Happy Maids and Gents = Happy Bride

Today, I have some advice on how to keep your bridesmaids and guymaids happy and you’re relationships with them in peak condition throughout your wedding planning process. First things first, remember that these are the women and men that you love and cherish the most. So much so, that you have asked them to stand next to you on what is the most important day of your life. Keep that in mind as you progress through the months leading up to your wedding. You don’t want to lose your besties by turning in to an unhinged Bridezilla.

 

Trust me, nothing positive will resort from Bridezilla antics. Source:http://marryingananti-bride.blogspot.com/2012/09/sooo-what-is-anti-bride.html

Next, consider the body type of ALL of your bridal party when choosing what they will wear.  If you have petite or plus size maids, pick a style that will flatter everyone. No one should have to crash diet or wear sky high heels just to work an outfit. This too goes back to rule number one.Second, keep the finances of each of your attendants in mind when choosing your bridesmaid’s and guymaid’s attire. If you have one person who could realistically afford a $400 dress/suit and another who can only afford to spend $200 or less, don’t make the one with the smaller budget feel insecure, misunderstood, and feeling like he or she has to get a part time job just to pay for being in your wedding. What to do? Either choose a more affordable dress or pay the difference. Remember rule number one: these are the most important people to you, treat them with love and respect.

Fourth, when planning events such as the bridal shower and bachelorette parties, keep the budgets and beliefs of your maids and gents in mind. That trip to Vegas could conflict with religious beliefs or be unattainable due to finances. Trust me, you can have a great bachelorette party keeping it local and affordable and by everyone present keeping their clothes on. If you and your maids can do the weekend in Vegas, then by all means drop some dollars in the slot for me!

Finally, be respectful of your maids’ and gents’ time. Give yourself a good old fashioned reality check when it comes to your expectations of your crew. Expecting them to attend each and every wedding related event from dress shopping, making favors, to parties is incredibly selfish and unrealistic. They have lives too and you have to keep in mind that they have to work, take care of their kids, pay bills, etc. and that your only expectation should be for them to attend the rehearsal the day before the wedding, purchase their outfits, and stand next to you at the wedding. That’s all that should be asked and expected of them.

Don’t be like this real bride who sent this letter (that has since gone viral) to her bridal party:

“To my lovely Bridesmaid: [Names removed to protect the brideslaves]

As you all know I picked 10 wonderful ladies to stand by my side, share and make happen my special day to Jake. Each of you individually have a reason and a special place in my heart of why I picked you to be a bridesmaid. We have set our date for Saturday, August 31, 2013 in Vail, Colorado. That seems far away but it really isn’t, the earlier the planning the better. You may have already knew that my wonderful sister L— will be the Maid of Honor, she’s in charge under me. Also my lovely mom will be a big help as well. L— has a big role in throwing me a bridal shower and bachelorette party, of course all of you guys do but at the end of the day shes the go to person and makes it happen+Doe.

You all have a big roll in this wedding, so before we continue I’m going to be setting some ground rules and its very important you read and think about everything through before you accept this honor to be a bridesmaid. If you guys email anything I would also like you to put L— in the CC. Not all the bridesmaid need to be CC’d unless its coming from me or L—, if it something everyone needs to see then well do it. We set the date to August 31, 2013 if that’s a problem we need to know NOW. Also by the end of the week we will be setting dates for the engagement party, bridal show and bachelorette party.

Our wedding party is really the most important people at the wedding besides my self and Jake so we want every single one of our bridesmaid and grooms at our parties, I have 10 not 8 where two couldn’t make it so if you already know you cant make one of the parties then we have to find someone else, not to be harsh in the slightest it would sadden me and of course you’ll still be invited to our wedding, engagement ect. But it’s different if your not in the wedding party and couldn’t make it. We’ll give everyone well advance dates for the parties and it will always fall on a weekend. The wedding as I stated will be in Vail the engagement party will either be in NY or CT and the bachelorette party will be in Vegas, cliche yeaa but I’ve never been.

