Honeymooning in Venice can look like a scene straight out of a story book. This stunning collection of islands nestled atop the Venetian Lagoon is magical in its history, culture, and beauty. Across the six boroughs of Venice are tons of attractions, restaurants, shops and museums that are yours for the taking with this three day honeymoon itinerary to help guide your time in the City of Water.

Day 1

Morning:
Waking up in Venice should be done slowly, which is the general (and much welcomed post-wedding!) overall tempo of the city. Savor the sunrise over the twinkling waters, the sounds of this maritime city gearing up for the day, and then hit the pavement! Head to the closest café you can find for an espresso or for those truly in vacation mode, un caffé correcto (espresso with a shot of liquor, we suggest grapa). Then, simply explore for a few hours and soak in the sights and shops.

Afternoon:
It’s time to be a tourist. Head to the famous Doges’ Palace, a gothic style landmark that was at the heart of Venetian government for centuries. Take a tour of the interior (book ahead for a skip-the-line tour) and be sure to marvel at the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, as well as the Ponte dei Sospiri, a.k.a. the Bridge of Sighs. For lunch, head to Il Ridotto, a cozy, seafood-oriented restaurant with delicious lunch options including chichetti, tapas-style Italian appetizers.

Evening:
Head to the famed Harry’s Bar (of Cipriani’s) on the Grand Canal for an apperitivo or their famed Bellini (or two) and experience a dream-like sunset. From there, head to the Campo del Ghetto — very popular for tourists and locals alike, there are tons of phenomenal restaurants and an abundance of bars in this unique neighborhood.

Day 2

Morning:
You’ll want to eat lite this morning in preparation for a food-filled afternoon, but a croissant or small pastry should hit the spot. Stroll on over, or hop aboard the Vaparetto (Venice public transportation) to the Galleria dell’Accademia and witness incredible Venetian art spanning the 13th to 18th centuries.

Afternoon:
Book a Venetian food tour with Venice Bites — a spirited, super friendly husband and wife team (originally from Cali!) that takes small groups to the most authentic, local eateries the city has to offer. This four-hour walking tour is narrated with history, humor, and culture as you get to wine and dine at places you otherwise may have passed over in your exploration. End the tour with a Campari spritz overlooking the Grand Canal, and head back to the hotel for a rest. (Both you, and your bellies will need it!)

Evening:
Experience a bit of local culture and talent at “Venezia: The Show of Venice,” performed at the Teatro San Gallo. With in-ear audio translation for seven languages, this spirited show portrays history and the art of storytelling. Opera enthusiasts can also check out performances at the Teatro la Fenice, home to operas, concerts, and ballets.

Day 3

Morning & Afternoon:
With one day left to see the sights, spend your morning and afternoon exploring St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, and of course, shopping. Luxury lovers be sure to check out the impressive lineup of shoppes near St. Mark’s. (If you’re planning any big purchases, be certain to have your passport handy for tax purposes.) For lunch, opt for some tramezzini (traditional Italian white bread sandwiches) or a Panini from a local café. Complete your afternoon with some gelato at Il Dodge Gelateria for some of the best handmade gelato in Venice — we love the pistachio or straciatella — chocolate chip. And remember, whatever you do, don’t feed the pigeons!

Evening:
For some of the best Venetian pastas and entrees, enjoy your last meal in Venice at Due Colonne. With wood oven pizzas, delectable linguine with lobster, and house wine that goes down like water, it will be a meal to remember. Then, save the best for last! Take a twilight Gondola ride with your new husband, and enjoy the views of Venice the way it is meant to be seen — from the gorgeous Grand Canal. (You can bring wine and snacks along for the ride, too — for the perfect nightcap.) Savor every second of this romantic joyride — and yes, some gondoliers really do sing!

