The Right (and Wrong) Way to Share Your Wedding Registry
Photo Credit: Etsy
Photo Credit: Etsy
Guest blogger: Allison Silber, founder and creative director for engagedandinspired.com. Engaged & Inspired is a wedding publication for crafty brides who strive to fill their wedding day with loads of personality. The team of real brides post about the highs and lows of wedding planning and what it takes to pull off their big day. Aside from running Engaged & Inspired, Allison also offers planning and design services to the Carmel Valley area.
Tipping is supposed to act as a reward, so you don't need to consider it a mandatory expense. Tips are meant to be given for excellent service or for vendors who go above and beyond their contracted duties. Before dishing out gratuity, check your contracts. Some vendors, especially venues and catering companies, will include it in their contract to help eliminate confusion.
Here is a complete guide to which vendors you should tip (and how much!) on your wedding day.
Photo Credit: Wren Photography
We love the unique angle of this playful photo!
Lovka Photography/Event Planner: Harriette Rose Katz
We love the unique shape of this glam centerpiece!
Instead of sending guests home with trinkets that'll likely sit around collecting dust, give them a treat they won't be able to resist digging into. We taste-tested dozens of ideas to find the best bets for your wedding. Here, check out 25 crowd-pleasing favorites.
By: Kristen Klein
These bride and groom caramel apples by Mrs. Prindables are almost too gorgeous to eat – but once you do, you won’t regret it! The bride is dressed with white chocolate, while the groom is cloaked in a dark and white chocolate tuxedo.
These may look like your standard cookies, but they’re so much more — these soft-baked morsels by The Cravory are available in deliciously unique flavors, like cookies & cream milkshake, salted caramel cream, and pancakes & bacon.
End the night with a toast! Customize these VOGA mini sparkling wine bottles with favor tags and ribbons that match your color palette.
Infused olive oils are one of those little indulgences that most people wouldn’t think to buy for themselves — which makes it a perfect favor. Round Pond features unique blends, like blood orange, as well as traditional favorites, like garlic, basil, and lemon pepper.
Your favorite childhood treat has gone gourmet — Treat House's rice krispie treats are infused with flavors like caramel sea salt, chocolate mint, cookies and cream, and even bubblegum. Their pastry chef can also create a custom flavor just for you.
A yummy blend of dark chocolate, white chocolate, and dried strawberries, these chocolate-covered strawberries by Marich offer a unique twist on the old favorite.
Keep the party going with mini bottles of flavored Pinnacle vodka — the cake flavor is a classic pick for a wedding. Or try a seasonal option: caramel apple for fall, peppermint bark for winter, tropical punch for spring, or cotton candy for summer.
Each melt-in-your-mouth caramel by Good Karmal is wrapped with a personalized “fortune,” which can include your names, wedding date, a themed graphic, and a meaningful quote. Flavors include vanilla, sea salt, chocolate sea salt, caramel apple, café caramel, and chipotle. Each favor box includes two caramels and will be customized to your liking, making it easy to find the right fit for your theme.
KIND bars give your guests a touch of sweetness without the guilt. Choose a flavor that coordinates with your wedding color palette, or opt for a wide variety and let each guest choose his or her own on the way out.
Place an arrangement of these cute rose pops by Edward Marc Chocolatier in the center of each table, and let guests choose from milk, dark, or white-chocolate flavors.
For a favor that your guest won’t feel at all guilty about indulging in during their car ride home, go for single-serving ice cream cups by eCreamery! Create your own custom blend from over 40 flavors and 30 mix-ins, and give it a special name that reflects your wedding theme.
After a night filled with fried appetizers, indulgent entrees, and an abundance of sweets, your guests may appreciate taking home a healthy snack. These apples by Fun to Eat Fruit can be imprinted with the design of your choice, plus a thank-you message on the back.
What could be better than a midnight breakfast? These one-of-a-kind mini bagels by Bantam Bagels are pre-filled with cream cheese or butter, and you can choose from a ton of creative flavors, whether you prefer sweet — like French Toast (cinnamon nutmeg egg bagel filled with maple syrup cream cheese) — or savory — like The Hangover (cheddar cheese egg bagel filled with bacon cheddar cream cheese). Based in NYC with shipping available to select states.
This might be the most enticing wedding menu we’ve ever seen… because it’s made of chocolate! Guests will love this surprise, created by Donnie Brown, when they sit down for dinner.
Bourbon-infused truffles invoke an old-world feel; these deliciously-balanced chocolates by Art Eatables will please even non-drinkers.
