Gretchen!! I also lost my dad in 2021 to cancer. I saw a wedding idea on Pinterest where you save a seat at the wedding that would be your dads seat with a sign that says “we know you would be here today, if heaven weren’t so far away.” With a bouquet on the seat. I think something like that would be a special way to feel that your dad is there and part of the wedding🤍
We did this for mine and my husbands wedding for our grandparents with pictures of them and one item that was special to us of theirs! Such a beautiful idea and made it feel like they were there with us!
A friend of mine did her “father daughter” dance with her twin brother starting it and then they opened the dance floor to any man in her life that wanted to take some time to step in and dance with her to do so. I sobbed, it was the sweetest thing and the perfect way to honor her dad
I have been married for almost 10 years, and the advice I give all brides is that it is your wedding, and it can be whatever you want. Other than the legal getting married parts, nothing is required if you don't want to do it. OR if you want something that isn't "standard" you should do it.
As someone who has worked in the wedding industry I’ve noticed some venues come with their own wedding coordinators! I would definitely look into venues you’re interested in and see if they have a planner already!!!
We did a first look, sobbed together then reading private vows and he STILL cried when I walked down the aisle! It’s such a different and powerful moment in both instances, if he’s feeling the emotions that day he’ll probably be so cute during both ❤
First off, you look GORGEOUS in this video. The makeup, hair, outfit, all on point. Secondly, I lost my dad in 2015 and am currently planning my wedding. It's tough thinking of that day without him but I've seen a really cute idea to honor him. There are a few companies where you can send a piece of your loved ones clothing in and they will make it into a little teddy bear for you. I plan on doing that with one of my dad's shirts and will save him a seat with the bear during the ceremony 💕
A wedding I was at, the brides dad had passed away. For the father daughter dance she invited all of the daughters and dads to the dance floor to have their dance because she didn't get to have hers and wants them to dance while they can. It was really special and touching!
As a recent 2023 mid 20s bride- being engaged and going through wedding planning was a fast season of life! We created a joint email address to track alllll things wedding which was SO helpful! It’s the email we gave to every vendor. We didn’t have a wedding planner (it was me!!) but we DID have a day of coordinator and she was fantastic! She came with our venue. We had a year and a half long engagement and it was the perfect amount of time, we booked early and then took care of the rest after!! Best of luck and I can’t wait to watch this journey!!
The biggest advice I took when it came to my wedding was to stay with my husband the entire night no matter what! The night goes so so so so so so fast and we both did not want it to seem like we didn't spend the time together. Staying with your husband during the wedding is so beneficial when it comes to talking to your guests and to truly just enjoying your day together as one.
Hi Gretchen! Silent follower, but I just wanted to say that I’m thankful you share your grief story online and talk about your dad. I lost my mom in 2020, and my boyfriend also lost his dad in 2020, so we are always feeling the grief when it comes to thinking about our future wedding. The idea’s you have to honor him in your wedding are beautiful! Also, duh of course Teddy is gonna be in your wedding! Maybe he should walk you down also! Congrats on your engagement!
I'm a 2024 bride! We will get married on April 6th, we have 140 guests, 6 bridesmaids and 6 groomsmen. The girls will wear 3 different colors (which I chose based on what they usually wear so they feel comfortable), pink, green and orange. My biggest advice is to define the aesthetic you are going for! Our wedding will be at a very romantic hotel in the mountains and the aesthetic we are going for is kind of a chic country club. That helped me so much to create the invitations, develop the website and also to chose the floral. That helps because the wedding industry has many different beautiful styles to choose from and that makes it difficult, as we want everything. And when you have a set style, making decisions is easier. You will be a beautiful bride Gretchen!
Recently married, if I could give you one tip it would be to jot a note down in your notes app anytime something comes to mind. Whether it be a question for your venue/planner, or something that you can’t forget. This helped me so much when it came down to the final months!
I’m a happily married woman. Hubby and I have been together for 23 years. High school sweethearts and teen parents. We have 4 kids. 3 biological and one adopted. 3 girls 1 boy. Our oldest 2 are 21 and youngest is 15. I’m 41 and much older than you but I enjoy your content. Your sweet and genuine and I feel like your always honest with us about the products you use and the things that you experience and that’s rare today. I’m excited for you to take this new journey in your life. Advice I think that works for us is to always communicate, never go to bed angry and be ready for work. Marriage is not easy but great things never are. Always be open, honest and at the end of the day always live with your whole heart. No one is perfect and sometimes we make mistakes. Just be willing to be open about it and communicate how you’re feeling and you will have a long lasting marriage. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
25 and just married this September! We had 10 groomsmen and 10 bridesmaids. For the Bach parties we both did Vegas on different weekends and extended the invite to friends outside of the wedding party and it was my favorite thing ever!! Congratulations on wedding planning and enjoy every minute of it Gretchen, it goes by so fast!! 💗
Married 5yrs ago on the Cape at SeaCrest and did a first look, which I would definitely recommend. After our first look, we took a party bus to Nobska Lighthouse with our wedding party for photos/ videos. It was so fun and so glad we did that before walking down the aisle! Other Cape venues we also considered- CBI, Pelham, Wychmere, Ocean Edge, popponesset inn, Willowbend. Buy yourself “the knot” wedding planning binder and magazines. Once you have your vendor and date, book all your other vendors asap. Oh and you should rent a Photo Booth- guests loved it. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process!!
My fiancé and I have an uneven number of bridesmaids & groomsmen! I have 9 and he has 7 & we just let it happen :) Use your resources!!! any friends or people that you know that have recently been married ask who they have used for certain things & that was super helpful. My dad passed away 9 years ago, my mom is walking me down the aisle too & Im so excited to share that moment. There’s so many sweet ways to incorporate your dad throughout the day!
I got married 2022 and my friends are starting to get married and probably our biggest advice is finding a venue that food, booze, tables, linens, chairs, etc. are included. This saved us literally so much time, stress, and money. It seems way more when you see the initial numbers of the venue but truly think we saved thousands of dollars on from no rental fees and all the employees at the wedding knew what they were doing because it’s all the same stuff. We got married back home so we planned a wedding 16 hours away and this truly was our saving grace I think.
I’m 24 and my husband and I eloped last month and are planning two ceremonies in 2025 (a Hindu and a Christian wedding). Honestly I have no clue where to start and I clicked on this video hoping to find out lol. I was born and raised in Asia so I learnt about and applied to BU after seeing one of your videos on my explore page! Coincidentally, I met my husband my first week of freshman year. So thank you for playing (silent) Cupid!!
If you don’t want to choose your bridesmaids you can always make some your something blue. My friend did that for some of the girls she wanted to ask to be bridesmaids but felt like there would be too many people. It allowed her to feel better and it made those people feel important and special
I have a natural diamond! My favorite part is that it is a family heirloom from the 50’s. With cleaning and the addition of my wedding band, it looks super modern! I love that it still looks brand new 70 years later and will be passed onto someone in my family in the future as well❤️
This may have been one of my favorite Q&A’s to date! You are so genuine with your answers and to show yourself! Thank you because being that vulnerable especially in a place like the internet is so difficult these days. I cannot wait to watch more of your life unfold. Cheers to you, Max, and Brody living life to the fullest!
