Monte Durham knows a little bit about weddings.

The fashion director on TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” and owner of Salon Monte, in Alexandria, Va., Durham said via email there are so many ways to customize a wedding and reception.

Looking to the past can create new ideas.

“Something such as using their families’ china or silver,” said Durham, who refers to himself as “Jackie Kennedy’s greatest admirer.” “If there isn’t enough for the entire bridal party, then just use the place settings for the bride and groom.”

Courtesy of Monte Durham Monte Durham, the fashion director on TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” and owner of Salon Monte, in Alexandria, Va. Monte calls himself “Jackie Kennedy’s greatest admirer.” This portait of Kennedy was a gift from the Ronald McDonald Foundation for Durham’s work with underprivileged students.  

Bringing out vintage cake toppers or creating a gallery of old wedding photos and marriage certificates can be a fun way for guests to reminisce.

Monograms are making a comeback and are on trend, he said. Add the couple’s initials to for a cool detail to napkins, the dinner menu or place cards.

Finding the spot for the perfect photo opportunity in addition to where the wedding and reception are being held can be “quite the scavenger hunt,” Durham said.

Find the oldest tree and get a photo or a park bench that’s surrounded by beautiful gardens. Wedding favors can be something such as small plants for a spring wedding to something such as Christmas tree ornaments for holiday nuptials. Think of the season the wedding is in and choose something where guests will remember that time each year.

“I have been very fortunate to attend some beautiful and over the top to very simple weddings,” he said. “Ones that pull at my heart strings are when there is a nod back to the history of both families. Simple things like wearing something from your mother or carrying your grandfathers watch in your flowers.”

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