Planning a wedding does not come without questions or things you didn't think of, so we asked 10 veteran wedding professionals to share some pointers and key pieces of advice that are essential for the soon to-be-wed. Remember these tips as you plan your big day!

Beth Pallett, Wedding Planner | Engaging Events

Having an organized wedding day does not mean your event will be formal. The most laid back weddings are the ones that have all the details figured out ahead of time.

Kristi Midgette, Photographer | Kristi Midgette Photography

The best gift you can give yourself is to hire an experienced day of coordinator. This will allow you, your family, and friends to enjoy your wedding day while allowing the professionals to handle all the details.

Chad Miller, Equipment Rentals | Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals

As much as we wish we could accurately predict the weather on your special day, we know only as much as you do. Weather can change at any given time, so it is always recommended to have a tent if your venue does not have an indoor option. Many steps must be taken to secure a tent and this must be done well in advance of your event. Be proactive, and rent a tent to save yourself from stressing about the weather on your special day.

Brenda Zeigler, Planner | To Have and to Hold OBX

Make sure to pay all of your vendors ahead of time. The last thing you want to do on your wedding day is take time to pay off your final balances. The more you do ahead of time the better off you are in the end. Just get it off your plate.

Linda Taylor, Beauty & Spa | It's Royalty Salon

If your wedding ceremony is going to be outside, consider doing your hair in an updo. That way you will not have to worry about the wind blowing hair in your face during pictures. 

Dorothy Heath-Morris, Floral & Decor | Bells & Whistles

Wedding insurance is one of the best investments you can make. Be sure to get both liability and cancellation coverage. It will provide you with piece of mind at a very minimal cost.

Debra Sinkage, Caterer | Argyles Events and Catering

If you are not working with a planner please be sure to provide your vendors with a detailed wedding day timeline. This will help your vendors know how you would like the day to flow.

Matt Cooper, DJ | Outer Banks Music Masters

Trust your DJ to read the crowd and mix up the music. This makes it more likely that the majority of your guests will have a good time and dance.

Tammy Tobin, Ceremony & Reception Site | The Pavilion at Pirate's Cove Marina

Don't be afraid to ask questions! If you have a special request please ask. Each of your vendors wants your day to be special. Stay in contact with your vendors throughout the process to make your day stress-free.

Johanna Lachine, Caterer | Cafe Lachine

Don't feel confined to a catering menu. Chefs are excited to create a custom menu that reflects your vision and tastes. A great way to add a personal touch to your special day is to incorporate a cherished family recipe.

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Looking for more information from OBX wedding vendors? Simply fill out the Contact Vendors form to reach out to professionals who will respond to your request. It makes planning and acquiring info and availability that much easier!

The Outer Banks Wedding Association is excited to meet with tons of prospective couples who plan to wed on the Outer Banks at the DC Wedding Experience this weekend, April 15 at the Dulles Convention Center! 

Visit our booth #143 to win one of two packages with tickets to this summer's OBX Wedding Fest and other Outer Banks wedding swag, and grab a complimentary issue of Outer Banks Weddings Magazine! 

Purchase your tickets for the D.C. Wedding Experience online and get 50% off with promo code HALF!

We hope to see you on Sunday!

Photo: Sarah Keenan Creative

Whether you're looking for an event home or a place to house your family and bridal party for your OBX wedding week, Beach Realty & Construction - Kitty Hawk Rentals has no shortage of either that will perfectly accommodate your needs. Beach Realty's OBX vacation rentals and wedding event homes are tailored to fit every size and budget. 

From the 4x4 in Carova to Nags Head and every town in between, there are many stunning homes that can be rented side-by-side or close by for quick walks to and from each other. If you want to experience a wonderful guest experience and impressive homes, learn more about Beach Realty for your Outer Banks wedding accommodations on their vendor page!

"4 Capes"

"Joshua's Tiki Hut"

"Big Mama"

Images from Beach Realty & Construction / Kitty Hawk Rental

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Courtney and Paul's December wedding is pure elegance. Its clean, simplistic, classic style adds to that romantic feeling that is brought about by the slower pace of life during the Outer Banks' off-season. After sealing the deal at a church located just off the Duck Boardwalk, the newlyweds and their bridal party headed outside for photos in the gorgeous golden light. Their reception venue was decorated to perfection with gorgeous pink, ivory and silver accents. See the elegance for yourself below!

Photographer | Ryan & Rach Photography

Reception Site | Sanderling Resort

Floral & Decor | Sugar Snap Events

Hair & Makeup | Lovie's Salon and Spa

Cake & Confections | Great Cakes! of the Outer Banks

Equipment Rentals | Metro Rental

FROM THE COUPLE

Why did you chose the Outer Banks for your wedding?

We both grew up going to visit the Outer Banks in the summertime. We love the home away from home feel of Duck, NC.

What was your absolute favorite part of your wedding day?

My favorite part of the wedding was probably the first look! It was so special to share that moment with my husband. We both enjoyed the reception so much and being able to celebrate with all of our friends and family.

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An Outer Banks wedding means gorgeous landscapes and talented wedding vendors, creating a magical mix you'll want to relive and see from a perspective that you weren't able to on your wedding day. We know you will be moved by the way Coastal DJ & Video's professional team captures the essence of your day by making your wedding video unique, creative, and personal. Watch a couple of their teasers and visit the Coastal DJ & Video vendor page for more information!

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The Outer Banks is one of the most popular destination wedding locations in the country. The Outer Banks Wedding Association (OBWA) provides informative resources and access to over 250 local, passionate, and reliable wedding professionals on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. For over 20 years, OBWA has proudly represented a carefully curated group of vendors whose businesses are driven by their love for our coast, the wedding industry, and relationships with their fellow professionals located in Dare, Currituck and Hyde counties.

