Guerdy Abraira’s Wedding Planning Tips: Pick a Venue Before a Dress

When Guerdy Abraira arrived on the scene for The Real Housewives of Miami Season 4, fans got a crash course in Bravo newbie’s luxury event planning talents. “Everybody knows Guerdy in Miami,” Alexia Nepola raved in the premiere episode. “If there’s an event that’s being thrown here, Guerdy’s the one that’s doing it.” 

With those talents comes a knack for knowing how to properly plan for a wedding — and what to avoid. According to Guerdy, a highly common mistake brides make is purchasing a wedding dress before deciding on a venue. 

“These women go out and they buy their dress first without knowing where they’re getting married,” Guerdy told PEOPLE during a recent interview. “If you’re getting married on the beach, what the hell are you wearing, a Cinderella dress? What are we doing? Shouldn’t it be more like a mermaidy, flowy, Gone with the Wind fabulous dress?”

“That’s what brides always forget; start with where the wedding is going to be, what month it’s going to be in, how many people it’ll be, etc. — then go dress shopping,” she continued. “Are you having a fall wedding in a barn? A tropical destination wedding on the water? A wedding in some grand hotel? You gotta know.”

The Guerdy Design owner added, “I know getting a dress feels more fun — and every bride dreams about how they’re going to look walking down the aisle — but until you know where that aisle is, girl, you really can’t make an informed decision. You can’t send a save the date if you don’t even know where the hell you’re getting married!”

“I love to make sure that we understand theme and concept and what that vision is first, then venue first, then dress. All that stuff trickles down,” she continued. 

Such sage guidance comes from an experienced wedding planner, something Guerdy definitely feels is worth the cost if you want to throw a proper affair. 

“Duh, obviously you need to hire a wedding planner before all that, honey! That’s implied!” she joked, adding, “Try Geurdy Abraira — if you can afford her!”

Watch The Real Housewives of Miami Thursdays on Peacock and the Bravo app.

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