So you’ve bought your wedding bands. You may think the decision making is over but not quite yet - what are you going to engrave on your ring? There are a number of things to consider when making this decision.

you also have to pick a font..

First, who is going to pick the message? Do you have the groom choose the message for the bride and vice versa? Or do you pick matching messages for the ring set? I like the idea of the couple engraving each other’s rings and keeping it a secret until the wedding day. It gives you just a tiny element of surprise and something to look forward to amongst all the chaos surrounding planning a wedding.

Then you must decided what message to engrave. I think the type of engraving you choose should be very personal and will definitely be a reflection on your style as a couple. It could be something sweet and simple: “Today, Tomorrow, Forever,” You have my heart” or “Our life begins - [date]“. Or it could be an inside joke or something funny: “Mine, all mine!” or “Put me back on!”. Or the messages could be read as a set: (ring one) “Take my hand and we’ll begin” (ring two) “And what we start will never end”. Do whatever feels most comfortable to you - plus no one else will ever see it!

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, it might rain. I know it’s every bride’s nightmare and something you’d probably not like to discuss out loud but we can’t predict the weather so every outdoor wedding needs a contingency plan.

modern take on wedding shoes

Don’t let raindrops discourage you. These weddings embraced the wet weather and look how amazing their wedding photographs turned out! Take advantage of the fact that water is reflective and add a few artistic, angled shots to your photo shoot. Be creative and order an umbrella for two in case it rains on your outdoor wedding – what a creative and interesting solution. Umbrellas add an element of interest to traditional photos so order a few to have on hand in traditional black, clear or an assortment of your wedding color palette.

Just remember your wedding day is about celebrating so if it rains embrace it; your wedding photos will look better with raindrops than tear drops. When planning an outdoor wedding it’s better to be safe than sorry – and what’s a few umbrellas compared to the rest of your wedding budget?

i love modern wedding shots like this one

In honor of the Mad Men season finale that aired last night I bring you a Mad Men wedding inspiration board. For those of you not familiar with the show, Mad Men is a 1960s drama focused on the interworking of an advertising firm in New York City. The silhouettes, personalities, and dramas can easily translate to your wedding day. Have an entirely Mad Men inspired wedding or simply steal some accessories, dress cuts or drink recipes inspired by the show.

Pearls and prim and proper dresses can accessorize your bridal party. And if you decide to make it a truly Mad Men wedding, why not include a few pop art prints as your wedding reception table markers? Or just pull in the 1960s vibe with short gloves and wedding veils. Getting married or not, this drink recipe sounds delicious.

Ban.do? I do. Especially if I get to wear one of these exquisite little pretties. You know by now I have an unquenchable yearning to collect unnecessary (yet to-die-for) headpieces. The word headband just doesn’t do these little gems justice.

good enough for t. swift, good enough for me

The best part of the ban.do collection is there is a line for everyone. The bridal collection features all white and sparkles and floral with the occasional oversized bow. If you’re a bride on a budget there’s an affordable line called heart by ban.do and features products all under $50. And if you need a flare of drama on your big day (like SJP – I mean even I wouldn’t put a full bird on my head) then check out their black label collection. Wearing a piece like that will ensure all eyes are on you for your big entrance.

i'm in lust

Not getting married? No worries. Me neither. This just means we don’t need to buy Aunt Martha a dinner plate and have a larger budget for sparkly headbands.