8 Fresh (and Unexpected!) Places To Look To For Wedding Inspiration

Wedding Day Inspiration Ideas

Photo: Photo: Emily Wren Photography

Brides, stop what you’re pinning right now! If you want to have a wedding that’s truly unique and doesn’t look like a carbon copy of every other bohemian or rustic affair, it’s time to step away from Pinterest and start getting your inspiration from the most unlikely places. You know, like music videos and old family photos…Here, 8 fresh sources for wedding day inspiration!

1. Music videos
Because what could be more inspiring than the work of Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé? They’re huge trend influencers and speak to what young women relate to, points out Erika Stone-Miller, Senior Wedding Designer for Premier Catering & Events in Chicago. “A blend of both fantasy and beauty, in three minutes music videos create glamorous visual worlds in color and textures, with hairstyles, clothing, jewelry, background elements, and makeup as the focus.” Basically, they’re a treasure trove of design inspiration!

2. Interior design companies, non-wedding photographers, artists, department store displays and more
Planner Samantha Wiley of Chancey Charm Charleston encourages brides to think outside the box. “Flip through interior design and fashion mags or check out Fashion Week coverage. Get inspired by department store window displays and d&#233cor (think Anthropologie), photography blogs, art galleries, museums and even restaurant d&#233cor.” Another great place to look is in your own home, as this tells you a lot about your own d&#233cor tastes and styling preferences, she notes.

3. Dreams and fantasies
Why not make them a reality? “Our dreams often communicate stories and those inner thoughts and emotions that can take place in one’s life,” says Greg Jenkins, founder of Bravo Productions. While you may not be able to recreate them exactly (and you probably wouldn’t want to anyway), you can pick and pull out certain elements to channel on your big day.

4. Nature
To get the wedding d&#233cor (or venue!) wheels turning, try taking a walk through the woods, an epic hike or a solo stroll on a beach in the morning. The quietness and unique aspects of nature can bring much freshness and inspiration, according to Jenkins. “It’s subtle, unassuming, natural and authentic.”

See More: The Most Inspirational Wedding Instagram Accounts to Follow

5. Cookbooks
And no, not just for the yummy dishes, but also for the themes and decoration, tells Amanda Holding, in-house wedding planner for La Bonne Cuisine Catering and Events in Oakland, CA. “Cookbooks are full of beautiful pictures of food and environments that will definitely get you inspired,” she says. Two of her favorites are The Big Dish by Barton G Weiss, which has tons of super fun and unique ideas, and The Forest Feast by Erin Gleason, which would definitely interest anyone going for a rustic or outdoor wedding.

6. Kids at play
Take your nephews and/or nieces out for a day of fun and simply watch and learn. “The kid within all of us is magical and something worth exploring in order to bring out that sense of innocence and a simpler way of approaching the entire wedding experience,” says Jenkins. Who knows, next thing you know you may find yourself planning your nuptials at a theme park or opting for a carnival theme; the pictures alone would make it so worth it!

7. Award shows
Inspiration is everywhere but in Creative Director of Anoush Banquet Halls & Catering and L.A. Banquets’ Ani Keshishian’s opinion, one of the most unlikely sources is from award shows. “From the Oscars to the Golden Globes to the Tony’s, you get to see the finest collaborators in the event planning industry come together. Think beautiful floral arrangements, elegant table designs and expertly crafted menus and dishes. Also, pay attention to who does what because each and every one of these vendors is going to show off their style and also write pieces about exactly what they did to create the best look.”

8. Family photo albums
Go old school and look at your family photo albums for inspiration, recommends Jessica Upton, owner of Uptown Events and Travel. “For example, perhaps grandma wore a small floral headpiece with her veil at her own wedding or the groom’s birthday cake every year was white sprinkle cake with lemon icing. Couples can easily recreate fond memories by incorporating them in their big day.”

What Do We Need to Tell Guests Before Our Religious Wedding Ceremony?

religious wedding ceremony

Photo: Grace Winter of Asya Photography

When getting married in a house of worship, the requirements and rules go beyond just what the two of you need to do to ensure your wedding follows the necessary guidelines — there might be rules your guests need to follow, too! So how can you make sure your guests are ready for the religious wedding ceremony you’ve planned? Here are a few tips from our experts.

