DIY Bridal Academy

30/12/2019

Mary Taylor Weddings

Who here is honeymooning in 2020?! Check out this list of the top honeymoon destinations! Where did you or are you planning to honeymoon?

Where are you going to or did you honeymoon?! I'm gathering a list of places to blog about in 2020! So far I have lots of amazing suggestions and a list of over 10 of the top honeymoon destinations for 2020! Check it out and let me know if you're going to any of the places listed!

https://weddings.marytaylorphotography.com/top-honeymoon-destinations-2020

23/10/2019

Mary Taylor Weddings

Wow! So many great ideas in Mary Taylor Weddings new blog post about wedding signs! She even showcases tons of real bride's signs so you can get an idea of what yours could look like too.

What types of signs did you use or are you going to use at your wedding? Which one in the blog do you like the most?

You can see more of Mary's posts in our group Weddings Wine & DIY

This blog has been in the works for a long time and I am so excited to finally be sharing it for

22/08/2019

Mary Taylor Weddings

Ladies!! Mary Taylor Weddings has some insights for your upcoming wedding and also has her group Mary Taylor's Wedding Deals & Finds.. check our her latest video

I'm going live to answer your questions and talk about the questions that keep popping up in bridal groups lately. Feel free to leave more questions in the comments during or after the live

19/08/2019

Mary Taylor Weddings

Mary Taylor Weddings is looking for wedding sign inspiration! This can be anything from welcome signs, unplugged signs, bar signs, and more! If you're a photographer or a bride and have images that you'd like featured on Mary Taylor Weddings blog, Pinterest, and maybe even Instagram, please comment below! Feel free to share this and tag other brides and photographers who may be interested

I am looking for wedding sign inspiration! This can be anything from welcome signs, unplugged signs, bar signs, and more! If you're a photographer or a bride and have images that you'd like featured on Mary Taylor Weddings blog and Pinterest, please comment below! Feel free to share this and tag other brides and photographers who may be interested

16/07/2019

Mary Taylor Weddings

Mary Taylor Weddings is helping brides to find great deals on Amazon for in her group Mary Taylor's Wedding Deals! Are you already apart of the group?

Have you been shopping for wedding items on Amazon these past two days? What has been your favorite deal?

Just a little sneak peek into a bride's guide to Prime Day 2019! If you haven't been shopping for Prime Day, you should be! These are just some of the amazing deals I have been posting in Mary Taylor's Wedding Deals

10/07/2019

Mary Taylor Weddings

Great article about Mary's experience looking for the right registry as well as tips on what to include in your bridal and wedding registries!

What is your favorite item on your wedding and bridal shower registry? Comment below!

I finally get to share what I would deem as THE BEST online wedding registry. Trust me, I did a ton of research and even tried out several other registries. But between charging my guests (or myself), only allowing our guests to purchase from that website particularly or not allowing me to add anything I wanted, I became frustrated and even thought about designing my own registry system. Until, I found....

Images by Silhouettes.ro

07/07/2019

SUNDAY FUNDAY: Caption This...

In celebration of my wedding anniversary this week, this is from MY wedding and my sister (funny face) nor my bridesmaids remember what the conversation was... so let's have some fun

Join our free community Weddings Wine & DIY

14/06/2019

Have you heard of DIY Bridal Academy before?

We have just released our new online wedding planning program for all brides! No matter where you are at in your planning, we can help you stay and/or get on track. Using our checklist, we walk you through all the steps to create your dream wedding.

How it works:
1. Sign up online at http://bit.ly/DIYBASignUp
2. Join the group DIY Bridal Academy
3. Download our checklist
4. Follow along & look out for email updates of where you should be at, what you should be doing now, and what to look forward to!
5. Join the discussion on Facebook and read about each step throughout your wedding planning journey
6. Take part in learning more from real professionals that are within the wedding industry

Our program works to let you know what needs to be done now and when it should be done by. This helps you to feel ahead of the process instead of rushing to finish what needs to be now.

Have any questions? Let us know in the comments below!

