Ask the Expert

by Lisa Beth Miller We get it! This is a crazy and stressful time to be planning a wedding. And re-planning an already planned wedding due to a worldwide pandemic is a tad anxiety-inducing. But on the same note, many are suddenly faced with a lot of free time at home. I talked to Amanda Levin of Forever Magnolia Events about what little tasks nervous brides can tackle during this extraordinary time at home. Amanda is an experienced wedding professional who offers month-of coordination as well as full wedding planning services. So, what tasks are doable for most couples? “If you’ve had to change your date to a different season, start thinking about if you should change your colors, flowers, and menu to reflect the new date. You could definitely use this time to really brainstorm and get new inspiration …

by Lisa Beth Miller Times are stressful worldwide right now. Many are being asked to stay at home as we deal with a pandemic unlike anything we’ve seen before. Wedding planning (or for some, re-planning) can just add to the onslaught of anxiety. So, how can a girl deal with it all? Slow down and give yourself a break! I chatted with a fabulous local beauty expert for some amazing ideas! Hania Issa is a professional makeup artist, eyebrow designer, and licensed esthetician who has been in the business for over 15 years. Early in her career, she worked extensively in fashion and television, which was all about making women look their best in front of the camera. Those experiences provided a great foundation for working with bridal parties. Most women will never be photographed more than on their wedding …

by Lisa Beth Miller   Recently engaged? We love that! The ladies at Lilly Pulitzer at Tyson’s Galleria know that wedding planning can be a whirlwind of excitement, and honestly, a little overwhelming. So, of course, we are here to help! Here’s the juice. We are planning a fabulous White Dress Event just for you. On March 7, we will have wedding experts for you to meet, cocktails for you to sip, and LOTS of Lilly Pulitzer white dress options for you to consider for your upcoming events! Our designers have created our most extensive collection of white dresses ever, featuring flattering styles for all of our Lilly lovers! Need the perfect white dress for your engagement photo shoot? Go whimsical with our Resort White Jesse Scallop Romper. Or go for the ultimate bridal chic look with our beautiful Sharice …

by Lisa Beth Miller Showing kindness to Mother Earth is always stylish! Recycling and its longevity will obviously influence trends in everything including weddings. Sooo…why not create a wedding without waste? We are not, of course, just talking about gathering basic recyclables (like glass and cardboard). Experts are seeing trends in recycling other nuptial merchandise! From a recycling point of view, trendy florists worked with plants rather than cut flowers when possible. Also, when decorating large outdoor areas or tent structures, many kept roots attached to plants and sent them back to nurseries afterward. If you insist on traditional arrangements, at least donate them after the big day and brighten someone’s day (think nursing home, hospital, group home). Other ways to cut down on waste? Don’t buy frivolous favors that guests won’t take with them! Donate your dress after the …

By Lisa Beth Miller Couples who want to incorporate giving into their wedding celebrations have several options on how to do so. Here are a few ideas on how to be philanthropic for one of your first acts as a married couple. Incorporate specific charities into your registry: Allow guests to donate in your honor to a cause that is meaningful to you both. This is especially common for couples who have already established their home. Charities that have a local impact will resonate with guests. Here are a few of our favorites: Semper K9 Assistance Dogs – semperk9.org ACTS – actspwc.org Community Foundation of Northern Virginia – cfnova.org Give Back Prince William – givebackpw.org Habitat for Humanity Prince William County – habitatpwc.org Donate instead of giving favors: A charitable registry shows that a couple is philanthropically-minded, but a donation …

By Amy Taylor Sponsored by Cakes by Happy Eatery The wedding cake has been the star of the reception for years. Now it’s time for cake to share the stage with some supporting actors on the dessert table. Victoria and Emily Wu of Cakes by Happy Eatery have seen wedding trends ebb and flow for years. Lately they’ve seen more orders for full dessert tables to accompany the traditional, decadent wedding cake. “A bountiful dessert table is visually memorable and unforgettable,” said Victoria Wu, General Manager of Cakes by Happy Eatery. “Creative looks and flavors mesmerize the guests, while reflecting the wedding couples’ personality.” Here are some sweet ideas to inspire your wedding dessert table! Choose a few or have them all. The more desserts, the merrier! Chocolate fountain with dippers – If you’re having an elegant celebration, what better …

By Amy Taylor Sponsored by Simply Desserts Wedding cakes come in so many beautiful styles, it might be hard to choose. Simply Desserts, an award-winning bakery based in Gainesville, Virginia, brings us some wedding cake inspiration to help you choose the perfect sweet touch to your big day! Wedding Cake Styles to Inspire You Floral – If you can’t get enough fresh flowers, you may want to have this style wedding cake. These cakes are usually tall, multi-tiered cakes with cascading flowers. If you’re having a romantic or whimsical-themed wedding, this cake would fit right in. Tall – If you’re having a classic or formal wedding with many guests, a tall cake might fit the bill. These cakes are usually four to six tiers with piping and floral elements. These cakes give a grand feeling to your reception. Naked – …

We love finding new gift ideas for our readers to showcase. Here are a few of our favorite things that are a little unique than what is the usual wedding party gift. Consider these items for your wedding party or just as an anytime gift for those you love. Tie the Knot: Grant Patton has a great selection of unique ties made in the USA. Matching socks also available. Starting at $65. grantpatton.com Ruff Mornings: Custom blended for Semper K9, this is a combination of two light to medium roasted coffees. Roasted by Veteran Owned Ricks Roasters in Northern Virginia, sales from this coffee benefit Semper K9’s Service Dogs for Veterans program. Starting at $4. semperk9.shop Whiskey Wedge: Creates an ice slope that chills spirits but minimizes dilution with this rocks glass’s fitted silicone mold. $18. uncommongoods.com Local Gin: Distilled …

By Amanda Baity Floral initials are beautiful, personal wedding decorations, especially when filled with the couple’s favorite plants. They are great to make for your own wedding or to give as a gift to a gardening friend who is tying the knot. Try the couple’s first initials, or just their last initial if you only have time to make one. Or go all out and spell their names if you have the time! Wire Outline: To make your personalized floral initials you’ll need to begin with a wire frame. You can make them yourself, but they can be found at many craft and garden stores. The time and trouble saved to make the small cost worth it. You’ll also need moss to line your letters, plants to fill them and dirt for your plants to grow. Try to choose plants …

By Lisa Beth Miller As you plan for your big day and search for your dream venue, it is important to pay attention to what assistance is offered at each venue. If the venue itself provides a coordinator, you may not need to hire a separate event coordinator. Confused about the differences between the two types of coordinators? Here are some tips regarding the roles of venue coordinators and event coordinators: Venue Coordinators: When you’re picking out your wedding venue, one of the first things you should ask is whether or not there is an on-site wedding coordinator at your disposal. If your venue offers a coordinator as part of its package, that means there’s no added cost for this added benefit. A venue coordinator works for the venue, not directly for you. They’ll act as a liaison between you …

Changing your name after the wedding is a personal choice. If you do decide to make the traditional change, it is important to be organized and thorough in this endeavor. Where to start? STEP ONE: Get your marriage license. An original, or certified copy, of your marriage license will be required before you speak to other agencies. Call the clerk’s office where your license was filed to get copies. STEP TWO: Change your social security card. Fill out the Social Security Administration’s application for a new card. Take or mail your application and required documents to your local SSA office. STEP THREE: Update your driver’s license. In most states, this must be done in person, so prepare yourself for a trip to the DMV. Bring your original license, your marriage certificate and your new Social Security card. STEP FOUR: Update …