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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![39 Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/QuestionsToAskWeddingPhotographer-ApolloFotografie.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=3a720e2c420de7365e048659dd89734b 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/QuestionsToAskWeddingPhotographer-ApolloFotografie.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=ee1f2c9938a3e58386b30a7b021a7487 190w)
39 Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer
You've put so much time and effort into planning your wedding you'll want every special moment captured in photos. But how do you know which photographer is right for you? Bottom line, you need to do your homework. Here are the questions you should ask those photographers who've made your shortlist.
![The Ultimate Wedding Budget Checklist](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingBudgetChecklist01-SaguaroScottsdale.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=42b8458bed373da1e0962dc8d96917e9 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingBudgetChecklist01-SaguaroScottsdale.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=9dd55ad123c359882888f4ef2ed03a66 190w)
The Ultimate Wedding Budget Checklist
Here it is: The Ultimate Wedding Budget Checklist with a full breakdown of potential wedding expenses. This comprehensive list includes the items most weddings entail, as well as the "typical" percentage of your budget you may want to reserve for each one. Yes, we're slightly Type-A.
![Everything You Need To Know About Spring Weddings](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SpringWeddingIdeas-Serendipity.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=cc5bc8560d280f26acb63109a214dea6 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SpringWeddingIdeas-Serendipity.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=b657d0e3c9c314b58910398b564dbf8b 190w)
Everything You Need To Know About Spring Weddings
The birds are chirping, temperatures are rising, and you can finally order iced coffee without feeling judged. But, before you opt for a springtime wedding, read our guide to find out what's in season, what's in vogue, and what to take into consideration.
![90-Day Wedding Planning Checklist](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/90DayWeddingPlanningChecklist.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=347b8e8e24337bbb9f24721bd6140615 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/90DayWeddingPlanningChecklist.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=afbc71af31a9c85b3facda131cf86ba1 190w)
90-Day Wedding Planning Checklist
You've heard of the hit TV show "90 Day Fiancé", but what happens when that time crunch applies to your wedding? Whatever your reason for expediting your nuptials, we've got you covered with our incredibly efficient 90-Day Wedding Planning Checklist!
![Newly Engaged? Here's How To Start Planning A Wedding](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/Just-Engaged_KatherineSalvatori.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=32ae3e3edcd1dce71480b55670fb82af 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/Just-Engaged_KatherineSalvatori.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=bdf111b0025129b21a1bca227eb83e89 190w)
Newly Engaged? Here's How To Start Planning A Wedding
Newly engaged? Sweet! Congrats on your engagement! Wondering what comes next? We've put together 7 simple steps to get you started with your wedding planning. Consider this your Wedding Planning Starter Kit.
![You said YES! How To Announce Your Engagement](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/Engagement-Announcement_DemiMabryPhotography.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=c96e68653b0157df3226e283f233d433 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/Engagement-Announcement_DemiMabryPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=5c62e2c0234044e13ccab913ea7046f0 190w)
You said YES! How To Announce Your Engagement
You said YES! And now you want to shout it from the rooftops! We totally get it. Here's how to announce your engagement to the world. Hint: Social media is not the first step!
![Everything You Need To Know About Winter Weddings](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WinterWeddingIdeas-AinsleyRose.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=5615c6523fe0ce2c9be6c872291d007b 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WinterWeddingIdeas-AinsleyRose.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=6967916201ae67037a0eaa568717b8bb 190w)
Everything You Need To Know About Winter Weddings
Some say winter's the most wonderful time of the year and, if you agree, it may be the wedding season for you. But, before you opt for a Winter Wonderland wedding, read our guide to discover what's in season, what's in vogue, and what to take into consideration.
![10 Ways To Have A Charitable Wedding](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/CharitableWeddingIdeas2_Morris-Arboretum.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=f33d1c05e4918305e0f02a5663be4f8f 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/CharitableWeddingIdeas2_Morris-Arboretum.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=33d5e4c68936163585aa256a1958f0e2 190w)
10 Ways To Have A Charitable Wedding
There are thousands of details (and dollars) that go into hosting a wedding. But luckily, there are just as many opportunities to give back! We list 10 Ways To Have A Charitable Wedding, ensuring your wedding investment will have a far-reaching impact.
![Affordable Wedding Invitations That Look Like A Million Bucks](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/AffordableWeddingInvitations-Minted.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=80f8812e20d2185957bcdf7b752a0757 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/AffordableWeddingInvitations-Minted.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=77981a1a7fcc0f1af090b9593e3a31dc 190w)
Affordable Wedding Invitations That Look Like A Million Bucks
The wedding planning struggle is real. You want your wedding to be chic AF, but you don't exactly have a sky-high budget. Luckily, even the most cash-strapped couples can now get designer-quality wedding invitations with Minted!
![A Wedding Planning Gratitude List](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/GratefulWedding_JessicaBurkePhotography.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=78865675fdfcc71969c69ca4f7b420ac 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/GratefulWedding_JessicaBurkePhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=e318896d0fe1f33c60a56437e0fd9112 190w)
A Wedding Planning Gratitude List
Besides your fine fiancé, there are lots of things to be thankful for during wedding planning. Here's a short list, and we totally advocate coming up with some of your own.
![5 Things To Consider Before You Elope](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/HowToElope03-ManaliAnnePhotography.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=7a0c91b79b916784ee7be60fd9077469 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/HowToElope03-ManaliAnnePhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=865bc8e0c0d8f244a96762b9f4603475 190w)
5 Things To Consider Before You Elope
So you've decided to elope. Smart choice! However, even though this day is all about the two of you, there are still some things to consider and etiquette guidelines to follow. Read our Top 5 Things To Consider Before You Elope.
