Even though the myth that throwing rice at weddings will make birds explode is all kinds of false, many ceremony and reception sites still have strict rules about what can and cannot be tossed during the traditional exit of the bride and groom. Even bird seed has been banned from certain areas, which leaves the question… what else is there???
Fear not, my lovely brides-to-be, for there are so many other options that can work for you! I encourage you to think natural and consider throwing flower petals, instead of hard to clean up confectionery items. Many florist and online stores, such as FiftyFlowers.com, sell petals, categorized by flower type and color; so, you can insure you’ll get exactly what you want.
And if you’re looking for something trendy and chic, you could always let your guest blow a beautiful display of bubbles. This effect not only makes for great pics, but clean up is a breeze… literally… as all the sassy soap suds will simply drift away.
And in light of the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, I would especially like to focus on my personal fave – drum roll please - SPARKLERS! When it comes to glittery, shimmery things, I am 100% girly girl. The glitzier, the better, I say. Which is why no matter if a couple is getting married in the winter, spring, summer or fall, I think these razzle dazzlers look amazing. Not to mention, they’re fun for all ages and are easily thrown out afterwards. Last year, I went to an outdoor, evening wedding (shout out to the gorgeous Naomi), and I must admit, when they came running down the trellis, surrounded by glittery goodness, I couldn’t help but gasp.
All gasping aside, don’t let limitations create roadblocks; let them create opportunities! Regardless of what you choose, based on trend, tradition or simply what the vendor site will allow, please know that there are options for all! So, find something you love and go for it!
How many of you brides out there have designated yourselves self proclaimed beauticians? How many have spent hours printing out celebrity photos and salon styled looks to emulate? And how many spend more money on hair products than groceries? If you answered “yes” or “me” to any of the previous questions, please know that you are not alone… as I am right there with you.
I’m not sure whether it’s the perfectionist or the artist in me that has never allowed another set of hands to quaff my locks, but either way, Mary’s Mane (yes, I just spoke in third person) has only ever been handled by her. Every prom, every wedding, every special occasion… ever… I have done my own hair, and not only have I done my own, but as luck would have, I end up doing everyone else’s as well.
In fact, I went to my first high school homecoming with wet dog hair because I didn’t allow myself enough time to primp after I was finished primping others. Haha, jealous? I guess you could say, I like making things look pretty. That goes ESPECIALLY for people. The right makeup paired with a great hairdo can bring confidence to even the meakest women – not to mention the strongest men to their knees :)
So, it’s no surprise that most women want to have porcelain perfect skin and the BEST hair day – not just of their lives – but EVER in the history of the universe. With that said, I’ve begun the tormented, unending process of printing, practice primping and planning what sort of hairstyle will be my cherry on top. In all my studying, I have found several sites that have been great help, which I share with you now; so that you may go out and conquer your wedding, your friend’s wedding or simply your night out!
DailyMakeover.com and InStyle.com let you try on all sorts of celebrity hairdo’s (and don’ts) on yourself. Simply upload your picture and go to town! Even makeup moguls such as Cover Girl and MaryKay fashioned similar software into their programming; so, you can literally try before you buy. And the best part is, all this fun is absolutely free!
And since I’m all about hair and celebrities, I love love love TheHairStyler.com because it allows you to search for your fave famed characters, upload a picture of yourself, and try their look on you! Below are just a few bridal styles I liked…
Now, look over here… watch the birdie… watch the birdie… and BIIIIG smiles… and… 1, 2… OH, shoot, whoops! <CLICK> And perfect. Next!
We’ve all been there. For at least twelve years of our lives, we were forced to sit on wobbly stools, accompanied by God awful, neon colored backdrops and force out our best BIIIIG smiles for underpaid, overworked school photographers who really could care less if our foreheads were sweaty and our hair was quaffed with Alfalfa sprouts. (Yes, I’m still bitter about that one myself.)
It is true. Awkward poses are simply part of life, but no awkward pose can ever – and I mean EVER – compete with the infamous “prom pose.” Which is why I feel it’s vital that some sort of jimmy rigged, back dropped gazebo be a part of my wedding reception celebration; so, everyone – young and old – can relive their glory days.
Of course, I’m hoping that our set up will be a little bit classier and produce a little bit better images, but if a few overly forced, uncomfortable shots show up, I’m good with that too :) To be completely honest, weddings are a celebration for all. Most girls, even those not pertaining to any part of the ceremony, still spend hours finding the perfect hair style to match their perfect dress topped off by the perfect shade of gloss.
