Top Wedding Trends To Watch For In 2013

I came across this website/blog and had to share with you! (From WeddingBlogs100.Com)

2013 Wedding Trends

We asked 20 influential wedding bloggers to share their thoughts with us on wedding trends they personally feel will emerge in 2013.  Below are their opinions and predictions.  How many do you agree with?

20.  Patterns  will  be  hot

The Perfect Palette

For 2013, I think that incorporating patterns into wedding day decor is going to be HOT! I think we’ll surely continue to see chevron and stripes used on everything from table runners to bowties. However, I think we’ll also start to see more and more gingham, paisley and even polka dots. Because what’s not to love? They truly do add a bit of fun and a touch of whimsy. I’m imaging bridesmaids in striped skirts, and groomsmen with paisley ties. There really are so many possibilities when it comes to patterns and we’re so excited to see where they’ll turn up for weddings in 2013! – [Chrissy, The Perfect Palette]

19.  The  Reception  Lounge

The Man Registry

The reception “lounge” is a wedding trend we’ve seen begin to take off in 2012 and expect to see back even stronger in 2013. It offers an away from the dance floor area for guests to eat, drink and mingle in a relaxed setting. From a groom’s perspective, the lounge is a perfect spot to feature a favorite microbrew, signature cocktail or finger food. If you’re planning to include a photo booth, any yard or table games or a build-your-own drink station – the lounge is the place to do it. As always guys, be sure to talk ideas over with your fiancé before you commit.- [Chris, The Man Registry]

18.   Prints  charming

Southbound Bride

In my book, prints will be a key trend for 2013 weddings. We’ve already seen a few of these starting to come through, but next year I think this will really catch on– everything from the stripes and chevron of 2012 to delicate florals and bold graphic prints. Look out for print fabrics used as table runners and napkins, print bridesmaids’ dresses (either as one of a mismatched grouping, or a striking collection) and even on groomsmen’s shirts or pocket handkerchiefs. Done right, it’s a great look, and if you tie it into your stationery well, can create a lovely ‘brand’ that brings the whole design of the wedding together. Just don’t go overboard or too matchy matchy – depending on the print itself, less is often more! – [Gaby, SouthBound Bride]

17.  Lace,  lace,  lace

Borrowed and Bleu

In my opinion, we’re going to see a lot of lace in 2013! Lace has been a mainstay in bridal fashion for centuries, but it seems to be making a comeback right now. From full-on lace dresses to just a touch here and there to accent a dress, lace has already started to appear on the runway. Many designers will be showcasing classic wedding gowns with lace details like lacy cap sleeves, illusion necklaces, contrasting color lace and more in their spring 2013 collections. My favorite thing about lace is that it’s not just for the gown – lace details in the wedding décor is becoming a hot trend, too. Lace can make an elegant statement anywhere from the invitation to the wedding cake. Lace details can be chic and sophisticated, or when paired with rustic or vintage elements, lace can become a bit more whimsical! – [Erika, Borrowed & Bleu]

16.  Less  Is  More

Boho Wedding Blog

I believe that weddings will become more stripped back and minimalistic. We have seen so much styling going on that I think in 2013 couples will want to get back to basics and let the wedding be more about them. So the old phrase ‘Less is More’ will come into play. Less details, less fuss. So simple minimalistic décor and more relaxed styling. Couples have become swamped with over stylistic wedding ideas so think minimalistic venues,  simple flowers with stripped back table decoration, clean lines, simple rustic elements, un fussy ideas for a couple that want the wedding to be about them NOT the details and styling.- [Kelly, Boho Wedding Blog]

15.  Virtual  Guests

Austin Weddings

In 2013, technology will play in huge role in how couples will share their most precious moments with friends and family around the world.  Live-stream weddings will continue to gain popularity and next year will be a defining year for this type of service. If a loved one cannot attend a wedding, couples will opt to “broadcast” their event and allow front row access to anyone, anywhere.  It’s real-time streaming of a real life event.  It’s a great idea for couples who want to include more and more people in the wedding. I often ask planning brides if this is something that they would consider, and most are not even aware that this is an option!  Look for more live-stream weddings to emerge in 2013. – [Rachel, Austin Wedding Blog]

