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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![8 Ways To Include Mom In Your Wedding Day](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/MomInWedding-GavinFarringtonPhotography.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=acae98ebd3989dbe89455011c2399b81 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/MomInWedding-GavinFarringtonPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=1be37af0ecc5d9b6d47fc587869b3add 190w)
8 Ways To Include Mom In Your Wedding Day
Whether it's your biological mom, a stepmom, grandmother, or strong female mentor, your wedding is kind of a big deal to her. So why not show her just how much she means to you by treating her like a queen on the big day? Here are some ways to include your mother figure in your wedding.
![Groom's Guide to Choosing Wedding Attire](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/GroomWeddingAttire-GenerationTux.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=805d0add812b4f2ec35c071e535092f0 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/GroomWeddingAttire-GenerationTux.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=f4bd863dd98859ea23221ddbdf9aa0bc 190w)
Groom's Guide to Choosing Wedding Attire
We reached out to our friends at Generation Tux to get some comprehensive info for our grooms, groomsmen, and gals that prefer pantsuits to petticoats. They answer all your wedding attire-related questions, from "What's the difference between a suit and a tuxedo?" to "What accessories should I get?"
![Living Coral Wedding Inspiration](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/LivingCoralWeddingIdeas-ClaneGessel.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=4ff346f25aed2fe51273d768d2e97e5f 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/LivingCoralWeddingIdeas-ClaneGessel.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=6a9dee405c47c583547aae5f3585bc46 190w)
Living Coral Wedding Inspiration
Liven up your wedding color palette with the top tint of 2019: Living Coral! Here are a few ways to incorporate Pantone's pick for the 2019 color of the year into your wedding.
![9 Ways To Keep Your Wedding Simple](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SimpleWeddingIdeas-EtherSmith.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=896bddc047f7d583fba9dabeffb0f34b 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SimpleWeddingIdeas-EtherSmith.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=8ba0673e4e6d5a51a6be9daf97d5cea8 190w)
9 Ways To Keep Your Wedding Simple
If you're hoping to have a relatively fuss-free wedding, might we suggest you follow the G-rated version of our favorite acronym, K.I.S.S.—aka "Keep it simple, sister!" Here are 9 ways to keep your wedding as simple as can be.
![6 Ideas for your Industrial Wedding Arch](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/IndustrialWeddingArches-MaggieBradshawPhoto.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=cefd7a7382719fd554ec5ea503de3621 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/IndustrialWeddingArches-MaggieBradshawPhoto.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=ce976be46079f97107146370b7e40a1c 190w)
6 Ideas for your Industrial Wedding Arch
One element that will take your industrial venue from drab to fab? A killer wedding ceremony arch. So we've put together 6 ideas—and lots of photos—to help inspire yours.
![The Ultimate Elopement Checklist](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/ElopementChecklist-SevlynnPhotography.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=8a5799dee6da9a02e24aa7cff0af2b68 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/ElopementChecklist-SevlynnPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=e3f00b6dcc6199508d8d93905f592704 190w)
The Ultimate Elopement Checklist
Although an elopement has fewer moving parts than a large wedding, there's still some advance planning you'll want to do. Why? Because despite the simpler process, there are plenty of important things you won't want to forget! To help get you straight to your happily-ever-after with as little stress as possible, we've put together this Elopement Checklist.
![Plus-Size Wedding Dresses](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/PlusSizeWeddingDresses-TheiaCurve.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=9be4f6088ce1cb24fc748e06d10f52fe 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/PlusSizeWeddingDresses-TheiaCurve.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=cda69f26bc8b7398019acd697d1ea040 190w)
Plus-Size Wedding Dresses
A long-neglected segment of the bridal market is finally coming into its own: Plus-Size Wedding Dresses. We're giving you our best plus-size bridal gown shopping tips, as well as a list of plus-size wedding dress designers we love.
![5 Ways To Keep Your Wedding Guests Entertained](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingGuestEntertainmentIdeas-TexasWeddingMinisters.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=00bb38a593eb125b6215e9e2283719e7 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingGuestEntertainmentIdeas-TexasWeddingMinisters.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=5e85f86af4dbb41eff79542df7a8df7c 190w)
5 Ways To Keep Your Wedding Guests Entertained
Besides tying the knot, the ultimate wedding goal is making sure everyone has a blast. But between saying "I do" and cutting the cake, there's a lot of time to fill! Sitting at a table all night is no one's idea of a good time, so we've listed 5 ways to avoid awkward gaps and entertain your guests all wedding long.
![9 Gorgeous Garden Wedding Ideas](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/GardenWeddingIdeas-AliciaSwedenborg.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=a52684942ea9fbfbc7d76b214868820c 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/GardenWeddingIdeas-AliciaSwedenborg.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=dec5ad41c4167b37789b223cf9400dbe 190w)
9 Gorgeous Garden Wedding Ideas
With colorful flowers and verdant foliage as the backdrop, it's no wonder garden weddings are so romantic. To help inspire your botanic vision and make your big day unique to you, here are 9 gorgeous garden wedding ideas.
![Wedding Ceremony + Reception: Same Place or Two Different Venues?](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SamePlaceWeddingVenue-GriffinHouseOnTheColumbiaRiverGorge.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=3614a97e90779194f84861a591081a41 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SamePlaceWeddingVenue-GriffinHouseOnTheColumbiaRiverGorge.jpeg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=ca8464014c46f34ae7c8ad90c41876a2 190w)
Wedding Ceremony + Reception: Same Place or Two Different Venues?
All-in-one venues are preferred for the obvious reason: It's so much easier! And while booking two different venues may involve a bit more effort, sometimes it's the only way to get exactly what you want. So...should you commit to one wedding venue for both your ceremony and reception, or do you book two?
