Expert Advice
Need some help planning your wedding? We're so glad you're HERE!
Start with our Wedding Checklists, download our free wedding printables, and be sure to check out our "Questions to Ask…" series for guidance on finding your wedding venue and hiring your wedding vendors! Plus, there are a TON of helpful, expertly-written wedding planning articles down below.
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![23 Ways To Infuse LGBTQ+ Pride Throughout Your Wedding](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/LGBTQWeddingIdeas-AmberRobinson.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=0c8505f22e51895eebe38a6d256de522 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/LGBTQWeddingIdeas-AmberRobinson.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=433ab182edfcb828e50de6c8d928e069 190w)
23 Ways To Infuse LGBTQ+ Pride Throughout Your Wedding
Love is love, just like weddings are weddings. But if you're looking to put your LGBTQ+ pride on full display, here are 23 vibrant ways to work it into your big day!
![Questions to Ask a DJ or Live Entertainment](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/QAWeddingDJ_StitelyEntertainment.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=f00475134fde3fada5bf206ee00489e2 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/QAWeddingDJ_StitelyEntertainment.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=a2aee74c99a3098bc6a1cbcff1c70f3c 190w)
Questions to Ask a DJ or Live Entertainment
Too often choosing the entertainment is left to the end of your overwhelming "Wedding To Do List"—but it shouldn’t be! Not only does music set the appropriate mood, but a skilled Master or Mistress of Ceremonies will gracefully guide your guests from one spotlight moment to another. To get you started, we've put together this list of questions that will help you evaluate a DJ, band, or other entertainer.
![9 Unique Bachelorette Party Ideas](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/UniqueBachelorettePartyIdeas01-CondorsNestRanch.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=f29c29f96c89ce10d8be979fc30f3892 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/UniqueBachelorettePartyIdeas01-CondorsNestRanch.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=97436ad4b5ee057d4adf5e281bb4b886 190w)
9 Unique Bachelorette Party Ideas
Las Vegas is the obvious choice for a bachelorette bash, but a wild weekend of drinks and dancing isn't the only option! Whether you're looking to save money or just want a chill get-together with your favorite gal pals, we've got you covered with these outside-the-box bachelorette party ideas.
![Why You Need a Wedding Day Emergency Kit + What To Include!](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/Wedding-Emergency-Kit-Packing-List.jpeg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=2f62b43f730a49f00fe001161e91f9ad 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/Wedding-Emergency-Kit-Packing-List.jpeg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=3b0ef98ebe3a318aa057bd01cf3b01cb 190w)
Why You Need a Wedding Day Emergency Kit + What To Include!
This small makeup bag filled with "just in case" items can fix most of those little wedding-day problems—and end up saving the day! Here's a list of 32 items we'd recommend a bride and bridesmaids have handy in an emergency kit for the wedding day, plus a pinnable packing checklist.
![Start Here](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/EngagedStartHere-RobynVanDyke.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=f43e41205320dea9c40266c06adf27d1 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/EngagedStartHere-RobynVanDyke.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=03f87845b3180518feacdb1f8fd86d9c 190w)
Start Here
Engaged? Yay! Let’s get this wedding planning party started. If you’re not sure where to begin, you’re in luck because Here Comes The Guide has got you covered—from helping you find your venue and vendors, to giving you tons of wedding ideas and inspiration, along with practical planning tips.
![Nautical Nuptials: Everything You Need To Know About Boat Weddings](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/BoatWeddingTips01-HornblowerCruisesSF.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=6ef50e94787f1e825a672b9a18f23841 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/BoatWeddingTips01-HornblowerCruisesSF.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=9d105f2daa4fb51ae102d060f223fefc 190w)
Nautical Nuptials: Everything You Need To Know About Boat Weddings
For a wedding that’s nautical in every sense of the word, there’s no better venue than a boat. Here’s pretty much everything you need to consider before committing to a buoyant bash, including planning tips and the PROs and CONS, as well as 23 questions to ask a boat or yacht wedding venue.