14.   The  Fun  Factor

Intimate Weddings

In 2013, couples will be putting an even bigger emphasis on fun! And that means, lots of creative food stations (i.e. mashed potato bars), snack stations (i.e. DIY Smores, popcorn) and late night goodies. Carnival foods such as snow cones, cotton candy & candy apples will be ever-popular for summer weddings, as will food trucks, ice cream trucks, french fry trucks and taco trucks. Late night barbecue will also be sizzlin’. Along with emphasising the fun factor with food, couples will continue to create make their cocktail hour and reception interactive with games such as corn hole, bocce ball & horseshoes.  Entertainment will also get interactive, with couples hiring everything from live event artists, on-site poets and dance instructors to magicians & tarot card readers. To make the fun last even longer, the post-wedding after party where couples hire a bus or van to take guests to a local night club after the reception, will be big for 2013. – [Christina, Intimate Weddings]

13.  Extended  Wedding   Receptions

Gig Masters

One of the biggest trends of 2012 was the “After Party,” a party after the reception was officially over. The After Party came with its own music, food, and sometimes even wardrobe for friends of the bride and groom. Although many couples will be continuing that trend in 2013 others will be looking for ways to bring the younger vibe and fun to the wedding itself, without the expense of throwing a completely different second party. Look for receptions that last a tad bit longer so that couples can fit in a change in entertainment and the ever-popular food trucks. For some couples, receptions will be divided in to three distinct sections, the cocktail hour with low-key music and food, the dinner “hour” (actually two or three hours) with all the expected wedding traditions (except for the bouquet toss, which is on its way out and fast), and two to three hours of fun where it’s completely acceptable for Grandma and Grandpa to head on home. DJs and bands will be mixing together in new and interesting ways as couples use these longer receptions to try and please everyone. 
– [Marta, GigMasters]

12.  Wedding  Dresses…  With  Pockets

Bridal Snob

Finally, the wait is over!  Pocket wedding dresses will break out in 2013 and brides everywhere will rejoice. Functional fashion is in and fashion designers are coming around to the idea of adding soft, dainty pockets to traditional and modern bridal wear.  I recently spoke to a Very popular gown designer who dished that some very high-profile celebrities will be debuting pocket dresses in 2013. Honestly, I’m stunned it’s taken so long for this trend to go pseudo-mainstream. If your wedding is more than 6 months away, you might want to entertain the idea of a wedding dress… with pockets. – [Bridal Snob]

11.   The  Roaring  Twenties

The Giving Bride

I think the biggest wedding trend for 2013 will be a 1920’s vintage look.  The decadence and gayety of the era make it a perfect inspiration for a celebration like a wedding. Plus, with the popularity of shows such as Downtown Abbey and a remake of The Great Gatsby coming out, the 20’s will be roaring back into popular culture. The style of 20’s fashion is very romantic.  Hallmarks of this look include dropped waist dresses and lace in soft colors of ivory.  To channel this look through your accessories, try long strands of pearl necklaces or gold toned jewelry.  Instead of a traditional veil you could wear a cloche style headpiece or a beaded headband with art deco details. – [Maggie, The Giving Bride]

10.  Localized  Weddings

Valley and Co

As one year of wedding trends comes to a close another will emerge with vibrant ideas, new methods of entertaining guests and bits of eye candy that will set weddings apart as truly spectacular. These are the trends that will live on and become classic. As we are knee-deep in planning and prepping for marvelous 2013 weddings we look ahead to the localized wedding. You needn’t look too far past your hometown for preeminent wines, sea foods or fresh bounty from farmers or bakers. Caterers will see an increase of delectable menus that are thoughtful and sourced locally, showcasing the best of what’s to offer where their creativity can truly shine.

To truly give guests an incredibly unique experience {at often a fraction of the price for shipping foods cross-country or wine across The Pond}, couples can look to nearby family-run apple cideries for a fun approach to bubbly, to a regional winery to select a scrumptious blend to pair with dinner, or work with a farmer or chef to personalize favorite food elements in an elevated light. The focus will be on quality, not quantity, and a remarkable experience will ensue! – [Aleah + Nick, Valley & Co.]


