The Garter Toss

The tossing of a bride’s wedding garter has become a feature of many wedding reception celebrations, and originates back to the 14^th Century.  Around Europe it was believed that having a piece of the bride’s clothing was thought to bring good luck.

Garters are articles of clothing made from heavy cloth or ribbon. In the olden days the garter was worn just below the knee, where the leg is most slender, to prevent a woman’s stocking from sliding. Nowadays they are worn above the knee for fashion.

Historically the garter represents purity of the bride.  The groom would remove the garter as a symbol that he now had the right to his bride’s virginity.  Today a garter represents one of the most intimate pieces of apparel that the bride can reserve for her groom.

These days the bride wears two garters, one for her keepsake and the other to be thrown at the ceremony.  Before the throw of the garter the bride first throws her bouquet to her single female guests.  Then the groom seats his bride on a chair in the middle of the dance floor and removes the garter from the bride’s leg, sometimes he does it with his teeth, but it’s more appropriately done with his hands.

After the garter has been removed, the groom throws it to his single male guests.  According to superstition, the male who catches the garter and the female who catches the bouquet are next to be married in the next 12 months.

The keepsake garter is saved for only the groom to see on their wedding night!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Heather,

Xo

Choosing Your Florist

The floral arrangements designed for your wedding can make or break the entire look of your event.  Not only do flowers offer color, decoration, and a romantic sensation, but they also symbolize a variety of different things…soon to be covered in my next blog!

Flowers can help transform a formally unadorned space into a stunning personality-filled one.  These days, many florists who concentrate in weddings do not just create the bouquet; they apprehend and implement the design of your reception, altar, and centerpieces.

Most brides are often challenged with the question of how to find a florist they can afford and trust, but before you start looking, here are some tips on how to choose the perfect florist:

Photo Credit: Pinterest

1. Before you start looking for a florist start collecting some photos with floral decorations like you vision for your wedding
2. Discuss your finances and floral budget clearly so you know what you and your florist are working with
3. Research the reviews of florists in your area and schedule an appointment to meet with them
4. Ask for recommendations from your wedding planner or married friends

Heather,

Xo

Your Wedding Emergency Toolkit

As I get closer and closer to my first official debut, I thought I would take the time to create an emergency checklist for all of those frantic planners out there!  There is nothing worse than lining up your bridal party right before the processional and having to deal with a button falling off of a jacket, or a piece of hair that fell loose.  I think it’s important to always be prepared for the worst, to save you desperately looking for something at crunch time!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Here are some things that you should always carry with you at the wedding:

• Tape
• Scissors
• Lighter
• Sewing kit
• Band-Aids
• Lint roller
• Super glue
• Hair ties
• Hair clips
• Bobby pins
• Hair spray
• Sun screen
• Lotion
• Gum
• Sanitizer
• Phone charger
• Chap stick
• Lip gloss
• Nail file
• Dust rag
• Windex
• Tampons
• Advil
• Hair brush
• Nail polish remover
• Deodorant

Heather,

Xo

The Role of the Ring Bearer

Ring bearers may be the most sweetest and charming, aww-inducing part of the processional, yet it’s not to be forgotten their huge responsibility! Right before the bride walks down the aisle, the ring bearer(s) will make their debut.  A ring bearer is usually a boy aged 4-8 years old and can be from either side of the bride or grooms family.

The ring bearer is one of the last to walk down the aisle, and will carry the rings (usually tied to a pillow or box).  Some couples choose not to give the ring bearer the real rings as at 6 years-old they tend to be a little boisterous and rough, so usually the rings are fake.  However, if you do choose to let your little rascal hold the actual rings, make sure you give them to him right before his unveiling to prevent him from losing them.

Whoever you chose for your special day, make sure you include your ring bearer at your rehearsal so he gets plenty of practice beforehand.

What they wear

Here are an assortment of styles for these cute little dudes:

Heather,

Xo

CALM DOWN BRIDEZILLAS!!

I felt I needed to touch on this subject today because I witnessed a situation that really saddened me –BRIDEZILLAS! Many of you have been in this situation: you have been asked to be part of your best friend’s wedding, or you are helping out a member of the family prepare for her big day and you are excited!…then all of a sudden you get an email “to-do” list, and then are suddenly being bossed around by your so called loved one!

First things first: CALM DOWN BRIDEZILLAS!! Your friends and family are only trying to help you (and not to mention are probably the ones paying for it) and although this is your special day and you deserve to have everything, don’t turn into a queen bee! Nothing can ruin a fairytale wedding or destroy friendships more than a bride who is running around like a tyrant!

How do you combat these diva difficulties or destructive power trips without pulling out your hair? This list below should help keep a smile on your face!

1. Smile and keep your head up – Remember this person you once knew and loved will return once the wedding is over. Try to do what she wants, and hopefully one day she will return the favor.

2. Listen – Many normal brides turn into bridezilla’s because of the stress and expectations of flawlessness. Offering a shoulder to cry on can help decrease the buildup of torment that makes her lash out at you.

3. Stand your ground – You are all probably thinking the same – “That bride is nuts”, but before you explode try to calmly tell her how you feel, you deserve to be treated with respect too!

4. Do NOT empathize with other bridesmaids – You don’t want messages to get back to the bride. Try venting to someone who is not in the wedding! Backstabbing can cause a hostile atmosphere and tension at the wedding!

“Keeping a feminine approach is vital – men hate bossy females.” – Ida Lupino

Heather,

Xo

How to Choose Your Bridal Party

Planning your wedding is theoretically one of the most joyful and exciting times of your life; however, reconciling who you want to include in your bridal party can seem like an ordeal. With friends and family anticipating they will be asked, how do you chose your bridesmaids without making it a nightmare!?

Well first of all this is YOUR day, and this is YOUR wedding! Start prioritizing what is important to YOU!

Bridal parties can range from a single matron of honor, to twelve members of your bridal party standing with you on each side! Think about the size of your wedding and how many guests you want to attend, while traditional weddings suggest that there is one corresponding groomsman for each bridesmaid, it is no longer require that your wedding party is symmetrical.

Here are some tips to help you chose your bridal party:

• Think of your closest friends and family – think of the people who mean the most to you, and the friends you have had the longest. Think of the people that have been by your side through everything and have been accepting of you your entire life. These are the people that deserve to stand with you.

• More isn’t always merrier – The more bridesmaids you have, the greater the risk for complications, and the smaller the space you will have at the altar. Remember, you are the one paying for everything too!

• Do I need to return the favor – NO! Just because someone asked you to be in her wedding does not mean that you must have her in yours.

• Sex Counts! – Your bridesmaid does not need to be a female! It could be your greatest and longest guy friend too!

• Maid of Honor/Best Man – This should be obvious for most people! Your Maid of Honor/Best Man should be your sister or your brother, and to me I couldn’t visualize anyone else fulfilling the job! Your siblings know you better than you know yourself and will be there to guide you and help you on you special day! But, if it should be a friend, really think about who you want standing with you at the altar, and who you can rely on to help make those tough wedding decisions with you!

 

Heather,

Xo