherwise Jenn recommends having a Pinot Noir and a Cabernet. Here are all the options:

• Stolpman Vineyards - La Cuadrilla

  A very well rounded option and will go with any food you’re in the mood for!

  Blend breakdown: 70% Syrah - 15% Sangiovese - 15% Grenache. La Cuadrilla is a special wine. “La Cuadrilla” or “the Crew” is named such because it belongs to the crew. The vineyard crew (all of whom are full-time/ year-round workers with benefits) are responsible for creating this wine. Even better: ALL PROFITS from the sales of La Cuadrilla go completely back to Ruben's full-time/year-round crew. Once a year, the Stolpmans host a “Cuadrilla Party” where the crew members are each given a cheque sharing the proceeds from this wine by seniority. It’s truly amazing and I wish it was happening everywhere. The wine also happens to be delicious! It’s a juicy, everyday, any occasion kind of wine. The 2018 vintage was fantastic overall and this wine is no exception. Its base of Syrah gives it deep red fruit, making it both expressive and bold. The blending keeps it fresh and fun, perfect for any day that ends with "Y”. A crowd pleaser for sure.

• Disciples Red, Napa Valley

  Particularly amazing with BBQ. ribs, steak, venison, lamb... It's like a "red blend" upgrade

  The breakdown: 49% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah, 10% Charbono, 9% Grenache, 7% Syrah, 6% Merlot. The backbone of the Disciples Red Wine comes from the Morisoli Vineyard in Rutherford and the Tofanelli Vineyard in Calistoga. The Morisoli's have been farming their plot of land for 5 generations, dating back to the 1890's. The Tofanelli's have been farming their ranch since 1929 and grow some of Napa's most coveted field blend varietals. Predominantly Zinfandel, this wine jumps out of the glass with blackberry coulis, juniper and toast. Fantastic acidity carries the wine through to a satisfyingly long, lingering finish.

• West Pole Pinot Noir by Bohème Wines, Sonoma Coast, CA

  Goes with cheese and vegetarian (classic pairing = mushrooms) dishes, poultry, lamb and beef, salmon, and hearty salads

  Twenty-nine Pinot Noir barrels from the Bohème single-vineyard program were selected for the 2018 vintage of West Pole Pinot Noir. Each component was estate-grown (including six Pinot Noir selections averaging 30% whole cluster fermentation) and aged 22 months in 10% new French Oak barrels. Notes: Starlike clarity with rosewood-mulberry hue. Slow-fired Burgundy toast aroma with black and red fruits: cranberry, huckleberry, hibiscus and Kirsch cherry. Dark fruits impress the palate in hand with bergamot, sandalwood, clove, roasted chestnut and elderflower. Fine and abundant tannins follow—the wine is structured and versatile.

• Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Mayacamas Range Napa Valley

  Pairs well with anything in the meat category, especially red meat

  You might have heard of Mayacamas Range. That ridge is where this wine comes from. The high elevation provides for a great balance of grapes ranging in variety and ripeness. Really smooth, dark fruit, really well made and I just can't express how great this wine is for the price ($35). It's such a great go-to Cab.

At the end of the day this is Jenn’s go-to piece of advice for wine & food:

“Pair the wine you want with the food you like”

Want to work with Jenn for your wedding? Here’s a bit of what she can do for you:

• Tasting ahead of time to learn the stories of each unique wine

• If she’s curating the wine and not attending the wedding as your sommelier, she will provide PDFs for display explaining the wine choices and story of the wines chosen

• She also has a wine membership! (hello wedding gift)

Check these out and more on her website www.jcselectwines.com and connect on Instagram @jcselectwines.

Jenn Carruthers, Author

Jenn is a professional sommelier based in California that aims to bridge a gap between common wines and those special bottles. While wine is her hobby as well as her job, she also enjoys surfing and visiting her hometown of Toronto, Canada

As someone with a giant sweet tooth, I was so excited to have Jen Essex guest write a blog post. Jen is the owner and head baker at Ruby Jean Patisserie, a Denver, CO bakery that specializes in buttercream cakes and confections that combine premium quality ingredients and flavors with modern style. Not to mention that all of her creations are downright gorgeous! So I asked Jen how couples are supposed to pick a flavor or design for their wedding? Check out her answers below:

You’ve said yes to your favorite person, the perfect venue and all the lovely details; now it's time to create your dessert experience. Your cake and desserts should be a reflection of you as a couple and go along with the entire vision of your wedding. 

