Wedding Planning Tips from the Top Wedding Professionals

Regardless of whether or not you'll be hiring a professional coordinator, we always strive to share the advice of our esteemed Editors Circle members to assist you throughout your planning process. Whether you have questions regarding invitations, personalization options, or ceremony and reception décor ideas, we've gathered advice and trends from top wedding planners, floral designers, and décor experts to share their insider tips with you on everything from food and drink options to photography. Read on for ideas to spark your wedding imagination, as well as the latest trends!

Take a look at expert tips and tricks from some of our Editors Circle members below: 

"Tones of grey are a trend that is going strong. Our couples love using them for printed materials with a contrast of copper-foil stamping. It's modern, unique, and edgy." - Sojourner Auguste of Erganic Design

"We recently coordinated a wedding reception at Rocker B Ranch, where we used antique oil lamps collected by the mother of the bride to display table numbers. The detail was personal, functional, and a beautiful match for the venue." - Mary-Frances Hurt of DFW Events

"No items of clothing will ever mean more to you than the pieces you choose for your wedding. It's for that reason that I recommend scheduling a pre-nuptial fashion session. All of the attire can be styled on beautiful forms and set up in a stunning, well-lit studio and photographed editorially. The couple can also do a full trial run of hair and makeup so that they are certain their look is absolutely perfect." - Andrea Eppolito of Andrea Eppolito Events

"Our favorite trend illustrates an ombré look, which can create a memorable ceremony or reception. Couples love to craft their own unique rainbow design, like this spectacular wedding with a view of the New York skyline. We envision more brides and grooms adding a bold choice or splash of color to their décor." - Jerry Smolar of Chameleon Chair Collection

"Set up interactive displays for your guests to enjoy throughout the evening – these leave a lasting impression of your wedding for months and years to come! For example, our flower cart provided a natural photo-op backdrop during cocktail hour. At the end of the evening, guests made their own bouquets to take as remembrance of the wedding day. In addition, all the floral centerpieces were donated to a local charity that repurposed them into over 400 individual vase arrangements for nursing homes and hospice centers. Floral donations minimize the floral footprint post-event, while spreading instant joy with a simple act of kindness!" - Heather Thomas of HeatherLily

"Adding a three-dimensional element to your wedding stationery can be fun and unexpected. This invitation suite showcases handcrafted paper magnolias as a nod to the fresh magnolias featured throughout the wedding-day floral design." - Callista Osborn of Callista & Company

"A fun, yet chic way to make a statement is a large-scale balloon installation. It can be used to create a dramatic entrance or to frame the band on stage." - Dora Manuel of Viva Bella Events

"Showcase favorite childhood sweets with a fun adult spin. Consider Popsicles with Champagne, a wine sorbet, or chocolate truffles filled with spirits." - Susan Dunne of Weddings by Susan Dunne

"We find our brides and grooms want to offer their guests the ultimate culinary experience at every turn. We love incorporating oyster shuckers at our most formal affairs to provide an unexpected raw-bar experience." - Mary Wright Shah of Diamond Affairs Weddings & Special Events

"Wooden pergolas provide a creative design element. They help enhance a space and allow for more options: additional florals, soft drapery, or creative lighting." - Merilee Hennings of EverAfter Events

"When possible, keep the planning committee small. If you're able to keep all decisions between you, your fiancé, and maybe one parent, that's the best scenario. The more opinions you get, the more stress you'll experience and ultimately you risk losing your vision by trying to appease everyone." - Beth Helmstetter of Beth Helmstetter Events, Inc.

"Go into the reception room before any of your guests. You can see all of your hard work come together and soak it in. Better yet, ask your photographer to capture the moment." - Tessa Brand of Tessa Lyn Events

For more expert advice, discover what to do once you get engaged, read more planning tips from top wedding professionals, and see more advice and trends here, here, and here.