02/06/2019

What Are the 5 Love Languages?

Let’s go beyond the wedding and make sure that our relationships stay positive from here on out. Let’s talk about Love Languages and how we can use these to strengthen our relationships with our partner, family and friends.

Learning what forms of interaction mean more to you and to those around you is a great way to encourage healthy communication in all relationships. Resulting in less conflict and uncomfortable situations.

In 1992 Gary Chapman released a book titled “The Five Love Languages.”
Essentially this book outlines the 5 different ways that people express love.
Words of Affirmation
Physical Touch
Acts of Service
Quality Time
Receiving Gifts

Want to ensure you have a smooth transition out of that Honeymoon phase? Take time with your loved ones to go through this free online Love Languages Quiz. There are options for Couples, Singles, Teenagers and younger children.

It’s amazing how accurate the results are.
(See link/article for access to the quiz)

Have you read the book or taken the quiz? What were your results and how has it helped you?

https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/relationships/what-are-the-5-love-languages.html

The expression of one’s love and how they receive it was made clearer when pastor Gary Chapman published the book, The Five Love Languages. In this groundbreaking resource, Chapman identified five languages of love; essentially, how people receive...

31/05/2019

How to Score a Designer Wedding Dress for Less

As a bride-to-be, we all know that one of the most stressful things on your to-do list is finding that perfect dress. One way you can save money on your dress is by shopping at your local thrift stores!

You’d be surprised by what hidden gems you can find there! Sometimes you can save up to 70% on a dress from a thrift store instead of buying one brand new from a branded supplier.

*Just because it’s pre-owned, doesn’t always mean it’s pre-worn.

*Buying lace, altering the length or slightly changing the shape of a thrifted dress can still save you more money.

*If you need that “Something Old” this is definitely an AMAZING solution.

Did anyone here by a used dress (whether from a thrift store or another local bride)?

http://www.delawaremainline-bride.com/how-to-get-a-designer-wedding-dress-for-less/

One of the most important aspects of wedding planning for many brides is finding the perfect dress, and many are exploring a new option that is gaining in popularity—buying a gown that’s pre-owned. “Pre-owned” doesn’t necessarily mean, “pre-worn.” Perhaps a gown’s original owner foun...

29/05/2019

Mary Taylor Weddings

Flats, heels, pop of color, what's your wedding shoe style? Mary Taylor Weddings put this awesome article together for some inspiration.

Post your wedding shoes below to share your style!

Anyone else having trouble finding the perfect shoes?! Check out these incredible images 😍

Here's real-life inspiration from other brides: http://weddings.marytaylorphotography.com/bridal-shoe-inspiration

Kayleigh Grace Photography, Oakwood Photo + Video, Paper & Fox photography, Bourbon & Lace Studios, Photos by Emilly, Katelyn Orsi Photography, Georgina Ford Photography, Queen Bee Photography, Rustic Light Photography, Sabrina Hull Photography, SOLIS photography

27/05/2019

Mary Taylor Weddings

I love how Mary Taylor Weddings creates things with the bride in mind! As a bride herself, she knows what has worked for her. She's done all the research so you don't have to! This vendor questions list is perfect for every bride - she even made an editable excel document for those that don't want a paper copy.

How are you keeping track of all your wedding vendor questions and answers?

After seeing so many posts about people wondering what to ask their vendors, I spent the last couple of days doing research and designing this beautiful vendor list. I also wanted to help those that prefer to type/have everything on their computer so there's an excel sheet for those that need!

08/05/2019

Less Than 2 Months Away From "I Do"?.... What do I do?!

Planning a wedding is exciting and can definitely become overwhelming. Yes there are free checklists and resources, but they still don't guide you through the actual process like a real wedding planner would... that's what we're here for!

If you're planning your wedding, DIY Bridal Academy is here to help: http://bit.ly/DIYBASignUp

Leave us comments where you're feeling stuck or any questions along the way!

07/05/2019

Planning a wedding is exciting and can definitely become overwhelming. Yes there are free checklists and resources, but they still don't guide you through the actual process like a real wedding planner would... that's what we're here for!

