Tip - Groomsmen Fitting

Groomsmen, be sure to check your suit/tux before the day of the wedding. Be sure it fits properly, that all items are there and that it's pressed properly. You don't want to be standing out as the guy with a mismatched tie or overly wrinkled suit. Your responsibilities don't end with the bachelor party.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Colorful Lanterns

Hanging colorful chinese lanterns from trees at an outdoor reception can add to the lighting ambiance as well as create some pop of color mixed in amongst the trees.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Be Prepared For Photos

To avoid getting dirty, ask your photographer or coordinator to bring a blanket or talk with your groom about using his jacket to sit on during shots that have the potential of getting your dress dirty. Chances are, after the ceremony the groom's jacket isn't going back on anyhow.
Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Camera Ready Clutch

While you may not have much need for your purse at your wedding, it's a good idea to have a clutch as beautiful as your day nearby to complement your dress' beauty and hold a few must haves.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Serving Styles

There are so many different serving options for cocktail appetizers, reception set ups and desserts now. Be sure to discuss your multitude of options with your caterer or restaurant staff. It could be fun to mix up the serving styles and keep guests anxious for more.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Engaged & In Love

Use your engagement session as an intimate time to capture your closeness and playfulness with each other. While your photographer will have some suggestions on posed candids, you should think of some of your favorite pics together taken over the years and mimic those poses too.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Floral Alternatives

Ceremony and reception decor don't always have to consist of flowers in a vase or centerpiece arrangement. Check out some pictures in magazines, online, or on your florists website to get some ideas for alternatives. Ask them what other ideas they have for floral displays. Your interest in their creativity could prove beneficial for you both.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Use Nature's Beauty

Consider the colors already predominant at your venue location to incorporate into your wedding day theme. If your wedding will be at a vineyard, consider the crisp green of the grape leaves in season. Find ways to tie grape leaves into your centerpieces, use the color in your invitations or maybe as an accent color on the tables.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Leave It

Sometimes greenery can take center stage in floral designs and the flowers can become the accent. It's ok to be more about textures, shapes and natural colors then seeing an abundance of florals.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Air Out Your Dress

While I know we've mentioned this before, I've been seeing a lot of brides lately that are forgetting to take their dress out to let it breathe a few days before the wedding. Your dress needs to lay in it's natural state without being crunched up inside a bag. This could also save you some steaming time on the day of.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Floral Ring Pillow

Bored with the standard ring pillow? Talk to your florist about creating a one of a kind floral pillow for your special delivery.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography
Ring pillow design by Flourish

Trend - Leave It

Leaves can be added to your bouquet as a great filler, minimizing your floral cost, while adding a bright pop of natural color and multitude of texture to the design.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Trust Your Florist

Tell your floral designer what colors you are thinking and show them a few pics and swatches, but then let them have some creative freedom to create some designs with flowers and elements that may surprise you. You've selected that florist because you like their style based on other designs you've seen, so trust them to wow you!Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography
Floral design by Flourish

Trend - Table Runners

If your venue is including their standard linens in your rental fee, ask what colors are available. If they only have white or off white available, criss-crossing table runners can be a creative way to include your accent colors and jazz up an otherwise drab white linen.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Cuff Love

Surprise your fiance with some cufflinks for the big day that show him you were thinking of him and know him well enough to pick something he could appreciate.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Beauty In Nature

While we've talked before about bringing the outdoors in, also consider using your surrounding natural theme to your advantage if your reception will be outdoors. If you can hear a rushing river in the background, submerged rocks, with bear grass and perfectly placed buds can bring guests closer to nature.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Get Creative With Your Caterer

When talking to caterers, tell them what theme or vision you have for your wedding and be willing and eager to take suggestions from them about what they've done with a similar theme before. You can also brainstorm some creative concepts together.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Fabric Draping

Sometimes, fabric draping can make a bigger impact than huge floral displays at the ceremony. If you are working within a floral budget, discuss with your florist the best areas for your florals. They may suggest draping and strategically placed minimal florals for the ceremony and elaborate designs for the reception, where you will be spending the most time.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Take Smile Breaks

Be sure to take 'smile breaks' in between pictures and greetings. You will become so overwhelmed with all the smiles that your cheeks will start to hurt. You don't want your smile to look forced in pics so take occasional smile breaks and 'shake it out'.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Pearls Of Wisdom

A string of pearls can add a touch of elegance and texture to any floral centerpiece.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography