From Disney to Harry Potter and everything in between, these bridal shower themes bring personality, nostalgia, and plenty of fun to your celebration.
Bridal showers have become so much more than a simple afternoon get‑together — today’s brides are leaning into creative themes that reflect their style, their story and the moments that make them smile. Whether you’re dreaming of something whimsical, elegant, nostalgic or totally unexpected, BOLI members have delivered some truly unforgettable ideas. Here are 11 of BOLI’s favorite bridal shower themes to inspire your own celebration.
Bubbly Brunch
A mimosa‑forward celebration with bright citrus colors, bubbly bars and brunch bites that keep the vibe light and festive. Perfect for brides who love a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Something Blue
A chic, monochromatic moment featuring soft blues, hydrangeas and delicate details that nod to the classic wedding tradition. It’s simple, elegant and always photogenic.
Butterfly Kisses
Soft pastels, floating butterflies and whimsical garden‑party touches make this theme feel dreamy and romantic. Ideal for brides who love ethereal, feminine styling.
Bridgerton Ball of the Season
Think Regency‑era elegance with lace, pearls, pastels and plenty of florals. This theme is perfect for brides who want a touch of royal romance.
Popped The Question
A pop‑music‑inspired shower with playlists, lyric‑themed signage and fun nods to your favorite artists. Think Taylor Swift or the Backstreet Boys (Millenium blue and white anyone?) It’s upbeat, modern and full of personality.
Happily Ever After
A Disney‑inspired celebration with subtle fairytale touches, soft sparkle and magical details that feel sweet without being over the top. Perfect for brides who grew up on princess stories.
Love Is In Bloom
A floral‑forward shower bursting with fresh blooms, garden party décor and soft romantic colors. It’s timeless, feminine and always a crowd‑pleaser.
Main Squeeze
Bright citrus décor, lemon‑themed treats and sunny yellow accents make this theme feel fresh and joyful. Great for spring and summer celebrations.
She Found Her Sweetheart
A dessert‑driven theme with candy bars, pastel palettes and bakery-style displays. It’s playful, charming and ideal for brides with a sweet tooth.
Perfect Match
Matchbox motifs, spark imagery and “lighting the way to love” details make this theme clever and visually fun. It’s a cute twist for brides who love a good pun.
Once Upon a Love Story
A literary‑themed shower with stacked‑book centerpieces, cozy library‑style décor and subtle nods to the bride’s favorite stories — from Harry Potter to classic romance novels. It’s perfect for brides who want a whimsical, book‑lover’s twist on the traditional shower.
Bridal showers are your moment to celebrate this chapter in a way that feels unmistakably you. Whether you lean toward something playful, sentimental or totally unexpected, choosing a theme that reflects your personality sets the tone for a celebration you’ll look back on with a full heart. No matter what you pick, surround yourself with the people who lift you up and make this season feel even sweeter.
You’ve said yes, now comes the hard part. Here’s how to find vendors for your wedding.
After all the buzz and the excitement from your engagement dies down, you’ll start getting down to the business of planning your wedding. Whether you’re going for a huge event with hundreds of people or something smaller and more intimate, chances are you’ll need to hire at least a few wedding pros to pull everything off.
But how do you go about finding those wedding pros? You may have a venue you love, and you may have stalked a few makeup artists on social media, but what about everyone else?
Don’t worry, beautiful bride — BOLI has your back! These are the best ways to find vendors for your wedding, no matter what kind of vibe you have in mind.
Image courtesy of Tino Photography
Peruse Brides of Long Island’s Preferred Vendors
Brides of Long Island was started by founder Heather Cunningham as she planned her own big day. Since 2017, our mission has been to help every member of our community bring their dream wedding days to life. We’re staffed entirely by former brides who’ve all been on this journey before, and who all faced a lot of the same questions and struggles that you may be facing right now.
That’s why we compiled a list of our own Preferred Vendors. These are the pros that we’ve worked with before, that we know are passionate, knowledgeable, and reliable. We vet each and every vendor to be sure they’re up to our standards, and we do so by researching what YOU have to say about your experiences working with them.
Brides of Long Island has 26 different categories of vendors, from venues to wedding planners and everything in between. Any vendor you could possibly need can be found on our website! Once you choose a category, you can click on the profiles of every vendor to get an idea of their specialities, their background, and what they love about working with our brides. When you find one that you love, click on their contact information to set up a meeting or see more of their work. Yes, it’s THAT easy!