See More: The Hottest Honeymoon Destinations of 2016

Every bride wants to feel special on her wedding day — that’s a given. Finding a wedding dress that feels unique and special can be a bit of a challenge, but we’re willing to try on hundreds of dresses and get custom alterations so that our dress feels like the most personalized gown ever. But sometimes, you want to know what kind of wedding dress everyone else is dreaming about, too. And here it is: The most pinned wedding dress on Pinterest.

This wedding gown by Australian label Grace Loves Lace (we’re big fans of the designer here at BRIDES) is not only the most popular wedding dress on Pinterest, but the most popular DRESS on the social media platform, garnering more than 2.5 million posts, according to Harper’s Bazaar Australia.

This specific dress, designed by the label’s founder Megan Ziems, is called The Hollie, and it features spaghetti straps and a longer, translucent skirt with a side slot over a shorter lace dress. The ethereal, bohemian look, complete with draping layers of fabric and a delicate train, is totally on trend with millennial brides.

See more: ALL the Wedding Dress Trends from the Spring 2017 Runways

Unfortunately, this super popular design sold out several years ago — after 2000 gowns were sold! But don’t freak out just yet, brides-to-be. You can still get a version of this gorgeous gown. Grace Loves Lace created Hollie 2.0, an updated take on the classic design featuring free-flowing silk chiffon sheaths attached at the shoulders and a graduated centre-front split in the lace layer of the skirt, according to the label’s website. The dress is available in white or ivory and is handmade in their Australian studio (but ships worldwide). It retails for $1,870.

But if you’re interested in the boho-chic style, you better make your move: The Hollie 2.0 is selling out just as quickly as the original — it’s already on back-order for over 700 brides, Harper’s Bazaar Australia reports.

When Taralah and John started planning their May 5, 2015, wedding in Austin, Texas, they knew they wanted a venue that would highlight the spring season. “We fell in love with Laguna Gloria, the gorgeous gardens and the lush flowers,” says Taralah. In keeping with the season, they nixed a color palette in favor of featuring all the blooms they could that were in-season, from garden roses to peonies and everything in between. “Our vision was to have long hardwood tables, string lights, gold accents, and people drinking Moscow Mules in copper mugs under the stars. The outcome was everything we’d imagined and more!” says the bride.

This soft, romantic garden wedding will leave you itching to get out into nature — take a peek at the photos by Ashley Garmon Photographers!

The couple’s invitation suite featured modern calligraphy, natural-edged paper, and an illustration of the venue (which they also used as their guest book on the wedding day). The combination of gold and charcoal was relaxed and modern.

Taralah had an emotional wedding dress-shopping experience: “My maid of honor cried when I put on the very first dress!” she says. She ended up choosing a lace mermaid gown from Ines Di Santo, with a sweetheart neckline and a low back. “It was exactly what I’d always described as my dream dress,” says the bride. John wore a navy blue suit with a black bow tie and camel-colored wingtips. The groom also wore the gift his bride gave him on their wedding morning, monogrammed cufflinks.

Taralah’s bouquet featured soft pink and white hues, combining roses, and peonies for lots of fullness and texture. And since the couple wanted their day to be brimming with beautiful blooms, bridesmaids’ bouquets were made up of garden roses, ranunculus, and lilacs.

“We did a first look before the ceremony so we could have a few moments alone and exchange gifts,” says Taralah. “We loved having that private time, as well as the chance to take all of our pictures before the ceremony — everyone’s hair and makeup was fresh!”

Her bridesmaids wore charcoal-hued Amsale gowns with either strappy or one-shoulder necklines, while the groomsmen all wore navy blue to match the groom. The one thing that didn’t match? Their collection of eclectic socks!

“We actually had cocktail hour start before the ceremony,” says Taralah. “We wanted everyone to feel like they were coming to a really fun party, so we served Moscow Mules for guests to sip as we came down the aisle.”

