10 Wedding Planning Tips from a Pro

Brit + Co
Nov 17, 2014

Wedding planning is no easy feat. Even if you’re organizing an intimate occasion, there’s a lot of work involved. We try to keep you inspired by throwing oodles of ideas your way, but we know that sometimes you just need a set list telling you how to conquer it all. Here are 10 tips on how to successfully arrange a picture perfect wedding from expert wedding planner Andrea Freeman.

1. Decide What Tone Your Want to Set: Let your overall mood help you choose a venue. Starting with a mood will guide the rest of your planning process and ensure that you and your fiancé don’t get overwhelmed. Do you want something formal and dramatic? Low key and mega private? Big and rustic? Identifying what you want the vibe of your day to be will help you focus your efforts and research.

2. Consider Venues That Reflect That Tone: Quaint bed and breakfasts, ocean views, private estates, rustic ranches, vineyards, resort hotels, theme parks, yachts, floral gardens, elegant restaurants, museums and backyards… and those are just some of the options out there when it comes to wedding venues. When you’re searching around, keep your tone in mind and stick to venues that will help you achieve the vibe you’re after.

3. Identify Important Aspects: If heritage is something you want to honor at your wedding, consider how to incorporate that into the ceremony, reception or theme. I recently planned a wedding for a couple with both Mexican and Irish heritages. They ended having a mariachi band during cocktail hour and an Irish band during the reception. No matter what those must-have elements are, keep your budget in mind and be willing to let some details go to make room for the important things.

4. Make an Inspiration Board. It’s fun, free and truly helps in the long run. And while it’s easy to go a little crazy on Pinterest, try to be selective with what you pin. Keep each board to no more than seven items. If you have 100 pins on your decor board, it might be hard for your wedding designer to totally understand what you’re after.

5. Your Wedding Story Begins With Your Save the Date: No matter if you’re doing a video save the date or going a more tradition paper route, that first announcement should give a little taste of things to come. Set the tone accordingly. You’ll want to have your wedding concept and colors in place before putting the date on friends’ and family’s calendars.

6. Don’t Forget About Lighting:Putting thought into your lighting is one of the most important ways to define your wedding’s ambiance. The right lighting can make your wedding more glamorous, rustic, classic or beachy. Use candle light and Italian party lights for a romantic, quaint feel or go with colorful uplighting for a more dramatic appeal.

7. When It Comes to the Menu, Do Your Research: If your wedding’s theme is on the formal side and each course will be paired with a different wine, printing the names of each wine along with its course will help guests remember combinations they enjoy. Looking to cut costs? One way to do that is by using seasonal ingredients. Not only will those pears be less expensive in the fall, but they’ll also taste that much sweeter.

8. Pick a Signature Cocktail: Choose a drink that features your favorite liquor and matches your color scheme. If your wedding is vibrant, something as simple as sprucing up your cocktails with multi-colored salt rims can really make a difference. Picking one or two signature cocktails gives a personal element to your big day, lets you share your personal taste with your guests and also saves you loads of money that you would have to spend to stock a full bar.

9. The Right Place Setting Will Tie Your Concept Together: Try to go with glassware and utensils that reflect the style of the event. If you’re having a vintage-themed wedding, handblown-glass wine goblets are a fantastic table accent. For an extra romantic and elegant wedding with a pastel color scheme, try a place setting with blush pinks, gold manuscript and champagne napkins.

10. Send Your Guests Home With a Memorable Favor: I’ve done single potted plants that doubled as escort cards for a nature-themed wedding, beautifully packaged homemade jellies and jams for a food-oriented wedding and personalized luggage tags for destination weddings. Whatever you do, just make sure it’s personal and goes with the overarching theme.

Are you in the midst of planning a wedding? What aspect of the planning is hardest for you? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Um, Sydney Sweeney & Glen Powell Were "Real Close" At His Sister's Wedding

Pop culture lovers definitely remember all the buzz surrounding Anyone But You — and the affair rumors circulating Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney. The actors ended up admitting they played into the rumor for the movie's marketing, but fans can't quite let this duo go. Well, after Sydney allegedly postponed her wedding to fiancé Jonathan Davino, even more rumors surfaced that the actress allegedly stayed at a hotel on her own and called off her wedding. And this weekend, Sydney was spotted with none other than Glen Powell at Glen's sister's wedding. Which, if you remember, is literally the plot of Anyone But You.

