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Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Major Wedding-Planning Trends Set to Take Over
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Whether you've had a curated Pinterest board since middle school or you're newly engaged, there's no question that the task of planning a wedding is a daunting one, to say the least. With so many decisions to be made, both big and small, and no shortage of inspiration across the internet, it can feel overwhelming to figure out where to even begin. As such, we're taking the opportunity to report on the biggest trends happening in the wedding and event planning space right now, naturally filtered through our fashion-person perspective. We've already reported on the biggest bridal fashion trends to know for 2026 brides, but now we're taking it further and diving into everything beyond the dress. From the trending font that's featured on the coolest invitations to the floral arrangements that are art pieces in and of themselves, these are all the elements of a wedding weekend that are taking over right now. And while the big day remains at the heart of it all, multiday celebrations don't appear to be slowing down anytime soon. In fact, wedding and event planner Beth Helmstetter shared that she sees couples continuing to host weekend-long celebrations but focusing on regions and experiences that highlight who they are and what they love as a couple. 'Many couples are leaning into more casual and less produced celebrations that encourage guests to have more fun and lean into intimacy over formality,' she explained. Destination or not, it's all about the unexpected and unique when it comes to venues. Mindy Weiss, who planned both Demi Lovato's and Hailee Steinfeld's respective nuptials this year, shared that several clients want to find a location where their event can spread out for several days from Thursday through Sunday. 'This offers a guest experience that they're hoping their loved ones have never had before. It could include golf tournaments, spa experiences, game days, pool parties, cooking classes, and cocktail parties. We're not just planning a wedding anymore,' she insisted. Weddings in 2026 are set to become 360-degree experiences beginning from the arrival of the custom invitations to the gifts guests part with and every detail in between. There's no question that destination weddings are growing more popular every year, but in 2026, couples looking to tie the knot abroad are putting renewed emphasis on locales that are rich in authentic and local charm and venues that are striking and cinematic. Venues that are immersed in nature with dramatic backdrops and striking architecture are quickly becoming the must-haves, whether that be the limestone quarry in Menorca that's hosted weddings and fashion brand events alike or historic fincas like Sa Pedrissa in Mallorca with its unspoiled views of the coastline. For exact locations, traditional Italian destinations like Tuscany will always be that girl, but Fora adviser Katherine Flynn noted that Mallorca, Puglia, and Todos Santos are quickly rising as top wedding destinations, too, which she says is thanks to their natural beauty, authentic charm, and boutique feel. 'These places fit perfectly with the trend of turning weddings into multiday getaways for friends and family,' she continued. 'Guests want sunset dinners, local wine, and unique experiences. In Puglia, Masseria San Domenico is a perfect example of the region's rustic elegance with historic farmhouses surrounded by olive groves and incredible local cuisine.' The five-star hotel hosted an exclusive trip for earlier this summer, which highlights how close the fashion and wedding event worlds are tied. While venues are striking and dramatic on the one hand, they're also rustic and familiar on the other. The next big wedding venue trend? Ranches. 'Remote and rugged is the new romantic,' insisted Sunna Yassin and Mollie Jones Hennes, principals of Bash Please. The pair are the planners behind Alex Cooper's highly buzzed-about wedding last year and shared that they're seeing a strong draw toward private ranches, wineries, and architectural compounds that feel completely off-grid. Weiss echoed this sentiment, sharing that she's seeing mountainous regions like Big Sky, Montana, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, gaining more and more popularity. Hosting multiday celebrations in these places means couples can plan a number of guest excursions, including horseback riding and custom cowboy hat bars. With couples putting intimate and meaningful celebrations ahead of all-out productions, it makes sense that we'd see a resurgence of at-home weddings. Though, we're not necessarily talking simply backyard affairs. 'Whether it's a ranch tucked into the foothills of Jackson Hole or a private villa in the South of France, hosting at 'home' has never felt more relevant,' shared Jesse Tombs, owner and creative director of Jesse Tombs. 'Home settings carry stories, and there's an unmatched intimacy in celebrating surrounded by the landscapes that have meaning. There's a richness in that kind of authenticity, where every view has history and heart for all of your loved ones in attendance.' There's one buzzword in wedding décor right now, and it's draping. 'Drapery is huge for 2026,' Weiss insisted. 