A few girls live out of town so if there is going to be a problem with coming to either one then I need to know now because after this week I don’t want to be surprised. I would like everyone to send me any dates they are going away or planning to go away after February so if your going away in January I don’t care. I want any dates from February to the day of our wedding in August, that way we know not to plan something when your away. But after this week the dates are set in stone. Also if money is tight and you cant afford to contribute to say the bachelorette party or wont be able to afford a dress etc then L— and Myself don’t have time to deal with that, I’m sorry. This includes flights as well, everyone knows the states where the parties are going to be held so if you wont be able to afford a flight then that means you cant make a party which ultimately means I cant have you as a bridesmaid. Obviously we’ll get the best deals and were not gonna books flights for $1000 and shit that’s why were doing this in advance, that goes for bridesmaids dresses as well everything will be affordable but if you think by affordable its going to be a $25 forever 21 dress then your going to the wrong wedding.

If your out of state though don’t think you have to fly in for all fittings, that we will work with you, find stores in your town, get measurements..you don’t have to worry about that. Also if you accept this honor another thing is that you need to be available, I’m not going to harass you with wedding stuff every hour of everyday but if its something important and it takes you a week even 2-3 days to get back to me seeeee ya! I don’t have time to wait around for responses, everyone has their phone on them, it shouldn’t take you more than a day to get back to me, even if your out of the country, check your email!

Furthermore, Ever since I could remember I have dreamed about this day all my life. I want to share it with the people that are most important to me. You only get one time to plan your dream wedding and I couldn’t pick a more amazing group of girls to make that dream come true! So please, what’s stated above think about it all and by Wednesday I need to know if everyone is 100% in, and what I have asked about sending me dates if your gonna be away between Feb-Aug ill need that on Wednesday. If you don’t think you’ll be able to attend one party but can make the rest of them I’m sorry but I’ll have to take you out as a bridesmaid and put you as a guest. If you want to get back to me before Wednesday, that’s fine. Really think about everything I’ve said. This is really going to be the most epic wedding ever so I hope you girls can share this special day with us!

Love,”

Read more: http://www.uproxx.com/webculture/2012/10/this-bridezillas-letter-to-her-potential-bridesmaids-is-sad-terrifying/#ixzz2I1Xnn8rF

Really? That is one big mess of crazy and I would hope that her bridesmaids stood up to her.

So, with that said, how about some affordable bridesmaids dresses for under $150?! For your guymaids, rental suits and tuxes are typically under $150, but here are some great accessories under $50 so your guys can spice up those cookie cutter rentals.

Little Borrowed Dress

Ladies, ever been jealous of men and their tux rentals? I know I have! Well, you’re in luck, because I’ve found absolutely stunning bridesmaids dresses available in the first online wedding boutique to offer bridesmaid dresser for rent, Little Borrowed Dress!  From the moment I set eyes upon the gorgeous gowns in the Little Borrowed Dress collection, I was smitten.

These beauties are 100% silk and come in a range of colors (order your free fabric swatch here) sure to work with any palette!  The stylish silhouettes flatter all figures and have built-in adjustment points to ensure a perfect fit.  And best of all? Rental prices start at just $50!

It’s $50 for knee-length, $75 for floor-length, plus a $5 insurance fee.

 

So how does it work: Browse their website, littleborroweddress.com, and pick the style, size and color you want and then reserve the date. Not sure what size you are? They’ll send you two options. When the wedding’s over just pop it back in the mail in the pre-addressed and stamped envelope that came with your dress.

 

You can follow Little Borrowed Dress on Pinterest…. just click HERE.

What NOT To Say To Your Bridesmaids

Reblogged from Two Bird One Stone

Of course you love your bridesmaids, but sometimes it is easy to get swept away with “me, me, me”. Put yourself in their shoes and remember their are always better ways you can send a message.

