Justine

Associate Editor, BRIDEfinds.com and SHEfinds.com

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Tell us about BrideFinds.com.

BRIDEfinds.com is a shopping blog for brides. Our writers and editors spend their days scouring the web for the best gowns, accessories, décor and more, so that busy brides can find everything they want and need in 1 place. We also cover celebrity weddings – which I think are every girl’s guilty pleasure.

What are your most important tips for a bride when planning her wedding?

The biggest tip I can give brides is to try to enjoy themselves, even during the most difficult parts of the planning process. No matter what happens, whether it’s seating chart drama or vendors being difficult, in the end, it will be the best day of your life. Trust me, I know: it poured rain at my outdoor wedding, and everyone had still had a blast!

Also, pick one thing – whether it’s the dress or the flowers – that you can obsess about (in a good way!), and that will make you really, truly happy. Be flexible on the rest –your parents, groom and in-laws will have personal preferences, too.

Lastly, sign up for Pinterest immediately; it is an endless resource for inspiration. Make a few wedding-related boards, and pin wedding photos you love so they’re all in one place. And don’t forget to follow BRIDEfinds!

Thanks! Yes, I got married in June of last year and it was (pardon the cliché!) the best day of my life. Don’t get me wrong, it was incredibly stressful leading up to the big day; I am a total control freak and the hardest part was letting go of the reigns. You dream about your wedding day when you’re a little girl, and you want it to be perfect – but there is no such thing as perfect. As long as you love your groom (ahem, Kim Kardashian), and have friends and family nearby, it’s going to be one big lovefest (and hopefully a damn good party, too!).

We LOVE the fun details you incorporated into your wedding, like the sandals you provided for tired feet- brilliant! What other fun ideas can you share?

Some favors are frivolous, but many are either useful or just plain fun for guests. We also gave guests colorful Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses (in pink, red, orange, etc), which they absolutely loved – especially on the dancefloor. Other great ideas I’ve seen recently include giving guests pashminas if the weather’s going to be cold, having the groomsmen wear Converse Chucks (or striped socks – something fun for photos!), having a croquet course set up during cocktail hour (great for outdoor, summer weddings), and hanging your gown on a personalized ‘Mrs’ hanger (with your married name on it). These are all special touches – and also great for photos.

© Jenny Ebert Photography

• Beauty & Essex, “Three words: ‘fried lobster tacos.’ Oh, and ‘bathroom champagne party.’
• Del Posto, “My husband proposed here, so it will always be special. The service is impeccable.”
• Boat Basin, “Best summer spot if you can’t get out of the city.”
• Jacob’s Pickles, “This Southern-style restaurant has delicious draft beer and a great selection of homemade pickles.”
• Momofuku Milk Bar, “Most people don’t know, but they make the best wedding cakes! So delicious and well-priced.”

• Ten Degrees, “Best happy hour special: 2-for-1 bottles of wine!”
• Berry Park, “Get the best view of the Manhattan skyline from the rooftop of this beer bar.”
• Sons of Essex, “Forget the line at Essex, the party at Sons of Essex (just across the street) is just as good.”

• Mark Ingram Atelier, “I bought my wedding dress and veil here; love Mark! Personalized service and all the designers you could dream of (Vera, Oscar, etc).”
• UNIQLO, “I never leave this store empty-handed. $60 skinny jeans and cashmere sweaters!”
• C. Wonder, “Preppy heaven! Shop colorful gifts like monogram belts, mugs and cardigans.”

• Juvenex Spa, “Enjoy this Korean’s spas igloo sauna and steam room before the best massage of your life. Guaranteed.”