Quick note: I use affiliate links in this post. If you click one of these prime day wedding deals and make a purchase, I may get a commission. This helps keep this blog alive and your planner fueled by iced coffee.

I still remember the first Amazon Prime Day back in 2015. When the sale launched, I think many felt let down. There was a lot of stuff: it seemed like Amazon’s attempt to clear out their warehouses of junk that wasn’t selling. NBC News compared it to a garage sale, and frankly… that’s not a bad description of how I remember it.

Now in 2025, we’re at the 10th anniversary of Prime Day, and things have gotten better. However, there’s still a lot of stuff to sort through. I thought it would be helpful to list out some items that you should consider. These are items that we keep stocked, either in our emergency kits or at the office. So, if you’re a Contagious Events client, you can definitely save a little cash and skip out on most of these. If you don’t have a planner, it’s a good idea to consider stocking up. Then designate a person to be in charge of packing and making sure the kit is accessible on the wedding day. Also, ensure your key people (family, wedding party, etc.) know who has access to the kit in case anyone needs something.

This list is long – so we’ve broken it up into different categories:

STATIONERY HACKS

Invisible Ink Pens: Virtually every time we collect save the dates for our clients, there is at least one guest who jots down a meal selection and writes in dietary restrictions. However, they forget to write their name – not on the card, and not as a return address on the envelope. An easy solution: number your guest list so that every household has a unique number. Write that number on the back of that household’s RSVP card with these invisible ink pens.

Glue Sticks: Save your tongue… use a glue stick to seal your envelopes. Trust me. I like the disappearing purple ones because with these repetitive tasks, sometimes it’s easy to lose track. The purple tells you whether or not you’ve applied the glue!

Double-Sided Tape: Secure envelope liners, or attach embellishments. Sometimes those sticker wax seals aren’t very sticky and need a little extra love – Double-Sided Tape will take care of that.

PREVENTING MELTDOWNS

Clear Umbrellas: Yes, your photographer (or your wedding planner) probably has one of these, but often they only have one. These are not a common rental item. So, if you are planning larger group family photos and want to do them outdoors rain or shine, consider grabbing a few extra clear umbrellas. These will supplement the one your vendor team might have.

Power Bank: Two things are true about your phone on wedding day: you will run out of battery, and you will likely have no idea where it is about 70% of the day. This is the one we keep on-hand at the studio, and it’s a beast. It will recharge your phone multiple times, but the best part is it will also tell you how much “juice” it has left. This way, you can plan accordingly. This can also charge up to three devices at once – with 2 USB-C ports and 1 older USB port. Also, if you are getting ready with a group of people, consider keeping a USB Charging Station like this one in the room, so your wedding peeps can charge their devices without draining a power bank.

Portable Fan: Transparency time: I don’t actually have one yet, but I saw an influencer video reviewing this fan and it convinced me we needed them in our kits. Honestly, this makes sense if you are getting married during warmer weather months.

Crest White Strips: Vanity aside, many of our clients have told us their dentist has suggested White Strips vs. professional whitening – conveniently, they’re part of the Prime Day sale!

Apple AirTags: If I had a nickel for every time I asked my team where is… I would be retired on an island somewhere. Apple AirTags are a great idea to put in your important bag, but an extra special pro tip I have for you is to give an AirTag to a guest that is taking the guest shuttle (if you are having one). Doing this will allow you (or your planner) the ability to track the shuttle’s movement and more accurately anticipate an arrival time.

GUEST BOOK OPTIONS

Traditional Option: Not a Prime Day deal, but this is our favorite vendor and we’ve been recommending them for years. You can score one on Amazon, but they also offer personalization options directly on their website if you prefer.

Selfie Guest Book: Everyone loves a good selfie – the instant cameras are great fun for the right crowd. Just remember to get extra film and batteries!

Photobooth Guest Book: If you’re planning to have a more formal photobooth that prints the 2×6 photo strips, consider placing a guest book on the prop table. This is for guests to leave their photos and a note!

EMERGENCY KIT ESSENTIALS

Stain Remover: self explanatory, someone is going to want this at some point in the day.

Clear Lash Glue: put a dab on a necklace to keep it in place and facing the right way.

Mini Sewing Kit: one of the more popular items in our kit. Make sure you pack extra safety pins.

Tagging Gun: will fix a bustle in a pinch, if needed – but can also quickly hem pants, too!

Blister Cushions: Sometimes, beauty is pain.

