Hosting Thanksgiving as Newlyweds

Written by: Melissa Barreiros

Thanksgiving is all about counting your blessings, eating great food and enjoying the company of friends and family. Now that you’ve volunteered to host this special dinner at your home, it’s important to plan ahead to avoid any potential disasters. We’ve got you covered with some tips to planning a successful Thanksgiving dinner.

1. Plan and Arrange Seating for your Guests

After finalizing your Thanksgiving guest list, plan the seating arrangements ahead of time to provide a seamless transition from mingling to dinner. Chances are your newlywed, dining-room table may not fit all of your guests comfortably. Get creative and move some of your furniture out of the way to accommodate additional folding tables and chairs.

2. Start Prepping Ahead of Time

Prepping the meal ahead of time, will help ensure a seamless and hassle-free Thanksgiving dinner. Chopping up vegetables or making your signature pie the day before, will go a long way to simplify your day of Thanksgiving to-dos.

succulent_wedding_table_setting
Click to see more of this tablescape inspiration: 7 Ways to Incorporate Succulents Into your Wedding. PC Lyndsey Kay Photo

3. Get creative with your Centerpieces

Even though Thanksgiving is all about tradition, think about going non-traditional with your centerpieces. Rather than a traditional cornucopia, think about using succulents instead. Our sister magazine, Utah Style & Design, has great tips on creating the perfect tablescapes to fit your Thanksgiving dinner.

4. Ask for Help

Getting your friends and family involved in the Thanksgiving meal planning is a great way to bring everyone together before the holiday. Ask for their help to contribute a favorite side dish to accompany the main meal.

thanksgiving_tablescape_inspiration_utah_bride_groom
Click to see more of this tablescape inspiration: Table Manners. PC: Hardcastle Photography

Thanksgiving dinner is really a time for friends and family to come together and celebrate gratitude. It is easy to get caught up in the stressful details and miss out on an enjoyable evening with the ones you love. Focus on creating unforgettable memories and enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner with one another.

Featured image above can be found in: Boho-Chic Wedding Inspiration. PC: Alexis Foust and Jessica Ajeman Photography

Engagement Ring Shopping: A Guide

By Melissa Barreiros

So it’s time to go engagement ring shopping, congrats!

Whether you hit the jewelers together or he braves the challenge on his own—choosing the symbol that will represent your lives together is a fun and exciting time. However, there’s a lot to know about rings, such as the cut, carat size, clarity and color all of which, can make a trip to the jewelers a daunting task if you don’t know what to look for.

I reached out to local engagement ring experts, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, to put together a this useful guide about things keep in mind to simplify your ring shopping experience.

1. Set Your Budget

Determining your budget is essential to know before heading to the jewelers. However, this doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your idea of a perfect engagement ring. For example, you can save hundreds and even thousands of dollars by selecting an emerald shaped diamond versus a round shape.

meg_ring_utah_bride_groom
Click to see more of this real wedding: Megan and Jeffrey. PC: Alicia Ann Photography

2. Decide On The Shape And Cut

From round to square and everything in between, understanding the shape of the diamond goes a long way at making your trip to the jewelers easier. Keep in mind that the shape of the diamond does not reflect the cut of the diamond. The ideal cut reflects light creating the most brilliance, while a diamond that is cut too deep or shallow will lose light and brilliance.

3. Choose The Metal For Your Band

Traditionally, engagement rings were primarily yellow-gold or silver. Today, there are a variety of metals used for engagement rings, such as rose-gold and even platinum bands.

engagement_ring_shopping_utah_bride_groom
Click to see more of this engagement ring idea: Mountain High. Credit: Brushfire Photography

4. Consider The Carat

Carat refers to the overall weight of diamond. Carat size is a personal preference and our friends at O.C. Tanners take great care in sourcing diamonds that have exceptional cut, clarity and color so their diamonds are beautiful, no matter the size.

5. Color And Clarity

All diamonds have some degree of color. The near colorless and diamonds with the least imperfections are the highest clarity.

engagment_ring_shopping_utah_bride_groom
Click to see more of this engagement ring idea: Make A Statement with Mountain High Fashion. Credit: Brushfire Photography

6. Choose A Setting

Choosing the setting of an engagement ring is crucial to showing off the diamond you’ve chosen. Solitaire or a single diamond settings are the most popular setting right now because of their simplicity and ability to easily change out the center stone.