I remember seeing your dad in your videos and he was just so kind and loving. I often thought how lucky you were to have him. One of my favorites was when he filmed you after having your wisdom teeth removed. I have no doubt that however you honor him at your wedding will be perfect.
Ugh GRETCHEN are such a beautiful person on the inside and out. Your videos always remind me to look at life with such a different outlook. I almost lost my dad this year and it’s such a reminder on how important the people close to you are. You will be the most beautiful bride and your dad will be endlessly proud of you. 🤍
You could do a “first touch” so that way he doesn’t look at you but you would still get good pictures before the ceremony. You could also use that time to read private vows to each other or a letter you write them for the day.
I fully had 13 bridesmaids! It was the best choice I made to include everyone I wanted and not feel like I had to pair it down. It’s your wedding so you get to make the rules! It’s worth having all your people included❤️
On the bridesmaids vs groomsmen - having different numbers is totally okay BUT I’d encourage you to really really think about those “original” seven girls. I got married in 2020 and just with life changes and growing up more, some of my bridesmaids I rarely catch up with anymore. Not because of any falling out but still to a point where I’m like hmmm… were they a truly “ride or die” person. Really consider who you continue to keep up with, who even having to move out of Allentown and Boston who makes an effort with you, and who you think when life changes, things get hard, you have kids, etc. who will STILL be there. I think I thought too much of who’s important to me in the moment of the wedding vs truly forever friends… so that’s the biggest bit of wisdom I have to impart!
Been married for 6 years! We didn’t do bridesmaids/groomsmen. We just wanted a chill fun wedding that no one had to stress about and just enjoy the time with all our guests.
I’m choosing natural for the same reasons! Thanks for spelling out the differences, lots of misinformation out there ❤️ everyone can choose what’s best for them!
I am married! I got married 3 months ago and it was such a whirlwind! We had 7 bridesmaids and groomsmen. I suggest if you DIY anything do it way early in the process! DIYing can get really stressful if you wait closer to the date and also define exactly how you want the vibe to be. Making a Pinterest board with every category you can think of and putting pins to that was so helpful. So excited for you!
Hi! We just got married after a 14-month engagement. Here's some of my thoughts! For bridesmaid/groomsmen numbers we have always planned for uneven, I had three bridesmaids (my 2 best friends and my husband's sister) and 2 junior bridesmaids (my husband's nieces). My husband originally had two groomsmen (his 2 best friends) but one got COVID the week of the wedding so it ended up being just his best man. We had the girls walk up individually and our best man walked out with my husband. The other thing we talked about doing is having his nieces stand on "his side" so it was even but honestly it wasn't a big deal and my mom and dad sat in the front pew with his best man & his best man's wife. I've had friends who have asked their "extra" girls to be personal attendants that were paired/sat wit their ushers too. She had them in a different color, slightly more causal dress. My husband's parents both passed from illness (2004 & 2009) and our reception and a "lounge" area where people had to walk through for food so I picked some of my favorite family picture of them and put them up with candles and lights. His sister and nieces 'split' a song by one of his mom's favorite artist to do a ceremonial dance to. Just before the formal processional, my husband walked my mom down the aisle. For our rehearsal dinner we invited his stepdad and mom's best friend in memory of his parents and gave them a boutonniere and corsage to wear to the wedding. Our nieces are 14 and it was honestly the best all the pictures they got the day of. We got married Saturday and Sunday we were in a hotel one night before our honeymoon cruise and ate leftover wedding cake with champagne and looked through all of them on a shared iPhone album. THE BEST unplanned surprise.
I’m so glad you addressed natural vs lab diamonds! As someone who has a natural diamond, there is so much hate around not doing lab grown, but natural diamonds hold their value so much better! Thanks so much for sharing!
So we got married in October and here are all of the things that we’re so helpful. So one, of course our coordinator. Cannot talk more highly. We really wish we could afford her for full planning but since we couldn’t we did month of coordinator and having her was such a life savor. 10000% get the planner. Second, we’re in Colorado and there are multiple bride Facebook groups that helped tremendously with finding vendors in our state and being able to read other brides reviews on the vendors was so nice and helpful! Also, 100% look for the venue first because it totally dictates the vibe! For example we were between a modern downtown venue vs a vintage historical venue in the mountains so the vibes were totally different and that dictated our colors, flower choices, dress, accessories, etc so definitely choose the venue before anything else (other than planner of course)!! Lastly, take the relaxing honeymoon!! I was so back and forth if we wanted adventure or relaxing and we were so back and forth since we’re from Florida and grew up around tropical but it was the best things for us and our soul. Having to not think or plan a single thing during our honeymoon was so refreshing! Wedding planning is so stressful and the idea of planning big trip sounded overwhelming and not having to think about anything but “where do we find a seat on the beach today” was so needed
Gretchen! I am deep in the throws of wedding planning after a 2.5 year engagement, I am kinda like you where my fiance and I moved to chicago right after getting engaged. And we don't know if we'll move states before we get married in September. At first I was bummed about a long engagement, but now I am so glad we did one. I think it gave me so much clarity about what it means to get married and why we want to host a wedding. I also love that we can spread out the cost lol, and we basically have first priority for all of our vendors since we were the first to reach out. We are having a smaller wedding about 50-65 close friends/family, with extended family it could have easily exploded into 200+. Create a combined email for the event, make the name something non wedding related so you can use it for joint bills/activities in the future. I feel like the thing that stresses me out most the logistics, of getting people to place to place. So I would recommend using a venue where getting ready/ceremony/reception/possibly even accommodations can all take place in the same place to minimize lost time between activities. We are also considering a private legal ceremony the two of us, since our friend with be officiating. For you dad, I feel like a great way to honor him could include: His Favorite Cocktail on the menu, you could include a reading or passage from your parents wedding day into the ceremony, Max could wear his watch or cuff links, your get away car could be his favorite vintage-hot rod, a note he wrote included all of the menus, or pictures of your mom + dad wedding day and max's parents wedding day. I feel like there could many moments creating feeling he is there, even if they are just details that you notice. Luxury photographers I love: Samm Blake, Lexie Hand, Margaret Wroblewski, Emily Brustoski for video (she does super 8 + digital), Luminere Collective (photo + video) Sending you endless love & enjoy on your journey.
Gretchen, I just got married in July and I am so excited for you! I totally feel you with bridesmaids- I totally could have had 10-12 but settled for 8 because that’s how many my husband had and I wanted it to be the same amount. For my two friends that didnt end up being bridesmaids, I had them help with hair and makeup and were still totally apart of the day and it was so fun! However, I was recently in a wedding with more bridesmaids than groomsmen and it was totally fine! Whatever decision you make, it will be perfect🥰
23 and in a relationship with my boyfriend since freshman year of high school! 8 years & can’t wait for the next step in the future! This video gave me excitement and I’m so happy for you!
