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

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

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

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

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

How to do it without looking like a mess?

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

There are 3 main components of a bridesmaid look

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

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

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

• Different lengths and necklines with the same color

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

Let’s talk color

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

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

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

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

Fabrics are fun

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

• Chiffon

• Jersey

• Crepe

• Sequins

• Beaded

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

One last thing

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

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

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

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

If any of you have also been living on Bridal TikTok these last few months, your head is also spinning with ideas for your wedding! Besides learning how to politely tell your guests to leave their little ones at home, and how to save money (but absolutely not time) by making all of the floral decor yourself, we have also learned how to step out of the expected to make your wedding day memorable for you and your guests. 

1. Welcome surprises! 

We all know that weddings never start exactly on time, which means that guests are usually left empty handed and mingling with strangers, unsure of what to do or where to stand. On Instagram we saw a recommendation to have guests put their drink of choice with their RSVP so that they could be handed a cocktail (or mocktail) upon arrival. GENIUS!! You could even have a little charcuterie board ready for guests to snack on while they are waiting for you to get all of the final touches taken care of without being rushed

2. Ceremony backdrop! 

The background of where you say “I DO” is a place for countless customization options. This could be a wall of flowers, a photo backdrop, a metal arch with flowers and greenery placed strategically. Just having your officiant and a few flower arrangements behind you is a thing of the past. Choose a backdrop that will represent who you are as a couple (and what type of decor you will decorate your house with because these pictures will be hanging on your walls forever). This is also an amazing way to bring in small businesses to your wedding day! This may feel like 1 of the million decisions you have to make, but to whoever you hire to create this backdrop, this will be their main focus. Hire a professional if you want it to be memorable! 

3. Photo ops! 

We all love a photo booth, but sometimes they can give us flack backs to our awkward prom date or a children's birthday party. Make your guests’ photos Instagram worthy by commissioning a custom photo background! This could be a huge floral backdrop, a sketch of you and your fiancé so it feels like you in every picture, or even just a print that is inspired by your other stationary. Your guests will line up all night to get a picture with the perfect background and lighting, so don’t forget a ring light to make sure they look amazing. Click here to order yours!

4. Your gown!

Even your wedding gown can be customized from head to toe if you are willing to put in the trust and imagination that it would require! If that sounds like a lot, you also have options of customizing dresses that you order from bridal salons. Some designers have customizing options when ordering like lining/unlined, extending/shortening the train, adding/removing sleeves. If the designer can’t make changes when creating the dress, there are also a lot of customization options that can happen in alterations. A tailor can build up a dress to make it more modest by ordering extra elements from the original dress, they can lower the back of the dress to show off your curves even better, or they can add beading to make the whole dress shine under the lights of your reception. You could even have a veil custom made to match your gown! Just keep in mind the changes that you want to make when considering your budget for your dream dress! 

What are you going to have customized to make your big day special?? Let us know below!

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

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

Neck lines:

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

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

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

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

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

-Sleeveless 

-Cap sleeve 

-Elbow length 

-¾ sleeve 

-Full sleeve 

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

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

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Get enough wine in her and she will tell you about her perfectly planned wedding. Just promise not to ask about the groom, that’s one detail she’s still working on. Lauren is based in NYC and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

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

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

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

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

BRIDES, my loves, these are for you:

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

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

2. Respect the financial investment involved.  

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

3. Not all bodies are created equal.

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

BRIDESMAIDS, here you go:

1. It’s not about you.

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

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

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

3. Be honest without being a b*tch

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

One last note for EVERYONE:

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

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

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

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

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

• The Veil

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

• The Wedding Ring

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

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

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

• The Bouquet Toss

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

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

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

• Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue

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

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

• Do not see each other the day of the wedding  

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

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

• Why Wear White?

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

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

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

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

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Get enough wine in her and she will tell you about her perfectly planned wedding. Just promise not to ask about the groom, that’s one detail she’s still working on. Lauren is based in NYC and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

As people are traveling and migrating more than ever before, many of us (myself included) find ourselves in relationships with people from outside our nationality and/or culture. Usually, it’s great! You get to learn about new holidays, languages, try new foods, and maybe even get to visit their country.

Then comes the wedding planning

And the wedding stress, but not just any wedding stress. No, you are now tasked with having to combine traditions, foods, and (sometimes) ceremonies. It can be done and it will be amazing, but maybe you’ll need a little guidance in balancing your family’s desire to serve an entire roasted lamb with your in-laws vegetarian preferences.

Meet Christine Godsey, founder of CG & Co Events and specialist on multicultural weddings. She’s been planning these events in the DC area for 12 years (and BEAUTIFULLY, I might add) so, I’ve combined our top tips for pulling off an amazing, blended wedding:

1. Let’s start off with the most important one: This is YOUR wedding. Keep in mind the traditions and beliefs you hold as a couple, because those are the ones that come first.

Yes, you don’t want to upset your family. Yes, most of the time they’re the ones paying for it. But most of all, they want you to be happy. So before you read the rest of the list, remember that the most important people of the day are you and your fiance, and it’s about your union whatever that looks like.

