As a home editor and recently engaged person, I know that building a wedding registry is a daunting task. After all, what do you ask for when you have everything you need—and then some? However, I recently discovered that one of my all-time favorite retailers, the one that still gives me giddy feelings every time I go there, has a wedding registry. Yep, you can ask for gifts from IKEA.

Thanks to the Swedish retailer’s low prices and enduring collections, you can make a wish list without having to overthink each and every piece. Plus you can probably furnish an entire room for the same price as a fancy set of silverware from somewhere else.

To help you get started, I scoured the site for the essentials most newlyweds want—conveniently broken down by room to make this as seamless as possible. Here are my favorites.

The Kitchen

When choosing the building blocks of a kitchen, there is so much value in creating an airy, bright, and clean space. High priority goes to storage, simplicity, and duality, especially in smaller spaces.  

IKEA has an incredible selection of items that satisfy these needs. I love the color palette it works with, not only because it’s right on trend but because it complements more traditional kitchen materials like wood and glass so well.

We’ve got our eye on a collection of dinnerware that comes in several easy-to-incorporate shades, a serving bowl worthy of colorful summer salads, and the essentials a dinner party should never be without.

Färgklar 24-piece Dinnerware Set, IKEA ($60)

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Rundlig Serving Bowl, IKEA ($16)

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Tillagd 20-piece Flatware Set, IKEA ($80)

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Storhet Champagne Coupe, IKEA ($4)

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The Bathroom

When registering for bathroom decor, it is important to consider how to maximize storage space while keeping everything as uncluttered as possible. A chair–towel rack hybrid, all made from bamboo? Genius.

Then pick up small accent pieces—think: pillar candles, mini succulents, and colorful towels—to personalize the room.

Ragrund Chair With Towel Rack, IKEA ($60)

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Vallasån Bath Sheet, IKEA ($13)

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Fryken Set of 3 Boxes With Lids, IKEA ($16)

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Ekoln Trash Can, IKEA ($14)

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The Bedroom

When it comes to the bedroom, it’s important to build a relaxing and soothing space that you can retreat to, which is why we were drawn to the diverse range of textiles that IKEA offers.

Mix and match pieces (such as woven baskets and faux furs) to create a cozy atmosphere. Toss a sheepskin over accent poufs, layer it on top of a larger rug, or use it as a cushion for your desk chair.

Gladom Table, IKEA ($25)

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Ullerslev Sheepskin Rug, IKEA ($40)

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Björksnas 5-Drawer Chest, IKEA ($350)

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Ängslilja Duvet Cover and Pillowcase, IKEA ($50)

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The Living Room

Big-ticket items like sofas belong on a list of must-haves for a new home. Not only are they perfectly priced, but IKEA offers a “Chip In” feature on its registry that allows guests to partially pay for a piece they would rather not buy on their own.

The basics of a living room? A cozy sofa for Netflix marathons, a rug for a textural layer, and a versatile storage piece that can double as a bar cabinet or media console.

Söderhamn Sofa Section, IKEA ($749)

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IKEA PS Cabinet, IKEA ($140)

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Köpenhamn Rug, IKEA ($270)

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Konstfull Vase by Ilse Crawford, IKEA ($6)

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The post IKEA’s Wedding Registry Is Just Another Excuse to Shop There appeared first on domino.

Chances are you know someone who got engaged recently—and in my case, that person is me! As fun and joyous as the actual proposal was, something I didn’t realize before putting a ring on it is that it’s also a fun and joyous event for the people around you. Which means they’ll want to give you congratulatory gifts, mostly in the form of champagne—lots of it. Look, I’m not here to turn away a bottle of bubbly (it’s a classic for a reason), but there are many other, equally fitting options that will stand out in a sea of cork-topped bottles.

So take it from someone who’s betrothed: I much often prefer the practical route, which involves giving items that will come in superhandy as I embark on the planning-filled road to my nuptials. Below, I’ve come up with 10 favorite thoughtful yet practical engagement gift ideas, including a few things that will complement all of that sparkling wine the couple in your life will surely amass.

High Notes

Scallop Trim Notecards (Set of 10), Papier ($31)

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First things first: I need to send a lot of thank-you notes. A stylish box of cards is the answer. These are customizable, so you can have them say anything you (the gifter) want. Question though: Do I have to send a thank-you note for getting thank-you notes?

Inked Up

Custom Rubber Stamp, Wms&Co ($55)

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And speaking of thank-you cards, this well-crafted, solid-wood rubber stamp can be customized—using one of the brand’s templates or your/our own original design—with our return address to make all that snail-mail sending we’ll be doing a breeze. Pair it with an ink pad or two, if you want to be extra-thoughtful.

Best in Glass

2 Champagne Coupes, Maison Balzac ($119)

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We’ve already been showered with champagne, so now we need a chic way to sip it. The white bubbles on these coupes subtly say “bridal,” while not so subtly nodding to effervescent alcohol.

