AMERICA’S TOP WEDDING MAGAZINE
MAY/JUNE 2024
Ideas & inspiration in full bloom...
oh so pretty... Dresses that make our hearts beat faster
joy
feel the
GET-FIT TIPS THAT REALLY WORK (WE PROMISE)
A CELEBRITY PLANNER’S WEDDING DOS & DON’TS
35 FAILPROOF WAYS TO SAVE AT ANY VENUE
CONTENTS BRIDAL GUIDE MAY/JUNE 2024
WEDDING PLANNING 20 ASK DAVID TUTERA
Our guru’s key wedding dos and don’ts.
22 PARTY PLANNER
A garden wedding at home.
26 PLANNERS WE LOVE
Meet (and learn from) some of our favorite wedding geniuses. by Carol Straley
33 TWO WEEKS AND COUNTING Here’s how to cross everything off your last-minute to-do list in record time.
38 PLANNING NOTEBOOK
No Worries! How to make decisions you won’t regret. by Amy Summerville, Ph.D.
52 WEDDING ALBUM
A waterside wedding in Charleston SC.
NEWS & FEATURES 9 WEDDING Q&A
Etiquette questions and answers.
30 SITE SAVVY—BUDGET TIPS
26
Here’s how to manage expenses wherever you wed. by Elena Donovan Mauer
TRAVEL NEWS
FOR ANY LOCATION
70
58 RESORT ROUNDUP
Romance soars when you book into one of these luxe treehouse accommodations.
61 ALL-INCLUSIVE INTEL
Use this guide to get familiar with the essential on-property terms
GET MORE ONLINE AT
bridalguide.com THE GRAND FINALE End your reception in style with the ideas at bridalguide.com/finale WEDDING CRASHER? Learn how to handle this awkward situation at bridalguide.com/crasher
64 REAL DESTINATION WEDDING
SUMMER LOVE 00 Plan a relaxed summer wedding with
70 REAL DESTINATION WEDDING
12
One couple’s planned elopement story scores big in Big Sur.
A classic celebration with a distinctly modern vibe was on the menu for this Kansas City wedding.
these ideas at bridalguide.com/relax
• The Perfect Dress for Your Body, p. 187 • 10 Gorgeous Hairstyles for Night, p. 202 Where to say “I do” in the Hamptons. • 101 Best Budget Tips, p. 166 87 CRUISE DISPATCH • Make It Personal: Reception Ideas To Suit Set sail in comfort with these tips. Your Theme, p. 68 by Donna Heiderstadt. • Aisle Style: Fabulous Ceremony, p. 207 • Celeb Rings! Get the Look, p. 92 88 FIRST LOOK • Cheers! Ways to Trim the Bar Bill, p. 164 The first name in couples vacationing
74 WEDDINGS AWAY
has a new property in Jamaica.
000 BRIDALGUIDE.COM month/month 2010
justinalexander.com
FLOAT. “The Ball Look,” with ball-shaped skirt over trousers and asymmetric top, $5,900, by DELFINA BALDA. Slide Viv’ mules with Strass buckles in off-white leather by ROGER VIVIER. 000
000
SWEET DREAMS. Luna mini dress with layered brocade tulle skirt, $3,950, by FRANCESCA MIRANDA. Smooth heart necklace by YVONNE LÉON.
Glittery fitted corset dress with high slit, $4,950, from ALLURE by LEE PETRA GREBENAU. Kanas Earrings with Diamonds and Faiyaz Ring with Diamonds, both by MODERN MOGHUL. 00 000
by Juli Alvarez
ISABEL SANCHIS
THE ATELIER WONA CONCEPT MARCO & MARIA
MARCO & MARIA
AGNIESZKA SWIATLY
Barcelona is the international capital of bridal fashion & our editors had a front row seat at the annual runway shows this April. Join us for a wild and wonderful peek behind the scenes from mega-brands like ELIE SAAB & PRONOVIAS to newer names in the US like SOPHIE et VOILA and MARCO & MARIA. Gracias Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week!
ISABELSANCHIS SANCHIS ISABEL
HOLA, BARCELONA!
PHOTOS COURTESY “BARCELONA BRIDAL FASHION WEEK”
AGNIESZKA SWIATLY
THE ATELIER
ELIE SAAB
ISABEL SANCHIS
JULIA KONTOGRUNI
YOLANCRIS
SOPHIE ET VOILA
mood board BRIDES
AMERICA’S TOP WEDDING MAGAZINE
MAY/JUNE 2024
000 BRIDALGUIDE.COM
Ideas & inspiration in full bloom...
oh so pretty... Dresses that make our hearts beat faster
joy
feel the
GET-FIT TIPS THAT REALLY WORK (WE PROMISE)
A CELEBRITY PLANNER’S WEDDING DOS & DON’TS
35 FAILPROOF WAYS TO SAVE AT ANY VENUE
Gain access to the latest digital edition of Bridal Guide magazine, now available on Issuu. Browse beautiful wedding gowns, score expert planning tips, research the ultimate honeymoon spots and get the best bridal beauty advice from our editors.
bridalguide.com/onthego
HONEYMO HONEYMOON ON & DESTINATION WEDDING GUIDE
Love Floats
& DESTINATION WEDDING GUIDE
PHOTOGRAPHY: IMAGES COURTESY OF ANDBEYOND
IIntroducing ntroducing the trip of a lifetime just for you—delight in a treehouse suite filled with whimsy and style, explore the latest Jamaican resort crafted with romance travelers in mind or discover the best cruise and itinerary to match your personality. Marvel at the spectacular scenery at one couple’s planned elopement in Big Sur and check out a hometown celebration in Kansas City. Plus, our tips to booking an all-inclusive and where to wed in the Hamptons.
andBeyond Ngala Treehouse in South Africa.