If you're planning your wedding, DIY Bridal Academy is here to help!

Leave us comments where you're feeling stuck or any questions along the way!

01/05/2019

Have you wondered how these "Free Honeymoon" offers work? Have you gone to a bridal show, or been selected as a winner for a 4day/3night get-away??

Are they for real? Is it a scam? Is it actually free?!

I'm spilling the industry secrets in the Weddings Wine & DIY group, how they actually work, and what you can expect BEFORE you decide if its right for you.

30/04/2019

Mary Taylor Weddings

Bathroom utility baskets are a great way to provide the essentials for your guests. Don't you love when you go to a restaurant or hotel that has things like this? It makes you feel special and very high class! This is why we recommend that you help your guests feel the same way by creating a bathroom basket.

Who has made their own bathroom utility baskets for their wedding day, bridal shower, or another event? Post a picture of your basket in the comments below. Read Mary Taylor Weddings blog to see everything you should include in your basket!

I've been seeing these wedding day bathroom utility baskets mentioned and thought they were a great idea! These are great for any type of party but especially a wedding.

Are you going to make or have you already made your wedding day bathroom utilities baskets? If so, what are you going to include? Comment a picture so others can gather inspiration

22/04/2019

THIS is why we created DIY Bridal Academy. I've been in the wedding industry for 13 years and I started seeing the shift when I started planning my own wedding in 2013.

Yes, the need of a coordinator is still a key component to keeping everything smooth the month of and alleviate stress, however with the right resources and guidance engaged couples are seeking to be their own DIY wedding planner.

I get it. Sometimes all the free resources are overwhelming, not enough customization, no support from a real live wedding professional and so you feel you either hire a wedding planner or you're out to figure it out alone.... oh wait, or join a wedding group full of other brides and engaged couples!

That sounds great! You'll find your bride twins, and share your inspiration, share pictures of different wedding dresses that you can't post on your personal page and can vent in closed private groups. What about the harder industry questions? How about finalizing your timelines, seating charts and which free resources to use? Everyone else in the group is experiencing the same questions, answered by other couples also wondering the same thing.

In our free community in Weddings Wine & DIY we're full of both engaged couples AND wedding professionals, full of resources and HOW to actually navigate and get through the planning process. We featured other DIY brides and are a unique community that does not allow vendors to self-promote or advertise - only provide value.

Check us out!

https://go.weddingwire.com/newlywed-report

15/04/2019

My something blue was "The Heart of the Ocean"... What's yours?

Some of you may know my interest in the history of the Titanic, and the April 14th - April 15th is the 107th anniversary of the sinking...

Ever since I was a little girl when we learned about it in school, I was fascinated learning about the story and the individual stories. When the movie released in '97, my dad surprised me by taking me out an hour early from school and it's still one of my most cherished memories.

I incorporated it slightly into my special day and had the Heart of the Ocean with me walking down the aisle with my dad.

14/04/2019

Kim Louise Designs

So true! Finding a dress that "fits" you both what you like on the outside and does it "fit" you on the inside?

Thank you Kim L Munsch for your insight! Louise designs

Shopping for a dress

09/04/2019

How awesome is this?! Which celeberty would you want to photo bomb your wedding photos?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvzBCBOD8fP/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1w05k909xm9lr

03/04/2019

Where did the money go?!?!

Watching a budget? According to weddingwire's 2019 Newlywed report, here are the top reasons couples didn't say on budget.

Pick the top 3 things most important to you and prioritize everything else as secondary. (More resources and planning tips from wedding professionaIs in Weddings Wine & DIY)

ttps://go.weddingwire.com/newlywed-report

02/04/2019

The Calla Lily Event Planning

Wow! This is really does set the tone and creates an entire experience. Thank you Naticia for being a contributor to our wedding community! https://www.thecallalilyweddings.com/blog

Are you incorporating live ceremony music for your wedding?🎻💍

I ♥️ live instrumental music! 🎶There is just something so magical about instrumental music! It can really enhance an atmosphere and transform an experience. 🎵♥️🎵
Adding beautiful live music like this to your wedding ceremony or cocktail hour can really enhance your guests experience on your wedding day.
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Anyone else love live music? I’m a sucker for instrumental love songs! 🥰🥰🥰
•

28/03/2019

Recently engaged?

