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Writer's pictureFive Star Officiants

Best Wedding Resources for Brides: Tools, Discounts, and Expert Picks

Updated: Dec 10

Planning your wedding is thrilling—but let’s be real, it can get overwhelming fast. To help, we’ve curated the best tools, products, and services to simplify your wedding planning. Whether you’re finalizing legal details, selecting wedding attire, or gearing up for your honeymoon, these trusted resources will save you time and stress.

Plus, many of these recommendations come with exclusive discounts or benefits when you use our links, helping you make your dream wedding a reality.


happy wedding couple popping champagne bottle

1. Secure Your Prenup with HelloPrenup

Marriage is about love and partnership—but also about being prepared. HelloPrenup simplifies creating a prenuptial agreement with an easy, affordable platform trusted by modern couples.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Complete a legally binding prenup in hours.

  • Save thousands compared to traditional lawyers.

  • Exclusive Discount: Get $25 off through Five Star Officiants using the link below.

2. Simplify Your Name Change After the Wedding

Changing your name after the wedding can feel overwhelming, but two of our favorite tools make it a breeze by providing you with all the forms and instructions you need, tailored to your situation:

  • HitchSwitch: Offers easy-to-follow packages to guide you through every step. Perfect for couples who want everything streamlined.

  • NewlyNamed: Another excellent option for brides seeking simplicity, with packages designed to fit your unique needs.

No matter which you choose, you’ll save hours of hassle compared to doing it alone.



3. Plan Your Honeymoon Registry: Honeyfund vs. Zola

Looking to fund your dream honeymoon? Both Honeyfund and Zola offer excellent ways for guests to contribute to your travels. Here’s how they compare:

Feature

Honeyfund

Zola

Focus

Honeymoon-specific funds

Comprehensive registry for gifts and funds

Ease of Use

Tailored for honeymoon needs

Offers more registry variety (gifts + cash)

Fees

No platform fee; optional premium upgrades

2.5% cash fund transaction fee


With Honeyfund, your guests can contribute directly to your dream experiences—think honeymoon adventures, romantic dinners, or even a down payment on your first home. Unlike traditional registries, Honeyfund specializes in flexible, cash-based gifting, making it easy to fund what matters most to you. And with no fees for standard contributions, it’s an affordable way to make your dreams a reality.


🌴 Explore Honeyfund for honeymoon-specific funds


Zola takes the hassle out of traditional wedding registries by offering one seamless platform for everything you need. With Zola, you can register for cash funds, physical gifts, and even experiences—all in one place. The platform's sleek interface makes it easy for your guests to find the perfect gift, while tools like customizable thank-you lists help you stay organized. Plus, Zola offers perks like free shipping, price-matching, and group gifting, making it both convenient and cost-effective



4. Wedding Attire for Brides and Grooms: Rent the Runway, Kleinfeld Again, Indochino

Finding the perfect wedding look doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. For brides and bridesmaids, Rent the Runway offers designer dresses for rent. Another great option is Kleinfeld Again, where brides can buy preowned wedding dresses and sample wedding dresses. For grooms and groomsmen, Indochino creates custom-made suits at a fraction of designer prices.

Why You’ll Love Them:


5. Travel in Style with Away or Samsonite

Your honeymoon is your first adventure as a married couple—travel in style! Away and Samsonite offer premium luggage options designed to suit every traveler.

Why You’ll Love Them:

  • Away: Modern designs with smart features like built-in chargers.

  • Samsonite: Trusted, reliable luggage options for any budget.

6. Choose the Perfect Wedding Rings with Top Brands

Finding the perfect wedding rings can be daunting, but these brands make it easier:

  • Blue Nile: Elegant and timeless options for men and women.

  • Brilliant Earth: Ethical, eco-friendly diamonds.

  • James Allen: Virtual try-on and competitive pricing for high-quality designs.


What’s the best way to use these resources together before and after my wedding? Suggested timeline:


Using these resources in a strategic workflow can streamline your wedding planning and make the entire process smoother. Here’s a suggested timeline:

  1. Start with HelloPrenup If you and your partner are considering a prenuptial agreement, begin here. HelloPrenup simplifies the process with an affordable, collaborative platform designed for engaged couples. Finalizing your prenup early gives you peace of mind to focus on the rest of your planning.

  2. Set Up Your Budget with Honeyfund Use Honeyfund to plan and manage your wedding finances. Whether you’re saving for your honeymoon, a new home, or other major expenses, Honeyfund lets you create a cash registry that doubles as a financial planning tool. Share your registry with guests early to kickstart contributions.

