Thursday, July 29, 2010

How to make matching bridesmaids dresses unique


Are you a bride that want your maids to have their own distinct look at your wedding? Well, here are five tailoring ideas to make matching bridemaids dresses look unique:

  1. Have extra trim from the dresses? Use them to make chic ruffle hems.
  2. If you've shortened the hemline (even just an inch), take the leftover fabric and use it to create straps.
  3. Got scraps? Make a whimsical and fun fabric flower brooch.
  4. If they're wearing strapless dresses, gathers in the front and center can form a flattering sweetheart neckline.
  5. Allow each maid to select a hem length that best suits her figure. For instance, tea length will look fabulous on your tall, slim friends, and above the knee hemlines look great on those with shorter figures.


From: The Knot Georgia


Photo from ioffer.com

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

2010 bridesmaids gown trends

If you haven't decided what to put your bridesmaids in yet, here are four trends they are sure to love!


Color-block gowns. Mod is in, and the two-tone dress style fits perfectly with this retro trend. If you select wisely, your ladies will absolutely love what the dual-color dresses do for their figures. For example, to create an illusion of slimmer hips and a toned tummy, have them wear lighter hues on top and darker colors on the bottom.



Flirty ruffles. While this is a traditionally girly feature, it can also look sophisticated and chic or soft and delicate. If you're having a black-tie or semiformal event, this may be the perfect opportunity for your maids to rock ruffles. They'll likely want to feel ladylike, and the ruffles will provide a feminine look and feel.


One-shoulder gowns. These dresses are both elegant and sexy. Also, your maids won't have to worry about donning a strapless bra-- instead, they can wear ones with multiple strap options.



Florals. Not only are patterns flirty and fun, they also conceal stains better than solids (so your girls can go ahead and enjoy the food and drinks). It might also be easier for them to actually wear the dress again since these gowns are a far cry from traditional bridesmaids dresses.
What do you think about these gowns for your bridesmaids?


From The Knot: Georiga




Photos from: weddingbee.com, jlmcouture.com, chrisonium.com

Thursday, July 22, 2010

What do your wedding colors say about you?


The colors you select for your wedding show your style and personality. Below are some common wedding color choices and what they say about you:

Black is a conservative selection and complements pretty much any other color, particularly lighter ones. Black signifies sexiness and sophistication with a modern twist; it's also mysterious and dignified. Finally, black is classic and is timelessly elegant.

Pink, a more subtle hue, indicates a sensitive heart that is loving and nuturing. The bride who chooses pink has a "maternal grace and compassion and a desire for protection or shelter." She might also have strong personality but one that will share.
Blue represents serenity and royalty; it's calming, compassionate and cool. Blue brides are deliberate, introspective, patient and conservative. They are also likely to be sensitive and wise. Additionally, blue signifies cautious partners who are faithful but need a peaceful and harmonious life.

To see the meanings of more colors, visit our source, What your wedding colors say about you.




Photo from: blog.bridemaid.com

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Wedding Etiquette Myths & Facts

Do you really need a receiving line for your reception? Is the bride's family supposed to pay for everything? You might have these questions (and even more) when it comes to your big day. In an article on WeddingChannel.com, Peggy Post, etiquette expert and internationally known public speaker, gives you common wedding etiquette myths and the truth:

Myth: The couple has a year to send thank-you notes to guests.
Fact: Gift-givers want to be sure that their gifts got to you safely and that you appreciate them. This means thank-you notes are expected and should be sent ASAP-- at least within three months of receiving each gift.
Another tip: Write a few notes every day instead of writing them all at once. Also, sending notes before the wedding date is an excellent way to keep up with them.

Myth: The bride's family is required to pay for most of the wedding and reception.
Fact: If the bride's family wants to, they can pay for all or most of the wedding/reception, but it's definitely not required. In fact, it's becoming necessary for many couples to combine their financial resources for the big day. Lots of couples are starting to pay for the wedding themselves or split the expenses with their parents.
Another tip: Be sure to budget wisely. You can have a gorgeous and meaningful wedding on a small budget. And it's so important for you and your family to discuss the wedding plans and costs early on and honestly. If possible, you want to stay away from overspending and miscommunication.