The first thing guests will want to know about your religious wedding ceremony is how long it will be. Ceremonies can vary widely, from hours-long Hindu ceremonies and full Catholic masses to something brief and to the point with just a little religious language mixed in. If you’re planning something on the longer side, be sure to inform your guests (especially if it will involve a fair amount of standing!) so they can make sure to be comfortable — stilettos aren’t always the best choice if you’ll be standing and sitting a dozen times over the course of an hour and a half!

You should also let guests know about any dress code requirements, whether that means having their shoulders covered or wearing flats and keeping the heels in their purse to protect the delicate floors of an historic church.

If your house of worship is particularly strict, make sure to have back-up options available for guests the day of your wedding. Set out a basket of light shawls so women in strapless gowns can cover their shoulders. Having a Jewish ceremony? If your synagogue doesn’t have yarmulkes available, look into ordering your own — especially for guests who are of a different faith and don’t have one of their own. You could pick a simple design, or have them embroidered with your wedding date as a keepsake.

You should also include an outline of the ceremony in your program to help your guests follow along with what’s happening. This could include translations of readings in different languages, the words to hymns, or an explanation of traditions with which they might not be familiar.

See more: My Fiancé’s Family Wants a Religious Ceremony, but That Means I’d Have to Convert. Help!

WATCH: Gear Up for Summer with a Seasonal Winery Wedding in California

Summer is just around the corner (it officially kicks off on Monday, June 20!), so what better way to gear up for a season of fun-filled weddings than watching a couple wed beneath the sun? Our real wedding video channel is packed with tons of beautiful couple’s tying the knot across the country and abroad, in every single season. Each week, we’ve been taking you behind the scenes of one of these great love stories, and today we’re showing you Nicolette and Michael’s country celebration at a California winery.

The Adventures Of joined this bride and groom at the Longshadow Ranch Winery for a rustic-meets-romantic bash, including emotional vows in the fresh air followed by a celebratory barn reception. We can’t get enough of how this couple embraced the season — and their unique style — for their big day. The bride’s punchy-hued pink and yellow bouquet, along with the bright and cheery ceremony florals, are perfectly fitting for summer “I dos.” The couple’s young attendants embraced the season, too, donning pink and white sequin dresses and carrying arrangements of bright blooms.

See More: What Your Wedding Flowers Mean

While they kept the reception simple, there were signs of summer here, too. The couple chose bright flowers to decorate their simple two-tiered wedding cake and made sure to spend some time out in the wines with their guests.

There was no shortage of personal style at their wedding, either. The bride paired cowboy boots with her elegant wedding dress and glamorous accessories while her groom donned a Midwest-inspired belt buckle sure to incite the envy of every rancher around.

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5 Wedding Planning Secrets Only the Pros Know

wedding planning secrets from the pros

Photo: Amy Arrington Photography

While wedding planners and their assistants are an amazing source of knowledge for advice when it comes to actually planning your wedding, the number of brides they’ve sent down the aisle means they’ve got a huge supply of insider tips that will come in super handy on your wedding day, too. If you have a planner or a day-of coordinator helping out on your wedding day, chances are she or he will come armed with their own solutions to everything from static to stains, but a girl can never be too prepared! Here are some tried-and-true tips that planners have picked up over the years — they’re usually a pro’s best-kept secrets, but they’re sharing them with you.

1. How to cure static

“Instead of static spray, which has a chemical smell, I rub dryer sheets on everyone’s legs to get rid of static,” says Stephanie Frazier Grimm, owner of Couture Parties.

2. How to clean dress stains

“I treat dress stains with bread and white chalk,” says Roey Mizrahi, founder of Roey Mizrahi Events. “I use the bread to soak up and remove the stain, then cover any remnants with the chalk.”
Alicia Falango, owner of Alicia K Designs, seconds the chalk idea. “It’s a great way to cover up stains on dresses,” she says.