'So many of my clients want dripping, scrunched, and unkempt elegance when it comes to draping.' As for how we can see it being used as a décor choice, Yassin and Jones explained that they expect to see sheer drapery used in unexpected ways: 'Framing nature instead of hiding it, adding height without weight. Clients want spaces that feel cinematic but still breathable.' This is one trend that feels in step with the 1950s nostalgia that we're seeing play out in bridal fashion right now, too. Drapery is an element that brings a sense of luxury and a timelessness that's still fluid and unfussy and, according to Helmstetter, has evolved into a design feature in its own right. 'We're seeing it installed in unexpected places, ceiling treatments that dip low over dining tables and become part of the tablescape, and even bars or cake tables layered in luxurious fabric to create a moment that feels just as intentional as what they're displaying. It's no longer just functional—it's a focal point.' Personality-first elements are winning when it comes to 2026 weddings, and couples want every décor detail to be intentional and deeply personal. For Tombs, that means that 'every detail should feel like it was always meant to be there. Think elegant minimalism, wabi-sabi, and a sense of purpose behind every fork and fabric selection.' One way to inject some personality is through intentional mismatching—flatware, dishware, and even mismatched chairs all bring a sense of uniqueness to a wedding that can't be replicated. View Deal View Deal View Deal There are myriad ways in which couples are creating conversation and connection through the design and décor of their wedding, and opting for handcrafted details and artisanal accents is one way to do so. It's all about vintage or vintage-inspired pieces that tell a story and perhaps carry personal or cultural significance. Retro wrought iron chairs, especially for venues with an outdoor terrace or garden area, are a niche but impactful design choice that can instantly bring a warmth and familiarity to the event. Helmstetter says she's prioritizing these handcrafted details over overly produced moments. 'The goal is to create a space that feels lived-in and a dining table that encourages conversation, connection, and comfort.' View Deal View Deal View Deal Wedding food is no longer only about the food but has become a part of the larger design and aesthetic direction of the event itself. 'The runway is setting the table now, and this trend will be seen in weddings and events around the world,' Tombs said. Abundant tablescapes, color coordination, and hyperlocal produce are all components of the storytelling that wedding catering is doing now. 'Culinary creatives are stepping into the spotlight like never before, often working alongside wedding planners, designers, and art directors to shape the look and feel of events. They're co-curating design, tabletop, food displays, and styling. Think of it as food with a fashion-campaign treatment, styled, storied, and saturated in mood and story. This is also driving new kinds of culinary collabs: Loewe x Laila Gohar [and] Jacquemus x Oursin.' Another design-planning element that mirrors the timelessness and elegance happening in the bridal fashion space is the employment of antiques in the overall décor and, specifically, in the food and beverage offering. Coupe glasses holding everything from champagne to hand-scooped tiramisu, antique trays overflowing with hors d'oeuvres, sterling silver flatware—these are just a few of the accents that bring a sense of nostalgia for a golden age to wedding design. View Deal View Deal View Deal One detail that is carrying on from our 2024 wedding planning reporting is the trend of the large-format cake. No longer is the default wedding cake design one with multiple tiers that tower ever higher. Now, we're seeing a wave of oversize wedding tarts covered in fresh berries that are becoming the new go-to dessert choice to both cut as a couple and serve to guests. The oversize format feels much more familial and is an especially popular choice for intimate gatherings. View Deal View Deal View Deal More is not always more when it comes to wedding-day florals. Instead, planners want to hit on a much more minimal and directional tone. 'The vibe is more fashion showroom than bridal Pinterest board,' shared Tombs. 'Instead of overworked frilly arrangements, we're loving simplified compositions with one to two floral varieties that act like color blocks in the overall event color palette. Monochrome clusters create visual ease and allow the flowers to function as part of the architecture of the space. It feels modern, elevated, and most importantly, more like a chic party and less like a wedding.' Florals are going minimal, but they're also going maximal—'sometimes in the same weekend,' according to Yassin and Jones. 'Sparse, sculptural arrangements using bold single blooms are gaining traction,' they noted, like the minimalist arrangements described above, 'while others are going for volume and chaos in the best way: overflowing blooms that look like they sprouted overnight. Wild, abundant installs tap into something romantic and uncontained—perfect for nature-forward settings.' In fact, wild and overflowing are two keywords that experts seemed to echo over the course of my conversations. Weiss insisted that this aesthetic is one that will only continue to gain momentum. 