Glow-Getters

The Floral Society Lovely Taper Candles, Food 52 ($99)

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You don’t have to be engaged to be gifted taper candles, but I do see a lot more candlelit dinners in our future, especially as we stay in and save money for the big day.

Under Wraps

Dusen Dusen Bars Knit Throw ($180)

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Everyone you know could probably use an upgraded blanket, so why not use this engagement as the reason to give one. I may be newly engaged, but I already know we’ll need a cool cotton throw for us to hide under when wedding planning gets too stressful.

Bling Buddy

Signature Sparkle and Shine Kit, Catbird ($10)

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My proposal included some new hardware, so this set, which includes a cleaning pen and polishing cloth, will help me keep it as sparkling and beautiful as the day the big question was popped.

Yes, Chef

Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan, Amazon ($30)

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As I said, I see us cooking at home at lot in the next year or so, and this classic tome will make every meal a fun group project for dinner parties and nights in when it’s just us.

Chic Catchall

Rainbow Bubble Glass Catchall, Ariel Gordon ($98)

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Each of these colorful, handblown glass dishes is completely one of a kind and specifically designed to hold jewelry—a special spot for my ring, should I ever need to take it off.

Show Off

Textured White Marble Frame, West Elm ($39)

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Between the engagement and the wedding, one thing’s for sure: There will be pictures. The gift of one of these cool marble frames will double as a reminder to get photos printed so they can be put on display.

Game On

Wingspan Board Game, Amazon ($47)

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All of our friends have been saying how amazing and meditative this game is, and so now we want our own copy for the nights when seating charts become too overwhelming.

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Here’s the thing about planning a wedding—even when you vow not to sweat the small stuff, you do. Maybe you don’t end up giving a damn about the cake or the first dance, but there will be something objectively trivial that will keep you up at night. For me, that thing was the table runners. 

None of the 32 options our party rental company had available were doing it for me—some were too gauzy, others too shiny, and still others not my style whatsoever. In a surge of desperation (and encouragement from our chief content officer, Kate Berry), I committed to DIYing ones I would be 100 percent in love with, despite the fact I’d never touched a sewing machine in my life. I hadn’t completely lost it—this project actually required zero needle and thread, as you will soon see. 

Spoonflower, which very kindly agreed to gift me some of its customizable fabric, became my new Instagram. I scrolled and scrolled until I’d narrowed down my favorites: Indigo Floral Dark by Michele Noris, Shibori by Avotina Anna, and Shibori Zigzag by Variable Micha. In the end, I couldn’t choose. Why have one pattern when I could have three and alternate them on the tables?

Some quick measurements revealed a happy surprise: One bolt of Spoonflower’s Belgian linen fabric was the exact width of two runners. So for 12 eight-foot farm tables (and one sweetheart table), I’d only need 33 yards versus 66—and I wouldn’t have to do a ton of cutting. Here’s how they came together.

The Supplies

A note on fabric yardage: To figure out how much you’ll need for your project, measure the length of your table, then add a foot on for overhang. Remember, a 54-inch-wide yard is the width of two table runners, so take that into account when doing the math.

• 13 yards of Indigo Floral Dark Belgian linen fabric
• 10 yards of Shibori Belgian linen fabric
• 10 yards of Shibori Zigzag Belgian linen fabric
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Masking tape
• Rotary cutter
• Cutting mat
• Ruler (or any straight edge, like the spine of a Domino magazine)
• Sharp scissors

Step 1: Clear a Workspace

We’re dealing with a lot of fabric here, so you’ll need a pretty large workspace. Since I live in a small New York City apartment, the biggest open area I had was the floor. A sizable dining table—as in, it seats more than four people—would probably also work (and be easier on your back). 

Step 2: Mark the Middle

Each Spoonflower fabric comes as one big bolt. Grab one and lay it on its side. Push the roll away from you so you’re unfurling the longest amount of fabric you have room for, pattern-side up. The short, beginning edge of the yardage will be facing you. Take your measuring tape and figure out the exact center of the yard width-wise along that edge; mark it with the pencil (shown here). Do the same at the far end of the fabric, where the flat textile meets the rolled bolt. Then grab your masking tape and stick one long line of tape between the two markings, creating a (relatively) straight line for you to follow with your rotary cutter.

Step 3: Cut, Then Cut Some More

Fun fact: I do not own a ruler. By the time I realized I’d need one, I was in the groove and could not be bothered to run to the store. Instead, I used Domino’s Summer issue as my guide. I was likely making my life much more difficult, but it worked, so it’s a feasible option if you, too, are ruler-less. 

Place your cutting mat under the fabric where the tape line begins. Take your ruler or magazine and line it up along the edge of the masking tape line. Place your rotary cutter flush against the ruler and push it down and away from you, cutting the fabric lengthwise along the tape line. (Think of it like a pizza cutter!) 

When you hit the end of the cutting mat, push it further up and adjust the ruler as well. Keep cutting. Stop when you hit the end of the masking tape. Gently remove the tape and fold the cut pieces toward the bolt to give you some room. Then, as you did at the start, push the bolt away to unfurl more fabric to work with. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have no more fabric to cut.

