As your wedding day gets closer, the to-do list starts to shift. You’re no longer choosing color palettes or booking vendors — instead, you’re double-checking timelines, final payments, and all of those “are we forgetting something?” details. One of the most common (and most confusing) questions that comes up at this stage is wedding vendor tipping.

Finding the perfect wedding dress is one of the most exciting milestones of the planning process, and choosing the right bridal boutique can make all the difference. For brides shopping in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, there are incredible bridal dress shops offering everything from modern, fashion-forward gowns to timeless, classic silhouettes — all paired with personalized service and expert guidance.

Finding the wedding dress is one of the most exciting milestones of the planning process—but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. If you’re searching for bridal shops in Des Moines, you’re in luck. The area is home to a variety of bridal boutiques offering everything from timeless classics to modern, fashion-forward gowns, with options for a wide range of budgets, styles, and wedding visions.

When planning a wedding ceremony, couples often focus on the big moments — the walk down the aisle, the vows, the first kiss — but it’s the personal touches in between that truly make the ceremony memorable. One of the most meaningful ways to personalize your ceremony is through a wedding unity ceremony.

Planning a wedding weekend goes far beyond the big day itself — and your rehearsal dinner is the perfect opportunity to kick things off in a more relaxed, intimate way. Whether you’re envisioning a chic private dining room, a lively restaurant atmosphere, or a unique space where guests can mix, mingle, and celebrate, Des Moines offers an incredible variety of rehearsal dinner venues to fit every vibe and guest list.

When couples think about wedding entertainment, they often focus on the dance floor — but some of the most memorable moments actually happen off the dance floor. A wedding photo booth has become a must-have addition because it gives guests something fun, interactive, and meaningful to enjoy throughout the night, not just during open dancing.

Cocktail hour is one of the most important parts of your wedding day — and one of the easiest to overlook. While it gives couples time for photos and vendors time to flip the space, it’s also the first impression guests have of your reception. When planned well, cocktail hour feels fun, relaxed, and intentional. When it’s not, guests notice… and boredom sets in fast.

If you’ve started planning your wedding, you’ve probably heard the terms venue coordinator and day-of coordinator used interchangeably — and honestly, it’s confusing. Many couples assume they’re the same role, or that having one means they don’t need the other. Unfortunately, that misunderstanding often leads to stress, missed details, and a lot of last-minute questions on wedding day.

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner with immediate family or a lively evening with out-of-town guests, Iowa City offers rehearsal dinner locations that balance atmosphere, accessibility, and budget flexibility. We’ve rounded up some of the best rehearsal dinner restaurants in Iowa City to help you find the perfect spot to start your wedding weekend on a high note.

If you’re newly engaged and searching for the perfect wedding venue in Dubuque, Iowa, you’re in the right place. Nestled along the Mississippi River, Dubuque offers a stunning mix of historic ballrooms, scenic outdoor spaces, riverfront venues, modern event halls, and charming countryside estates — making it one of Eastern Iowa’s most underrated wedding destinations.

Building a realistic wedding budget is one of the most important steps in the planning process — and one of the biggest challenges for Iowa couples. With rising wedding costs, fluctuating vendor pricing, and varying venue fees across cities like Des Moines, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and the Quad Cities, it’s no surprise couples feel overwhelmed before they even begin.

This guide breaks down the average cost of wedding planners in Des Moines, what impacts pricing, and what you can expect to invest if you want a smooth, stress-free wedding experience.

Trying to find a wedding venue for your big day can be so exciting, but it can also be a little  overwhelming and stressful. It sets the tone for your entire celebration — from the vibe to the style — and can influence every other decision you make.

Cocktail hour is one of the most memorable moments of a wedding day. It’s that magical in-between time when guests can relax, mingle, and start celebrating before the reception officially begins. The right appetizers set the tone for the evening.

Your wedding day should feel like magic—every moment, every detail, every backdrop. And in the heart of the Midwest, the Quad Cities offer some truly breathtaking venues that turn dreams into reality. Whether you’re envisioning a grand ballroom affair, an intimate riverside ceremony, or a rustic-chic barn celebration, there’s a place here that will speak to your heart.

Including kids on your wedding day can be fun, but how do you help to keep them entertained during the reception? Because if we’re being honest, weddings can sometimes be boring for kids, but NOT if you follow my 5 go to tips and tricks for couples who will be having a kid friendly wedding!

The biggest dilemma when it comes to your wedding, is figuring out what the heck to do for your bar. Do you have a fully hosted bar? Host beer and wine with liquor being cash? Do you include signature cocktails? In this blog post, we break it ALL down, so you can make the best decision for YOUR day.

Having a summer wedding is not for the faint of heart, especially when you have outdoor events and activities for guests, such as an outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour.

There’s a lot of talk about seating charts on the wedding day. Should you make one? Do you need one? What kind of display should you make? Rest assured, we created a blog post to answer all the important questions about making a seating chart for your wedding day, along with some pictures for insporation!

Booking room blocks for weddings can be daunting, stressful, and take more time than necessary, which is exactly why we offer room block assistance in our Full Service Wedding Planning package! However, if you need room block assistance but haven’t booked our package, we’re still here to help you!