Location, Location, Location

After you’ve nailed down a venue for your wedding, planning for your dress should commence soon after. The location and ambiance should be an important factor in deciding the style of wedding dress you choose. If you’re planning to tie the knot on one of California’s many beaches, a less-formal dress would be more appropriate (and comfortable) than a multi-layered gown typically worn at indoor ceremonies.

Pace Yourself

Finding the perfect wedding dress will take some time, so don’t rush the process. Many wedding dress retailers have strict return policies, if they allow returns at all, so you’ll need to be absolutely certain the gown you buy is “the one.” In the months leading up to your date, set aside a day each week to try on a wedding dress or two. If you try them on all at once, you’ll be overwhelmed and won’t have time to make the right decision. Don’t go alone when you’re wedding dress hunting, but also don’t bring a gaggle of friends to help you decide. If possible, bring your mother or a close friend who will give you her honest opinion, while leaving the ultimate decision to you.

The Right Style

Do you prefer a traditional gown that can be passed down as an heirloom piece, or a super-trendy gown that’s made just for you? A slinky sheath or a princess-style ball gown? Some may choose a couture wedding dress, while others prefer to do a vintage gown. With the myriad of styles, fabrics and colors to choose from, it can be overwhelming, but you should choose the wedding dress that best suits your personal style and comfort level. Remember, it’s your big day and no one else’s, so choose the wedding dress that makes you feel best.

Get a Good Fit

When you’re trying on gowns, be sure to wear the  shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day to ensure an exact fit. Most wedding dress manufacturers have their own size charts, so what may be a size 4 from one designer is actually size 6 in another. Once you’ve ordered and received your dress, you may need alterations. You should keep adjustments to a minimum, bearing in mind that while it may be easy to take in a wedding dress, it’s nearly impossible to let one out.

Keep these pointers in mind, and let your wedding dress be a perfect expression of you on your wedding day!

William Innes is a Los Angeles Wedding Photographer

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

Don’t Procrastinate on Planning

The first step in wedding planning is to hit the ground running – don’t wait until just a few months before your wedding day to start planning. After announcing your engagement to family and friends, start putting the wheels in motion. Buy a calendar that will be used solely for wedding planning, and note milestones and goals that you want to have reached by certain dates.

Teamwork Works Best

Communicate with your future spouse and plan together. Set aside a night or two each week to focus on wedding planning. Both of you should discuss your ideal wedding and what it would look like. There are so many tiny details that go into wedding planning, so it’s best to have “two heads” instead of one. Don’t forget to compromise on ideas, but keep the overall theme cohesive. Also remember to share the duties of wedding planning so neither one of you gets too overwhelmed.

Keep In Touch

Depending on the size, your wedding may or may not require you to contract with several different vendors – florists, caterers, musicians, photographer and more – and you’ll need to stay in constant contact with them over the course of your wedding planning. Keep a list of your vendors’ contact information handy so you can quickly get in touch with them if last-minute changes arise. You’ll also be interviewing vendors before you settle on a match, so be sure to make a list of pros and cons for each when you meet with them.

Plan within Your Means

Another important tip in wedding planning revolves around finances. The cost of a wedding can quickly escalate without proper restraint, so be sure to establish a total budget with your fiancee. Calculate for everything from napkins and invitations to limousine rental and a wedding singer. Also note that things can sometimes go wrong for even the most meticulously planned wedding, and it may be wise to have a little extra saved up just in case.

Stay Positive

The end goal is perhaps most the important thing to remember over the course of wedding planning. This is a joyous and momentous occasion that you and your partner are working towards, so don’t let the stress overwhelm you! If you need to take a week or two off from wedding planning, do so and return with a fresh mind and a renewed spirit.

Los Angeles Wedding Photographer – William Innes

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

Your wedding flowers should not just sit in the background, but be a lively part of your ceremony and reception. Hiring a professional to help you determine the best look for your ceremony is the best choice.

Hiring a Florist

Meeting with a florist or floral design specialist is an easy solution to navigating the wide world of flowers. Though you likely won’t be ordering your wedding flowers for a few months before the ceremony, you should get an early start in finding a florist, as they often get booked a year in advance.

A florist can help you determine what type of bouquet you want to have, as well as the color and style that coordinates best with your wedding ceremony. Similar to when choosing a wedding photographer, you should get referrals and recommendations for a florist. Simply choosing the first name that comes to you may result in disappointment, so be sure to vet several candidates beforehand.

What Flowers Do I Use?

In addition to your bridal bouquet, you can add floral details for your bridesmaids and groomsmen, centerpieces for your reception and as adornment for the venue where you will walk down the aisle.

Different flowers hold different meaning, so when choosing your wedding flowers, consider both the color and appearance, but their significance as well. Roses, hydrangeas and gardenias are popular blooms for weddings, but don’t be afraid to branch out to more exotic varieties like chamomile, alliums or foxgloves.

