Spring/Summer 2025 - New Jersey Bride

We've all been there: Your mom thinks you should have chosen a more modest wedding dress. Your MOH says you should spring for the photo booth. Your coworker thinks you’ll regret not hiring a videographer. Meanwhile, your head is spinning from opinion overload.

In our article focused on advice from real brides (page 61), editorial director Julie Gordon poses an essential question: Whose advice should you consider? We’re big fans of taking some guidance and inspiration from real brides and making it your own.

One of our favorite words of wisdom comes from bride Alexandra: “Don’t let anyone else sway your decisions on what you want for your big day.”

In other words, you do you—and don’t feel bad about it!

We’re always in awe of the super unique ideas that couples come up with for their big day. Take bride Estefani Soler. Instead of purchasing a wedding dress, she borrowed one from the Fair Lawn Library, which has a collection of more than 100 vintage gowns (page 114). And in our Real Weddings section, Acia and Corey had entertainers on stilts take their reception up a notch (page 72); Katie and Chris took a boat ride before their cocktail hour (page 84); and Triss and Christopher surprised their guests with a choreographed Zumba routine turned bouquet toss (page 92). How fun!

The bottom line? There are endless ways to stay true to yourself and make your wedding your own. Cheers to doing what makes you happy!