Advice & planning
Feng Shui Guide to Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue
“I have long been a fan of Marie Diamond and her inspiring Instagram posts, so I thought: Why not ask her to share some of her expert Feng Shui advice with couples planning their big day? From choosing the right venue to creating harmony among guests, Marie offers...
Before You Say “I Do”: Conversations Every Couple Must Have
Two of America’s leading relationship experts share the conversations, habits, and hard truths every couple needs before marriage. The engagement season is often filled with excitement, celebration, and anticipation for the future. Amid venue tours, guest...
Fatherhood, Family & Fashion: A Father’s Day Q&A with Wedding Gown Designer Justin Warshaw
As the leader of a family-owned bridal company, Justin Alexander, approaching its 80th anniversary, Justin Warshaw understands legacy from a unique perspective. But while he has spent years helping brides celebrate life's biggest milestones, becoming a husband...
5 Creative Ways to Elevate Your Wedding Photography
photography: Noah Couick Photography Long after the last dance and the final toast, your wedding photographs become treasured keepsakes that preserve every heartfelt glance, joyful tear, and unforgettable detail. They capture the emotions, atmosphere, and...
Why First Impressions Matter at Luxury Weddings and Events
photography: With Love | AQ Photography First impressions play a powerful role in shaping how people perceive an event, especially in high- end settings where expectations are elevated. From the moment guests arrive, every detail contributes to their initial...
A Bridal Reset: Prioritizing Mental Wellness During Wedding Season
Courtney Davidson Photography Spring marks a season of new beginnings, and for many couples, the start of their journey down the aisle. But alongside the joy of planning comes a quieter reality: wedding preparation can bring stress, overwhelm, and emotional...
An Informal Guide to Formalwear with Alex Mackie, Cad & The Dandy
With wedding season officially in full swing, invitations to black-tie soirées, race days, garden parties, and elegant summer celebrations are arriving quickly, along with the inevitable question of what exactly one should wear. To help decode one of menswear’s most...
How Brides Are Aligning Body Contouring With Wedding Dress Fittings
Ashley Jenn Photography Saying yes to the dress is often one of the most emotional milestones in the wedding journey—the moment a vision becomes real. But alongside that excitement, many brides are also met with the reality of timelines: fittings already on the...
The Bridal Process No One Talks About: Why Alterations Matter
For many brides, one of the most exciting moments leading up to the wedding is finding the perfect dress. With countless trips, long appointments, bringing guests, and celebratory champagne, the shopping experience is often treated as a milestone in itself. But what...
Easter Weekend Wedding Inspiration
Happy Out Photography Considering an Easter wedding? It might just be the perfect choice. The weather is warmer, sunshine lifts everyone’s mood, and there’s a renewed excitement for outdoor celebrations. Add in a palette of universally loved pastel hues, and...
Beyond the Aisle: How Bridal Brands are Redefining the Industry
For decades, bridal fashion followed a singular narrative: one dress, one day, one defining moment. But today’s brides are asking for more longevity from the brands they love, and the industry is finally listening. As weddings become increasingly personalized, bridal...
Wedding Gifts That the Bride and Groom Actually Want
Weddings are moments of profound meaning, filled with emotion, hope, and celebration. While every couple appreciates the sentiment behind any gift they receive, many brides and grooms find themselves longing for something more personal, something that reflects both...
Beyond the Surface: The Sparkling Truth About Lab-Grown Diamonds
Diamonds—the ultimate symbol of love and commitment—are taking on a brilliant new future. As you begin the exciting journey of selecting your perfect engagement ring, you're likely encountering the captivating world of lab-grown diamonds. Rest assured, these...
How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue in Southern California
Amy Bleckley Photography Picking the right wedding venue stands out as one of the biggest choices a couple makes as they plan their big day. Southern California known for its sunny weather, ocean air, and varied scenery, gives couples tons of options—from...
Hearts, Art & Besties: A Galentine Weekend in Bentonville, Arkansas
by Bailee Ross If your idea of the perfect bachelorette weekend leans more toward gallery-hopping and coffee-sipping in a cozy mountain town, Bentonville, Arkansas, might just be your dream Bach destination. Tucked into the Ozarks, this charming town offers stunning...
