Bridal Party Dos and Don’ts

Are you a bridal party member? Are you a bride looking for some basic bridal party etiquette tips? Here are some basic bridal party dos and don’ts for both the bride and bridal party.

Just as there are dos and don’ts with wedding reception and wedding shower etiquette, there are etiquette rules for members of the bridal party, as well as for the bride and her involvement with the bridal party.

Here are important bridal party dos and don’ts for everyone involved:

 

The Bride

Don’t choose a maid of honor based on history.

No matter how much you feel conflicted over which of your best friends to choose for your maid of honor, don’t choose one over the other based on guilt. Even if you knew one friend longer or were closer to her at one point in time, don’t assume you have to choose someone based on the history you share. Choose a friend or family member who you are currently close to and who will be able to be there for you during the wedding planning process.

Don’t forget to gift each member of the bridal party. 

This is bridal party etiquette 101. It is customary for the bride (and the groom) to gift their bridesmaids and groomsmen with gifts before the wedding.

 

The Bridal Party

Do make arrangements for the bride’s bachelorette party and/or bridal shower.

Traditionally, the maid of honor or the bride’s closest friend or family member will take the initiative to throw the bridal shower and bachelorette party, but if you’re a member of a bridal party and you’re unsure of these plans, ask the best man or maid of honor to find out if you can help plan the occasion.

Don’t miss fittings or rehearsals. 

This might sound obvious, but there’s nothing worse than showing up late or missing your fittings or the wedding rehearsals all together. It’s rude and an inconvenience for the bride, groom, and other parties involved. Be sure to confirm and keep track of your tux or dress fittings, and attend all the necessary dinner rehearsals as promised to keep on the bride and groom’s good graces.

Follow these bridal party dos and don’ts and you’ll get an “A” in wedding etiquette!

How to Make Your Wedding Dress Eco-Friendly

Conscious about the environment? Planning an eco-friendly wedding? Not sure how to extend your green wedding ways to your wedding dress? These tips can help.

If you are planning an eco-friendly wedding, you might be interested in learning how you can make your wedding dress eco-friendly, too. But how do you go about it without sacrificing style? Check out these tips and you will find that there are plenty of stylish ways to make your wedding dress “green.”

Buy it “Once-Worn”

Buying your wedding dress used is a great way to make your wedding dress eco-friendly. For most brides, a wedding dress is a one-time outfit. Plenty of brides donate or resell their wedding dress because they just don’t see a point in storing the dress away when someone else can use it.

To ensure that this method of making your wedding dress “green” goes off without a hitch, visit bridal shops and try on dresses. Find the dress you like, get your size, and then search out your wedding dress on-line or through other used outlets. Some bridal shops will even have used wedding dresses to help you make your wedding dress eco-friendly.

It’s All in the Threads

Not into the idea of buying a used dress? Buy a wedding dress made with sustainable fabrics. Organic cotton and hemp-silk are just some of the beautiful fabrics designers are now using to make eco-friendly wedding dresses. These fabrics still provide the same look and style that every bride is looking for, but the fabrics are less damaging on the planet.

Donate Your Wedding Dress

Now that you’ve learned how to make your wedding dress eco-friendly, give another bride the opportunity to make her dress eco-friendly too by donating your wedding dress to a charity. Not only will another bride be able to purchase her dress once-worn, the money from the proceeds will also go towards the organization running the charity. More and more charities are banding together to help brides carry out their eco-friendly missions. What better way is there to make your wedding dress eco-friendly than contributing to a cause you believe in?

Money-Saving Tips for Brides on a Small Budget

Budget-conscious brides need to pay extra attention to wedding details if they want to save money planning a wedding. Here are some money-saving tips for brides on a small budget.

Brides who find themselves on a small budget can benefit from wedding planning money-saving tips for a number of reasons. Not only do money-saving tips help you stay within your budget limits while planning your wedding, but they can also help simplify the entire wedding planning process. For example, combining services or opting for sale items can often give you what you need quicker and more conveniently.

If you’re on a small wedding planning budget and need to watch your spending, then it’s important to focus on the details, because that is where all of your expenses will add up very quickly. Here are some money-saving tips for brides on a small budget:

Buy wedding favors in bulk—This is one tip that really pays attention to the details. Wedding favors are typically seen as extras or tiny details in the grand scheme of things, but their expense can really make a difference in your overall spending. To save some cash and get the favors you need, consider buying your favors in bulk. You get plenty of favors and you end up paying less per favor this way.