According to the WeddingWire 2019 Newlywed report, here are the factors engaged couples consider when selecting vendors. This supports the video we aired a few weeks ago! Take a look:

https://www.facebook.com/DIYBridalAcademy/videos/845841819141515/

26/03/2019

2019 Wedding Report

Newly weds, what advice do you have for our current DIY Bridal Academy brides?

Here's some interesting reporting from Wedding Wire! Most popular date for 2019 is October 19th!

Engaged Couples: Is that your date?! What vendors are you still looking to book? Drop a comment and where you're from if you're stuck, and we'll tag you in our Weddings Wine & DIY resources

https://go.weddingwire.com/newlywed-report

The WeddingWire Newlywed wedding report looks at the behaviors of nearly 18,000 newlyweds and provides insight into real, modern-day couples and their journeys through getting engaged, searching for and selecting their vendors, average wedding cost, planning and more.

25/03/2019

Wedding Photographer Shoves Bride's Step-Mom To Get A Picture | Elvis Duran and the Morning Show

Let's have at it... Unplugged ceremony or not? When the mother of the bride steps in front of the hired photographer, she shoved her to ensure she got the professionaI shots...

Thoughts? How would you respond if this was your mom vs. your hired photographer?

Join the discussion in our Weddings Wine & DIY community

The photographer wasn't going to miss capturing an important moment because some lady was in front of her.

24/03/2019

Meet Mary! DIY Bridal Academy's Newest Bridal Mentor!

We're so excited we connected with Mary Windisch and her new blog Mary Taylor Weddings! She is living in New Zealand and is planning her wedding for September 2019 in California, USA!!!

Check out our full interview, why she finds value in being apart of our Weddings Wine & DIY group even though she loves planner her own wedding and what to expect from her throughout the next few months!

https://www.facebook.com/DIYBridalAcademy/posts/2389677527710631

23/03/2019

Mary Taylor Weddings

Mary Taylor Weddings

On today's theme of saving money here's a recent blog on how to save money while online shopping (although this blog is focused on what I have used while wedding planning, these are also great resources for other purchases). Do you already use any of these tools mentioned in the blog? If so, what? If not, what will you try?

http://weddings.marytaylorphotography.com/money-saving-wedding-shopping

19/03/2019

Say hello to Mary, our newest DIY Bridal Academy contributor for valuable wedding related topics!

She's a wedding photographer from California and now lives in New Zealand, so it's really neat to have people in our Weddings Wine & DIY around the world! Mary also happens to be engaged and planning her own wedding too and will be sharing her wedding professional and bride experiences. We'll be sharing posts from her blog and feature her story and wedding tips! Check out more recent posts: www.weddings.marytaylorphotography.com.

We'll be going live at 8pm Wednesday (EST) | 1pm Thursday(New Zealand) time to introduce Mary and some more exciting news with DIY Bridal Academy!!

Sneak Peak to some fun facts:
✨ She used to spend babysitting money on wedding magazines & books
✨ She used to model for wedding gowns - hence the photos in multiple wedding dresses... Her fiance Robbie proposed during a photo shoot!
✨She has degrees in photography and marketing. She has a passion for business, entrepreneurship, writing, weddings, and retouching/photo editing

"I started my wedding blog because through being apart of several Facebook wedding groups, I noticed that I was seeing the same questions being asked several times. I wanted to give brides (and grooms) a platform to read about the wedding planning experience from a bride herself as well as allow for it to be personal.

