Experts: The Insider Traders

Your jobs seem to be equal parts concierge and matchmaker. How do you pair clients with vendors?
KB: We look for a lot of key words. We had a couple who came in wanting to “honor local.” They live over in the Seaport and love their neighborhood. We recommended the Epicenter as a venue, and we recommended Chive catering—because they pull all their food from local farms—and the bride and groom loved it.

Where do you suggest brides start with their planning?
KB: You want to decide what wedding style you’d like, what your guest list will look like, the time of year you want to get married, your budget, and how you want to celebrate with your guests. Then start researching venues and vendors.

What can be left for later?  
KB: Spa treatments! Treat yourself. Right before the wedding you should honestly be pampering yourself. Don’t leave any of the heavy load for a couple of weeks before. Just tie up loose ends and enjoy it.

Even with all the help, a bride-to-be can still get anxious. Do you have a go-to mantra to help prevent spiraling?
KB: “Take it one step at a time.” When you try to do everything at once, it’s too much. But if you take it piece by piece and have a timeline and a budget in your head, it’s much more manageable.

Boston Bridal Lounge, 125 Newbury St., Boston, 617-236-0005, bostonbridallounge.com.

Photograph by Scott M. Lacey

Expert’s Tips: From bruneau and granas, bridal goodies to add to your wish list.

Nambé tableware   These pieces are great for entertaining as well as for everyday use. Condiment Set, >> $185, Shreve, Crump & Low.

Photograph by Scott M. Lacey

La Perla lingerie   The bridal collection is luxurious and sexy, and offers gorgeous pieces to wear on your special day and honeymoon. Masquerade Babydoll, >> $350, La Perla.

Photograph by Scott M. Lacey

Neil Morris custom fragrances    Morris will build a fragrance directly on your skin, drop by drop, until it becomes the perfect scent for you. >> $475 and up, Neil Morris Fragrances.