![Wedding Dress Shopping 101](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingDressShopping101-LovelyBride.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=79d80484b1d49bfe60309df86fdbb209 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingDressShopping101-LovelyBride.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=e94be0232bf475460e99b4f324f7ae81 190w)
Wedding Dress Shopping 101
This is probably the most epic shopping trip of your life—for potentially the most expensive dress you’ll ever wear! No pressure, right? *insert nervous laughter here* But don't worry because we're giving you our best advice on wedding dress shopping so you’ll know how to prep, what to expect, and how to feel fabulous during your appointment.
![Rehearsal Dinners at Home](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/RehearsalDinnersAtHome01-NeubekPhotographers.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=e43d324dddaca3f6730075dbe66e7cf3 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/RehearsalDinnersAtHome01-NeubekPhotographers.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=84f71c614224a50da04ac622c8c78151 190w)
Rehearsal Dinners at Home
Make your rehearsal dinner guests really feel at home. Hosting your rehearsal dinner at home (yours or that of a very nice relative or friend!) can be a great option if you’re on a tight budget or simply want a warm, intimate environment where your nearest and dearest can connect with each other.
![19 of the Funniest Wedding Signs We've Ever Seen](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/FunnyWeddingSigns-JamesSimmonsPhotography.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=8bbc32bc7cad1cc46888394141b1b0fc 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/FunnyWeddingSigns-JamesSimmonsPhotography.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=64b1612f1d68e2209c3c07659a690f14 190w)
19 of the Funniest Wedding Signs We've Ever Seen
We're all about injecting a little humor into the big day, and one of our favorite ways to do it is with a punny wedding sign. Need some inspo? Check out 19 of the funniest wedding signs we've ever seen.
![23 Things You May Forget During Wedding Planning](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/ThingsYouForgetWeddingPlanning01-MaryCostaWeddings.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=02ba443242b64b31a2387794e796ab97 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/ThingsYouForgetWeddingPlanning01-MaryCostaWeddings.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=d208a8d1386d1c9b960cabe644b0a39b 190w)
23 Things You May Forget During Wedding Planning
Feel like you're forgetting something? We've got you covered. Here are 23 things that are easy to overlook during the wedding planning process—and should be added to your to-do list!
![13 Affordable Wedding Venue Options (That Don't Feel Cheap)](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/AffordableWeddingVenueIdeas-BrazilianRoom.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=00527afd3d1b0070b2f5c914831cb0a0 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/AffordableWeddingVenueIdeas-BrazilianRoom.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=1f09667068ecbb6f8042474616fd123a 190w)
13 Affordable Wedding Venue Options (That Don't Feel Cheap)
While the venue will take a healthy bite out of your overall wedding budget, you don't want it to consume the whole thing! When you choose a nontraditional venue, like the 13 types listed here, you're likely to enjoy a unique setting along with a lower price point. And we call that a win-win.
![15 Non-Alcoholic Wedding Bar Ideas](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingBarIdeas-ArikaJordanPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=dd4ee3686f581d4c71e6e58a0a55a8aa 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingBarIdeas-ArikaJordanPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=730b18f1a3c5c11169db5a423d7e77db 190w)
15 Non-Alcoholic Wedding Bar Ideas
While your typical cocktail-serving bar is always a good time, why not shake things up a bit with these non-alcoholic alternatives? From fruit juice to flavored popcorn, check out these 15 ideas for interactive wedding stations!
![8 PROs + CONs of a Destination Wedding](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/ProsConsDestinationWedding-ChrisJEvansPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=ed9309c15e9f6e53569a35ea2a178c1b 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/ProsConsDestinationWedding-ChrisJEvansPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=40b88d3db5c093a26ce2ec82a4d3d115 190w)
8 PROs + CONs of a Destination Wedding
Dreaming of jetting off to some exotic locale to say "I do"? Whether you're considering the Maldives or the Swiss Alps, there are several pros and cons you'll want to consider before committing to a destination wedding. We've listed the top 8 right here!