3. How to avoid pollen stains from flowers

“For flowers with loose pollen (especially darker colored pollen, like on anemones), a spritz of hairspray will help keep the powder from brushing off onto your gown,” says Samantha Robertson, lead planner fo Bella Design & Planning. “And if your veil has creases or wrinkles, put down the steamer and instead use a blowdryer on a warm (not hot) setting to avoid melting the delicate fabric.”

And in a pinch, go back to your childhood. “If all else has failed, baby powder will help cover up pollen or lipstick smudges on white dresses,” says Amy Nichols of Amy Nichols Special Events.

4. How to avoid wardrobe malfunctions

Mizrahi also has a few tips for fashion malfunctions. “Hairspray will work as static spray in a pinch, and if you don’t have fashion tape, regular double-sided tape will work just as well to keep straps from moving and avoid a nip-slip!”

See More: Hiring a Wedding Planner? Here’s How to Make the Most of Their Services

5. How to keep linens in place

When it comes to the reception, head to the hardware store! “I use stick-on Velcro to hold down linen corners if it’s breezy,” says Grimm. “I also use zip ties to cinch linens around tall cocktail tables, then cover them with knots of fabric.”

Danielle Ehrlich of Danielle Evans Design loves museum wax (think of it as a heavy-duty version of the blue mounting putty you used to hang posters in college). “It’s great for hanging things or holding them in place when it’s windy — it works way better than glue dots!”

Charlie Sheen Reveals His Wedding Gift from Donald Trump — and He Still Sounds Bitter Over It

Charlie Sheen Reveals Wedding Gift from Donald Trump

Photo: Getty Images

Donald Trump may be a lot of things, but we never thought that ‘bad wedding gift giver’ would be one of them! (Dude is a bazillionaire, after all.) But Trump’s major gift faux pas has lost him at least one presidential vote — from Charlie Sheen! The former Two and a Half Men actor recently stopped by the U.K.’s The Graham Norton Show, where he revealed that he’s “not a fan” of the Republican presidential nominee, not for political reasons, but for Trump’s embarrassing wedding present fail.

Based on his wedding gift giving skills, Charlie Sheen doesn’t think Republican nominee Donald Trump is fit to be president. (Didn’t you hear that running a country and expert wedding etiquette execution are pretty much the same thing?) When asked what he thinks of Trump during his talk show appearance, Sheen — who is infamous in his own right — explained why he’s not getting his vote, a reason stemming from an interaction the pair shared years ago.

“I was at a dinner with my ex-wife Brooke [Mueller] and her family and this and that, and about halfway through I noticed Donald staring at my watch. ” Sheen recalled, according to The Daily Beast. “And so he started saying, ‘Listen… I’m sorry that I can’t make your wedding,’ and I was [thinking], I didn’t invite you.” Okay, that’s awkward to begin with, but what happens next has us cringing…

“So he says, ‘But I want to give you an early wedding gift as a gesture from me and Melania… These are platinum diamond Harry Winston,’ and he pulls off his cufflinks and he gives them to me,” he continued. “And so I’m like, ‘Oh gosh, Mr. Trump, you really shouldn’t do this,’ and he goes, ‘No, no, it’s the least I can do.'” Umm, a wedding regift is usually no bueno, but hey, even we wouldn’t say no to some Harry Winston diamonds!

Sheen ended up accepting the fancy schmancy cufflinks, but that wedding gift faux pas courtesy of Trump worsened with a surprising reveal a few months down the line. Sheen went to have some jewelry — including those cufflinks from Trump — appraised.

The appraiser “spent about four seconds” looking at the cufflinks, according to Sheen, “and kind of recoiled from it… So [the appraiser] says, ‘In their finest moment, these are cheap pewter and bad zirconias.’ And they’re stamped ‘Trump.'” And Sheen was definitely not happy with the news. “I just thought, ‘What does this really say about the man? That he said this is a great wedding gift, and it’s just a bag of dogs***?'”