The ceremony took place overlooking the venue’s pond, with an altar draped in white fabric and greenery serving as the backdrop. “We didn’t want to take away from the natural beauty,” Taralah explains. Instead of writing their own vows, they worked with the bride’s childhood pastor to tweak the traditional vows to ensure those words felt more like them.

Guests’ escort cards were tied with charcoal ribbon to a fence covered in ivy. Long wooden tables were covered with gathered ivory linens and sprawling centerpieces in wooden boxes.

Gold-brushed chargers and gold calligraphy on the menus tied together the ornate details, while combinations of seasonal blooms, including peonies, garden roses, Queen Anne’s lace, and ranunculus, were light and natural. At the sweetheart table, a lace tablecloth was topped with votive candles and a lighter ivory-hued arrangement.

The pair’s three-tiered wedding cake featured a gold-frosted center tier and a cascade of white peonies.

After taking a spin with John to “Easy” by Lionel Richie and Willie Nelson, Taralah danced with her dad to “Baby Blue” by George Strait. “I cried through the whole thing,” she remembers. And even after the stress and hard work, every moment was worth it. “To see all the planning come to life is so surreal. It’s an amazing feeling!”

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Laguna Gloria || Wedding Planner: The Nouveau Romantics || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo || Shoes: Stuart Weitzman || Jewelry: Alexis Bittar || Hair: NSalon Austin || Makeup: Nisa Nicole || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale || Groom & Groomsmen’s Attire: Michael Kors || Music: Barton Springs; Greenbelt DJ || Catering: Kurant Events || Cake: Sweet Treets Bakery || Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals; Premiere Events; Marquee Event Group || Photographer: Ashley Garmon Photographers

Can’t get enough of this beautiful wedding? Then travel to Austin for another couple’s gorgeous celebration in the video below.

A ballooning guest list is a challenge nearly every couple deals with during the wedding planning process. Some opt to seek out a venue with a larger capacity, while others get serious about who does and doesn’t make the cut (buh-bye, plus-ones!). Whatever you choose, making sure your headcount fits in your venue is important for both your guests’ comfort and their safety — going over the maximum capacity can be a fire hazard, and at a minimum could get your event shut down by the fire marshall. So what happens if that magical 15-20% wedding guest decline rate is a myth, and nearly all of your wedding guests are planning to attend? Our experts have a few tips.

First things first: As you’re making your guest list (before you send out invitations!), begin to guess which guests will and won’t attend. You may know most of your college friends will make the trip, but what about your great-uncle? Marking down whether you anticipate a “yes” or “no” reply will help give you an idea of how many guests to expect so you can feel more confident in choosing your venue — or know if you need to move some guests to the B-list.

As RSVPs come in, if you see that “yes” number creeping higher and higher, get in touch with your venue. Can you change your space rental from a half ballroom to a full ballroom, or open up the doors to put some of the dinner tables on the porch? What about having dinner in one room and dancing in another? Figure out if there is a way to be flexible with seating so your guests will all fit. If the space simply doesn’t get any bigger, but you’re still below the maximum capacity, you could also have all the dinner tables set up and then move or break-down a few tables to create a dance floor later in the evening. Have you blown past your venue’s maximum capacity? Unless there’s a creative alternative to fit everyone, you’re stuck finding a new venue, as most won’t try to be flexible — their liability and insurance is at stake!

If your guest list still fits comfortably, but the issue is budget, talk to your vendors about how to stretch things a little further. Would serving a buffet instead of a plated dinner cut the costs? What about offering less-expensive hors d’oeuvres or swapping the open bar for beer and wine only? And when it comes to flowers, ask your florist which blooms will keep your total down, as well as which décor items you can skip or reuse in multiple locations throughout the night. Get creative with ways to stretch your dollar, then smile because so many people want to celebrate with you!

