–Wedding Planning/Ideas–
Everything You Need to Know About Eloping
August 2, 2022
Thinking about opting for an elopement instead of a traditional ceremony? Our handy guide includes everything you need to know to start planning! Couples have been eloping for centuries — whether to assert their independence, circumvent societal pressures, save money, or just to keep their wedding as intimate as possible. When the pandemic hit and […]
– Ask a Real Bride – How Involved Should I be in My Bridal Shower?
July 21, 2022
Your wedding year can feel like a crash course in event planning: suddenly, your to-do list is filled with finding vendors, building your budget, and creating your guest list. With endless event inspiration and ideas filling your social media feed, many brides are left wondering: where exactly do the planning responsibilities end? I’ve got some […]
– Ask a Real Bride – How to Plan a Bachelorette Weekend, Not a Guilt Trip
June 23, 2022
If you’re a bride currently planning her bachelorette weekend, this is your sign to step back, take a deep breath, and honestly ask yourself: am I planning a girls’ trip or a guilt trip? Since I’ve been writing about weddings for nearly 8 years, people love to tell me their wedding stories–and I love hearing […]
How to Write the Perfect Couple Story for Your Wedding Website
May 31, 2022
Your wedding website is a great place to direct your wedding guests for so much helpful information. From venue details to local recommendations for food and lodging, crafting your site can save you tons of time as you get closer to your big day. One element that every wedding website needs is a couple story […]
11 Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Love
May 19, 2022
Wedding favors are usually small in size but can become a big part of your budget! I am a firm believer that wedding favors should be something that your guests can eat or actually use. If not, your favor will end up getting tossed by your guest! Favors show guests your appreciation for taking time […]
Finding the Perfect Mother-of-the-Bride (or Groom) Dress
April 21, 2022
Every mother dreams of the day her son or daughter will say, “I do.” We moms imagine every detail of our child’s wedding day, from the flowers to the wedding dress, but our imaginations don’t always include a vision of ourselves (moms are kind of used to putting ourselves last, aren’t we?) And while no […]
– Ask a Real Bride – Are Wedding Programs Worth It, or a Waste?
March 17, 2022
Is a wedding program worth the time and cost, or should couples save by skipping them? Our real brides help you decide! Wedding blogs, Instagram accounts, and Pinterest pages are filled with “must have” items to achieve the perfect wedding, but all of those great ideas can quickly become overwhelming for brides-to-be. It’s a challenge […]
8 Steps to Throwing Your First Bridal Shower
March 15, 2022
Hosting a bridal shower for the first time? Ace the celebration by following these eight easy steps! So, you’ve been tasked with throwing your very first bridal shower. While it might seem daunting, consider it a vote of confidence and accept the challenge. As the maid/matron of honor or a close family member/friend of the […]
– Ask a Real Bride – Should We Give a Speech at our Wedding?
February 17, 2022
When you think through your reception timeline, you’re probably carving out time for speeches by the father of the bride, the best man, and maid of honor. But recently, I’ve noticed that more and more couples seem to be hopping on the mic themselves! Is the bride and groom speech something you should consider for […]
7 Tips for Designing Your Save the Dates
February 1, 2022
With hundreds of customizable designs to choose from, VistaPrint is your one-stop-shop shop for all your wedding printing needs! Once you’ve decided on a wedding date and locked in your venue, it’s time to let your guests know what to expect with a save the date. A save the date isn’t an actual wedding invitation […]
9 At-Home Workout Moves to Get You Wedding-Ready (Plus a Bonus 30-Minute Full Body Workout!)
January 21, 2022
You’re engaged — congratulations! As brides, we tend to hone in on the details as we curate our perfect wedding. From the color scheme and cocktails to the first dance and table settings, there’s nothing we don’t obsess over (at least a little). If you’re like the majority of brides, your wedding planning checklist also […]
Getting FIT for your Wedding
January 19, 2022
Your engagement was everything you dreamed of: the romantic proposal, the beautiful ring shining on your finger and the excitement your friends and family shared as you told them the good news. But now that the thrill has worn off, you’re starting to feel sheer panic. How will you be able to do everything that […]
– AskCheryl – If Paying for the Wedding, Should Parents-of-the-Bride Have a Role in the Planning?
December 28, 2021
Today’s question is from a newly minted Mother-of-the-Bride. She and her husband are paying for their daughter’s wedding and want to know their role in wedding planning. Dear Cheryl,My husband and I are paying for our daughter’s wedding. We are trying to help them find a venue, but they don’t want us to be involved. […]
– Ask a Real Bride – How Should I Choose My Bridesmaids?
December 23, 2021
My 7-year-old daughter recently looked lost in thought. When I asked her what she was thinking about, she said, with a great deal of concern, “Mom. Who do you think my bridesmaids will be?” Even the littlest girls understand that choosing your bridal party is like solidifying your inner circle: whether we admit it or […]
– Ask a Real Bride – How to Avoid a Wedding Rehearsal Meltdown
November 18, 2021
The wedding countdown is down to one: your out-of-town guests have begun to arrive, you’ve finished the last-minute errands and pickups, and there’s just one thing left to do: rehearse! The wedding rehearsal is meant to ensure that your ceremony runs smoothly. But this practice session has become a notorious venue for meltdowns, misunderstandings, and […]
– Ask a Real Bride – What Your Wedding Guests Wish You Knew
October 21, 2021
Each month, we ask real brides for their opinions on everything from wedding budgets to wedding blunders, but today, we’re turning the tables: a more appropriate title for this month’s edition might be “Tell a Real Bride,” because we’re gathering intel from guests! While there is no doubt the day belongs to the bride and […]
