August 4

Photo credit: 

Kandid Weddings

Tip of the Day: Start your wedding dress search about a year in advance to ensure you have plenty of time for shopping and alterations. "It takes most designers four to six months to deliver a completed wedding gown. And if you request any customization, like additional beading or lace, it can take even longer," says Liz Sellassie, Owner and Manager of Designer Loft bridal boutique. "Remember: You’ll still need another two to three months for alterations once the gown arrives."

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

August 3

Photo credit: 

Jose Villa via Easton Events

Tip of the Day: Consider what type of lighting you'll want during your reception. Do you want a light and ethereal feel? Or a darker ambiance? The pros at Easton Events tell us that "Investing in beautiful flowers is great, but before doing so, make sure you appropriately light your wedding setting. Lighting and ambiance set the overall mood and feeling, and you want to ensure that your table top details are thoroughly enjoyed!"

Plus, check out 15 Fun Ways to Light Up Your Wedding.

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50 Ways to Elevate Your Wedding Décor With Paper

When most people dream about their wedding décor, they're envisioning never-ending cascades of florals and romantic lighting displays. But something as simple as a piece of paper used in a unique way can transform your wedding décor from ordinary to extraordinary. Here, get inspired by 50 of our favorite ideas.

By: Kristen Klein

Enter Slideshow
  • Overhead Décor

    Overhead Décor

    Mix-and-match paper lanterns really pop against a black and white striped tent ceiling.

    Photo Credit: Blooming Photography

  • Overhead Décor

    Overhead Décor

    Tissue pom poms give this ballroom wedding a homespun touch.

    Photo Credit: Nina Photo

  • Overhead Décor

    Overhead Décor

    Put the focus on your dance floor with an incredible paper installation overhead.

    Photo Credit: Jen and Jonah Photographers

  • Overhead Décor

    Overhead Décor

    There are few things more romantic than dining under the stars.

    Photo Credit: Samuel Lippke Studios

  • Overhead Décor

    Overhead Décor

    A paper lantern chandelier works in any setting, from a barn to a ballroom.

    Photo courtesy of Heidi Place Co/Etsy

  • Overhead Décor

    Overhead Décor

    Colorful pendant banners add a whimsical touch to this tented wedding.

    Photo Credit: Benjamin + Elise

  • Overhead Décor

    Overhead Décor

    Mexican wedding banners in classic white beautifully accentuate this barn wedding.

    Photo courtesy of Mexican Decorations/Etsy

  • Overhead Décor

    Overhead Décor

    Simple sheets of paper come together to create a modern overhead display.

    Photo Credit: Jenn Emerling Weddings

  • Overhead Décor

    Overhead Décor

    Gold-painted leaf cutouts suspended from the ceiling is perfect for a fall wedding.

    Photo Credit: Brklyn View Photography

  • Centerpieces

    Centerpieces

    For a beautiful rustic centerpiece, encircle a tree branch candle holder with crepe paper flowers.

    Photo courtesy of Ven Décor Handmade/Etsy

  • Overhead Décor

    Overhead Décor

    Take your ceremony décor to the next level with paper flowers on the ceiling.

    Photo Credit: Harwell Photography

  • Overhead Décor

    Overhead Décor

    Who knew paper cones could make such gorgeous décor?

    Photo courtesy of Plain Jane/Etsy

  • Centerpieces

    Centerpieces

    For a charming centerpiece, arrange spiral paper flowers in painted mason jars.

    Photo courtesy of Bella Luna's Flowers/Etsy

  • Centerpieces

    Centerpieces

    Perfect for a literary wedding, these paper flower centerpieces are upcycled from book pages.

    Photo courtesy of JLH Upcycling/Etsy

  • Centerpieces

    Centerpieces

    Pearl pins and and a chrome vase make this floral pomander centerpiece look perfectly elegant. 

    Photo courtesy of Fancy Bloom/Etsy

  • Garlands

    Garlands

    A lovely lyrical garland made from sheet music is a sweet touch for any wedding.

    Photo courtesy of Bookity/Etsy

  • Garlands

    Garlands

    A collection of laser-cut heart garlands comes together beautifully as a paper chandelier.

    Photo courtesy of The Purple Dream/Etsy

  • Garlands

    Garlands

    A paper garland makes a sweet backdrop behind your sweetheart table.

    Photo courtesy of Little Merriments/Etsy

  • Garlands

    Garlands

    A heart garland is even more sweet when made from pages of romantic novels.

    Photo courtesy of La Mia Casa/Etsy

  • Garlands

    Garlands

    Vintage-inspired paper coasters strung up as a garland give off a sweet vintage vibe.

    Photo courtesy of Peony and Thistle/Etsy

  • Garlands

    Garlands

    Butterfly cutouts add a whimsical touch.

    Photo courtesy of DC Banner Designs/Etsy

  • Streamers

    Streamers

    For a visually-appealing backdrop, try twisted streamers in varying widths and colors. 

    Photo Credit: EC Campbell Photography

  • Streamers

    Streamers

    Boldly interwoven streamers are a wonderful juxtaposition against the classic wedding décor beneath.

    Photo Credit: Maria Mack Photography

  • Streamers

    Streamers

    Streamers entwined with twinkling lights creates magical overhead décor.