If you are looking for a way to get around on your wedding day in style, look no further than Island Limousine and Taxi! Whether booked for the entire wedding weekend or a quick ride from the ceremony to the reception, their team has been a valuable, trusted asset for countless Outer Banks brides, grooms and bridal parties for years.

We are honored to have Island Limousine and Taxi as a long-time member of The Outer Banks Wedding Association. Check out a few photos of their fleet and see their vendor page to reserve their services for your next event!

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The Outer Banks is one of the most popular coastal wedding destinations in the country, and the Outer Banks Wedding Association is the premier service organization for wedding professionals located in Currituck, Dare, and Hyde counties. With approximately 300 members strong, our organization offers the best resources to brides and those planning events in the Outer Banks. Known for it's popular Outer Banks Bride Magazine and destination wedding inspiration, the Outer Banks Wedding Association boasts local and national recognition.

Wedding Date: May 6, 2017

We love when a bride goes against the grain. For a unique look, Michelle wore a stunning blush colored Hayley Paige wedding gown while her bridesmaids donned white dresses. With 150 guests and a large bridal party, Ryan and Michelle had a rocking celebration. They started out the evening with their first dance around the pool, followed by dinner inside the Lodge. After cutting their almost too-pretty-to-eat cake, the couple and guests enjoyed the evening dancing under the stars. Their soft, delicate details are about as picture perfect as they come, and their love emitted from each image is simply contagious.

Photographer | Neil GT Photography

Ceremony & Reception Site | Pine Island Lodge

Planner | To Have and To Hold OBX

Officiant | I Do OBX Weddings

Floral & Decor | The Embellishers

Caterer | Black Pelican Catering

Cake | Just Desserts

DJ | Coastal DJ & Video

Equipment Rentals | I Do OBX Chairs (ceremony setup); Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals (reception setup)

Wedding Date: October 6, 2017

Dan and Shannon escaped the hustle of Long Island for a relaxed celebration on the beach that they both had vacationed at as kids. Their wedding mimicked the natural look and feel of the OBX with a color palette inspired by sea glass. Touches of macrame, wildflowers and natural greenery pair against natural wood tables completed the boho-meets-beach vibe they wanted. Their Outer Banks Wedding Association vendors helped to make their day radiate with happiness and created a relaxed atmosphere for an unforgettable OBX wedding.

Photographer | Ryan & Rach Photography

Reception Site | The Black Stallion

Coordinator | Southern Hospitality Weddings & Events

Floral & Decor | Renee Landry Events

Hair & Makeup | Lovie's Salon and Spa

Caterer | Red Sky Cafe

Cake & Confections | Icing on the Cakes

Cocktail Hour Musician | Graham Outten Music

DJ | DJ Bruce (I Do OBX Entertainment)

Equipment Rentals | Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals; Ceremony Chairs - I Do OBX Chairs

FROM THE COUPLE:

Why did you chose the Outer Banks for your wedding destination?

We were looking for a destination wedding not too far from home. We had both vacationed all along the Outer Banks as kids but hadn’t been back in years. Once we started looking at houses and reviewing vendors in the area, we knew this was the place for us! We also loved the idea of renting a large house and doing everything the way we envisioned!

What was your absolute favorite part of your wedding day?

Although we had the most wonderful week ever, and each part of our day was special in its own way, we both agreed that it was the late night pool party with all of our guests! 

Whether it's a song you grew up listening to or one that shares special meaning between you and your future spouse, there's something about it being performed live that gives you all the feels.

Music is such a big part of your wedding, and whether you'd love live tunes for your ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception, Steve Hauser can provide it.

Steve Hauser is a popular local professional musician who can perform solo, in a duo (The Break), or with a full band that will make your day an unforgettable one.

Steve plays a vast collection of tunes, from alternative, indie, classic rock, rock and roll, and can throw in a little country, reggae, blues and more. Between his repertoire and ability to learn your favorites, we know you'll love working with him! 

We're glad to have Steve as a member of OBWA and to share his musical talents for today's member feature! Visit Steve's vendor page to contact him and to learn more.

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The Outer Banks is one of the most popular destination wedding locations in the country. The Outer Banks Wedding Association (OBWA) provides informative resources and access to nearly 300 local, passionate, and reliable wedding professionals on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. For 25 years, OBWA has proudly represented a carefully curated group of vendors whose businesses are driven by their love for our coast, the wedding industry, and relationships with their fellow professionals located in Dare, Currituck and Hyde counties.

If you're looking to rent one-of-a-kind furnishings and décor for your wedding day, we're confident you'll adore working with Amaranth + Artifact.

From backdrops and ceiling installations to sweetheart tables and a lounge area, each aspect of your décor and space designed by Amaranth + Artifact is truly stylish and special. 

After getting to know your personal style style, Jessie uses her imagination and creativity to pick pieces from her vast array of equipment rentals to make the design cohesive with your florals and entire reception's vision.

To learn more, visit Amaranth + Artifact's vendor page.

Lundy Photography

Sarah D'Ambra Photography

Amanda Hedgepeth Photography

Ryan and Rach Photography

Caroline Jarvis Photography 

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The Outer Banks is one of the most popular destination wedding locations in the country. The Outer Banks Wedding Association (OBWA) provides informative resources and access to nearly 300 local, passionate, and reliable wedding professionals on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. For 25 years, OBWA has proudly represented a carefully curated group of vendors whose businesses are driven by their love for our coast, the wedding industry, and relationships with their fellow professionals located in Dare, Currituck and Hyde counties.