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

Now that we are back to being able to schedule weddings, we thought you might want a few ways to make your Save The Date’s more unique! A simple card with an engagement photo and your wedding location/ date does the job, but why not leave a real impression?  Remember, this is the first piece of correspondence related to your big day, so use the opportunity to set the wedding tone!

1. Wooden magnets 

We know magnets with photo or collage were popular for a while, but why not get creative with the material?

2. Coasters

It doesn’t get better than something that is both unique and useful

3. Maps with the location circled

OR a save the date that folds open like a map? Très intéressant

4. Polaroids

The creative cousin to the typical save the date, especially for those going for a vintage theme!

5. Bookmarks

Literary couples unite! Also another dual purpose option

6. A custom illustration (from us obvi 😉)

You know we got you, click here!

7. A scratch off (lottery style)

Make it fun!

8. A calendar page

Give your date announcement a twist, or even a fun way to tell people you’ve changed your date?

9. Anything unique to you and your fiancé’s love story- sports related , or cooking (like wooden spoon)

We always say, the more personal the better

Have you ever received a save the date that really stood out to you? 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

Going into 2021 we all have high hopes and low expectations of the year. 2020 brides are fighting to get 2021 dates, but no one really knows what this year is going to bring. The only thing this is sure is that weddings will be happening 7 days a week whether there’s 25 people or 250 people allowed to congregate. (Thank you Zoom for bringing us all together when we can’t actually be together!) During these nuptials there will be a few trends that really stick out. 

1. Masks are cool!

Whether you like it or not, masks are there to stay for a while. If you are gathering in a large group of people, our suggestion is to find a fabulous cotton mask that matches your outfit and rock it like any other statement piece. If you are willing to go the extra mile and keep it on for pictures, you will even save on makeup because anything below the mask doesn’t matter! We’ve even seen brides have masks made to match their gowns. This may be scary to think about it, but showing that to your future children will be one crazy story!

2. Outdoor venues

More than ever couples are searching for venues with as much open space and fresh air as possible. Not only will ceremonies be outside, but cocktail hour will be fireside and the reception will be under a beautifully decorated tent. Guests should bring an extra layer for warmth, but most venues will have a large collection of space heaters to keep the reception warm and cozy. 

3. Less is best

Any head count you had assumed you would end up with years ago is now being cut in half. Couples are having to be picky about who gets to spend their special day with them. Sorry distant relatives, if you aren’t willing to have the couple over for Sunday dinner then you probably won’t be invited to the nuptials. Some couples are holding out for the large party and we love that for them, but those are weddings that will happen much later in the year.

Side note: no matter how big your wedding, if you’re getting married in 2021 and haven’t ordered your wedding dress yet, it’s time!

4. Mood lighting

Since everything is now being set outside lighting is more crucial than ever before. Electricity? Who needs it? We have candles galore! And if that’s not enough we can add a few (or as many as you can find) twinkle lights all around the tented reception to shine like the stars that are glowing above the tent. So romantic!! 

5. Weekday weddings

Every couple that had to cancel their wedding in 2020 filled up their venue’s schedule for every Saturday in 2021, so weekday weddings are now taking over. If the specific venue is a priority and you got engaged after 2019, you will be getting married on a Thursday and starting a long weekend of being newlyweds by Friday morning! With most of America working from home right now, and restrictions on head counts, the people who are an important part of your wedding should have an easier time attending mid-week than ever before. 

6. Skip the skippable

There are so many overwhelming little details that go into wedding planning that we think can be cut off of your to-do list. Menu cards, ceremony schedules, and guest gifts are just a few of the extra headaches that end up getting left behind and forgotten about. Spend your money on the food/experience rather than the stuff that will be left behind after the DJ plays the final song. Keep what is really important to you and ditch the details that don’t bring you any joy. 