7. Buy certified

How important is buying certified? According to Dominique Anderson, Marketing Manager at O.C. Tanners, it’s very important.

“Buying certified is the only way to guarantee the quality and value of the diamond. With it, you have the assurance that the diamond being represented to you has been graded by an independent third party,” she says.

engagement_ring_shopping_utah_bride_groom
Click to see more of this real wedding: Tessa and Cole. Credit: Jessica Janae Photography

8. Have fun with it

There’s a lot to know about diamonds and it is easy to stress about understanding all the intricacies that go into picking the perfect engagement ring. An experienced jeweler is there to guide you through the engagement ring purchasing process—have fun with it!

Featured engagement ring above: Make A Statement with Mountain High Fashion. Credit: Brushfire Photography
–

For more wedding planning inspiration, check out our magazine!

Wedding Dress Shopping: 6 Must-Read Tips from the Pros

Shopping for  a wedding gown is an exciting and fun time, but it can be overwhelming if you’re unsure of what to look for. Our friends at Gateway Bridal & Prom have offered these tips of advice to help you choose the best dress for your wedding day.

FYI:

Gateway Bridal is having a huge sale on gowns this week in their White Friday event. If you’re getting married in 2018, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

1. Determine Your Budget

Image courtesy: Gateway Bridal

It’s always a good idea to have a general price point of what you’re willing to spend on a gown before you hit the bridal stores.

2. Set An Appointment

Image courtesy: Gateway Bridal

Most wedding dress shops are better able to tend to your  needs if you’ve set an appointment. Setting aside a specific time will allow them to give you their undivided attention and advice for when you’re gown shopping.

3. Know The Latest Trends

Image courtesy: Gateway Bridal

“Brides right now are typically coming into the store looking for winter and spring wedding dresses,” says Gateway Bridal’s sales manager and sketch artist, Clair Safeer. “Big trends this winter are long illusion sleeves and high necklines. For spring, we’re still seeing a big push toward delicate, feminine lace gowns, often in a loose, flowy, bohemian style. Off the shoulder sleeves have also been really big.”

4. Customize Your Look With Accessories

Image courtesy: Gateway Bridal

“Play with accessories, they really help to customize your bridal look,” Safeer says. If you already know what accessories you’ll be wearing bring them with you to your appointment to see how they enhance your gown.

 5. Find A Dress That Makes You Feel Special

 

Image courtesy: Gateway Bridal

“My biggest piece of advice while looking for a gown for your big day is: find something that looks and feels like the best version of  you. More and more often, we’re seeing brides personalize their day, and little details can make all the difference,” she says.

6. Enjoy The Process

 

Image courtesy: Gateway Bridal

“Remember that this is a fun and exciting time of your life. If wedding planning is starting to stress you out, step back, a take a look at the big picture. You are about to create a new life and family with your best friend and that’s what matters the most!” says Safeer.

​

Gateway Bridal’s White Friday Sale:

Dates: Friday, November 24 & Saturday, November 25, 2017

Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Address:  360 West Broadway​, Suite #101

Details: The sale includes bridal, prom, formalwear, and temple dresses. Bridal gowns prices start at just $99, while prom, formalwear and temple will start at $29. Appointments are strongly suggested for bridal. Hurry, appointments are filling fast! Visit their website for more information.

Fairytale Wedding at Wadley Farms

“Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” ~Franklin P. Jones

Html code here! Replace this with any non empty text and that's it.

[vc_masonry_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1510944979782-985bc344-497f-5″ include=”11351,11337,11349,11341,11338,11339,11340,11342,11343,11357,11348,11347,11345,11346,11344,11358,11355,11353,11333,11363,11364,11365,11366,11361,11359,11360,11352,11354,11356,11362″]

 

 

Vendors:

Bride and Groom: Mr. & Mrs. Callahan

Photographer: Maria Corona Photography

Bride’s Gown: Alta Moda – Galia Lahav, Gala Dress

Vineyards: Wadley Farms

Reception: Noahs Event Center

Caterer: Scott Harris

Videographer: Julian Lipio

Make Up: Chelsea Blackledge

Groom’s Suit:  Tailor Cooperative 

Bridal Party Wedding Attire: Saved by the Dress 

 

_

To see more inspiring weddings, check out our magazine!