Join the brides-only BOLI Facebook Group
Do you have questions that no one can really answer? Are you obsessing over colors or themes while everyone is telling you to relax? Do you want to find friendship, camaraderie, and support from other brides planning their weddings on Long Island? Then you need to join BOLI’s brides-only Facebook group!
This is where all your questions, like “should I pick chiffon or satin for the bridesmaids dresses,” get answered. This is where you can vent about your future mother-in-law without hurting anyone’s feelings. And this is where brides can give their honest feedback about their vendor teams. Simply search the group for “makeup artist” or “DJ” and hundreds of reviews will come up! Since we don’t allow vendors inside the group, brides can be entirely open about their experiences.
Just search for “Brides of Long Island” on Facebook, answer the questions, and your application to join will be submitted. Approval can take a while, so be patient. And be sure to check your DM’s if our moderators need to contact you for more information.
Image courtesy of Janelle Brooke Photography
Ask friends who’ve tied the knot
There’s nothing better than a personal recommendation from a friend. If you remember dancing the night away at your sorority sister’s reception, bug her for her DJ info. If you noticed the flowers at your sister-in-law’s bridal shower, don’t be afraid to ask for her florist. Mine your friends and family members for information, especially if you’ve already seen their vendors’ work in action.
Search social media
Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms are great means for researching vendors. You can search using phrases like “Long Island wedding hair” or follow hashtags like #longislandwedding or #bridesoflongisland! Most reputable vendors have social media accounts showcasing their actual work, but keep in mind — AI allows people to manipulate or fully create content that never existed, so you’ll want to have a keen eye when looking at photos and video.
And if you aren’t already, give us a follow @thebridesoflongisland! We showcase local vendors all the time, and you’ll definitely catch a lot of their stunning work.
Image courtesy of Captured by Christina Anne Photography
Attend bridal expos and events
Wedding and bridal expos happen quite frequently on the Island. You may even be able to catch one at a venue you’ve been eyeing! Expos are a great opportunity to meet a lot of different vendors at once — photographers, bridal salons, DJs, hair stylists, you name it. You can see examples of their work, chat with them to see if your vibes match, and even ask for their availability.
Here’s a Brides of Long Island pro tip: before attending an expo, create a special email address just for wedding communication. Most of the vendors will ask for your contact info, and having a specific email just for your wedding planning can help you keep everything organized and in one place.
Use search engines
We’ll be honest — search engines aren’t our favorite way to find vendors, for a few reasons. Reviews can be faked, Google rankings can be manipulated, and anyone can buy an ad.
The plus side is that search engines are easily accessible and quick. So if you’re in a rush and just need some names fast, a search engine can pull up several options for you. But be sure to do your own vetting and research before signing a contract or making a deposit.
Dupree and Dooley have been dating since 2022.
(Photo courtesy of @baylen_dooley)
Content creator and Baylen Out Loud star Baylen Dupree, 23, married her sweetheart Colin Dooley, 26, in what she told People was a “fairy tale” wedding.
The couple, who have been dating since 2022, tied the knot on May 19, in Warrenton, Virginia. Dupree is a content creator who documents her experience living with Tourette syndrome, and Dooley is a real estate agent. The pair met on a dating app, and announced their engagement on Instagram in February 2025.
(Photo courtesy of @baylen_dooley)
According to People, Dupree wanted to have a very colorful, vibrant and fun wedding. “What was more important to us was having as many people there as possible who love and support us,” she said. As they planned their wedding, they chose hot pink and baby blue for their décor, with eye-catching floral arrangements. Dupree’s father made a few items for his daughter’s big day that represented the couple.
Wearing Hayley Paige, Dupree walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of “Oceans,” before exchanging custom vows with Dooley. “To us, marriage is about choosing each other every single day,” Dooley told People. “It’s about being best friends and going through every season of life together.”
The pair made sure to add themselves into everything, including a queso fountain during the cocktail hour, and mac and cheese and taco stations during the buffet-style reception. Their three-tiered cake featured lemon elderflower, cinnamon roll and Funfetti!
(Image by CaseyJPhotos + Mariah Redding via People)
And, of course, their dogs Fluffy, Tootsie and Pumpkin were incorporated into the day.
The newlyweds are looking forward to “building a family together and going through life side by side,” said Dupree.
