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

Planning your wedding festivities takes months, if not a year or more. Your seating chart has been organized to perfection, the DJ has your playlist down pat, you soon will pick up your perfectly tailored gown. There are a few things we think you might have forgotten to plan for the day-of getting ready process though. Feel free to forward this list to your Maid of Honor because you already have enough to worry about that morning!

1. Hand Steamer

If you don’t own one already, go ahead and order it now and then thank me later. This is a life saver for mornings when you'd rather spend more time sipping coffee than ironing your work shirt. It will also be used for everyone in the wedding party. While you are getting ready, have your bridesmaids take turns steaming all of the bridesmaids dresses, your wedding gown, and your veil. Once steamed hang the gowns and veils until you get dressed and you all will be picture perfect. Also, we recommend the men get in on this tip too, there’s nothing sloppier looking than a wrinkled suit

2. Sewing Kit

This is likely to be the most photographed day of your life. We can’t allow for any unfixed wardrobe malfunctions! Make sure to have a sewing kit with you in case of emergencies like a zipper not staying in place, or a button coming loose. Chances are high that you won’t need it, but if you do need that needle and thread you will save yourself a lot of time and heartache knowing it’s ready to go. This recommendation comes straight from personal experience of having to sew a bride into her gown an hour before she walked down the aisle

3. Snacks and Water

You have spent hours selecting the food for your cocktail hour and sit down dinner, making sure there is something for everyone while also representing you and your fiance properly. Have you thought about what you will snack on before the hors d’oeuvres are served? We understand you want to save your appetite for the overpriced food you already ordered, but no one wants you hangry and dehydrated while saying your vows so make sure to plan your getting ready snacks and drinks (water and maybe a side or 2 of champagne) ahead of time

4. Toothbrush and Toothpaste

After all of your snacks that will most likely get covered in hairspray from the hair stylist trying to touch up your hair, you will inevitably want to brush your teeth one more time before your lipstick goes on and you are ready to kiss your HUSBAND! (or wife, wherever your heart has led you) A mint could also help, but a good teeth brushing is always refreshing and will make sure your teeth are as white as can be for all of the pictures that will be taken throughout the day

5. Final Payment Envelopes

Weddings involve hiring a lot of vendors to put together a lot of pieces of the puzzle that is your dream wedding. Many of them will expect to be paid once they finish their job. We recommend filling pre labeled envelopes with the payments, thank you notes, and tips for your vendors. Select a designated person to hand them out at the appropriate times of the night. This could be a family member or a bridesmaid, but it has to be someone organized and trustworthy

You’re now fully prepped to make one of the best days of your life go smoothly so you can enjoy yourself and be fully present with your new spouse!

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

You have successfully overcome your list of bridal salons, menu selections, and even flower choices. Now is the time to sit down and make the hardest list of all. The guest list. That looming list of all of your loved ones, and the people that your parents think are priorities. They might be the life of the party (or they might be the best gift givers), but you have to consider what your venue allows and what your budget can handle. 

After years of working with brides, one thing that I have noticed is the stress that revolves around narrowing down the guest list. One rule of thumb that I have come to appreciate is that if you wouldn’t want to spend time with and buy someone dinner on an average day, then don’t feel the need to on your wedding day. Besides that, we have compiled a breakdown of the best ways to tackle this no-so-glamorous part of wedding planning: 

1. Make your list with your significant other before handing over the pen to your parents 

The first draft of your guest list should strictly be written between you and your fiancé. You will have plenty of outside opinions on who should be included in your nuptials, but the base line should be the close friends and family that you couldn’t imagine getting married without. After that list is completed you will know how many seats you have left to hand over to your mom and mother-in-law to use as they please. This will guarantee that your requirements will be met, and let your family feel like they were part of the planning. 