Condense with a wedding package—One of the best ways to save money and stick to your modest wedding budget is to condense your larger ceremony and reception venue expenses by condensing with a package deal. Many resorts and venue locations offer affordable package deals that save you money if you use the venue space for both your ceremony and reception, instead of having each part of the event at a separate location. Talk to your wedding planner and on-site coordinators at the venues you’re interested in to discover your options.

Seek alternative dress options—Dress shopping is another area you can save big. Consider bridal dress rentals, which some bridal shops offer, or buying a gown secondhand. You can also buy a gown style that is discontinued and save significantly on your bridal gown expense. This is one of many great money-saving tips for brides on a small budget.

Questions You Should Ask Your Caterer before Hiring Them

With most weddings, catering accounts for the majority of the wedding budget. Make sure you know what you’re paying for and that your reception will go off without a hitch with these important questions to ask your caterer before you hire them. 

Like all of your vendors, there are some very important questions you should ask your caterer. Some of the questions may help you in your hiring decision. Others will help you avoid any last-minute catering mishaps at your wedding. So, whether you are trying to decide which caterer to hire or just trying to make sure your catering services are planned and ready to go, these questions you should ask your caterer will keep you right on track.

The Legal Stuff

Some of the questions you should ask your caterer have to do with the legalities of their business and how they relate to your wedding. If you plan on serving alcohol, you will need to know whether or not the potential caterer has a license to serve alcoholic beverages. If not, you may have to hire separate staff to do so.

References and Portfolios

Having a catering business doesn’t necessarily mean professionalism or high quality. Take the time to check your caterer’s references. Ask them if they have a portfolio of some previously catered events. Look over their portfolio and ask them a lot of questions about the event featured so that you can get an idea as to whether or not the caterer in question can handle your wedding day needs.

Billing

Your catering bill can account for almost half of your total wedding budget, so billing questions should be on the prioritized list of questions you should ask your caterer. Some billing questions you might want to ask include:

Do you require a deposit? How much is it and when is it due?

When is the balance due? How much will it be?

Are there any cancellation fees?

How much is the cost per head? Are gratuities and taxes included?

Are tables, linens, barware, glassware, and other serving items included? How much are they if they cost extra?

Is there a cake cutting fee?

Can you offer a large-volume discount on beverage purchases?

 

Remember that these budget questions you should ask your caterer are meant to help you keep your budget under control and on track.

How to Choose the Music for Your Wedding Reception

Music at your wedding can make a lasting impression on your guests. It can also be one of the most fun aspects of your wedding to plan. But be careful, because planning the music for your wedding can quickly turn into a nightmare. To keep this from happening, try some of these useful tips.

Trying to choose the music for your wedding reception but feeling a little flustered? Don’t worry. You’re not alone. A lot of couples overthink the music for their wedding. They get nervous about choosing just the right songs. They can’t seem to decide on the type of music they want. All of these issues and more can suck all of the fun out of choosing music for your reception. But never fear—there are a few tips you can use to help you choose the music for your wedding reception.

Deciding on a Live Band or a DJ

If you’re like most people, you know that nothing can really replace the sound of a live band. On the other hand, a really good DJ can keep the party hoppin’ and have your guests on the dance floor doing the “Chicken Dance” in a matter of mere seconds. Often, the decision between a live band and DJ rests in the hands of the wedding budget. If you are on a limited budget, you probably don’t have enough to hire a good, quality live band, so go for the best DJ you can find when trying to choose the music for your wedding reception.

Pick a Few Good Songs

Some couples get overly stressed because they try to line up a full night’s worth of songs. If you hire a good band or DJ, you shouldn’t have to do this. You can give your musician a short list of songs that are important to you, fill them in on the theme of your wedding, tell them what kind of music you like and have faith that they can plan accordingly. Most professional musicians, both bands and DJs, are experienced in setting the tone and the atmosphere wherever they go. Save yourself some stress; let the professionals do their job and know that you don’t have to choose the music for your wedding reception from beginning to end.

Non-Floral Wedding Reception Centerpiece Ideas

Not interested in floral centerpieces? Try these centerpiece ideas for your wedding reception instead.

There are a number of reasons brides consider non-floral wedding reception centerpiece ideas. Whether the bride and groom sufferer from allergies or the couple wants to spare their guests from possible allergy attacks, floral centerpieces can be avoided.