We aren’t exactly sure what 2021 is going to bring, but we can’t wait to watch love win over everything! Your wedding day is about you and the love of your life vowing to stand by each other’s side through the good and the bad. Let’s be honest, a pandemic is just a test of this promise that if you got this far in the blog, we know you’ll be just fine. Let us know which of these trends you’ll be incorporating into your wedding this year!

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

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

Picturesque Location

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

Bringing the Heat

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

All Fired Up

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

The Extras

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

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

Lauren Allen, Author

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

Let’s be honest, most people that are getting married nowadays are already set up in their homes and aren’t super desperate for the latest version of the Keurig coffee machine. Unless you’re contributing to their honeymoon or house fund or gifting money, there are A LOT more creative things you could be giving the newlyweds. Read on for fun ideas if you want to go off registry…or add to mixing bowl set you already sent their way.

1. A custom wedding illustration by Samialynn!

If a photo says 1,000 words, a custom illustration shows your love with no need for any words

2. A private cooking class

The new couple could spend an evening learning to cook a delicious meal that they will then be able to recreate for any special at-home date nights

3. A case of wine with custom labels for all the things that happen in the first year

This could be anything from their first night at home as a married couple, first fight, first snow day, and finally, first anniversary

4. Mr. and Mrs. Sports jerseys for their favorite team

Did the happy couple bond over a sports team? Custom make then jerseys with Mr. and Mrs. Last Name with their wedding date on the back

5. Road signs pointing to important locations like first date, wedding location, honeymoon.

This could be yard signs, or hung in their home, as long as it brings fond memories every time they look at it

6. Monthly flower subscription

They just paid an absurd amount of money for one special day, keep them surrounded by fresh flowers and gift them a bouquet subscription

7. Scratch off map to scratch off the places they have traveled

Couples who love traveling will love scratching off their vacation locations to reveal the photo below. This will also work as a way for them to choose their next trip

8. A personalized shadow box

Customize it with an image of them, or their monogram, ready to collect anything they want like wine corks, beer tops, or tickets

9. A raclette cheese grill

… just trust me. Gooey delicious cheese drizzled on top of grilled meats and veggies. Filling and fun!

10. The “Our Place” pans that are the talk of the Instagram town right now

I don’t even enjoy cooking and Instagram is convincing me that I need this pan

You’re now set with a solid list that will last you quite a few weddings (or recycle ideas, we won’t tell!) and get you all the “best guest” points. Happy shopping!

Lauren Allen, Author

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

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

What you’ll need: 

• A Dress:

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

• Flowers:

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

• Backdrop:

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

• Photographer:

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

• Borders:

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

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

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

Lauren Allen, Author

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

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

Just in case you thought your wedding was just about you and the love of your life, I am here to burst your bubble.

From the moment you announce your engagement, everyone you know and love will be attempting to find their place in your wedding. Will your cousin be a bridesmaid? Your aunt wants to know because her daughter is pretty sure she needs to be dress shopping. Will your college roommate get a plus one? She’s not dating someone in particular, but she has her eye on someone who would look great in a suit. Is Mary from middle school even invited?

Our recommendation is to take someone you trust, with a backbone of steel (most likely your maid of honor, or a family member), and crown her your “NO” girl. What do I mean by this? Any time someone asks you for a special request or clarification that you feel guilty saying no to, send them to your no girl. They will just think you are busy and you trust this girl with all of your biggest wedding decisions, but what she will know is that anyone who gets directed to her by the bride automatically gets a “no” to whatever it is that they are asking. This person will know exactly the way to let your aunt, roommate, and middle school friend down easily and definitely. It is also the way for you to wash your hands of any guilt that may bring you. 

I grew up Catholic, so I know guilt quite well, but I have seen the way that wedding planning can tear a bride apart with all of the people she feels like she has to let down on her big day. So many people want so much from you that the budget just doesn’t allow for. It is also a day that you will look back on for the rest of your life. Make sure that everyone involved is there for a reason. We’ve already talked about your wedding guest selection in a past blog though (linked here). 