'Think actual greens growing up the walls and chandeliers made out of calla lilies. Very art-forward designs,' she added. Timeless glamour is the mood that's leading the direction for cool wedding stationery. 'Our current mood board includes vintage social invitations from the golden era and fashion show invites with sharp, pared-back yet graphic typography,' shared Tombs. 'There's something luxurious about going back to the basics. I'm talking about thick, creamy-buttery paper, deep letterpress printing that leaves a gorgeous impression, spot calligraphy that feels like it came straight from an artist's atelier.' Classic ivory tones and the occasional rich oxblood hue mark the color palette, while bespoke details like wax seals and thick-cut heavyweight letterpress leave an impact on guests from the very beginning. Timeless elegance is going strong in one direction, and joyful, whimsical designs are rearing their heads in another. Traditionally, stationery tends to be low in the hierarchy of design-forward choices, but experts say that wedding invites are just another avenue for couples to inject some personality into their guests' experience. 'Playful, handwritten typography and color-forward palettes are having a moment,' Yassin and Jones confirmed, 'especially when paired with tactile elements like letterpress or hand-dyed paper. The more it feels like a piece of art or a collector's object, the better.' Instead of following one format, the trend is all about personalization. 'Custom fonts, oversize letters, saturated color are all elements of our invitations in 2026,' Weiss added. Personalization continues to be the defining feature of 2025 and 2026 weddings. 'There's a real appetite for design-forward branding,' Yassin and Jones shared. 'Clients want transportive settings, highly curated design moments, and brand-level storytelling—from the first invite to the final farewell.' That could look like anything from bespoke matchbooks to personalized menus to embroidered napkins, but for couples looking to go the extra mile, it goes beyond menus and itineraries. 'We just monogrammed robes for each guest in their hotel rooms,' Weiss shared of one recent couple. In essence, customization is at an all-time high. There will always be a place for traditional guest gifts, but more couples are placing emphasis on experience-driven gifting. 'We're seeing things like custom cowboy hat bars, adventure kits with matching branded gear, personal photos in guest rooms, and bespoke turndown treats that feel deeply personal,' shared Tombs. 'It's less about quantity, more about curation and customization.' This is especially true of weddings where the couple has a personal bond with the destination or surroundings. Experiences and excursions are a way to share that connection with their guests in the hopes of creating memories that last long after the last dance. View Deal View Deal View Deal 'Wedding 'merch' is officially a thing—but only if it feels thoughtful, wearable, and a little unexpected,' Yassin and Jones insisted. For Cooper's wedding, the planners curated an assortment of sweats, hats, and bags that looked more like concert drops than party favors. 'Guests want keepsakes they'll actually use—and post about—long after the weekend ends.' Gifting is another way to create a through line from the aesthetic of the invites all the way to the final tone of these take-home items. Instead of individual gift bags, Weiss noted that some of her couples are taking things up a notch and hosting 'welcome stores,' where guests can choose from several items and make their own gift bags. View Deal View Deal View Deal
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
6 Tasks You Should Always Ask Your Wedding Planner to Do—And 5 You Shouldn't
After you and your partner get engaged, your attention may quickly shift to planning your wedding. In addition to determining your preferred date and budget, hiring a planner may be one of the first decisions that you make in the process. The person you select to fulfill such a job is an important choice, as they'll be in charge of guiding your vendor selection, determining your design, and coordinating all of the details tied to your celebration. "A great planner is your strategic partner, creative director, logistics master, etiquette translator, and trusted confidante (sometimes all in one day)," says Kate Turner, the founder and creative director of Kate & Co. "Our job is to help you make smart, confident decisions, and then bring them to life beautifully and seamlessly."Michelle Norwood is a wedding planner, event designer, and the owner of Michelle Norwood Events. Beth Helmstetter is the founder and creative director of Beth Helmstetter Events, a full-service event-planning studio in Los Angeles. Kate Turner is the founder and creative Director of Kate & even though your wedding planner is there to help guide you through the process, there are some tasks and to-dos that you shouldn't assign to them. "While we wear many hats, there are boundaries to protect both the integrity of the event and the health of the planning relationship," says Beth Helmstetter, the founder and creative director of Beth Helmstetter Events. "You shouldn't expect your planner to negotiate financial terms directly with family members, take on tasks outside their scope like legal advice, therapy, personal errands or tasks, DIY projects, or work beyond agreed hours without prior discussion." Below, the experts explain the six tasks you should always ask for your planner's assistance