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

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

 

Flower Girls

The flower girl(s) is known for being one of the most adorable elements of the entire processional, and makes her(s) debut right before the bride.  Having a flower girl is not mandatory; however, it is a great way to make your favorite little cutie feel special.  Flower girls are usually members of the Bride or Groom’s extended family, but may also be daughters of close friends too.

The flower girl walks down the aisle tossing petals before the bride.  Her dress resembles that of the bride, and will be similar in color to the bridesmaids.   Here is a description of her role and some tips to help make her job laid-back and stress-free:

• The adorable little girl that you choose to be your flower girl is usually aged between three and eight. She follows the ring      bearer and traditionally holds a wicker basket full of petals. It is not uncommon now for her to hold a smaller bouquet, candies or confetti.
• I love the idea of having two flower girls so that they can progress together, side by side. Accompanying one another will give them additional self-assurance and allow them to have fun together.
• If possible, arrange to have the flower girl attend the bridal shower so they will identify faces prior to the wedding. Seeing  friendly, familiar faces on the big day will help to comfort any nervousness.
• It is vital to inform the flower girl(s) in advance of the importance of her role.  The parents should follow up with multiple rehearsals.
• Seat the flower girl’s parents toward the front of the ceremony so she can focus on them and be encouraged by their      smiles of encouragement. The very young flower girl should sit with her parents after she walks.  If your ceremony is short your flower girl(s) may stand with the bridal party at the altar.

 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Heather,

Xo

DIY Glitter Table Numbers

DIY glitter table numbers are a fun and easy way to add a beautiful finishing touch to any wedding table! There is nothing better than adding your own personal flare to your wedding, and I can help you with this simple and cost efficient DIY guide!

What you need:

1. Wooden numbers
2. Glitter (any color of your choice!)
3. Tacky Glue
4. Wooden base blocks
5. Acrylic Paint
6. Paint Brushes
7. Hot glue gun and glue

1. Start by covering your wooden base evenly with acrylic paint (the choice of color is up to you!) Make sure you go over the base a couple of times so there is a solid layer of paint.

2. Cover your number in tacky glue and sprinkle the glitter on every side and edge, making sure you are covering every area.

 

3. Once everything is dry (about 2-3 hours), stick the bottom of the number to the wooden base using   a   thick layer of hot glue.

And there you have it!

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

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

Cake Toppers!

Cutting the cake is one of the delightful highlights at any wedding, and the cake will be featured in heaps of photographs! Cake toppers are an easy and fun accessory to add to your cake to make it look marvelous! There are tons of different varieties to choose from: simple, extravagant, wooden, wire, ribbon, metallic etc.! Cake toppers can help personalize your cake to make it unique, you may be asking yourself what is the perfect cake topper for you and your groom, have fun and think about what represents your styles and tastes!

Here are some of my favorites:

Heather,

Xo

Wedding Favors!

Choosing the right wedding favor is almost as important as choosing the precise color scheme, or finding the perfect dress. Wedding favors play an significant role because the wedding favor is the one part of the wedding which your guests will take home as a reminder of your wedding.

In our generation is it recommended that you send your guests home with a gift in the form of a wedding favor. This will show a small token of appreciation to your guests for attending the wedding.

Nowadays there is a whole range of wedding favor styles and ideas to choose from. Here are some of my favorites!

1. French Macaroons

2. Honey Jars – Its meant to bee!

3. Tequila Toast!

4. Jelly Beans – Thanks for bean here with us!

5. Champagne Celebration!

6. Chapstick – Mint to be!

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

 

Where to Start!?

When planning a wedding the first question I am always asked is “where should I start!” Choosing your wedding theme is a great way to set the scene and create a cohesive look on your special day. It’s vital to select a theme as early as possible in the planning process as it will help guide your various fashion and wedding style decisions. By choosing and sticking with your theme it is very helpful for wedding vendors to come up with ideas for your flowers, cake, menu, invitations, bridesmaid dresses, etc., color and theme are the unifying feature for all of your wedding details!

Here are some quick tips on picking the perfect wedding theme:

1. Consider your hobbies and interests that you and your husband have in common. This could help locate the perfect venue, design the perfect save the date card, or create a unique and unforgettable cake!

2. What are your favorite colors? This is a fundamental question you must ask yourself while you are choosing your bridesmaid dresses and color scheme for the wedding. Flowers and table linens make a huge impact on the overall look of your day!

3. What is your budget? Some themes definitely cost a lot more, while others can be very affordable. Rustic and vintage style weddings are widely popular nowadays as it welcomes DIYs. Where traditional black and white, or old Hollywood themed weddings tend to be more expensive.

Magnet Street has a helpful and easy quiz to help you find your perfect wedding style based on your own unique personality! https://www.magnetstreet.com/wedding-style-quiz

Let me share with you some of my favorite wedding themes:

1. Rustic/Country

2. Old Hollywood

3. Gatsby

4. Nautical

5. Romantic Whimsical

Heather,

Xo