• Make sure you don’t look TOO good. I don’t want anyone upstaging me– Instead you can say something like: Help me get ready, I want to look my absolute best!
• Let’s go get personal trainers and spray tans to be ready for my wedding day. – Please feel free to do so, but your bridesmaids didn’t sign up to get in shape for your biggest day or get tan. If they want to, great, but don’t expect this!
• Can you get your hair and makeup professionally done and pay for it? – It is really expensive for the bridesmaids to pay for their dress, shoes, lodging, and on top of all of that their hair and makeup. Dress, shoes, and lodging is normal, but it is up to them whether or not they want to get their hair professionally done. If you insist, put it in your budget. Also, you could have them get ready with you. That way, if you want all the girls to have the same kind of hair-do, you can ask kindly and show them how cute it is.
• I’m going to need you to cover up your tattoo for my wedding. – If you have a very conservative family or just want the tattoo to go away for the day, try asking it and not demanding. You can say something like “Hey, I love your tattoo on your shoulder and any other day I’d say SHOW IT OFF, but would you mind covering it up just this once? Sorry.”
• Would you throw me a shower? Here’s my whole guest list, I’m going to need you to invite everyone. – Brides, brides, brides… In the world of weddings, friends/family offer to host a shower. Trust me, people will offer… Be careful if you are expecting your bridesmaids or MOH to host a shower AND to invite 100+ people. Their duties are to be there with you along the way, but it isn’t cheap or easy to throw a shower and they are already giving you their time and giving up money to pay for the dresses and shoes so keep that in mind.

• My wedding this, my wedding that, Oh, did you get that job you… oh that reminds me about my wedding. – Yes they are excited about your wedding, but don’t forget they are friends first. Their life keeps spinning when you are planning your wedding (I don’t mean that to sound rude), whether it be their jobs, boyfriends/husbands of their own, try to remember to ask them how they are doing. That being said, it is OKAY to be super excited about your wedding and talk about it… just don’t dominate the conversation every time. It is an exciting time and it is easy to get swept away, so it is definitely understandable!
• Okay maids! I’m going to need all of you to come over tonight and tie those bows around favors and add the finishing touches to my DIY decor. – Hey, most are up for it! Just remember that you can ask if you need some help and not demand. Try and say “Girls, grab some wine and head over! I’ll order a pizza and put on Bridesmaids movie and we can have fun tying some bows!”. That will get a much better response out of them!
• I know you are pregnant, but this tight fitting dress won’t show your belly *that* much. – If you are deciding to have a pregnant bridesmaid (which is adorable) I would suggest either picking a dress that doesn’t hug the tummy or letting the brides pick their dresses in your color scheme. Different styled dresses is *very* trendy right now and it looks amazing. Keep an open mind when planning your wedding, because you never know until you try it.

• When talking to another bridesmaid or MOH and say the other bridesmaid is not pulling her weight. – No one wants drama on their wedding day, so try to be the leader and not talk behind their backs. If someone is truly giving you trouble, ask them to a dinner date or something and talk to them. You never know what is going on in their lives that they aren’t sharing. Most of the time they are going through something, so try and remember to “confront them” instead of talking behind their backs. It will save you *SO* much drama!
• It’s MY day so… Did you forget about the fiance? Haha. I am guilty of saying this to brides all the time. It is your day, but it’s more like “y’alls” day so try and ask him what he wants out of this wedding. It is fun to discuss and hear his ideas!

I am saying all of this not to get onto brides, but to bring you back a little from the life of a bride. I want to help you have a better experience with your girls. Your bridesmaids will be so flattered you took the time to still ask about their jobs or to help them feel more comfortable at your wedding, which will lead to a *MUCH* better time for you and for them! ❤

Bridesmaid Dresses

One of the most challenging decisions brides face is finding bridesmaid dresses. In fact, many brides say this takes much longer than finding their wedding gown. After all, bridesmaids dresses play a significant role in the overall look of the ceremony.

Here are some bridesmaid dress color pallets: Pastels, neutrals, blush, mint and metallics.

