Regardless of what kind – big and extravagant or small and intimate – of wedding you’re planning, there are certain things that put every bride on the same playing field. One of those things is obtaining a marriage license.
So, lucky for all brides that obtaining a marriage license is fairly easy schmeasy! While rules might vary from state to state, it’s important to remember that every state requires you to have one in order to say “I do.” Okay, so you can say the words “I do” without having a marriage license, but you can’t say the vow “I do” and make it offish without it. You get the point. And yet, I digress…
The application for a marriage license should be submitted in the county of residence of either the bride or the groom; so, your first step is to call your County Clerk’s Office or Courthouse. For those of you who are uncertain as to where this is or how you can contact them, you can find their information simply by surfin’ the Web or doing it old school by flippin’ through the yellow pages or phone book.
You’ll need to speak to a representative from the appropriate department to help you determine what information you will need to obtain your marriage license. Trust a girl who knows. You will reduce stress and heartache by taking the time to prepare, especially with every state having unique rules and restrictions.
Some states require a certificate of health, verification of vaccinations, birth certificate, drivers license, social security card and /or a blood test. While most states have marriage certificates that are valid for a period of 30-60 days, there are some states where it’s only valid for 10-20 days. Hence, why it’s soooo important to contact your state’s County Clerk’s Office or Courthouse to ensure no one’s time is wasted.
And because most states require a waiting period before a license can be obtained, do yourself a favor and don’t wait until the last minute! Good luck, and cheers to many years of happiness!
I wish (pun intended) I could tell you where, when, why or even how I first came across this trend, but honestly, I have no idea. Haha! I just remember seeing something about wedding wish lanterns once upon a time, which obviously sparked and captivated my attention long enough to prevent me from letting it go.
“Letting go,” however, is exactly what these bad boys are about, and after doing a version of wish lanterns at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, a fundraiser benefitting cancer research earlier this year, I can honestly admit from firsthand experience how awesome they can be!
Originating in Asia, sky or wish lanterns have been used for centuries during celebrations as a symbolic means to release worries, stress and problems back into the atmosphere. Because of their traditional and historic appeal, not to mention their undeniably meaningful value, it’s no wonder this Asian sensation made its way into the wedding world.
Constructed of 100% biodegradable materials, not only are these mini hot air balloons absolutely beautiful to watch, but they are also earth friendly and Mother Nature approved! *Hooty Hoot* for going green!
The lanterns will be in the air for approximately 12 minutes and reach up to a mile! Brides and grooms can choose to release one alone, or (depending on the budget, of course) include their entire bridal party or guest list in the release of these luminary wish lanterns. For a better idea, check out this beautiful video from WishLanternUSA (I love the music!) or for more information or to purchase wish lanterns, visit wishlantern.com:
Well then, look no further than the latest obsession to invade my couture taste pallet: ModCloth.com! (cont’d below)
photo courtesy of ModCloth.com
With retro mod and vintage glam being at the top of everyone’s fashion list these days, ModCloth makes it easier than ever to find your perfectly sleek, impeccably chic rehearsal or wedding guest dress!
They have every neckline from square cut and sleeves to sweetheart and strapless. There are prints for maxis and plaids for tea lengths. In fact, everything is mixed and matched beautifully throughout their entire line, which also includes all the retro-riffic accessories your heart could possibly desire!
Whether you’re into to frilly ruffles in flowing chiffon or dramatic drapes in shimmery satin, this one stop shop is like Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket for grown up, girly girls! Even the dress names are a delight! Hello?!?! How can you resist “Whether you Lilac It or Not” or “Thelma and Blue-ise?” Too cute, right?
And, with their price points ranging from Under $50 to Over $500 – with most locating themselves under the $100 radar, there is surely something in the mix for all pocket books to indulge in.
