Planning to propose? In the midst of organizing your big day? Putting the finishing touches on the celebration?
Then this one’s for you. I recently sat down with Élodie and Lilia, the inspiring duo behind The Wedding Explorer, a platform dedicated to helping brides-to-be find wedding looks and accessories that reflect their personal style, far from clichés or cookie-cutter trends.
Together, they shared their best advice and inspiration for planning a wedding that’s as meaningful as it is unforgettable. From trends to insider tips, here’s how to make your big day truly your own.
First things first, tell us a bit about yourselves. How did you meet?
Élodie
I’ve worked in digital marketing for over ten years and have always had a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Before this adventure, I was helping pharmaceutical companies build their digital strategies. The Wedding Explorer actually started as a side project, something creative I could pour my energy into outside of work. It was refreshing to explore a completely different world.
Lilia
I’ve always had that entrepreneurial drive too, I even dabbled in pastry-making at one point! These days, I work in executive management in the IT sector. I handle the business development side of things, while Élodie is more into the creative and tech aspects. We make a great team.
As for how we met, we go way back! We’ve been friends for over 13 years; our husbands are best friends. I’ve followed the evolution of The Wedding Explorer from day one and always admired Élodie’s creativity. When she told me she was looking for a co-founder to take the project further, I offered to help out at a wedding fair. That same week, she got invited to exhibit. It felt like the universe was nudging us forward. After that event, it all clicked, we knew we were meant to build this together.
Where did the idea for The Wedding Explorer come from?
Élodie
It all started from personal experience, and a lot of frustration. When I was planning my own wedding, I couldn’t find anything that felt like me, especially when it came to dresses and accessories. Even planning a New York wedding from France was a logistical headache. That’s when I decided to start a blog to share inspiration and ideas for modern brides.
Lilia
The idea really took shape when Élodie was organizing her wedding from afar. She was doing everything solo, and the lack of options, especially stylish, contemporary ones, was glaring. The experience made us realize how outdated the wedding world could feel, especially for women who are used to a more digital, personalized approach.
That’s where The Wedding Explorer comes in. We wanted to shake things up and bring a fresh, inclusive, and modern perspective to bridal fashion. Our mantra? “Your wedding, your way.” We want brides to feel free to express themselves and choose what truly feels right, not just what tradition dictates.
What does marriage mean to you?
Lilia
To me, it’s a commitment. A real one.
Élodie
For me, it’s about celebrating love, out loud.
Do you have any personal stories about wedding jewelry?
Élodie
After my wedding, I felt like I wanted something more, something symbolic beyond the engagement and wedding rings. I found a beautiful piece at Gemmyo that reminded me of New York, where I got married. I haven’t taken it off since! I also had three different outfits for my wedding, including a traditional dress, and jewelry played a big role in completing each look. I wore pieces in my hair, on my wrist… and the belt my mom brought from Laos made everything extra special.
Lilia
In my culture, it’s traditional for the bride to change outfits several times, and each one comes with its own jewelry. My mom even passed down some heirloom pieces from my grandmother. My first real jewelry pieces came with my wedding, gold given as part of the bridal dowry. It wasn’t extravagant, but it was full of meaning. For me, jewelry is never about the price tag, it’s about the story behind it.
What gemstone feels most symbolic for an engagement ring?
Élodie
I’m definitely a diamond girl!
Lilia
Same here, probably because it’s the classic choice. It symbolizes purity, and it’s timeless. That said, I’d love to explore other gemstones too, I know there’s a whole world out there.
What’s your advice for choosing an engagement ring or wedding band?
Lilia
Listen to your instincts. You’re the one wearing it every day, so make sure it feels like you. Forget what people say you “should” get. If you’re not used to wearing statement pieces, don’t feel like you have to go for something flashy just because it’s a ring.
Élodie
Exactly. Unlike the wedding dress, which you only wear once, the ring stays with you for life. Take the time to find one that truly resonates with who you are. I think I spent just as much time choosing my ring as I did my dress!
What makes a great proposal, in your opinion?
Lilia
Pay attention to the little things. And don’t hesitate to reach out to your partner’s close friends for advice, they usually know what would make her heart skip a beat. The best proposals are personal and intimate.
Élodie
I agree, it’s not about going viral or putting on a show. A proposal should feel authentic to your relationship. The grand gestures are great, but it’s the meaning behind them that matters most.