I've been married for 12 years Gretchen! I'm quite a bit older than you but I love your energy and kindness so I enjoy watching your videos and supporting you ❤
I’m a professional airbrush MUA in northern MD, and also am in the flower farming industry. Peony season is mainly in May, but may extend into June the further north you go. It’s best if you can find them in season and either you or your florist store them in a large fridge until the wedding. Other than that, you can source them from other areas usually, the price just increases quite a bit.
definitely get a wedding planner and go from there!! your planner will be able to help you with everything- firm up a budget, venues, vendors etc. My advice is to not get too bogged down in decisions. If you are working with a planner they will give you vetted vendors, pick one whose work you like and is in your budget from that. Do not feel like you have to see every florist to book one. Look for a planner that makes weddings personal to you, that will help it feel different even though most likely things will have been done before. My husband and I did Bora bora for our honeymoon and it was amazing!! Definitely recommend.
Currently engaged! Getting married in May 2024. No bridesmaids for me. Only because I'm the last of my friends to get married (I'm 33) and we've all been bridesmaid a few times and to be honest, it stops being fun after like the second time. I am still having a Bachelorette party and invited a few of my friends to get ready with me the morning of, but for the actual ceremony, I only envision me and my fiance up there. I don't need my friends to walk down the aisle and they don't need to buy a dress in a specific color scheme for my wedding. I think you will be in a great spot with a planner. I work in events, so I thought I could handle this... and logistically, I am, but I feel like my mind never stops racing with things I need to do. My recommendation: I started to hate the word timeless. I heard it when I was dress shopping, ring shopping, designing my invitations. Nothing is ever going to be timeless. Don't worry about trends, don't worry about timeless... just do what feels right to you. If you love it in the moment, you will always have the memory of loving it at this moment in time!
Some non traditional things I did at my wedding: I had 2 groomswomen. They are my sister in laws. They wore the same bridesmaid dresses as the bridesmaids and got ready with me but they stood on the grooms side. Both of my parents walked me down the aisle. They both deserved the spotlight too. We did a cocktail hour that was open bar. And then the rest of the reception was beer, wine, and 2 signature cocktails (gin & tonic and mojitos). That helped to save money. The best money we spent was on a band instead of a DJ. It was the first thing I booked after my venue. Definitely a luxury but they made the night so fun. I wouldn’t recommend anything more than having live music. People did not leave the dance floor which also meant they drank less, lol. Too busy having fun! Highly recommend a venue that offers a lot of the services you would usually require hiring outside vendors for. Alcohol, food, linens, coordinator, space to get ready, space for pictures, ceremony, reception, cocktail hour. So much less stress for budgeting purposes and communicating is so much easier. Also recommend hiring transportation for your guests. Have fun!! ❤❤❤
A wedding is but a day and a marriage is a lifetime. Don’t worry and stress out about the day…..concentrate on the lifetime. Married….widowed….married again.
So excited for the wedding Gretchen! The venue is the most important part, make sure you pick the venue that speaks to you the most and checks all your boxes 😊 thank you for coming to our wedding in 2017 ❤
Sharing my advice as someone who was a bridesmaid for two of my best friends wedding (both happened in Massachusetts!). One got married at the end of the summer (September) on the Cape and the weather was beautiful! I was a bridesmaid and there was an equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. The wedding took place at a private residence, but it was fun to stay in an Airbnb on the Cape with a group of bridesmaids! My other best friend got married during Memorial Day Weekend in Daversport, MA. I was the maid of honor and there an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. For the ceremony, everyone walked down the aisle individually, HOWEVER, the maid of honor, matron of honor and best man stood by the bride and groom, while the rest of the bridal party sat in the front row with the families. Similarities between the two were the colors, which was a nice sunflower blue. Additionally, they both had a small table for their loved ones that had passed away. As a 2023 fiance that's also planning to get married in 2025, one of the biggest pieces of advice that I've gotten is do what makes you and Max happy.
Biiiiiggrst tip- everyone says they want a fun dance floor, but the key is if the bride and groom are on the floor, people will be dancing. If you guys are MIA, people won’t be dancing as much! Also one of our fav things we did was going on our honeymoon right after, instead of waiting weeks/month! Exhausting but sooo worth it
Don’t stress about having the same amount of bridesmaids and groomsmen! Have who you want! Your photographer will arrange everyone to make the pictures look great no matter what:) And it’s called first touch! You can hold hands and talk and get cute pictures but not actually see each other til the aisle ❤
Gretchen!!! hiii it’s kaylen 🤍 first off, you’re glowing in this video. second, I love that you’re all for a content creator!! Seriously one of my favorite parts of my wedding day & I hope to chat again with you soon!! third, when it comes to having a “small” or “big” wedding, if you have the people in your life, go big!!! Your wedding is the biggest party of your life with your favorite people! also an idea to incorporate for your dad especially if your mom is walking you down, give your mom a white rose to walk down the aisle with, with a charm attached to the stem with their wedding photo 🤍🤍🤍
2024 bride here! Regarding first look, I’ll be doing it and like you said it’s highly recommended but the reason why is because it makes your wedding day timeline SO MUCH EASIER! (You don’t have to hide the bride from the groom!) I thought of it this way, it’s my wedding day and ultimately I want to spend as much time as possible with my husband so that means first look!! Another thing that made it made sense was that we wanted to be AT our happy hour (not taking pics!)
I'm 24 and have been with my boyfriend for 3.5 years. Hoping this time next year my hand looks a little different but we'll see :) I've been watching you since your OOTW videos 10ish years ago, so you've always felt like an older sister figure for me!
I got married in June and I had 5 bridesmaids and my husband had 4 groomsmen, and it wasn’t a big deal at all! Our pics didn’t look weird, and my maid of honor just walked down the aisle alone instead of with a groomsmen, which was a special little nod to her! I wouldn’t stress too much about it, it’s better to be able to look back and feel so happy about having the people you love in your wedding rather than cutting people out so that it “looks” even or more balanced, that’s not what will matter in the future!
Also- my husband’s number one request for the wedding was no first look! He really wanted that walking down the aisle moment and we have NO regrets. We extended our cocktail hour to about 75/80 minutes and had more than enough time to get our photos after the ceremony, and we snuck away for 20 mins during the reception for some sunset photos too
Engaged and getting married 2/8/2024!!!!! My father passed away tragically last year so I definitely feel you about your dad and having all those mixed feelings. ❤ you are NOT alone I am having a destination wedding in Florida with 15 of my closest friends and family. No bridal party, no regrets not having it tbh. I have had such a minimally stress free time planning my simple/intimate wedding and you should just go with your gut and do what YOU and Max want to do. You don’t need to follow mainstream or do traditions if they don’t suit you 🫶
I am single after leaving my 4 year relationship. You make me feel so comforted and brighten my day always, definitely the most uplifting part of my mornings! I love you Gretchen and am so so happy for you and Max! I've watched you for years. You came to Green Bay this past summer and I was so hoping I'd run into you 🤍
While you guys wait to officially hire a wedding planner, you solidify your guest list. Then you will only look at venues that have that capacity, you won’t waste time on a venue too small. I just got engaged and we’re have our list done, but then I have it written out who to cut or who to add depending on the venue we find that checks all the boxes.
25 & got married in august 2022 :) do whateverrrrrr your heart desires for your wedding (uneven # of bridesmaids/groomsmen, first look or not, “classic” or not, etc) it’ll be so beautiful & sweet either way. If you like something don’t let others’ opinions affect you! Might be hard but you’ll be happy in the end 🫶🏼 it’s gonna be so beautiful I’m so excited for you!