How we start the process

When working with clients, we really like to dive deep into what your food love language is; helping us understand your likes and dislikes sets up our tastings for success. Questions we ask our clients are:

• What are your favorite flavors?

• Favorite travel destinations?

• What's your favorite ice cream?

  All of these help us create a unique dessert spread for you and your loved ones. 

Where we get our inspiration

We love to pull inspiration from all the sources. We will search your Pinterest board, your invitations, the dress, the flowers, the linens and create something unique for you and your wedding.

Examples of how we can incorporate you as a couple and details from your big day into your dessert experience…

• Maybe you are traveling to Italy on your honeymoon, so Tiramisu is a perfect thing to have on your dessert bar

• You're getting married in the mountains and evergreen is on your color palette, so we incorporate little touches of pine on your wedding cake

• The tables are the most romantic blush you’ve ever seen, so your entire cake is blush and adorned with the same flowers that are in your bouquet and centerpieces

• You fell in love with French Macarons on your first date, so gifting your guests French Macarons is the perfect little thank you. 

Same thing goes for your desserts and cake as the entire wedding, this is your day; choose things that you love. Our goal is to WOW your guests and make your events memorable.

Want to get in touch? Visit us on our website at rubyjeanpatisserie.com and be sure to follow on Instagram @rubyjeanpatisserie to see all our amazing custom creations!

Edited April 2023: Jen is no longer in the baked goods business, but she’s still a wealth of knowledge if you need any advice!

Jen Essex, Author

Jen is a classically trained pastry chef with a passion for all things sweet. When she is not baking you can find her chasing around her 13-year-old son, Liam and hanging with her husband Brandon and their two rescue puppies Olive and Teddy

Lauren here! For almost 5 years now I have been giving wedding advice through selling wedding dresses, adding to the black hole that is bridal TikTok, and assisting with writing these blogs. All of that time I was just sharing what I had learned from people around me (as well as the internet…). In reality my only wedding planning experience was in my dreams. 

That all is about to change because I got engaged last week!!

Wow, 13 year old me is still panicking that this day finally came and it was better than I could have ever dreamed of. And because I am that girl, many details of my wedding have already been planned. It also didn’t help that my now fiancé isn’t very good at keeping secrets! 

All of this to say, this blog is about to have some real life examples of wedding planning  highs, lows, frustrations, and celebrations. 

So what should you do after getting engaged?

The one piece of advice that I’ve heard before is to give yourself some time to take it all in. I am only going to be engaged once in my life, and in the grand scheme of things it’s going to be such a small period in my life. For now I’m going to sit back, gaze at my perfect vintage engagement ring, and enjoy the high that I’m riding on.  After that will be choosing a date, setting a guest list, and locking in a budget. (All of that has been done in a note on my phone for a while now because I’m me, but it’s time to add our team player to the game) 

The venue will be the first detail you want to confirm because that will determine the date and other vendors that will be necessary. Some will be all inclusive and you will just sit back and relax. Others will only provide their four walls and you will have a long road of decisions again. Our venue has already been selected (pre-proposal/pre- even meeting my fiancé ) and it’s not even a real wedding venue, so this will not be a simple process. That means more for me to share with you as I learn and possibly drive myself crazy! 

The vendors we are most excited to decide on are photographer and caterer. Those will most likely be our next decisions because it’s what we want to invest in the most. If you are in the same boat at me, I’d recommend prioritizing with your partner so that you put your money into things that actually matter to you both.

To see a full breakdown of a wedding planning timeline, check out our previous blog here 

Do any of you past brides have any advice for me, a future bride?! Let me know in the comments!

PS- Yes, the scene in the illustration is from the actual proposal! A magical Valentine’s Day night on a rooftop in Kansas City, MO

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

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

It’s always great to learn from the pros, but sometimes it’s nice to hear from someone who has just walked the same path that you are currently on. Today we are sharing advice directly from our brides about what they found most surprising when planning their wedding.