When it comes to planning a wedding, what should couples prioritize first?
Lilia
Well, I’ll be honest, I went straight to a bridal shop the week after getting engaged! But if I could do it over again, I’d start with the budget. It sets the framework for everything else. Then think about the kind of celebration you want, there’s no one-size-fits-all. We always tell brides: trust your gut. Whether it’s wearing a traditional dress for the ceremony or switching it up for brunch the next day, the most important thing is to feel like yourself and enjoy the moment.
Élodie
The venue is usually the first big decision, it dictates your date, guest count, and even the mood of the day. But above all, take time to dream a little and get clear on what matters to you as a couple. For me, that was an intimate wedding in New York. I did tons of research, over 300 venues! Eventually, budget brought me back to reality. But I don’t regret it, it helped me prioritize what was truly important.
Lilia
Totally. The wedding industry can feel overwhelming, and a lot of brides end up defaulting to big brands or traditional paths. But there’s so much more out there. You just need to slow down, look around, and choose what actually suits you.
What wedding trends are you loving right now?
Lilia
I’m a fan of bridesmaids in coordinated looks, maybe not identical dresses, but something cohesive in color or vibe. It really pulls the whole aesthetic together.
Élodie
I like when each bridesmaid wears something that suits her style, but within the same color palette. It feels more personal and relaxed.
Lilia
One trend I love is the idea of wearing different outfits for different wedding moments, the proposal, the bachelorette, the day-after brunch. And often, these pieces are more versatile, so you can wear them again.
Élodie
Yes! I also love modular looks, dresses with removable sleeves or skirts. They’re practical, elegant, and let you create multiple outfits in one. Accessories are also having a moment, gloves, headbands, and bold jewelry can elevate any bridal look.
What are some overlooked details couples should keep in mind?
Lilia
Taking time for yourself. It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to lose yourself in all the to-dos. Don’t let the planning process wear you out, make space to breathe and enjoy the lead-up.
Élodie
Exactly. The mental load often falls heavily on the bride, sometimes 80% or more. It’s important to carve out moments where you don’t talk about the wedding. And no one really warns you about the “wedding blues”, that strange emptiness that can hit right after the big day. So remember: the journey matters just as much as the destination.
What are the little touches that truly make a difference for guests?
Lilia
To me, nothing beats a handwritten note for each guest. It’s such a simple gesture, but it shows that you’ve taken the time to think about each person. I also love the idea of giving guests the chance to leave a message for the couple, it creates a heartfelt, lasting memory.
Élodie
I agree. A note or a photo at each place setting makes such an impact. It adds a genuine, personal touch, so much more meaningful than the usual favors like sugared almonds. As a bride, I really appreciated the guests who checked in on me, who asked how I was doing rather than just where the wedding was happening at the last minute. Those little gestures show care and presence, and they stay with you.
Bonus round: Your multi-faceted self-portrait…
If you were a piece of jewelry…
Lilia: A necklace.
Élodie: Earrings, they instantly brighten your mood and outfit!
If you were a gemstone…
Élodie: A diamond or a ruby, I love bold color!
Lilia: An emerald.
If you were a dish…
Élodie: Pizza, perfect for sharing!
Lilia: A plate of couscous, also made for sharing, of course!
If you were a book…
Lilia: I think I’d have to write it myself! It would be something like Confidence for Dummies. I’m not super confident, but I give great advice!
Élodie: The Little Prince, it’s always stayed with me. And also The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur. It’s stunning. Her poems about love and her mother move me deeply.
If you were a quote or a mantra…
Élodie: “When nothing goes right, go left.” There’s always another path. When I quit my job, I kept reminding myself to do things with passion, or not at all.
Lilia: We both went through a tough year, and what really stuck with us was this: life is precious, and the present moment matters most.
If you were a song…
Élodie: Aretha Franklin and Beyoncé.
Lilia: Diam’s, I never get tired of her!
If you had a muse…
Lilia & Élodie: Our mothers. They’re at the heart of everything we do. Their support means everything.
If you could pick a honeymoon destination…
Élodie: I went to Hawaii and I dream of going back. It was breathtaking, so beautiful and so diverse.
Lilia: If I were to go today, I think I’d choose a road trip, maybe through Asia or Africa.
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