Myth: A receiving line is mandatory for a wedding reception, no matter the size.
Fact: You're not required to have one, but you should personally greet all guests and thank them for coming.
Another tip: Even though it's not mandatory, a receiving line is the best way to be sure all your
guests are greeted; this is especially true at large weddings. Post's suggestion: Have a receiving line for weddings with more than 75-80 guests. By doing this, you and the hosts are able to most efficiently see all guests. If you think it might take too long, try to keep the line going at a steady pace. All you need is a 'Hello,' an introduction (if needed) and a 'Thanks for coming.'


Myth: You should always register for some traditional household items.
Fact: You should register for things that make sense for you as a couple. In today's wedding registries, you can get everything from pots and pans to camping equipment to cash for a down payment on a house. At the same time, guests aren't required to choose gifts from your registry. Gift-givers can select whatever they think you'll like; and they should never be told what to give you.
Another tip: You should register for gifts in a broad price range so your guests will have several options. Also, even if you say you only want cash gifts, it's a good idea to register for a few physical items. Some people just don't like to give cash (even if it's totally okay to do so).

For myths and etiquette tips, check out our source: Peggy Post on the Biggest Wedding Etiquette Myths Ever.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Choosing the groomsmen


If your groom-to-be is having trouble deciding who he wants by his side on your big day or he just doesn't want to deal with the task, here are some tips that can help:

When it comes to the best man, most grooms choose the man he is closest to and someone he can depend on no matter what-- and that's his best bet. Many grooms end up choosing a brother, and some even choose their fathers. But if he feels the wedding just wouldn't be right without a particular best man, think about having two. This is a great idea, especially if it's difficult for him to choose between two brothers or two best friends.

For the groomsmen, his brothers are a great place to begin. And if you, the bride, have brothers, it's smart for him to include them as well. Next, he'll probably choose between his closest friends; this selection might come down to which guys he's known longest. One other suggestion (from Emily Post): Flip a coin with all the guys present so they can actually see how he came to his decision.
What do groomsmen typically do?

* Arrive at the rehearsal on time.
* Show up at the wedding prior to other guests.
* Wear the requested attire.
* Escort guests to their seats (if necesssary).
* They may escort a bridesmaid down the aisle before and after the ceremony.
* Dance with a bridesmaid at the reception.
* Have some fun and stay relatively sober.

A couple of other things:
  • If your groom has a friend that may not have the finances to participate as a groomsman, he can ask the friend to be an usher. This is also a good way reduce the wedding party numbers if necessary. You can also ask other friends to be readers or to light candles.
  • There is no such thing as a "right" number of attendants to have. You don't even have to have an equal number of groomsmen and bridesmaids.
Need more help? Check out our source: Selecting Groomsmen 101.



Photo from: weddingbee.com

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

How to ask your loved ones to be in your wedding



You want your closest family and friends to stand beside you on your big day, but you may have no idea how to ask them to be a part of it. Fortunately, there are some really cute and creative ways to ask your bridesmaids, maid(s) and matron(s) of honor to participate in your wedding:


Ask her face to face. If possible, it's a great idea to take her to lunch so you can ask her. And if a lot of your bridesmaids live close by, you can ask them at the same time and use the lunch as an opportunity for early bridesmaid bonding.


Use humor.
Everyone knows the joke that bridesmaid dresses are less than appealing. And the folks over at UglyDress.com have a collection of ugly bridesmaid dresses. You can print out your favorites, and use them to create a card with a cute or funny phrase.


Send her a book. Wrap a bridesmaid guidebook in pretty paper, and place a note on top. You can write something like, "This is something I think you'll be needing soon." Make sure you place a personal note in the book as well.

For more ways, check out my source, How to Ask a Friend to be a Bridesmaid.



Photo from: zazzle.com

Thursday, July 8, 2010

5 things to do after you say 'I do'

1. Clean and put your gown away. Get your dress dry-cleaned within six months of your wedding (the sooner, the better). Be sure to use a service that focuses on wedding dresses so they use the appropriate solvents. Ensure they stuff it with acid-free tissue, stay away from using metal pins or buckles and place it in a box. When it's home, keep it in a cool, dry place.