If you haven't already, call up your “no” girl to inform her of her duties, and then kick back and relax because you just lost tons of emotional weight off your shoulders. Chances are, your girl will be thrilled to take on her duties and wear it like an invisible cape over her shoulders at all times. 

Cheers to the rest of wedding planning gone smoothly!

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

Don’t get us wrong, we will never turn down a good slice of cake. All we’re saying is that there are so many amazing dessert options available and we don’t want to have to narrow down our wedding sweets selections to just a classic cake! We asked around and these are the ideas that made our mouths water the most. 

1. A Donut Wall 

Kim Kardashian broke the internet with a flower wall backdrop at her wedding, but instead of flowers why not try something even happier like donuts? There’s no cutting, serving, or even silverware required. Each guest can choose which donut they want and when they want it! The wall can also be used as a background for any other dessert options you decide on. This allows for maximum sweet selection at your wedding  

2. An Ice Cream Bar

If you are getting married in the summer heat your guests will thank you for a nice cool ice cream bar. Have a few base ice cream options and then let your guests go wild over the topping selection. Get creative without breaking the bank. Try pretzels, brownie crumbles, maple bacon, or even your favorite cereal. 

3. A Candy Shop 

This is extra exciting if you choose to have children at your wedding, but we guarantee that candy brings out the inner child in everyone. Make the selection unique by getting customized M&M’s in your wedding colors with your names stamped proudly. 

4. Mini Pies

What’s more patriotic than an apple pie? If you’re having an Independence Day Soirée, consider filling your guests with American pride pies. Try apple, cherry, and blueberry and maybe even lay them out to look like an American flag! Pies also give a “grandma’s kitchen” vibe if you’re having a backyard, family focused event. Serve whatever pies make you feel most at home! 

5. A Twist Off of the Classic: Cupcakes! 

Cupcakes are very trendy right now, and for good reason. They are so many amazing combinations and you don’t have to pick just one like you would for a cake! Having cupcakes means a variety of flavors and decorations. Try s’mores with a toasted marshmallow on top, cinnamon roll with glaze over the icing, maybe even a gluten free/vegan cupcake for those with diet restrictions. As someone who can’t eat dairy with a mom who can’t eat gluten, it means a lot when those things are considered when attending an event. Obviously, you don’t have to stress over every person’s preferences, but options are never bad! 

Have you heard of an even more unique wedding dessert selection? Please share! A fun sweet is never forgotten. 

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

As social lives are currently on pause (and we won’t even talk about the status of weddings right now), one thing that everyone can do is binge watch movies. We have formulated a list of our favorite wedding related movies for you to watch to remind yourself that your wedding planning could be going much worse… Just beware, any of these movies that don’t make you burst out laughing will make you cry, so grab that extra roll of toilet paper you stocked up on and get ready for the water works that we’ve all been trying to hold in for over a month now. 

This is also a great way to gather all of your bridesmaids for a virtual girls night in and you can all pick a movie to watch together either over a Zoom/ FaceTime call or even just a group chat. Pour a glass of wine and pop a bowl of popcorn and you will simultaneously be living your best life and doing your part to keep your loved ones healthy! This is also a great excuse to put on one of the cute loungewear sets you have impulse purchased since being stuck at home. Why not look cute for your girls night in??

1. Bride wars (buy on Amazon) 

2. 27 Dresses (buy on Amazon)

3. The Proposal (buy on Amazon)

4. The Princess Bride (buy on amazon)

5. Bridesmaids (hulu with HBO add on, or Amazon) 

6. Made of Honor (Hulu with Showtime add on, or Amazon) 

7. Crazy Rich Asians (Hulu with Cinemax add on, or Amazon) 

8. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (Hulu with HBO add on, or Amazon) 

9. The Wedding Planner (Hulu with Live TV, or Amazon)

10. Always Be My Maybe (Netflix)

Comment below which of these is your favorite, or if we missed any good ones! I think I will be starting with Crazy Rich Asians because it’s the only one I haven’t already seen 10+ times.

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 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