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

Cake Pops

Several people have asked me my thoughts on the perfect wedding favor and the first thing that comes to my mind is cake pops! Cake pops swept the internet like a tidal wave last year and are probably one of the most delicious treats I have tried!

The reason I say these are one of my favorite favors is because not only are they simply scrumptious and impossible to resist, but you can design them to match any wedding theme or style.

Cake pops are basically smushed balls of cake with frosting, dipped in chocolate and decorated with some kind of confection…who wouldn’t like this?!

Cake is never going to be a healthy item on our diet so thank goodness for these bite sized goodies! Cake pops are a delicacy that can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone, and are the perfect send off for the ride home!   When choosing your wedding favors you want to consider your guest list, and discover something that suits all!

These flawless cake pops below were made by my talented sister, Laura!

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

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

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