So, why not have a chance to showcase it with a professional photographer?? We decided to go with a royal wedding photography package, which includes two photographers on at our big day events. (Shout out to the incredible Feltz husband and wife duo!) And at our reception hall, there is both an entrance foyer and a main, party vestibule; so, the Mister and I were thinking about setting up an area in the lobby area where couples, families, groups of friends, etc. could all go out and get their picture taken. (Can we say, next year’s Christmas card?)
We could also exploit this area to snap images we want of certain groups. For example, college roommates, co-workers, high school buddies, so on and so forth. It would be similar to the wedding Photo Booth idea that has popularized itself in recent years… but better! We plan on providing funny wigs and costumes for the more outrageous; a dry erase board for those looking to make a statement and a universal backdrop for the more traditional. *Glamour Magazine and the WeddingBee show great examples of my vision.
And while most of the wedding day details have been focused on vintage – the dress, the shoes, the centerpieces – this is one area I think contemporary style will really shine. And I encourage all you fabulous brides out there to do the same! Find your perfect blend of trend, tradition and personalized style to create a wedding day experience that you’ll cherish forever!
So, I have to admit, when a fellow bridesmaid for a friend’s upcoming wedding first suggested that we all dress in the designated wedding colors for the shower, I silently rolled my eyes. Bridal showers are a pre-wedding must have, but I’ve known many others who refer to them as obligatory bore-fests. (Their words, people! Not mine :))
Due to this sentiment and the fact that it was a couple’s shower, I truly felt the “eye roll” was an appropriate response, but not for long. The eternal optimist in me took over, and I just kept thinking, as long as we’re excited, the positivity will spread like wild fire! On the invitation we created a cute rhyme to appeal to all invited guests and stated for each couple to dress to impress in their choice of black, white, or aqua blue.
It turned out beautifully, and all the pictures looked amazing! We coordinated the colors into all the decor and even went as far to create a signature drink that matched the pallet perfectly. Haha! I figure as long as the color scheme has at least one color that is a closet staple (ie. black, white or any other neutral shade), and the young men - if pertaining to a couple’s shower – have fashionista woman to dress them (no offense, boys!), this is totally a doable and fun bridal shower addition!
Me and my dad at Aunt Anna's wedding - June 6, 1987
Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad. ~Anne Geddes
There’s a special bond between fathers and daughters that is unlike any other. A father is the first man a girl ever loves. He’s the strong shoulder she leans on and the warm heart she trusts. He’s her ride to dance class and the toughest coach she’ll ever have. He’s her biggest fan and most loyal supporter. He’s the replacement hair dresser when Mom’s gone and the grill master for all backyard barbeques. He’s a protector, provider, medicine giver, piggy back transporter and teacher… and while he’s the first man to ever own his daughter’s heart, he’s also the one expected to give it away.
Which is why, when I think of my wedding day, there’s only one part that I’m utterly terrified to do…
Walk down the aisle with him. Like so many other girls all over the world, my father is Superman. He has done more for me and my family than could ever be expected. He worked long hours and still managed to make it to all my games. He was always my first phone call whenever I was in trouble. Even in my horrifying Junior High years – don’t act like you don’t remember what you were like at 13 – he never stopped making me feel like it was a privilege to be my dad. He was (and still is) constantly doing without in order to provide more than we need.
He’s the most dependable, loyal, hard working and generous person I’ve ever had the honor to know. My grandmother once told me that he was the strongest of her children… hard headed and stubborn… but strong. That has always stuck with me, and I know they say you can’t pick your family, but even if you could, I wouldn’t change him in for anyone else. I’m hoping, as I age, that I will reflect more than just my father’s Charlie Brown cheeks…. because to be completely honest, we could all be a little more like Bill :)
Happy Father’s Day, Papa! I love love love you! And no matter what, you’ll always be Superman.
And for all you bride’s out there looking for the perfect Father/Daughter dance song, here are some of today’s most popular choices:
It’s true, ladies. Gray is here to stay! I know. I know. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably still in disbelief. Because I am a person who tends to associate the color gray with gloom, doom and all kinds of blah-zay days. I viewed gray as boring. Hence, why it was the only color in my Crayola box that remained untouched and in its perfectly molded form… not anymore, however!