“Remember to factor in vendor gratuity when thinking about money and budget”

              -  When getting a quote from your vendor, make sure to add whatever gratuity you choose to before deciding if they are in your budget. Nothing sounds worse than having to pull cash out of your honeymoon fund the week of your wedding to fill gratuity envelopes for all of your vendors. Plan ahead and you will thank you future self! 

“Florals are more expensive than you might expect” 

                - Trader Joe’s has spoiled us with beautiful bouquets of flowers for just $8. Your wedding flowers will take up much more of your budget than most people expect. These flowers will be hand selected and arranged just for you, including all bouquets, corsages, centerpieces, and ceremony backdrops. There are ways to cut costs like renting/buying silk flowers, getting married in a garden that is already covers in flowers, or (the most time consuming) putting together your own flower arrangements. 

“Planning a surprise elopement (where family comes and they just don’t know it’s a wedding) is maybe as stressful as a traditional wedding, just way cheaper”

            - Doing this will insure that you have minimal opinions being thrown at you at all times, but it also means you have to do everything by yourself (or hire a planner to help!). This is something that you will have to decide what is most important to you. If you thrive on surprises this is definitely for you!

“Vendors can easily take a week to get back to you with initial info (before even booking).”

               - Start reaching out to vendors as soon as possible so that you have as much time as possible to break down all of the details. The best vendors book up very far in advance and have a never ending stream of communication happening with their current and future couples, so you have to give them some grace if you hope to be one of the couples they are giving all of their attention to. 

“When COVID happens 3 weeks before your wedding date, don’t try to reschedule.  Just cancel and elope”

               - She said what she said 🤣 (don’t forget to have us sketch the beautiful memory for you after to gift to anyone who couldn’t be there!). Obviously, everyone’s situation is different, but definitely do not knock this option.

“I was really happy to have done premarital counseling!”

                - Some churches require this if you choose to get married there,  but counseling is never a bad idea! Even if you already live with your significant other, choosing to legally bind yourselves together is still a huge change. Having a 3rd (non bias) party can help sort through things you two might never have thought of! Being mentally prepared for this would start your marriage off on the right foot.

“Do whatever the fuck you want for your day.  Don’t invite people for the sake of it.  You can have the humblest and lowest budget wedding, but a good photographer and videographer will make it look like a million dollars”

                 - Before reaching out to any vendors or making any plans, the most important part of wedding planning is to decide what is top priority to you. For many people it’s the photographer, or the entertainment, or the dress. From there you decide what to cut costs on. The easiest way to dial back is by shrinking the guest list! There are so many pieces of your wedding are charged on a per-person basis, so less people = less money spent. We like to think of it as “if I wouldn’t want to take you to dinner on a regular basis, I don’t want to pay for your dinner at my wedding (respectfully)”.

Add your tips in the comments below to help other others that are getting married! 

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Some of us have been planning our weddings since middle school, but there are still plenty of you out there that get engaged and have no idea what to do next. And many of us in the first category aren’t getting married any time soon… 

We have created a timeline for those brides-to-be that have a ring and no clue what to do next. Every wedding will be different, but this is the ideal step by step process to make sure you can have a stress-free I Do Day. 

Step 1

Enjoy being engaged! You can only call yourself a  fiancé for a short amount of time, so take as long as you want after the proposal to simply sit in the bliss of engaged life (even when people are asking you a million wedding questions 5 minutes after the proposal)

Step 2

Set your priorities and your budget. If you know what you are working with and what means the most to you, it will be easy to begin the search for vendors in your price point and be sure to do a little cost research before you start reaching out to vendors. If you’re hiring a wedding planner, now is definitely the time to do it so they can help with as much as possible

Step 3

Set the guest list. Depending on how willing you are to cut/ add depending on the perfect venue, this might go alongside step 2. We are here for the aesthetic though which means you see what the venue fits and you fill it accordingly. The most important thing to remember here is that nothing adds up as quickly as paying for people's dinner on your wedding night. The #1 way to save money on your wedding is to cut people from the guest list (the harsh but real truth).