9.  grooms   start  spending

Wedding Statistics

In 2013, we expect the average cost of a wedding to increase slightly, partly due to spending by the groom.  As more grooms begin playing an active role in the planning details of their wedding (a growing trend we’ve seen over the past 2 years), certain items such as groom cakes, groom rings, accessories, intricate honeymoon plans and unique groom gifts could significantly impact most wedding budgets, causing engaged couples to ultimately spend more.  Most of the grooms that we’ve spoken to state that their bride-to-be is totally on board for this increase in spending since it is as much his wedding as it is hers. – [Mason, WeddingStats.org]

8.  A  return  to  elegance

Burnetts Boards

In 2013 we are going to see a return to elegance. 2012 weddings reflected the world economy with a shabby chic, ‘do it yourself’ kind of attitude but 2013 brides will draw inspiration from old world glamour with cinematic and literary influences like The Great Gatsby, Anna Karenina,  Downton Abbey, and A Royal Affair. I expect to see decadent fabrics, corsets, ornate lace details, metallics, costume jewelry, and more formal receptions. This trend is already being reflected on red carpets and runways around the world and I can’t wait to see it find its way back into weddings again! – [Sara, Burnett’s Boards]

7.   Custom   Wedding  Details

Polka Dot Bride

The hottest trend in Australia right now is customisation to create a truly personal wedding day. We’re seeing more weddings at the one venue- not reception/ceremony  ‘all in one’ function centres, mind you, but farms and large garden spaces, backyards and inner city, multi level venues. This extends to more unusual venues – art galleries, favourite upmarket cafe/gallery spaces, warehouses. I’m predicting more and more couples opting for blank slates they can truly customise to their own style and vision. This can be through asking a wedding stylist to create a bespoke occasion, or making and creating everything themselves right down to the wedding dress and bouquets. This extends further to bridal gowns and accessories- instead of leaving an off the rack gown as they bought it, Australian brides are adding sleeves, coloured belts, crystal brooches. For some weddings, the bridesmaids are being given a colour and asked to choose their own dresses. Grooms are adding fun bow ties and pocket squares and even the ceremonies are involving less traditional moments and more words that tell a story of who they are as a couple. For Australian brides and grooms customising their wedding day, allows them to tell the wider world that ‘as a couple, this is who we are’. – [Ms. PolkaDot – Polka Dot Bride]

6.    Fabulous  Florals

The Brides Cafe

Of course for the 2013 wedding trend, I have to speak on the wedding flowers.  For Spring 2013, I think we’ll see soft shades of yellows mixed with grays and lots of pastels for the romantic look and feel.  Come summer, get ready for over-sized and brightly colored blooms.  Picture lush coral or hot pink peonies tied together with lots of pretty ribbons.  Also, the “just picked from the garden” look and feel hand tied bouquet and lush centerpieces will always be a favorite.  And, let’s not forget to use lots of texture by incorporating fruits, grasses, pods, berries and succulents.  I hope we’ll also see more of the monochromatic bouquets.  We can achieve this look with a lush bouquet of pretty tulips, ranunculus and garden roses.  These pretty blooms come in a variety of gorgeous colors and would be the perfect on your wedding day.  And for the DIY bride, let’s not forget all the vibrant color summer blooms at the farmer’s market.  To tie the look all together, lots of pretty ribbons and lace around the bouquet handle.                                                          –  [Janie, The Bride’s Cafe]

5.  Economy & Technology  Drive  Choices

Tweet My Wedding

The economy will continue to play a large part in how brides and grooms approach planning and vendors. Couples are becoming increasingly selective in a world of more and more options. Online tools and apps like Pinterest propel the availability of creative ideas while social media continues to bring the bride and vendor closer advancing trust and educating both. I sense that we are seeing the trade off of super trendy, bling drenched wed-to-impress affairs for more intimate uncomplicated celebrations that are personal to their families, lives, values and pocketbook. – [Mindy, TweetMyWedding]


4.  Birds  of  a  feather

Emmaline Bride

I predict the hot wedding trend for 2013 goes to the birds! We’ve seen bird themed weddings grow in popularity in 2012, but expect to see an increase in bird-themed everything throughout 2013, particularly in the spring.  Some examples include tossing bird seed, bird cages as card holders,  bird themed invitations, and bird’s nest favors (complete with blue Jordan almond ‘eggs’).  Look for bird necklaces, particularly ones with a minimalist look (like single feather pendants or tiny sparrows), both of which are popular and make great gifts for bridesmaids and flower girls.  We’re also seeing an increase in feather-inspired hair accessories (like veils and fascinators) to subtly tie in the theme.  Fans of Portlandia will revel in this wedding theme, as couples everywhere will find a way to “put a bird on it”.  (I couldn’t resist.) – [Emma, EmmalineBride]