2018 Wedding Dress Trends: Looks from the Runway

Written by Ashley Baker

The 2018 Bridal Fashion show in New York City, donned some of the hottest haute couture from the most notorious designers in the fashion industry.

Recently, I chatted with Pam Hlaing of Salt Lake’s Bitsy Bridal to find out what looks brides can expect for the new year.  On the runways she spotted classics with oh-so-elegant updates.

“Designers and brides are trying to branch out and go for more unique styles versus the cookie-cutter gowns that we saw in the early 2000’s,” says Hlaing, “I’m very excited about all of these trends.”

We hope you are too!

 1. Cap Sleeves

“Cap sleeves are in. Women are going for more of  a modest look lately.  Brides are worried about their arms, so they’re trying to cover problem areas with sleeves,” Hlaing says.

The sleeves you choose for your dress impact the overall vibe and style of the gown. According to Hlaing, strapless gowns are on their way out.

 

Image courtesy: Michal Medina

 

2018_wedding_dress_trends
Image credit: Hawkeye Photography

 2. Blush and Champagne Colors

2018_wedding_dress_trends_bitsy_bridal

 3. Plunging Necklines

“I’m seeing a lot of  half-modest situations,” she says. Many brides are wanting to cover their arms yet emphasize the bust, so plunging necklines are all the rage right now.

Image courtesy: Michal Medina

4.  Accentuated Backs

“I’m seeing a lot of plain, clean gowns with accentuated backs so far. This will carry over into 2018 too,” Hlaing says. I’m also loving this stunning gown!

Image credit: Hawkeye Photography

 5. Simple, Yet Glamorous Gowns

Image courtesy: Michal Medina

 6. Caviar Beading & Art Dec’o Patterns of the 1920’s

“Brides are in the market for unique beading,” says Hlaing.

“Various types and styles of beading are on the rise, designers have listened to requests from brides and so they bring in [sic] gowns like that.”

Glitter and beading play under lighting and the combination adds an element of glamour to the gown.

Sparkles help prevent brides from being washed out by the snow in the winter months.

“Cheap glitter is out while high-end glitter or beading such as Swarovski crystals are in.”

Hlaing advises, “bead fully, or don’t bead at all.”

Geometric patterns and art-deco from the 20’s and 30’s are also hot trends for 2018.

Image credit: Hawkeye Photography

 

Image credit: Hawkeye Photography

 7. Intricate Lace

While sparkles are great for  winter months, lace makes it’s debut in the spring and summer.

“Unique patterns are requested often. Brides are wanting glamorous, beaded patterns in the lacing,” Hlaing says.

Image courtesy: Michal Medina

 

2018_wedding_dress_trends
Image credit: Hawkeye Photography

 

The “Art Dec’o”, style of visual arts from the 1920s, inspires Michal Medina’s “Modern Love” collection.

 

Did we miss anything? Which trends are your faves?

—

Click here to see a list of Utah’s best local wedding gown vendors.

Real Wedding: Sabree + Tate

Written by: Ashley Baker | Photography: Hawkeye Photo by Ashley

 

Utah couple Sabree and Tate were lined up by their families. Tate proposed to her on their one-year dating anniversary at the Layton Bird Refuge. He had a painting made for her, which he had waiting at the refuge.

 

The painting depicted him proposing to her at sunset at the same location, which was exactly how he did it that moment. The picture was displayed during their wedding and now it hangs in their  home.

 

[vc_masonry_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1510782678885-68807afb-5285-8″ include=”11220,11221,11222,11223,11224,11225,11226,11227,11228,11229,11230,11231,11232,11233,11234,11235,11236,11237,11238,11239,11240,11241,11242,11243,11244,11245,11246″]
Vendor Credits:
Wedding Gown: Bridal Brillance
Groom: Mr. Mac
HMUA: Julie Maughan, The Blushing Blonde 
Cake: Breanna Cazier, Baked By Bre
Venues: Salt Lake Temple, Cantebury Place 
[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Seasonal Wedding Planner

Whether you plan to wed in the fall, winter, spring or summer, you can create your dream wedding in Utah. Consider the following seasonal ideas and suggestions when planning your big day.

