Ask The Experts: The Surfer Girls

Photograph by David Yellen

What trends do you find eye roll–inducing?
BB: People think “trash the dress” sessions, in which the photographer takes pictures of the bride hanging off a fire escape or standing in front of a graffiti wall, are really cool. I urge brides to stay away from that. Opt for clean, crisp pictures that you’ll love today and 50 years from now.

Do you see any lasting effects of the recession on weddings?
BB: Naturally, some couples have scaled back. A lot of brides are planning smaller events, where they get married at City Hall and then have a fabulous dinner. And then sometimes the couple gets married in a town hall and jets off on an adventure after. That’s what I would do. al: The concept of DIY is resonating with brides on all budgets — even at the highest of high-end weddings. Handmade is the new chic. They’re looking for that little something to add so their wedding doesn’t look straight out of a factory.

Photograph by David Yellen

How can brides keep from getting completely overloaded by all the options they see online?
BB: Pick three of your favorite blogs and spend three to five minutes a day reading them. You’ll get overwhelmed looking at too many.
AL: It’s all about making an “inspiration board.” It can really help brides hone their visions and commit to a style and look. And while I could plan an entire wedding online, you really should get out there to touch and see things in real life. You can’t compare the Web to that.

Beantown Bride, beantownbride.com; Style Me Pretty, stylemepretty.com.