2. Think about traditions that have a special meaning to you or your family

Just because you or your parents (or grandparents) came from a certain place or religion, doesn’t mean every aspect has to make an appearance at your wedding. Really narrow down the things that are important to you and it’ll be much easier to incorporate.

3. Be sure to ask your parents what is important to them, 9 times out of 10 they will certainly feel strongly about including certain traditions into your ceremony

Most of the time, you will end up compromising a little to make your parents happy. However, many of the traditions your parents will insist on will have to do with the ceremony. Have them make a list so you can go over it together and discuss what will actually be a part of your day.

4. Get creative with fusion foods, music, performances to highlight both cultures

The best part of multicultural weddings! Find a caterer that can put a custom menu together using key flavors or dishes from both cultures. Maybe your first dance song can be your choice and a traditional dance performance can be done for your fiance’s side. Really play around with these aspects to make your reception the best of both worlds.

5. Check with the parents of your fiance to learn about any religious dietary (vegan, vegetarian, jain, kosher, halal, etc) or alcohol restrictions. If these are not addressed early it could unnecessarily offend guests

Whether it’s through extremely clear buffet labeling, strategically placed bars, or making sure the vegetarian option is gluten free, it’s definitely important to go over this one early. Food is the center of many cultures and the last thing you want on your wedding day is upset guests.

6. Sometimes, the only compromise is to do everything

If you have the means, don't feel bad about doing 2 different ceremonies or 1 extended ceremony to incorporate all of the elements for both traditions. Some people serve one cuisine at the rehearsal dinner and the other at the reception. Others will have the main wedding in one country and a small ceremony in another. It’s completely normal in some cultures for wedding celebrations to span across multiple days and a variety of events.

7. Everyone, yes everyone, will have an opinion about what you should do so be prepared to stand firm in some areas.  It helps to have a planner for these types of situations

Please refer back to tip #1 on who’s opinion is the most important. If you’re having trouble, a planner is a great 3rd party to have. They’re amazing at blending your traditions and preferences the best way possible, but they’re also the best mediator when it comes to sorting out details.

Get in touch with Christine at www.cgandcoevents.com and be sure to check out all her beautiful events on Instagram @cgandcoevents for a little wedding inspo.

Happy planning!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Bridal gown shopping can be a daunting part of your wedding checklist.

If you are like us and love shopping, the sheer amount of gown options is overwhelming. If you dread the idea of stepping into a store to find a new pair of jeans, then gown shopping is something that you will put off as long as possible. No matter which one describes you best, what you need to understand is that your bridal consultant will use her expertise to find you the most memorable dress of your life. The experience should make you feel beautiful, confident, and ready to marry the person of your dreams.

To help you prepare for your bridal appointment, we have created a list of questions you should be ready to ask and answer during the course of your consultation. We recommend going in with an open mind, a Pinterest board of inspiration pictures, and neutral colored underwear.  

The top 5 questions you should be asking your professional bridal consultant: 

1. What would you recommend based on my body type?

- No matter what, though, you should choose your gown based off of what makes you feel best, not just what you are expected to wear. Also know that bridal sizes are significantly different than street sizes. Leave the numbers to the consultant and know that you will never be ordering that size again! 

2. How do you bustle this gown?

- Make sure your consultant shows you how the bustle will look on the gown. You should also record the tailor showing you the final bustle so that even after a glass of champagne, your maid of honor will be able to get you ready for your first dance with no delays. 

3. How would you accessorize my dream gown?

- Sometimes you can get discounts by ordering your accessories at the same location as your gown! Sticking to one location for all of your gown needs is the best way to ensure consistency and possible discounts. 

4. What is delivery time right now?

- Are you asking for something on your gown that would be considered custom and would up the cost and the turnaround time?

5. How much are alterations?

- Also remember that alterations mean different things at different salons, so make sure your consultant goes into detail about what they consider alterations. Does their price include full fittings, a bustle, and steaming? 

The top 5 questions your bridal consultant should be asking you: 

1. What is your budget?

- When deciding on a budget don't forget about alterations, shoes, and any other accessories you may want. Be specific about the budget you give your consultant, she/he will need to know how much you would like to spend on your gown in order to pull properly from the sample options. 

2. What makes you feel beautiful?

- This is not what your mom thinks, what you think you should think, or what some stranger on the internet wants you to think (Hi!). Your consultant wants to know exactly what makes you feel your most stunning when you look in the mirror. 

3. How do you picture yourself looking on your wedding day?

- This means picturing yourself surrounded by your flowers, your venue, the bridesmaids dresses you will be selecting after your bridal appointment. Your gown will set the tone for your entire wedding. 

4. What are your favorite features of your body?

- Do you like your collar bones? Let’s show them off! Do you like your legs? Get a gown with a slit!

5. What are your least favorite features on your body?

- Would you prefer to cover your arms? Maybe think about doing an off-the-shoulder moment. Don’t like cleavage? Let’s look at high neck options and switch things up! 

There are thousands of wedding gowns for you to choose from. Enjoy the shopping process, but never forget the reason for the shopping adventure. You stopped dating after you met the man (or woman) of your dreams, stop shopping once you find the gown of your dreams!

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