You can catch some more wedding details on Baylen Out Loud, which airs on TLC Tuesdays at 9 p.m
Can you imagine walking down the aisle to…silence? Neither can we! Here’s how to choose the right music for your wedding day
When we picture our ideal wedding days, music plays a huge role. You’ve got the reverent ceremony music, the iconic “walk down the aisle” songs, the cocktail hour background tunes, and the wall-thumping reception bangers. That’s a wide range of genres to cover!
So how do you go about picking the right music for your day? Is it more important to stick with tradition, or honor your love story with music that holds meaning to you?
The ceremony
Let’s face it — the ceremony selections may be the toughest part of your wedding day music puzzle. Depending on your theme, your vibes, and even your guests, the music you choose for this portion of the wedding can set the tone or distract from it. You may have fallen in love with your future spouse while listening to Kendrick Lamar at a party, but is “Not Like Us” a good choice to accompany your walk down the aisle? Alternatively, does a more traditional choice like Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” really fit with your personality, or will it feel a bit…stuffy?
The good news is, you can have the best of both worlds. Many wedding day musicians, like BOLI Preferred Vendor Sweet Harmony Music, can take your favorite songs and arrange them for your ceremony. Rap, Hip Hop, Pop, Country, and R&B can all sound fitting and classical when played by a string quartet!
You don’t have to sacrifice the music that means something to you in order to fit a moment. When choosing songs for your ceremony, think about the songs that have played a special part in your relationship. Playing them during the ceremony — maybe with a different instrumentation — can add an even deeper element to an already unforgettable event.
And if that music just so happens to be more classical in nature, great! There’s nothing wrong with sticking with the classics — they’re called that for a reason.
Image by Gelfman Photography, courtesy of Sweet Harmony
The cocktail hour
It’s the party before the party! This is the time when all of your guests get to mingle, grab a drink and a small bite, and take in the surroundings of your venue. The music you choose for this portion of the day will probably be more of a “background” element, there to help set the mood but not as noticeable as your ceremony or reception playlists.
While a more subdued vibe usually blends well with cocktail hour, that doesn’t mean you have to stick with small choices or songs you don’t know. Solo instrumentalists like pianists and guitarists, or even small ensembles know how to play popular hits and crowd-pleasing favorites in a way that allows your guests to enjoy their other four senses.
If you have an idea of what you’d like played at the cocktail hour, great! Let your DJ or live musician know. If you don’t have any idea, that’s okay too. Wedding pros will know what works best, and have a repertoire that they can pull out at any time.
The reception
Now this is where you’ll want to turn up the volume! You’ll work closely with your DJ to select a playlist full of songs you love. They’ll also probably ask you which songs to avoid, so don’t be afraid to think in that direction — nothing stops a party in its tracks like The Black Eyed Peas when you don’t want to hear them.
Think about those special moments during your reception: your first dance as a married couple, and dances with your parents. Again, these moments are best served by songs that hold a deeper meaning in your relationships. Think about songs your dad played in the car when you were growing up, or the music you listened to on your first road trip with your fiancé. Even if the song doesn’t fit the vibe, it’s possible you can find a slower arrangement that lends itself to a first dance!
You’ll also want to consider both your heritage and your fiancé’s. Are there any cultural songs you’ll want to play? Dances like the Tarantella and The Hora will all have appropriate music attached.
While you’ll want to think about your favorite music, take a moment to consider your guest list, too. If your mom, grandma, and great aunt are in attendance, they might like to hear a few songs that sound more familiar (think decades: 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and beyond).
Ultimately, a span of genres will be your best bet to get everyone on the dance floor.
Your guests will be on the dance floor all night long with these DJs!
For some brides, choosing the perfect DJ is the moment of wedding planning — and honestly, we get it. From the music that plays as you walk down the aisle, to that first dance, to a dance floor that stays packed all night, the right DJ sets the tone for your entire celebration. And remember, today’s DJs do so much more than play music. Many offer enhancements like photo booths, zap shots, dance‑floor giveaways, uplighting, special effects and so many extras that make your night unforgettable.
With so many talented Long Island DJs to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s where Brides of Long Island comes in. We’ve rounded up 22 trusted, highly recommended Long Island DJ companies — all known for their professionalism, energy and ability to bring your vision to life — so you can skip the stress and get straight to planning the party of your dreams.
(Photo courtesy of Absolute Entertainment)
Absolute Entertainment
With over 30 years experience, Absolute Entertainment is a full-service entertainment company. Sparkler towers, giant lettering, photo booths, and, of course, excellent DJs and MCs to create the perfect night music-wise with you! Absolute represents over 20 catering halls on Long Island, including all of the Lessings’ venues.
