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 
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Preview: Alexis’s Boudoir with Kate Ignatowski

Styling by Mandy Forlenza Sticos  Photography by Kate Ignatowski

Just as Spring was first creeping around the corner, Kate Ignatowski and I worked on our third boudoir session.   It was botanical inspired and the flower colors were spectacular!  Here are two preview photos + lots more to follow!

Styling by Mandy Forlenza Sticos  Photography by Kate Ignatowski

Photography:  Kate Ignatowski, Styling:  Mandy Forlenza Sticos,  Flowers provided by:  Blooms by the Box, Lingerie: Zinke,  Model:  Alexis Katsafanas

DIY: Glass Door Knob Bud Vases featured on Wedding Chicks

Glass Door Knob DIY by Mandy Forlenza Sticos @ Little Vintage Rentals NYC

Finding a new use for an old favorite is a daily goal.  As an owner of a vintage rental company, my specialty is dusting off buried treasures and breathing life and functionality into them.   I love watching the beauty resurface like it did for these re-purposed glass door knobs as mini bud vases.

This feature can be seen on Wedding Chicks today and I am thrilled!   Yes, these little beauties are for rent too.

Glass Door Knob DIY by Mandy Forlenza Sticos @ Little Vintage Rentals NYC

Here are my 5 easy steps to pretty little bud vases for your next vintage inspired event:

1.  Scour flea markets and yard sales for some dusty old door knobs!  Be sure to check for any sharp chips in the glass.

Glass Door Knob DIY by Mandy Forlenza Sticos @ Little Vintage Rentals NYC

2. If you happen upon a set with the connecting rod in place, use a screwdriver to loosen the screw and the rod will drop out.

Glass Door Knob DIY by Mandy Forlenza Sticos @ Little Vintage Rentals NYC

3.  Be sure to tighten once you’re done to avoid loose screws scattered on the dinner table!

Glass Door Knob DIY by Mandy Forlenza Sticos @ Little Vintage Rentals NYC

4.  Decide whether you want to keep the patina on the metal.  If so, just wipe with a warm soapy cloth.  If you want them to shine, use a brass or metal cleaner and buff to a shine!

5.  Find your favorite flower, cut to size, drip a small amount of water in the door knob hole and spread them across the table.

Glass Door Knob DIY by Mandy Forlenza Sticos @ Little Vintage Rentals NYC

Two tips to make it look great!

  1. Place door knob bud vases next to votive candles and watch the pattern of the cut glass glow!
  2. Groups of three with coordinating flowers work great.

Glass Door Knob DIY by Mandy Forlenza Sticos @ Little Vintage Rentals NYC

Glass Door Knob DIY by Mandy Forlenza Sticos @ Little Vintage Rentals NYC
Glass Door Knob DIY by Mandy Forlenza Sticos @ Little Vintage Rentals NYC