Bridesmaids Dress Tip: When beginning your search for those ideal dresses, make it an event. Invite your maids to join you at boutique appointments. Make them feel special by asking them how they like and feel in the dresses; the more comfortable they are, the better your pictures will be!

Bridesmaids Dress Etiquette: Traditionally, the bride pays for the bridesmaids dresses, but these days, just about anything goes, depending on the situation. If they are making a long journey to your fabulous destination wedding, it’s polite to pay for their dress. Some bridesmaids pay for their dress, shoes, makeup, hair, etc., but if you’re not extending the offer to pay for one of these, it’s nice to give them a gift that shows your gratitude for their presence and support on your big day.

All images credited to Green Wedding Shoes.

Reblogged from: Embellished Weddings

Bridesmaid? What It Really Means…

Most of us are at the age when lots of our friends are getting married. But let’s face it- it’s also the age where we’re getting our roots planted, and not all of us are rolling in dough. Today I want to share some of my experiences as a bridesmaid and how it might affect your wallet after you say yes to this duty.

Real life scenario: Your very best friend in the world recently got engaged and asks you to be her maid of honor! Without hesitation, you say ‘yes’ and happily tell her you’ll be the best maid of honor that ever lived….

Fast forward a few weeks: You are afraid to open emails from the bride-to-be, fearing/knowing each message will contain a link to a designer dress with a cost equivalent to the down payment for a new car!

Through some informal research combined with my personal experience as a bridesmaid, I’ve come up with a list of costs you should consider BEFORE you say yes to being in a wedding:

Dress/Shoes: $150 and up

While some brides are becoming more flexible on bridesmaid gown choices, there are still those traditional brides who want every girl in the same dress, sometimes wearing matching or even custom dyed shoes. Be prepared to spend around $200 on your dress and shoes, depending on the choice the bride makes!

Hair/Make-Up: $100 and up

Some brides make getting your hair and make-up done optional, but some may require it! Depending on the situation, this can be a pricey additional cost that you weren’t counting on. Make sure you ask the bride about her plans a few weeks in advance so you know not to spend that extra $100 on something else!

Shower: $75 and up

The average amount a bridesmaid will contributed to throwing a shower was $250. Sometimes bridesmaids luck out when a family friend or relative offers to foot the cost of the shower. Other times, bridesmaids are expected to pay for everything. No matter the situation, you should plan on helping pay for prizes, games and a shower gift from you to the bride.

Bachelorette Party: $125 and up

Did you know in the UK, bachelorette parties are called ‘Hen weekends?’ Fun fact for you! Bridesmaids there typically don’t pay for their dress, shoes, hair or make-up–since the bride has asked them to be in her wedding, it is considered a favor to her and she foots the bill! The bridesmaids and friends, however, DO throw a ‘hen weekend’ full of fun things and foot the bill for the bride! In the US, bachelorette parties can range from a fun girls night in, to dramatic trips to Vegas or the Caribbean–so plan on forking over a decent amount of cash for this occasion. 🙂

Wedding and Shower Gifts: $100 and up

Gifts are very personal and will reflect your personality, so this one is hard to really give an average price. Generally speaking though, bridesmaids purchase a gift from the bride’s registry for the shower and give a personal, thoughtful gift for the wedding. The nice thing is about a registry is there are a variety of gifts at different price points so you can pick something that really fits your budget!

Travel:$50 and up

Travel is another factor some bridesmaids forget about, but be sure to consider the location of the wedding when you say ‘yes’–there is quite a difference between filling your gas tank to travel a few hours, and buying a plane ticket to the other side of the country! Also, don’t forget other trips you may make to go dress shopping, attend the shower or attend the bachelorette party!

Clothes, shoes, make-up and other bridesmaid duties: Grand total: $600 and up

Gym membership to be in your best shape ever for said wedding: $30 a month

Watching your very best friend in the world marry her soul mate: Priceless

We’re always hearing about the dresses, the shoes, etc etc. So brides, try and be conscious of all your bridesmaids’ situations when choosing things for your wedding. And bridesmaids (potential or current), know what you’re saying yes to when your best friend asks you to be her bridesmaid.

