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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![27 Ridiculously Fun Wedding Ideas](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/FunWeddingIdeas-KristenWeaverPhotography.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=c8454a675b7e8cbae016881b34adb88b 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/FunWeddingIdeas-KristenWeaverPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=701c663b43a69de3e8b9ec6da96ae266 190w)
27 Ridiculously Fun Wedding Ideas
The main point of any wedding is for you and your partner to get married, right? But beyond that, it may also be the biggest party you'll ever throw! And when we think of the word "party," we think FUN.
![Get The Most Out of a Bridal Fair](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingShowTips-SanDiegoWeddingPartyExpo.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=85e4cf96cb2240813d9ffb2ddf0e6875 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingShowTips-SanDiegoWeddingPartyExpo.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=2496531b2c33a8dd90a68c22cdee4a5c 190w)
Get The Most Out of a Bridal Fair
When the euphoria of the engagement begins to fade, you're struck by a flutter of panic—“I need to plan the wedding!” Bridal fairs are actually the most convenient way to learn about a myriad of wedding options in one place! Here are some tips for making the most of attending one.
![Sanity-Saving Tips From A Bride Who Planned Her Wedding In 60 Days](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SanitySavingWeddingTips01-RyanGreenleafPhotography.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=4dda3653a51e30666197771ab986e372 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SanitySavingWeddingTips01-RyanGreenleafPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=dbbd2e257b0723c9f19d1ea922f66f3d 190w)
Sanity-Saving Tips From A Bride Who Planned Her Wedding In 60 Days
Whether you have a year to plan your wedding or you’re trying to organize a last-minute celebration, you don’t have to feel completely overwhelmed by the process. Here Comes The Guide staffer Shannon Montero planned her own wedding in 2 months flat—and here's how she did it.
![12 Tips for Planning a Multicultural Wedding](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/MulticulturalWeddings-MandyScottEvents.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=873506847ea0d2f228e9ef9d1882ae02 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/MulticulturalWeddings-MandyScottEvents.jpeg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=735d7e6765dbe97bc7fa21a158e6115d 190w)
12 Tips for Planning a Multicultural Wedding
Trying to plan a wedding is complicated enough, but add different religions, cultural customs, and traditional formalities into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a whole ‘nother layer of complexity! To help you navigate through it, we’ve come up with our Top 12 Tips For Planning A Multicultural Wedding.
![My Big Fat Multicultural Wedding](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/MulticulturalWeddings-AnaisEventPlanningAndDesign.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=030fd5b6b6c07083193fdf40b51e07be 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/MulticulturalWeddings-AnaisEventPlanningAndDesign.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=557580fafe8db9e8729899f1a0853901 190w)
My Big Fat Multicultural Wedding
My father is Middle Eastern, my mother hails from Louisiana’s Cajun country, and I’m proud to say that both cultures have always been an integral part of who I am. We’re also Texans, so that means we all can whip up a mean barbecue, too. When I became engaged to Jon, who has Nordic and German roots, we just sprinkled a few more ingredients into our family’s melting pot.
![Rethinking Rehearsal Dinners](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/RehearsalDinnerIdeas01-IcicleVillageResort_2022-09-19-150826_izxv.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=8b3ecc2ffb7a81406e8e02100d70932b 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/RehearsalDinnerIdeas01-IcicleVillageResort_2022-09-19-150826_izxv.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=5a01aac2de1e8c978a87f716b4d26a31 190w)
Rethinking Rehearsal Dinners
Instead of making it an extension of the wedding, consider the rehearsal dinner a chance to host an event that's fresh and unexpected. Here are 9 ways to make your rehearsal dinner an epic event in its own right.
![Wedding Inspiration Overload? Organize your Pins!](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/HowToOrganizeWeddingPins-BesoEvents.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=c029c6ada1103c995954038895b03fd0 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/HowToOrganizeWeddingPins-BesoEvents.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=069278b7fb562387936b4c3d055ca4eb 190w)
Wedding Inspiration Overload? Organize your Pins!