In 2008, bridal consultants first began reporting that gray had started making headway on the wedding day forefront, but it wasn’t until this year that people really started to revel in it. After doing further research, I am oh so in “loaf” with gray for weddings, and you will be too! Don’t think doom. Think silver. Don’t think gloom. Think pewter. Connotate gray with vintage etchings instead of rainy days, and viola! A big hooray for gray!
But don’t take my word for it, just check out these images… Everyone from Martha Stewart to Maggie Sottero is going gray and lovin’ it!
Rest in peace, cookie cutter bridesmaids dresses of the past… a new era is upon us, and it’s time for more stylish bridesmaids dresses to shine! Uniformity is no longer the main concern of today’s modern bride. Nowadays, every future Mrs. can gladly exercise her right to choose; so, I would like you all to consider “coordination” over “exact same domination.”
No longer is a bride forced to put her maids in heinously hand sewn, overly quaffed dresses. These days, there are more options than ever, making it easy to create a one of a kind look for your one of a kind maids. After all, if your bridesmaids are anything like mine, the only thing most of them have in common is the friendship they share with you. ‘Cause Lord knows, their styles vary as much as the local weather report.
Some are cool neutrals. Some are warm summer days. One is the diva of keeping it up to date, and another is the queen of keeping it traditional. And still others, are all over the radar.
So, how does a bride find one dress that will look good on the wide spectrum of personalities, body types and styles?? The answer: She doesn’t. Of course, there might be several styles that will “sort of” work, but let’s be honest, there is no dress in existence that will leave every last one of them satisfied. Believe me. I’ve been in enough weddings to know that even when the bridesmaids gush directly to the bride, “We love it! It’s so perfect! You’re incredible for finding such an incredible dress!”… indirectly, there is always at least one complaining.
<Sigh> It’s simply an unfortunate fact that girls will always complain about clothes, which is why I love love love the idea of coordinating bridesmaids dresses by color to create a uniform look without having the exact same design. It’s a fun and easy way to incorporate your favorite color - whether it be candle apple red, royal blue, starlight silver or basic black – to their ideal style. From strapless and off the shoulder looks to halters and empire waists, all the dress styles will come together neatly by color. It truly is a win/win.
And for even riskier brides-to-be… you could even create a color pallet, and let all your maids pick out their own dress. For example, let’s say you’re thinking “vintage chic.” Simply tell them to stay with champagnes, pale blues and dusty pinks. Maybe you restrict them to length – either floor or tee – but, still have a coordinated bridal party that is comfortable and distinctive.
Okay, okay, I’m totally aware that it is soooo High School Musical, but what girl doesn’t (at least secretly) wish that her wedding reception break out into a full on choreographed production?? I mean, is it too much to ask for all your guests – ages 1 to 100 – to have pockets full of pre-planned moves that would dazzle even Rogers & Hammerstein… I think not.
It’s practically an unwritten rule in every girl’s handbook to go gaga over She’s All That dance offs and Sound of Music style a-swirling. Something about romantic song and dance numbers never cease to go out of style with any female… especially one planning “the most romantic day of her life.”
I, of course, fall into both categories perfectly; so, far be it beyond me to go against the grain. <Sigh> I’m a case and point example of a hope-FUL romantic, which is why I dream of the “unrehearsed” and unbelievable break out dance routine at my own reception. However, I’m aiming for something a little less classy and a lot more flashy… which is why I’m desperate to know if these people (and their pants) are for hire. Hehe, enjoy!
Use your engagement pictures, and create a centerpiece worth 1000 words!
Ahhh, centerpieces. Is there any other wedding day detail that has more options? I’m gonna go ahead and say, “N.O.” In fact, there is one movie scene in particular that perfectly describes my state of mind in choosing a centerpiece… I give thee, the “Very Merry Unbirthday” scene from Disney’s Alice in Wonderland. Its attributed chaos captures my current dilemma perfectly.
Sure, sure, I may not be dealing with a Mad Hatter, March Hare, Dormouse (thank goodness) or White Rabbit, but I do have Myself, Two Mothers, Numerous Bridesmaids and One Poor Man (no pun intended) footing the entire bill. Trying to narrow down the choices is like looking at the unbirthday table filled with 23,034,893,098 teapots. The teapots - accurately symbolizing the centerpiece options – are almost limitless, and they’re all great for different reasons. So, how does a bride choose, when her options include (and aren’t even limited to) to the following teapots, errr, centerpieces…
Some are short and stout; while others are tall and slender. Some are round and hearty; while others are square and dainty. Some are filled with vibrant colors; while others look better in not so saturated tones. They can be plain or layered. They can be accompanied by everything from cakes and candles to fun and fireworks. Yet, there are still others that do perfectly well simply by standing alone… I mean the list goes on and on, people!