What to Expect When Shopping for Wedding Dresses at a Local Bridal Boutique
photo credit: Dimitra Designs Personal Help from Dress Experts Shopping has a big plus - you get personal attention. At nearby bridal shops, the staff takes time to understand what you like, what you want for your wedding, and what feels good to you. They pay...
Why Hiring A Wedding Planner Is Essential
(and the Best Decision You'll Make for Your Big Day) by Emma Cockerham Owner & CEO, Infinity Events Planning a wedding can be overwhelming! Any engaged couple can attest to the feeling of being faced with too many choices and countless decisions. Wedding...
Wedding Designers 2026 Trend Report
When planning a wedding, curating each perfect, detailed element plays a role in shaping the overall unique experience. From floral design to fabric colors, lighting touches to venue layout, no two events are ever the same. Brides often ask what is “in season” or seek...
Luxury Event Planning Trends for 2026: The Future of High-End Celebrations
The world of luxury event planning is transforming at a pace that's nothing short of extraordinary. We're watching technological breakthroughs, evolving client expectations, and an intense focus on personalized experiences reshape everything about high-end...
Why a Pre-Wedding Massage Is Worth It
photo: Andrea Piacquadio Somewhere between fittings, vendor calls, and late-night checklist edits, most brides forget to check in with themselves. The body, despite carrying the weight of it all, rarely makes the schedule. That’s why carving out time for...
Acrylic vs. Canvas: Which Wall Art Best Showcases Your Wedding Day?
Your wedding photos are more than images. They're the emotions, atmosphere and memories of one of the most meaningful days of your life. After the celebration, many couples look for a way to display their favorite moments in their home so those memories stay visible...
Wedding Planning 101: Knowing Your First Steps
Samantha Brooke Photography Wedding planning begins with clear first steps that turn early ideas into a calm structure, steady coordination, and reliable timing. A simple plan organizes budgets, guest needs, and vendor tasks, so progress stays visible, and...
Wilder Mind Events Wedding Designer Reflects on Her Breast Cancer Journey
When life takes an unexpected turn, perspective has a way of shifting and prioritizing. For Delaney Driver of Wilder Mind Events, a cancer diagnosis redefined her sense of purpose, strength, and community. Throughout various stages of therapy, she relied on her team...
“The Real Thing” by Dylan Arms – Your Perfect First Dance Song
A couple's first dance often reflects their journey leading up to that special moment when they are announced as a married couple about to take the dance floor together. The song may be something they heard on the radio during a rainy night or a track they enjoyed...
How to Choose the Right Bouquet for Any Occasion
photography: Heather Jenkins Photography Understand the Person and Occasion To begin choosing the perfect flowers, you will need to know the person and the event. Consider what the person in mind might prefer and the reason for the gifted bouquet. For instance,...
The Life of a Showgirl: Taylor Swift’s Album 12–Inspired Bachelorette Party
by Bailee Ross It’s official. Taylor Swift has announced the title of her 12th studio album: The Life of a Showgirl. With tons of Easter eggs hidden throughout her Eras tour and music videos, to lighting the Empire State Building orange, and carrying a...
What to Wear to a 5-Star Mexican Resort: Your Tulum Style Guide
The Southern Bride team recently visited the stunning Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, nestled along a secluded bay with breathtaking ocean views and natural hues. Inspired by the serene resort, we’ve curated a style guide to help you pack with confidence for such a trip...
Crystal Meanings: The Significance of Stones in Wedding Rings and How to Choose Yours
Weddings are not only a solemn celebration of love but also involve a series of important decisions that carry emotional and symbolic significance. One of the most notable choices is selecting wedding rings and the stones that adorn them. These stones are chosen not...
What Rental Items Do You Need for an Outdoor Wedding?
Outdoor weddings have a kind of magic you can’t find inside four walls. The sky becomes your ceiling, and nature paints the backdrop. But that dreamy setting comes with a long list of details. Unlike indoor venues, outdoor spaces often start as a blank canvas. That...