Let’s hit the pause button on the endless wedding inspiration obsession, and do something that’s more productive—what I like to call “purposeful pinning.” This Pinterest strategy streamlines your focus, reduces idea overload, and helps you zero in on your most authentic couple style.
![Protect Your Wedding: Get it in Writing](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingContracts-GetItInWriting.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=1803bd55e4eb37b121029b0f90026068 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingContracts-GetItInWriting.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=241badc32d3be30690edc150767c8435 190w)
Protect Your Wedding: Get it in Writing
We don’t have to tell you that planning a wedding is never simple. There are so many grey areas to navigate: Ecru or bright white wedding dress? Buttercream or fondant on the cake? DJ or live band for entertainment? We could go on…That said, there is one aspect of your wedding that should be as clear as black & white: the contracts you sign.
![This Little Wedding Invitation Secret Will Save Your Sanity](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingInvitationTip-BesoEvents.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=cd9f1d0d9b19290a7dc8c4c347bf442b 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingInvitationTip-BesoEvents.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=ba974058aa4fdecddea723669ddb9780 190w)
This Little Wedding Invitation Secret Will Save Your Sanity
Getting ready to send out your wedding invitations? Here’s a little secret for you to help you keep your sanity once those responses start rolling in...
![Shhh...Private Estate Wedding Secrets](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/PrivateEstateSecrets-HummingbirdNestRanch.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=f4f11930e7dc561c888ba00d8da07a50 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/PrivateEstateSecrets-HummingbirdNestRanch.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=ade720de104a45f979cfc495d47770ef 190w)
Shhh...Private Estate Wedding Secrets
Whether it’s on a faraway tropical island, at a secluded wine country villa or at a seaside manse, weddings at signature private properties top the charts for couples tying the knot—and we’re not just talking about celebrities.
![7 Extras You Might Need for Your Private Estate Wedding](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/PrivateEstateWeddingVenues-Payne-CorleyHouse.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=84cb0109ef683c053c44412db9e8233c 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/PrivateEstateWeddingVenues-Payne-CorleyHouse.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=ac373ee999d13c5b83ef0d1e13e23b30 190w)
7 Extras You Might Need for Your Private Estate Wedding
You’ve visited a lot of potential wedding venues, and the private estate you’re considering for your Big Day has it all: it’s gorgeous, romantic, and, of course, totally private—truly your dream location! However, while it’s great to get swept away by the beauty of the place, make sure you’re aware of all the extras you’ll need to provide to turn your vision into reality.
![A Crafty Way to Ask Your Bridal Party to Stand Up With You](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/CraftyWayToAskBridesmaids.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=de2ecb994035d0b48b14c4c5c3a6ed92 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/CraftyWayToAskBridesmaids.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=2b09d1f56f11ff74fd774f28ff448172 190w)
A Crafty Way to Ask Your Bridal Party to Stand Up With You
I’m a lover of all things DIY, and a graphic designer with a teensy addiction to paper crafting. And I’m also a bride, so naturally I’m incorporating my obsession into my wedding details. Here's the creative DIY way we asked our bridesmaids and groomsmen to stand up with us at our wedding.
![Wedding Food Donations](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingFoodDonations-PatinaCatering.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=a8604f8ae44ff5be428871a38e4b50fa 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingFoodDonations-PatinaCatering.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=96d5a8089260d365c7bfb1ea5036694b 190w)
Wedding Food Donations
Weddings often generate recyclable materials and leftover food that the bride and groom don’t want to take home. Nowadays, you and the caterer can feel good by donating the excess, and recycling plastic bottles, glass, metal and paper. An added benefit is that food donations are tax deductible for either you or the caterer.