with—and the five you shouldn't. Read on for everything you need to know. Related: How Much Does a Wedding Planner Actually Cost? Your wedding planner plays a key role in many of the aspects tied to your big day. Here, experts explain six of the tasks you should turn to them for assistance with. From the caterer and bartender to the florist and cake designer, there are a number of different vendors you'll work with in the lead-up to your wedding, as well as on the actual day itself. All of the experts agree: Your wedding planner is there to help you cultivate and manage these relationships. Instead of wading through the contracts and email confirmations by yourself, turn to them for their expertise and guidance. Figuring out the timeline for your celebration can be complicated—and overwhelming. This is one of the key to-dos you should turn to your wedding planner for. "A planner acts as a strategic partner—someone who not only helps conceptualize and execute your vision but also ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes," says Michelle Norwood, a wedding planner and the owner of Michelle Norwood Events. Your planner's vision for your affair may have been one of the reasons you were initially drawn to their work. And even if you already had a design in your head, they can help you execute your plan. "[A] misconception is that hiring a planner means you'll lose control of your wedding vision, when in fact, a good planner helps bring that vision to life more seamlessly than you could on your own—while protecting you from burnout," Norwood says. Unsure of how to set the right dress code for your nuptials? Or what to say in your request for gifts? Turn to your wedding planner for assistance on proper etiquette. They'll be able to ensure that you approach things in an acceptable manner, avoiding any awkward blunders. Figuring out how to divide up your wedding budget can often be one of the most stressful tasks. Luckily, your planner can help you determine where to spend your money and which aspects are the most important to you and your partner. Before, during, and after your wedding, there are many minor details to attend to. Your planner helps take care of all of them, ensuring everything goes smoothly. "When problems arise, whether it's a layout conflict or a delay in delivery, your planner is the one who finds a solution without you ever having to lift a finger," Norwood says. "They act as the calm in the chaos and the glue holding every moving part together." Related: Hiring a Wedding Planner? Here Are 35 Questions to Ask Before Making Things Official "While we're deeply involved in just about every detail, there are a few things that fall outside our lane, and that's by design," Turner says. "It's important to understand those for everyone's benefit." Read on for the five tasks you shouldn't ask your planner to do. Even though your wedding planner may have suggested—or even found—a hotel for your guests to stay at for your celebration, it's not their job to assist your loved ones with booking their accommodations, Turner says. If you think that some of your attendees may need support with such details, list a travel agent to be a point of contact for them. Many modern couples opt to integrate their pet into their wedding ceremony. Maybe you decide to have your dog serve as your ring bearer—or your cat greet guests as they enter the venue. However, it's important to tap someone other than your planner to manage your furry friend on the big day, Turner says. Between all of the other details and logistics, your planner won't have the time or the ability to also take care of your beloved animal. Even though your planner may be famous for their spicy margarita, they shouldn't be expected to mix drinks on the day of your nuptials, Turner says. Contract the appropriate number of bartenders, servers, and waitstaff for your celebration. Stuck on how many people to hire? Ask your planner for assistance—that's exactly what they're ready to help with. While you may feel incredibly close to your planner, know that they're not able to handle relationship issues between you and your partner—or you and your family. Yet, in some cases, they may be able to refer you to someone who can, such as a licensed mental health counselor. "You shouldn't expect your planner to run personal errands, pick up dry cleaning, or act as a personal assistant," Norwood says. "These tasks fall outside the scope of professional planning services. While planners are incredibly hands-on and deeply invested in your event's success, their expertise lies in strategy, design, logistics, and execution—not in day-to-day errands." Up Next: The Difference Between Wedding Planners, Coordinators, and Designers—And How to Know Which Ones You Should Hire Read the original article on Brides
Vogue
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Why Drapery Is the Biggest Wedding Decor Trend of 2025
