Slay on your big day with these too-cool tips.

Photo by Carol Jean Photography

1. Explore the Great Outdoors.

Don’t feel obligated to stay city-bound when it comes to your engagement photos. Find an open space as big as your love, like Eric and Kathryn did with this Mount Laguna shoot, by Carol Jean Photography.

Photo by Leaf Wedding Photography

2. Go Green.

Do flowers ever feel too sweet? Fill your centerpieces with kale and cabbage instead (like this creation from Blooms by Breesa Lee) for an unexpected twist on the greenery trend.

Photo by Leaf Wedding Photography

3. Say “I Do” at a Brewery.

You don’t have to like beer to fall in love with a brewery. The Wood Shed’s industrial-boho space (left) is connected to Vista’s Booze Brothers Brewing Co. and The Mission Brewery’s Loft & Cellar is rustic elegance defined.

Photo by Half Full Photography

4. Give Black Suits a Break.

Black may be tried and true,  but navy is a classic hue that will amp up any groom’s style (this pic from Half Full Photography is proof).

Photo by SheWanders Photography

5. Pretty Up Your Pet.

Will your furry family member be part of your nuptials? Making sure they feel festive is part of the fun, and this flower leash by Huntress Floral kills us with cuteness.

Photo by Blessed Wedding Photography

6. Say Yes to Suds.

Craft beer is all the rage, so don’t you dare leave your guests high and dry. Serve up some local faves and special-to-you brews, like this couple did, shot by Blessed Wedding Photography.

Photo by Eisenhower Photography

7. Add Something Blue.

Give your desert-chic bouquet a moody hue, with striking succulents in purple and blue. Just look at this stunner shot by Eisenhower Photography!

8. Let Your Hair Down.

Updos are nice, but textured wispy layers cascading down your shoulders make for a bombshell mane event that’s a little more wild, like this au naturel look styled by the Boudoir Divas.

9. Light Up Your Night.

Candlelight can only go so far. Set your wedding aglow with a custom light installation, like this luminous backdrop at Ayisha and Matt’s reception, photographed by SheWanders Photography. (See more of Ayisha and Matt’s big day!)

Photo by Jarrod J Photo

10. Get Artsy.

Your wedding may only last a day, but your decor can last a lifetime! Have an artist make custom pieces for your fete (like this ceremony backdrop painted by Samantha Louise Marett, samanthalouisemoments.com), and you can enjoy them long after the honeymoon is over.