Anti Static Spray: This was added to our kits after a couple of years of it being a commonly requested item. Now that we have it, we don’t get asked for it as much because that’s just Murphy’s Law in action.

First Aid Kit: Hopefully you won’t need it, but we do recommend these Instant Ice Packs. If not for an injury, it may help keep someone stay cool on a hot wedding day.

Quiet luxury touches that elevate your event—without buying everything outright.

When it comes to wedding design, it’s easy to fall down the Pinterest rabbit hole of dreamy tablescapes, floral arches, and sculptural lounge setups. But not everything needs to be purchased—or even DIYed. Enter the power of rentals: a design-forward, budget-friendly way to create high-impact visuals without the long-term commitment (or storage headache).

Here are five elevated rental categories we think are 100% worth considering if you’re planning a wedding that’s chic, intentional, and design-savvy.

Statement Furniture Pieces

Whether it’s a velvet loveseat for your sweetheart table or a funky rattan chair for portraits, renting a single unexpected furniture piece can instantly create a photo-worthy moment. Think of it as a visual anchor—something that gives your event character, without over-designing the entire space.

Insider Tip: Don’t default to white! Statement furniture pieces make a statement: use textiles and colors that match the overall wedding aesthetic (but don’t pass on the white if that’s really what you love)!

Specialty Lighting

Candles are romantic. String lights are classic. But if you want your event to feel different, accent lighting rentals like neon signage, uplighting, or clustered lanterns can transform a space entirely. The best part? Lighting shifts the mood, not just the aesthetic.

Quiet Luxury Move: Use lighting to create ambiance, not spectacle. Think: amber tones, pin spots on centerpieces, and soft-wash ceiling lighting.

Unique Tabletop Details

Chargers. Glassware. Flatware. These are the small touches that guests actually notice when they sit down. It’s easy to rack up the dollars if you upgrade everything on the table, so aim to upgrade one element: a specialty water glass, a personal bloom at every place setting, or an elevated napkin that isn’t scratchy poly material is an easy way to elevate your reception without going full maximalist.

Worth it if: You want your place settings to feel cohesive with your overall design – especially if you’re skipping full floral centerpieces.

Creative Signage & Displays

From welcome signs to seating charts and even bar menus, custom signage can be a huge vibe-setter. Renting pre-designed display structures, easels, or even acrylic bases gives you the flexibility to personalize your looks with reinventing the wheel (or buying one).

Bonus: These are often designed by pros to photograph beautifully – no hot glue or elbow grease required!

Bar & Beverage Stations

It might not be the first place you’d think to splurge, but guests spend a lot of time at the bar. Renting a stylish bar front—paneled wood, art deco mirror, industrial metal—can turn a functional necessity into a major design moment.

Insider Favorite: Match your bar design to your invitation suite or dance floor aesthetic for a subtle but striking through-line.

TL; DR: Rent Smart, Not More

You don’t need to rent everything – it’s wasteful to not use what is included from your venue and vendor teams! But choosing a few key areas to invest in can dramatically change the tone of your wedding without inflating your overall budget. Focus on the categories that deliver the most visual impact per dollar—and don’t be afraid to choose a few bold details instead of dozens of small ones.

Because your signature cocktails deserve a signature look.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. This means we may earn a small commission—at no cost to you—if you make a purchase through one of our links. We only feature products we genuinely love and would recommend to our clients.

Let’s be honest: the wedding bar isn’t just a drink station—it’s a moment. It’s the place guests flock to during cocktail hour, where signature drinks get their close-up, and where couples show off their personality in print. So why settle for something generic?

We’ve rounded up seven standout bar menus from Etsy, each perfectly matched to a different couple style—from Euro-inspired elegance to retro-funky fabulous. Whether you’re a fan of minimalism or full floral drama, there’s a bar menu here for you.

The traditional white wedding dress is no longer the default choice for modern brides. Designers like Ashish Gupta are leading a movement towards more expressive and colorful bridal attire. Gupta’s debut bridal collection features vibrant designs, including a multicolored beaded halterneck and a “confetti” veil, catering to brides who prioritize personality over tradition. Similarly, David’s Bridal has partnered with Marchesa to release a colorful range of gowns, including styles worn on the red carpet. 

This shift reflects a broader cultural trend where brides seek to express their individuality, and we love to see it, though as wedding planners who were encouraging couples to “let their freak flag fly” from our inception back in 2010, we’re quick to point out this is a long-needed shift in the wedding industry. Pinterest reports a 240% increase in searches for “unique wedding dresses,” indicating a growing interest in non-traditional bridal wear. Fashion editor Harriet Hall, who married in a vividly pink Molly Goddard dress, exemplifies this trend as a rejection of outdated patriarchal symbolism. Interestingly, this modern movement echoes pre-1840s wedding customs when dresses were commonly red, blue, or black.

