Ask the Experts

By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Brides & Weddings Wedding planning is often described as joyful, exciting, and unforgettable. It can also be overwhelming, emotionally charged, and quietly exhausting. For Sarah Miller, founder of Tree Star Hypnosis, that reality became clear while planning her own November 2025 wedding. What began as a personal journey soon evolved into a calling to support brides and couples through the mental and emotional side of saying “I do.” A Personal Path to Purpose Tree Star Hypnosis is rooted in Sarah’s own healing journey and in honoring those who came before her. Throughout her twenties, she experienced the loss of many family members, as well as her mentor. Those experiences profoundly shaped her path, eventually leading her to become a death doula, grief coach, and clinical hypnotherapist. Sarah was introduced to hypnosis by her mentor, Joseph Mancini …

By Katherine Gotthardt | Sponsored by Cakes by Happy Eatery As couples look for ways to make their big day more personal and memorable, many are moving away from the classic tiered wedding cake in favor of alternative desserts.  “While traditional wedding cakes are timeless, today’s couples want to express their unique style and surprise their guests with something unexpected,” says Victoria Wu, co-owner and lead cake designer at Cakes by Happy Eatery bakery in Manassas.  That’s where Wu and her team come in: devising and designing delicious options for couples who want something different.  Cupcake Towers Cupcakes are among the most popular alternatives, offering both convenience and variety. “Cupcake towers are a fantastic option because they allow couples to showcase multiple flavors and accommodate different dietary needs, such as gluten-free or vegan,” Wu explains. The visual impact of a beautifully …

By Katherine Gotthardt | Sponsored by The Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns The Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns, nestled amid the tranquil landscape of Quicksburg, Virginia and just off I-81, offers a stunning setting for weddings and events. Its rustic charm and natural beauty provide an unforgettable backdrop for photos and create endless possibilities for couples eager to capture lasting memories on their special day. And what could be more memorable than your choice of music? From that special first dance to the daughter’s dance to the less-than-traditional options, your music will be something you and your guests recall for a lifetime. Fortunately, The Yellow Barn has you covered with a top-notch sound system, dance floor space, a stage and more. Director of Events & Marketing Ashley Proctor said, “We have a sound system that has AUX and Bluetooth connectivity. …

By Rebecca Barnes If you’re planning to tie the knot in Prince William County, there’s a beautiful way to say “I do” right here at home—whether you dream of an intimate courthouse wedding, a pop-up ceremony with local flair, or a special celebration that fits your timeline and budget. The Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office makes the marriage process simple, meaningful, and full of heart. From obtaining a marriage license to exchanging vows in one of their civil ceremonies, couples can count on the Clerk’s team to guide them every step of the way. A Simple, Heartfelt Path to “I Do” Couples can begin their journey together with a civil ceremony hosted by the Clerk’s Office every Friday (except holidays) in a Circuit courtroom. These modest, heartfelt weddings are perfect for couples who want a stress-free, affordable way …

By Katherine Gotthardt | Sponsored by Cakes by Happy Eatery No wedding is complete without a stunning cake that reflects the couple’s taste and style. But flavor is equally important. At Cakes by Happy Eatery in Manassas, Virginia, every cake is a work of art, crafted with care and creativity to ensure your special day is unforgettable—and delicious. With a myriad of flavors to choose from, here are some favorite wedding cake flavors that have delighted couples and guests alike. Wedding Cake Flavor Trends Emily Wu, co-owner of Cakes by Happy Eatery, said it’s important to note that wedding cake trends come and go. However, when it comes to your wedding cake, the most significant aspect is making it yours. No matter the flavors or design you prefer, having a cake that tastes fantastic and leaves your guests raving is a …

By Katherine Gotthardt | Sponsored by The Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns Have you always dreamed of an autumn wedding? How about something Halloween-ish? Just need the right venue? With its breathtaking landscapes and flexible space, The Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns offers the perfect setting for a wedding in Virginia.  This charming venue, with its rustic aesthetic, aligns perfectly with the beauty of autumn. And at night? It’s especially adaptable for Halloween fun! As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, couples can transform The Yellow Barn into a magical space that reflects both the season and personal style.  “We have so many weddings in the fall and the fall colors and rustic theme really make the room pop,” said Ashley Proctor, Director of Events & Marketing. “The outside of our barn is light yellow and blue, but …