Some brides even want to bypass floral centerpieces because of cost or to experiment with an unconventional decor trend. Flower arrangements for wedding receptions can be costly, and it never hurts to play with new decor trends, so if you fall into one of these camps, we have some non-floral wedding reception centerpiece ideas for you right here.

Embroidery hoops with Bohemian flair—One of the latest non-floral wedding reception centerpiece trends is to use decorative embroidery hoops with uptown, chic Bohemian flair. You can incorporate this centerpiece idea with the rest of your place setting spreads and even your table linens and chair covers.

Pillar candles of various lengths—This is a great wedding reception centerpiece idea for both modern and classic, vintage-style weddings because the types of pillars you use is entirely up to you. A hot trend as of late is to use bright, bold colors to create an abstract work of art. You can use a combination of colors or the same colors for a uniform look. Choose pillar candles of all different sizes and group them together to create your centerpiece. Try placing the arrangement on a round, beveled mirror and toss a few rose pedals around it to top off the look

Fruit centerpieces—This wedding reception centerpiece idea works great to accentuate the season you are getting married in. For example, use mini pumpkins or squash in the fall or pinecones with apples and peppermint scented potpourri for a winter wedding. Place the fruits and potpourri mixes of your choice in large, clear bowls to get the full effect.

Seascape touches—Having a summer or beach wedding? Try using centerpieces made of various corals and sea-themed items, such as sea sponges, starfish, sand dollars, and conch shells. You can collect your own shells from the seashore and gather coral and starfish replica items from specialty stores.

Try any of these non-floral wedding reception centerpiece ideas for fun, fresh centerpiece arrangements on your wedding day.

Decor Tips to Help Make Your Wedding Reception Cozier

Do you want to create a warm, inviting atmosphere at your wedding reception? Are you looking for ways to make the reception environment cozier to encourage a friendly, comfortable occasion for your large number of guests? Try these decor tips.

There are plenty of reasons to use decor tips to make your wedding reception cozier. Decor tips that cozy up your reception can really come in handy if you have a large guest list and you want to make your event warmer and more inviting. Also, if you have a love for vintage, romantic style, cozying up your wedding reception can express your sense of style and your personality.

Try these decor tips to help make your wedding reception cozier:

Area rugs—There is something about an area rug that warms a room right up. Maybe it’s the “lived in” feel it provides or the additional patterns on the floor that make the area feel less open. Whatever it is, one thing is certain—using area rugs at your wedding reception can make the whole event feel instantly cozier.

Centerpiece vases with character—If you’re going to use traditional flower centerpieces on your table, consider switching up the vases. Try different vase styles on each table instead of making them uniform, and search for pastel vases with cracked, chipped coating, or old preserve jars, cans, or flowerpots.

Candlelight—This is “Cozy Decor Tip Number One.” Overload the room with candlelight and opt for the dimmest lighting possible. You don’t want your guests struggling to see one another in the dark, but the dimmer, the better.

Foliage—Finally, don’t forget to add additional foliage. In fact, use as much as your budget and space restrictions will allow. Large plants in the corner, extra green filler with the centerpieces, various floral arrangements, and even with the chandeliers or cake table will do the trick. Add more foliage wherever you can to create a lived-in feel. 

Also, pay attention to the color scheme you use. Warm brown tones mixed with chic ivories or a combination of cool pastels can do wonders for warming up your reception. By using these decor tips, you can make your wedding reception cozier and more stylish.

Top Dos and Don’ts for Planning Your Wedding

Need a simple, straightforward approach to planning your wedding? Then take a look at these top dos and don’ts for planning your wedding.

Our top dos and don’ts for planning your wedding will help simplify your wedding planning process. They will even help you sort out the fluff from the really important stuff. Keep reading and find out what you should and shouldn’t do on your big day with our top dos and don’ts for planning your wedding.

Do: Choose a Theme

This might seem pretty self-explanatory, which might make you wonder why it made our list of top dos and don’ts for planning your wedding. The answer is simple, though. A theme will ensure a cohesive look and feel throughout your wedding decor from beginning to end. Your theme should be incorporated into every aspect of your wedding, from the ceremony to the reception. You may even want to use your theme for your honeymoon location, especially if you choose an exotic theme.

Don’t: Micromanage

This is probably the hardest rule to follow on our list of top dos and don’ts for planning your wedding. It can be hard to surrender some control on your big day and the weeks leading up to it, but giving away some control is essential to the survival of your sanity. Stress overload can create a very edgy bride and a day that is less than perfect. Remember, the most important detail of your wedding day is the beginning of your new life together.

