DIY: The Perfect Match

Brighten up your wedding tables with some custom matchboxes! They are the “perfect match” to any wedding style! Stay tuned for more designs to come!

Materials:
Matchboxes
Computer Paper
Ruler
Scissors
Glue Stick
Computer
Printer

Step 1: Using Microsoft Word, InDesign, Photoshop or Publisher, design the front and back images to create a template. This will take trial and error depending on the size of the matchboxes.

Step 2: After the images are printed, use a ruler and scissors to cut out the strips (leave a little more room width-wise to make sure there’s enough paper to cover the original matchbox cover).

Step 3: Using the glue stick apply adhesive to the cover, and place over the matchbox. Press firmly and set aside to dry!

Heather,

Xo

 

The Language of Flowers

There are so many intricate details that must be in place before you walk down the aisle and choosing your bouquet is one of them. For those of you who have no idea about flowers, selecting your arrangements can be a stressful, daunting and expensive task!

Before you first walk into a florist, nail down the style you are aiming for – are you looking for classic and traditional, or would you prefer something wild and bright? Also, let the season of the wedding decide for you, chances are if your flowers are not in season finding them will consume the majority of your budget!

Gorgeous blooms make us happy, but let’s discover the language and symbolism of the flowers:

Alostromeria – friendship and devotion Photo Credit: www.floristdex.com

Amaryllis – pride, determination and beauty Photo Credit: www.flowermuse.com/

 Anemone – anticipation Photo Credit: www.flowermuse.com/

Carnation – love, fascination and distinction Photo Credit: www.flowermuse.com/

 Daffodils – happiness Photo Credit: www.flowermuse.com/

 Gladiolus – strength and moral integrity Photo Credit: www.almanac.com

Iris – valor and wisdom Photo Credit: www.almanac.com

Hydrangea – gratefulness Photo Credit: www.flowermuse.com/

Lilies – chastity and virtue Photo Credit: www.flowermuse.com/

Orchid – love, luxury, beauty and strength Photo Credit: www.flowermuse.com/

Peony – riches and honor Photo Credit: www.flowermuse.com/

 Rose – love, friendship and enchantment Photo Credit: www.flowermuse.com/

Sunflower – Adoration Photo Credit: www.almanac.com

Heather,
Xo

Spring 2014 Color Palette

Color news! Pantone have recently revealed their spring 2014 color report and I cannot wait to see what types of trends this brings to the wedding industry!  Designers have combined soft pastels with brights to generate a vibrant equilibrium!

Spring marks the start of our very busy wedding season so keep an eye out for our go-to spring color palette!

“This season, consumers are looking for a state of thoughtful, emotional and artistic equilibrium,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “While this need for stability is reflected in the composition of the palette, the inherent versatility of the individual colors allows for experimentation with new looks and color combinations.”

For over 20 years, Pantone have examined the designers of New York Fashion Week to bring you the season’s most central color trends.

Keep your eyes open for these beauties this season!

Photo Credit: Pantone.com

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

Matron of Honor

The Matron of Honor (MOH) has a HUGE role in planning the wedding, and let’s face it, keeping the bride completely sane!  When you are selecting the person that is going to be your MOH, you should naturally choose a person who is closest to you – a sister or close girlfriend. This person will offer you the support, love and guidance in the months leading up to the big event, and will be the go-to helping hand on the day of the wedding.

The MOH not only has to fluff the train on the wedding day, coordinate the bachelorette party and bridal shower, and rehearse her treasured speech on the day of the event, but she also has a huge list of other responsibilities too!

Here is a pre-wedding to-do list for all you lucky Matron of Honors!

• Plan the bridal shower and bachelorette party
• Spread the word of the wedding – help the bride track down RSVP’s and let others know where she is registered
• Help with dress shopping- this includes helping the bride find her perfect gown, and help with selecting the perfect bridesmaid dresses
• Be the brides go-to woman
• Prepare a few words to share with guests during the toasts
• Lend a helpful ear
• Attend all pre-wedding parties
• Keep a record of gifts received at various parties and showers
• Make sure all bridesmaids get their hair and makeup done and arrive at the ceremony on time
• Hold the brides bouquet and fluff her train during the ceremony
• Keep the bride smiling – MOST IMPORTANT!
• Sign the marriage license as a witness
• Check in with the bride frequently during the wedding

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