What to do before booking your wedding venue – Don’t miss this!

Hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July weekend! 🇺🇸 This week, we’re bringing you the latest in wedding news and inspiration. From Marta Kostyuk’s Wimbledon dress inspired by her wedding gown to Olivia Culpo’s elegant but debated bridal look. Discover unique ceremony seating trends, essential tips for what to do before booking a wedding venue, and a touching couple’s spotlight. Dive in and enjoy the read!

🥂 Cheers lovers,

Michelle

👗 Olivia Culpo’s Wedding Look Sparks Debate. Model and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo married 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Olivia walked down the aisle in a long-sleeve crepe crew neck ball gown designed by Dolce & Gabbana. Although Culpo chose a look that was “something serious” to match the commitment of marriage, she couldn’t escape the online critics 😅. Some said her dress lacked personality, and others found her party dress odd. I guess haters are always going to hate. What do you think of her looks?

💌 The little boy in “Love Actually” is actually married! Now I feel old 😅. Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Talulah Riley just tied the knot! Known for roles in "Love Actually," "Game of Thrones," and "The Maze Runner," Thomas married "Westworld" actress Talulah Riley in a magical ceremony in England. Talulah arrived in a horse-drawn carriage, making it feel like a literal fairytale.

👰‍♀️ Olivia Palermo and Johannes Huebl's Decade-Delayed Celebration. Fashion icon Olivia Palermo and model Johannes Huebl celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary with a long-awaited reception in Germany. Originally, they had a small civil ceremony in 2014 but finally had their big celebration at Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden. The weekend included multiple events, from a chic cocktail reception to a farm-to-table dinner, with Olivia wearing several stunning outfits. Check out all the outfits from the whole weekend here!

🎾 Marta Kostyuk's Wimbledon Dress Inspired by Her Wedding Gown. Tennis star Marta Kostyuk stunned at Wimbledon in a dress designed to look just like her wedding gown. Both outfits were created by the head of design at her clothing sponsor, Wilson, blending elegance with athleticism in a unique and memorable way. Game, set, match.

🪑 Unique Wedding Ceremony Seating

For non-traditional brides, this week's trend might be for you. Brides are getting creative with their ceremonies, and this week we are highlighting unique ceremony seating arrangements that break away from the norm. Here are some of the most popular and innovative setups:

1. Circular Seating: Guests surround you in a circle, creating a sense of unity and ensuring everyone has a great view.

2. Spiral Aisles: Guests sit in a spiral, allowing the bride to walk through a winding aisle, creating anticipation and close-up views.

3. Semi-Circle or Arc: A semi-circle focuses attention on the couple and brings guests closer to the ceremony.

4. Lounge-Style Seating: Replace traditional chairs with benches, sofas, ottomans, and cushions for a relaxed, cozy vibe.

5. Theater-Style Rows: Tiered seating ensures every guest has a clear view, ideal for outdoor weddings on sloping landscapes.

6. Clustered Seating: Group chairs into small clusters to encourage interaction and create a social atmosphere.

7. Mixed Seating: Combine benches, chairs, and picnic blankets for a unique and eclectic look, perfect for boho and rustic-themed weddings.

8. Side-Facing Rows: Instead of chairs facing forward, arrange rows so they face the aisle, giving guests a unique perspective of the ceremony.

Every week, we feature brides' biggest regrets and best decisions. If you're a bride with a story to tell, we want to hear from you! 💌 Click here to submit yours.

“I regret this”

"I wish I had been more insistent about having one of my friends come to the wedding. I really wish she had been there.”

- Yael H.

“I'm so glad I did this”

“We had our wedding at home with just 12 people, then had dinner at an amazing Basque restaurant with strolling musicians. The money we saved helped us buy our first condo. Married 34 years and counting!”

- Marie C. (@mrsbrookbinder)

In this section, we share insider tips directly from the experts! If you're a wedding planner, photographer, florist, decorator, caterer, or any other wedding professional, we'd love to feature your advice. Share your tips with us to get featured!

7 Things to Do Before Booking a Venue
By wedding planner, LT, with House of Bash ATL
@houseofbashatl

1. Be Actually Engaged: Seriously, make sure you're truly engaged before diving into wedding planning. We've seen the stress and mind games that come with planning a wedding without a firm commitment, especially for the bride.

2. Put Your Guest List Together: Even if it’s just first names or nicknames, start drafting your guest list. You only need an estimated guest count at this stage.

3. Have a Budget (and Then Some): Set a budget, but be prepared for unexpected costs. Weddings often end up costing more than you initially think.

4. Determine a Preferred Season or Month: Instead of a specific date, choose a preferred season or month. This flexibility will help you avoid missing out on great venues. If you do have a specific date in mind, start your venue search as soon as possible.

5. Consider Your Wedding Style: Think about the style and vibe you want for your wedding. This will help narrow down venues that match your vision.

6. Decide on the Type of Venue: Do you envision your wedding in a ballroom, industrial space, farmhouse, hotel, or somewhere else? Deciding on the type of venue will help focus your search.

7. Hire a Wedding Planner: A wedding planner can alleviate stress, help you save money, and guide you through the venue booking process, ensuring you make an informed decision.

1. Off White Summer Set - $398 for top - Love this set for a summer wedding event like a welcome party or wedding brunch.

2. Pearl Embellished Mini Dress - $955

3. Crochet Dress - $595

4. Satin Bow Sandals - $375

5. Pearl Embellished Slit Dress - $1,200

Want to share your story? 💌 Click here to submit yours

Written with ♡