May/June 2024 BRIDALGUIDE.COM000 57
ADVERTISING SPONSORSHIP
Create new memories at the 18th-century Sugar Mill
The Buccaneer
Tie the knot in this idyllic setting
St. Croix, USVI
Experience a fairytale wedding at the historic Buccaneer, voted as the No. 4 Caribbean Resort in USA Today’s Readers Choice 10Best survey. The resort features three beaches, a centuries-old sugar mill, and luxury accommodations, in a casual country club setting. Enjoy golf, tennis, and water sports, complemented by experienced wedding planners and packages for a dream wedding or romantic getaway. See all the wedding options at thebuccaneer.com, or call 1-800-255-3881.
Jamaica Inn
Ocho Rios, Jamaica Escape to Jamaica Inn, an elegant, luxury boutique hotel, as iconic to discerning travellers today as it was in the 1950’s; with echoes of Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller’s honeymoon adding a touch of timeless romance. Here, you can reconnect with your loved one and the simple joys of living. Book your stay at jamaicainn.com.
Breathtaking views, lush jungles, powdery beaches and mouth-watering cuisine—there’s a reason the Caribbean is consistently ranked among the top wedding and honeymoon destinations. Our islands offer rich history, unique cultures and immersive experiences, whether you’re looking for romance, adventure or a little bit of everything.
We can’t wait to help you make memories. CARIBBEAN HOTEL & TOURISM ASSOCIATION
CaribbeanTravel.com
COURTESY OF SEA BREEZE BEACH HOUSE AND THE O2 BEACH CLUB IN BARBADOS
The CARIBBEAN Awaits! Awaits!
PLANNING 101
Destination Wedding Timeline The all-you-need checklist to beginning your happily ever after with a celebration away from home. 12-10 MONTHS Set a budget. Factor in the number of guests and determine how much you can afford to spend. Decide on a place. Consider your style and choose a first, second and third choice. Factor in travel time and airfare. Research resorts in your country/ location of choice and compare what each offers. Analyze packages, rates and amenities. Look into the marriage legalities in the locations you’re considering. After selecting a resort, make travel arrangements for a visit. Request a list of preferred local vendors such as the photographer, florist and band.
9 MONTHS Visit the resort and meet with the on-site wedding coordinator and local vendors. Ask about group discounts on room rates. Begin your search for your honeymoon location if you will not be honeymooning at your wedding destination. Start gown shopping and begin registering for gifts. Finalize your guest list. Set up your wedding website. Start with your wedding date and location; add travel info and other relevant logistics as you go.
PHOTOGRAPHY: JENNIFER ROBBINS.
6 MONTHS Send out save-the-dates to give your guests plenty of time to book travel. Reserve a block of rooms at a hotel in different price ranges. Contact your officiant. For religious ceremonies, you may be required to attend pre-wedding counseling. Civil ceremonies may require permission to be married in the location.
Prepare all paperwork (passports, documents needed for marriage application). Review and finalize pros’ contracts. Buy travel and wedding insurance. If your wedding will take place in another country, contact a travel agent to see if you can reserve a block of seats with an airline. Make final selections for your flowers, decor, menu and cake. Make arrangements for any transportation needed at the location such as an airport shuttle for guests.
3-6 WEEKS Confirm travel reservations. Finalize guest head count; release any rooms not needed. Review an order of events schedule with your coordinator and local vendors. Revisit ceremony details: write vows, finalize music. Ask guests to RSVP for group activities via e-mail. Ship gift bag items, printed materials (programs, etc.) to site.
4 MONTHS
1 WEEK
Send out invitations. Have groom and groomsmen rent tuxedos, if wearing them.
Finalize the seating plan; give caterer a guest head count. Pack what you need for the wedding and honeymoon; pick up tuxes. Put together an emergency kit (spot remover, band-aids, aspirin, etc.). Determine photo schedule and shot list for photographer.
3 MONTHS Make sure website is updated with your most recent information. Review documentation for a legal ceremony with your coordinator. Research group activities and excursions. Prepare welcome letter to guests and itinerary of events to include in gift bag.
2 MONTHS Set up a seating chart, get all RSVPs from guests.
3-4 DAYS Arrive at location and meet with onsite coordinator, officiant and vendors to review final details. Complete all legal requirements, if applicable. Contact your wedding party and make sure they know how to reach you. ■ May/June 2024 BRIDALGUIDE.COM 83