Dear Publisher, We’re hosting our wedding at a historic mansion in the evening, and we’d like a black-tie dress code. Some family members say it’s “too much” and that guests should wear whatever they want. How do we set a formal tone without seeming pretentious? Sincerely, Elegant but Anxious Rebecca’s Response Dress codes for weddings go back to the Victorian era, when invitations would specify “morning dress” or “evening dress.” Black tie is a time-honored way to set a sense of occasion — and it’s perfectly appropriate for an evening mansion wedding. Here’s how to communicate it with style and tact: Be clear. State the dress code on the invitation: “Black Tie Attire.” Avoid vague terms like “formal,” which can confuse guests. Add context. On your wedding website, explain: “We’re celebrating in a historic mansion, and we’d love to see …

Dear Publisher, We’ve lived together for three years and already own most of the basics. What we really want is help with our honeymoon fund. My mom thinks asking for money is tacky and says we should register for “real” gifts instead. Are honeymoon or cash registries acceptable now, or will we offend our guests? Best, Practical Couple Rebecca’s Response Registries have always reflected the times. In the 1920s, couples registered for silver and china; in the 1950s, it was appliances; today, many couples already have the essentials. Etiquette evolves — and so do registries. Here’s how to approach this with grace: Normalize it. Honeymoon funds and cash registries are widely accepted today. Most etiquette experts agree: it’s fine as long as you give guests options. Phrase it politely. Say, “Your presence is the best gift. For those who’d like …

Dear Publisher, My fiancé and I want to keep our reception short and sweet. We planned for just two speeches — one from the best man and one from the maid of honor. But my dad insists on giving a toast, and now my future mother-in-law wants to speak too. I don’t want our night to turn into an open mic, but I also don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. How do we balance tradition with our wishes? Sincerely, Overwhelmed by Toasts   Rebecca’s Response Wedding speeches go back centuries — in ancient Greece, the father of the bride traditionally offered blessings, while in medieval Europe, toasts were seen as a way to protect the couple from misfortune. Today, speeches are about love and storytelling, but without boundaries, they can overwhelm a reception. Here’s how to keep it graceful and …

Dear Publisher, Our photographer delivered gorgeous photos — but she posted them online before I even got to share them myself. Am I being unreasonable to feel hurt? Do I have any say over how she uses our photos? Thanks,Instagram-Slighted Bride Rebecca’s Response Photography has always been part of weddings — though once upon a time, couples waited weeks for black-and-white prints. Today, with digital immediacy and social media, the first post feels like a deeply personal moment. It’s natural to want that joy for yourself. Here’s the etiquette landscape and how to handle it: Know the contracts. Most photographers retain copyright unless otherwise specified. That means they can legally share images for portfolios or social media. Acknowledge your feelings. You’re not being unreasonable — emotional ownership is just as real as legal ownership. Communicate directly. Thank your photographer for …

Dear Publisher, My fiancé and I want a child-free wedding, but my sister insists on bringing her toddlers, saying it’s unfair to exclude family. I know she’ll be upset if I say no, but we’re firm about wanting an adults-only event. How do I navigate this without causing a family rift? Warmly,Kid-Free Couple Rebecca’s Response Did you know that child-free weddings aren’t a modern invention? In Victorian England, weddings were often adults-only affairs, seen as formal occasions rather than family gatherings. Couples today are simply returning to that tradition — and it’s perfectly acceptable. Here’s how to balance etiquette with family harmony: Communicate clearly. Tell your sister directly: “We truly want you there, but we’ve decided on an adults-only wedding so everyone can relax and celebrate.” Stay compassionate. Acknowledge her feelings. Sometimes resistance comes from childcare stress more than the …