![37 Ways To Save Money On Your Wedding](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SaveMoneyOnWedding-KaitieBrainerdPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=5f338c4955d66b1d92d35040a68c002c 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SaveMoneyOnWedding-KaitieBrainerdPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=1a167b617639f25c658a1b87ef6b822e 190w)
37 Ways To Save Money On Your Wedding
Here are 37 ways to save money on your wedding—without sacrificing style! We list our best cheap wedding ideas so you can have a champagne wedding on a beer budget.
![Wedding Checklist :: Printable To-do Timeline](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingChecklist-MaryCostaPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=a26ba755f150ca02c517b38049596e0d 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingChecklist-MaryCostaPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=f1184bc35cada1cb2f0d74956537a6cd 190w)
Wedding Checklist :: Printable To-do Timeline
Has that "We're Engaged!" feeling begun to morph into "Now What?!" If so, rest assured that this is totally normal—and you've come to the right place. We're here to help with our comprehensive Wedding Planning Checklist, so all your to-dos are taken care of!
![15 Swoon-worthy Small Wedding Ideas](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SmallWeddingIdeas-HyattCarmelHighlands.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=81879a279076ad25fc5f24a970b15a1e 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SmallWeddingIdeas-HyattCarmelHighlands.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=d007df958145913d5fd0b9a54186eaa0 190w)
15 Swoon-worthy Small Wedding Ideas
Small weddings provide a bit more wiggle room with the budget, which allows ample opportunity to get creative. To prove it, here's a compilation of swoon-worthy ideas for a small wedding that you'll no doubt want to steal.
![8 Tips for a Rainy-Day Wedding](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/RainyDayWedding-StoryToldPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=963a7b7f9866aa1077bcf0533ffdc168 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/RainyDayWedding-StoryToldPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=cee679ece975a18d6322e78172b69adb 190w)
8 Tips for a Rainy-Day Wedding
Even the best laid plans can get slammed by Mother Nature, but rainy-day weddings don't have to be a bummer! We firmly believe that rain on your wedding day means good luck, and to help you embrace any possible showers, we've listed some of our best rainy-day wedding tips.
![To-Die-For Beach Wedding Ceremony Arches](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/BeachWeddingCeremonyArchIdeas-WheelandPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=5826055ce511509c8c9d187f70d13afa 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/BeachWeddingCeremonyArchIdeas-WheelandPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=d7f1bcc162bb58f7e82ba93daa16befc 190w)
To-Die-For Beach Wedding Ceremony Arches
Choosing an arch that complements your already stunning beach ceremony site is no easy feat, so we've put together 6 ideas–and lots of photos–to help inspire yours.
![How To Tip Your Wedding Vendors](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/TippingWeddingVendors-IngridBonnePhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=aaa8dc02ee899e025f65cf2dffa01337 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/TippingWeddingVendors-IngridBonnePhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=258da51d5bfac236b86e009b6c1a65f7 190w)
How To Tip Your Wedding Vendors
You've itemized your wedding budget down to the last cent. But with all the numbers tallied up you might be forgetting a costly, but necessary, expense: Tips! We've put together the ultimate guide on tipping your wedding vendors—from who, to when, to how much?!
![How To Choose A Destination Wedding Location](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/HowToChooseDestinationWeddingLocation-LovinAway.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=636587b41718431fda39484a25796a81 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/HowToChooseDestinationWeddingLocation-LovinAway.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=8d56ac52a6882839c33711a1a7c2e5fe 190w)
How To Choose A Destination Wedding Location
You can't have a "destination" wedding without a far-flung location, right? But with the world at your fingertips, how are you ever supposed to settle on the perfect place to say "I do"? Our friends at LovinAway gives us their expert tips on finding a destination wedding spot that's just right for you!
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Some clients may have paid to be placed in our editorial and some of these links may be affiliate; however, we never include a venue, vendor, or product unless they have a proper place here. This is part of our Core Values. We create our website first and foremost to be good for the couples using it to plan their Big Day. We won't stray from that for a few advertising dollars. #scoutshonor