See More: Watch This Groom Totally Surprise His Bride With an Epic Wedding Dance

Brazil’s women’s rugby sevens team may have only won ninth overall during Monday night’s tournament in the 2016 Summer Olympics, but this sweet, spontaneous moment between a Brazilian player and her girlfriend just won the gold for the cutest moment in all of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics! After the winners of the rugby competition were announced, Brazil’s Isadora Cerullo became the first player to get engaged at the Olympics, when her sweetheart unexpectedly popped the question right there on the field.

When USA-bred Isadora Cerullo was offered a spot on Brazilian rugby team — which meant an opportunity to play at the 2016 Olympic games — she jumped at the chance. And her girlfriend of two years, Marjorie Enya, jumped right along with her. The pair moved to São Paulo together and Cerullo has been training ever since. And while her team ultimately didn’t win, love sure did.

After the medal ceremony following Australia’s rugby victory, Enya — who was working as a manager at Deodoro Stadium — appeared on the field where she performed an emotional speech for her bride-to-be and all of the onlookers, before popping the question. Cerullo said yes (duh!) and Enya tied a yellow ribbon — a placeholder for a ring — around her finger and, as if a winning goal was just scored, the crowd went wild.

“As soon as I knew she was in the squad I thought I have to make this special,” Enya told the BBC. “I know rugby people are amazing and they would embrace it.” And embrace it they did! Some bystanders even set the stage by holding up heart-shaped balloons.

“She is the love of my life,” Enya continued. “The Olympic Games can look like closure but for me it’s starting a new life with someone.”

“I wanted to show people that love wins,” she said. Heck, it won the gold!

See More: Why the U.S. Gymnastics Team’s Leotards Cost as Much as Your Wedding Dress

After months and months of waiting, The Bachelor‘s Lauren Bushnell and Ben Higgins finally revealed some details about their upcoming wedding.

Bushnell recently revealed that they are just starting the wedding planning process now. “We haven’t set a date,” Bushnell told Us Weekly. “We definitely started talking about it more, and I think we both agreed that August we actually want to sit down and start planning, so that includes setting a date, that includes the place. We have been throwing around some locations, and I think we’ve narrowed it down to the area that we want to get married. We’re thinking 2017.”

Though she may not know what her wedding dress will look like or where they’ll exchange vows, Bushnell did say that the couple is hoping to have their wedding filmed, but she didn’t specify whether or not fans can expect a television special about the wedding.

“Hopefully we’ll have cameras there, so it could, kind of, not only document the fun aspects of it for us later in life, cause we’re gonna watch it back, but also for our fans and for Bachelor nation.”

We have trouble believing that Bushnell and Higgins’ nuptials won’t end up on television, especially since they are currently being followed by cameras as we speak. The couple has been recently filming Ben and Lauren: Happily Ever After, a show focused on their life post-The Bachelor. The camera crew even followed the couple as they went on a double date last week with new Bachelorette couple JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers, which is something we can’t wait to see when the show airs on Freeform in October.

As for life in between filming television shows and walking down the aisle, Bushnell told Us Weekly that she enjoys doing little romantic gestures for Higgins to keep the spark alive.

“I’ve been getting up extra early and making him breakfast,” she told the magazine. “I can tell that he really appreciates it, so getting up early, I’ll have the coffee made, I put his mug out and I make him breakfast in the morning, and I’m not a morning person so that’s, like, a big step for me.”

See More: Watch This Groom Totally Surprise His Bride With an Epic Wedding Dance

Great night filled with lots of love ????

A photo posted by Lauren Bushnell (@lauren_bushnell) on Aug 2, 2016 at 7:03am PDT

Date night with the hubs/fianc??. ????

A photo posted by Lauren Bushnell (@lauren_bushnell) on Jul 21, 2016 at 6:38pm PDT

June Ambrose took Jay Z from T-shirts to Tom Ford. In between outfitting celebs and designing her own clothing line for HSN, June by June Ambrose, she shared her bridal style tips.