If you’re considering a unique wedding dress, here are some of our tips:

Express Yourself: Don’t feel confined to traditional white gowns if they don’t make you smile. Choose a dress that reflects your personality and style.

Explore Options: Consider designers who offer colorful and unique collections to find a gown that resonates with you. If nontraditional is exciting to you, but also too intimidating, consider a dress change: you can do a traditional gown for your ceremony, and at some point in the evening, change into a “fun” dress for the reception before you tear up the dance floor.

Embracing non-traditional wedding dresses allows brides to celebrate their individuality and create a statement on their special day, which is the best thing you can do to create a memorable wedding day.

Cover photo by Silver + Salt

Want to kick off your engagement with your closest friends and family? It’s time to plan your engagement party! This is a fun way to celebrate while also getting a sneak-peek into planning an event. Let’s go over exactly how to plan an amazing engagement party.

Consider Working With a Planner

An engagement party can really be like planning a mini wedding depending on how grand you want this event to be. If you are looking into options beyond a dinner out or at home, having a professional on your side will be helpful. Ask your wedding planner if they offer this service. They will be able to plan the logistics so you can enjoy the rest!

Create a Mood Board

Next, create a small mood board detailing what you want your engagement party to look like from the table decor to the food. If you have already started wedding planning, you know that having a visual guide makes decision-making a breeze. 

Set Your Budget

You have an idea of what you want your engagement party to look like but make your budget line up. This is another reason to have a planner involved in the process. They can expertly manage your budget and bring what you envision to reality. We recommend saving the splurging for your wedding. Don’t feel pressure to have a super elaborate event. Your wedding will have all of the extra details and activities later! This is simply a gathering to celebrate the fact you are engaged. 

Hire Your Vendors

While we are on the topic, here are the vendors we recommend starting with aside from your planner. If your budget and space allow, of course, add on to this as you desire!

• Venue: You will need to know a guest count for this. Most likely, you won’t be sending paper invitations for your engagement party. Send a virtual invitation, call, or text those you would like to attend. Once you have a guest count, you can set your venue. The options are endless. From a restaurant, private home, to an event venue, choose the best option for you.

• Caterer and Bar: If you are choosing a restaurant, they will be able to set a menu with you in advance. For separate venues, look into outside caterers that can bring a delicious meal to you. If you want drinks, ask your venue if they require a professional bartender to serve them.

• Photographer: Ask your photographer if they are available to capture your engagement party and if they book those events. If you are planning a party for this exciting time, you will want the memories captured!

• Event Staff: You will need a crew to make sure your venue is clean if you are not hosting your party at a place that already includes this. Ask your caterer or wedding planner if they offer a service to include this option.

It’s time to Party!

And you are done! Enjoy your engagement party. We are passionate about helping couples bring their dream events to life. If you are engaged and planning a wedding, reach out to us! We would love to work with you to plan your wedding day. 

You might have heard this suggestion as you announced your engagement, “You need a wedding planner!” If you are wondering why or are questioning if this is worth the investment, we have you covered. Let’s go over why you need to hire a wedding planner in 2023 on this blog. Keep reading for this valuable advice!

Vendors are busier than ever.

Since the pandemic, vendors are busier than ever. More and more weddings are happening each year and 2023 is no exception. A wedding planner can help you find vendors efficiently during your wedding planning process that are actually a great fit for your big day. Busy vendors mean that communication response time is vastly larger and more vendors are booked in advance. Your wedding planner can manage the communication and continue to source vendors even after your first choices are booked. 

Wedding costs are up.

Higher demands equal higher costs. The price for weddings are up due to the influx of inquiries, cost of supplies, cost of travel, cost and of supplies. Now you might be thinking, if costs are up, why would I still hire a wedding planner? Investing in a wedding planner can actually save you “hidden” costs as you book other vendors. Wedding planners can review contracts and they understand all of the logistics involved in planning an event. They are already connected to vendors and will reach out to the options best suited for your budget and preferences. You need a professional on your side to manage your budget so you don’t underestimate what you actually will need to spend. 

New trends are on the rise.