Written in the Stars: A Bride’s Guide to Zodiac Harmony and Wedding Style
photo credit: Pavel Danilyuk When two people decide to marry, the practical chores stack up fast: drafting budgets, booking musicians, tasting canapés. Yet beneath those spreadsheets lies something quietly powerful, the emotional chemistry that brought you...
7 Unique Wedding Venues for Your Special Day
Your whole celebration is built upon the location of your wedding. Couples today seek places that capture their tastes and foster lasting memories. By defining the tone, guiding design decisions, and providing the backdrop for pictures, the appropriate setting turns...
10 Timeless Wedding Decorations You’ll Love
From picking the ideal location to deciding on décor that provides a unique ambiance, wedding planning calls for many choices. Although fads in weddings come and go, some decorative accents are always quite beautiful. These classic choices not only look great but also...
Why Live Guest Painting is the Wedding Art Trend You Didn’t Know You Needed
Southern Bride spoke with live wedding painter Mollie Fox to get expert advice on what to look for when hiring a live artist and why this creative, personal touch is one of the most meaningful trends in weddings today. From honoring guests to creating unforgettable...
5 Must-Have Shots for Your Wedding Photography Checklist
photo credit: Esther Griffin Photography Your wedding day happens once in a lifetime. Therefore, it is essential to capture every beautiful moment. The right wedding photos will allow you to revisit the emotions, laughter, and love for years. Whether you are...
The Future of “I Do” – Upcoming Wedding Trends
Weddings are undergoing a beautiful transformation. While style, luxury, and celebration remain at the heart of every big day, couples are reimagining what a wedding truly looks and feels like—focusing less on perfection and more on personal meaning, authentic...
Elevate Your Wedding With These Fun Additions
Bright festivities create lifelong memories when creative touches turn weddings and celebrations into remarkable occasions. Strong concepts combine with special elements to improve every moment and provide immersive experiences that enthrall visitors and honor love....
Feng Shui Guide to Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue
“I have long been a fan of Marie Diamond and her inspiring Instagram posts, so I thought: Why not ask her to share some of her expert Feng Shui advice with couples planning their big day? From choosing the right venue to creating harmony among guests, Marie offers...
Before You Say “I Do”: Conversations Every Couple Must Have
Two of America’s leading relationship experts share the conversations, habits, and hard truths every couple needs before marriage. The engagement season is often filled with excitement, celebration, and anticipation for the future. Amid venue tours, guest...
Fatherhood, Family & Fashion: A Father’s Day Q&A with Wedding Gown Designer Justin Warshaw
As the leader of a family-owned bridal company, Justin Alexander, approaching its 80th anniversary, Justin Warshaw understands legacy from a unique perspective. But while he has spent years helping brides celebrate life's biggest milestones, becoming a husband...
5 Creative Ways to Elevate Your Wedding Photography
photography: Noah Couick Photography Long after the last dance and the final toast, your wedding photographs become treasured keepsakes that preserve every heartfelt glance, joyful tear, and unforgettable detail. They capture the emotions, atmosphere, and...
Why First Impressions Matter at Luxury Weddings and Events
photography: With Love | AQ Photography First impressions play a powerful role in shaping how people perceive an event, especially in high- end settings where expectations are elevated. From the moment guests arrive, every detail contributes to their initial...
A Bridal Reset: Prioritizing Mental Wellness During Wedding Season
Courtney Davidson Photography Spring marks a season of new beginnings, and for many couples, the start of their journey down the aisle. But alongside the joy of planning comes a quieter reality: wedding preparation can bring stress, overwhelm, and emotional...
An Informal Guide to Formalwear with Alex Mackie, Cad & The Dandy
With wedding season officially in full swing, invitations to black-tie soirées, race days, garden parties, and elegant summer celebrations are arriving quickly, along with the inevitable question of what exactly one should wear. To help decode one of menswear’s most...