![Behind the Scenes at a Wedding Dress Trunk Show](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingDressTrunkShows.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=408ec78eef2dab5b8d5fc3703f0c4db7 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingDressTrunkShows.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=50c081c39c900cbb2bb014f3296ec03c 190w)
Behind the Scenes at a Wedding Dress Trunk Show
Next to playing with my dogs and sharing a chocolate soufflé with my husband, browsing wedding dresses is one of my favorite pastimes. Are you with me on this? I thought so. Then believe me when I say that one of the best ways to indulge your fashion passion is by attending a wedding dress trunk show.
![It's A Nice Day For A Green Wedding: Advice for the Eco-Conscious Couple](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/GreenWeddings-KateWhelanEvents.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=2bce91c6fbb8a5817a0506ae89a74da4 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/GreenWeddings-KateWhelanEvents.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=0420e93c1581b589059e479a9b9617dd 190w)
It's A Nice Day For A Green Wedding: Advice for the Eco-Conscious Couple
When it comes to preserving Planet Earth, everyone wants to do the right thing. But when it comes to planning the Big Day, we worry that being environmentally correct will mean sacrificing our cherished wedding vision. Luckily, you no longer have to wrestle with your conscience to have a celebration that is both beautiful and "green."
![Hiring Wedding Professionals Pays Off](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/HiringWeddingProfessionalsPaysOff-WillmusWeddings.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=e26956103529c1df1024910dfcc79ed5 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/HiringWeddingProfessionalsPaysOff-WillmusWeddings.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=4f890289e42860cd1f54e5755fc03981 190w)
Hiring Wedding Professionals Pays Off
Yes, you will save money by hiring the cheapest vendors you can find or doing things yourself. But the old adage, “You get what you pay for,” really comes into play here. Skimp on services and you could end up paying a big price anyway. We give you all the reasons hiring seasoned wedding professionals pays off, plus tips for finding the right vendors for your wedding.
![Brides Want To Know: Do We Have To Split The Guest List Fifty-Fifty?](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/DestinationGuestList-MBWeddingDesign.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=3c2bb9de39a889f3338308da40d03aee 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/DestinationGuestList-MBWeddingDesign.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=3ecc5f6ea5c33a7296c8c67dc4a61816 190w)
Brides Want To Know: Do We Have To Split The Guest List Fifty-Fifty?
Dear Here Comes The Guide: We are planning a fairly upscale and costly wedding for our daughter. It is a destination wedding for our guests, but more local for the groom side. Therefore, our guests are not as likely to attend as the groom side. Do we have to split the guest list fifty-fifty? What is the norm?
![Your Out-of-Town Wedding Guests](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/OutofTownGuests-WeddingWelcomeBags.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=1e79b47465185d7986b6e8949694e139 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/OutofTownGuests-WeddingWelcomeBags.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=a66de1ab72a6d79883f0964d2ab1ce66 190w)
Your Out-of-Town Wedding Guests
One of the most endearing aspects of your wedding is how loved ones come together from the four corners of the world to celebrate. By adding a few thoughtful details to your wedding festivities, you can return the favor and make your out-of-towners feel like VIPs.
![Brides Want To Know: Destination Wedding Thank-You Notes](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/DestinationWeddingThankYouNotes-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=7eff515c6bf79d2cd58de560a63c6d37 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/DestinationWeddingThankYouNotes-Minted.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=6296c7bfc58669a17283b02d29957014 190w)
Brides Want To Know: Destination Wedding Thank-You Notes
Dear Here Comes The Guide: I had a destination wedding. Should I send a thank-you note to those guests that came to the wedding, but did not buy us a gift?
![Brides Want To Know: Destination Wedding Etiquette—Who Pays?](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WhoPaysDestinationWedding-MontereyTidesHotel.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=04a945ebf9d879e3c632445115d39533 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WhoPaysDestinationWedding-MontereyTidesHotel.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=4f2cf4d1835cacd58abed77733f5b117 190w)
Brides Want To Know: Destination Wedding Etiquette—Who Pays?
Dear Here Comes The Guide: My fiance and I are considering a destination wedding somewhere in California. We aren’t sure what the expectations are in terms of covering the costs of our guests. Also, what do you think is the best place for a California destination wedding?
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