Dress For Your Body
For athletic types, a strapless or one-shouldered gown tones down broad shoulders. I love a mermaid silhouette for pear shapes; celebrate your curves! And my go-to for girls shaped like boys is a feminine A-line skirt with a sweetheart neckline.

Ditch the Trends
If you’re investing in a dress, be sure it’s one you could see yourself handing down to your daughter.

Think Seasonally
Spring or summer brides should look for pretty fabrics like chiffon and lace; for fall or winter, a beaded gown with a fur throw is dashing.

Veils Add Drama
There’s something so ceremonious about a veil. If you’re having a big wedding, go for it in a dramatic Sound of Music way, even if the dress is simple. If you’re getting married at city hall, skip it. Don’t forget the shapewear. It’s important to wear something underneath your dress that defines the body and holds everything in place. Va Bien is a favorite of mine — effective and luxurious.

Splurge on Shoes
Sure, people might not see them, but if they’re cheap and painful, your whole day could be ruined, right?

And Break Them in Early
Walk around the house with them on over damp sport socks; it loosens the leather without ruining the shoe.

Pack the Essentials
Five things every bride should have in her clutch: blotting paper, double-sided tape, breath mints, lip balm, and an elastic hair tie for the after-party.

Keep Makeup Natural
A beautiful eye and a fleshy lip are perfect. You want your fiancé to recognize you when you walk down the aisle!

Elevate Your Groom’s Style
Invest in a well-tailored tux or, at the very least, a beautiful shirt, bow tie, or pocket square. High-quality basics make everything else look richer.

Practice Posing
If you hate the hand-on-hip “skinny arm” pose, place your fingertips on your thighs and slightly bend your elbows to create space between the arms and the torso. You’ll look instantly leaner.

Channel a Celeb
The Inbal Dror bridal gown Beyonce wore to the 2016 Grammy Awards was quite provocative, with its long sleeves and thigh-high slits. That’s how a bride should feel when she walks down the aisle: timeless and sexy. –As told to Claire Coghlan

See More: The Custom Built Bride: How to Personalize Your Wedding Dress to Fit Your Unique Bridal Style

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As women, our bodies go through a multitude of changes while pregnant — whether that means gaining 30 pounds, struggling through aches and pains all day long, or even having the urge to, erm, use the bathroom a lot more frequently. But even with all of these rather uncomfortable changes, Peta Murgatroyd has chosen to embrace her beautifully curvaceous pregnant body, as evident on her body-positive Instagram page. And let’s just say, the girl SLAYS.

In a rather revealing/hilarious Instagram pic (see below), the Dancing With the Stars alum, who’s expecting baby number one with DWTS co-star Maxim Chmerkovskiy, showcased the rather voluptuous side effects of being preggo: BOOBIES! She wrote, “Hi boobs [wide-eye emojis]. My lawd this milk thing is no joke #DoubleDs.” We’re pretty certain her hubby-to-be doesn’t have any objections to that! Murgatroyd has also been showing off her insanely cute baby bump for her Instagram followers, whether it be by baring that bump-ity cuteness in a tight crop top or in a more comfy, loose-fitting dress.

After pregnancy rumors surrounding Murgatroyd and Chmerkovskiy were swirling around the Internet for about a month back in June, the couple excitedly announced the addition of a new (and dare we say future DWTS) family member. But it wasn’t easy for Murgatroyd the first few months of pregnancy. She revealed to People, “I was so sick.” Despite her morning sickness though, the Australian dancer seemed more than excited to welcome a new baby into the world. “I’m looking forward to nurturing something and just having the baby be the center of our world,” she told People. “I’m looking forward to putting all our energy into this beautiful soul.”

See More: Expecting (And Engaged!) Celebrities

And as for the wedding? With a due date for January of 2017, the couple is rumored to be in the throes of planning a July wedding next year, at least according to ET Online. We hope little #babychmerkovskiy makes an appearance at their nuptials!

