Tasteful Wedding Advice from Kari Lywood

When you’ve shot as many weddings as I have, you learn that one thing’s for sure: taste cannot be bought, and a tasteful wedding is a bit of an art form. Since most brides and grooms have never planned a wedding before, a little tasteful wedding advice is always helpful in the planing process, especially tasteful wedding advice from Kari Lywood of Kari Lywood Events.

When it comes to the decor, guest relations and experience, attire, etc. there are a lot of pitfalls.

Wedding dress that belongs at da club? No thanks.

Floor to ceiling pink and purple taffeta curtains? Maybe not.

But don’t take my word for it. Kari’s an industry expert when it comes to this stuff.

She’s the perfect person to listen to when it comes to all things etiquette and class.

What are your pro tips on how to have a tasteful wedding?

• Greet each and every guest, they are what helps make your day an incredible memory that you will have forever. Take a minute or two in the beautiful chaos to thank each person, take some pictures, and share the love!
• Make sure your guests are comfortable. Whether your wedding is in the desert heat or the winter snowfall, do your best to ensure they are prepared. Offer hand fans, which can be personalized and also used as a gift for those in a summer wedding, if your wedding is in the winter, throw in a cute pair or knitted gloves or throws for the row. 
• Not everyone wants to dance all night. Create a cozy lounge area for your guests to take a break and relax.
• Create the wedding of your dreams and kick traditions that don’t match you and your beau. This is your big day, and who knows you better than you know yourself? Your guests! or at least the wedding party. Be true to yourself and your style. 
• Enjoy the moment! Don’t over stress yourself on the small details. The day is meant to share a becoming of two hearts, remember that. Share the love you and your partner have and be warm with those around you.
• Add candles to everything from your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception space! It adds a touch of elegance and romance to any wedding without costing a lot of money!
• Unless you are super crafty and have the time, I tend to tell brides to skip DIY projects. Pinterest is amazing but sometimes you do not get the same results and it causes a lot of disappointment and stress leading up to your day!

 

What are some “tacky” pitfalls to avoid?

• Including your registration on your wedding invitation. Your focus for the invitation should be around the date of your big day and your guests. Make your guest feel welcomed without highlighting the need to feel that they must bring a gift, this is already an unspoken requirement to most.  The best place for this would be on your wedding website, which can be elegantly placed on a save the date. 
• Don’t forget to send “Thank You” cards. Time and time again newlyweds can forget to do this simple, yet time consuming task. Your guests are your closest friends, family and loved ones, and sending a simple “Thank You” card for the shower and/or reception will help them feel truly appreciated for being a part of your big day.
• When it comes to attire, less is more! This is your day but be sure to be YOU! If you do not wear a lot of makeup or jewellery do not do it on your wedding! Add classic pieces that make you feel your best without looking like you are trying to hard. 

 

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