    Photo Credit: Anne-Claire Brun

  • The Details

    The Details

    Quick, easy, and fun — a polaroid-inspired setup for your photo booth.

    Photo courtesy of Shannon Collins Photography

  • The Details

    The Details

    Not a big fan of cake? Use a little papier-mâché for a cake piñata instead.

    Photo Credit: Steven Michael Photography

  • Streamers

    Streamers

    Colorful streamers create a bold and beautiful ceremony backdrop.

    Photo Credit: Hoffer Photography

  • The Details

    The Details

    Pin metallic floral cutouts into a Styrofoam ball for an easy and glam pomander.

    Photo courtesy of Jenna Makes It/Etsy

  • The Details

    The Details

    Create a table runner out of paper doilies for a vintage-inspired vibe.

    Photo courtesy of Prettie Parties/Etsy

  • The Details

    The Details

    Spell out your new monogram with paper flowers.

    Photo courtesy of Centertwine/Etsy

  • Parasols

    Parasols

    Give your flower girls sweet paper parasols for fun photo props.

    Photo courtesy of Revelty Party Company/Etsy

  • The Details

    The Details

    Hang a heart-shaped wreath made from the pages of your favorite book.

    Photo courtesy of Weared Crafts/Etsy

  • The Details

    The Details

    An origami tree is a unique touch for your table décor, especially for a holiday wedding.

    Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Paper Girl/Etsy

  • Paper Cranes

    Paper Cranes

    Strands of paper cranes create a wonderful ceremony backdrop.

    Photo Credit: Kevin Kelley Photography

  • Paper Cranes

    Paper Cranes

    Add some fun to an elegant reception with paper cranes overhead.

    Photo courtesy of Grace Increase/Etsy

  • Bouquets

    Bouquets

    Carry oversized paper flowers down the aisle.

    Photo Credit: Studio Castillero

  • Ceremony Décor

    Ceremony Décor

    Write your vows on a scroll for a memorable ceremony backdrop.

    Photo Credit: This Modern Romance

  • Paper Cranes

    Paper Cranes

    Create an ethereal vibe with paper cranes strung overhead at your outdoor wedding ceremony.

    Photo Credit: Carolien and Ben

  • Ceremony Décor

    Ceremony Décor

    Make a bold impact with a paper flower ceremony arch.

    Photo courtesy of W Paper Flower Design/Etsy

  • Ceremony Décor

    Ceremony Décor

    For a simple DIY, cut out paper hearts from scrapbook paper, glue them to skewers, and line the aisle with dozens of hearts.

    Photo Credit: Lucky Malone Photography

  • Ceremony Décor

    Ceremony Décor

    Transform a minimalist ceremony structure with origami flowers and paper kites. 

    Photo Credit: Ashley Rose Photography

  • Backdrops

    Backdrops

    Monochromatic pinwheels add a bit of whimsy to a classic dessert display.

    Photo courtesy of The True Lovers/Etsy

  • Backdrops

    Backdrops

    Punch up your display with jewel-toned fans, honeycomb balls, and paper leaves.

    Photo courtesy of Paris 312 Party/Etsy

  • Backdrops

    Backdrops

    A chalkboard backdrop, gold lettering, and corner of flowers creates a lovely backdrop for your DIY photo booth.

    Phto courtesy of Paper Flora/Etsy

  • Backdrops

    Backdrops

    Say it loud and clear at your ceremony with oversized signs.

    Photo Credit: Susan Jackson Photography

  • Backdrops

    Backdrops

    Tissue paper flowers create a charming vintage-inspired backdrop, perfect for a dessert display.

    Photo courtesy of Especially for You by Y.W./Etsy

  • Backdrops

    Backdrops

    Take the idea of a floral backdrop to the next level with an ombré wall of paper blooms.

    Photo courtesy of Monique Paper Art/Etsy

  • Backdrops

    Backdrops

    Want something a little more subtle? A simple cascade of paper flowers is all you need.

    Photo courtesy of Dream Events in Paper/Etsy

  • Backdrops

    Backdrops

    Oversized paper flowers attached to a simple sheet creates a romantic ceremony backdrop.

    Photo courtesy of Catching ColorFlies/Etsy

  • The Details

    The Details

    Get in on the greenery trend with a sweet paper version. 

    Photo courtesy of Mlleartsy/Etsy

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50 Ways to Elevate Your Wedding Décor With Paper

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20 Fun Photo Ideas for Your Thank-You Cards

One of your first (and more important) post-wedding tasks is to send out your thank-you cards. Many couples include a wedding photo with each cards, either through a custom design or by placing a photo inside the card. But how do you choose the perfect photo for your cards? Make your job easier by planning ahead and taking a picture specifically for your cards. Here, 20 creative ideas we love.

By: Kristen Klein

Enter Slideshow
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ALL PHOTOS

20 Fun Photo Ideas for Your Thank-You Cards

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August 2

Photo credit: 

Carolina K. Smith M.d. / Dreamstime.com

Tip of the Day: If your budget doesn't allow a lot of wiggle room for photography, find a professional photographer without a wedding portfolio. "By finding a professional photographer who specializes in portraits with experience of shooting your big day will help them expand their portfolio and provide your wedding budget with a large discount," says Serban Enache, CEO of Dreamstime.com.

Plus, check out 20 Insanely Cute Wedding Photos to Cheer You Up.

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