Being a contributor with Michelle will also allow me to answer questions directly on Facebook. I also wanted to give those who prefer not to read another option than the standard blog, book, magazine, or Facebook group which is why I'm also in the process of creating a podcast." -Mary

11/03/2019

37 Gorgeous Ideas For Ceremony Backdrops

Let's face it sometimes walls can be ugly. But also who doesn't want a pretty backdrop for photos. This article shares some GORGEOUS inspiration for ceremony backdrops. Some of them can even be repurposed for a photobooth backdrop.

http://www.weddingfor1000.com/37-gorgeous-ideas-for-ceremony-backdrops/

For more wedding DIY discussions like this join our group Weddings Wine & DIY

To Recap:
1. Decide what kind theme your wedding is. Are you wanting to do something different and out of the box or a classic arch with florals.
2. Do something that is meaningful to the two of you. If you love books add that in or if you met under a tree or love the outdoors.
3. Decide on a color pallet. Do you just want something neutral like a white curtain with some flowers on pedestals on the sides. Or do you LOVE color? Then maybe use some streamers or fabric to make a design.
4. Don't be afraid to upcycle. Some of the backdrops on this article are made with things like paper plates, clocks, doors, books. Get creative!
5. Just take a scroll through and check out the designs get inspired!

We've rounded up the most glorious list of ideas for ceremony backdrops. Will yours be elegant or romantic or simple or...

08/03/2019

How to Find the Best Wedding Venue

Picking your venue is the first big decision that you have to make for you wedding. And it sets to tone for what kind of wedding you are doing to have. In other words the style/theme of your wedding is going to be very different if you are getting married in a barn as opposed to a country club or ballroom. This article shares advice on how to pick the best wedding venue for you.

https://diybride.com/wedding-tip-search-best-wedding-venue/

For more wedding discussions like this join our group Weddings Wine & DIY

To Recap:
1. Consider if the venue has a wedding date that you are okay with. If it is very popular to have a spring wedding at that location they are going to book up fast. Make sure you are okay with the dates that they have available.
2. There is a laundry list of questions that you will want to ask your venue that can be found on the article.
3. Don't ONLY look at the price tag. Consider what is at cost not just the cost. Will the venue do a good job. Are there other things included in the package. Don't just pick a place because it is cheap because that might cause problems later on.
4. Consider your guests. Will this venue be convenient for them? Is there parking, hotels close by? Is there enough space for them?
5. Did you fall in love the first time you saw it? That is likely a good sign that it is the venue for you.
6. Keep an open mind. When you tour a venue they likely don't have the space all done up for a wedding like they would if there was one that day. Try to imagine the space with your colors and decor.

Practical tips on finding the best wedding venue to meet your budget and vision. Questions to ask and things to look for when researching venues.

04/03/2019

How To DIY Wedding Invitations

When it comes to wedding DIYs invitations are a popular topic. This article shares with you everything that you need to know about making your own wedding invitations.

https://apracticalwedding.com/diy-wedding-invitations/

For more wedding and DIY discussions like this join our group Weddings Wine & DIY

To Recap:
1. You can make your invitations as simple or as complicated for yourself as you want.
2. Remember that your time is valuable!
3. Sometimes buying all of the supplies to make your own invitations and printing costs can be just as pricey if not more than just opting to purchase them.
4. Keep in mind that there is a HUGE variety invitation styles and designs.
5. Think about how you want them to look and how you want to make them. Are you going to print them at home, use a letterpress, online printing, local printing,
6. Decide if you want to design them yourself or use a template. If you are not a graphic design expert now don't expect yourself to become one over night. Instead you can find a pretty template on the internet and plug your information in.
7. Choose the paper. I know this sounds silly and simple but you don't just want to print your invites on standard printer paper. Consider the finish of the paper..glossy or matte. The weight is also important. You don't want your invites flimsy but they also don't need to be the thickest paper you can find.
8. Finally the little details to put it all together. Cut the paper if you printed them yourself. Design the packaging and assemble any of the additional cards you are sending with the invites (like accommodation cards, RSVP, and gift registry). Either hand address the envelopes, print stickers or print directly on the envelopes.

Everything you need to know to DIY wedding invitations while saving money, time, and sanity. From picking paper, printing options, and design, we cover it all.