If you take a peek at the Instagram feeds of the top event planners and photographers right now, you're sure to see plenty of billowing wedding drapery creating a dreamy, dramatic effect at a reception. While deciding on your linens has always been part of the wedding planning process, many couples are choosing to invest in more fabric to completely transform their celebrations with swaths of cloth rather than just cover tables. 'Historically, draping has been used to soften or conceal logistical elements—tent poles, unsightly walls in ballrooms, and the like. In those cases, it functioned more like a backdrop or neutral canvas, similar to choosing a wall color or wallpaper in your home,' explains wedding planner Beth Helmstetter. 'But in recent years, draping has evolved into a design feature in its own right.' She adds, 'It's no longer just functional. It's a focal point.' Photo: Jenny Quicksall The perks of bringing fabric into your wedding design are endless. 'Drapery offers softness and movement to a room, as well as a feeling of stepping into a one-of-a-kind space,' says wedding planner Alexis Eskenazi. She notes that the material can also work wonders when transforming a venue. 'Draping is a great way to create a space within a space, or divide an area to create multiple chapters throughout the evening.' Celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss says clients are requesting to use drapery in a number of ways we haven't seen in the past. 'I'm not just draping ballrooms and receptions now; I'm draping ceremonies and cocktail spaces, too,' she shares. 'And, not only on the walls.' She points out chuppahs and wedding ceremony arches are a popular spot for adding in fabric, while other planners note hallway entrances are a prime spot for a moody draping moment.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
How to Create a Timeless Wedding Registry Packed With Pieces That'll Evolve With You and Your Spouse
Though some of the items on your wedding registry won't stand the test of time—it's inevitable that some glasses will break, plates will chip, towels will wear out—others will last as long as your marriage (and some, even longer). But if you plan to set the table with your wedding china 30 years in the future, pass down your favorite cast-iron pan to your grandson, or toast with your Champagne glasses on your 50th wedding anniversary, it's important to register for pieces that are versatile, high-quality, and enduringly stylish. Many couples make the same common mistakes when registering, says Akeshi Akinseye, founder of Kesh Events and The Art of Celebrating: They go into the process without a plan; they register for disparate items that don't create a cohesive design palette; they second-guess the prices, opting for lower-quality basics; and they add pieces they don't truly love, bulking up their registry with gifts that will move to the donate pile sooner rather than later. By following these expert tips, you can build a refined collection of enduring basics instead: versatile, multi-purpose pieces; plates and flatware your children and grandchildren will fight over; personalized pieces unique to your home; and gifts that are valuable for both their functionality and their sentiment. 'When it surrounds your wedding, you want everything to be special and elevated,' says event planner and designer Jung Lee of FÊTE and luxury wedding registry JLNY. 'These are forever pieces. You really have to think about 10, 20, 30, 40 years out, what are the pieces you're going to be excited to have?' Related: Editors' Picks: 18 Unexpected Wedding Registry Gifts You Shouldn't Overlook Not all couples need to register for the same essentials: Some are trying to stock a new home, while others are merging two households and will prefer customized gifts (or money). A timeless registry that works for you will be one based on the way you and your partner envision your life ahead. 'Are you curating your future home together from scratch, upgrading worn-out essentials, or collecting heirloom-worthy pieces for entertaining? Be intentional,' says Akinseye. 'Take inventory of what you already own, revisit your couple style, and register only for what will add joy, function, or beauty to your home.' Registering with intention—instead of adding every gadget that catches your eye to your list—allows you to create a neat collection of useful items you won't outgrow. 'Before building a registry, I always encourage couples to pause and reflect on what matters most to them. How do they live together now, and how do they envision building their home and life in the years to come?' says Beth Helmstetter, founder and creative director of Beth Helmstetter and The Good Beginning. 'Include both what you need now and what will support how you grow together—whether that's beautiful serving pieces for future dinner parties or outdoor items for years of shared entertaining. Prioritize quality and intention over quantity.' Ivory, stone, or cream-colored formal place settings with subtle details—like a tone-on-tone texture or a gold rim—work for both casual meals and more elevated events. 'Choose classic shapes with subtle patterns or neutral tones—think white or ivory with metallic accents,' says Akinseye. 'A beautiful set of white china—elegant enough for holidays but simple enough for everyday—[this] can be dressed up or down.' Complement a formal set with low-maintenance everyday dinnerware in a solid color. 'Pick styles that are dishwasher safe and timeless in finish—matte gold, brushed silver, or black,' says Akinseye. 'White everyday dishes layer well with formal pieces.' When choosing a setting, keep in mind your favorite black t-shirt or best pair of jeans—both of which are essential foundation pieces for a variety of different outfits. 'We think of the entertaining pieces and the place settings as one would think about fashion apparel,' says Lee. 