(Photo courtesy of High Voltage Entertainment)
High Voltage Entertainment
High Voltage Entertainment wants you to know they are more than just great music! They offer photographers, live musicians, event coordinators and dancers to start. Their event coordinators cater to your needs to create the perfect day the way you want it.
(Photo courtesy of LI Sound DJ Entertainment)
Long Island Sound DJ Entertainment
If you want to make a personal statement, LI Sound is the DJ company for you. From their top-notch emcees and DJS, to their state-of-the-art accent lighting, your wedding guests will sure to be impressed and won’t leave the dance floor.
(Photo courtesy of L.I. Nights Entertainment)
L.I. Nights Entertainment
With over 20 years experience, Chad and the staff at L.I. Nights Entertainment works to ensure a one-of-a-kind event for your wedding. They make sure to create the perfect, customized timelines for you to maximize the amount of partying on the dance floor.
(Photo courtesy of Ultimate Sound DJs)
Ultimate Sound DJs
At Ultimate Sound DJs, the music never stops. Their DJs will keep the good vibes rolling from your first meeting to the very last dance at your wedding. Ultimate Sound DJs love being a part of a couple’s special day. They create magical moments, helping couples celebrate their love with family and friends.
(Photo courtesy of ADA Studio via Tommy’s Tunes)
Tommy’s Tunes
For over 30 years, Tommy’s Tunes has raised the bar in DJ entertainment. Tommy’s Tunes offers an array of customized services to fit any budget and any party size.
(Photo by Dr. Beat Productions)
Dr. Beat Productions
If you want a highly energized dance floor, Dr. Beat is your go-to DJ. Their mission is to keep your reception lively with a personally curated playlist for each bride so no two weddings will be the same.
(Photo by Long Island Music Boutique)
Long Island Music Boutique
Keep your dance floor packed with MC Matty all night long. Matt takes the time to get to know each couple, and makes sure there are no awkward moments throughout the night. He loves when couples and guests truly let their guard down and feel the music on the dance floor.
Variety Music
Variety Music knows one of the most important aspects of your wedding day is the music, which is why they will create a classy, fun and lively atmosphere for you and your wedding guests. They also offer bi-lingual MCs to cater to all of their clients.
Studio 27 DJs
‘Get a real job!’ is something the owner of Studio 27 DJs has often heard. But this is his real job and he loves it! At Studio 27, they are constantly dreaming up new ways to give you the most unique and amazing wedding day.
Partytime Entertainment
It’s time to party with Partytime Entertainment. Being a part of your day is fulfilling for the Partytime DJs and emcees. They work hard to ensure your wedding leaves your guests saying ‘Wow, that was the best night ever.’
Fourth Generation DJ and Entertainment
With more than 30 years experience, Fourth Generation DJ and Entertainment make it their mission to fulfill your wedding entertainment dreams. From traditional to over-the-top showstopping bangers and everything in between, the DJs and emcees at Fourth Generation will be there every step of the way.
Top Tier Entertainment New York
Top Tier Entertainment is a full-service event production company, featuring everything from photographers to DJs, film making and live music. Top Tier has everything to make your wedding a night you’ll never forget.
Events by Elite Entertainment
Events by Elite offers bilingual DJs and emcees. They work side-by-side with you from your initial consultation to make sure all of your music is perfect. And don’t forget to ask about a photo booth or uplighting.
Sensational Sounds DJ Entertainment
Sensational Sounds works to ensure that your wedding reception will be a celebration that you will always look back on with joy and happiness! They ensure lots of laughter and special moments shared with family members and friends.
Ello Entertainment
Owner Joseph Mondello – also known as DJ Ello – began his career as a club DJ in his teens. Originally into house and dance music, Ello Entertainment caters to all genres for every wedding he DJs. DJing isn’t a job for Joseph, it’s his passion. Joseph brings upbeat energy in music and packed out as well as professionalism and a calm demeanor.
Xtreme Entertainment
The staff at Xtreme Entertainment has individuals from different backgrounds and talent ready to bring the energy and entertainment on your wedding day. They work with couples of all budgets to ensure the dance floor is filled on your wedding day. They can’t wait to meet with you to discuss music and other extras they offer like Zap shots, light shows and more!
Metro Sounds
What started out as a fascination with radio DJs turned into a passion and career for the owner for Metro Sounds. This small business prides itself on their attention to detail to ensure spectacular entertainment on your wedding day. By connecting with their brides, they can create a memorable day.
