ADVICE
Ask The Knot Squad Q AND A
THE CREW
WE TAPPED OUR EXPERTS FOR ANSWERS TO YOUR PRESSING QUESTIONS.
CARLEY RONEY Cofounder, The Knot
BRITTNY DRYE Founder and editor in chief, Love Inc. Mag
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MARY CHATMAN CEO and editor in chief, Black Bride
SHAWNA GOHEL Founder and editor in chief, Maharani Weddings
MARK INGRAM Owner and creative director, Mark Ingram Atelier
BRITTANY LO CEO and founder, Beautini
HARMONY WALTON Founder, Jet Fete and The Bridal Bar
even your glass can add an extra layer of personalization
PLANNING
What are some other terms we can use for our wedding party besides bridesmaid and groomsman? Brittny Drye: Gone are the days of ladies on one side of the aisle and guys on the other—today’s couples are having mixed genders on both sides on their wedding day. You shouldn’t feel limited by binary titles—instead, allow yourself to pick verbiage that best suits you and your loved ones. You can use more typical titles such as person of honor, bridesman, groomswoman and attendant. Or try giving your group a fun twist with broader labels, like ceremony squad, or “I do” crew. Having a themed wedding? Incorporate it into the wedding party title. For a travel-themed wedding, try adventure seekers, or for a camp celebration, go with counselors.
B EAUT Y
23%
OF COUPLES HAVE A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL AT THEIR WEDDING
How do you keep your hairstyle intact at an outdoor summer wedding? Brittany Lo: For warmer temps, I tell brides to be realistic and choose a look that both complements their features and can withstand potentially hot and humid weather. For example, if your hair already doesn’t hold a curl well, ask your stylist if a half-up style may better defy the heat and humidity of the day. But if you’ve always dreamed of looking a certain way on your wedding day, there’s no need to completely stay away from that style. Your stylist has worked in plenty of conditions—they’ll be able to come up with a look that you’ll absolutely love and feel beautiful in from start to finish.
LOVE & LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHS; EXPERTS FROM TOP: TODD FRANCE, ALLAN ZEPEDA PHOTOGRAPHY, KAYLA MADONNA, WEDDING DOCUMENTARY PHOTO + CINEMA, CHRISTIAN OTH STUDIO, CAROLINA PALMGREN PHOTOGRAPHY, CARLA TEN EYCK PHOTOGRAPHY; STAT FROM REAL WEDDINGS 2017 STUDY
PLANNING
How do we choose the perfect signature cocktail for our reception? Mary Chatman: When picking a signature sip, you want to make sure it has great flavor and some personal significance to you and your partner. Tap a local mixologist to help you create a one-ofa-kind libation with your favorite spirit that your guests can enjoy. It’s important to also consider the time of year you’re celebrating, so you can land on a drink that has the perfect balance of in-season flavors and colors—and is the right temperature too. When in doubt, go classic with a mojito, margarita or martini, and add a few ingredients to make it your own (think: lavender, herbs like basil or mint, edible flowers, jalapeño or fresh fruit like raspberries). These elements are also a great way to tie in your wedding colors. Then, just give your drink a creative name and you’re all set.
F I N D M O R E A DV I C E O N The Knot Wedding Planner app
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