Have a new trend in mind? The past few years intimate weddings have been trending an do not seem to be going anywhere! You need an experienced wedding planner to bring this event together. A backyard wedding can actually require more details than a wedding at a standard venue for example. Even if your trend is simply an aesthetic (like garden weddings!), a wedding planner can source and coordinate with your vendors to bring this to life. There are so many interesting wedding trends to discover! A wedding planner can also help brainstorm with you if you are unsure of how you want your wedding to look.

You are planning a destination wedding. 

If you are planning a destination wedding in 2023, a wedding planner is essential. The delays in communication, booked vendors, and higher costs are difficult to manage. When you add in a further location, this can be stressful. You want a wedding planner to specialize in destination weddings or is local to the area of your dream day. Take the planning off of you and allow a professional to handle it with ease!

You want to relax on the day of your wedding.

Speaking of taking the planning off of you, think about the actual day of your wedding. If nothing else in this blog has convinced you a wedding planner is worth it in 2023, keep reading. There is intricate setup, timeline management, clean-up, vendor coordination, and more involved just on your wedding day itself. You might have had to postpone your wedding date already, don’t add the stress of acting as your own wedding coordinator. They will manage and execute your wedding so that you can properly enjoy the day without worrying about the behind-the-scenes. 

Did you enjoy this blog? Read about setting up your wedding registry next!

You have your design planned for your wedding and have the food and drinks covered, now it is time to think about the entertainment! If you are engaged and wondering whether you should hire a DJ or Band for your big day or how to find them, keep reading. We are going over the must-know information for your wedding music. Let’s get started.

Should you hire a professional DJ?

The short answer is YES! You really do need a professional to handle the sound, lighting, and music. A professional DJ will be able to handle this important part of your wedding with ease. It takes experience and knowledge to manage a sound system for every venue and specific wedding timeline. Most wedding DJs will also offer the sound and mic management for the vows and speeches during your ceremony. Think beyond the dance floor for this vendor! When it is time for the dancing to begin, your DJ will be able to keep the party going. Not only will a DJ ensure that the right songs are played throughout the day, they will be able to read the crowd as the day goes on. This professional will work with you to create playlist options to suit your personality and your guests. 

You do not want to depend on another guest or your wedding planner for the music and sound. The audio quality and dependability will greatly improve with a DJ on your side. Another wedding guest, even with practice may not be able to solve every scenario when it comes to sound. As the day goes on, you need someone monitoring the music repeatedly and playing sounds to entertain the crowd. Depending on a guest for this can take away from their experience and they won’t always know what to play for the party you desire. Especially if you want specific songs played at specific times, a wedding DJ is non-negotiable. Even your wedding planner cannot guarantee zero mistakes with this as the music is not their field of expertise. The wedding planner will also need to focus on their job running the timeline and making sure your design is set up correctly.

What about a Band?

A live band can be a great addition to your wedding music! We recommend hiring this vendor along with a DJ. The band can play live music during the ceremony and a portion of the reception. A band and a DJ can work together to create an elevated music experience. The DJ can play a playlist during aspects of the wedding such as the cocktail hour and during the reception meal. Then the band can play live songs for portions of the dancing. When the band needs to take breaks or their scheduled time ends, the DJ can resume. A band is a wonderful option for those looking for alternative sounds or a concert feeling for the dancefloor.

How to Find Your DJ or Band

Ask your wedding planner or other vendors for recommendations for a live band or DJ first. You may also search on Instagram for local options! Most of the time, your wedding planner will be able to point you in the right direction. 

If you are ready to start planning your wedding and would like assistance with details like this, contact us today! We would love to hear your story. 

Once you are ready to start planning your wedding, one of the first thoughts you may have is, “How do I find my wedding vendors?!” It can be tricky to know where to start but we are here as wedding planners to make the process easy (and even fun). Ready to find the dream team for your special day? Let’s begin!

Where to Begin

Before you can start researching for your specific vendors, you need to have some information covered in advance. Begin with these steps and then you will be ready for the rest!

Know Your Location

Narrow down where you want to host your wedding with your future spouse. You don’t need to worry about having a venue quite yet but having a location is essential to start off your vendor search. Even vendors who may be willing to travel like planners and photographers will often have limits to the locations they will go. Without a location, you might accidentally inquire with vendors who don’t work in your wedding area. This will save you quite a bit of time and will help you search wisely!

What Are Your Preferences?

Have you thought about the type of vendors you would like to work with? We are talking about stylistic choices, personality, and even company values. After all, you could be working with your vendor team well over a year. You will want to work with individuals aligned with who you are as a couple. 

