7 Details for a Picture Perfect Wedding Day

PHOTOGRAPHY Siobhan Stanton, STYLIST Mandy Forlenza, PROPS Little Vintage Rentals, SHOES Bella Belle Shoes, RING BOX Amonie Ring Boxes, INVITATION SUITE Ink and Nibs, CERAMIC PLATES Jill Zeidler, CAKE Sweet Bite Cake Shop, STYLING MAT Kiss Books, FLOWERS Blooms by the Box

When planning a large-scale event, it’s easy to forget that small details make the biggest impact. Scale back the grandiose ideas and focus on design elements and sentimental details that truly speak to you. Here are 7 items that will transform your vision into a photo worthy celebration that friends will talk about for years to come.

HEIRLOOM QUALITY RING BOX Not only will a ring box add a lux element to photos for the photographer, but it will become an heirloom to pass on to your family’s next generation. Pro-tip: Use the ring box to hold the wedding bands before the ceremony.

SHOW STOPPING SHOES Gone are the days of lifeless white wedding shoes! Select shoes that match your personal aesthetic. Be bold, outrageous, quirky or simply elegant; just be sure to be you (and comfortable). Pro-tip: Wear the shoes around your house regularly before the big day to break them in!

CHIC, UNDERSTATED CAKE A simple wedding cake with greenery and flowers is more than enough for cake cutting photos and for the bridal party to eat. Purchasing a large sheet cake for the caterer to slice and serve guests is an easy way to save money. Protip: Don’t forget a beautiful cake stand to display the cake!

CUSTOM, HAND LETTERED INVITATION SUITE The save-the-date and invitation will set the tone for the wedding. Secure a designer to create a suite with custom illustrations and lettering that are meaningful to you and your fiancé. Whether it’s a hand drawn version of your wedding venue or your favorite flower in watercolor, make it personal. Protip: Take one design element from the invite and get personalized thank you cards printed.

ONE-OF-A-KIND DECOR PIECES Nothing shows off your unique style and vision quite like one of a kind, vintage décor. Find a way to incorporate a vintage typewriter, books or some tarnished trays and you’ll be tagged in dozens of Instagram photos by friends loving your panache for design. Pro-tip: Vintage rental companies are an economical way to include décor without having to purchase it all outright.

COLORFUL CANDLES A pop of colorful candles makes a big impact design wise. Select one accent color and use candles throughout the; near the cake, dinner tables, the bar, restrooms. Everything looks better by candlelight! Pro-tip: Dripless candles help keep the tables looking fresh and wax free.

PERSONALIZED BRIDE + GROOM PLACE SETTINGS Select two plates specifically for you and your fiancé to use at the wedding. Perhaps it’s your grandmother’s china or handmade ceramics from a designer you love. It’ll show off your personality! Pro-tip: Keep the dishes for your children to use on their wedding day!

MANDY FORLENZA STICOS PROVIDES CREATIVE DIRECTION AND STYLING AT VENUE AND BRAND PHOTO SHOOTS. SHE ALSO OWNS LITTLE VINTAGE RENTALS, A SPECIALTY TABLETOP AND DÉCOR RENTAL COMPANY SERVING NYC AND LOWER WESTCHESTER SINCE 2012.