Here's everything we know about Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell at that wedding this weekend.

Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell were spotted grabbing Tex Mex.

Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney were spotted this weekend in Dallas, Texas — and DeuxMoi reports it was for his sister's rehearsal dinner at Joe Leo Fine Tex Mex. In the photos, Glen stands at the bar in a polo shirt while Sydney wears a black scoop neck top and long waves.

Fans of the duo immediately flooded the comments to join the conversation, with some Instagram users asking, "Can't they be friends?!" with others pointing out, "People are saying good friends but idk if I'd bring a friend to my SISTER'S wedding." (And this tweet referencing Taylor Swift's "Fresh Out The Slammer" made me laugh). DeuxMoi also reported Sydney had her own invitation to the wedding, but that the pair was "real close" at the Park House members-only club.

A source did tell TMZ that Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell did not attend the wedding as a couple, and that Syd is "very good friends with the Powell family," and that she's been "very close" with Glen's sister Leslie Powell "for a long time."

Did Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell have a relationship?

There were rumors surrounding Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell having an affair while filming & promoting Anyone But You, but Sydney shut those rumors down after the movie's release.

"Once [the movie] did become a success, a lot of the interviews were just questions about [the rumors], so I don’t know if we necessarily were planning on ever talking about the strategy behind any of it," she told Vanity Fair. "We just had very specific questions and when you say no to a question, people think that you’re a b—ch, so."

"I wanted to make sure that we were actively having a conversation with the audience as we were promoting this film," she added in an interview with the New York Times. "Because at the end of the day, they’re the ones who created the entire narrative."

Why did Sydney Sweeney call off her wedding?

Sydney Sweeney and Jonathan Davino reportedly called off their wedding because of "major" problems, and a lot of work stress.

"Sydney and Jonathan have been having major issues but are not fully split," a source told MailOnline. “Things are not great right now, but they aren’t throwing in the towel yet. They are working on their relationship but have called off the wedding for now.”

The sources adds that “the wedding is not happening, and they aren’t having further discussions about it. Sydney wanted to cancel everything and couldn’t handle the stress...A lot of their issues stem from Sydney being extremely busy with work commitments."

What is the age difference between Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell?

Sydney Sweeney was born in 1997, making her 27 years old. Glen Powell is 36 and was born in 1988. There's 9 years between them.

Stay tuned for the latest news on Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell — and congrats to the Powell family! Check out Sydney Sweeney Is A Total Bombshell After Postponing Her Wedding for more on the Euphoria actress.

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9 "Surprising" Foods That Taste Better (And Last Longer) Outside The Fridge

Lately, I’ve been paying closer attention to my grocery receipts. It’s not just the price of eggs — everything feels more expensive, and it's made me think more intentionally about how to make my food last longer. I’ve always hated wasting food. Not only is it tough on the planet, it’s tough on my budget, too. Americans toss out about 38 percent of our food — that’s the equivalent of 145 billion meals ending up in landfills (yikes!). Sure, a big chunk of that comes from restaurants, but even at home, being mindful of waste feels like a win for both the environment and my wallet.

So, instead of putting my groceries away haphazardly, I want to make sure I'm storing everything exactly how — and where — it should go. Luckily, I've learned there are some foods that actually last longer outside of the fridge. And they might surprise you!

Scroll to see the foods you don't need to refrigerate after all...

Alena Darmel

1. Cucumbers

I have never left cucumbers outside the fridge, but it turns out that this can cause them to become too watery. Instead, find an airtight containerand store them in your pantry or countertop. Then toss them in this colorful Greek Salad!

Rens D

2. Bell Peppers

Stashing bell peppers in the fridge can actually make them lose their crunch (who knew?). For peak crispness, keep them at room temperature and enjoy within one to two days. If you're not planning to eat them that quickly, pop them in the fridge to help prevent them from going soft too soon.

Elle Hughes

3. Basil

Store your basil as you would a fresh bouquet of flowers, in a jar with water. Cold temps can cause basil leaves to turn black, so it’s better off out of the fridge.

Shutterstock

4. Butter (And Peanut Butter!)

According to the USDA, butter is best used within a day or two at room temperature to preserve its flavor. When I lived in San Francisco, I could leave it out on the counter year-round without worrying about it melting. Now that I’m in a hotter climate, I keep it out most of the year — just not during the peak of summer. Peanut butter also does well at room temperature, staying smooth and spreadable for up to three months (after which you'll need to refrigerate it).

