July 18

Photo credit: 

Oldani Photography

Tip of the day: Make sure you schedule time to ease pre-ceremony jitters! The wedding managers at The Abbey Resort suggest getting away from the hustle and bustle of preparations to go for a run, read a book or another decompressing activity. If the wedding is at a resort or hotel, take advantage of bridal package spa specials for some tried-and-true rest and relaxation techniques sure to calm any bride’s nerves.

Plus, check out 25 Matching "Getting Ready" Outfits for Bridesmaids.

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25 Sweet, Personalized Gifts for Your Groom

Say "I love you" with a heartfelt wedding day gift for your hubby-to-be.

By: Mary Wozniak

Enter Slideshow
  • Guitar Pick

    Guitar Pick

    You couldn't pick a better fiancé! Let him know with a hand-engraved guitar pick.

    Photo Credit: CMK Creations/Etsy

  • Cufflinks

    Cufflinks

    He'll cherish these sterling silver cufflinks, made special with your own handwritten message.

    Photo Credit: Megan Goldkamp Jewelry/Etsy

  • Artwork

    Artwork

    A unique print captures your recorded message — or your wedding song — as a sound wave.

    Photo Credit: Just Artin' Around/Etsy

  • Artwork

    Artwork

    An original minimalist painting offers a simple, sentimental declaration.

    Photo Credit: Messy Bed Studio/Etsy

  • Tie Patch

    Tie Patch

    A heartfelt message on a heart-shaped tie patch.

    Photo Credit: Harrison Custom Gifts/Etsy

  • Handkerchief

    Handkerchief

    You know how your love story ends... happily ever after!

    Photo Credit: Mrs. Stitch's Boutique/Etsy

  • Socks

    Socks

    Witty embroidered socks are a fun wedding day surprise.

    Photo Credit: Mindy's Needle Art/Etsy

  • Key Chain

    Key Chain

    A sweet and simple lucky penny is stamped with your initials and wedding date.

    Photo Credit: Dayzee Creationz/Etsy

  • Key Chain

    Key Chain

    This cute key chain is the ultimate personalized gift, engraved with your very own lips imprint and handwriting.

    Photo Credit: Vintage Branding Co.

  • Bracelet

    Bracelet

    A stylish bolo leather bracelet is wrapped with your customized text, engraved in sterling silver.

    Photo Credit: No Way Out/Etsy

  • Cufflinks

    Cufflinks

    Send a kiss and a hug with charming cufflinks inspired by vintage typewriter keys.

    Photo Credit: Dario Faux/Etsy

  • Key Chain

    Key Chain

    For the one who holds the key to your heart, a personalized keyring.

    Photo Credit: Ellis and Pip/Etsy

  • Collar

    Collar

    Custom collar stays hide a playful secret message.

    Photo Credit: Serendipity Vita/Etsy

  • Love Letter

    Love Letter

    An adorable card for that gorgeous guy waiting at the end of the aisle.

    Photo Credit: Happy Ever Paper/Etsy

  • Photo Box

    Photo Box

    Remind him of all the wonderful memories that have led you to this moment. A unique gift box unfolds to display your favorite photos, while the inner beechwood box hides a small gift.

    Photo Credit: Lovin'Box/Etsy

  • Journal

    Journal

    Express your thoughts and feelings on this special day in a beautiful kraft paper journal.

    Photo Credit: Journaling Jane/Etsy

  • Hammer

    Hammer

    A clever gift for your guy as you build your life together.

    Photo Credit: All About Impressions/Etsy

  • Fishing Lure

    Fishing Lure

    He's quite a catch. Express your love to the outdoorsman with a hand-stamped fishing lure.

    Photo Credit: Wyoming Creative/Etsy

  • Chocolate

    Chocolate

    Say it with chocolate!

    Photo Credit: What Candy Says/Etsy

  • Love Letter

    Love Letter

    Be inspired by this love letter kit: 50 cards can be presented together, or send one each day.

    Photo Credit: Journaling Jane/Etsy

  • Wallet Insert

    Wallet Insert

    A customized wallet insert is a sentimental keepsake that he'll carry with him.

    Photo Credit: Cherry Tree Charms/Etsy

  • Love Letter

    Love Letter

    Let him know why you’ll love him forever. Personalized messages are lasered onto mini-hearts and a lovely gift box.

