Martha Stewart Weddings

This time of year is all about lazy days and leisurely nights… right? If you’re shaking your head and thinking about your to-do list, you must be one of the many couples getting married in the next couple of months. In which case you’re very, very busy! It may not be relaxing, but your summer will certainly be special. And whether your event is right around the corner or still early in planning stages, we’re here to help. We always like to give you a mix of big-picture inspiration and useful info. For the former, if you’re working on your color palette and visual theme, check out our invitations (page 63) and beautiful decorations based on natural materials and basket-weave designs (page 130). Dress shopping? We’re in love with the cool…

#MyMarthaParty Show us how you’re celebrating! Share a bachelorette or shower photo on Instagram @martha_weddings for a chance to be featured. WEDDING-GUEST GUIDE What to wear? Exactly how much should you spend on that gift? We’ve got all the etiquette covered at marthastewartweddings.com/guests. Bridesmaid 101 What does the role of bridesmaid really entail? Visit marthastewartweddings.com/bridalparty to learn all about the responsibilities that traditionally come with being a part of the bride’s VIP crew. ULTIMATE SUMMER WEDDING Make sure your celebration stands out: From frozen signature drinks to unique floral details to fun ways to keep cool, we have loads of ideas and inspiration for a one-of-a-kind warm-weather bash. Check marthastewartweddings.com/summer. NEW! Join our Facebook group! Share thoughts with other brides, and get ideas and tips straight from our editors at marthastewartweddings.com/insiders. LET’S STAY IN TOUCH! FACEBOOK marthastewartweddings INSTAGRAM martha_weddings TWITTER marthaweddings PINTEREST marthaweddings SNAPCHAT martha_weddings CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JOHNNY MILLER;…

As your wedding date draws near, you’ve probably given some thought to favors. There’s actually no “wedding rule” saying that favors must be given, but I personally think they’re nice, and when I entertain, I always like to send guests off with a little something. On that topic, here’s a quest ion I hear a lot: How can I make sure our wedding favors are meaningful? If you’re doing favors, of course you want to offer one that means something to you—and to your guests—so it won’t just be discarded. Ask yourself these questions. What location do you both love? If you both grew up in Vermont, you could give little bottles of maple syrup. A couple engaged in Paris might give macarons. Think of where you met or where you’re marrying, and seek…

CLEARLY BEAUTIFUL The allure of this tablescape is crystal clear: It’s light, airy, and totally chic. To assemble it, mix and match glass vessels of different shapes, sizes, and colors. A modern and affordable alternative to centerpieces with abundant blooms, this display needs only a few interesting ones—we went with Queen Anne’s lace, jasmine, and sea holly. Other clear pieces, like acrylic chairs and glass plates, are a great way to extend the visual theme. MAD ABOUT PLAID These bright and cheerful patterns give off sunny summer vibes. Stick to a narrow color palette and everything will work together. Use them in little details or big moments throughout your wedding: We chose plaids to stitch onto a ring pillow, wrap around vases for a shower or reception, cover a card box, and sew…

Porsha Summerville was exhausted—but didn’t mind a bit. As an account manager for a fashion designer, she had been in Paris for 10 days—and had spent every night on the phone with Terry Baawuah. The two had recently connected at a party in New York City and, feeling an instant spark, discovered they could talk about anything. “We were head over heels, chatting eight hours a day,” she says. When she returned home, they became inseparable; after a month of dating, Terry invited Porsha on vacation in Jamaica. They explored the island—and left even more in love. Six years later, Porsha was again headed to Paris, and Terry, who is now a senior manager for a data-and-analytics company, joined her. He planned to propose but knew she’d be suspicious, so he…

“I was supposed to ask Sam,” says Ashley Lostritto, a real estate attorney, of her September 2016 proposal to Samantha Wender. “But she wasn’t happy with my timing, so she asked me first.” That’s how this New York City pair got engaged twice. Samantha, a producer for NBC’s Today show, invited her girlfriend of just over a year to a location she said she had to scout. “I walked up five flights,” Ashley recalls. At the top, she was greeted by music and a projection of butterflies—one of her favorite things—on the walls and ceilings. It was a setup. Samantha proposed, Ashley accepted, and afterward, they celebrated with their families and friends. Two weeks later, Ashley lured Samantha to their new apartment, still under construction. “I convinced the developer to let us…