Pixabay

5. Tomatoes

I grew tomatoes in my garden for the first time last year, and nothing beats the taste of one plucked straight from the vine. To keep that juicy , sun-ripened flavor going, store your tomatoes at room temperature on the counter — not in the fridge. Cold temps can dull their flavor and texture. Try making a simple Tomato Confit recipe to drizzle over bread or pasta, yum!

Gil Ndjouwou

6. Avocados

A friend and I were debating whether avocados belong in the fridge — turns out, they don’t. At least, not until they’re ripe. I eat one almost every day, so I go through them fast, but once they ripen, I pop them in the fridge to slow down the over-ripening. If you’re craving Avocado Toast, stash them in a paper bag to speed things up, or just let them ripen naturally in an open container on the counter.

Natalia Olivera

7. Fresh Bread

If you want to get the most flavor (and life) out of your fresh bread, skip the fridge. Refrigeration actually speeds up staling. Instead, store it in a bread box or basket — somewhere that blocks light but still lets it breathe. Planning to eat it the same day? Leaving it uncovered at room temperature works just fine. Otherwise, a paper bag or the freezer are your best options.

Eric Prouzet

8. Potatoes (Sweet or Otherwise)

I like to keep my potatoes and onions tucked away in the pantry where it’s cool and dark. Storing them in a paper bag at room temperature helps preserve their texture and flavor. The fridge might seem like a good idea, but it can actually do more harm than good — the moisture makes potatoes overly sweet and kind of gritty, and the humidity can cause them to mold more quickly.

Kaboompics.com

9. Onions & Garlic

Onions, shallots, and garlic can become moldy when exposed to the high humidity of the refrigerator. Store them in a relatively cool, dry place in your pantry or a cabinet that’s not exposed to light. Your onions will remain fresh and ready to use whenever you need them for recipes like this Spring Veggie Galette that I make every year!

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Your Weekly Horoscope Is In — & It's "Magical" For These 5 Signs

Get ready for this week's weeklyhoroscope, because Aries season just got a whole lot more interesting. Not only is the Sun still blazing in this fiery sign, but we're welcoming Neptune into the Aries party – and trust me, this is a game-changer. Think less daydreaming, more doing. This week's astro-weather is all about turning those big, beautiful visions into tangible realities, not just for us, but for the whole planet. Get ready to channel your inner warrior for good, because the universe is giving us the green light to make some serious magic happen. Let's dive into your weekly horoscope!

Scroll to see your zodiac sign's weekly horoscope for March 30-April 5, 2025.

Taryn Archambault

This weekly horoscope is all about Aries— not only because the Sun is in Aries, but because Neptune has just entered the sign. Neptune, the ruler of Pisces, embodies peace and ethereal wisdom, while Aries is bold, courageous, and a warrior. This shift presents a powerful opportunity: instead of just dreaming of a more just and equal world, we can take real steps toward making it a reality—not only for humanity but for all species and ecosystems. It’s a big task, but history offers inspiration. The last time Neptune entered Aries, in 1864, the International Red Cross was founded to provide aid to war-wounded soldiers, regardless of which side they fought for. That altruistic mission has endured for 161 years.

Neptune spends roughly 14 years in each sign, shaping the collective outlook of an entire generation. Moving from Pisces, the zodiac’s final and most intuitive sign, into Aries, the first and most action-oriented sign, marks the start of a new cycle. While Neptune may take time to adjust to Aries’ fiery energy, we have an opportunity to manifest the highest potential of this pairing—using Aries’ drive to actively pursue Neptune’s vision of peace.

This week also brings other planetary movements that support positive action. On April 4, Saturn sextiles Uranus, blending Saturn’s discipline with Uranus’ inventive, out-of-the-box thinking. This energy encourages us to take calculated risks and work hard toward meaningful goals, transforming chaos into order.

Mallory Vandervelde

Adding to the momentum, Mars sextiles Uranus on the same day. This alignment delivers an extra push to innovate, experiment, and pursue what makes us feel free and authentic. Trust your instincts—if there’s a move you’ve been considering to bring more fulfillment into your life, this is a great time to make it happen.