Remember the Details

As you choose your wedding flowers, keep in mind details like your wedding location. If your wedding is outside, choose blooms that can withstand wind and other elements. If you are holding a ceremony in a small, intimate venue like a church, choose flowers with a subtle scent that won’t fill up the entire room. Also note that some people may be allergic to certain scents, so when possible, opt for hypoallergenic varieties of flowers.

Also remember how your chosen wedding flowers will look on you. Brides with a smaller figure should chose arrangements that are similarly petite so they don’t get overwhelmed, as taller brides can go for a bouquet that is a little more substantial.

Resource Box: Flowers make a special wedding that much more memorable. Choose arrangements that complement the ceremony without stealing the spotlight. Remember that the wedding photographer won’t just be taking pictures of you and your spouse, but the scenery overall – including your floral arrangements.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

Many of my brides will tell you how much I love to photograph shoes! I find it to be a very important part of wedding photography. It’s all about capturing details. I have even had some brides planning on wearing ballet slippers or flip flops go and buy a nice pair of shoes for me to photograph.

Shoes are just one of many details to keep track of when planning a wedding. In addition to nailing down a wedding photographer, caterer, band and reception hall, you have to remember the small things like thank you notes, flowers and your wedding shoes.

There are a myriad of sources for wedding shoes – both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. If you already have an idea of what you want, buying your wedding shoes online could be more cost-effective because of online sales and a much greater variety. However, if you want to be able to touch and try on your shoes, the store is a safer bet. If possible, consider purchasing multiple pairs of shoes to take home and try before committing. However, whether you purchase on the web or at a specialty boutique, you must understand the retailer’s return policy when buying wedding shoes.

The Total Package

When you are trying on your wedding dress, it is a good idea to bring shoes that will be a similar height to the wedding shoes you intend to buy. Pick the height of your heel bearing in mind that it will determine the hem of your dress. If you have an elaborately designed dress, your shoes should be simple so as not to outshine the dress. Conversely, if your dress is more conservative, a dazzling pair of wedding shoes will make your gown stand out.

If your wedding dress has embellishments like pearls, sequins or rhinestones, your wedding shoes should have these details as well, but used sparingly so as not to detract from your gown.

Coordinated and Comfortable

The color of your wedding shoes should coincide with your wedding’s colors overall. If you want to match your dress to your shoes, be sure to take a swatch of fabric with you when shopping; what may look like a perfect match in the store may not be the same under different lighting. For a bolder look, consider matching your shoes to your bridesmaid dresses. It is a good way to add an accent color and put together a cohesive look. As a Los Angeles Wedding Photographer – I know it’s all about style!

You will be on your feet for practically your entire wedding day – from walking down the aisle to having your first dance. Before your wedding, spend an entire day in your wedding shoes. Walk around on carpeted and clean surfaces so as not to damage the bottom of the shoes in case you need to return them. If after just a few hours your feet are killing you, it may be a wise move to go back to the drawing board.

Resource Box: Finding a great pair of wedding shoes is just as important as the dress itself. Your weddings shoes need to be stylish yet comfortable enough to last all day, starting from your trip down the aisle to tossing the bouquet and posing for your wedding photographer.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

One of the wonderful displays was from Serendipity Wedding and Event Planning. I decided to interview owner Odalys Monge and find out the answers to some of those questions than today’s brides may be asking. Here are the questions and answers:

• Tell us a little about yourself and how you became involved with everything weddings?

I have always had a passion for everything wedding related.  I could spend my days flipping through bridal magazines, researching online and watching all of the wedding shows!  At a very young age, I was always planning parties and events for families and friends – they seemed to rely on me to give them an opinion.  After graduating from UCSB with a degree in Communication, I took a Group Sales position with a large upscale hotel chain.  After three years at the hotel and planning my parents surprise 30th anniversary party and my own destination wedding – I knew I had found my calling!

• How did Serendipity Wedding & Event Planning get started?

I had the great fortune of being offered a position with the largest and oldest upscale bridal show in California – Festival of Brides, The Upscale Bridal Show.  As a Marketing/Sales Representative, it was the perfect place to meet and develop relationships with the best professionals in the wedding industry.  In conjunction with my background in hospitality  I knew that I had all the resources necessary to finally pursue my dream of owning my wedding and event planning company.

• Why do you think it is important for couples to have an event planner?

No matter what the budget, it is absolutely necessary to hire an event planner to assist a couple them with their wedding.  If their budget is a little tighter, a “day-of” or “month-of” package could be a great option to ensure that the couple and their family and friends can actually enjoy their wedding day.  If the budget is a bit more flexible, a couple should consider an “full-service” package that includes event design, unlimited vendor referrals and assisting with planning and overseeing their wedding from start to finish.  An event planner has the expertise to pull together an event that is not only beautiful, but well thought out.  They will ensure that no detail goes unnoticed and can provide you with referrals for vendors that are trustworthy, knowledgeable and meet your budget.  This not only allows the couple time to enjoy their engagement, but also the peace of mind of knowing that the most important day of their lives is in the hands of a professional.