Don’t worry about number if bridesmaids vs groomsmen. The only time anyone might notice is during the ceremony which is such a short portion of the day and the whole wedding experience. Much more important to be surrounded by everyone important to you leading up the the wedding, shower, bachelorette, getting ready morning of, etc. Especially if feelings could be hurt by excluding someone you’re truly close to
I am in a relationship and getting engaged in February! (my partner can't keep exciting surprises to himself very well haha) My dad has been sick for a few years and it is heartbreaking to think about not having my dad at my wedding or watching my kids grow up, thank you for sharing about grieving your dad
my best friends sister just got married and their dad passed away. She did a little table with a picture of him and a notes box next to it. people who knew him put little notes in a box next to the pictures sharing memories of him it was really sweet.
I lost my dad a few days before you did and that’s why I’ve always loved you. I just got married in October and I did a photo of him on the memory table and did a tribute to him during the reception to him and I’s song. I’m sorry he’s not going to be there. It really sucks but I hope the happiness of the day is a sign from him!🩵
Married!! 🙋🏻♀️ 9/22/23 and I’m 28! I had 5 bridesmaids and my husband had 4, we didn’t worry about it being even. My bridesmaids were all in black and the men were black tie tuxedos- it was a slayyyyy and I allowed all the girls to pick out the dress they wanted and I ensured the mix of styles and materials weren’t repetitive.
I’m married to the love of my life. We have a frenchie named Mac and we just had our first little baby girl. HUGE devils fans!! We love Max! I’ve followed you since college. I love that my husband and I can bond over yours and Max’s relationship since he’s such a big hockey lover and is a lifelong devils fan❤
Hi Gretchen! We are literally birthday twins, and I also got engaged this year at the beginning of the year, and got married 2 months ago. I have been watching you since I was in high school and I just finished college! I am so happy for you and Max, you’re literally glowing in all your videos!
My advise is to do what you want on your wedding day! I always dreamed of a big wedding and everyone has told me i will regret it, just elope, blah blah blah. But I couldnt imagine getting eloped without all my family and friends and so even though it is very expensive, im gonna do it because that's what ive always wanted! My fiance and I are the ones paying for it too so we should spend whatever we want too and whatever wont kill us!
I'm in my single girl era right now. Excited to find my person though and I've been watching you since 2020. Had relationships and now I'm celebrating where I'm at and enjoying it before I find my guy and enjoy that chapter like you've said before. Have to be 100% on your own! Your vlogmas has already been so good 🥹💍
Hey girl! I’m getting married in 38 days!! My fiancé lost his mom 2 years ago. We found a charm on Etsy for my bouquet like you mentioned. We also are reserving a chair at the reception in honor of her. Just some ideas! ❤️
Also the venue I worked at was all inclusive so they had everything from linens, tables, chairs, glasses, silverware, etc food, bar too. So definitely less stressful than hiring outside vendors if that’s too overwhelming lol
I started grad school in August and have missed soooo many of your videos but now with the semester winding down I’m so excited to catch up on all I’ve missed!!
What a cute video! Married over here and girl let me tell you how much wedding planning is. It’s a crazy time but it’s all worth it in the end, sending you love xoxo
I will say Gretch that some venues include coordinators and planners. As well when reaching out to independent planners they may not commit to you until you have your date at your venue secured, to see if they themselves are available. In my experience, I am planning a wedding in MA, so that is what I have dealt with. Also use your social media presence as an advantage for vendors/venues/party things, dont be shameful about it!! The wedding is going to beautiful and all what you and Max make it to be. Time flies, have fun and enjoy the little things along the way.
Usually the groomsmen and bridesmaids are equal amount. I could see you doing a sea themed wedding for colours and contact the knot they can help point you in the direction ofa wedding planner, vendors, and venues. All good wedding planners will come with you when you look at venues. As for asking your bridesmaids create a small basket with a blanket, flip flops and sunscreen.
Gretchen! I got engaged in Italy a few days after you! So fun to continue to be in the phase of life as you! I've been following since high school! Your videos have been my favorite for like 10 years! Love you!
I’m 55 and I have never been married. Yes an old lady watches your videos and loves them and still gets lots of inspiration on brands and enjoy your content. I sell Pure Romance so I also get content inspiration for that.
Engaged in April (lab diamond trilogy with a thick band-- could not be more different from your ring 😁) and working with a wedding planner now! I was driving myself nuts trying to find a venue, so my fiancé suggested we get a wedding planner and she's reaching out to venues for us and will help schedule tours for when we're in my hometown. How do you make a wedding "you" when it's all been done? You don't worry about whether it's been done! It's like your engagement ring-- I see rings like yours (big oval on a hidden halo with a super thin band) EVERYWHERE, but it doesn't matter because it's you and you love it. First look-- same, I really doubt my fiancé is going to cry at all. I'm good with whatever works for the timeline. One of my best friends' dad died a while ago; at her and her siblings' weddings for the "parent dance" the whole family came out on the dance floor and danced as a big circle to a song that's special to them as a family.
My husband and I’s 3rd anniversary is Dec. 29!! We planned our wedding in 2 months in 2020! So excited to follow along with you and your wedding planning adventure :)
Got engaged in June of this year and we’ve been together around the same time as you and Max! Funny, it’s like a whole bunch of people online that were dating foreverrrrrr all got engaged within a couple of months🤭 love it for us👏🏼
I’m engaged! June 2025 bride! It’s so funny because I met my fiancé right around the time you introduced max to your CZcams and then got engaged right before you did this year! It’s so amazing getting wedding planning advice from my favorite CZcamsr!!
Classic colors for bridesmaids are best so your photos always look in style. Timeless was our wedding style with long black off the shoulder brides maid’s dresses, white shirts with black tuxes for the groomsmen and groom, red roses…I still love our photos
Gretchen!! I also lost my dad in 2021 to cancer. I saw a wedding idea on Pinterest where you save a seat at the wedding that would be your dads seat with a sign that says “we know you would be here today, if heaven weren’t so far away.” With a bouquet on the seat. I think something like that would be a special way to feel that your dad is there and part of the wedding🤍
oh my goodness this is making me tear up!! 🥹 so sweet!!!!
We did this for mine and my husbands wedding for our grandparents with pictures of them and one item that was special to us of theirs! Such a beautiful idea and made it feel like they were there with us!
I lost my dad as well in 2020 to cancer my heart goes out to you its so hard..
I did the same thing for my granddad and uncle! One of my most favorite details from my wedding day
A friend of mine did her “father daughter” dance with her twin brother starting it and then they opened the dance floor to any man in her life that wanted to take some time to step in and dance with her to do so. I sobbed, it was the sweetest thing and the perfect way to honor her dad
I have been married for almost 10 years, and the advice I give all brides is that it is your wedding, and it can be whatever you want. Other than the legal getting married parts, nothing is required if you don't want to do it. OR if you want something that isn't "standard" you should do it.
As someone who has worked in the wedding industry I’ve noticed some venues come with their own wedding coordinators! I would definitely look into venues you’re interested in and see if they have a planner already!!!