The hardest part will be narrowing down your selection. Trust me. I had stuff in (and out) of my shopping cart for weeks before settling on one. Here are some of my faves ModCloth.com has to offer:
(from top left to bottom right: Delicate Flower Dress ($72.99), Beachland Ballroom Dress ($124.99), A Little Bit Indie Rock Dress ($69.99), Mystifying Maven Dress ($79.99), Whether You Lilac It or Not Dress ($99.99), Two Tickets to Paradise Dress ($64.99), Silver and Bold Dress ($107.99), The Best Time Dress ($89.99), Scene of the Crimson Dress ($77.99))
Haha! Dirty Harry anyone? Come on now, that was Clint Eastwood at his foxiest :)
Anyhoot, that was the quote that immediately came to my head when I read what one bride and her groom gave out as their wedding favors to all their guests. “What?” you might ask???
Lottery tickets, of course!! At $1 a pop, these gamble lovin’ gurus let their guests go home with scratch off’s (and mayhaps a little extra mad money) from their Vegas themed celebration. Noted in the program, the bride said the favors were symbolic of the “luck” they feel every day having their family in friends in their lives. Awww!
She also noted that if any were big winners, the hubs and she would happily split the winnings 50/50 or simply take the whole thing for themselves… and as long as that was intended as a joke, I can get behind the fun and uniqueness of this favor. If not, I just might have to say it… tacky :)
My question to all of you: are lottery ticket favors something you’d gamble on?
Traditionally speaking, it’s considered “bad luck” for a bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony. This type of old-fashioned thinking stems from an even more ancient tradition when the groom was not allowed to see his bride AT ALL before the big day. Not ever. Not once. Not even a glimpse. Nada.
While I’m happy to report that prearranged marriages and hide ‘n’ go seek brides - for the most part – have been eradicated in most cultures, there are still several people who like to hold the base of this tradition true. Often times, couples will choose to not see each other beforehand because they feel it adds to the excitement and anticipation of their wedding day. (Agree.)
Others, however, have poo-poo’ed conventional thinking for a more modern day train of thought and choose to have a moment before the ceremony all to themselves. This is a time just for them to really take each other in, and better yet, a time for a photographer to capture some beautifully candid shots. (I mean, just get a load of this groom!) Couples can have a moment of privacy to talk, hug, give a little smooch or simply calm each other’s nerves. (Also, agree.)
For brides and grooms who see each other pre-ceremony, it can also help take care of some of the formal wedding photography of the bridal party, in order to allot more time after for everything else. Woot, woot! But regardless of what you choose, just know that there is no right or wrong choice… merely Choice 1 and Choice 2, and it’s up to you to decide which one fits you and yours best! Good luck, and cheers to many years of happiness :)
Okay, so I’ve been seeing this trend slowly rise in popularity over the past few months, and I have to say… I absolutely LOAF it! Truly one of DIY’s finest ideas to date, wedding day time capsules make a great guest book alternative for couples looking to have a more inventive, interactive reception, and it’s no wonder why.
Originally inspired by this post from elizabethannedesigns.com months ago, I haven’t been able to shake the uniqueness of time capsule guest books from my brain. Not only do they create a blue print for individual style and once-in-a-lifetime memories to shine, but they also lay the ground work for what can be a newlywed couple’s most precious wedding keepsake.
Simply place the keepsake box, chest, container, etc. of your choice on a table near the front entrance of your reception – similar to where a traditional guest book would go, and accessorize it with vintage stationary, pens and instructions for use. Encourage guests to write a cherished, shared memory of you two, a favorite moment from your wedding day, where they see you in ten years or even their best, marital advice.
Top the box off with time-honored treasures from your big day (ie. ceremony programs, Polaroids, toasting flutes, etc.), close it up tightly and bury it away. Then, wait for your anniversary, whether it be 1 year, 10 years or 50 years down the road, and open it for the greatest flashback in time ever.
I’m telling you, this has the best of childhood memories and a buried treasure written all over it, and what better way to commemorate all your years together, than by taking a retro walk down memory lane?
Nowadays, everyone is on a budget; so, when it comes to your wedding, it’s important to get the most bang for your buck. One way you can do this is by having centerpieces that double as favors!