Step 4

Location, location, location.  Venues book up extremely early so if your heart is set on a specific location you better act fast. This is especially important right now because you will still be competing with Covid brides. Typically booking your venue and setting a date happens one to two years in advance. Don’t rule out Friday weddings or “off season” months.

Pro tip: getting your venue for less than a year away isn’t always the best thing, even when available, because many of your other vendors will be booked already (photographer, band, etc)

Step 5

Say yes to the dress! It can take up to 8 months for a dress to be manufactured and then two to three months of alterations. You also don't want to be checking email constantly in the last few months before the wedding waiting for your dress to arrive. Order early enough to avoid stress and rush fees.

Step 6

Vendors! Hiring all of your vendors will need to happen 9 months to a year before your big day. This will include a caterer, photographer, videographer, band/DJ, and florist. By now you should have an idea of the overall aesthetic and color palette for the wedding. Also, don’t forget other vendors that might need a longer timeline, such as entertainers, stationers, or if you’re getting something custom created.

Step7

The finishing touches! In the last 6 months leading up to the wedding all of the big decisions should be made already. You are now left with sending the invites, planning the honeymoon (!), and day of transportation (if you haven’t done that already). A Cricut machine will be your best friend during this stage for decor and sign creation.  6 months is also the perfect time for your wedding party to order their outfits (they need time to get alterations too!).

Step 8

Organization. The month or 2 before your wedding will be the time that you start putting together all of the pieces that have been floating around in anticipation for the big day. Make sure you’ve scheduled out any beauty treatments and hair cuts, and the little things like place cards or wedding favors. This is also the time to get your seating chart in order.

Step 9

Delegate. If you’ve hired a wedding planner they will do this for you, but if not you’ll need to figure out “day of” timeline like hair/makeup, wedding party arrivals, steaming, time for breakfast, etc. and then assign people to make sure each of those things happen on time. You shouldn’t have to lift a finger on your wedding day!

Step 10

Deep breath. The morning of the wedding your goal will be to make sure your vows are written and that your glam squad is making you look like your absolute best. After that, whatever will happen will happen and is out of your control.

Happy Planning!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

We have been noticing a theme of “buck the tradition” with an aftershock of “wait, what am I supposed to do?!” So today we wanted to show you new ways to follow the traditional anniversary gifts. Also, who couldn’t use some good gift inspo? Sometimes it can be hard to find a gift that says 1,000 words AND will be used for years to come. 

Year 1: Paper

No need to look any further, SamiaLynn will make you a custom illustration of your wedding day, your honeymoon, or just a day with your fur baby. Make it extra special with a hand written note and you will have set the bar high for all other anniversaries.

Click here to shop

Year 2: Cotton

This is a great time to get essentials like a much needed clothing item or rug for the house. It would be an even better time to upgrade all of the linens in your house if you forgot to include that in your wedding registry! Some of us just keep rebuying the cheapest Target sheets every time our partner’s toe nails rip holes in the current pair or our hair products damage the color… one year into a marriage maybe things will be better… 😂 

Year 3: Leather

Everyone needs a nice bag to carry to work. A leather tote or briefcase will make you feel so powerful walking into the office every day. If you and your partner are looking for something more romantic, gift each other leather passport holders and plan a trip that involves stamping them! We are all about gifting experiences (and then customizing illustrations to keep the memories alive forever)

Year 5: Wood

This is another great excuse for gifting an experience. To fit the theme, we’d recommend doing an outdoor adventure! If this is not your thing, find a new piece of furniture, or even something as simple as a framed piece of art. 

Year 8: Bronze or pottery

You can go with the expected like a new set of dishes, or make it something fun and unexpected like getting your hands dirty in a pottery class. Obviously you can’t go wrong with gifting some beautiful bronze jewelry! 

Year 10: Aluminum or tin

This one does not sound romantic at all… but let’s personalize it and make it memorable. You can engrave photos, bowls, or even key chains. You could also take it more literally and create a gift basket out of things that come in tin jars like tea, lotions, candles. Make a spa day out of it!