    Photo Credit: Original Monkey/Etsy

  • Message in the Bottle

    Message in the Bottle

    Send a romantic message in a bottle.

    Photo Credit: Moody Elizabeth/Etsy

  • Artwork

    Artwork

    Just another great reason to say "I Do!"

    Photo Credit: Country Workshop/Etsy

  • Artwork

    Artwork

    An upcycled book page features a romantic quote from Bram Stoker's Dracula.

    Photo Credit: Noodle Book Art/Etsy

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25 Sweet, Personalized Gifts for Your Groom

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Alfred Angelo Closes Doors, David's Bridal Steps Up

For more than 80 years, Alfred Angelo has been helping brides and bridesmaids find their dream dresses, but as of yesterday, the retailer quietly shut down all of their stores. Imagine purchasing your dress for an upcoming wedding and now not knowing if you'll ever receive the gown you already paid for. Or, heading to the bridal salon to pick up your gown to find it shut down with no notice. Unfortunately, that seems to be the reality for brides and bridesmaids across the country.

How to Avoid Bridesmaid Dress Shopping Dilemmas

All too often we hear horror stories from brides who purchased wedding gowns or bridesmaid dresses online only to have a garment arrive that looks nothing like the photo that was advertised. While ordering from online retailers or large department stores might seem convenient and cost-saving, brides-to-be and bridesmaids often end up having to splurge on extensive alterations, find replacements, or go back and forth in an attempt to get a refund — and that’s if the gowns arrives in time. 

July 14

Photo credit: 

Pasha Belman Photography

Tip of the Day: Don't let the excitement of wedding dress shopping (or loved ones) push you into a gown you don't love. I always remind my brides it's not about designer labels or the latest trends. It's about you, your body and what looks and feels best. When you feel comfortable you glow, have a super fab time and look amazing for photos! Now that's how you want to remember your special day right?!" says celebrity planner Andrea Freeman from Andrea Freeman Events.

Plus, check out 20 Must-Read Wedding Dress Shopping Tips.

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25 Tropical Wedding Décor Ideas

What's more fun than a tropical wedding? We can’t help but love the look of lush jungle greenery, vibrant blooms, zesty punches of color, playful pineapples, and the trendy banana leaf print. And you don't have to wed in the tropics to bring paradise to your wedding — it's easy enough to infuse that vibe anywhere with the right décor. Whether you're after nuptials with a Palm Springs vibe or Hawaiian flair, we've gathered up the best ideas to show you how it's done.

By: Hillary Hoffower

Enter Slideshow
  • Backdrop

    Backdrop

    A festive backdrop evokes a botanical paradise rich in deep jewel tones.

    Photo Credit: Our Love is Loud

  • Favors

    Favors

    The only way to complete a tropical inspired wedding is with a coconut table favor station. Top them with tiki umbrellas for a bit of fun and stack them on an emerald sequined tablecloth for some tropical glitz.

    Photo Credit: Hazelnut Photography

  • Dessert Table

    Dessert Table

    Tropical blooms and spray-painted pineapples create a color palette of green, white, gold, and a touch of pink, whisking this dessert table away into a jungle oasis.

    Photo Credit: Peter Herman Photography

  • Curtain Ties

    Curtain Ties

    A sash of tropical flora and fauna around a curtain emits paradise vibes.

    Photo Credit: Alyssa Marie Photography

  • Cocktail Tables

    Cocktail Tables

    A banana leaf print tablecloth transforms any ordinary cocktail table into a Palm Springs-inspired design.

    Photo Credit: Sanaz Photography

  • Chair Décor

    Chair Décor

    Giant palmetto leaves are the perfect way to mark sweetheart chairs, combining with gilded chairs and a wildly patterned rug for a tropical meets bohemian look.

    Photo Credit: Lisa Woods Photography / Planner: Yellow Umbrella Events

  • Ceremony Wall

    Ceremony Wall

    A live wall of tropical greenery brings a splash of color to a minimalist ceremony space.

    Photo Credit: Jennifer Sosa

  • Ceremony Structure

    Ceremony Structure

    A ceremony gazebo with sweeping curtains of greenery and fuchsia bougainvillea pops against a stunning ocean backdrop.