Hi boobs ???????????? My lawd this milk thing is no joke ???? #DoubleDs

A photo posted by Peta Murgatroyd (@petamurgatroyd) on Aug 6, 2016 at 12:58pm PDT

Taking #babychmerkovskiy to lunch and open homes ?????? styled by @nicolevolynets ????

A photo posted by Peta Murgatroyd (@petamurgatroyd) on Aug 7, 2016 at 2:51pm PDT

My first time in Chi-town at nearly 18 weeks! This outfit is so comfortable, and I love how it really shows my bump ???? it's easy to throw together and the long jacket hides my expanding rear ???? Styled by @nicolevolynets ???? #embracethebooty

A photo posted by Peta Murgatroyd (@petamurgatroyd) on Jul 29, 2016 at 1:18pm PDT

We couldn't be happier ?????? Baby Chmerkovskiy is coming ??????

A photo posted by Peta Murgatroyd (@petamurgatroyd) on Jun 29, 2016 at 7:50am PDT

Planning a wedding is all about making decisions: Should we through a causal backyard bash or black-tie ballroom affair? Plated dinner or a free-for-all buffet? Fondant cake or macaroon tower? Mini-moon now or honeymoon later? But one of the biggest decisions you may make is whether to change your last name — and when that question is posed to same-sex couples, our expert says, the options can seem endless.

“Same sex couples are the creative pioneers of modern marriage, for all of us,” says Mark O’Connell, New York City-based psychotherapist and author of Modern Brides & Modern Grooms: A Guide to Planning Straight, Gay, and Other Nontraditional Twenty-First-Century Weddings. “That lack of formal same-sex marriage traditions means that our options are wide open. And that goes for the surnames we choose to use, too.”

After all, O’Connell points out, there’s not exactly a name-change tradition that’s been set for hundreds of years, as there has been for heterosexual couples, that guides same-sex couples one way or another. “The lack of precedential standards for marriages like ours means that there are no tradition police to tell us whose name to take,” he says.

Of course, one obvious option is for both of you to keep both of you respective surnames. “Most modern couples today, gay or straight, value equality and mutual recognition between partners,” O’Connell explains. “And the many same-sex couples who choose to keep their own surnames post-wedding, are great symbols of this gender neutral equality within marriage. Many straight couples are following this example, too.”

See More: How to Find the Right Officiant For Your Same-Sex Marriage

But as stated above, that’s hardly your only choice. Together, you could decide to take one partner’s surname as your own. “Some couples prefer to have one last name for the sake of coherence and for recognition by the rest of the world,” O’Connell says. Be prepared for roadblocks if you take this route, O’Connell warns, as you will need to seek court approval to change your given name.

“Currently the only case in which a spouse can take her spouse’s surname without a lot of complicated paperwork is when a woman takes her husband’s last name,” he says. “Every other case — including straight grooms taking the surname of their straight brides — involves court approval, and lots of legal paperwork depending on the state in which you live.”

Lastly, you could consider creating a new last name that you both take as your own, and that, should you choose to have them, your children could one day share too. This works, too, if you’re intent on keeping a professional name but want a new name for legal and personal matters, O’Connell says.

You might even consider creating a new last name that both you, your spouse, and your children share. Both spouses might consider keeping their professional names exactly as they are and creating a new name for all legal/ personal matters. This could also help to protect privacy for their family, if one or both of the spouses has very public careers.

Some brides get lucky and choose a wedding venue that provides onsite catering. Other brides need to add caterers to the vendor list — and the hunt can get tricky. From picking a company before trying their food to making sure the service is top notch, the caterer can be the most overwhelming hire on your wedding to-do list. And it should be — food and drink will most likely be the largest portion of your wedding budget. So if you’re struggling to figure out exactly how to feed your guests, consider these tips for finding a wedding caterer that’s right for you.