Send this to your spouse for them to bookmark and reference every year!!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Being in the wedding industry has opened our eyes to the availability (or lack thereof) of LGBTQ+ friendly merchandise for all weddings. Sometimes finding variety outside of the Mr. & Mrs. selections can be hard if you’re not looking to custom order every part of your planning experience. Today we wanted to share with you a few of our favorite businesses that show their pride all year long with fun finishing touches for all wedding events. 

Psst…If you are looking for resources for inclusive wedding planning, lgbtweddings.com is a great place to start!

lgbtq+ shops:

The Peculiar Pelican

She creates custom wooden sign for your wedding day. The shop is filled with every possible wording your Pinterest has you dreaming about for your ceremony and reception. Some you might even want to take home as decor to remember your wedding day with!

Click here to visit

The Ritzy Rose

This team has the most colorful department for all LGBTQ+ including everything from coming out cards to wine bottle labels! Their signage is also timelessly beautiful. We’d recommend starting here for your engagement announcement and then ending with your flower girl/ ring bearer signs to walk down the aisle with. 

Click here to visit

Wild Nova

They have every version of ENgayGED attire you could ever dream of! From the moment you get engaged, they have a shirt for every occasion as well as always being prepared for pride. They even have Ally and “the future is fluid” shirts for anyone else who wants to join the movement.  Bonus: they’re environmentally friendly!

Click here to visit

Taylor Street Favors

Derek and David create the most beautiful cake toppers (and that is saying something because WOW cake toppers can be tacky) and even mini Mrs. & Mrs. cup cake toppers! It is also a great place to look for gifts for all couples. 

Click here to visit

Lifetime creations

This family run business follows through with their name by engraving glass that you will use for the rest of your life. Get you and your fiance Mr(s) and Mr(s) (or any verbiage of your choosing) champagne glasses to toast with on your wedding night and then again on every anniversary. 

Click here to visit

PS: If you live in the DMV area, Abiddoodle Productions has curated an amazing list of LGBTQ+ friendly wedding resources because you shouldn’t have to be the person that shifts the “norm” when it comes to planning your wedding

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

As someone who has worked in both fashion and bridal, it’s hard to truly “wow” me when I see engagement rings. Diamonds sure do lose their sparkle when you’ve seen what starts to feel like the same ring over and over again. (If I’ve ever complimented your ring, know that I REALLY do love it!)

Yes, you should feel bad for my significant other when it comes time for him to propose. 

That being said, to each her own! Everyone has their own personal style and there are engagement rings out there for everyone. Some may just be more easily googled than others! 

In this age of bucking traditions when it comes to wedding planning, I think you could also consider choosing a unique engagement ring. Now don’t try to tell me that your fiancé is picking out the ring and will be surprising you, we know that you are fully in control of that shared Pinterest board titled “💍”.  

When choosing a ring you really want, think about your personal style. Not the trends that you are following right now, but who you are down to the basics of your wardrobe. Are you preppy, edgy, classic, modern? If you don’t know, my suggestion is to see who you take style inspo from on Instagram and see what they hashtag. The key words should be right under your nose. Those are great descriptive words to use to start your search. 

For example, many people like a timeless look, but in a way that you literally can’t tell which decade your clothes are from. Personally, my wardrobe is half staple pieces from places like Target or online stores, and half vintage and pieces I bought abroad. If thrifting and sustainability are important to you, then a vintage ring is the PERFECT option.

This idea is not for everyone which is great because that keeps the cost of second hand rings down for me! If you are looking for a way to stay eco friendly when picking out your ring, moissanite is actually a great option. I know, I know, you are “supposed” to wear a diamond because they are a girl’s best friend! But we will negate that soon. Moissanite is being talked about a lot recently because it is a lot cheaper than diamonds (which means you get more sparkle for your buck) and they are lab grown, not mined in the same inhuman way that diamonds are. Think of it as saving the world one carat at a time!

That being said, who said you needed a clear stone?? If your personality is bright and colorful, why can’t your engagement ring represent that? This is a ring that you will be wearing consistently for years to come, make sure it fits in with your aesthetic. Ruby, emerald, sapphire, or any other precious stone would make for a beautiful forever ring.