Step 4: Trim the Selvage

Once you’ve done an entire bolt, you will have two extremely long runners framed in white selvage. Time to trim it off! Since you have a natural guide (where the pattern ends and selvage begins), I found it easier to abandon the rotary cutter/Domino magazine/cutting mat situation and just use a sharp pair of scissors. But of course, you could do this step with those as well. Either way, remove the white border on all sides. You’d think the next step is hemming the edges, but because I was using Belgian linen (which frays beautifully) and going for a perfectly imperfect vibe, I left them raw. Honestly, I don’t think anyone noticed!

Step 5: Measure Out the Runners

Use your measuring tape to segment out each runner based on your table length plus 2 feet (for overhang). With the same masking tape technique, create a straight line width-wise across the fabric to follow with your scissors or rotary cutter. Repeat all steps for each bolt of fabric. Celebrate by attending your wedding, then throwing many an epic dinner party with these beauties.

The post I’m Not a DIYer, But Even I Could Make These No-Sew Table Runners appeared first on domino.

Registering for wedding gifts is hard enough as it is. Scouring the universe for items to transform your current living space into your dream home is a daunting task, not to mention the fact that you’re supposed to use these gifts for the next 20 years. Committing to your partner for eternity is a big enough step–committing to a 36-piece set of expensive dishes on top of that feels flat out crazy.

But when you and your fiancé live in a small space, the job is even tougher. There is room for error, because there is literally no room. You can’t just throw an ice cream maker on your list, and store it in the basement in case you ever get a craving for homemade mint chip—every single thing that enters through your front door will be occupying valuable space. So what deserves a coveted spot on your registry? Read on for a list of items that will help you make your shared space feel organized, beautiful, and prepped for the big chapters ahead.

Stick to the essentials

The best way to approach your kitchen registry is to stick to the essentials. Sure, an air fryer could become your new favorite gadget, but odds are it will never see the light of day. This is the opportunity to stock up on the chef-approved, high-end workhorses of the kitchen.

A classic dutch oven is one of the few items that you should absolutely own, but that you likely don’t. It’s a must-have for stews, roasts, soups, chilis, veggies, grains, you name it. Staub and Le Creuset make them in a range of beautiful colors, so there’s no need to find extra storage space for these–just keep them on your stovetop.

Other must-haves for a small kitchen include a quality chef’s knife (you only really need three knives: a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife), a cutting board that doubles as a serving platter for optimal use, and a space-saving dual use blender/food processor.

Use all walls to your advantage

Feel like you’ve maxed out all possible space in your kitchen? Look up! Register for a copper pot rack that you can mount to the ceiling or high up on your wall, and turn your pots and pans into insta-decor.  You’ll free up valuable shelf space, and your kitchen will feel even more lived in and dynamic.

Choose dishes that double as decor

Every registry site, plus your mother, will tell you that this is your moment to amass a giant collection of expensive dishware for all those future dinner parties you’ll be hosting. But a quick look around your apartment, and it is hard to imagine housing said giant collection.

The truth is, it’s not necessary to register for 12 of everything (sorry, mom). Chances are you’ll only use a rotation of six or so dishes between you and your fiancé. If you do decide to get ambitious and host 12 people at once, there will be ample notice to borrow or rent additional plates.

The best method for choosing a small collection of dishes is to find ones that you’d be happy to display on open shelves. When you build everyday items into your decor plan, you end up with a beautiful kitchen and minimal need for cabinet and drawer space.

Make bold choices

What are the machines you use daily? Are you addicted to your espresso machine? Do use your toaster for breakfast every day? These are the items that deserve a permanent space on your small countertop, so they should be visually appealing and fun. Many manufacturers and brands offer these machines in vibrant colors, so stop playing it safe with black or silver. Turn these gadgets into kitchen centerpieces by opting for shades like bright red or pastel green.   

Shine a spotlight on storage

In a small apartment or home, it’s all about choosing items thoughtfully so that they serve a visual and functional purpose. How can you make your home more organized, and add in elements of design at the same time? Instead of stuffing your closets to the gills and creating a safety hazard, highlight your organizational chops. Register for decor items that you can put to work: marble canisters for kitchen ingredients or tools, woven baskets for blankets and extra bedding, and storage ottomans for games or electronics.  

Focus on the details

A small living room means decorating needs to be low effort and big impact. Register for the details that might get lost in a more spacious room, but make all the difference in your cozy space. Think coffee table books, leather catchall trays, and small vases. Throw in some outrageously priced candles you would never buy for yourself, and every surface will feel thoughtful and designed.  

Relying on a registry site like Zola for these kinds of details is great, because you can do a lot of the decision making after the wedding is over. Register for a bunch of items that you’re drawn to but not fully sold on. Once you’ve taken inventory post-nuptials, decide what you want shipped to your apartment and what you’d rather trade in.

