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Once the couple of honor finishes attending to the traditional formalities at their wedding reception, like the first dance and speeches, their post-ceremony party usually transitions to a less structured and more social vibe. Dancing is the primary way newlyweds set the energetic tone for this second phase of festivities, but this isn't always—and doesn’t have to be—the case.

Have your heart set on a winter wedding for your big day? It’s an unorthodox choice—nearly three-quarters of nuptials take place between May and October—yet if done correctly, a beautiful one. The season, after all, arrives with so many emblems of romance: roaring fires, snow-blanketed landscapes, cozy yet chic fashion, crimson blooms… this writer could go on. 

A wedding planning checklist—or, an in-depth inventory of tasks to complete before your nuptials—is the first thing you should do after agreeing to say I do. (Well, call your parents and bask in the immediate bliss of being betrothed. But then… wedding planning checklist.) Sure, the action items may seem obvious at first. A venue needs to be locked down early. 

One of the best parts of working at Brides? We get a front-row seat to the industry’s latest and greatest innovations, which allows us to make trend predictions early and accurately—but it’s always a plus when so many of our (informed) guesses are affirmed or approved by wedding planners, the vendors who directly shape the event landscape.

When it comes to something as intensive as wedding planning, it’s wise to be overly organized rather than not organized enough—which is why picking up a wedding planning book (or two) certainly can’t hurt.

 Unlike their digital counterparts, these books provide physical space to write down your lists, highlight expert advice, and leaf through pages of gorgeous wedding inspiration. 

When it comes to something as intensive as wedding planning, it’s wise to be overly organized rather than not organized enough—which is why picking up a wedding planning book (or two) certainly can’t hurt.

 Unlike their digital counterparts, these books provide physical space to write down your lists, highlight expert advice, and leaf through pages of gorgeous wedding inspiration. 

A wedding theme will set the tone for the big day and guide every aesthetic decision made from that point forward. For that same reason, this can be quite a daunting commitment to make. With so many variations and wedding styles to choose from, the choice can be an overwhelming one, but it certainly doesn't need to be.

Whether you're having family over for an impromptu patio day or are prepping for a giant Fourth of July bash for the entire neighborhood, these tips are designed to help make your life easier, so you can kick back and enjoy the summer with your family and friends.

What’s not to love about a backyard wedding? They’re intimate, convenient, and—perhaps best of all—often a budget-friendly (if not free) venue. But before you write off a backyard wedding as an overly casual affair that welcomes a rustic vibe only, know that there are endless backyard wedding ideas to transform it into anything you want it to be.