 —

Fall

(September-November)

 

For more fall wedding inspo see: Gold Rush PC: Rebekah Westover

Catering: Select seasonal eats like bread bowls with leaf impressions, a soup bar, glazed sweet potatoes, and a selection of fresh-baked pies instead of cakes (try apple, pumpkin or pecan). Fall is also the season of artichokes and apples—both are great for eating and decorating, see a list of our preferred vendors, here.

Creative Touches: Incorporate items like wheat stalks, gourds, pumpkins, leaves, raffia and twigs throughout your décor. See a list of our preferred vendors here. 

Attire: Wedding gowns come in a variety of colors other than white—consider a light gold, champagne or blush-colored gown. See a list of our preferred wedding gown vendors here. 

Venue: Prepare for rain or shine with large rented tents and/or an indoor facility option. See a list of our preferred venues here. 

 —

Winter

(December-February)

For more winter wedding inspo, see: Chill Factor PC: D’Arcy Benincosa, SLC

Catering: Include rich, comforting food and drink items like a hot chocolate or apple cider bar, a soup bar, prime rib, steak, rack of lamb, cheese and chocolate fondues, and buttercream, chocolate or red velvet cakes, see a list of our preferred vendors, here.

Creative Touches: Incorporate items like twinkle lights, ribbon, evergreen sprigs, aspen branches, ornaments, crystals, mirrors and feathers throughout your décor, see a list of our preferred vendors here.

Attire: Stay warm and stylish with cozy accessories like a faux-fur shawl, velvet cape, fluffy muff or leather gloves, see a list of our preferred wedding gown vendors here. 

Venue: Sidewalks, stairs and parking lots can be icy and slippery in the winter, so have ushers available to help guests get to the door safely, see a list of our preferred venues here. 

—

Spring

(March-May)

For more spring wedding inspo, see: Life is Sweet PC: : Mikki Platt

 

Catering: Choose citrus fruits like lemons and limes, fish, pork, chicken, baby vegetables and green salads for a refreshing menu.  See a list of our preferred vendors, here.

Creative Touches: Incorporate items like parasols or umbrellas, polka dots, bird and butterfly motifs and cherry blossoms throughout your décor. See a list of our preferred vendors here. 

Attire: Spring lawns are often soggy from rainstorms, so consider wearing wedge sandals rather than heels so you won’t sink into the ground when walking around or taking pictures. See a list of our preferred wedding gown vendors here. 

Venue: Backyard weddings are ideal in warmer spring months. Consider renting upscale portable restrooms like Royal Restrooms (royalrestrooms.com) rather than having guests traipse in and out of your home.  See a list of our preferred venues here. 

 —

Summer

(June-August)

For more summer wedding inspo, see: Real Wedding: Katy + Spencer PC: Becky Leung

Catering: Select flavored waters, a lemonade bar, fresh fruit, pasta salads, potato salads, corn on the cob, barbecued meats, and an ice cream bar for a casual summer menu.  See a list of our preferred vendors, here.

Creative Touches: Incorporate items like picnic blankets, Adirondack chairs, flower motifs and seersucker patterns throughout your décor. See a list of our preferred vendors here. 

Attire: Wear a hoop slip underneath a full gown. Hoops move a gown’s fabric and netting away from your legs, making it easier—and cooler—to move around. See a list of our preferred wedding gown vendors here. 

Venue: Summer temperatures can be scorching hot. If your ceremony is outside, think carefully about where: North- and east-facing locations, and shaded areas, are your best bets. Consider providing guests customized fans or personalized water bottles.  See a list of our preferred venues here. 

—

For more wedding planning inspiration, check out our magazine!

Wedding Etiquette: Who Pays for What?

Traditionally, the bride’s family assumes the burden of most wedding costs, a custom most likely translated from ancient traditions of providing a dowry to attract a husband. While it is still not custom to ask the groom’s family to pay for any more than what is listed below, modern in-laws often offer to help with more. Whatever the case may be, all parties should start budgeting now for their share of the nuptial fees.