Reality Show Couple Weds In The Lowcountry

Many of you know, my full time job is a news producer for a local news station in Charleston. Last week at work we got a press release from WIld Dunes, an oceanfront resort on the Isle of Palms! I knew after reading it, I had to share it with you guys.

Out of all the places in the world, two former contestants from the hit reality shows “The Bachelor” & “The Bachelorette” fell in love and decided to exchange their vows and get married in the Charleston-area!

On Saturday, May 5th, Peyton Wright and Chris Lambton were married in front of 200 of their closest family and friends.

The couple’s beach ceremony took place on the Resort’s Grand Pavilion overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.  To help create that “beach chic” feel, Wright wore an exquisite strapless dress with a full ruffled skirt designed by Melissa Sweet.  Light and flowing and perfect for an ocean front ceremony. Lambton was dressed in a classic tan suit paired  with sneakers.

The wedding’s color palette was ivory, yellow and moss green with burlap accents. The bridesmaids wore short, yellow dresses designed by Lula Kate of Charleston. The flowers were a combination of whites, yellows and greens put together by Justin Wham. Similar to the groom, groomsmen wore tan suits complete with matching sneakers.

“Wild Dunes seemed like a natural choice for us,” said Wright. “I have such fond memories of vacationing here as a child with my family. Plus, it matched up well with our wish for a beach wedding, and provides the Southern charm and atmosphere we were looking for.”

On Friday, May 4, the bride and groom hosted a welcome party on Wild Dunes Resort’s picturesque, palm tree-lined croquet lawn for approximately 150 guests.

“They feasted on a traditional Southern spread complete with barbeque, fried chicken, mashed potatoes and caramel cake,” said Wild Dunes Resort’s Wedding Specialist and Catering Manager Samantha Martin. “Tiki torches, rocking chairs, burlap, lanterns, and croquet and bocce ball games added to the down-home ambiance.”

At Saturday’s wedding reception in the elegant Sweetgrass Pavilion Palms Ballroom, guests enjoyed Cinco de Mayo inspired sangria, shrimp and grits served in martini glasses, banana pudding shooters and a traditional wedding cake by local Ashley Bakery. The centerpieces consisted of low, square-cut vases filled with greenery, ivory peonies, and hydrangeas. Coastal hued white and tan lounge furniture flanked the dance floor for guests enjoying music from local band, Two Three Ways. Later into the night, the groom’s special request was honored with a celebratory specialty cocktail of butler-passed espresso martinis and the bride and groom departed through a shower of bubbles by golf cart.

Wright and Lambtom have decided to postpone their honeymoon until winter because they have a new show airing on HGTV this spring called “Going Yard.” The show debuts on Saturday, May 12, and will feature Wright, Lambton and their family as they transform rundown yards into landscaping masterpieces ideal for entertaining friends.

*Photos courtesy of Channing Johnson*

Planning a wedding? There’s an app for that!

The iPhone keeps finding ways to make people’s lives more productive, especially when it comes to wedding planning!

BRIDES Magazine has their very own Brides Dressing Room, an iPhone app that is the first digital shopping concierge for brides!

You can browse through wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses from several popular designers. You can choose how to want to browse: by style, designer, details, or price. The photos are excellent, and you are even given a description and price range for each dress! When you find one that you like, you can email it to someone or yourself, or find it at a store near you! You can even schedule an appointment.

 

If you’re a bride, and you have an iPhone, there is no doubt about it that you should download this app! It’s free, so there’s no reason not to. Even if you already have your dress, it will come in especially handy when looking for bridesmaid dresses! Wouldn’t it be great to show your bridesmaids the style you’re thinking of when you’re with them and get their opinions right away (instead of waiting on an email response from them)?

You can find it at the iPhone store by searching “brides”, or here on the internet. I hope you will find this new app to come in handy!