Breathe life into your space

One of the easiest ways to make your apartment feel more spacious? Add some plants to the mix. Nothing changes the vibe of a room like lush greenery. Register for a few planters and DIY the rest of the process. Or, if the green thumb gene doesn’t run in the family, ask for a gift card to a site like The Sill. They’ll send you a fully potted plant, complete with directions on how to take care of it in terms even the most plant challenged owner can follow.

Maximize your bar set up

A bar cart may seem like a waste of space if you’re working with a small room, but they are well worth the real estate. Register for a bar cabinet instead of a cart, and you’ll be getting a lot of bang for your (guest’s) buck. Bar cabinets are visually interesting, add polish and sophistication, and give you much needed storage by holding all of your glassware, liquor, etc., and acting as a table.

Register for a small set of wine glasses, champagne glasses, highballs, and rocks glasses. Finish it off by finding a couple of expensive looking items to sit on the bar, whether it’s a textured decanter, decorative bowl, planter, or tray. You’ve just added a new form of storage, a new piece of beautiful furniture, and a collection of useful glassware to your home.

Don’t get your wires crossed

Just because you don’t have a ton of extra space doesn’t mean you can’t get involved in the newest tech trends. Just avoid adding items to your registry that are heavy on the plug-ins and cords—they add bulk and make a full room feel messier. Amazon just released an Alexa in the form of this ridiculously adorable Echo Spot, which will take up next to no space and will possibly eradicate the need for you to ever leave your sofa. Ikea sells appliances for wireless charging, which will cut down on your cord problem and are flat out genius.  

See through the clutter

Modern and high-impact, lucite furniture is such a lifesaver for tiny spaces (not to mention very on-trend). You can find tables, nightstands, chairs, shelving, and bar carts, all in this innovative material. It’s clear (pun intended) why they belong on your registry: They appear to take up no room in your space, and add a nice element of contrast to more traditional furniture.

The Wedding Registry for the Couple Who Has It All 4 Tips For Newlyweds from a Professional Organizer How a Creative Couple Combined Their Homes After Marriage

The post The Wedding Registry Essentials When Space Is Limited appeared first on domino.

Allix Cott is the Head of Editorial Communications at Carats & Cake. Launched in 2013, Carats & Cake curates the best of weddings across the country in order to allow couples to find top vendors and venues by location. The platform empowers local businesses by bringing their brands to life through real content and enabling them to run more efficiently through smart, elegant tools.

Planning a wedding, whether as a couple or with a wedding planner, is an undertaking that can be overwhelming for even the most experienced. Asking the right questions (and lots of them!) will help ensure that your big day runs seamlessly. We asked some of the wedding industry’s top planners for advice on which questions couples should be asking to guarantee their day stay flawless from the design stages to the walk down the aisle.

What differentiates you from other wedding planners?

“There are major differences with how wedding planners work and what they do. Are they just coordinating or are they designing and producing the event as well? Do they only do full-service, or do they have a partial services option? All companies are different in what they offer or specialize in, so it is great to cover that right at the beginning and make sure your expectations are aligned.” – Morgan Childs, Founder and Creative Director, Moana Events ScheduleScheduleSchedule

Where should I be looking for inspiration when finalizing my color palette?

“When picking colors or a design pallet for your wedding, don’t be afraid of making a bold statement. A fantastic place to start your inspiration search for colorful expressions is through your flowers. Mother Nature has blossoms of all shapes and sizes, colors and textures. Mixing some of your favorite bright blooms with accent colors that complement the attire of your bridal party is a natural next step.” – Alicia Fritz, Founder, A Day in May Events ScheduleScheduleSchedule

Will you be present on the day-of, and if so, will you bring a team with you to execute our design?

“A wedding planner should personally be present at the event and should arrive with an appropriate team to support the event (at least two others). Your wedding should be the only one your planner is focused on that day.” – Lauren Chitwood, Owner, Lauren Chitwood Events ScheduleScheduleSchedule

Why is committing to a rain plan so invaluable?

“Tents can shape, inform, and direct the entire atmosphere of your big day, plus they provide exponential opportunities for installing lovely lighting and thoughtful decor, like a grand entrance.” – Calder Clark, Owner and Creative Director, Calder Clark ScheduleScheduleSchedule

What makes location such an important factor when planning a destination wedding?

“When picking a destination wedding the most important thing to consider is the location. Are you more both more into the mountains, or more interested in the beach? You want to pick a location that reflects who you are as a couple, but also a location in which you know your guests will enjoy.” – Ali Phillips, Owner, Engaging Events by Ali ScheduleScheduleSchedule

Will you provide recommendations for rentals and necessary day-of vendors?

“Typically, planners will affiliate themselves with vendors they trust as well as vendors they think exemplify a certain credibility and work ethic, making them happy to give their day-of recommendations to any couple they are working with. Vendor recommendations are one of the benefits of hiring a planner that aligns with your preferred design-style and budget.” – Kimiko Hosaki, Founder and Creative Director, Elements by K.H. and Co. ScheduleScheduleSchedule

What is the necessary timeline for having my official guest count finalized?