On April 6, Venus trines Mars, blending love and beauty with action and drive. These two planets will continue this harmonious dance for months, sparking creativity and passion. It’s a great time to expand social activities and embrace the fresh, inviting energy of spring. Assertiveness and affection will be well-balanced, making it easier to connect with new people and strengthen existing relationships. Advocate for yourself and take charge of your life.

For a deeper and more personalized look at how these and other transits affect you, visit SevenSistersAstrology.com for a reading.

Read Your Zodiac Sign's Weekly Horoscope Here!

Brit + Co

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Ensure your projects are grounded in reality. If something seems too good to be true, it likely is. Conserve your energy for attainable goals and refine your ideas before taking action. This dreamy phase is excellent for creativity, so carve out a space where you can freely create. Prioritize your artistic or personal passions and allow fluidity in the process.

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Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

You stand at the edge of profound personal growth. Take time for quiet reflection, deepen your spiritual practice, and open your heart to intuitive insights. Use any tools that help you expand your understanding of the universe and your place in it. Patience is key; setbacks should be viewed as opportunities for cleansing and realignment. Release anything that no longer serves your highest evolution.

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Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

It may feel like you’re the only competent one, and doing everything yourself seems easier than waiting for others to catch up. However, be cautious—this can lead to resentment. Instead, evaluate your role within your group or community. You are a natural leader, so set boundaries and teach others rather than shouldering all the work. Empowering others lightens your load and strengthens your influence.

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Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

This may be a confusing period. Ask yourself: does your outward persona truly reflect who you are? Reflect on the different aspects of your personality and whether you’ve been limiting yourself. Explore new interests beyond your daily routine. You might find that career ambitions shift once you connect with other facets of yourself. Avoid impulsive decisions; instead, organize your life to accommodate both stability and growth.

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Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Trust the universe and your intuition. Let go of ego-driven desires, power struggles, and the need to control. Mystical insights will emerge when you surrender to the flow. Explore art, culture, or travel to broaden your horizons. Seek out experiences that challenge and expand your understanding of the world. Engaging with diverse perspectives will lead to exciting and meaningful interactions.

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Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

You are entering a deeply introspective and spiritual phase. Peel back the layers of ego, dive into your subconscious, and strengthen your connection to the cosmos. This period offers a chance for self-transformation, leading to a more peaceful, authentic version of yourself. Establish rituals that nurture your higher self. However, don’t neglect daily responsibilities—especially financial matters, which require extra attention now.

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Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Clear, direct communication is crucial, particularly in your relationships. Honesty and transparency will serve you best. If conflicts arise, practice Nonviolent Communication (as taught by Marshall Rosenberg). Keep your eyes open and scrutinize agreements carefully—have contracts reviewed by a professional before signing. Take a cautious, discerning approach in your interactions until intentions become clear.

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Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Listen to your body’s signals. Seasonal transitions can make you more susceptible to illness, so prioritize self-care. Strengthen your immune system with healthy habits. You may also be more sensitive to substances like alcohol or processed foods—moderation is key. Your heightened intuition will guide you when assessing new opportunities; trust your instincts and be wary of anything that sounds too good to be true.

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Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

You are entering an exceptionally creative phase. Push beyond your current perceptions of what creativity means to you. Experiment with new methods and techniques while ensuring that the process remains enjoyable. Inspiration can strike from unexpected places, so stay open. However, avoid speculative risks for now. Instead, channel this ethereal energy into artistic and imaginative pursuits.

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Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

The comfort of home may be especially appealing, but ask yourself whether you’re using it as an escape. If so, redirect that energy into creative activities that soothe your soul, such as gardening, tending to your houseplants or growing kitchen herbs. Establish meaningful rituals to connect with your inner self. If emotions feel overwhelming, seek guidance from a counselor or trusted advisor to gain perspective.

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Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Communication requires extra care. Before expressing heartfelt emotions or presenting ideas, take time to clarify your thoughts. Negotiations are especially delicate—pay close attention to details, and seek legal counsel before signing agreements. This is also an excellent period for writing or refining creative projects. Diligence will pay off, allowing you to produce some of your most compelling work.

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Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Be mindful with finances and possessions. If something promises quick riches, be skeptical. You may feel slightly disoriented, so detach from rigid expectations. Approach material matters with a spiritual mindset—do your belongings bring joy and elevate your energy? Take time to assess what truly adds value to your life and let go of anything that no longer serves you.

For more insights on how these and other planetary transit impact you, visit SevenSistersAstrology.com for a personalized reading.

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