Wedding gifts don’t have to be expensive of course, only thoughtful. (Ahem, which usually doesn’t mean your castoffs at the dinner table…) Sorry Trump, but it doesn’t look like you’ll be winning the best wedding guest title anytime soon!

See More: O.J. Simpson Gave the World’s Most Awkward Wedding Toast at Donald Trump’s 1993 Wedding

BRIDES Northern California: Where to Get a Pre-Wedding Day Blowout in San Francisco

wedding blow out

Photo: Courtesy of Blowology

No matter how drop-dead gorgeous your wedding gown is or how flawless your makeup looks, your wedding day look isn’t complete without breathtakingly beautiful hair. The secret to an aisle-worthy mane? A fabulous blowout, of course! Before you seal the deal with your fiancé, prep your hair with an appointment at one of these five San Francisco blowout bars. The bouncy, glossy hair of your dreams is just a blowout away.

Drybar
Blowouts are the name of the game at Drybar’s Pacific Heights and Union Square locations. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a chick flick while their blowout specialists smooth out your ‘do for your nuptials because nothing is worse than frizzy hair under a veil. Choose from their sassy menu of styles (cheekily named after cocktails) that include the super sleek and straight The Manhattan and the perfectly tousled The Cosmo-Tai.

Head Spa
There’s no better way to get ready for the big day than with some pampering, but with all of the wedding planning madness it’s tough to carve out a full-on spa day. Enter Head Spa. The salon will ease all your wedding worries while you get your hair blown out thanks to their plush lay down shampoo beds and relaxing scalp massages. We also recommend opting for their frizz-free Kerastase treatment to add extra shine and moisture to your hair that will last weeks after you exchange vows.

See More: Check Out Some of San Francisco’s Best Makeup Artists

Blo Blow Dry Bar
Not only will this pretty pink salon wash, shampoo, and blowout your hair for your big day, they’ll also tame your tresses into a glam wedding day style. Bridal services include a consultation prior to the big day and can also accommodate the entire bridal party, mother of the bride, and flower girls too. Aisle-ready styles to choose from include the perfectly polished High Society top knot and the silky smooth Red Carpet with with va-va-voom volume. Meanwhile, classic brides can go off menu with cascading Old Hollywood waves, while boho brides can opt for ethereal braids and messy waves.

Blowology
Blowology will make you feel like the VIP that you are with its private hair suite where you can sip refreshments and relax while they work their magic on your hair. For truly luxurious aisle-worthy hair, we suggest going all out and splurging on the deluxe 90-minute treatment, which includes a consultation, a scalp detox, a wash, a hair mask, a hair massage, and a blowout.

Cinta
No matter how frizzy and rebellious your hair is when you arrive at this chic all-white salon, you’ll walk out with camera-ready hair for your wedding. Whether you choose a style with lots of body and bounce, soft messy waves, or say “I do” with an updo, treat yourself to the Kerastase smoothing treatment add-on option (you deserve it!). And, if you’re really pressed for time, ask for a lap manicure while getting your hair blown out to save precious wedding prepping time and money.

Search for more San Francisco hairstyling experts by visiting out Local Vendors page!

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We Dare You Not to Cry Watching These Magical Father-Daughter Moments from Real Weddings

You’re not the only one who’s bound to be fighting back the tears on your wedding day. No, we’re not talking about your groom (but yes, he has reason to cry, too!). We’re talking about the man who’s been there from the start — your dear old dad. He’s probably been both dreaming of and dreading this day ever since that special sparkler was slipped on your finger (or perhaps even when you were first born!) and now it’s finally here: The walk down the aisle, the father-daughter dance, waving goodbye to you and your new hubby as your drive off into the sunset… These monumental milestones are bound to stir up a bevy of emotions — love, pride, and maybe even a little sadness — and are often times our favorite wedding day moments. So, in celebration of Father’s Day, we decided to capture these heartbreakingly beautiful moments in out latest BRIDES video. Time to grab the tissues — you’ll need ’em…

If you hadn’t already called your dad to wish him a Happy Father’s Day, this video will have you reaching for the phone in three… two… one… In fact, we bet you’ll be forwarding it to your pops (he’s computer savvy, right?) so he can watch for himself and prepare for that big, emotional day ahead of both of you.