How Brides Are Aligning Body Contouring With Wedding Dress Fittings
Ashley Jenn Photography Saying yes to the dress is often one of the most emotional milestones in the wedding journey—the moment a vision becomes real. But alongside that excitement, many brides are also met with the reality of timelines: fittings already on the...
The Bridal Process No One Talks About: Why Alterations Matter
For many brides, one of the most exciting moments leading up to the wedding is finding the perfect dress. With countless trips, long appointments, bringing guests, and celebratory champagne, the shopping experience is often treated as a milestone in itself. But what...
Easter Weekend Wedding Inspiration
Happy Out Photography Considering an Easter wedding? It might just be the perfect choice. The weather is warmer, sunshine lifts everyone’s mood, and there’s a renewed excitement for outdoor celebrations. Add in a palette of universally loved pastel hues, and...
Beyond the Aisle: How Bridal Brands are Redefining the Industry
For decades, bridal fashion followed a singular narrative: one dress, one day, one defining moment. But today’s brides are asking for more longevity from the brands they love, and the industry is finally listening. As weddings become increasingly personalized, bridal...
Wedding Gifts That the Bride and Groom Actually Want
Weddings are moments of profound meaning, filled with emotion, hope, and celebration. While every couple appreciates the sentiment behind any gift they receive, many brides and grooms find themselves longing for something more personal, something that reflects both...
Beyond the Surface: The Sparkling Truth About Lab-Grown Diamonds
Diamonds—the ultimate symbol of love and commitment—are taking on a brilliant new future. As you begin the exciting journey of selecting your perfect engagement ring, you're likely encountering the captivating world of lab-grown diamonds. Rest assured, these...
How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue in Southern California
Amy Bleckley Photography Picking the right wedding venue stands out as one of the biggest choices a couple makes as they plan their big day. Southern California known for its sunny weather, ocean air, and varied scenery, gives couples tons of options—from...
Hearts, Art & Besties: A Galentine Weekend in Bentonville, Arkansas
by Bailee Ross If your idea of the perfect bachelorette weekend leans more toward gallery-hopping and coffee-sipping in a cozy mountain town, Bentonville, Arkansas, might just be your dream Bach destination. Tucked into the Ozarks, this charming town offers stunning...
What to Expect When Shopping for Wedding Dresses at a Local Bridal Boutique
photo credit: Dimitra Designs Personal Help from Dress Experts Shopping has a big plus - you get personal attention. At nearby bridal shops, the staff takes time to understand what you like, what you want for your wedding, and what feels good to you. They pay...
Why Hiring A Wedding Planner Is Essential
(and the Best Decision You'll Make for Your Big Day) by Emma Cockerham Owner & CEO, Infinity Events Planning a wedding can be overwhelming! Any engaged couple can attest to the feeling of being faced with too many choices and countless decisions. Wedding...
Wedding Designers 2026 Trend Report
When planning a wedding, curating each perfect, detailed element plays a role in shaping the overall unique experience. From floral design to fabric colors, lighting touches to venue layout, no two events are ever the same. Brides often ask what is “in season” or seek...
Luxury Event Planning Trends for 2026: The Future of High-End Celebrations
The world of luxury event planning is transforming at a pace that's nothing short of extraordinary. We're watching technological breakthroughs, evolving client expectations, and an intense focus on personalized experiences reshape everything about high-end...
Why a Pre-Wedding Massage Is Worth It
photo: Andrea Piacquadio Somewhere between fittings, vendor calls, and late-night checklist edits, most brides forget to check in with themselves. The body, despite carrying the weight of it all, rarely makes the schedule. That’s why carving out time for...
Acrylic vs. Canvas: Which Wall Art Best Showcases Your Wedding Day?
Your wedding photos are more than images. They're the emotions, atmosphere and memories of one of the most meaningful days of your life. After the celebration, many couples look for a way to display their favorite moments in their home so those memories stay visible...
Wedding Planning 101: Knowing Your First Steps
Samantha Brooke Photography Wedding planning begins with clear first steps that turn early ideas into a calm structure, steady coordination, and reliable timing. A simple plan organizes budgets, guest needs, and vendor tasks, so progress stays visible, and...
