Wedding advice for brides and grooms planning their big day
“Communicate. Make sure that you’re communicating everything that is important to you. Just focus on what your perfect day would look like and let your service provider know how they can help.”
— Brittany Davis, General Manager, Perfect Balance Day Spa
“Focus on your personal vision well ahead for how you wish your wedding day to be. Delegate each detail in advance so you can truly enjoy the most memorable moments of your life; you will relive this day for years to come.”
— Lupe Graham, Event Planner, Oooh My Tablescape Designs & Events
“Book early. That way you get who you want and who would be best suited for you rather than who is left.”
— Krista Maiorana, Event Coordinator/Office Manager, Elite Entertainment
“Schedule an engagement session before the big day. This will give your photographer an opportunity to see how you interact as a couple, and will allow you to feel more comfortable in front of the camera.”
— Shawna Briggs, Owner/Photographer, Briggs Photography
“When it comes to choosing a diamond, the cut is the most important of the four c’s (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) because that’s the reason we buy diamonds, for the sparkle, shine, and amazing light performance.”
— Gary Long, Owner, Gary J Long Jewelers
“A quality dress feels different on your body but it also photographs different and it looks different because of the way it lays.”
— Tammie Dimas, Owner, Bliss Bridal Salon now on Stockton’s Miracle Mile
“Designate a go to person for back up plans from dress malfunctions to event communications with staff.”
— Lupe Graham, Event Planner, Oooh My Tablescape Designs & Events
“Make sure that the DJ you choose will help coordinate and emcee your event as well as DJ. Our DJs are proactive so we kind of have an itinerary set up with our couples ahead of time.”
— Krista Maiorana, Event Coordinator/Office Manager, Elite Entertainment
“Stay hydrated before and after your sunless session to extend the life of your tan.”
— Alyssa Delcarmen, Spa Director, Planet Beach
“You have to absolutely love your dress. We always tell [brides] that only they can decide how important their dress is in the scheme of her entire budget. It has to be all about her.”
— Tammie Dimas, Owner, Bliss Bridal Salon now on Stockton’s Miracle Mile
“Organization is key for a blissful wedding day.”
— Brittany Davis, General Manager, Perfect Balance Day Spa
“Use specialty lights to highlight favorite moments from your big day.”
— Kyle May, Co-owner, K&T Lights
“You may want to purchase a pair of black socks for each of your groomsmen. Most tuxedo shops don’t supply socks with the tux. Better yet, look for some socks with a fun pattern or theme, such as your wedding colors, or superhero socks. It will make for fun photos!”
— Shawna Briggs, Owner/Photographer, Briggs Photography
“When purchasing bridal sets, I always say shop local. Stay with an independent brick and mortar, someone who will give you service after your sale.”
— Gary Long, Owner, Gary J Long Jewelers
“We used to suggest colors for seasons but it’s different now. You can do anything you want. Everything is always in season.”
— Belle Reynolds, Owner, Belle’s Lodi’s Flower Shop
“I always recommend getting a massage a few days before your wedding to relax you, and waxing three days before.”
— Brittany Davis, General Manager, Perfect Balance Day Spa
“Make sure that the DJ you choose will help coordinate and emcee your event as well as DJ. Our DJs are proactive so we kind of have an itinerary set up with our couples ahead of time.”
— Krista Maiorana, Event Coordinator/Office Manager, Elite Entertainment
“One of my favorite party favors is a vintage handkerchief filled with potpourri tied with a vintage ribbon and the bride and groom’s initials and the year they were married put on it.”
— Kate Clarkson, Owner, French at Heart
“You should work closely with your photographer to create a wedding day photography timeline. This will help your day run more smoothly and will ensure you get all the photos you want.”
— Shawna Briggs, Owner/Photographer, Briggs Photography
“If you want to get your skin in shape, make sure to plan out your facials every four to six weeks in a series, under recommendation of an esthetician, of course.”
— Brittany Davis, General Manager, Perfect Balance Day Spa
“When scheduling hair and makeup, leave a little wiggle room between the time you should be finished, and the time you are to begin photos.”
— Shawna Briggs, Owner/Photographer, Briggs Photography
“There’s always things we can do in all budgets, but sometimes you have to adjust your expectations.”
— Belle Reynolds, Owner, Belle’s Lodi’s Flower Shop
“Using makeup that is healthy for your skin, gives full coverage, and won’t make you break out on your wedding day is so important. The makeup line that we use, Jane Iredale, is the leading standard of ‘green beauty’ makeup, plus it looks and feels amazing on your skin!”
— Teresa Georguson, Esthetician, The Makeup and Skincare Studio
“I recommend a chemical peel or microdermabrasion to get rid of some of the heavy skin that builds up on the face. A facial is always good to clean up the pores, as well.”
— Kathleen Vanni, Licensed Esthetician under Dr. Shaw, Total Body Medi Spa
“The number one thing about buying a diamond is you need to see them in person.”
— Dan Ingrum, President, Danz Jewelers
“Regardless of budget, your guests will feel like royalty by adding your personal taste to the event decor; touches of sparkle, elegance, and ambiance making it the most fabulous day ever!”
— Lupe Graham, Event Planner, Oooh My Tablescape Designs & Events
