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

Wedding Hair Trial

Should I really splurge on a wedding hair trial?…YES! You want everything to be perfect, and that includes your hair! While doing a hair trial might feel like an indulgence, it’s actually a crucial step. The hair trial lets you know what you’re getting, and on your wedding day you may be too anxious or astounded to explain exactly what you really want. It’s also a chance to give your hairdo a test run: Head out on the town for a few hours afterwards to see if your ‘do holds up to normal wear. It beats discovering on the dance floor at your reception that those bobby pins won’t hold!

A trial may cost as much as an actual wedding day hair style
Although it seems crazy to pay for a hair ‘do’ that won’t actually be photographed, I highly suggest going for a trial run a couple weeks before the big day! Check with your salon and hairdresser because some salons will charge just as much for the trail as they will for the actual day.

Bring anything you might want in your hair to the trial.
Before you go to your trial research as many styles as possible so you can decide exactly the look you are expecting on your wedding day. Make sure you bring all of your hair accessories too, you may learn, that your sparkly that you thought would look perfect is far from it. Better to figure that out at the trial than on your wedding day.

However long it takes the stylist to do your wedding hairstyle at the trial is about how long it’ll take on your wedding day.
Make sure you jot down and confirm with your stylist exactly how long the trail will take. When getting ready on your wedding day leave the same amount of time to guarantee you don’t have to race to the alter.

Pay attention post-trial to your hair.
I’ve got naturally straight hair that doesn’t hold curls very well. Make sure you pay attention to your ‘do’ and alert your stylist of this so you can prepare in advance. Sometimes your stylist may have to use an entire can of hairspray to guarantee your hair lasts all night!

Photo Credit:Pinterst

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

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

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

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

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