Drive Up DJ’s
With Drive Up DJ’s, you get your own personal party planner to make sure your wedding day entertainment goes off without a hitch. From DJs to lighting and photo booths, they have everything you need to create the wedding party of your dreams. They will turn your wedding day dreams into memories to last a lifetime.
TCM DJ Events LLC
Tasteful, Classy and Memorable DJ Events (or TCM DJ Events) says it all in the name. Their DJs cater to your music requests while keeping the dance floor packed all night long. With their music app, you can hear the songs you want while putting together your wedding timeline to make for a smooth, and unforgettable day.
Famous Entertainment
With over 20 years experience, including as a nightclub event director, Matt knows how to keep a crowd on the dance floor. Famous Entertainment offers an array of services, including DJ sets, live music, event rentals and more.
NY Sound Machine
This couple loves weddings because of the music. They ensure to get the music just right, keep the energy high and entertain your guests all night long. Phil is your DJ to keep the party going all night long, while Mary will work hard behind the scenes to get you ready for your special day.
So, what are you waiting for? Dance, don’t walk to book one of BOLI’s favorite DJs on Long Island for your wedding day.
They’re a great way to greet all of your guests, but they do take time that could be spent doing other things. So should you do a receiving line?
It’s common wedding etiquette: brides and grooms should greet everyone who attends their wedding.
But, let’s be real. This is probably the biggest party you’ve ever thrown, with invites extended to people you may only remember from childhood (or not at all). It’s not every day that we’re in the same place as hundreds of our family and friends, and that can be incredibly overwhelming.
At the same time, you don’t want to totally ignore those who’ve taken the time (and the money) to celebrate with you. It is YOUR day, but it might be a pretty lonely event if you had no guests show up!
One way to solve the greeting dilemma is to do a receiving line. Some couples go this route, and some don’t. Should you?
Image courtesy of The Glenmar Studio
What is a receiving line?
A receiving line takes place immediately after the ceremony. You and your spouse walk back down the aisle, wait outside the ceremony space, and greet each guest as they leave the room or building. Your guests may want to take a few moments and offer their congratulations, so a line is formed.
Doing a receiving line isn’t a requirement, for you or your guests. You may choose to move on to pictures, hop in a limo, or do something else immediately after you’ve said “I do.” It’s not a requirement for your guests, either. Some may want to catch you at the party instead, so they’ll skip the line altogether.
Image courtesy of Heartfelt Studio
What are the pros of doing a receiving line?
The biggest advantage to doing a receiving line is that it allows you to greet every guest at a dedicated time. There may not be many opportunities to see everyone during the reception (not without forgoing the dance floor or skipping dinner, anyway), so a receiving line gives both you and your guests the chance to focus on each other without the usual wedding distractions.
Also, if you wait until the reception, you’ll be rushing around your venue to say your hellos. With a receiving line, it’s the other way around — your guests come to you.
What are the cons of doing a receiving line?
The downside to receiving lines is that they take time — especially if you’ve got a big guest list. Instead of rolling through your photo list, heading off to your venue, or even just spending a few quiet moments with your new spouse, you’ll be hunkered down and talking to everyone as they leave your ceremony. And that can get tiring.
Realistically, you’ll also probably encounter a few guests that want to say a lot more than just a quick “congrats!” This can create a bottleneck effect for guests leaving your ceremony space, potentially causing a bit of chaos and discomfort.
Image courtesy of Miralli Photography
Should you do a receiving line?
As with almost everything wedding-related, the decision over a receiving line comes down to your personal preferences. It’s your day, and you get to decide what’s important.
If you’ve got a smaller guest list, you’re doing a “first look” and getting a lot of pictures done early, or you just want to enjoy your party without the pressure of table hopping, a receiving line might be the way to go. If you’ve got a hefty guest list, you really want to make your cocktail hour, or you feel awkward having to stand and talk to a lot of people, skipping the receiving line is probably your best option.
If you’re still on the fence, ask your photographer! They’ll have a set timeline they’re sticking to, and they could be the deciding vote one way or the other.
In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, we spoke with Emily about the standout professionals who didn’t just show up for her wedding … they went the extra mile.
(Photo by Lumos Wedding Photography)
Our wedding days wouldn’t be complete without the incredible teams working behind the scenes, and Emily and Ryan were lucky to have vendors who truly poured their hearts into the experience. From her hairstylist to her photographers, each one found small but meaningful ways to make the day smoother, sweeter and even more memorable.