01/03/2019

Why You Should Hire a Travel Agency for Your Honeymoon | WeddingDay Magazine

Much like hiring a wedding planner, hiring a travel agent for your honeymoon is often overlooked. This article shares reasons why you should hire a travel agent for your honeymoon and how they can help you!

http://weddingday-online.com/wedding-articles/why-you-should-hire-travel-agency-your-honeymoon

For more wedding discussions like this join our group Weddings Wine & DIY

To recap:
1. If you have no idea where to go or are torn between two locations they can give you advice for which will be better for you. And they have relationships with different locations and can recommend them based on what fits right for you.
2. Not all of them charge you! Some will charge service fees which will vary, but the man interviewed in this article does not charge. Plus they will get you a lower rate than you could find yourself.
3. Since they have relationships with resorts they can usually get you a good deal or extra perks. They also will have good advice on booking flights.
4. The amount of involvement that they have in the planning can be up to you. They are ultimately there to be a resource for you how you use them is up to you.
5. Planning your honeymoon yourself might make you miss out on perks or deals that an agent would be able to secure for you.
6. If any issues arise the agent can take care of it for you.

25/02/2019

7 Factors to Consider When Comparing Wedding Professionals other than Price

Yes, of course price is a key factor when comparing wedding vendors but my couples constantly hear me say what is "at cost" rather than what "is the cost"?

There are other key indicators to determine the best fit when selecting wedding professionals to ensure they're the best fit beyond your budget

Here are my 7 Factors Other than PRICE to consider when selecting your wedding professionals

✨Wedding Professional/Industry Testimonials
✨Source their Portfolio - are they from styled shoots, past weddings, not their work at all?
✨Experience - Ask about the crazy stories "how did you handle X"
✨Communication style and expectations
✨Is wedding their primary focus?
✨Have they worked your venue? Have they worked with any of your other professionals?
✨Limited Liability Insurance - Regardless if they offer their services full-time, as a hobby or friend/family - do they carry insurance?

Weddings Wine & DIY for our timeline checklist & other slideshow presentations and videos

25/02/2019

10 Items for your Post-Wedding Checklist - Weddingbee

While the wedding day is important it is just as important if not more important to stay on top of your POST wedding checklist. After all the wedding is just one day but your marriage is forever! This article shares 10 items for your post wedding checklist to keep in mind.

https://www.weddingbee.com/diy-projects/10-items-for-your-post-wedding-checklist/

For more discussions like this join our group Weddings Wine & DIY

To recap:
1. Enjoy your honeymoon!! And that means you need to relax! Enjoy each others company and just BE with your spouse. Don't worry about sending thank you cards or even this post wedding checklist. Just spend time relaxing and enjoying yourselves.
2. As you open your wedding presents make sure you keep a list of who gave you what! This will make writing thank you notes 100x easier.
3. Buy and write thank you notes. While these don't need to get done all at once, you should start working on them in chunks so it doesn't get overwhelming.
4. When writing your thank you cards try to write something personal for each person. It will make the task a lot more interesting. Don't forget to send them to your bridal party!
5. Make sure everyone and everything was fully paid. Now is a good time to pay off anything that might not have been paid the day of.
6. PLEASE write vendor reviews! I'm sure you looked at reviews of your vendors before you decided to book with them. Help out the next bride and the vendor by leaving a review. Your vendor will really appreciate it!
7. Make your photo album or your scrapbook! Did you save little things from your wedding planning journey. Add it to a scrapbook! We all know that if it doesn't get done while your still excited about it then it won't get done at all.
8. Make sure you have everything from the wedding! Did your mom take home your top tier of your wedding cake? Maybe some centerpieces went home with your cousin. If these are things that you want make sure you track them down!
9. Decide what to do with all of the stuff you bought for the wedding. You probably don't need table numbers or 30 vases in different sizes but maybe you know someone that is getting married and could use it. Or if not you could sell it! Many brides are looking for things like this if it is in good condition.
10. ENJOY YOUR MARRIAGE!!

Take a big breath and then dive into some of these tasks. read more