If you need colored stone inspiration, check out your birthstone!  As a June baby I would definitely not mind incorporating pearls into my ring

Whatever you choose, whether it’s a simple stone on a simple band, a collection of stones placed to look like your favorite flower, or anything in between, it should be something you will be proud to show off now and at your 50th wedding anniversary. 

What does your dream ring look like??

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

When it comes to wedding entertainment the first thing that comes to mind is usually the decision between a DJ or a band, but what else could you include in your wedding that would keep guests guessing about what else you might have up your sleeve on your big day? Right now one of the biggest trends in weddings is the idea of going against tradition. If you have some extra room in your budget (maybe because you decided to have a fabulous micro wedding rather than a 200 person event), you should consider throwing something a little different into your reception to spicy things up. We promise not to tell anyone if you take an idea or two from us and make it your own 😉

1. Dance instructor

If you know that your group is always down for a spin on the dance floor, why not surprise everyone with a professional dance instructor to clean up their moves just a bit? This could be salsa dancing, maybe a traditional dance to promote your culture, or go crazy with a hip hop lesson. Everyone could learn something new and have fun while doing it!

2. Professional artist

Pick your medium of choice and then hire a professional for a few hours to come and live sketch, paint, or draw your reception or guests. You would leave with a lasting memory of the evening that is separate from the photographer and/or videographer and each of your guests could have a personal memory of themselves.

Interested in live illustration?  Check out my services here!

3. Mini Golf

This isn’t your sibling’s corn hole set (still a favorite yard game). Step it up a notch and take over any open green space with strategically placed mini golf courses! Multiple holes also means a few groups of people can play at once and clean up is simple. Golf competition anyone?

4. Bouncy House

This option certainly isn’t for everyone, but for those of us that are still a kid at heart (or need a break from dancing), having a beautiful white bouncy house is so much fun! Bonus: it’s great for any actual children that might be at your reception.

5. Snacks!

Ok this might not seem like your typical entertainment source, but can you tell me the last time someone brought out snacks and everyone in the room didn’t get excited?! One of our favorite ways to end a long night of dancing is with a late night snack, so why not just incorporate that into the timeline? About an hour before the DJ plays his final song, have munchies passed around. This could be French fries, milk and cookies, popcorn, or literally anything that you would want when you left after a long (but fun) night. 

Now, we aren’t trying to plan your wedding for you, but we are saying that any or all of these ideas could be mixed and matched to create the perfect wedding reception! And if you decide to include them just know that we would like to be included in the guest count because it sounds like you sure know how to have a fun time! 

Are you planning any fun surprises for your guests that we haven’t thought of yet??

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

Just in case you don’t live in wedding world like we do, last week was Bridal Fashion Week! This is the time of year that stores order their newest samples, and the high end designers put together runway shows so spectacular that you can’t help but daydream of the perfect wedding for every piece.

Today we wanted to break down some of the trends we saw that will be making it into bridal salons by the fall for your 2022 weddings!

Bows

Whether it’s one or five, you will see bows everywhere you look ranging from large and in charge, to small and sweet. Also keep in mind, if the dress you fall in love with doesn’t have a bow, one can always be added! 

Unique sleeves

Say goodbye to the old illusion fitted sleeve. We are now here for a flutter sleeve, a cap sleeve, a bubble sleeve, or anything else that will avoid leaving your arms undecorated. Some are even detachable!

Different necklines

Gone are the days of the basic (but still timeless, just less trendy) sweetheart neckline. We are now seeing mostly straight, or square, or plunging necklines, nothing in between!

Maximalism

No matter which of these elements speaks to you the most, what we know for sure is that after well over a year of no where to go and nothing to do, your wedding gown is going to make up for it! Whether that’s with a fully beaded, all lace, or exaggerated architectural details all done in one fabric, the one thing that is for sure is that no one will be able to describe their gown as “too simple.” Your wedding will be the event of a lifetime for you, even if you choose to only have a small party, so make it count with a dress that will become printed art all over your walls once the big day is over. 