![7 Ideas for your Outdoor Wedding Arch](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/OutdoorWeddingArches-VictorSizemore.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=00f30cbc9bc6e0e62915bbaffbdf936f 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/OutdoorWeddingArches-VictorSizemore.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=c934ece7bf6aa48ec910048d78b98549 190w)
7 Ideas for your Outdoor Wedding Arch
When you get married in the great outdoors, Mother Nature is basically your floral designer. But one décor item you may want to splurge on? A killer wedding ceremony arch. We've put together 7 ideas (and 22 gorgeous photos!) to help inspire yours.
![Tips for Planning a Budget-Friendly Small Wedding](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/BudgetFriendlySmallWeddingIdeas-CassieCastellaw.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=5c0b6e32ec8744a3994a4692f72cd260 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/BudgetFriendlySmallWeddingIdeas-CassieCastellaw.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=b03be0b6134a17ff144a5df14032a8ff 190w)
Tips for Planning a Budget-Friendly Small Wedding
Long guest list, grand ballroom, and an endless number of dollar signs not your thing? We don't blame you! Here are 5 ways to keep your wedding—and the final bill!—on the smaller side.
![7 Wedding Day Tips You Probably Haven't Thought Of](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingDayTipsHaventThoughtOf-JonathanConnolly.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=70b02d32caad20a38a41d3cc5e203102 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingDayTipsHaventThoughtOf-JonathanConnolly.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=dcf41d86e43d78f561fc1fb1725b3dd9 190w)
7 Wedding Day Tips You Probably Haven't Thought Of
The guest count is finalized, you've picked up your wedding bands, and your unsigned marriage license is in your hot little hands. Yet you can't help but wonder: "Am I forgetting something?" Here are 7 wedding-day tips you probably didn't think of. From the gals who've been there, done that.
![It's Complicated: Social Media and Your Wedding](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingSocialMedia-KenKienow.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=1e641641523022e2d718f67b6b7d9fa6 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingSocialMedia-KenKienow.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=cb0861f6609180a29807b82055fbee1c 190w)
It's Complicated: Social Media and Your Wedding
It goes without saying that social media is a HUGE part of everyday life. But when it comes to your own Big Day, how much is too much? We've put together a guide for perfecting the art of social media before, during, and after your wedding festivities.
![Spooky-Chic: How To Have A Stylish Halloween Wedding](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/HalloweenWeddingIdeas-JamiLaree.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=04272a0fd54801e18850a4af5988e5ce 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/HalloweenWeddingIdeas-JamiLaree.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=c1ccac15427341fc68ff2a8f8b7197ba 190w)
Spooky-Chic: How To Have A Stylish Halloween Wedding
For the scary movie-loving couple who embraces originality, a wedding that takes place on or around Halloween is the perfect way to indulge your unearthly sensibilities. But gone are the days of taking the theme so literally! Check out these ideas for hosting an elegant Halloween wedding.
![The Nuts and Bolts of Planning an Industrial-Chic Wedding](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/IndustrialChicWeddingIdeas-RobertEvansStudios.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=0d8139d3c90f53c1cabaf07369db2ccf 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/IndustrialChicWeddingIdeas-RobertEvansStudios.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=b35012e0077f06168e9b2f4420c32864 190w)
The Nuts and Bolts of Planning an Industrial-Chic Wedding
A throwback to the industrial revolution, this style mixes unrefined structures with sleek, contemporary design. If the industrial-chic style speaks to you, click here for 5 tips on achieving that elegantly edgy look.
![19 Engagement Photo Ideas That Rock Our Socks Off](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/EngagementPhotoIdeas-ESchmidtPhotography.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=b1c23cb6b06604a17907a8273e5128bb 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/EngagementPhotoIdeas-ESchmidtPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=2d21df6fdbb9aa230f6212672a05ede8 190w)
19 Engagement Photo Ideas That Rock Our Socks Off
Are you looking for unique photo ideas for your engagement session? Look no further—these couples nailed it. Here are 19 engagement photo ideas that rock our socks off.
![Everything You Need To Know About Summer Weddings](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SummerWeddingIdeas-WychmereBeachClub.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=6ab451797e829d6412515c4d1bbe9ace 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SummerWeddingIdeas-WychmereBeachClub.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=41308975028030920be9917df5659718 190w)
Everything You Need To Know About Summer Weddings
School's out, vacations are planned, and awkward tan lines are popping up everywhere. It's summertime! But, before you opt for a summer wedding, read our guide to find out what's in season, what's in vogue, and what to take into consideration.
![Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/QuestionsToAskWeddingVenue01-HavenAtTomales.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=e2f42ccb81c0986d479071a82fffbeb1 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/QuestionsToAskWeddingVenue01-HavenAtTomales.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=b895aa5780046069b38dc33585d3e20c 190w)
Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue
Need to whittle down your wedding venue options? Here are 50 questions to ask during your site visits! Ask the ones that apply to you and get *everything* in writing in your final contract. We even have a printable PDF version that you can 3-hole punch and stick in your wedding binder.
![Questions to Ask a Private Estate Wedding Venue](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/QuestionsToAskPrivateEstateWeddingVenue-LymanEstate.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=b5502a044bbcf9d26b0fc6f5b01d6dc8 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/QuestionsToAskPrivateEstateWeddingVenue-LymanEstate.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=bf85368e553c768ee28dbdd35ffc622c 190w)
Questions to Ask a Private Estate Wedding Venue
We love the idea of a wedding at home. But did you ever consider getting married at someone else's home? With private estates, you can get married at your dream house—without actually having to own it. However, there are some unique considerations that come with booking a private estate for your wedding—which is why we've come up with this list of questions to ask!
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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