These real wedding moments highlight just what makes the relationship between a bride and her dad so incredibly special. From the bride crying at seeing her pops to the father-of-the-bride choking back tears at his first peek of his little girl in a wedding dress, they’re sure to bring a tear to your eye. Or two… Or three… And if you’re blubbering already, just imagine how poignant your own wedding day is ought to be! Better pack the waterproof mascara.

Happy Father’s Day to all of the fathers-of-the-bride out there! You do more than just walk her down the aisle. You’ve been preparing her for this day since you felt held her in your arms.

See More: How Can I Include My Dad in Wedding Planning?

Wedding Veil 101: The Top Tips for Topping Off Your Bridal Look

Nothing says final touch to your wedding day look like a stunning veil! But with so many options (birdcage or cathedral length? Lace or beading?), selecting the right veil can be almost as intimidating as finding your wedding dress. Luckily, these tips, in large part thanks to Briana Abedi, senior stylist at Carine’s Bridal Atelier in Washington D.C., will help make veil shopping a piece of cake!

Pinpoint Your Budget
First things first, have a price tag in mind. What can seem to be a flimsy piece of fabric can actually cost much more than expected, easily racking up your wedding style budget. Some veils may even cost more than the actual dress itself. “Like gowns, veils can range significantly in price — usually dependent on the detailing,” says Abedi. “A simple veil can start at about $250-$300, while our more ornate veils can reach up to $3,000 or higher.” Having an idea of what you can spend will help you narrow down your veil options right away.

Complement Your Dress
Your veil will help shape your style on the big day, so naturally, you’ll want something that balances the vibes of your dress without overshadowing it. Abedi, who likes to show the bride different styles that might complement her gown, says “I like to pick several options for the bride to experiment with to embody different looks. The look can change completely just with the addition of a veil, so it’s important that the bride feels most beautiful in whatever the vision may be.”

Don’t be afraid to try something you wouldn’t normally gravitate towards. You may be surprised — keeping things matchy-matchy isn’t always the best way to complement your gown, depending on the look you want to achieve. “Sometimes, mixing textures is a great way to add some originality,” adds Abedi. “For instance, a lace-trim veil paired with a very clean gown!”

Think Hairstyle
Of course, you’ll want your veil to also go with your hairstyle. A chignon versus long flowing curls may result in a completely different veil placement. For example, if you’re wearing the former, you may want to pin your veil below the bun to show off your updo. If you’re envisioning the latter, you may want to pin the veil on the crown of your head to add volume. And if you’re hoping to add hair accessories to your look, let your bridal stylist know what you have in mind so she can help you choose the right veil style that will suit your accessories. You don’t want your head to look cluttered!

To Blusher or Not to Blusher
For those not familiar, a blusher is a short veil that covers the bride’s face; it can be by itself or attached to a back veil. Undecided if you want to rock one down the aisle? “I’m a believer that it’s best to have and not need than to need and not have!” says Abedi, who adds that even if not in use, the blusher adds a nice touch. “On the other hand, if the gown has an intriguing back, we may opt for a veil without the blusher for less coverage.”

Choose the Right Length
Abedi finds that choosing the wrong length is one of the most common mistakes she sees brides make when choosing a veil. Ideally, the length should be about 10-12 inches longer than the end of the gown’s train. “Too short, and the veil can disrupt the gown’s detail by ending mid-train,” she says. “Too long, and the veil will bunch together and ultimately drag down the aisle.” Sounds tricky, but there’s a bright side: Many veils are custom-ordered and can be made to any length.

See More: 20 Stunning Wedding Headpiece Ideas

5 Ways to Add a Summer Twist to Your Wedding Welcome Bags

welcome bag

Photo: Courtesy of Zazzle; Jarren Vink

If you’re planning on having a wedding in the summer months, you can be sure that your out-of-town guests are excited for some pre-wedding fun in the sun. And the best way to get them prepped for all that summertime heat celebrating your nuptials? A wedding welcome bag packed with all the necessities to help them enjoy the weather, and not hide from it. So whether you’re having your ceremony outside and your reception indoors, or you’re getting married at a location that has a ton of great outdoor spots for guests to enjoy before you say “I do”, here are five easy ways to give those wedding welcome bags a nice summer twist.