The Bride

* Groom’s wedding ring

* Groom’s wedding gift

* Bridesmaids’ gifts

* Personal stationery

 

The Bride’s Family

* Invitations

* Services of wedding planner

* Wedding gift for the couple

* Bride’s gown, veil and accessories

* Bride’s family’s attire

* Bride’s trousseau

* Bridesmaids’ luncheon

* Lodging for out-of-town bridesmaids

* Rental of sanctuary or other wedding site

* Fee for services performed by officiant

* Music for ceremony and reception

* Flowers for the ceremony site

* Bridesmaids’ bouquets

* Reception expenses (including the rental fee,catering, wedding cake, bar, music, flowers, decorations, gratuities)

* Engagement and wedding portraits

* Ceremony and reception photography

* Videography

* Transportation for the bridal party on the wedding day

* A traffic officer, if needed for parking

 

The Bridal Attendants

* Purchase of apparel and all accessories

* Transportation to and from the city where the wedding takes place

* Contribution to gift from all bridesmaids to the bride

* Bridal shower or luncheon

 

The Groom

* Bride’s engagement and wedding rings

* Bride’s wedding gift

* Gifts for best man and groomsmen

* Groom’s own attire

* Marriage license

* Clergy or judge’s fee

* Bride’s bouquet and her going-away flowers

* Flowers for the mothers and grandmothers

* Boutonnieres for all men in the wedding party

* Groomsmen’s gloves, ties and/or ascots (if not part of the rental)

* Transportation for officiant, groomsmen and groom’s family

* Lodging expenses for officiant, if from out of town

 

The Groom’s Family

* Lodging for out-of-town groomsmen

* Their own wedding attire

* Their own travel and lodging

* Wedding gift for the couple

* The rehearsal dinner

 

The Best Man & Groomsmen

* Wedding attire

* Transportation to and from the wedding city

* Contribution to gift from all groom’s attendants to groom

* Individual gift to the couple

* Bachelor party

—

Featured image: Real Wedding: Michelle + Braden | Jacquelyn Hayward Photography

Real Couple: Jennie + George

Written by: Ashley Baker

George and Jennie first met at church while living in Eagle Mountain.

George grew up in a charming town near London and Jennie is from Cedar Fort. The pair met shortly after George moved to Utah from England. Jennie was dating someone at the time she met him, but George was determined. Through his sincerity and persistence he was able to convince Jennie to go to lunch with him, as friends, of course.

“I felt comfortable, like I could completely be myself with him,” Jennie says.  They were engaged just a few months later and were married not long after that. Though they were raised in different cultures and parts of the world, they knew they were meant for each other.

[vc_masonry_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1510592162480-ae6113a8-8c9d-5″ include=”11088,11060,11061,11062,11065,11068,11069,11070,11071,11072,11074,11076,11077,11078,11079,11080,11081,11082,11083,11086,11087,11089,11090,11066″]

 

Vendor Credits:

Photographer: Blackley Photography 
Flowers: Blackhurst Floral

 

For more wedding inspiration, check out the magazine!

Real Wedding: Michelle + Braden

Written by: Ashley Baker

Michelle and Braden began as friends in high school, but they weren’t interested in dating each other until college.

“We hung-out a ton, without ever even thinking anything of it, we were just friends,” Michelle says. “We both went on our missions and after we returned home, Braden ended up going to school at BYU.”

The duo quickly rekindled.

“We shared a mutual group of friends and we all did things together as a group,” she says. ” I quickly realized that I liked Braden. It was a little awkward at first, because we’d always just been a bunch of friends, but we went out on a few dates and really enjoyed our time together. It was all she wrote after that.”

[vc_masonry_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1508790499501-eaac6faa-3ffc-6″ include=”10585,10586,10587,10588,10589,10590,10591,10592,10593,10594,10595,10596,10597,10598,10599,10600,10601,10603,10604,10605,10606,10607,10608,10609,10610,10611,10612,10613,10614,10615,10616″]

 

Vendor Credits: 
Photographer: Jacquelyn Hayward
Flowers: Soil and Stem
Venue: Ember SLC
Wedding Planner: The Gatherist, Emmily Jones
1...747576...113Page 75 of 113

ABOUT US

Utah Bride & Groom Magazine is the premier authority on luxury weddings and the essential resource for brides planning their special day in Utah.

FOLLOW US

Copyright © 2026 Utah Bride and Groom Magazine | Website by Webaholics