What trend are you most excited to try on at your bridal appointments? 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 NYC and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

As we talked about the topic of bridal showers, we both agreed that we no longer care for any of the traditional events. That means today we are sharing with you the bridal showers we’d want to attend! The number one rule of all of these events is that there will not be toilet paper wrapped around the bride for any reason. 

1. Dinner at your favorite restaurant

   Why make your future mother-in-law stress about making sure her living room is fixed up, and that there are enough snacks for the whole crowd when you could host the girls in the comfort of your favorite restaurant?! If it’s a smaller restaurant you can probably even rent out the whole place for the afternoon. This will make for a much more laid back atmosphere and will allow the host to enjoy the day as much as the guests. 

2. Signature cocktail tasting for the wedding

   Have your whole crew come over for a day of cocktail tasting! This could be how you choose the perfect combo for your signature cocktails at your wedding. You could even serve some of the appetizers that will be presented at your cocktail hour as a glimpse of what’s to come! 

3. Crafting day

   If your group is crafty, break out the Cricut and put them to work! You could have a fun day while also being productive, and anyone participating will feel proud to see their hard work on display at your wedding. Think welcome signs, signature cocktail signs, seating chart... the options are endless. 

4. “Build your bar cart” party 

   This idea was stolen from TikTok and we’ve been waiting for an excuse to use it! If you are a younger couple (but still over 21) that is still establishing your home together, you can throw a build-your-bar-cart party! Everyone attending will bring something like a shaker, mixers, or just liquor bottles and get you ready for any future hosting you do. Feel free to also dig into the goods and have your friends and family show you their favorite cocktails so you feel fancy when trying to impress your next guests. 

5. Backyard BBQ

   Why make things complicated when you can relax and enjoy the day? A BBQ would be a great way to get the men and kids involved too. Have a few people in charge of manning the grill for the day, put some side dishes and drinks on a table and enjoy the day playing cornhole and horseshoe while chatting about wedding plans and honeymoon excursions. 

Keep in mind, this is your wedding and your pre-wedding event. Make sure that whatever you are planning feels most like you. Rules and traditions are meant to be broken! Any of these events could even make for fun Spring and Summer activities, engaged or not.

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

After the big proposal comes the bridesmaids’ proposals.

Don’t know what a bridesmaid proposal is? It’s kind of like a “prom-posal” but for your bridesmaids. You put together a collection of gifts and notes, and then send it to your closest friends to ask them to be your bridesmaid (or maid of honor) when you tie the knot. Sometimes it includes jewelry with symbolic knots like necklaces or earrings, or coozies that have your wedding date on it, but we want to give you inspiration for gifts that your girls (or guys) will actually use!

Wedding day jewelry

Give your bride squad any jewelry you want them to accessorize with on your big day. Chances are they will wear it again, or at least have peace of mind knowing what they will wear to your wedding.

Custom sketches

Customize an illustration of you and your bridesmaid so that she can frame it as a forever reminder of your wedding day. Click here for custom sketches of you and your bride squad!

Custom wine glasses

Instead of getting anything with the word “bridesmaid” written on it, put her name and she will most likely use it every day and think of you, rather than sharing  the word “bridesmaid” around anything you gift.  This idea can apply to any “object”, we offer mugs, make up bags, and phone cases that you can custom design!

A shawl

This might sound cheesy, but if you give your bridesmaids something to keep her warm in her bridesmaid’s dress, she will use it for ALL future weddings and think of you! Something so simple could bring her years of fond memories.

Hair and makeup!

We know this isn’t really an “item” that can go in a bridesmaid proposal box, but offering to pay for your girls’ hair and makeup on your wedding day is a huge gift and would be widely appreciated.  Get a really pretty gift certificate to announce it, stick a few smaller objects in there and you have your box!

Whatever you choose to do to ask your bridal party to be apart of your big day, the most important thing is to make sure that they know why you couldn’t be who you are today without her. The priority of picking your bridal party is that each person knows she is so important to you that you want her to be a significant part of one of the most important days of your life.

Did we miss any fun bridesmaid proposal ideas that you think we should share?? 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 NYC and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here