We did a first look, sobbed together then reading private vows and he STILL cried when I walked down the aisle! It’s such a different and powerful moment in both instances, if he’s feeling the emotions that day he’ll probably be so cute during both ❤
First off, you look GORGEOUS in this video. The makeup, hair, outfit, all on point. Secondly, I lost my dad in 2015 and am currently planning my wedding. It's tough thinking of that day without him but I've seen a really cute idea to honor him. There are a few companies where you can send a piece of your loved ones clothing in and they will make it into a little teddy bear for you. I plan on doing that with one of my dad's shirts and will save him a seat with the bear during the ceremony 💕
A wedding I was at, the brides dad had passed away. For the father daughter dance she invited all of the daughters and dads to the dance floor to have their dance because she didn't get to have hers and wants them to dance while they can. It was really special and touching!
As a recent 2023 mid 20s bride- being engaged and going through wedding planning was a fast season of life! We created a joint email address to track alllll things wedding which was SO helpful! It’s the email we gave to every vendor. We didn’t have a wedding planner (it was me!!) but we DID have a day of coordinator and she was fantastic! She came with our venue. We had a year and a half long engagement and it was the perfect amount of time, we booked early and then took care of the rest after!! Best of luck and I can’t wait to watch this journey!!
I’m 27, married and pregnant with my 4th baby! . . Been watching you for years now so excited to join you on your wedding planning journey!
The biggest advice I took when it came to my wedding was to stay with my husband the entire night no matter what! The night goes so so so so so so fast and we both did not want it to seem like we didn't spend the time together. Staying with your husband during the wedding is so beneficial when it comes to talking to your guests and to truly just enjoying your day together as one.
Hi Gretchen! Silent follower, but I just wanted to say that I’m thankful you share your grief story online and talk about your dad. I lost my mom in 2020, and my boyfriend also lost his dad in 2020, so we are always feeling the grief when it comes to thinking about our future wedding. The idea’s you have to honor him in your wedding are beautiful! Also, duh of course Teddy is gonna be in your wedding! Maybe he should walk you down also! Congrats on your engagement!
I'm a 2024 bride! We will get married on April 6th, we have 140 guests, 6 bridesmaids and 6 groomsmen. The girls will wear 3 different colors (which I chose based on what they usually wear so they feel comfortable), pink, green and orange.
My biggest advice is to define the aesthetic you are going for! Our wedding will be at a very romantic hotel in the mountains and the aesthetic we are going for is kind of a chic country club. That helped me so much to create the invitations, develop the website and also to chose the floral.
That helps because the wedding industry has many different beautiful styles to choose from and that makes it difficult, as we want everything. And when you have a set style, making decisions is easier.
You will be a beautiful bride Gretchen!
Recently married, if I could give you one tip it would be to jot a note down in your notes app anytime something comes to mind. Whether it be a question for your venue/planner, or something that you can’t forget. This helped me so much when it came down to the final months!
I’m a happily married woman. Hubby and I have been together for 23 years. High school sweethearts and teen parents. We have 4 kids. 3 biological and one adopted. 3 girls 1 boy. Our oldest 2 are 21 and youngest is 15. I’m 41 and much older than you but I enjoy your content. Your sweet and genuine and I feel like your always honest with us about the products you use and the things that you experience and that’s rare today. I’m excited for you to take this new journey in your life. Advice I think that works for us is to always communicate, never go to bed angry and be ready for work. Marriage is not easy but great things never are. Always be open, honest and at the end of the day always live with your whole heart. No one is perfect and sometimes we make mistakes. Just be willing to be open about it and communicate how you’re feeling and you will have a long lasting marriage. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
25 and just married this September! We had 10 groomsmen and 10 bridesmaids. For the Bach parties we both did Vegas on different weekends and extended the invite to friends outside of the wedding party and it was my favorite thing ever!! Congratulations on wedding planning and enjoy every minute of it Gretchen, it goes by so fast!! 💗
Married 5yrs ago on the Cape at SeaCrest and did a first look, which I would definitely recommend. After our first look, we took a party bus to Nobska Lighthouse with our wedding party for photos/ videos. It was so fun and so glad we did that before walking down the aisle! Other Cape venues we also considered- CBI, Pelham, Wychmere, Ocean Edge, popponesset inn, Willowbend. Buy yourself “the knot” wedding planning binder and magazines. Once you have your vendor and date, book all your other vendors asap. Oh and you should rent a Photo Booth- guests loved it. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process!!
i cry every time you speak about your dad. been with you for so many years now. we all hurt with you! love you sm
My fiancé and I have an uneven number of bridesmaids & groomsmen! I have 9 and he has 7 & we just let it happen :) Use your resources!!! any friends or people that you know that have recently been married ask who they have used for certain things & that was super helpful. My dad passed away 9 years ago, my mom is walking me down the aisle too & Im so excited to share that moment. There’s so many sweet ways to incorporate your dad throughout the day!
I got married 2022 and my friends are starting to get married and probably our biggest advice is finding a venue that food, booze, tables, linens, chairs, etc. are included. This saved us literally so much time, stress, and money. It seems way more when you see the initial numbers of the venue but truly think we saved thousands of dollars on from no rental fees and all the employees at the wedding knew what they were doing because it’s all the same stuff. We got married back home so we planned a wedding 16 hours away and this truly was our saving grace I think.
I’m 24 and my husband and I eloped last month and are planning two ceremonies in 2025 (a Hindu and a Christian wedding). Honestly I have no clue where to start and I clicked on this video hoping to find out lol.
I was born and raised in Asia so I learnt about and applied to BU after seeing one of your videos on my explore page! Coincidentally, I met my husband my first week of freshman year. So thank you for playing (silent) Cupid!!
I've been married since the 14th of June 1991, still very very happy. My advise 'Never go to bed angry' & tell yr hubby every day that you love him😊
If you don’t want to choose your bridesmaids you can always make some your something blue. My friend did that for some of the girls she wanted to ask to be bridesmaids but felt like there would be too many people. It allowed her to feel better and it made those people feel important and special
I have a natural diamond!
My favorite part is that it is a family heirloom from the 50’s. With cleaning and the addition of my wedding band, it looks super modern! I love that it still looks brand new 70 years later and will be passed onto someone in my family in the future as well❤️
This may have been one of my favorite Q&A’s to date! You are so genuine with your answers and to show yourself! Thank you because being that vulnerable especially in a place like the internet is so difficult these days.
I cannot wait to watch more of your life unfold. Cheers to you, Max, and Brody living life to the fullest!
I remember seeing your dad in your videos and he was just so kind and loving. I often thought how lucky you were to have him. One of my favorites was when he filmed you after having your wisdom teeth removed. I have no doubt that however you honor him at your wedding will be perfect.
Ugh GRETCHEN are such a beautiful person on the inside and out. Your videos always remind me to look at life with such a different outlook. I almost lost my dad this year and it’s such a reminder on how important the people close to you are. You will be the most beautiful bride and your dad will be endlessly proud of you. 🤍
You could do a “first touch” so that way he doesn’t look at you but you would still get good pictures before the ceremony. You could also use that time to read private vows to each other or a letter you write them for the day.