2. A-list and B-list invitees 

There is one secret about your wedding that your guests never need to find out about. Your B-list. Most venues are just as focused on their minimums as they are their maximums. Your A-list will get their invites first and will be asked to RSVP in a timely manner, giving you an idea of how many extra seats you will have available for your B-list. Those invites will be sent before the A-list RSVP deadline expires just in case the two get mixed up, but still with enough time to get all of the answers back before your caterer needs the final head count. 

Make sure your B-list is organized in order of importance, so if 10 people on your A-list can’t make it, the first 10 on your B-list can be sent their invites. Also, keep families and friend groups on the same list so they can’t compare invite delivery times or RSVP by dates… You’ll thank me later for that note. 

3. Decide on children attendance 

This is your wedding, and only you can decide if you want children to be a part of your big day, or if you want this to be an adults-only event. Make this decision early on and then stick to it. Do you want your niece that's under one, but not children older than that? Make it clear from the beginning and allow no exceptions. Most parents will be more than happy for an adults night out, so don’t feel guilty about your decision either way. This will also help you narrow down the amount of seats needed and allows for more possible B-list attendees! 

4. Plus one distribution  

Times have changed and it is no longer required to give everyone you invite a plus one to your wedding. You do not need to feed your second cousin’s latest hookup dinner just because you offered them a date option. Being selective with the plus ones you hand out will allow you more flexibility in your guest list because you will know exactly how many seats you are filling. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of people there for anyone coming alone to mingle with. You never know if your wedding is the reason for the next wedding! You should know the people you are inviting well enough to know if they will need a plus one or not. 

There have been rules in the past about “no ring, no bring” but that doesn’t always apply anymore. Just like children, though, you have the option to make a date rule and stick to it! They don’t live together? You don’t like him? You haven’t even met her? All reasons to not give a plus one if you don’t want to! 

This is your wedding day. It is a day to be surrounded by everyone you and your fiancé know and love. Make sure every name on your guest brings you joy and fond memories. Also make sure that they leave the embarrassing stories of you from the past, in the past unless you are ready to get roasted on your wedding night during toasts. 

COVID note: We know that 2020 weddings have not been unraveling the way they were expected to, and we don’t know what weddings in the next year will look like, but we want you to be prepared whether your wedding is 10 people or 300 people!

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

As most of us are “working from home” during this strange time of Pandemia and social distancing, we are all daydreaming about future gathering with our loved ones. If you are engaged right now your wedding plans have most likely been flipped upside down. Most weddings that were planned for this summer have been postponed because there is no end date to this paused world we are all living in. If you are one of those brides that has some hard decisions to make, we have a few tips for you! 

1. If your wedding is scheduled for Summer 2020:

Most vendors are offering to hold a second date for you. Your perfect wedding may still be possible in July, but with the unknown future, many vendors are offering to hold your original date as well as a future date just in case quarantine does not end as early as we’d all like it to. 

If you do choose to postpone your wedding, we have the perfect custom

“Change of Date” prints for you ON SALE! Click here to take a look

2. Are you ready to get married and your wedding was scheduled in the next few weeks?

We have seen some FABULOUS Corona elopement photos! If your gown is already tailored, why not say “I do” in a time filled with so much “I don’t know”? Practice safe social distancing with a photographer and officiant while creating a story that will stand the test of time. It also wouldn't hurt to plan a party for the future to include the rest of your loved ones, your mother will thank you! 

3. If you are engaged and have not yet signed on the dotted line on your venue and the largest date-defining decisions, consider yourself lucky:

This time at home will be the perfect time for you and your fiance to dream up the perfect wedding without something as silly as work and a social life getting in the way. (Unless you are currently employed at a necessary business, then thank you, your time and expertise is greatly appreciated) 

Love is not on pause right now.

Plans may be delayed, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t a time to create new memories. Wear all of the cute white outfits you bought around the house, bake a cake, learn to ballroom dance. Just know that your wedding will be better than all of the weddings in Life After Lockup that I am currently binge watching. 

Stay healthy, y’all! 

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