“Generally, décor companies need the count ten days prior to your wedding, and the venues five days prior. Keep this in mind when sending your invitation and due date for response cards.” – Andi Dyal, Founder and Principal Consultant, ANJE Soirees ScheduleScheduleSchedule

How do we determine if a sit-down dinner is right for us?

“There are a lot of factors that can determine the options available for a post-ceremony meal—your guest count, whether your event is formal/informal, and the layout of your reception space. If you want to stay away from the formality of a plated, sit-down dinner, alternatives include food stations, food trucks, or a bevy of hors-d’oeuvres. Customize your menu to what ultimately works best for you and your spouse.” – Adam Donovan-Groves, Owner, Donovan-Groves Events ScheduleScheduleSchedule

What are some of the benefits of including live entertainment in your reception lineup? Is there anything we should be aware of regarding our design layout when reserving a live band?

“Live entertainment enhances your wedding, by immediately bringing energy and spirit to your party. Most bands can transition from jazzy dinner music, to party favorites with ease, which keeps guests entertained and engaged. Most live entertainment will offer a versatile playlist that appeals to all audiences and will keep the dance floor packed. Be sure you account for the band’s needs for space and power requirements, as well as meals and dressing space.” – Lindsay Sims, Founder, Toast Events ScheduleScheduleSchedule

Are favors necessary, and if so, how can I personalize them to our event?

“Favors are a wonderful way to show consideration for your guests and the time they spent dedicated to your big day. Favors can also be a personal nod to aspects of your relationship. For example, if you and your spouse are wine lovers, mini bottles of bubbly are an adorable parting gift for your guests.” – Tessa Brand, Owner, Tessa Lyn Events

Want more wedding planning advice?

How to Actually Use 2018’s Biggest Wedding Trends Newlyweds Share Their Biggest Wedding Day Regrets What to Know Before You Plan an At-Home Bridal Shower

Isn’t it time you got the news you actually want? Sign up for your daily Domino email here. ScheduleScheduleSchedule

The post 10 Questions You Should Be Asking Your Wedding Planner appeared first on domino.

Allix Cott is the Head of Editorial Communications at Carats & Cake. Launched in 2013, Carats & Cake curates the best of weddings across the country in order to allow couples to find top vendors and venues by location. The platform empowers local businesses by bringing their brands to life through real content and enabling them to run more efficiently through smart, elegant tools.

Nothing adds romanticism like fresh flowers. Take your day-of look one step further by incorporating colorful blooms into your bridal style. As a budding headpiece or bun-adorning accessory, using florals as part of your wedding look will add a unique and whimsical element to your walk down the aisle. Whether wearing a crown of baby’s breath or an earpiece of white roses, use nature’s most striking accessory to help define a boho look, or elevate your traditional bridal style.

We sought advice from 10 experts who have showcased their best uses for floral accessories, taking inspiration from looks that stem from some of their most enchanting brides.

Consider subtle greenery

“As a photographer, I always love to see something a little different, especially when it adds depth and texture in addition to showing off the bride’s personality. I love how this particular bride played up the elegance of her veil with this delicate vine of greenery.” – Sarah Kate, Owner, Sarah Kate Photography

Play with seasonal favorites

“Whether you’re working with a fall wedding or spring nuptials, considering seasonal blooms for both your bouquet and floral headpiece make for a great addition to your day-of style and overall wedding style. The simple green crown fit in perfectly with this bride’s lacey look and autumn aesthetic.” – Matthew Robbins, Owner, Matthew Robbins Design

Break from tradition

“We teamed up with Tint + Timber to have them create a floral belt as a twist on the traditional corsage. Half of the bridesmaids received wrist corsages while the other half had their dresses adorned with florals at their waist.” – Heather Balliet, Owner, Amorology Weddings

Think ear cuffs

“Adding blooms behind your ear gives your bridal hair a flair befitting of the wedding day. Capturing this couple in front of such a stunning setting emphasized the florals throughout all elements of her look, from her dress to her floral-adorned ear cuff.” – Liz Banfield, Owner and Lead Photographer, Liz Banfield

Coordinate with your veil

“Integrating delicate greenery or small florals into your bridal hairstyle can be amplified by coordinating your look with your veil. For this bride, I loved capturing the elegant details of her veil with the small greens at the back of her half-up, half-down style.” – Greer Gattuso, Owner, Greer Gattuso

Customize your crown

“Floral crowns are not just for flower girls. When your wedding has an outdoor bohemian vibe, this accessory adds a perfect element for creating that feel. Go one step further and match your crown’s florals with your bouquet, incorporating yet another factor of personalization that fits you and your day-of style.” – Kathryn Parrish, Owner, Parrish Designs

Pay homage to your heritage

“You can’t find an easier subject. Our bride looked incredible from so many angles, but this perspective was particularly elegant because not only were her striking features beautifully complemented by the florals in her hair, a nod to her Mexican heritage, they also paired exquisitely with her low bun, lace-adorned gown and drop earrings, too.” – Laura Kleinhenz, Owner, Docuvitae