For example, if you love an alternative and edgy style, you might not want to choose vendors who specialize in a rustic look. Create some Pinterest boards pinning wedding styles you like and even quotes that reflect your ideal vendors. When it is time to research, you will know what to look for!

Set Your Budget

This is a major factor. Set your general budget beforehand. All wedding vendors are different and this includes their pricing. Knowing your budget will help you inquire with the right options. Keep in mind that your location will factor into your wedding costs so you might need to plan ahead for some flexibility. 

Researching Your Vendors

Now that you have covered the beginning basics, it’s time to research wedding vendors! Start sooner than later. Right now, many vendors are booked up to a year in advance. 

Pinterest

Many engaged couples are now finding their vendors on Pinterest! This is the best platform for inspiration, so why not find your real life wedding team? Type in your specific location followed by the vendor you want to search for (Ex. Boston Wedding Planner). See what draws your attention and click on the pin link to their site! You may come across some fantastic options. 

Instagram

Instagram is another great location specific research option. Utilize hashtags for your search. You can also try out typing in the vendors you are looking for. (Ex. #bostonweddingplanners OR Boston Wedding Planner). Sometimes there are local wedding collective accounts that will be able to refer you to some reliable vendor options.

Wedding Wire & The Knot

If you want a wedding specific search platform, check out Wedding Wire & The Knot! Here you can often find location focused vendor options with reviews from real couples. This is wonderful to search based on your style and budget as well!

Which Vendors to Hire First

Starting off with some key vendors will help you with booking everyone else! Here are the two vendors we recommend hiring first:

Wedding Planner

You need a wedding planner on your side. They will know the red flags to look out for in vendor options and can even recommend their preferred options for you. A wedding planner will be your number one advocate and will cut down your research time dramatically. 

Venue

Already have a venue in mind? Once you are booked with your specific venue, ask them about their preferred vendors! They will most likely have a list of vendors to recommend that work well at their venue. You might even find your wedding planner this way. 

Looking for more wedding planning tips? Check out what to put on your save the dates next!

Today we are going over 10 things to do after your wedding!

Host a Post Wedding Meal

After the wedding, host a meal to enjoy with your wedding party! You may also choose to invite your guests but this often will require a larger space and can become costly. A post-wedding brunch is a great way to end the celebration. If you eloped, plan a dinner to invite your close friends and family. This will allow everyone to feel included while creating space for you and your partner to enjoy the celebration you selected.

Pack for Your Honeymoon

If your honeymoon isn’t the day after your wedding, you have time to pack! Be sure to have everything ready in advance if you will be traveling directly after saying your I dos. Most of the time, you have at least a few days to prepare for your honeymoon. Pack everything and keep all of your important documents close by so your travels are a breeze.

Send Thank You Cards

A month or two after your wedding, it’s time to send thank you cards to your guests. Take the time to handwrite a few sentences thanking everyone individually for celebrating with you. If they bought you a gift, mention that item in your card. This is a sweet way to show everyone your appreciation!

Take Care of The Paperwork

If you will be changing your name or combining any assets, it’s time to take care of the paperwork. It’s completely normal to wait until after the wedding to do this! Here are the basic places to change your name:

• Marriage Certificate
• Social Security Card
• Drivers License and Car Registration
• Passport
• Bank Accounts, Credit and Debit Cards, Billing Information
• Insurance
• Travel Information

Thank Your Vendors

Send another thank you to your vendors! If you haven’t tipped them already, make sure you do this as soon as possible if you desire. However, sending them a private email, leaving an online review, and simply tagging them on social media are wonderful ways to show your thanks.

Submit Final Payments

Some of your final payments might be due after the wedding. Submit these promptly.

Store & Sell Your Wedding Items

You will be left with some wedding items that you purchased after the big day is complete. Store the items you want to keep and go through the rest to assess what can be sold. Ask your vendors if they would like to purchase any of your items! Many vendors are interested in growing their rental inventory for items like flameless candles, arches, linens, and table numbers. Otherwise, you can sell the rest of your items on sites like Facebook Marketplace.

Preserve Your Bouquet & Dress

Hire professionals to preserve your bouquet and dress! You can ask your florist if they dry bouquets and chat with your wedding dress shop about how to store your dress.

Share on Social Media

If you want to, share some photos of your wedding on social media! Be sure to tag your vendors if you do so. 

Order Printed Wedding Photos

The online gallery of your wedding photos is great for social media as we discussed above, but you will want some printed copies. Measure the locations you want to display your photos and ask your photographer about their recommended printing option. 

Join us on Instagram for even more real wedding advice and inspiration!