Chocolate-covered toffee is always a big hit. Each box of B. Toffee is filled with 4 ounces of delectable milk or dark chocolate toffee. Customize your favors by choosing your box color, ribbon type and color, and creating a personalized label.
Fannie May's delicious Pixie box of pecan caramel clusters, coated in milk chocolate, make for a truly satisfying treat.
Not only are Fannie May's FM Artisan chocolates absolutely beautiful, but they’re also available in a ton of unique flavors, like birthday cake, double shot espresso, candy apple, and bourbon vanilla.
Guests are often so full by the end of the night that the wedding cake remains practically untouched. But you can still end the night on a sweet note by sending them home with this adorable cake-in-a-jar favor by Cakes for Occasions.
These sweet tiered cookies by Cakes for Occasions can be customized to match your wedding cake! Each stacked cookie cake is packaged with a personalized label.
Chocolate-covered Oreos will bring back happy childhood memories for your guests; these sophisticated versions by Edward Marc Chocolatier are dressed up with pretty candy hearts.
These aren’t your ordinary macarons — Dana’s Bakery gives the traditional French delicacy an American twist by using familiar flavors, like peanut butter and jelly, red velvet, and cookie dough. Choose your favorites, or simply choose the flavor that best matches your color palette – they’re all delicious!
With chocolate this rich, you don’t need more than two! Personalize your Delysia chocolates with your monogram or logo.
Turn a traditional bar of chocolate into an incredible custom candy! Choose from white, milk, dark, or bittersweet chocolate — or create your own blend. Each slab by Delysia is stamped with the design of your choice and packaged in a white box with a coordinating ribbon.
The Cookie Joint's cookies are shaped like French fries and even come with “condiments” like salted caramel, marshmallow, and chocolate for dipping — how genius is that? Cookie flavors include shortbread, chocolate chip, double chocolate chip, cinnamon spice, and chocolate toffee crunch.
Brides tend to get very creative when it comes to photos with their bridal parties, but in terms of family wedding photos, they normally keep it traditional. If you want something a bit more dynamic than the formal standing portrait, there are lots of easy ways to switch things up. You’ll end up with more personal and fun photos to remember your special day with. Get inspiration from these unique family wedding photos.
By: Heather Cichowski
This creative shot incorporates everyone: your parents, his parents, and your entire bridal party. It’s worth seeking out a unique frame like this one prior to the big day — it makes the photo look that much more stunning.
Photo Credit: Michele Graves Photography
If either of you already have children, there will undoubtedly be plenty of emotional moments with the kids on your big day. This photo perfectly captures one tender family moment.
Photo Credit: Popography
Turn your family wedding portraits into a scene by making the most of your location. This couple and their family made their portrait look like a candid street scene shot, albeit a very stylish one.
Photo Credit: Babb Photo
Who says that all family wedding portraits have to be oh-so-serious? Add some fun into yours with some silly poses. This group made use of a low brick wall by pretending to fall off it.
Photo Credit: Snappy Shots by Bev
There will be lots of photos you will want to take with your mom. Try taking a candid group shot with her, your new mother-in-law, and your sister.
Photo Credit: Popography
Stick with the traditional standing set up, but make it more unique by allowing everyone to do their own pose. Make sure you have a good one for yourself. You are the bridal, after all.
Photo Credit: Brooke Limperis Photography
Speak with your photographer about posed portraits, but make it clear you’d like a few candid ones, too. This seated family portrait is less formal than a standing one. Plus, if you're involving little ones in your wedding, it's practically inevitable that they'll have meltdowns at some point – and those unexpected moments are the ones that'll make you laugh later.
Photo Credit: Red Trolley Studio
Most of your wedding photos will express love, but have one that says it — literally. These light-up letters create an interesting composition and give the photo a unique light. The cheering poses suit the carefree beach wedding.
Photo Credit: Juan Euan Photography
The majority of family wedding portraits are taken in the daytime. Shooting your photos at night immediately gives them a dreamy feel. Have each family member hold a sparkler for more of a romantic touch.
Photo Credit: DeAnn Mitchell Photography
“Who does the groom belong to? Us!” This is a fun tug of war shot that would work with any number of “teams.” You can try his family versus your family, or male relatives versus female relatives.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Henson Photos
Here, it's all about the clever camera angles. The photographer has managed to simultaneously capture the bride and her parents’ proud expressions while remaining hidden from the shot.
Photo Credit: Roberto Falck Photography
Everyone is going to be swooning over you and your groom kissing, so why not capture it on film? When you look at this photo, you want to say, “Awww,” along with everyone else.