Integrate tradition

“Incorporating fresh florals into your wedding day look can help to tell your story and bring a unique layer of style. If your mother or grandmother wore the same flowers in her hair or carried them in her bouquet, think about weaving them into a flower crown or hair clip to enhance your look and to carry on the tradition.” – Aleah and Nick Valley, Founders, Valley & Company Events

Switch up your ceremony and reception looks

“Our bride wore a veil for the ceremony and wanted something very Bohemian for her hair for the reception. We used a grapevine wire that she wore like a headband and attached blooms that coordinated with her wedding style. We used blushing bride protea, wax flower, seeded eucalyptus, and a burgundy dahlia bud.” – Sherry Spencer, Partner, Southern Blooms

Match your florals with your location

“A bright mixture of blooms—especially in varying hues of orange and yellow—as well as a dominant assortment of tillandsias, make for the perfect beachy look for a boho bride and her tropical I, Dos.”– Anna Le Pley Taylor, Owner, Anna Le Pley Taylor

Keep it fresh

“Sometimes the best accessory to your gorgeous bridal hair is a simple and lovely fresh bloom on a comb. Insider’s tip: have your florist make two and keep one safe and cool, especially if you plan to wear the florals all day or outside in the heat. A fresh comb switched out before the reception keeps you looking fabulous and photo-ready all night long.” – Jennifer Ederer, Owner and Creative Director, Modern Day Events & Floral

See more smart wedding ideas: The Boho Girl’s Guide to Planning the Perfect Wedding Classic Wedding Color Combos That Will Never Go Out of Style The Next Big Trend in Wedding Florals is Not What You’d Expect

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The post The One Wedding Floral Idea You Haven’t Thought of Yet appeared first on domino.

 

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A post shared by Mandy Moore (@mandymooremm) on Nov 19, 2018 at 1:15pm PST

First, we were in awe of Mandy Moore’s LA mid-century remodel. Now, the This Is Us star has raised the bar with one of the most incredible backyard wedding ceremonies Hollywood has ever seen. The New Hampshire–born actress and her fiance, musician Taylor Goldsmith, wed at their dreamy 1950s home in the highly coveted Linda Vista area of Pasadena, California.

With the help of interior designer Sarah Sherman Samuel and architect Emily Farnham, Moore spent the better part of the past year giving their home a contemporary facelift. Now a fresh homage to mid-century living (complete with hits of terrazzo and a copper-clad fireplace), it’s no surprise that the pair’s much-loved abode was also their dream venue.

According to E! News, the “intimate backyard wedding at Mandy’s home started just after sundown on Sunday evening.” Moore’s blush pink Rodarte dress set the stage for a playful and intimate gathering, while a layer of vintage rugs around the altar and large floral arrangements with feathers extended a bohemian touch.

 

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A post shared by Minka Kelly (@minkakelly) on Nov 19, 2018 at 5:56pm PST

Aside from dishing up major wedding inspiration, photos captured by guests revealed a closer look inside Moore’s gorgeous hilltop home. Five minutes before walking down the aisle, a friend stumbled upon Goldsmith playing the piano in the pair’s sun-drenched living room. If that doesn’t pull at your heartstrings, we don’t know what will.

While the duo narrowed down the guest list to only 50 friends or so, there were a number of famous faces in attendance, like close friend and actress Minka Kelly; Moore’s ex, Wilmer Valderrama; and This Is Us costar Milo Ventimiglia.

 

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A post shared by Adam Nee (@adamnee) on Nov 19, 2018 at 9:24am PST

Forget city hall: Moore’s casual, chic gathering has us convinced that at-home weddings are the next cool-girl wedding trend to try.

See more cool, casual wedding ideas:

A Nontraditional Backyard Wedding That’s Fun but Still Fancy

The Cool Girl’s Guide to a City Hall Wedding

How to Host Your Wedding at Home, Stress-Free

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Scosha Woolridge never intended on becoming the go-to gal for emerald engagement rings. She grew up in Sydney, spent her twenties backpacking through India, Thailand, Central America, and Brazil, and took odd jobs making art, giving massages and painting murals to get by. After settling in New York, where she worked with Lorraine Kirke to open the West Village clothing boutique Geminola (RIP), her innate creative curiosity lead her to design a few pieces of jewelry—just for the helluvit.

Ten years later, her eponymous Brooklyn jewelry store (which also carries textiles, beauty products, clothing and pottery) has become a one-stop shop for unconventional brides-to-be looking for textured, earthy emerald engagement rings that are anything but basic. Below, her thoughts on unique engagement rings and all things green.

On Choosing To Work With Emeralds:

“Emeralds are my birthstone. Plus, green reminds me of my mother and grandmother. I love Brazilian diamonds in particular, because they are so luminous. I can’t stand going to big gem shows filled with tons of people. It feels like they’re just mining the earth and selling pieces of the ground. I love finding the perfect Brazilian emerald, but I have to do it my way. The experience of sourcing it has to be like securing a treasure.”

