Celebrating its 15th anniversary this month — now that's an office party we wouldn't miss! — Martha Stewart Weddings is one of the most celebrated magazines among wedding and event aficionados. On Jan. 17, Editorial Director Darcy Miller was on hand at The Palm Beach Wedding Party, hosted by New York's Wedding Library and The Breakers hotel.
Here, Darcy's tips for a sublime soiree:
"Try to personalize it as much as you can. A lot of venues come with an ice sculpture, but instead of a swan, get it in the shape of a wedding cake."
Focus on details that are personal for you.
"The greatest compliment is when guests leave your wedding and say that it felt like you, not your planner or your mother." Set up a folding screen with childhood photos, or have your photos printed on confetti for your guests to toss. Write personalized notes on paper chargers.
"It is important that all the vendors are nice," Miller says, "but there are some where chemistry is more important, such as with your planner or photographer. If they're kind of annoying and you're a little bit stressed, it's not a good combination."
Photographer Donna Newman echoed Miller's sentiment, touting quality over quantity. "I would rather have a photographer stay for fewer hours and capture beautiful moments."
Another tip: Never ask a photographer to emulate the style of another photographer, Newman says. It won't work out in the end.
"At the end of the day, it's a party. It's who you're spending your life with that matters," says Miller. "The most important thing is to find the right person to marry."