A Love Story By Chance
Emily and Ryan first crossed paths at the dive bar where she worked — a place Ryan rarely visited. “His friends were regulars, but he never really went there,” Emily says. “That one night he did.” They began dating in January 2020, and early on, a winter trip to Lake Placid led them to a quiet covered bridge. Ryan carved their initials into the wood, a simple moment that became their place. “We went back a couple of times because it meant so much to us,” she says.
Three years later, Ryan used that same bridge to ask the biggest question of all. For Emily’s birthday on July 20, 2023, he surprised her with a return trip, complete with a cozy Airbnb and her two best friends waiting to celebrate. He brought her back to the bridge and asked her to take their dog, Harley, down to the water while he “carved Harley’s name next to their initials.” When she walked back up, the wood said ‘Will you marry me?’ “I was so oblivious,” Emily laughs. “I turned around and he was on one knee. It was perfect.”
(Photo by Lumos Wedding Photography)
Thoughtful Approach to Planning
Emily always imagined a long engagement, not because she was indecisive, but because she wanted to savor it. “You get married once, hopefully,” she says. “I just wanted to enjoy being engaged and the excitement of it all.” She didn’t dive into planning right away; instead, she waited nearly a year before seriously exploring venues and figuring out what kind of wedding felt right for them.
At first, she and Ryan hoped to marry upstate, where their story began. But after visiting a few places, nothing felt like “the one.” It wasn’t until her aunt encouraged her to look locally that Emily discovered the Three Village Inn, a BOLI Preferred Venue, — a place she’d lived near her whole life without realizing it. “It was so cute and clean, and it just made sense,” she says. Once they booked, planning truly began, starting with the vendors that mattered most to her: videography and photography. “Those were the two things I knew I wanted to invest in so we could look back on everything,” she explains.
Once she found Lumos Wedding Photography, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, through another Three Village Inn bride, everything clicked. “When I met Rachel and Chris, I just loved them,” Emily says. “I wanted photographers I’d actually enjoy spending the whole day with, and they were so personable.” Their engagement session in September only confirmed she’d made the right choice, giving her a preview of the comfort and connection she’d feel on the wedding day.
(Photo by Lumos Wedding Photography)
It’s All in the Meaningful Details
Emily envisioned a vintage, old‑world feel that fit perfectly with the charm of the Three Village Inn. She and Ryan added personal touches everywhere: a booklet of handwritten recipes from their grandparents at each place setting, signature cocktails featuring their pets and playful oversized cutouts of their dogs’ and cats’ faces during the bridal party entrance. She carried tributes to her late grandparents in her bouquet, gave Ryan cufflinks engraved in her handwriting and fulfilled her dream of riding in a vintage car from the church to the venue. The night before the wedding, Ryan surprised her with the leather journal she once wrote in — now filled with years of entries he’d secretly added. “I had no idea he planned to give it to me on our wedding day,” she says. They even used her parents’ 45‑year‑old cake topper and napkins printed with their own handwritten notes.
It was Emily’s vendors who made the day feel effortless. She gives her highest praise to Lumos Photography, especially Rachel, who kept the timeline smooth while still being warm and supportive. “She held my lip gloss, handed me a fan, fixed anything I stressed about. She was just constantly there for me,” Emily says. The Beauty Boys arrived early, brought great energy and delivered makeup her bridal party loved. Her hairstylist, Crystal, went above and beyond when a bridesmaid discovered her dress was the wrong color – she left mid‑morning, visited multiple stores and returned with several options, refusing payment. Emily also loved how seamlessly her videographer worked with the photography team, and their last‑minute content creator kept guests laughing with candid interviews and late‑night clips. “Everyone we worked with genuinely cared,” she says. “They made the day what it was.”
(Photo by Lumos Wedding Photography)
Keeping Things Fun
The Brides of Long Island community was a constant resource throughout Emily’s planning. “Oh my god, I was on there all the time,” she laughs. She used the search bar to look up vendors, get dress‑shopping recommendations and even check tipping guidelines. Now on the other side, her advice is simple: try to turn the stress into joy. “Any time I felt overwhelmed, I reminded myself this is such a happy, exciting time,” she says. “You only do this once, so make it fun. Even if you have to fake it a little, it helps — and the day is amazing no matter what.”