  3. Build Your Wedding Registry on Zola For physical gifts and a broader range of registry options, Zola complements Honeyfund perfectly. Add traditional gifts like kitchenware or group gifting options for big-ticket items like furniture. Zola’s easy integration with your wedding website makes it seamless for guests to navigate.

  4. Coordinate Attire with Rent the Runway and Indochino As your wedding day approaches, finalize your attire. Brides and bridesmaids can explore designer rentals through Rent the Runway or Kleinfeld Again, while grooms and groomsmen benefit from Indochino’s custom suits and tuxedos. Coordinate fittings and rentals to align with your wedding theme.

  5. Plan Travel and Luggage Needs with Away or Samsonite Once your honeymoon is planned, invest in reliable luggage. Away and Samsonite offer durable, stylish travel gear to keep your journey stress-free.

  6. Handle Post-Wedding Details with HitchSwitch or NewlyNamed After the wedding, use HitchSwitch or NewlyNamed to simplify the name-change process. These services guide you through every step, saving hours of paperwork and effort.

By following this sequence, you’ll cover all major wedding planning bases, from prenup preparation to post-wedding logistics, in an efficient and stress-free way.


newly married couple showing off their wedding bands

FAQs About Wedding Planning Resources

1. Why Do You Recommend These Brands?

We partner with companies we trust to bring you the best resources for your wedding. Some links may earn us a small affiliate commission for sending interested brides and grooms their way, but we only promote products that align with our values and your needs.


2. Why should I use a cash fund registry like Honeyfund or Zola?

A cash fund registry simplifies gifting by allowing your guests to contribute directly to meaningful experiences, like your dream honeymoon or a new home. Both Honeyfund and Zola offer secure, easy-to-use platforms that help you customize your registry to reflect your unique needs. Unlike traditional registries, cash funds let guests feel like they’re giving something truly special and personal.


Should I choose Honeyfund or Zola for my registry?

The choice between Honeyfund and Zola depends on your priorities. Honeyfund is best for couples focusing on cash gifts and experiences, especially for honeymoons or other travel-related expenses. Zola is more comprehensive, offering the ability to register for cash funds, physical gifts, and even group gifting options. If you’re looking for a more traditional gift registry alongside cash funds, Zola might be the better fit.

3. How do name-change services like HitchSwitch or NewlyNamed work?

Name-change services are designed to save you time and frustration when updating your name after marriage. Both HitchSwitch and NewlyNamed provide personalized kits that include everything you need to make the process seamless. From pre-filled forms to detailed instructions, these services help you navigate complex legal requirements with ease. NewlyNamed also offers gender-neutral options, making it inclusive for all couples.

4. What’s the difference between Rent the Runway and Indochino?

Rent the Runway specializes in stunning bridal, bridesmaid, and guest attire for women. You can rent designer gowns and accessories for a fraction of the purchase price, making it an excellent choice for one-time wear. Indochino, on the other hand, focuses on custom suits and tuxedos for grooms and groomsmen. Their made-to-measure designs ensure the perfect fit, and the personalized tailoring experience adds an extra layer of sophistication to your wedding look.

5. Are there any discounts available for these services?

Yes! For example, when you use Five Star Officiants to access HelloPrenup, you can save $25 on their prenup services. Unfortunately, not all partners offer discounts, but we’ve vetted each resource to ensure it delivers exceptional value for your wedding planning journey.

6. What’s the best time to start shopping for wedding rings?

We recommend starting your wedding ring shopping at least 3–6 months before your wedding. This allows enough time for browsing, customizations, and adjustments if needed. Popular brands like Blue Nile, James Allen, and Brilliant Earth are excellent starting points. They offer a wide range of styles and competitive pricing, and some even provide virtual consultations to make the process easier.

7. Are there resources for planning a last-minute wedding or elopement?

Absolutely! If you’re planning a quick wedding, check out our guide to last-minute elopements for tips and recommendations. Services like Rent the Runway, Honeyfund, and HitchSwitch are particularly helpful for short timelines, as they offer quick and convenient solutions without compromising quality.

8. How do affiliate partnerships work?

Affiliate partnerships allow us to recommend high-quality services while earning a small commission if you make a purchase through our links. This helps us keep our content free and ensures we can continue sharing valuable resources with you. Rest assured, every recommendation is thoroughly vetted to prioritize your needs and satisfaction.

happy black lgbtq gay couple celebrating wedding

Simplify Your Wedding Planning Today

Your wedding journey should be joyful, not stressful. These resources are designed to simplify your planning, leaving you more time to focus on what matters most: celebrating your love.



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