I’ve been married since April 2023! You’re going to love wedding planning 🎉 just give yourself ample time and don’t rush. Have fun along the way! 🩷
I fully had 13 bridesmaids! It was the best choice I made to include everyone I wanted and not feel like I had to pair it down. It’s your wedding so you get to make the rules! It’s worth having all your people included❤️
On the bridesmaids vs groomsmen - having different numbers is totally okay BUT I’d encourage you to really really think about those “original” seven girls. I got married in 2020 and just with life changes and growing up more, some of my bridesmaids I rarely catch up with anymore. Not because of any falling out but still to a point where I’m like hmmm… were they a truly “ride or die” person. Really consider who you continue to keep up with, who even having to move out of Allentown and Boston who makes an effort with you, and who you think when life changes, things get hard, you have kids, etc. who will STILL be there. I think I thought too much of who’s important to me in the moment of the wedding vs truly forever friends… so that’s the biggest bit of wisdom I have to impart!
Been married for 6 years! We didn’t do bridesmaids/groomsmen. We just wanted a chill fun wedding that no one had to stress about and just enjoy the time with all our guests.
I am a 49yr old mama of 2 little girls and have a husband of 17yrs and a 2 yr old black lab. I adore you and your vlogs ✌️❤️🙏
I’m choosing natural for the same reasons! Thanks for spelling out the differences, lots of misinformation out there ❤️ everyone can choose what’s best for them!
I am married! I got married 3 months ago and it was such a whirlwind! We had 7 bridesmaids and groomsmen. I suggest if you DIY anything do it way early in the process! DIYing can get really stressful if you wait closer to the date and also define exactly how you want the vibe to be. Making a Pinterest board with every category you can think of and putting pins to that was so helpful. So excited for you!
I can't wait to see your bridesmaids!! You do have an amazing group of friends even though you are long distance to most of them!
Hi! We just got married after a 14-month engagement. Here's some of my thoughts!
For bridesmaid/groomsmen numbers we have always planned for uneven, I had three bridesmaids (my 2 best friends and my husband's sister) and 2 junior bridesmaids (my husband's nieces). My husband originally had two groomsmen (his 2 best friends) but one got COVID the week of the wedding so it ended up being just his best man. We had the girls walk up individually and our best man walked out with my husband. The other thing we talked about doing is having his nieces stand on "his side" so it was even but honestly it wasn't a big deal and my mom and dad sat in the front pew with his best man & his best man's wife. I've had friends who have asked their "extra" girls to be personal attendants that were paired/sat wit their ushers too. She had them in a different color, slightly more causal dress.
My husband's parents both passed from illness (2004 & 2009) and our reception and a "lounge" area where people had to walk through for food so I picked some of my favorite family picture of them and put them up with candles and lights. His sister and nieces 'split' a song by one of his mom's favorite artist to do a ceremonial dance to. Just before the formal processional, my husband walked my mom down the aisle. For our rehearsal dinner we invited his stepdad and mom's best friend in memory of his parents and gave them a boutonniere and corsage to wear to the wedding.
Our nieces are 14 and it was honestly the best all the pictures they got the day of. We got married Saturday and Sunday we were in a hotel one night before our honeymoon cruise and ate leftover wedding cake with champagne and looked through all of them on a shared iPhone album. THE BEST unplanned surprise.
I’m so glad you addressed natural vs lab diamonds! As someone who has a natural diamond, there is so much hate around not doing lab grown, but natural diamonds hold their value so much better! Thanks so much for sharing!
So we got married in October and here are all of the things that we’re so helpful. So one, of course our coordinator. Cannot talk more highly. We really wish we could afford her for full planning but since we couldn’t we did month of coordinator and having her was such a life savor. 10000% get the planner. Second, we’re in Colorado and there are multiple bride Facebook groups that helped tremendously with finding vendors in our state and being able to read other brides reviews on the vendors was so nice and helpful! Also, 100% look for the venue first because it totally dictates the vibe! For example we were between a modern downtown venue vs a vintage historical venue in the mountains so the vibes were totally different and that dictated our colors, flower choices, dress, accessories, etc so definitely choose the venue before anything else (other than planner of course)!! Lastly, take the relaxing honeymoon!! I was so back and forth if we wanted adventure or relaxing and we were so back and forth since we’re from Florida and grew up around tropical but it was the best things for us and our soul. Having to not think or plan a single thing during our honeymoon was so refreshing! Wedding planning is so stressful and the idea of planning big trip sounded overwhelming and not having to think about anything but “where do we find a seat on the beach today” was so needed
Engaged and getting married May 2024 🥰 congrats!
Gretchen!
I am deep in the throws of wedding planning after a 2.5 year engagement, I am kinda like you where my fiance and I moved to chicago right after getting engaged. And we don't know if we'll move states before we get married in September. At first I was bummed about a long engagement, but now I am so glad we did one. I think it gave me so much clarity about what it means to get married and why we want to host a wedding. I also love that we can spread out the cost lol, and we basically have first priority for all of our vendors since we were the first to reach out. We are having a smaller wedding about 50-65 close friends/family, with extended family it could have easily exploded into 200+. Create a combined email for the event, make the name something non wedding related so you can use it for joint bills/activities in the future. I feel like the thing that stresses me out most the logistics, of getting people to place to place. So I would recommend using a venue where getting ready/ceremony/reception/possibly even accommodations can all take place in the same place to minimize lost time between activities. We are also considering a private legal ceremony the two of us, since our friend with be officiating.
For you dad, I feel like a great way to honor him could include: His Favorite Cocktail on the menu, you could include a reading or passage from your parents wedding day into the ceremony, Max could wear his watch or cuff links, your get away car could be his favorite vintage-hot rod, a note he wrote included all of the menus, or pictures of your mom + dad wedding day and max's parents wedding day. I feel like there could many moments creating feeling he is there, even if they are just details that you notice.
Luxury photographers I love: Samm Blake, Lexie Hand, Margaret Wroblewski, Emily Brustoski for video (she does super 8 + digital), Luminere Collective (photo + video)
Sending you endless love & enjoy on your journey.
Gretchen, I just got married in July and I am so excited for you! I totally feel you with bridesmaids- I totally could have had 10-12 but settled for 8 because that’s how many my husband had and I wanted it to be the same amount. For my two friends that didnt end up being bridesmaids, I had them help with hair and makeup and were still totally apart of the day and it was so fun! However, I was recently in a wedding with more bridesmaids than groomsmen and it was totally fine! Whatever decision you make, it will be perfect🥰
23 and in a relationship with my boyfriend since freshman year of high school! 8 years & can’t wait for the next step in the future! This video gave me excitement and I’m so happy for you!
I've been married for 12 years Gretchen! I'm quite a bit older than you but I love your energy and kindness so I enjoy watching your videos and supporting you ❤
Love the fit in today video bc of the jacket! I’m married!!
I’m a professional airbrush MUA in northern MD, and also am in the flower farming industry. Peony season is mainly in May, but may extend into June the further north you go. It’s best if you can find them in season and either you or your florist store them in a large fridge until the wedding. Other than that, you can source them from other areas usually, the price just increases quite a bit.
definitely get a wedding planner and go from there!! your planner will be able to help you with everything- firm up a budget, venues, vendors etc. My advice is to not get too bogged down in decisions. If you are working with a planner they will give you vetted vendors, pick one whose work you like and is in your budget from that. Do not feel like you have to see every florist to book one. Look for a planner that makes weddings personal to you, that will help it feel different even though most likely things will have been done before. My husband and I did Bora bora for our honeymoon and it was amazing!! Definitely recommend.
