Celebrations by Shari

06/02/2026

One of my favorite details at weddings is seeing the thoughtful welcome bags waiting for guests in their hotel rooms. It’s such a simple gesture, but it goes a long way in making family and friends feel appreciated for traveling to celebrate the couple’s special day.

A great wedding welcome bag doesn’t have to be extravagant. Some of the most appreciated items are bottled water, snacks, mints, a weekend itinerary, local recommendations, and a personal note from the couple. For destination weddings, adding items like sunscreen, bug spray, or an electrolyte packet can be especially helpful.

The best welcome bags reflect the couple’s personality while giving guests a few practical comforts for the weekend ahead. It’s one more way to say, “We’re so glad you’re here.”

06/01/2026

Veil or no veil? As an officiant, I’ve had the privilege of standing beside hundreds of brides, and I’ve learned one thing: there is no right or wrong choice.

Some brides love the timeless elegance and tradition of a veil. Others choose to go without one and embrace a more modern, minimalist style. Both are beautiful.

The most memorable brides aren’t the ones who followed every wedding tradition—they’re the ones who felt confident, comfortable, and completely themselves as they walked down the aisle.

Whether you wear a cathedral-length veil, a simple fingertip veil, a flower crown, or nothing at all, the best accessory you’ll bring to your wedding day is the joy of marrying the person you love.

05/31/2026

05/30/2026

When choosing your wedding shoes, remember: comfort matters just as much as style. You’ll be standing during the ceremony, walking down the aisle, posing for photos, greeting guests, and dancing the night away.

Choose shoes that make you feel confident and comfortable. If you’re not used to wearing high heels, don’t feel pressured to wear them on your wedding day. Beautiful flats, block heels, wedges, and low heels can be just as elegant and will help you stay focused on what truly matters—celebrating your marriage.

A great option is to wear your favorite dress shoes for the ceremony and photos, then change into something more comfortable for the reception. Your feet will thank you!

The best bridal shoe is the one that lets you walk into your marriage with comfort, confidence, and a smile.

05/29/2026

After officiating so many weddings, I can confidently say this: the right DJ can make or break a wedding reception.

Your DJ does so much more than play music — they help set the tone, keep the evening flowing, and create the energy your guests will remember long after the last dance.

My advice to couples searching for the perfect wedding DJ:

Choose someone who listens to YOU
Your wedding should reflect your personalities and style, not feel like a copy of every other reception.

Look for wedding experience
A great wedding DJ knows how to read the room, manage timing, and keep guests engaged without taking over the spotlight.

Read reviews and ask questions
Communication, professionalism, and reliability matter just as much as the playlist.

Share your must-play and do-not-play
songs
The best DJs welcome your input and
help create a soundtrack that feels
personal.

Meet them before booking.
You’ll spend a big part of your reception interacting with this person — make sure you feel comfortable and confident with them.

At the end of the day, the perfect DJ is someone who helps create joyful memories while making the entire evening feel effortless.

05/28/2026

One of the questions couples ask me most often as a wedding officiant is: “Are we supposed to tip our wedding vendors?”

The honest answer: tips are always appreciated, but they should never add stress to your wedding day.

Many vendors put countless hours into making a wedding run smoothly — from planners and photographers to DJs, catering staff, florists, and coordinators. If someone went above and beyond, a tip is a wonderful way to say thank you. But a heartfelt review, kind words, referrals, or even a handwritten note can mean just as much.

05/27/2026

As a wedding officiant, I’ve seen firsthand how a supportive Maid of Honor can help create a calm, joyful, and memorable wedding experience for the couple.

A Maid of Honor’s role is so much more than holding the bouquet or giving a toast. She’s often the bride’s biggest support system throughout the planning process and on the wedding day itself.

Here are just a few ways a great Maid of Honor helps:
Assists with planning details and
communication
Helps organize the bridal shower and
bachelorette celebration
Attends dress fittings and offers
encouragement
Keeps the bride calm, hydrated, and on
schedule on wedding day
Gives a heartfelt speech or toast
Provides emotional support during both
exciting and stressful moments

Planning your ceremony? I’d love to help you create a meaningful, stress-free wedding day from “I will” to “I do.”

05/25/2026

Thinking of getting married on a holiday? There can be a few practical and emotional advantages to getting married on a holiday, depending on which holiday and what matters most to you:

Guests may already have time off work,
making attendance easier.
Long weekends can give people more
travel flexibility without using extra
vacation days.
Holidays can create a built-in festive
atmosphere and memorable
anniversary date.
Some couples like tying the meaning of
the holiday to the wedding (New
Year = fresh start, Valentine’s Day =
romance, etc.).
Out-of-town guests may combine the wedding with a mini vacation.
Décor and ambiance may already be
enhanced seasonally, potentially
reducing decorating costs.

05/24/2026

Congratulations to Daniel Weinstein and Amanda Payne, who shared their beautiful vows at Tudor House at Mason’s Cove. Even though it rained, Tudor House has recently created a gorgeous covered space that made the day feel just as magical.

05/24/2026

Should you have a kids table at your reception?

A kids’ table can be wonderful when there are several children close in age who will enjoy sitting together. It gives them a chance to feel included and have fun, while parents get a little breathing room during dinner and speeches.

But it’s not always the best fit. Very young children usually do better sitting with parents, and if there are only one or two kids attending, separating them can sometimes make them feel isolated instead of special.

My advice:
Keep young kids with parents
Group school-age children together if
they know each other
Place the kids’ table close to adults,
not off in a corner
Add small activities or kid-friendly
touches
Remember that happy kids often mean
relaxed parents

There’s no single “right” answer — only what works best for your family and your celebration.