Photo Credit: Nicole Nichols Photography
If you don’t want to stray too far from the traditional portrait, try adding in a couch for a more relaxed feel. This stunning white couch and the outdoor setting make for a gorgeous composition.
Photo Credit: Amy & Jordan
Emotions will be running high on your wedding morning. Get your photographer to snap a few candid shots of you, your mom and your sisters hugging as you get ready to walk down the aisle.
Photo Credit: Juan Euan Photography
An action shot is always more compelling than a static one. Have your family toss up multicolored streamers in the air when it comes time for the family portrait session.
Photo Credit: Babb Photo
There are endless combinations you can create with just one photo frame. Try having your mother and mother-in-law holding the frame on either side as you and your groom pose in the middle. You get two photos with one look when you’re the focus in one shot, and your mothers are the focus in the other.
Photo Credit: Smith Studios Photography
If you’re having a destination wedding, work the tropical theme into your photos. This family looked ready to hit the waves — even without surfboards.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mercado Photography
Capturing your family from high up is an easy way to get all of your relatives in. Plus, it gives you a fresh venue shot.
Photo Credit: Brittany Anderson Photography
Your wedding day is all about love — and not just between you and your new spouse. Express that in your photos by sharing a kissing photo with the two of your families.
Photo Credit: Eric Vest Photography
Simply switching where the photographer stands can create an entirely new effect. The photographer created a more intimate shot by capturing this family holding hands from behind.
Photo Credit: DeAnn Mitchell Photography
Sparklers are popular in wedding shots because they give photos a fairy tale quality. This clever couple had their family spell out “love.” If you have a big family, adjust what you’re going to spell accordingly.
Photo Credit: Revival Photography
Is there someone in your wedding party who is just as excited for your wedding day — if not more so — than you? Express that in the photo. The traditional standing photo gets a funny touch thanks to the bridesmaid who is crouching down with an expression of pure glee on her face.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Henson Photos
Who needs a dramatic archway when you have a bridge made up of your nearest and dearest’s hands? This fun low angle shot captures the bride and groom going under everyone’s arms.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mercado Photography
If you have a big family, it can be tricky trying to get everyone to fit in the frame of the photo. Forget the wide angle lens and take a less formal approach by having people crouch and kneel. Kids will be more than happy to sit in the grass.
Photo Credit: Brooke Limperis Photography
It can be difficult for little ones to stand still during family portrait sessions, so ask your photographer to take candid shots with them. You know there will be lots of hugging going on during your special day, so be sure to get a few shots of the loving embraces.
Photo Credit: Robin Shotola Photography
In this photo, it is the relatives who are the focus as opposed to the bride and groom. The happy couple is intentionally out of focus, while the teary-eyed family looks on from the window.
Photo Credit: Juan Euan Photography
Rain or shine, these umbrellas make for an interesting composition. Use them to block out rain or streetlight. Incorporate your family members by getting them to hold up the umbrellas for you.
Photo Credit: Jessi Marri Photography
This informal portrait shows that your family and your groom’s are now one big, happy family with the simple touch of a hand.
Photo Credit: Nicole Nichols Photography
Personalize your family wedding photos by working your destination into them. This couple got hitched at the beach, so they asked all of their relatives to be photographed in their sunglasses. Their surprised expressions add to the cuteness of the shot.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mercado Photography
Everyone wants to catch a glimpse of the happy couple. This clever portrait has the female relatives staring out the window at the bride and groom.
Photo Credit: Jessi Marri Photography
Ask your relatives to bring their own wedding photos on your big day, then have them hold the pics up during your family portrait. Complete the photo by holding a frame to create you and your groom’s wedding portrait instantly.
Photo Credit: Snappy Shots by Bev
Your photographer is going to be taking lots of pictures, but so will your guests. Combine the two by having your pro photog snap some shots of you and your relatives while they are posing for their own selfies.
Photo Credit: Everly Studios
When you’re traveling between venues, take advantage of the different scenes. This photo of the family walking down the street captures one of the quieter moments of the day.
Photo Credit: Babb Photo
Formal portraits can sometimes feel awkward, so do something fun. This bride showed off her rock to her impressed male relatives.
Photo Credit: Snappy Shots By Bev
Remember to make sure you take a few special shots with your parents. This lighthearted double kiss shot is a great idea to recreate for your own wedding album.
Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography
Hand gestures can say as much as facial expressions. Let everyone express how they’re feeling with a hand symbol. This bride flashed a peace sign. Some relatives gave thumbs up, while others threw their hands up in excitement.
Photo Credit: Brooke Limperis Photography
At first, this just looks like a traditional family wedding portrait. Then you realize what everyone is smiling so widely about — their blacked-out teeth.
Photo Credit: Katie Guth Photography
It’s your big day, so it only makes sense that you should be the one who stands out in your wedding photos. Express how you are feeling at the moment in your portrait session, like this stoked bride did.
Photo Credit: Snappy Shots by Bev
You and your grooms aren’t the only lovebirds. Express this with a photo of your parents kissing behind the beaming couple.
Photo Credit: Roberto Falck Photography
If you opted for a destination wedding, make the most of it in every photo. This family did by posing in lush palm trees for their family wedding portrait.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mercado Photography
One of the easiest ways to transform a traditional portrait is by adding some movement. Simply having everyone throw their arms up in the air will do the trick.
Photo Credit: Brooke Limperis Photography
Photos-within-photos always make for unique pictures. When you’re using a selfie stick, get your photographer to snap a pic, too. You’ll end up with two completely different photos from one pose.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Henson Photos
It isn’t just your groom who looks at you with eyes full of love. Express this in your photo by having your family gaze adoringly at you as opposed to looking into the camera.
Photo Credit: Nicole Nichols Photography
Hearts, peace signs, thumbs up, team hand signals. They all make for a more relaxed, intimate family portrait. Get your relatives to choose their favorites. However, make sure they keep it clean for at least some of the shots!
Photo Credit: Melissa Mercado Photography
This is a sweet shot of all three couples kissing. The frame around the bride and groom ensures that the adorable parents don’t steal all of the attention.
Photo Credit: Snappy Shots by Bev
Look for a location at your venue that will accommodate all of your relatives and make for an attractive composition. This beautiful cottage with wooden porch is the perfect backdrop for an interesting portrait.
Photo Credit: Laura Murray Photography
Your wedding day is definitely something to cheer about. Let loose when it comes time to take your photo with your family. Encourage them to do the same.
Photo Credit: Carrie Wildes Photography Art & Design
It is hard to say who looks more in love here: the bride and groom, or their parents. A close-up shot like this has more emotion in it than a portrait taken from further back.
Photo Credit: Roberto Falck Photography
There’s no need for a photo frame, thanks to this cute composition. The kissing couple provides the frame for the relatives in the background.
Photo Credit: DeAnn Mitchell Photography
This bride worked her venue into her portraits by having each family member pose with a book from the library.
Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography
Unlike covering your wedding venue with towering floral arrangements, creative lighting can be surprisingly affordable. From uplighting to lanterns, image projections to illuminated backdrops, here are some of our favorite ideas.
By: Kristen Klein
A light-up dance floor will be a fun surprise for your guests.
Photo Credit: Quetzal Photo
An illuminated aisle is an ultra-romantic idea for a nighttime ceremony.
Photo Credit: Rhee Bevere Photography
Oversized light-up letters provide a fun background for your photos.
Photo Credit: Babb Photo
Wow your guests with a cool lighting installation.
Photo Credit: Aaron Young Photography
Floating paper lanterns are a fun and colorful way to punch up your reception space.
Photo Credit: Tanja Lippert
Cool uplighting, candles, and chandeliers warm up an industrial loft wedding reception.
Photo Credit: Scott Williams Photography
The dramatic centerpieces combined with the purple uplighting transform this reception space into a winter wonderland.
Photo Credit: Dreammakers Weddings & Events
Creating a stunning photo backdrop is as simple as hanging a few strands of twinkling lights.
Photo Credit: Kirk Mastin of Mastin Studio
Dance under the moon and stars in your own fairy tale wedding.
Photo Credit: A Magic Moment
Jewel-toned lanterns, combined with cool uplighting, provide a soft glow.
Photo Credit: Bethany & Dan
Transform a barn into a glamorous ballroom with light strands and chandeliers.
Photo Credit: JQ Image
Create a beautiful backdrop for a winter wedding ceremony with images of trees.
Photo Credit: Coburn Photography
Blend a few different colors for this watercolor-inspired effect.
Photo Credit: Guy Heart Studio
Lanterns provide a warm glow over your nighttime reception.
Photo Credit: Santana Photography
Add the appearance of texture on your walls with creative lighting.
Photo Credit: Embrace Life Photography
Bring the indoors out with chandeliers over your dance floor.
Photo Credit: Picotte Photography
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