On The First Emerald Engagement Ring She Ever Made:

“I had a 22 carat gold ring that I made ten years ago, when gold was really cheap, and I practiced setting little stones on it by hand. I’m not a trained jeweler, so it took me some time. Then I found this emerald, and decided to set it in traditional prongs on that same band. I thought I would never wear it, but I surprised myself. After a while, I just never took it off.”

On Caring For Emeralds:

“They are the softest precious gem, much more delicate than a sapphire or a ruby. They can chip easily. I always tell my clients to take them off if they’re doing sports or taking a shower or doing the dishes. Not that I follow my own advice, of course!”

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First thing’s first: Congratulations! Whether you’ve come here because you’re newly engaged, have been for quite some time, or simply hope to be, we commend you on wanting to plan a wedding in the first place. While there’s plenty to admire about solidifying your love, wedding planning can go from an overwhelmingly joyous occasion to straight up overwhelming if you aren’t careful. The secret to a stress-free planning process? Knowing where to start.

Let’s go back to the beginning. By now, you’ve told your parents, posted a ring selfie, insured said ring (very important), and took a well-deserved breather to soak in the excitement. Now what? It’s time to put the icing on the cake and kick your core plans into action.

While there’s no strict order to follow when it comes to planning a wedding, there are some immediate to-dos you’ll want to check off before diving into the details. To get the lowdown on the first essential steps, we took our most pressing post-engagement questions to Manhattan-based wedding planner Lindsay Landman. Her personal wedding planning motto? Don’t sweat the small stuff. “If there’s one thing couples might regret, it’s not focusing on enjoying the engagement and instead focusing on napkin folds,” she says.

Ahead, the seasoned wedding pro outlines five essential planning steps newly engaged couples should tackle first—no napkin folds included.

Step 1: Write out the guest list

“As unsexy as it sounds, the absolute first thing anyone should do is put together their guest list,” says Landman. Why? Almost all the other decisions you and your partner will make about the big day will revolve around how many guests you’re willing to host.

“You can’t select a venue unless you know how many people you need to accommodate, and a budget number isn’t really meaningful unless you know how far that money needs to go,” she adds.

Even if it’s just an initial approximation—the people you think might come—that’s okay. The important part is to get your list, your partner’s lists, and anyone else who has a say in the invites down on paper.  

Step 2: Determine your big-picture budget

Assuming you’ve spent countless hours watching Say Yes to the Dress, you probably know exactly how much you’re willing to spend on an outfit for the occasion. And while that’s a great exercise in decision-making, this won’t be the first, second, or even fifth check you’ll write once you start putting plans into motion.

“First, you want to think about your budget threshold: What’s the maximum amount of money you feel comfortable and capable of spending?” suggests Landman. “Breaking it down by how much you want to spend on photography or on a dress is not the way to go.”

Instead, Landman suggests getting comfortable with your big-picture number. What’s the number that makes you sweat? This is also the time to have conversations with anyone else who may be contributing to the wedding.

Pro tip: Your big-picture budget number should never be arbitrary. “Don’t pick a number based on what you think a wedding should cost—that’s not relevant. It costs what it costs. What you think it should cost is often different than what you’re capable of spending,” shares Landman.

Step 3: Find your wedding planner (if you want one)

If you have your heart set on a professional planner, the sooner you find your go-to person, the more value you’ll get out of every step of the process to come. Wait too long and you run the risk of overspending.

“Once you start spending, sometimes it’s too late to reshift your priorities and make different choices,” she says. “If a planner is in the cards, now is the time—before you’ve signed any contracts with anyone. That should be your first contract.”

Step 4: Nail down the venue

Now that you’ve drawn up the guest list, have an idea of a budget, and a planner as your partner, it’s time to start scouting out venues. If you’re wondering, ‘Wait, but I haven’t even set a date yet,’ there’s a good reason you should tackle this task before marking the calendar.

“If you have the ability to leave the date open until after you’ve selected your venue, it’s much more likely that you’ll have all the things that you want,” explains Landman. Committing yourself to a date before you’ve landed on a ceremony or reception space can cut your venue choices in half—or more. “When there could have been 20 venues at your disposal, now there are only three,” Landman adds.

As far as how far in advance you should seek out a venue, there are no hard-and-fast rules. In fact, Landman suggests it all comes down to geography.

“More popular destinations in New England, for example, book up incredibly far in advance—sometimes two years or more—because there are so few of them and they’re so sought-after,” shares Landman. “That timeline will look different if you’re in a metropolitan area where there are a lot of venues at your disposal and you can have availability within six months to one year.”

As a general rule of thumb, Landman suggests that nine to 12 months is plenty of time to make good choices and get everything on your wish list without ever second-guessing yourself.

Step 5: Pick the date and your priorities

In the process of locking down your dream venue, we’ll assume you were able to nail down your dream date. Now, you’re finally ready to start making plans for your plans—figuring out what’s on your must-have list and what’s on your nice-to-have list.