One of my favorite dueling decorations is potted or replant able centerpieces that your guests can take home and enjoy long after the disco lights dim and the dances are done. By using dual purposed décor, you’ll not only create a standout look for your reception, but a standout memory for all your guests.
Everything from fragrant herbs and superb spices to vibrant blossoms and tall grasses can all be arranged to your liking and sent home with your guests for theirs. It’s a win / win for everyone!
And depending on your budget, you can easily make homemade plant boxes for super cheap, simply by using wood, nails and a stain of your choice… or leave the wood as is for an even cheaper, more rustic solution! As always, it’s really up to you. Get as over the top or under the radar as you want… just be sure to have fun and stay happy :)
Here are some of my faves:
photos courtesy of theknot.com and marthastewartweddings.com
The delicious, Cary Grant (photo courtesy of Google Images)
For serious. Look to your left. (Go ahead. Take your time.) Can anyone else say, yummy? (You’re still looking, aren’t you?)
As one of the most – if not THEE most – swoonworthy leading men to ever rock the silver screen, Cary Grant epitomized old Hollywood glamour and refined masculinity. With his unreal, shake-what-cha-mama-gave-ya, good looks and overtly debonair demeanor, he might as well of wrote the book on men’s fashion during the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
But his timeless style didn’t just define the Golden Age of Hollywood – oh no, my lovely brides-to-be-, it lives on today, which is exactly why he’s the quintessential male to consider when stylizing grooms.
Regardless of the time of year you’re planning on saying “I do” to your boo or the level of formality you’re planning to capture, take it from me and take note from the man who did it best… Ladies and gentlemen, I give you, the many looks of Cary Grant:
Who says only brides get to wear white? For summer weddings, let your groom channel his inner Cary Grant with light colored suits and colorfully dramatic ties. Top off his look with a fetching fedora, and you’ll easily go ga-ga over his breezy, bold style.
Fall weddings are all about warmth, which is exactly why grooms will want to look ultra in HOTT in dark pinstripes, layers and classic lines. Maybe you don’t want your man smoking a pipe (understandable), but that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with heavier fabrics and deeper, neutral shades.
Won’t he look dashing in a tailored suit or tuxedo? For winter weddings, try a more custom look with richer tones. Here, Cary Grant pairs his uber sophisticated suit with a long trench and gentleman’s cap… ideal for weddings looking to be chilled to perfection. (Pun intended – haha!)
It’s all about a fresh sense of style for springtime weddings, which is exactly why grooms can delight in lighter fabrics and softer shades, while still maintaining a crisp look that only men in suits can have. Feel free to try pocketless, grey suits with bright boutonnieres!
Groom’s Look for Informal / Mid-morning / Wedded Courthouse Contracts
Hello, Mr. Casual! For mid-morning or courthouse weddings, there’s no need for all the fuss. Let your man feel comfortable in a tailored pair of slacks and a dress shirt, which can be paired with a sleek pullover in colder months.
For those of you looking for something a little dressier than a backyard BBQ, suave suits are a must! Weddings don’t have to be about tuxedos; so, for semiformal, afternoon nuptials, let your groom dazzle in tailored look without all the hullabaloo. Don’t worry about bulking him up with layers; just let him shine in clean lines and a well, styled tie.
One word for this look. Roar. Grooms will ooze sex appeal and distinction in a contemporary suit or tux for afternoon “I do’s” looking to get a little fancier. Complete the look with distinguished cuff links and a snazzy pocket square, and you’ll see why your man is such a catch!
Oh, Mr. Grant, you are one dashing, dashing man… For formal, evening weddings, grooms should be dressed to the nines. Think James Bond on his most debonair, 007 day or Brad Pitt in his finest red carpet wardrobe!
Groom’s Look for Very Formal / Black Tie-the-Knot’s
Not everything sank on the Titanic, ladies. For instance, for super formal, black tie weddings… simply shut your eyes and picture Leonardo DiCaprio waiting for you at the bottom of the stairs… ahhh, delicious. Black tie affairs are all about the glitz; so, don’t be afraid to let your man get super fanci-fied in a top hat and tails!