'You need some basics, and then you need some really great anchor splurges, because they will lift everything up.' And if you're hesitant to register for expensive china, Lee points out that these pieces often become family heirlooms. 'Nobody ever regrets having gotten a Birkin bag, whether it was handed down from grandma or you bought it,' she says. 'You will cherish it, and you will love it, and you will use it.' The same idea of neutral basics accented by colorful add-ons should guide your selections for other entertaining pieces, from serveware to linens. 'Choose neutral platters, wooden boards, and simple statement trays that work year-round. Go for form and function,' says Akinseye. 'Linen or cotton napkins and runners in whites, creams, or earthy neutrals are forever stylish; avoid overly seasonal or themed sets unless you'll use them often.' Single-use gadgets, on-trend appliances, and inexpensive pots and pans might feel like fun registry adds, but they don't often stand up to years of meal preparation and house-to-house moves. 'Stainless steel or enameled cast iron are smart investments that last for decades; avoid trendy colors or inexpensive nonstick sets that wear quickly,' says Akinseye. High-end knives, a seriously powerful stand mixer (in your all-time favorite color, or a basic neutral), and sturdy wooden cutting boards will also hold up for the long haul. Invest in barware, too—whether you choose a carefully-curated set of glasses for every type of drink, or an all-purpose shape that's sold individually (and therefore, easy to replace as pieces are dropped or broken). Opt for elevated accessories to let your set work for both backyard barbecues as well as festive cocktail parties. 'A well-edited bar set—think beautiful glass decanters, a weighted cocktail shaker, and a few versatile glass shapes (coupes, rocks, and wine glasses)—adds instant polish to any gathering,' says Akinseye. '[Add] a great set of wine glasses or tumblers— choose a style that feels elevated but approachable.' Experts recommend registering for items at a variety of price points, from a sturdy garlic press to an indispensable enameled cast iron Dutch oven. However, when you're expecting other people to pay for your choices, knowing when to go high—and when to go low—means you're more likely to receive pieces that will grow with you. If you're registering from a cost-conscious perspective, Akinseye recommends splurging on cookware, serveware, and formal tableware. 'Quality stainless steel pots and pans are a kitchen workhorse and can last decades, and investing in entertaining serveware pieces you'll use year after year is worth it,' she says. 'Formal china or flatware—especially if you love hosting, these elevate your entire tablescape.' Save on inexpensive items that go in and out of style, or that are easy for you to replace. 'Mugs and casual dishware often get chipped or replaced—no need to overspend,' says Akinseye. 'Trendy table linens are fun, but styles change quickly; rotate in affordable options. [And] nonstick pans: Even the best ones need replacing eventually. Choose good quality at a mid-range price point.' The quickest way to regret your registry choices is to add items that you think you should ask for instead of pieces you'll actually use and appreciate. 'Think beyond tradition,' says Helmstetter. 'Registries aren't limited to fine china and blenders anymore. Feel free to add art, design-forward home goods, or even funds for experiences like a cooking class or honeymoon excursions. You can also incorporate charitable giving to reflect your values.' If you feel like you have all the things you need, focus on experiences, says Kate Turner, founder and creative director of Kate & Co.: 'Make space for memory-making,' she says. 'Whether it's a spectacular cheese board for entertaining, quality luggage for adventures, or the perfect outdoor furniture for summer gatherings, these pieces often become the backdrop for your most cherished moments together.' Lee encourages her clients to register for items that serve more than one purpose, especially if they feel they're short on space. Champagne coupes can do double-duty as dessert dishes; full-sized dinner plates can work as chargers, serving platters, or food display bases; a set of nesting trays, easily used to corral items on a coffee table, can be put into action at dinner parties, on buffets, or as pretty storage. She also reminds her clients to add purely decorative items: candlesticks you'll put on the table for every holiday, a handmade tablecloth to anchor your formal place settings, a vase for your anniversary bouquet. Choose a few pieces you love—but wouldn't buy for yourself; theses will become some of your most memorable wedding gifts. While the majority of items on most wedding registries are common basics—pots and pans, sheets and towels, pitchers and utensils—Lee assists her clients in choosing completely one-of-a-kind items, too: One couple chose a dozen customized glasses for sipping tequila; another bride had her handwritten note to the groom engraved on a silver tray. Some couples opt to have their flatware monogrammed; Lee then uses the pieces (or the couple's formal china) for settings at the head table during the wedding, making the pieces even more sentimental. 'These are forever pieces,' she says. 'They become legacy pieces for the couple to transfer to future generations in the family.' Up Next: Should You Send a Gift Even If You Can't Attend the Wedding? Read the original article on Brides