(Photo by Lumos Wedding Photography)
Vendors:
Venue: Estate at Three Village Inn, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photographer: Lumos Wedding Photography, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Videography: Wedding Cinema – Pete Galgano
Content Creator: Stardust Motion & Stills (Florin Harrison)
DJ: Absolute DJ, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Florist: Village Florist
Hair: Crystal Hair Creations
Makeup: The Beauty Boys
Dress: Blu Rayne Bridal Boutique, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Cake: Rolling Pin Bakery
Here’s how to communicate your guest list boundaries with honesty and kindness.
You’d think that putting together your wedding guest list would be one of the easier tasks on your planning checklist. But once you start blending families, friends and different people in your life into one spreadsheet, it can quickly become one of the trickiest.
Maybe you’re keeping your celebration small. Maybe you’re trying to stay within a certain head count. Maybe you’ve grown apart from someone who once felt close. Whatever the reason, it’s your wedding, and you’re allowed to make choices that feel right for you.
Of course, that doesn’t always stop others from having opinions. And sometimes, those opinions come with expectations — whether it’s someone assuming they’ll be invited or a relative insisting you include a distant cousin you barely know. If you find yourself facing one of these uncomfortable moments, here is how to tell someone they aren’t invited to your wedding in a way that sets boundaries and avoids unnecessary drama.
Be Honest
Honesty sets the foundation for a respectful conversation, even when the message is hard to hear. A simple, truthful explanation helps the other person understand your decision without feeling misled or strung along.
Be Direct
Being straightforward prevents confusion and avoids giving someone false hope about an invitation that isn’t coming. Clear, gentle wording keeps the moment brief, kind and much less emotionally draining for both of you.
Lead With Gratitude
Starting with appreciation helps soften the message and acknowledges the relationship you share. Even a simple “Thank you for wanting to celebrate with us” can make the conversation feel more thoughtful and less abrupt.
Use “We” Language When You Can
Saying “we decided” or “we’re keeping things small” makes the decision feel shared and less personal. It also helps shift the focus to the wedding itself rather than the relationship.
Blame the Logistics, Not the Relationship
Sometimes the truth is that your venue or budget simply won’t allow for everyone. Framing it around logistics helps the other person understand that the decision isn’t a reflection of your feelings toward them.
Keep It Short and Simple
You don’t need a long explanation — in fact, too much detail can make things more uncomfortable. A clear, kind statement keeps the moment respectful and prevents the conversation from spiraling.
Set Boundaries Early
If you know someone might assume they’re invited, gently managing expectations ahead of time can prevent hurt feelings later. A quick, proactive conversation can save you from a much harder one down the road.
Offer Another Way to Celebrate
If it feels right, suggest a coffee date, a post‑wedding get‑together or sharing photos afterward. It shows that even if they’re not at the wedding, you still value the connection.
Stay Calm If They’re Not
Some people may react with disappointment or frustration, and that’s okay. Your role is simply to stay grounded, repeat your boundary kindly, and not absorb their emotions.
Don’t Apologize for Your Guest List
You can be kind without being sorry — your wedding choices don’t require justification. Standing confidently in your decision helps others respect it, too.
At the end of the day, your guest list is a reflection of the wedding you and your partner want to create — not a measure of anyone’s worth or your commitment to the people in your life. These conversations may feel uncomfortable in the moment, but approaching them with honesty, kindness and confidence ensures you’re protecting your peace and staying true to your vision for the day you’ve been dreaming of.
There are no shortage of great wedding pros, but here’s why you should seek out a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Image courtesy of Heartfelt Studio
Long Island weddings are notoriously epic, and they require lots of talented professionals at the helm. It should come as no surprise that our area is home to some incredible companies and individuals, all dedicated to bringing each bridal vision to life. So, how do you choose who to hire for your big day?
Brides of Long Island Preferred Vendors have that extra “seal of approval” that sets them apart from the crowd. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider hiring a BOLI Preferred Vendor for your wedding day.
Image courtesy of Michael John Photography
BOLI Preferred Vendors go through an approval process
Unlike some of the more popular wedding sites, a BOLI Preferred Vendor can’t just decide they want to be listed and create a profile. Each BOLI Preferred Vendor goes through a thorough application and approval process conducted by our BOLI staff.
When a vendor expresses interest in becoming a part of our community, we delve deep into their history, their practices, their reviews, and their materials. We research what your fellow brides have said about their experiences with each company, how they work with peers in their field, and how they operate day-to-day. BOLI has a strict set of standards that we require each vendor to not only meet, but exceed. If we feel that a certain business isn’t up to par, they aren’t approved to be Preferred Vendors.