And there you have it… Cary Grant inspiring generations nearly two decades since his last suit! R.I.P, Senior Cary, and thanks for being such a stud!
I’m telling you what, friends, some of my fave celebutante’s have truly been keeping me on my toes! And this weekend proved to be no different when according to People.com, Carrie Underwood and (now!) hubs-tastic hockey man, Mike Fisher said *I do* on Saturday in front of 250 of their closest friends and family on a $500,000 budget! Check it out:
The Location. The setting proved to be a southern belle’s dream, as friends and family gathered at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Georgia to watch as one of country music’s most sought after ladies made her “Mrs.” title offish. I mean, for serious, look at this dream…
Reynolds Plantation (Photo courtesy of ritzcarlton.com)
Golf Course at Reynolds Plantation (Photo courtesy of ritzcarlton.com)
The Dress. Dressed to the nines – as if there were any doubt – Carrie wore a Chantilly lace (got a “pretty face!”) dress designed by one of the wedding worlds finest, Monique Lhuillier… who also went ahead and whipped up the bridesmaids dresses as well. Can you say jealous? Honestly, look at some of the magic this woman has created:
Part of Monique Lhuillier's Spring 2010 Collection (photos courtesy of moniquelhuillier.com)
Don't you just love them!?! (photo courtesy of people.com)
The Guest List. As you can imagine, this was one star-studded event, which only further upsets me my invitation was obviously lost in the mail! Haha! With over 250 people attendance, there were undoubtedly wall to wall Staaaahhhhs, including all three of Underwood’s former Idol judges – Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson (DAWG!) – and country music’s favorite couple, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill! Love love love them!
The Ceremony. Carrie told People.com, “We could not feel more blessed to have found each other and to have shared this day with our friends and family that mean so much to us!” A day which was marked by a beautiful ceremony, filled with classical music and the couple’s ultra fave Bible versus. Awww :)
The Honeymoon. Get ready to swoon, lovers! According to USMagazine.com, this newlywed power couple is jet set and celebrating their nuptials in none other than beautiful Bora Bora! Siiiighhhhh. I wanna go! I wonder why they didn’t invite me?
As a regular among men’s magazine’s uber “hot” lists, it was only a matter of time before sultry starlet, Megan Fox was officially taken off the market. So continuing on my wedding-fueled celebrity gossip binge (that occurs on a regular basis… I know. I’m sick), I had to get my fix of Foxy’s wedding deets and share them with my fellow wedding (and celeb obsessed) enthusiasts!
The Location. You are just going to die when I say this. Fox and her hubby, Brian Austin Green exchanged vows on the sandy, sunset beaches…of Hawaii…at THE FOUR SEASONS! Can you say jeal-ous?
photo courtesy of fourseasons.com
photo courtesy of thinkfashion.com
The Flowers. Fox rocked an all-white bouquet composed of gardenias and roses. Hawt! Little known fact: gardenias are tropical flowers that signify romance and secret love…you really planned that one out, didn’t you Foxy?
The Dress. Ahh, the divalicious centerpiece of every wedding. According to reports, Fox’s good pal Giorgio Armani sent her a silky georgette strapless number that, of course, looked flawlessly fab. However, sources say that Fox did have some difficulty when it came to handling the 16 foot train. After a while of wrestling with the train, the free-spirited actress apparently just let it go to frolic through the sand. *Sigh.
photo courtesy of thinkfashion.com
The Ceremony. Conducted by a native Hawaiian officiant (wearing what appears to be a frighteningly short linen towel), the two were wed at sunset with Green’s son Kassius being the only witness. Green also donned a handsome, all-white Armani suit.
And there you have it, y pretty ladies in waitingm. I’m going to go quit my day job now and become a ridiculously hawt celebrity, because clearly it’s the business. And because a little Hawaii and Armani never hurt anybody.