“Make a priority list of all the different things that are really important to you for your wedding. This will help you build your planning timeline and budget expenditure,” explains Landman. “If you really, really love stationary, you might want to make those choices first and spend more money on that. If videography is much lower on your list, you can save that decision for later. Even if you have fewer choices and less money to spend, you’ll be okay with it.”

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This story originally appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of Domino, titled “¡Viva El Amor!” Subscribe to be the first to receive each issue!

When a couple’s first date involves a 10-hour drive to Burning Man, you know their wedding is going to be good. Ellen Marie Bennett (founder of beloved workwear and apron brand Hedley & Bennett) met Casey Caplowe (cofounder of Good magazine) at a dinner party in 2013. He had a spare ticket to the Nevada desert gathering. “I invited myself, and he didn’t say no,” recalls Bennett. Neither had been before, and the pair drove together from Los Angeles with separate tents in tow. Five years later, they returned to the festival for an unofficial sunrise exchange of sunrise vows under a handmade rainbow.

For their official ceremony in Mexico City, Bennett and Caplowe dreamed up a full-spectrum adventure for 230 guests. Bennett—who is half Mexican and lived there from age 18 to 22, working and attending culinary school—wanted to show off “the Mexico that I know and love.” The couple planned three days of revelry during El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)—from a picnic and soccer match in a marigold field to a reception that faithfully re-created a Mexican market, jarocho band and all.

Caplowe, a chief creative officer by day, designed an adventure guide for guests, complete with flower markets, artist studios, and taco destinations. The ceremony took place at Condesa DF—one of Mexico City’s first and finest boutique hotels. For the reception, rented city buses transported the wedding party across town to Proyecto Público Prim, a 100-year-old building with an open-air courtyard. The bride wore an ombré yellow gown designed by Christian Siriano; the bridesmaids wore jumpsuits; nothing was too precious; and every moment was pure fun. “We went off script in every way, shape, and form,” says Bennett. Why not? Life’s a party.

Pre-ceremony 

Both full-time business owners, Bennett and Caplowe called in help to make things happen. Bridesmaid Daniela Soto-Innes—chef at New York’s Cosme and Atla—wrangled ingredients for the reception. Jeni Britton Bauer of Jeni’s Ice Cream officiated alongside Ben Goldhirsh, cofounder of Good. To thank her crew, Bennett gave them gold arrow bracelets from pal Maya Brenner and commissioned Te Quiero clutches from her friend Clare Vivier. Another friend, Bertha González Nieves of Casa Dragones, supplied tequila for the toasts.

The couple provided members of the wedding party with a palette but kept the dress code loose. Caplowe’s groomsmen wore navy, and Bennett’s bridesmaids dressed in pink and red jumpsuits. Bridesman Jesse Tyler Ferguson sported white sneakers and a pastel pink suit from Topshop.

During the ceremony

Holding the ceremony in the open-air courtyard at Condesa DF meant waiting a bit for rain showers to subside. From four balcony levels, guests watched as the sky cleared and a violin quartet played Max Richter’s “On the Nature of Daylight.” The wedding party walked through the courtyard in fuchsia pinks, sun yellows, and bright blues, forming a rainbow of color. Among the readings was a quote from Fred Rogers.

Instead of flower girls, Bennett appointed “balloon troopers, which is just way cooler,” she says, laughing. Ruby and Coco Cho—daughters of designer, author, and bridesmaid Joy Cho—led the procession into the courtyard garden, where Bennett and Caplowe exchanged vows under a chuppah, surrounded by leafy vines.

The dress code

Caplowe’s fuchsia Paul Smith loafers matched Bennett’s cockscomb bouquet, arranged from traditional Day of the Dead flowers. Her yellow dress was an ode to happiness. Guests cheered from upper balcony levels, showering the couple below in bushels of rose petals. “It was a rose petal blizzard,” remembers Bennett. After the ceremony, the wedding officiants toasted the newlyweds and called on everyone present to bring the love they felt back to the world.

The couple’s only rule was “no black.” Guests were encouraged to dress colorfully.

Friends and family posed for photographer Joaquin Trujillo Avila on the second floor of Proyecto Publico Prim, a 100-year-old building with weathered plaster walls. Caplowe and Bennett loved the “layers of gorgeous paint peeling like an onion” inside the structure, which had been restored “but just enough.” Guests wore bright colors and patterns to celebrate the couple and El Día de los Muertos.

Among picnic tables and plants by Planta Diseño Botánico, catering company Eduardo Kohlmann and chef Sergio Camacho set up a Mexican market of sorts. Cooks from Nicos, a 60-year-old Mexico City institution, served up mole. “We wanted it to feel like a giant backyard,” says Bennett. Florist María Limón made ROYGBIV centerpieces for the tables from marigolds intertwined with fruits and vegetables like radishes, oranges, eggplants, and limes, and Bennett gifted the waitstaff custom Hedley & Bennett smocks and aprons.

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