1. Stock Up on Sun Protection
Pack some mini tubes of sunscreen and aloe in your wedding welcome bag so that guests can frolic outdoors without worrying about getting their shoulders and noses burned. You can even custom make sunglasses, with your wedding hashtag or new last married moniker on the side of them, for your guests to wear before (or even during) your wedding.

2. Keep Your Guests Hydrated
You may want to put some mini bottles of wine or cocktail necessities in your guests’ welcome bags so they can get the party started before the open bar happens — a concept we’re big fans of. But, if you do indulge in adding some libations to those welcome bags, you’ll also want to give guests a couple of bottles of water too. No bride wants to feel guilty for giving their guests a hangover!

3. Find Ways for Them to Get Outside
Provide your guests with sample itineraries of local outdoor places they should go off and sightsee while they’re in town — even if it’s as simple a spot as the resort pool or beachfront.

4. Give Them a Cool Down
If you’re planning on having an outdoor ceremony, stuff your guests’ welcome bags with a handheld paper fan that they can bring with them to stay cool on the day of your wedding.

5. Go With What is in Season
One of the best things you can add to a welcome bag is food. Snacks are guaranteed to make your traveling guests happy and satisfied, so be sure to add some fresh, seasonal fruit that feels natural to the locale, like a Florida orange for a wedding in Naples.

See More: 19 Creative Wedding Welcome Bag Ideas

Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.

Our Favorite Father's Day Gift Ideas for Fathers of the Bride

With Father’s Day fast approaching, nearly all daughters think to themselves, “What do you get for the guy who has everything?” When the guy who has everything also happens to be the father of the bride, things can take a creative (and fun!) turn. Whether he’s a stoic “tough guy ” or an eternal softie, Dad is sure to love these Father’s Day gift ideas, unique for dads of daughters soon-to-wed!

Daddy/Daughter Date
It’s hard for fathers to watch their little girls grow up, and get married. As thrilled as they are for such a momentous occasion, many dads worry about spending time with their daughters once they’re brides deep in wedding planning or new wives. Give your dad the gift of time this Father’s Day by planning a special event or occasion for the two of you to enjoy. Whether it’s dinner, a movie, a sporting event, or even just a stroll around your neighborhood — ALL dads will agree that there’s no better gift than time.

A Movie Night
In all the planning, it’s easy to get caught up in pretty much everything and, as a result,spend less time with those you love. For Father’s Day (or any day leading up to your wedding) plan a movie night with your Dad to watch some classic flicks. What’s better than popcorn, candy and watching Father of the Bride with your very own Father of the Bride? While you’re at it — grab some tissues…

A Memory Photo Book
Before the wedding photos start to takeover, create a photo book for Dad featuring the best times you’ve had together so far. In an age where digital photo albums often take the place of tangible ones, he is sure to cherish the sentiment and effort. Compile your favorite photos through the years and add a quote on the cover such as, “I’ll always be your little girl,” or a line from the song you will dance to at your wedding. Websites like VistaPrint, TinyPrints, and even CVS offer photo book printing services, making it easy to share lasting memories.

A Break
Fathers of the bride can be stressed out about quite a few things throughout the wedding planning process. Whether it’s financial stresses or just thinking about their little girl all grown up — it’s important to give Dad a chance for a little R&R. Experiences like tickets to cheer on his favorite team, a parental date night, a day trip or a weekend away can help your dad unwind, relax, and reenergize before walking you down the aisle.

Pampering
Dads need some pampering, too! Whether it’s a pedicure, massage, or hot shave — you can kill two birds with one stone by gifting dad some time at the men’s spa. Not only will he experience rest and relaxation, but he’ll also be looking spiffy for your nuptials!

See More:
The 7 Types of Fathers of the Bride (and How to Handle Them)