Category: Expert Advice

Somebody you consider dear has passed; how do you honor them on your wedding day without bringing everyone’s mood down a few notches?

I confess to major butterflies for my interview with celebrity wedding planner and TV show host, David Tutera at the elegant Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena last month. I needn’t have worried. He was warm and charming, and very open to sharing his wedding planning pointers. Later when I dished the dirt with two of his “My Fair Wedding” Season 2 brides, Dee and Quiana, they both agreed that he was way more personable and down-to-earth than they had expected. I was particularly excited to confirm that David and I were in complete agreement about several key “Wedding Dos & Don’ts.”

Picture this: The spotlight’s on you and your new husband as you finish your first dance at your wedding reception. Waiting in the wings is the other important man in your life: your dad. As the final notes of that first song fade, Dad holds out his hand, ready to lead you back to the dance floor for the father daughter dance. But when the first few bars of the Village People’s “YMCA” scream their way out of your iPod, you’re frozen in horror…did you really forget to add a father-daughter dance song to your wedding playlist?!

As a wedding planner for umpteen years, I’ve learned that there’s no substitute for doing your homework. Follow these three steps before your wedding photo shoot, and you’ll increase your chances of getting the quality images you dream about.

When hiring a photographer for your wedding, remember that this is a business decision. The event professionals you talk to fully expect you to do your diligence. Besides, if they act offended, they aren’t really professional, right?

I was both maid of honor and wedding coordinator when my sister got married last year. Because so many of the guests were coming from out of town, we decided to combine the bachelorette party and bridal shower into one fun-filled weekend to save on travel time and ensure that everyone could attend.

Seriously now: How many times can you get virtually all your loved ones in one place, all dressed up and looking their best?

At your wedding reception, you and your newly minted husband are more than the stars: You’re the common denominator amongst your friends and family. They’re all there to celebrate with you, but you can’t be everywhere at once. So how can you make sure everyone’s mixing and mingling and having a good time when you’re off doing necessary things like getting your pictures taken during cocktail hour?