1. Figure out your budget before you even begin.
Don’t email caterers until you know what you’re willing to spend. Coming up with a food and drink budget early not only helps you figure out which companies you can afford to hire, it also allows those companies to cater — pun intended — their proposal to your needs. A budget allows a caterer to realistically pull together options — seated, family-style, or buffet — within your means. That means no reviewing mouthwatering menu items you’ll wish you could break the piggy bank out for!

2. Ask your venue for suggestions and requirements.
Most venues will have a list of preferred vendors, which is a great starting point in your search. It’s comforting to know that the caterers have worked at the venue before and have lived up to their high standards. But that doesn’t mean you have to go with a preferred vendor. If none of the caterers on their list feel right, ask your venue if they have requirements for other caterers. Many venues will want approval of the caterer, and may also require proof of various certificates or licenses that they need to perform their services on the property. You’ll want to know what these are as you interview companies.

3. Get multiple proposals.
Get multiple proposals from companies so you can compare and contrast the cost, service, and menu options. And ask for specifics! It’s your job to tell the caterer how many guests your are expecting and what style affair you’re having, but it’s their job to propose the number of appetizers, courses, waiters, bartenders, coordinators, and chefs. This headcount is important when you’re comparing proposals — you don’t want anyone stuck waiting 15 minutes for a drink! Another thing to keep in mind when reviewing proposals: Alcohol. Review the cost of alcohol to decide if you should get your bar supplies elsewhere. Many catering companies also allow you to buy the alcohol separately, and still provide a bartender. Keep in mind, in certain states you may be required to by a temporary liquor license if you go this route.

4. Ask about linens and dinnerware.
If your venue doesn’t provide tables, chairs, linens, or dinnerware, find out if the caterers do. Most do, or partner with a rental company that does. While this may be an extra fee, coordinating these essential rentals through one company will be a lot easier than balancing two or three companies to set your tables.

5. Pay attention to their communication.
How the food tastes is a key component to any catering company, but how they treat their clients is even more telling. If a company is slow to get back to you, gets details like your names, your wedding date, or the number of guests wrong in their proposal, or is bad at getting back to you with questions, consider crossing them off your list. Attention to detail will be a key factor on your wedding day, and if they can’t impress you now, they won’t impress you then.

See More: 21 Food Bar Ideas for Your Wedding

6. Arrange for tastings with your top 3 choices.
Here’s where things get tricky! A lot of catering companies do not provide tastings until you’ve signed the dotted line — but what if you’ve never had their food?! There are a few ways to get around this rule. First, see if the company attends expos or holds special events. Oftentimes, caterers host dinners or serve food at bridal expos to drum up business. Get the catering companies schedule of events and see what you can attend. Trust us, it’s worth the attendance fee. Some caterers even host a monthly free, or low-cost dinner for prospective clients, find out if yours does. If your caterer doesn’t hold events, offer to pay a small fee for a mini tasting. A reasonable price would be $40-$50 per person to try 3-5 dishes (keep in mind, that money goes towards buying and prepping that food!). If the caterer still insists on being hired before a tasting, and you really love their menu, include a clause in the contract that allows you to dissolve the agreement if the tasting doesn’t meet your standards — and schedule that tasting early! Just keep in mind you may lose your deposit.

7. Read reviews.
So you’ve picked a caterer and want to sign the dotted line. Great! Before you do, read reviews from previous clients or talk to friends and family who have used their services before. Quality of the wait staff, attention to detail, and making sure the bride and groom are fed are details that can make or break a wedding — and you wouldn’t know how they stack up without the experience of other brides and grooms.

8. Sign the contract and choose your menu.
Sign the contract after creating a finalized proposal, which outlines the total cost of your food and drink, including the menu, the catering staff, linens and party rentals, and any additional fees. Set up a time for a tasting of your full menu. Pro tip: If you changed your mind about a menu item, replace it before your actual tasting. You should be trying all of the food you expect to see at the wedding then and may not have another chance to try swaps after your final tasting.

And the rest is easy: Bon appetite!