John and Sally, sittin’ in a tree, K-I-S-S – you know how the rest of the song goes.

Years after this song was created, and a social shift of things here and there, getting married is just as exciting as it was when you were a little girl singing that song.  (Guys, I would include you in this sentiment, but I have a feeling that a majority of you started thinking about your wedding when it was time to start planning your wedding.)  OR IS IT?

Just kidding, it probably is.  But from my understanding, it’s an understatement to say it’s easy to plan, and a DIY bride-to-be who undertakes the task is similar to a wonder of the modern world.

Juggling a fiancée, a career, friends, family and hobbies, planning creative wedding ideas, warding off kidney kidnappers on the black market and rescuing baby dolphins from underwater sea traps…the list goes on.

While the latter two are dramatic dramatizations of my imagination (I wish rescuing baby dolphins or penguins were part of my job), there are some necessary skills friends have told me it boils down to in order to plan and execute a fabulous wedding: researching and wrangling.  (And perhaps bow-hunting if you need to negotiate with a rigidly priced vendor.).  Countless hours researching everything, and countless hours leading up to the big day (and during) wrangling everyone and everything together into one harmonious event.

Research your options.  Search reviews, and talk to friends and family for referrals.  If your cousin wore a gorgeous gown at her wedding, ask the obvious as a starting off point.  If your friend’s mom is a florist, ask her for suggestions on flowers that are in season, if you can grow any of your own, and what local shops will offer you the best deals.  You know your style, and that is what you want to come across in all aspects of your big day: personal touches.

Between wedding blogs, social media and personal referrals, you’ll be able to find tons of creative inspiration from all kinds of places; brides who’ve survived and conquered their own wedding day will be more than happy to offer any help and suggestions.

This month, to celebrate summer, love and summer love wedding season, we’ll be featuring creative ideas for invitations, unique gifts and more.  Let’s clink our glasses to the beautiful, romantic, the vintage, classic, modern and cheeky to inspire your style!  Now let’s have a bellini and tell us your engagement story.