2. Change your name. It's ideal to change all your IDs within 90 days of tieing the knot. Here's how:
Go to DMV.org to find state forms to change your driver's license. Many states require you to bring your marriage license to the DMV as evidence of your new name.
Change your passport. Visit TravelState.gov for more info. You'll have to mail in your current passport, a copy of your marriage certificate and possibly new passport photos.
Change your social security card. You can find out how at SocialSecurity.gov. You might have to apply in person depending on where you live.
Call your credit card companies to get your name changed.

3. Send thank you notes. You should send thank-you notes within two months of your wedding. Set a goal (such as 10 per night), and write them during commercial breaks. Split the project with your hubby, and the job will be less overwhelming. Be sure that both of you sign your names on each card; another tip: print address and return address labels on your computer if you can.

4. Deal with registry returns. Go ahead and return any gifts within two months of your wedding. If you're registered with a particular store, they are likely to be lenient; keep in mind, however, that each store will have a different policy on when to make returns and what they'll take back.

5. Figure out finances. Talking about money isn't exactly fun, but hopefully you and your spouse have talked about your finances before getting hitched. Several married couples choose to combine their single accounts into one; bring this option up if you haven't already. All you have to do is visit the bank, fill out required paperwork, and obtain new debit cards and checks.


For more after wedding to-dos, check out our source: After the Wedding: Newlywed To-do List.



Photo from toyandgift.co.uk



Tuesday, July 6, 2010

4 Ways to get others involved in your wedding (besides being a bridesmaid)




So you're getting married and everyone from your sister to your best friend from kindergarten to your sorority sisters want to be included in your bridal party. However, you don't want 20 bridesmaids. What's a girl to do? Fortunately, here are some other roles your girls can play during your big day:

Site stylists. If you plan to decorate the reception venue you yourself, you'll need a capable crew to help you with everything-- from arranging tables and chairs to putting down place cards. To make all this seem like less work, you could turn the set up into a pizza party.

Program distributors. Depending on where your wedding is held, you may want at least a couple of people to distribute your programs. Not only does this allow some of your favorite people to be front and center, it also allows them to enjoy the rest of the day stress-free.

Readers. You can have some individuals read religious passages; one thing to keep in mind, however, is that the potential reader may not feel comfortable if you don't share the same beliefs. Additionally, you can choose two or three beautiful poems or passages to read.

Guest book guardian and greeter. Sometimes, guests get confused about the guest book. One way to solve this problem is having a cheerful friend or relative be in charge of it. Select someone who will retrieve your expensive pen, but not a person who'll be aggressive in getting everyone who walks through the door.

Have a thought or a question? Leave a comment below!


Source: chocolatebrides.com; Photo from: bigstock.com

Thursday, July 1, 2010

5 reasons not to elope


  1. Including family and friends in your ceremony is a significant emotional, social and cultural component of marriage. It might seem like the commitment is simply happening between you and your soon-to-be spouse, but the reality is that marriage encourages the support of the community. Marriage creates a bond between families and loved ones, and it requires a commitment from them to support you in your relationship.
  2. If you elope, you will likely end up throwing a wedding or large event anyway. Family and friends are probably going to want to celebrate with you; because of this, some couples end up having a second marriage while others throw a large party. You can avoid hosting multiple events by having a wedding in the first place.
  3. Eloping can distance you from those who feel hurt by your choice not to include them in such a significant event. Close family members and friends will likely feel slighted, disappointed and maybe even offended if you choose to elope. Rather than spend time repairing these relationships, why not include your loved ones?
  4. Planning a wedding is an important experience. It's a chance to make decisions together and gives you practice in working together towards a common goal. For some couples, it is the first time they've really had to make compromises regarding finances, priorities or preferences.
  5. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't all about you, but it is still your big day. Your wedding should reflect you as individuals and as a couple, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider others, too-- you absolutely should. Find a way to make your wedding work for everyone, and you'll have more to celebrate.


    Photo from: blog.adw.org