![Wedding Thank-You Notes: A Small Thing That's a Big Deal](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingThankYouNoteEtiquette.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=b02b35216441a165663ad84890afbc59 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingThankYouNoteEtiquette.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=708ea0659dae589bcd61ae961502022a 190w)
Wedding Thank-You Notes: A Small Thing That's a Big Deal
Wedding thank-you notes take mere minutes to write, but can mean the world to your guests. But what's the traditional etiquette for thank-you notes, and the best timeline for sending them out? Read on, friend. We've got the scoop on sending out your thank-you notes in a timely (and personalized!) manner.
![Wish for a Better Guest Book](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingWishTree1.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=ca489bf8aa05876dca569669a2a2e38d 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingWishTree1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=878cbbbd683a00f59d214b697ab94a8d 190w)
Wish for a Better Guest Book
Tired of the traditional guest books? Mix it up with a Wedding Wish Tree! We show you exactly how this DIY project is done. So grab your bridesmaids and get to DIY-ing this show-stopping wedding centerpiece.
![How To Find Your Wedding Style](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/FindYourWeddingStyle-TaglyanComplex.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=7fecd66ad1172dcc18ce8e8c2cad6987 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/FindYourWeddingStyle-TaglyanComplex.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=c18a2e01dee4c9d25016090255a0e97d 190w)
How To Find Your Wedding Style
What exactly is a "Wedding Style" you ask? Well, in the simplest of terms, it's what you and your partner want your wedding to look and feel like. Your wedding style helps you refine your focus and cut through the wedding-inspiration noise. It's important to choose one, but how do you do it? We’ve listed the 6 most popular wedding styles so you can get a sense of what speaks to you.
![14 Ways To Make Your Wedding Guests Happy](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/HappyWeddingGuests_TaraMcMullenPhotography.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=93135da9253042fc08029a014f1d7ddd 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/HappyWeddingGuests_TaraMcMullenPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=18f81c8dcc6d15e36dd7a75ad523a562 190w)
14 Ways To Make Your Wedding Guests Happy
Wanna make your guests feel like they just attended the wedding of the year? It doesn't take a huge budget—just some simple considerations to ensure your nearest and dearest are well taken care of, comfortable and happy! Here are 14 things guests secretly want from a wedding.
![Should We Have A Small Wedding?](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SmallWeddingTips-FocusPhotography.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=6ddaf3a4dbfc95eb267cc63b5e108459 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SmallWeddingTips-FocusPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=264e0cf6ae4aeb115f4ac42121f7db3e 190w)
Should We Have A Small Wedding?
After toying with the idea of going a more traditional wedding route, my now-husband and I went with our gut and decided to have a small (read: tiny) wedding. But the decision wasn't easy. I must have googled "Should I have a small wedding?" dozens of times before actually committing. Should YOU have a small wedding? Read the top reasons why you just might want to consider it.
![How To Donate Your Wedding Flowers](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/HowToDonateWeddingFlowers_NancyLiuChin.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=07493a3db6073301927790ca39c7d39f 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/HowToDonateWeddingFlowers_NancyLiuChin.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=38dc97eeb846190e86f97e9ac0920780 190w)
How To Donate Your Wedding Flowers
After the festivities are over, what’s the plan for your wedding flowers? Sure, you can always encourage your guests to take the centerpieces home, but you’ll probably be left with more flowers than you know what to do with. Instead of throwing those pretty petals into the trash, why not make the generous choice to donate them to a great cause?
![8 Items That Probably Aren't On Your Wedding Registry, But Should Be!](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingRegistryTips-EvanRichPhotography.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=c4ce0add82da343adafe02a85c972756 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingRegistryTips-EvanRichPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=b217977a68ad14861f7880515998e07f 190w)
8 Items That Probably Aren't On Your Wedding Registry, But Should Be!
It's interesting how once you're engaged you immediately feel the pressure to register for wedding gifts. Yet when you're at Bed, Bath and Beyond with scanner gun in hand, you may start wondering, "Will we really use this stuff?" We hear you. Here's our list of 8 practical items that probably aren't on your wedding registry, but should be!
![Our Love Affair with Kendra Scott’s Color Bar](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/KendraScottColorBar-WeddingJewelry.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=1acb990989989b775ad6715b49ee7996 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/KendraScottColorBar-WeddingJewelry.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=fd49d043c1a9b3266c0cca19d64b50f0 190w)
Our Love Affair with Kendra Scott’s Color Bar
Recently three of us Guide Gals walked into a bar… No, not that kind of bar (not this time, anyway). It was Kendra Scott’s Color Bar! A place where bridal parties can go crazy with jewelry customization. Perfect if you want to ensure your bridesmaids will wear their pieces long after your wedding day.
![Why Is Wedding Planning So Stressful?](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WhyIsWeddingPlanningStressful-KatForsyth.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=dcb6eca8b1e49f1f453e4642ef12f495 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WhyIsWeddingPlanningStressful-KatForsyth.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=d5e3ed24268ea51a9447a726534dbb0f 190w)
Why Is Wedding Planning So Stressful?
Weddings look so shiny and pretty from the outside. But once you’re knee-deep in the nitty gritty world of wedding planning, reality sets in. But gather yourself together, because we’ve compiled the top 5 logistical reasons wedding planning is so dang difficult, along with some resources to make the process just a bit easier on 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