Do: Hold Your Reception after Dark

Make your reception a night to remember by holding it after dark. The late night hours are intended only for adult guests, so you’re creating something more like a date night out for busy parents, making this rule on our list of dos and don’ts for planning your wedding a way to create a night everyone will remember. Serve drinks, food, and have lots of dancing to keep the night hoppin’. You may even consider serving a late-night “breakfast.”

Don’t: Forget the Sparkle

Forgetting the sparkle takes the magic out of your reception. This is important for all weddings, but especially when the couple is planning a nighttime reception. Holding your reception in a ballroom offers automatic sparkle, but you can also create your own with crystals and candle accents. And don’t forget—this rule on our list of dos and don’ts for planning your wedding also applies to the bride and her attire!

Tips for Resolving Your Guest List Dilemmas

Arguing over the guest list? Afraid of offending someone? Can’t afford all the guests you want to invite to your wedding? Too many guests for your venue? These tips will help you handle a myriad of guest list dilemmas. 

Resolving your guest list dilemmas can be pretty overwhelming. Plenty of arguments have sprouted from this early wedding planning element. Couples have a hard time agreeing on who should go and who shouldn’t. Both the bride and groom struggle with the process of narrowing down their guest lists to fit the wedding budget and venue accommodations. Worries of offending people by not inviting them start to surface. Yes, the guest list dilemma is one of the most difficult aspects of wedding planning, but there are some tips that can make resolving your guest list dilemmas just a little easier.

Start with Your Dream List

The first step to resolving your guest list dilemmas is to start with your dream list. Bride and groom should make their own lists for this phase. Don’t worry about your venue accommodations. Don’t worry about your budget. Just make a list of every single person you would like to see at your wedding.

Trimming the Fat

The next step in resolving your wedding guest list dilemmas will be a little more difficult because it’s time to come back down to earth. Start by singling out the very most important people on your list – the people that your wedding wouldn’t be complete without. This is your A-list. Set this list of people aside. Now, start to look at the other guests on your list. Consider why they are important. Have you talked to them in the last six months? Do you talk to them regularly? If not, consider removing them from your list. Now look at who is remaining and write this list out. These are your B-list guests.

Bringing it Together

Bride and groom now need to take their A-list guests and combine them. How many guests do the two of you have between each other? Will your budget and venue accommodate all of them? If so, then you have completed your first round of guests. Send out wedding invitations to these guests early and obtain an RSVP from all attending guests. If you have room for more later, then great! Then it’s time to invite those on the B-list. If not, know that the people most important to you will be in attendance and you have successfully completed the task of resolving your guest list dilemmas.

 

Looking for bridal shower favors. Check out this post!

Five Easy Ways to Spruce Up Your Wedding Style

Do you have your ceremony and reception theme picked out but still want to spruce up your wedding decor? Check out these five easy ways to kick your wedding style up a notch.

Whether you’ve already picked up your wedding decorations and have chosen your floral arrangements or you’re just getting ready to design your wedding, try these five easy ways to spruce up your wedding style to create a wedding event they’ll never forget. These small tips can make a big difference in the overall presentation of your wedding day.

Choose matching favors—This is one of the easiest ways to spruce up your wedding style. You can really enhance your decor by selecting stylish wedding favors that complement your wedding theme or color schemes. If you pick favors that accentuate your theme, they will really stand out next to your place settings and add a unique touch to your wedding reception decor.

Add personal touches—Whether you personalize your napkins, customize your wedding favors, or create your own floral centerpieces, there are plenty of ways to add personal touches around your ceremony and reception location, and it’s an excellent way to spruce up your style.

Keep it authentic—Worn-out accents, vintage touches, and natural details are very popular right now, and using these authentic touches is a great way to spruce up your wedding style at both your ceremony and reception.

Keep it simple—There’s nothing wrong with wanting an elaborate, fancy wedding, but however you decorate, opt to keep it simple. For example, keep the elaborate details to a minimum and choose one or two main focal pieces for the ceremony and reception hall. Keeping the decor simple will make your wedding style appear elegant and attractive.

Add a little green—Never underestimate what fake foliage can do for your wedding decor. You can really amp up your wedding style by adding more foliage around the location. It makes everything feel and look lusher, more sophisticated, and overall more pulled together. Talk to your wedding coordinator or florist about available options and how you can use them to enhance your wedding style.