Dear Publisher, My best friend asked me to be a bridesmaid, and of course, I said yes. But since then, the costs keep piling up — $300 for the dress, $200 for the shoes, a $500 bachelorette weekend, plus hair and makeup on the big day. I love her dearly, but it’s way more than I can afford. Am I being selfish if I back out, or should I just suck it up because it’s her wedding? Sincerely,Broke but Loving Friend Rebecca’s Response Bridesmaids have always been part of weddings — in fact, the tradition goes back to ancient Rome, when attendants were meant to protect the bride from evil spirits and jealous suitors. Today, the role looks very different, but one thing hasn’t changed: being asked is an honor, not a financial contract. You are not being selfish, you’re …

By David Greenspoon, Owner, I Do’s With David Couples seeking a secular or religiously neutral ceremony might find a specialist celebrant or officiant a perfect solution. A specialist celebrant with credentials is usually highly trained in crafting and celebrating ceremonies. A quick look at any potential celebrant’s website and social media accounts should make affiliations with professional association and credentials clear. When you meet with a potential celebrant, be ready to share the essentials of your ceremony like venue, time, date, etc. Also be ready to share a sense of your values and style and how you want the ceremony to reflect them. Have your questions and don’t be afraid to ask them. Some personal considerations might include a musically capable officiant, someone with skills in a particular language, or someone with experience with a particular cultural wedding practice. Sometimes …

By Katherine Gotthardt | Sponsored by Cakes by Happy Eatery As every bride and groom know, weddings aren’t just about dresses, tuxes and venues. They are also about the centerpiece of every celebration—the wedding cake. Victoria Wu, owner of Cakes by Happy Eatery bakery in Manassas, is preparing 2026 wedding cake orders, working with couples that view the cake as an integral part of the wedding’s overall design, décor and color scheme. “Cakes complement the whole wedding look,” Wu explains. “They also often follow fashion trends. If you look at fashion, you’ll see what the next collection is. It gives you the upcoming style. Wedding cake styles will complement what’s coming down the line.” For Wu, this means keeping her finger on the pulse of fashion and design while working closely with couples to create something truly unique, something that …

So, you’ve found the person you wanted to marry, gotten the ring, an have enough excitement bottled up for years to come. Now it’s time to make plans for your incredible honeymoon. Start with some of these incredible locations for inspiration for your planning. Hawaii Turtle Bay Result, located in Hawaii, is one of the best honeymoon destinations. But don’t be fooled by the intoxicating views and romantic sunset swims. This place is full of adventure from SCUBA, hiking, fishing, and whale watching just to name a few. Located on Oahu’s North Shore, you are close the action with seclusion and relaxation. Wadmalaw Island Despite its expansive size and proximity to the major tourist destinations of Charleston, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and Folly Beach, Wadmalaw Island is a refreshingly unpopulated, quiet, and authentically local realm of the South Carolina region, …

By Lisa Beth Miller When planning your wedding, it would be difficult to avoid spending a large sum on flowers, as they are woven into many aspects of the celebration. Flowers and decor traditionally take up around 15% of the wedding budget. This, of course, is flexible, depending upon how much the couple chooses to utilize flowers! Here are a few ideas to consider as your budget: Bridal bouquets and toss bouquets are fairly traditional and necessary. Brides who love flowers can go all out with an extravagant bouquet, while minimalists can certainly keep it simple! Brides could even opt to use the “real bouquet” as the toss bouquet to save a few dollars. Just keep in mind that the bride’s bouquet is one of the most photographed floral arrangements of the day! Don’t skimp too much! Bridesmaids’ bouquets are …

Provided by Brides & Weddings Magazine Are you the owner or manager of a picturesque wedding venue? Showcase your venue with Brides & Weddings Magazine and BridesAndWeddings.com and reach couples looking for the perfect place to say “I do.” Sign up for a visibility package and receive your choice of a FREE SEO review, an exclusive email blast to more than 5,000 brides, or an online sponsored story, each valued at $500! Limited-Time Offer: Act Now! This exclusive offer is available for a limited time. Take advantage of the opportunity to make your mark in the world of weddings. If you are a wedding venue ready to attract couples, BridesAndWeddings.com is your platform to shine! How to Redeem Make your wedding memories unforgettable and help others create their dream weddings. Join BridesAndWeddings.com today! For inquiries and to get started: Contact us at Rebecca@BridesAndWeddings.com, or Book a …