And we probably shouldn’t forget that the March Hare and Mad Hatter didn’t have a budget, like the majority of us brides do. And depending on the number of guests attending your wedding day extravaganza, the cost can add up quickly. I like to quiet the chaos, however, by remembering things I’ve seen and liked from past weddings. Here are some centerpieces ideas that created the biggest buzz:
Photo Themes: One bride and groom took pictures of themselves and displayed them in vases at the center of each table. For example, you could have pictures of when you were one, displayed at Table 1. Or you could put good use to all your favorite engagement pictures.
Flower Themes: I’ve seen many brides and grooms use flowers as stand alone centerpieces, as well as well coordinated decor. Whether you choose to sprinkle rose petals or create a large floral display, there is no denying the eternal presence of flower power.
“Well Lit” Themes: Nothing says romance like a dimly lit room filled with candles. I like it when couples play with candle heights and wax colors. It adds immediate interest to a reception hall without a lot of preparation or cost.
Mini Cake Themes: At a friend’s spring wedding, the bride and groom created mini versions of their wedding cake and placed one at the center of each table. This doubled as a centerpiece AND dessert. Not to mention, clean up was a breeze! They were all eaten :)
Beach Themes: Bring the atmosphere of a destination wedding directly to you! Use fish bowls, seashells, floating candles and sand to create a seaside creation that any city would love! My friends even went as far to place Beta fish in each bowl, because they matched their royal blue color so well.
Like most brides, I have visited just under a bazillion Web sites, searching for everything from checklists and timelines to due dates and must haves. I suppose you could say I’m working under the notion: the key to bridal jubilation is structured preparation… and yes, I totally just made that up.
In order to keep myself from stressing, I constantly keep two things in mind. 1) No matter how much I plan, prepare, take caution, map out or set up for the big day, something is bound to go wrong. 2) I will prepare for it anyway. Hence, why I’ve found an obsessive compulsive need to quadruple check a bazillion sites to make sure I’m not missing anything.
While perusing all these sites, I kept running into something that – at first glance – I blew past. I kept seeing things like, “Consider insuring your wedding” or “Be sure to purchase Wedding Insurance.” Just skimming through, I simply lumped it in with insuring the engagement and wedding rings, but apparently, this is not the case.
In fact, there are a number of companies (and vendors) that offer wedding insurance. This particular type of insurance protects a couple (and their well earned, recently spent moolah) from circumstances beyond their control and reimburses them accordingly. Everything from the coordinated venues and wedding gowns to unexpected military leaves and weather can be taken under consideration.
Of course my immediate inner monologue thought, “Grrrrrrrrrreaaat. Now I have to spend money on everything I just spent money on. Can I get an AWESOME up in here or what?!?” But, as I read on, I started to calm the screaming voice inside my head and began to feel more at ease.
Before gallivanting down a path of insane wedding insurance purchasing, there are many things to consider. Most wedding vendors probably already have their own insurance policies. Be sure check with any caterers, driving services, reception venues, ceremony sites, etc. to see what kind of policies they offer or already have covered. That way, you can avoid “double booking” anything that is already taken care of.
Also, understand that not everything can be covered. Insurance companies can’t be held accountable for your actions. For example, there will be no compensation if cold feet become a factor. That – of course – would be at the discretion of each individual.
For this and more tips like it, feel free to check out: TheKnot.com or WedSafe.com. And please feel free to offer any information you have on Wedding Insurance! I’m sure all our brides-to-be would love to hear how well (or not so well) it worked for you!
How many of you brides out there have designated yourselves self proclaimed beauticians? How many have spent hours printing out celebrity photos and salon styled looks to emulate? And how many spend more money on hair products than groceries? If you answered “yes” or “me” to any of the previous questions, please know that you are not alone… as I am right there with you. 
Now, look over here… watch the birdie… watch the birdie… and BIIIIG smiles… and… 1, 2… OH, shoot, whoops! <CLICK> And perfect. Next!
Like most brides, I have visited just under a bazillion Web sites, searching for everything from checklists and timelines to due dates and must haves. I suppose you could say I’m working under the notion: the key to bridal jubilation is structured preparation… and yes, I totally just made that up.