    Photo Credit: Dmitri & Sandra

  • Ceremony Arch

    Ceremony Arch

    Tropical gets a bohemian twist in an arch dripping in macramé and festooned with beautifully over-the-top tropical fauna. Orange Moroccan rugs mirror the zesty blooms above.

    Photo Credit: Chelsea Maras

  • Centerpiece

    Centerpiece

    In a sea of gold and copper metallic — including one glamorous gilded pineapple — a tropical fauna emerges for one statement-making centerpiece.

    Photo Credit: Benjamin Stuart

  • Cake Toppers

    Cake Toppers

    These pink flamingo toppers define the term “lovebirds” while bringing a sense of tropical playfulness to a sweet cake.

    Photo Credit: Dola Photography

  • Cake Display

    Cake Display

    Vibrant cakes sit upon a bed of palm leaves, popping against white-washed barn walls for a festive look.

    Photo Credit: Gray Door Photography / Sugarbee Sweets / Fleurs de France / The White Sparrow Barn

  • Bar Menu

    Bar Menu

    A giant tropical leaf serves as a unique bar menu sign, featuring elegant gilded calligraphy.

    Photo Credit: Anna Kim Photography

  • Welcome Sign

    Welcome Sign

    This décor piece is so much more fun than your average welcome sign, complete with a cute saying, monsterra leave topper, and watercolor sign that mimics the ocean.

    Photo Credit: Carlos Walters

  • Tablescape

    Tablescape

    Fan palm leaf plate chargers bring a subtle tropical flair to a tablescape set with rich wood and gilded candelabras, combining for refined rustic elegance.

    Photo Credit: Sean Cook Weddings

  • Table Runner

    Table Runner

    A lush statement runner of greens and bold florals using garden roses, protea, and lemon leaf adds a subtle feel of the tropics to a bare table setting.

    Photo Credit: Katie Hoss

  • Table Numbers

    Table Numbers

    A banana leaf print table number has a slightly retro vibe, complemented by a minimalist beaker housing monsterra leaves and a playful pineapple.

    Photo Credit: Kaity Brawley Photography

  • Sweetheart Table

    Sweetheart Table

    Bamboo tables are the ideal alternative to wood for a tropical tablescape, especially when paired with half coconuts in lieu of bowls and rubber leaf plate chargers. Its light hue offers a softer side of the tropics, complemented by the light blues of the sea.

    Photo Credit: Paulina Weddings Photography

  • Signage

    Signage

    This table is hot, hot, hot, with a bold mix of bright and sunny neon green, turquoise, magenta, and orange. Framed sayings alluding to paradise add a dose of whimsical charm.

    Photo Credit: Blinkbox Photos

  • Seating Chart

    Seating Chart

    An oversized seating chart bearing palm leaf and king protea prints is tropically whimsical.

    Photo Credit: Katie Hoss

  • Aisle Markers

    Aisle Markers

    What do you get when you combine pineapples, palm fronds, and banana leaves? Gorgeous aisle markers with Hawaiian flair.

    Photo Credit: Amy Lynn Photography

  • Reception Setting

    Reception Setting

    This reception table takes on Tahitian vibes, with a raw wood banquet table, arch-mounted statement of tropical flowers, and bold, vibrant palette that dances in color.

    Photo Credit: Gingerale Photography / Styling: Ninirichi Style Studio / Planning: Natalie Elliot for Tickled Pink Weddings and Events

  • Menu

    Menu

    Featuring a colorful palm leaf print, this menu brings life to a muted place setting, paired with a charming miniature pineapple figurine.

    Photo Credit: Hazelnut Photography

  • Marquee Lights

    Marquee Lights

    It can’t get much more Hawaiian than marquee lights that spell out "Aloha" interspersed with pineapples.

    Photo Credit: Amy Lynn Photography

  • Gold Accents

    Gold Accents

    A gold sequined backdrop and gilded leaves put a glamorous twist on a tropical feel.

    Photo Credit: Debra Eby

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25 Tropical Wedding Décor Ideas

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July 13

Photo credit: 

Papered Heart Photography

Tip of the Day: When wedding planning gets overwhelming, go back through your e-mails and texts and re-read the messages you and your fiancé sent to each other when you started dating. Remember why you fell in love and dream about the future. And while you’re at it, send him a little love note to remind him that you’re thrilled to be his bride.

Plus, check out 35 Ways to Make Your Reception More Romantic.

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