By Janet Cass | Sponsored by Simply Jia, LLC “I encourage people to consider styling for all aspects of the wedding,” so that the entire wedding journey, from engagement photo shoot to bachelor/bachelorette party to the marriage ceremony, whether intimate elopement or larger, and any other component such as clothing for family members and the wedding party, tells a visually cohesive story. Decisions, decisions So says Jia Zheng, of Simply Jia, LLC. She understands firsthand the myriad details and decisions people face when planning a wedding because she took the lead in planning her own, with support from a venue-mandated wedding coordinator. Her tactful guidance for people navigating their journey to the start of married life is a natural extension of her personal-style coaching service, Simply Jia, LLC. When clients of that service began asking Jia for advice about their …

Provided by Grace Loves Lace Are you looking to spoil your newlywed friends on their special day? Finding the perfect gift for these lovebirds can be a daunting task! Whether you’d like to give them something unique and personalized or respect a set budget, go for a gift that reflects their identity and your friendship. If you were not provided with a gift registry, here are tips on how to find beautiful and unique wedding gift ideas for the modern couple. 1. Spoil your newlyweds with personalized artwork For a timeless and unique gift, consider capturing the newlyweds’ love with a custom couple portrait! It’ll be a beautiful addition to their home and will bring a smile to their faces every time they see it. You should start by choosing an artwork theme that reflects the couple’s personality and relationship. …

By Lisa Beth Miller The champagne toast is a traditional part of most wedding receptions. It is a time to honor the newly married couple and celebrate their official union with an elegant and luxurious bit of the bubbly. But do you truly understand how to select a champagne for the toast? Here are some basics. There are four basic types of champagne. NV means the champagne is a nonvintage and is blended from several vineyards and harvests. For a champagne to be considered vintage, at least 80% of the grapes in the blend must have been harvested in the same season at a single vineyard. Rosè means that the champagne blend contains a bit of red wine or macerated red grape skins, giving it a pink color. Blanc de blancs are champagnes made only from chardonnay grapes, giving it a light and …

By Lisa Beth Miller A wedding reception is meant to create an atmosphere that reflects the personality of the newly married couple. It is their first party and should obviously be memorable. Selecting the entertainment can be a bit tricky, as music is very personal to most members of the wedding party and guests. A song that is meaningful to the best man may not impress Grandma. The decision that most couples spend the most time contemplating is whether to hire a DJ or a live band at the reception. A DJ can be a great choice for several reasons. In most cases, a DJ will be more affordable than a live band and can work in small spaces without too much equipment. A DJ often appeals to a great variety of guests because they have recognizable versions of most …

By Lisa Beth Miller We all know that couples need to plan a rehearsal prior to the wedding. In most instances, a wedding planner or officiant usually guides everyone through this process, but couples should still be very aware of what should be accomplished at this wedding practice session! Start by lining up the wedding party as they will be during the ceremony. This will give everyone an immediate visual of their exact position during the ceremony. In most ceremonies, the bride stands on the left facing the altar, groom on the right, though it’s reversed for Jewish ceremonies. The bridesmaids and groomsmen stand on the respective sides facing the guests. Parents sit directly behind their respective children. Briefly run through the order of events of the ceremony. Depending on your religious affiliation, there will be different events within the …

By Lisa Beth Miller One of the most beautiful and natural ways to add color and drama to a wedding ceremony is to incorporate a flower petal aisle runner. Although most churches have a clearly defined center aisle for the bride’s traditional entrance, other locations may lack this structured path. Fabric runners, usually in white or ivory, were the norm for many decades, but creative brides and planners have upped the ante in recent years. Runners are no longer limited to simple fabric edged with flower petals or candles. The option to create an artistic statement with colorful flower petals is now trendy for all types of weddings: from bohemian to traditional. How to make this beautiful idea a reality? If your wedding is planned for outdoors, make sure it is not during a windy season! Also check with your …