Wedding Planning Advice for Your Personal & Event Style

Whether you've hired an expert or you're planning the nuptials yourselves, we always share the advice of our esteemed Editors Circle members – who are some of the very best wedding professionals in the industry – to provide expert advice from planners, floral designers, bridal stylists, and more on a range of topics, both on the website and in the magazine. Trends are constantly changing, as are expectations from your guests, so it's important to look to the pros to know what to do.

When it comes to planning, you may not know where to start, so we've gathered tips and suggestions from the nation's top wedding planners, floral designers, and bridal stylists on a range of topics to inspire you. Read on for ideas that will help you to have the wedding celebration of your dreams – you'll find advice on everything from choosing a bridal gown and chic accessories, to selecting a color palette and style, to making your loved ones feel extra special regardless of your guest count. 

Happy planning!

Less Is More

"The new age of minimalism is trending as 'less is more.' Brides can wear clean and simple lines with a boost from an array of sleek angular, textured, and unevenly shaped metals." - Belle Manjong of BBelle Style

Keep It Personal

"Handwritten personal notes will be the new invitation. With so many things changing and less guests at each event, I think people will be more thoughtful with their invites. This lovely new stationery might read more like a letter versus a formal invitation layout." - Jeannette Tavares of Evoke Design & Creative

Focus on Smaller Details

"I think intimate parties will be a huge trend to come out of the Covid pandemic. There will be more focus placed on all of the small details: tailor-made floral designs, handcrafted invitations, detailed personalized place settings, and curated menus." - Kristine Polstra for Edge Design Group

Consider Unique Colors

"If you’re looking for ways to include the Pantone 2021 colors of the year at your event, try 'Illuminating' to brighten up your floral design with its vibrant yellow hue. There are a lot of premium flowers that can look great! As grey has always been an elegant choice for table linens, use 'Ultimate Grey' velvet linens to upgrade your tablescape through both color and texture." - Hovik Harutyunyan of Harutyunyan Events

Expert Catering Tip

"For catering, ask for a line-item estimate rather than just price ranges because catering managers often do not know exactly what you would like, so they will provide you with broad ranges to review." - Beth Helmstetter of Beth Helmstetter Events, Inc.

Stay True to You

"It’s so easy to get lost in the hottest new wedding trends and lose the essence of a couple in the process. I love finding unique, catchy, and sometimes witty ways to incorporate personal details. Of course a custom monogram is nice, but try to go a step further! With this couple’s last name being Schuck, I jumped at the opportunity to create an oyster bar." - Rikki Ladenheim of Rikki Ladenheim Events

For more wedding ideas and expert advice, find out how to plan the most amazing intimate wedding, discover more expert tips for your wedding color palette and theme, find out if it's okay to wear black to a wedding, and learn how to plan like a pro with this virtual wedding-planning series from celebrity event planners! We also encourage you to follow @InsideWeddings on Instagram and Pinterest for daily wedding inspiration!

Opening photo by Geoffrey Photography Studio; Planning & Design by Gina Myers of La Cosa Bella Events; From Real Wedding: A Luxury Fall Wedding with Hindu & Western Traditions