Currently engaged! Getting married in May 2024. No bridesmaids for me. Only because I'm the last of my friends to get married (I'm 33) and we've all been bridesmaid a few times and to be honest, it stops being fun after like the second time. I am still having a Bachelorette party and invited a few of my friends to get ready with me the morning of, but for the actual ceremony, I only envision me and my fiance up there. I don't need my friends to walk down the aisle and they don't need to buy a dress in a specific color scheme for my wedding. I think you will be in a great spot with a planner. I work in events, so I thought I could handle this... and logistically, I am, but I feel like my mind never stops racing with things I need to do. My recommendation: I started to hate the word timeless. I heard it when I was dress shopping, ring shopping, designing my invitations. Nothing is ever going to be timeless. Don't worry about trends, don't worry about timeless... just do what feels right to you. If you love it in the moment, you will always have the memory of loving it at this moment in time!
Some non traditional things I did at my wedding:
I had 2 groomswomen. They are my sister in laws. They wore the same bridesmaid dresses as the bridesmaids and got ready with me but they stood on the grooms side. Both of my parents walked me down the aisle. They both deserved the spotlight too. We did a cocktail hour that was open bar. And then the rest of the reception was beer, wine, and 2 signature cocktails (gin & tonic and mojitos). That helped to save money.
The best money we spent was on a band instead of a DJ. It was the first thing I booked after my venue. Definitely a luxury but they made the night so fun. I wouldn’t recommend anything more than having live music. People did not leave the dance floor which also meant they drank less, lol. Too busy having fun!
Highly recommend a venue that offers a lot of the services you would usually require hiring outside vendors for. Alcohol, food, linens, coordinator, space to get ready, space for pictures, ceremony, reception, cocktail hour. So much less stress for budgeting purposes and communicating is so much easier. Also recommend hiring transportation for your guests.
Have fun!! ❤❤❤
A wedding is but a day and a marriage is a lifetime. Don’t worry and stress out about the day…..concentrate on the lifetime. Married….widowed….married again.
So excited for the wedding Gretchen! The venue is the most important part, make sure you pick the venue that speaks to you the most and checks all your boxes 😊 thank you for coming to our wedding in 2017 ❤
Sharing my advice as someone who was a bridesmaid for two of my best friends wedding (both happened in Massachusetts!).
One got married at the end of the summer (September) on the Cape and the weather was beautiful! I was a bridesmaid and there was an equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. The wedding took place at a private residence, but it was fun to stay in an Airbnb on the Cape with a group of bridesmaids!
My other best friend got married during Memorial Day Weekend in Daversport, MA. I was the maid of honor and there an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. For the ceremony, everyone walked down the aisle individually, HOWEVER, the maid of honor, matron of honor and best man stood by the bride and groom, while the rest of the bridal party sat in the front row with the families.
Similarities between the two were the colors, which was a nice sunflower blue. Additionally, they both had a small table for their loved ones that had passed away.
As a 2023 fiance that's also planning to get married in 2025, one of the biggest pieces of advice that I've gotten is do what makes you and Max happy.
I also got engaged this year in May and it has been the best season of life yet!! So so happy for you and Max!🤍
Same! When is your date??
Biiiiiggrst tip- everyone says they want a fun dance floor, but the key is if the bride and groom are on the floor, people will be dancing. If you guys are MIA, people won’t be dancing as much!
Also one of our fav things we did was going on our honeymoon right after, instead of waiting weeks/month! Exhausting but sooo worth it
Don’t stress about having the same amount of bridesmaids and groomsmen! Have who you want! Your photographer will arrange everyone to make the pictures look great no matter what:) And it’s called first touch! You can hold hands and talk and get cute pictures but not actually see each other til the aisle ❤
Gretchen! I have watched you through all my seasons. Single, dating, engaged, and now married as of 2022 👏🏻
Gretchen!!! hiii it’s kaylen 🤍 first off, you’re glowing in this video. second, I love that you’re all for a content creator!! Seriously one of my favorite parts of my wedding day & I hope to chat again with you soon!! third, when it comes to having a “small” or “big” wedding, if you have the people in your life, go big!!! Your wedding is the biggest party of your life with your favorite people! also an idea to incorporate for your dad especially if your mom is walking you down, give your mom a white rose to walk down the aisle with, with a charm attached to the stem with their wedding photo 🤍🤍🤍
2024 bride here! Regarding first look, I’ll be doing it and like you said it’s highly recommended but the reason why is because it makes your wedding day timeline SO MUCH EASIER! (You don’t have to hide the bride from the groom!)
I thought of it this way, it’s my wedding day and ultimately I want to spend as much time as possible with my husband so that means first look!!
Another thing that made it made sense was that we wanted to be AT our happy hour (not taking pics!)
I'm 24 and have been with my boyfriend for 3.5 years. Hoping this time next year my hand looks a little different but we'll see :) I've been watching you since your OOTW videos 10ish years ago, so you've always felt like an older sister figure for me!
So excited for all the wedding planing as I got engaged at the end of November 2023!! 🤗
I got married in June and I had 5 bridesmaids and my husband had 4 groomsmen, and it wasn’t a big deal at all! Our pics didn’t look weird, and my maid of honor just walked down the aisle alone instead of with a groomsmen, which was a special little nod to her! I wouldn’t stress too much about it, it’s better to be able to look back and feel so happy about having the people you love in your wedding rather than cutting people out so that it “looks” even or more balanced, that’s not what will matter in the future!
Also- my husband’s number one request for the wedding was no first look! He really wanted that walking down the aisle moment and we have NO regrets. We extended our cocktail hour to about 75/80 minutes and had more than enough time to get our photos after the ceremony, and we snuck away for 20 mins during the reception for some sunset photos too
Engaged and getting married 2/8/2024!!!!!
My father passed away tragically last year so I definitely feel you about your dad and having all those mixed feelings. ❤ you are NOT alone
I am having a destination wedding in Florida with 15 of my closest friends and family. No bridal party, no regrets not having it tbh. I have had such a minimally stress free time planning my simple/intimate wedding and you should just go with your gut and do what YOU and Max want to do. You don’t need to follow mainstream or do traditions if they don’t suit you 🫶
I am single after leaving my 4 year relationship. You make me feel so comforted and brighten my day always, definitely the most uplifting part of my mornings! I love you Gretchen and am so so happy for you and Max! I've watched you for years. You came to Green Bay this past summer and I was so hoping I'd run into you 🤍
While you guys wait to officially hire a wedding planner, you solidify your guest list. Then you will only look at venues that have that capacity, you won’t waste time on a venue too small. I just got engaged and we’re have our list done, but then I have it written out who to cut or who to add depending on the venue we find that checks all the boxes.
25 & got married in august 2022 :) do whateverrrrrr your heart desires for your wedding (uneven # of bridesmaids/groomsmen, first look or not, “classic” or not, etc) it’ll be so beautiful & sweet either way. If you like something don’t let others’ opinions affect you! Might be hard but you’ll be happy in the end 🫶🏼 it’s gonna be so beautiful I’m so excited for you!
