Wedding Secrets, Tricks and Tips: Experts Dish On What You Really Need to Know About the Big Day

Whether yours is the traditional society event of the season or a modern courthouse ceremony followed by a fabulous dinner, the rules of the wedding game are changing. From digital etiquette to dated trends, we tapped a trio of experts for their advice on the things you should do — and those you absolutely shouldn’t.

“Getting the word out about your wedding hashtag is your chance to be creative or elegant — or however you want to be. Save-the-date cards are the most popular place to include a wedding hashtag … However, keep your hashtag off your ceremony invitation.” — Heather Wiese-Alexander, Bell’Invito creative director

“Mix it up with your entertainment. A great mariachi band never hurt anyone.” — Julian Leaver, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek and Rosewood Crescent director of catering sales and events

“Don’t always believe what you see in a Pinterest picture. You don’t know if it has been Photoshopped.” — Jennifer Burns, Beyond, event design and execution 

“Respect ‘Unplugged Weddings.’ And know what that means: No cell phones or cameras should be used at the wedding or reception. In a device-saturated society, many hosts and couples are opting to have their guests fully present and wish to only have a professional staff take the photos.” — Heather Wiese-Alexander, Bell’Invito

“Hold your wedding during the day. Everyone loves a good mimosa and a Bloody Mary bar.” — Julian Leaver, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek and Rosewood Crescent

“Avoid lighting your room in green or red. Both colors are not good for any complexion and will impact your photos and the overall experience. Also, don’t go for white light. It will be too bright and no one will want to dance.” — Jennifer Burns, Beyond, event design and execution

Editor’s note: Get much more wedding coverage in a special new issue of PaperCity Magazine. It hits newsstands Feb. 1.