. I know all planners carry an emergency kit with them on the wedding day. Tell us something in your kit that may surprise us?

Smelling salts!  You never know when somebody might faint!

• Are there any recent trends you see taking place in regards to wedding ceremonies or fashion?

I’ve noticed a trend of natural/rustic elements and the use of neutral tones with wedding colors showing up only in the details of the decor, (place cards, napkin rings, favors, etc.)  Another great and fun trend is keeping the ceremony monochromatic in white/ivory tones and shocking the guests with a reception that is just the opposite; full of rich, bright fun colors.

• This is a very popular time for wedding engagements. What advice do you have for recently engaged couples that are just starting to plan a wedding?

Take notes, keep pictures, look everywhere for inspiration, even in unexpected places – your home for example is a great place to find what your personal style is and incorporate that into your wedding.  Most importantly – remember that your wedding day is about the two of you and the beginning of your life together – you will not be able to please everyone!

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – click here.

I feel so honored to be associated with such a great company. To all my photographer friends – be sure to drop by and see me in Vegas!

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – click here.

The blog is published by Heather and Kimberly and I recently had an opportunity to interview them on their success. You can read the interview below and don’t forget to visit StyleUnveiled.com.

• Tell us a little about yourself and how you became involved with everything weddings?

Kimberly and I have long been inside the wedding industry … I was a wedding coordinator for close to 5 years and Kimberly is a fabulous photographer.  After years of learning how this industry works, what piques brides’ interest, and what was missing, StyleUnveiled.com was born

• How did Los Angeles Style Unveiled get started?

LA Style Unveiled was the 2nd city that StyleUnveiled.com launched.  We were so excited (and a little nervous, to be honest) to launch in such an amazing city with so much high-style and so many fabulous weddings happening.  We’ve been blessed to have been received well in Los Angeles and feel this is what we’d consider our ‘national blog’ if we had one.  Los Angeles is such a major trend setter and cultural center that we get to see many of the trends appear here and make their ways to other cities!

• What would you describe as the goal or dream for LA Style Unveiled?

Oh, boy   How much room does this blog post allow?  lol … I would say our biggest goal for LA Style Unveiled would be that brides and vendors alike see this site as a local wedding website that features everything Los Angeles (and southern cali).  If a bride is planning her wedding in LA, she should feel that LA Style Unveiled is a safe place to come to plan like crazy, without the fear she’ll fall in love with a wedding pro’s work who is across the country or otherwise unavailable to her.  If she loves what we showcase on the site, everything is right at her fingertips (literally).

• Congratulations on recently celebrating the first year anniversary of LA Style. How does it feel? Is there anything new and exciting we can look forward this year?

We couldn’t believe that a year had flown by!  Because StyleUnveiled.com is reaching our brand and company across the nation, we always feel like we’ve just launched   To know that we have been in LA for a year was an awesome feeling and we can’t wait until year two passes by.  We are super excited about 2010 and have tons of great things happening behind the scenes that will soon be unveiled to Los Angeles … as always, you can count on our site for updated blog posts and beautiful real weddings.

• Are there any recent trends you see taking place in regards to wedding ceremonies or fashion?

More and more, we see brides who want to incorporate their own personal flair and style into their wedding. For instance, if the couple really loves Halloween, they have a Halloween-themed wedding … If they love the movie “There Will Be Blood” they incorporate this into their day.  LA Style Unveiled loves it when a couple makes a wedding their own, something they will look back on and think:  “yes, that was us and we still stand by that today” … it makes for a great memory and some great photos!

• This is a very popular time for wedding engagements. What advice do you have for recently engaged couples that are just starting to plan a wedding?

Read wedding blogs!!!!!  Seriously, blogs are the most up to date tool for a bride out there today … The great blogs are updated weekly, sometimes daily and that is advice/inspiration you can’t find anywhere else   Also, looking through LA Style Unveiled real weddings is also very helpful, as we take advice directly from the bride and groom and put it out there on the web for current brides to learn from.

• Any final thoughts?

Planning a wedding is one of the most creative and heartfelt endeavors a person will experience.  We’d encourage brides to really embrace the process, not get overwhelmed with it!  We’re here on the blog to help support and offer ideas and answer questions.  There’s no “right way” or “wrong way” to do it.  Use the online wedding community to create a great experience and even make friends with others with the same passions whether that be bloggers, vendors, or other brides!

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – click here.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – click here.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – click here.

I am totally stoked about theses bridal show events. I will be participating in two this year – The Langham Huntington in Pasadena on January 31st and the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village on April 18th. Please be sure to drop by and say hello. We’d love to see you there.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – click here.