Don’t worry about number if bridesmaids vs groomsmen. The only time anyone might notice is during the ceremony which is such a short portion of the day and the whole wedding experience. Much more important to be surrounded by everyone important to you leading up the the wedding, shower, bachelorette, getting ready morning of, etc. Especially if feelings could be hurt by excluding someone you’re truly close to
I am in a relationship and getting engaged in February! (my partner can't keep exciting surprises to himself very well haha) My dad has been sick for a few years and it is heartbreaking to think about not having my dad at my wedding or watching my kids grow up, thank you for sharing about grieving your dad
So happy I got to meet you in Bryant Park! I’m 24, engaged and doing a 2 year engagement - planning on October 2025! So excited for you and Max!
This is my royal wedding haha! I’m so excited for you guys!!!
I can totally see a G+M beautiful Chatham Bars Inn wedding 😍 all the hydrangeas and beautiful cape vibes
haven’t even watched… this wedding era is already my favorite
my best friends sister just got married and their dad passed away. She did a little table with a picture of him and a notes box next to it. people who knew him put little notes in a box next to the pictures sharing memories of him it was really sweet.
I lost my dad a few days before you did and that’s why I’ve always loved you. I just got married in October and I did a photo of him on the memory table and did a tribute to him during the reception to him and I’s song. I’m sorry he’s not going to be there. It really sucks but I hope the happiness of the day is a sign from him!🩵
Married!! 🙋🏻♀️ 9/22/23 and I’m 28! I had 5 bridesmaids and my husband had 4, we didn’t worry about it being even. My bridesmaids were all in black and the men were black tie tuxedos- it was a slayyyyy and I allowed all the girls to pick out the dress they wanted and I ensured the mix of styles and materials weren’t repetitive.
I’m married to the love of my life. We have a frenchie named Mac and we just had our first little baby girl. HUGE devils fans!! We love Max! I’ve followed you since college. I love that my husband and I can bond over yours and Max’s relationship since he’s such a big hockey lover and is a lifelong devils fan❤
Hi Gretchen! We are literally birthday twins, and I also got engaged this year at the beginning of the year, and got married 2 months ago. I have been watching you since I was in high school and I just finished college! I am so happy for you and Max, you’re literally glowing in all your videos!
My advise is to do what you want on your wedding day! I always dreamed of a big wedding and everyone has told me i will regret it, just elope, blah blah blah. But I couldnt imagine getting eloped without all my family and friends and so even though it is very expensive, im gonna do it because that's what ive always wanted! My fiance and I are the ones paying for it too so we should spend whatever we want too and whatever wont kill us!
You look Stunning! I cant tell if something is different but your hair, that jacket and the blush looks amazing👏🏼😍
I'm 24 & singleee. I'm doing vlogmas this year too!🎄🎁 it's my first year doing vlogmas
ALSO idea you should have your guests dress to the theme of your wedding so the pictures are aesthetically pleasing i feel like you'd love that
I'm in my single girl era right now. Excited to find my person though and I've been watching you since 2020. Had relationships and now I'm celebrating where I'm at and enjoying it before I find my guy and enjoy that chapter like you've said before. Have to be 100% on your own! Your vlogmas has already been so good 🥹💍
Hey girl! I’m getting married in 38 days!! My fiancé lost his mom 2 years ago. We found a charm on Etsy for my bouquet like you mentioned. We also are reserving a chair at the reception in honor of her. Just some ideas! ❤️
Do you have the diamond facts backwards?
Yes lol
I’m married and we didn’t do a first look and I’m so glad we didn’t!!
Instead, I did a first look with my bridesmaids and that was so much fun❤️
Just got eloped on the 3rd so fresh to marriage haha! I’ve watched you FOREVER, one of my favorite CZcamsrs ever!
Loved this video
Also the venue I worked at was all inclusive so they had everything from linens, tables, chairs, glasses, silverware, etc food, bar too. So definitely less stressful than hiring outside vendors if that’s too overwhelming lol
Don't stress and compare yourself to others, it's okay if it has been done before, but for you it's unique for you!
I started grad school in August and have missed soooo many of your videos but now with the semester winding down I’m so excited to catch up on all I’ve missed!!
What a cute video! Married over here and girl let me tell you how much wedding planning is. It’s a crazy time but it’s all worth it in the end, sending you love xoxo
I will say Gretch that some venues include coordinators and planners. As well when reaching out to independent planners they may not commit to you until you have your date at your venue secured, to see if they themselves are available. In my experience, I am planning a wedding in MA, so that is what I have dealt with.
Also use your social media presence as an advantage for vendors/venues/party things, dont be shameful about it!! The wedding is going to beautiful and all what you and Max make it to be. Time flies, have fun and enjoy the little things along the way.
Usually the groomsmen and bridesmaids are equal amount. I could see you doing a sea themed wedding for colours and contact the knot they can help point you in the direction ofa wedding planner, vendors, and venues. All good wedding planners will come with you when you look at venues. As for asking your bridesmaids create a small basket with a blanket, flip flops and sunscreen.
Engaged! Planning for a July wedding!😊🎉
I’m married with kids! Been watching you and Lu since your senior year of high school! Ben and Jerry’s Gretchen and Lu and bucket list summer
Gretchen! I got engaged in Italy a few days after you! So fun to continue to be in the phase of life as you! I've been following since high school! Your videos have been my favorite for like 10 years! Love you!
I’m 55 and I have never been married. Yes an old lady watches your videos and loves them and still gets lots of inspiration on brands and enjoy your content. I sell Pure Romance so I also get content inspiration for that.
Engaged in April (lab diamond trilogy with a thick band-- could not be more different from your ring 😁) and working with a wedding planner now! I was driving myself nuts trying to find a venue, so my fiancé suggested we get a wedding planner and she's reaching out to venues for us and will help schedule tours for when we're in my hometown.
How do you make a wedding "you" when it's all been done? You don't worry about whether it's been done! It's like your engagement ring-- I see rings like yours (big oval on a hidden halo with a super thin band) EVERYWHERE, but it doesn't matter because it's you and you love it.
First look-- same, I really doubt my fiancé is going to cry at all. I'm good with whatever works for the timeline.
One of my best friends' dad died a while ago; at her and her siblings' weddings for the "parent dance" the whole family came out on the dance floor and danced as a big circle to a song that's special to them as a family.
Wedding planner first! Date around for wedding planners then have them help you pick a venue based on your vibe!
My husband and I’s 3rd anniversary is Dec. 29!! We planned our wedding in 2 months in 2020!
So excited to follow along with you and your wedding planning adventure :)
Got engaged in June of this year and we’ve been together around the same time as you and Max! Funny, it’s like a whole bunch of people online that were dating foreverrrrrr all got engaged within a couple of months🤭 love it for us👏🏼
I’m engaged! June 2025 bride!
It’s so funny because I met my fiancé right around the time you introduced max to your CZcams and then got engaged right before you did this year! It’s so amazing getting wedding planning advice from my favorite CZcamsr!!
Classic colors for bridesmaids are best so your photos always look in style. Timeless was our wedding style with long black off the shoulder brides maid’s dresses, white shirts with black tuxes for the groomsmen and groom, red roses…I still love our photos