Wilder Mind Events Wedding Designer Reflects on Her Breast Cancer Journey
When life takes an unexpected turn, perspective has a way of shifting and prioritizing. For Delaney Driver of Wilder Mind Events, a cancer diagnosis redefined her sense of purpose, strength, and community. Throughout various stages of therapy, she relied on her team...
“The Real Thing” by Dylan Arms – Your Perfect First Dance Song
A couple's first dance often reflects their journey leading up to that special moment when they are announced as a married couple about to take the dance floor together. The song may be something they heard on the radio during a rainy night or a track they enjoyed...
How to Choose the Right Bouquet for Any Occasion
photography: Heather Jenkins Photography Understand the Person and Occasion To begin choosing the perfect flowers, you will need to know the person and the event. Consider what the person in mind might prefer and the reason for the gifted bouquet. For instance,...
The Life of a Showgirl: Taylor Swift’s Album 12–Inspired Bachelorette Party
by Bailee Ross It’s official. Taylor Swift has announced the title of her 12th studio album: The Life of a Showgirl. With tons of Easter eggs hidden throughout her Eras tour and music videos, to lighting the Empire State Building orange, and carrying a...
What to Wear to a 5-Star Mexican Resort: Your Tulum Style Guide
The Southern Bride team recently visited the stunning Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, nestled along a secluded bay with breathtaking ocean views and natural hues. Inspired by the serene resort, we’ve curated a style guide to help you pack with confidence for such a trip...
Crystal Meanings: The Significance of Stones in Wedding Rings and How to Choose Yours
Weddings are not only a solemn celebration of love but also involve a series of important decisions that carry emotional and symbolic significance. One of the most notable choices is selecting wedding rings and the stones that adorn them. These stones are chosen not...
What Rental Items Do You Need for an Outdoor Wedding?
Outdoor weddings have a kind of magic you can’t find inside four walls. The sky becomes your ceiling, and nature paints the backdrop. But that dreamy setting comes with a long list of details. Unlike indoor venues, outdoor spaces often start as a blank canvas. That...
Written in the Stars: A Bride’s Guide to Zodiac Harmony and Wedding Style
photo credit: Pavel Danilyuk When two people decide to marry, the practical chores stack up fast: drafting budgets, booking musicians, tasting canapés. Yet beneath those spreadsheets lies something quietly powerful, the emotional chemistry that brought you...
7 Unique Wedding Venues for Your Special Day
Your whole celebration is built upon the location of your wedding. Couples today seek places that capture their tastes and foster lasting memories. By defining the tone, guiding design decisions, and providing the backdrop for pictures, the appropriate setting turns...
10 Timeless Wedding Decorations You’ll Love
From picking the ideal location to deciding on décor that provides a unique ambiance, wedding planning calls for many choices. Although fads in weddings come and go, some decorative accents are always quite beautiful. These classic choices not only look great but also...
Why Live Guest Painting is the Wedding Art Trend You Didn’t Know You Needed
Southern Bride spoke with live wedding painter Mollie Fox to get expert advice on what to look for when hiring a live artist and why this creative, personal touch is one of the most meaningful trends in weddings today. From honoring guests to creating unforgettable...
5 Must-Have Shots for Your Wedding Photography Checklist
photo credit: Esther Griffin Photography Your wedding day happens once in a lifetime. Therefore, it is essential to capture every beautiful moment. The right wedding photos will allow you to revisit the emotions, laughter, and love for years. Whether you are...
The Future of “I Do” – Upcoming Wedding Trends
Weddings are undergoing a beautiful transformation. While style, luxury, and celebration remain at the heart of every big day, couples are reimagining what a wedding truly looks and feels like—focusing less on perfection and more on personal meaning, authentic...
Elevate Your Wedding With These Fun Additions
Bright festivities create lifelong memories when creative touches turn weddings and celebrations into remarkable occasions. Strong concepts combine with special elements to improve every moment and provide immersive experiences that enthrall visitors and honor love....
