By: B. Todi, Dark Garden Unique Corsetry

This afternoon I sat down with Autumn Adamme, owner and designer of Dark Garden Unique Corsetry and Le Jardin Bridal Couture, and asked what advice she has for people getting married. Given that she designs over 500 wedding ensembles per year, has been to countless weddings and has been married herself, it is not surprising that her advice is so practical it could apply to everyday living.

1. Appoint a Designated Question Answerer. This is especially important for a DIY bride. The “DQA” can be the maid of honor or the best butch, or simply your bossiest friend. It should be someone who is with you for much of the planning process that knows your answers, or knows you well enough to judge when they can answer in your place. The questions you will be asked on the day will range from “Where do you want the florist to put the flowers?” to “Just how soon will you be ready?” to “I thought you didn’t want children here. What should I tell your friend that brought his 6 year old?” Having someone to take care of these simple yet endless questions will free you up to enjoy
yourself.

2. Coordinate your clothing with your intended. The two of you should look like you belong next to each other. Whether through color or silhouette, matching or contrasting, make a choice that looks deliberate.

3. Give yourself time cushions. If someone else is doing your hair and/or make-up, double their time estimate. Really! But don’t tell them. Almost all delays at a wedding are due to either hair or make-up taking longer than planned. And with so many people to consider (from guests, to your intended, to professionals you’ve hired) the stress of being late is a bad way to start the day.

4. Give other people time cushions. If your friend is making your wedding ensemble, tell them you must have it a week sooner than you really want it-then if they run behind schedule, you won’t be stressed.

5. Have the pronoun/title discussion earlier rather than later. At some time, well in advance of the rehearsal dinner (or other first meeting), make time to speak with your families to let them know your partner’s preferences when it comes to pronouns and/or titles. She/He, Bride/Bride, Bride/Groom, Partner, Wife, Husband, Spouse…Beloved.

Tags: Autumn Adamme, Dark Garden Unique Corsetry, gay wedding, Le Jardin Bridal Couture, lesbian wedding, Rehearsal Dinner, same-sex wedding, Stress-Free Wedding, transgender wedding, Wedding Clothing, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Gown, Wedding Planning