10 Styling Tools For Wedding Professionals

What do wedding planners, photographers and stylists have in common? They all want to create beautiful flat lays and style wedding details to perfection. However, without the proper tools, it’s a struggle.

As un-sexy as it might be, here is the “tool” installation of my must haves in a styling kit.  Add these to your cart and they will ease worries on set or at a wedding.

  1. Acrylic Blocks – Whether propping paper goods or just providing height and dimension to a photo, these clear gems are a winner.  I recommend having at least 5 sizes, one small enough for a postage stamp and one on the thicker side.
  2. Instant Tacky– A little goes a long way.  Hold down stubborn envelope flaps, ribbon and just about anything to get the perfect shot!
  3. Electric Candle Lighter – Matches run out and are easily lost. This re-chargeable gas-less lighter is a must have at events.  The flexible neck that reaches any wick is amazing!
  4. Shout Wipes – Clean dress= happy bride.  Great for those grass stains during outdoor photos. The ‘to go’ packets are the best!
  5. Spray Bottle – There isn’t always an outlet or steamer at arm’s reach.  On those occasions, an old fashioned spray bottle will get a stubborn wrinkle out of a dress or even table linen. Thank me later when you’re at Central Park doing a styled shoot.
  6. Fashion Tape – When fabric just won’t lay correctly or a dress is a tad revealing; fashion tape is the answer.  A double sided tape that is skin and fabric safe, yes please!  I love the dot version as well.
  7. Mini Lint Roller- A small lint roller can clean up a styling mat, ring box and even bit of flowers/leaves that fall from a bouquet. It’s also amazing to have since most wedding professionals I know wear black to events!
  8. Glass Wipes – Get streaks and dirt off mirrors, windows, styling trays and even wipe down a diamond ring when you’re in a pinch.
  9. Pins – This set of white and black safety pins will help keep droopy boutonnieres in place for photos.  Be sure to have a set of white tip straight pins as well!
  10. Practice – This ‘tool’ isn’t tangible, but it will make the biggest difference. Practice with your tools before the big day and consider investing in a one-one-one curated photo shoot or joining me at a styled shoot for photographers.

Follow on Instagram for more styling tips in 2020!

Photo by Siobhan Stanton, Styled by Mandy Forlenza Sticos, Flowers supplied by Blooms by the Box, Earrings by Nina Shoes 
This post contains affiliate links
Advertisement

January 2015 Recap: Little Vintage Rentals

mywedding magazine  Photogreaphy Kate Ignatowski  Creative Direction Mandy Forlenza Sticos 1

Photography Kate Ignatowski  Creative Direction Mandy Forlenza Sticos

It was a GREAT start to 2015 with lots of fun projects!  Above, some of our vintage props made an appearance in the digital mywedding magazine and I creatively directed + styled the photo shoot!  I worked with so many favorite vendors so be sure to check out the online magazine + the print version on newsstands February 17!

Jove Meyer Events The Knot Magazine

Our vintage glassware + milk glass vases were featured in The Knot Magazine thanks to event planner Jove Meyer.  His color palette for this shoot is so vibrant + fun!

Kamila Harris Photography

Photography Kamila Harris Color Story Board by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

I helped design photographer Kamila Harris’ booth for the Lovesick Expo.  All of the imagery used in her story board (directly above) was her own to ensure she’d attract clients that were truly her style.  Isn’t she the cutest!?  Check out her amazing work here.

And finally, I had too much teaching styling to the mini fashionistas at The Fashion Class!  Below is some of the of the amazing “styling” work from the students who are only ages 6-12.  It’s such a great experience for kids interested in fashion + me too!

The Fashion Class NYC

The Fashion Class

Esther Jean Hair Accessories

by Esther Jean

A while back we got to do a mini photo shoot with Fiona Melder and the vintage inspired hair accessories by Esther Jean.  The are all so soft + delicate; which one is your favorite?

Photo by Fiona Melder Accessories by Esther Jean

Photo by Fiona Melder Accessories by Esther Jean

Photo by Fiona Melder Accessories by Esther Jean

Photo by Fiona Melder Accessories by Esther Jean

Photo by Fiona Melder Accessories by Esther Jean

Photography: Fiona Melder / Hair Accessories: Esther Jean / Styling: Mandy Forlenza Sticos / Hair & Makeup: Rosemarie Bernardo / Model: Sietzka For Fenton Moon / Dress: Ruche / Assistant Stylist: Angela Kostaras

Simple Dessert Displays

Cake Display

In the land of over the top celebrations, I gravitate toward a simple display for desserts.  In my opinion, less is more.  By ordering dozens of different petit fours you’re only creating chaos, not good design.  Here are a few dessert displays that kept it low key and home grown.

Shabby Chic Cake Display

Wedding Cake Vintage Suitcase

Dessert Display

Enjoy this post?  Don’t forget to check out a dessert display Little Vintage Rentals created which was featured on 100 Layer Cake here.

Photography Credits (1) Kassie Moore  (2) Amanda Basteen  (3) Kayla Adams & Co. (4) Best Photography