If you navigate to our Preferred Vendor listings, you’ll see a plethora of businesses that have gone through that approval process. These vendors deliver amazing results for their brides continually and consistently, and we’re proud to back them!
Image courtesy of Foxlight Studios
BOLI Preferred Vendors are experienced
One of the main things we look for in a vendor is experience. Brides of Long Island loves to support and encourage new businesses, but at the end of the day, we will only accept vendors that come with experience, passion, professionalism, and expertise.
Your wedding is one of the most meaningful moments of your life. We need to know that our vendors can do their jobs at a high level, with no stress attached. Our vendors come with a proven track record that we’ve observed time and time again!
BOLI Preferred Vendors come with reviews you can trust
Part of our approval process involves researching what YOU have to say. We look at reviews in our brides-only Facebook group to ensure that each Preferred Vendor has overwhelmingly positive feedback from our community.
With our brides’ permission, we then list those reviews on our own site so that every visitor knows they’re looking a tried and true professional. These are not just anonymous reviews from faceless people you don’t know — reviews on the BOLI site come from REAL clients!
Image courtesy of Silverfox Studios
BOLI Preferred Vendors have been hired by your friends and neighbors
Consider the phrase “BOLI Preferred Vendor” like it’s a personal recommendation. Remember, when we welcome a business as a BOLI Preferred Vendor, that means your friends, neighbors, and co-workers have hired these companies themselves. Your college roommate’s amazing DJ, your boss’ gorgeous venue, your next door neighbor’s eye-catching invitations — you’ve seen BOLI Preferred Vendors’ work in action already!
Well, what are you waiting for? Head over to our BOLI Preferred Vendor profiles, and introduce yourself to your wedding day dream team!
This article sponsored by You and Me by the Sea Travel, a Brides of Long Island Preferred Vendor!
Looking for something sparkly? Brides of Long Island’s favorite Long Island Jewelers can answer the call!
Image courtesy of Elegant Jewelers by Mike
You’ve got the diamond (or maybe you’re doing some “research” 😉 ), but now it’s time to go further! Whether you’re looking for your own wedding band, something for your fiancé, or a fun gift for your bridesmaids, you’ll definitely be heading to a jeweler sometime soon.
When you’re dealing with something as special as jewelry, you’ll want to know that you’re working with a pro. The following are Brides of Long Island’s favorite Long Island jewelers — these are the companies and individuals that are passionate, knowledgeable, and committed to bringing you some outstanding bling!
Image courtesy of Elegant Jewelers by Mike
Elegant Jewelers by Mike
When Mike first opened up shop in 1985, the vision was (and still is!) for it to be more than just a jewelry store. He believes that jewelry, watches, and diamonds are so much more than just a purchase, they’re experiences. This 4-time BOLI Diamond Award winner specializes in custom design.
Image courtesy of Bonded Bracelets
Bonded Bracelets
Danielle, the owner of Bonded Bracelets, started off as a hair stylist for her clients’ weddings. She soon transitioned to permanent jewelry, marking special occasions with delicate and meaningful charms! Perfect for bridal showers, bachelorettes, or even mother-daughter gifts, Bonded Bracelets are fully customizable (and re-welds are complimentary!)
Image courtesy of Kay Cameron Fine Jewelry
Kay Cameron Fine Jewelry
The team at Kay Cameron Fine Jewelry is on a mission to make all of their customers feel like family. As a full-service jewelry store, they have an expert jeweler on premise — which means all repairs and resizing stays in-store! They also do amazing custom design work for that “one of a kind” piece that you envision.
Image courtesy of Aurelle Bond
Aurelle Bond
Aurelle Bond was created with one simple belief in mind: meaningful moments deserve to be celebrated with intention. To owner Lindsy, what matters most is care, quality, and how something makes you feel. Each piece is thoughtfully selected, custom fitted, and professionally placed to be worn with pride and kept as a lasting reminder of a special moment.
Image courtesy of Sparked Permanent Jewelry
Sparked Permanent Jewelry
Permanent jewelry has quickly become one of the most sought-after trends in the bridal world! Sparked Permanent Jewelry specializes in bringing a modern, luxury permanent jewelry experience directly to your wedding events. Each piece is custom-fit and professionally welded, offering a seamless, clasp-free design that symbolizes connection and lasting memories.