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Wedding planner Tiffany Nieves-Cook, of Dream Design Weddings and Events, knows a thing or two about weddings. Not only has she planned them for plenty of high-profile clients, but she also designed her own wedding — including the custom bar and centerpieces pictured here — earlier this month! She shared a few insider wedding-planning tips with us; whether you're hiring a planner or doing the dirty work yourself, read on for her thoughts on planning the look of your big day.
  • It's all about the feeling. As you're planning your wedding's decor, think about more than just how you want it to look. "I would encourage clients to consider their personal style and what they want their wedding to feel like — more of the ambiance or experience they want their guests to have rather than merely a color or style," Tiffany says.
  • Collect photos of decor you like. The first step in planning a couple's wedding, says Tiffany, is getting to know their individual personalities and style. "I review photos of decor that the client is drawn to; this usually offers one or two main components, which sparks the concept. Once started, the whole concept takes on a life of its own and comes together in a magical way."
Keep reading for more tips!
  • Add texture. Texture is a huge wedding trend right now, says Tiffany: "Loads of texture, [from] invitations to linens, and wedding gowns. Texture is big for 2011 and 2012."
  • Customize! "To take things to the next level for clients, including celebrities. I like to build custom pieces, from sweetheart and cake tables to props and backdrops," says Tiffany. "This gives the client custom, one-of-a-kind decor elements that will make their wedding even more spectacular."
  • On a budget? Use color. The right use of color can up the "wow" factor on any budget, Tiffany says. "Think deep, rich jewel tones, but use them through the whole wedding — linens, flowers, DIY menu cards, etc. This will create an opulent look that is warm and inviting, and won't break the bank."
Photos courtesy UDS Photo