3.  DIY  attire

DIY Bride

On the do-it-yourself front, I predict couples will choose projects that are more advanced skill-wise and require bigger budget and/or time commitments than they have in recent years. Much of DIY for the last few seasons has been focused on quick and inexpensive but we’re really seeing a swing towards more challenging and sophisticated projects. On the top of the list, I think we’ll see a lot of DIY attire: handmade bridal gowns and accessories, custom ties and pocket squares for the groomsmen, revamped and upcycled clothing.  Shows like Project Runway have certainly fueled an interest in clothing construction and, therefore, sewing. Jewelry-making, especially the advanced techniques like metalsmithing, intricate beading, and metal clays, has been trending in the mainstream craft world for well over a year now and I think we’ll definitely see DIYers embrace these new trends and skill sets wedding world in 2013. – [Khris, DIY Bride]

2.   Low  Key  soirees

Rock n Roll Bride

2012 was the year of the detail-heavy ‘blogworthy’ wedding. Bunting, cupcakes, tents, tipis, mason jars, bicycles covered in flowers… it was the year of weddings with lots of ‘stuff’. With so much wedding inspiration around on wedding blogs, I think that engaged couples are starting to feel a certain amount of pressure to make sure they have the right ‘stuff’ for their day – to make it look a certain way, or have certain things. So my prediction for 2013 would be that couples will start to rebel and we’ll see a lot more low key weddings – elopements, small family gatherings, less pressure and less ‘stuff’. Weddings taking inspiration from nature and the natural elements around their chosen venue will dominate rather than adding lots and lots of extra ‘things’. 
– [Kat, Rock n Roll Bride]

1.  Food  Truck  Frenzy

The Budget Savvy Bride

In the last year or so I’ve seen a great increase in new and interesting gourmet Food Truck companies popping up and I think these kitchens on wheels are going to have a big presence in weddings in 2013. Not only is it cool and different but it’s also convenient! Imagine a gourmet hot dog or grilled cheese truck providing your guests with good eats at your laid-back park wedding, or an ice cream truck delivering delicious homemade ice cream sandwiches as a late night snack. There are food trucks for every type of food you could imagine, you could even hire a few different ones for your guests to have their pick! It’s sure to be a fun way to feed your guests that they will be talking about for years to come. – [Jessica, The Budget Savvy Bride]

Planning A Wedding…While At Work

Wedding planning might be a full-time job, but chances are you’ve also got that other full-time job — you know, the one you had long before he put that ring on your finger. Even if you’ve hired a hands-on wedding planner, you probably still need to decide on some things yourself. How to deal? Plan for some serious, um — let’s call it multitasking. Here’s how to find the time do it all without winding up in hot water with your boss.

woman-planning-wedding-work-293nmgetty-images

When to Do What

Finding Vendors: Daytime 
Researching vendors online — checking out sites or reading other to-be-weds’ recommendations — is an obvious one for that spare five minutes before you have to run into a meeting. One caveat: Make sure the volume on your computer is turned off, or at least way down! If a digitized version of “Wedding March” starts blasting, you are so busted.

Finding Inspiration: Daytime
Here’s another instance where the Internet is your best friend — browse for gowns, bouquets, and more online. You’re more likely to have an aha moment the more you see, so spending time online is a good way to get through the doldrums of your work day (like mid-afternoon, when lunch is ancient history and it feels like the end of the day is never going to come).

Know your priorities

Sure, you might need to finalize the guest list today, but don’t do it at the expense of a huge work project. In the long run, you’re much worse off compromising a work deadline than a wedding one.

Visiting Vendors: Free time
Unless you’re just doing a drive-by to check out their digs, keep actual vendor visits to your days off or weekends.

You’re going to want to visit most vendors as a tag team, so you’ll need your fiance with you. More importantly, if you really like the vendor, you can talk much longer without worrying about going over your lunch hour. Better to play it safe and plan visits for when you know you don’t have work commitments.

DIY Stuff: Nighttime
Did you really think you’d be able to assemble programs at your desk? Or that your boss won’t notice you printing out 200 favor cards on the color printer? Wedding projects (like tying the bows on all those favor boxes) are definitely a nighttime activity — kick back with a glass of wine and a DVD of the last season of Grey’s Anatomy while you fold 300 sheets of vellum.

Making Lists: Anytime
Playlists, guest lists, and even to-do lists — whether you manage them online or on paper, keep these at your fingertips so whenever you think of something, you can update them.

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3 Tricks for Not Getting Caught

Stay on Task

You want to fly under the radar — if it’s blatantly obvious that your work time has become wedding time, you risk the wrath of your coworkers or even worse, your boss. You can’t let wedding planning take up your entire day, but you can definitely let it replace time you would have spent instant messaging. The key: Stay on top of your normal tasks and goals, and don’t let planning affect your performance.

Go Online

Do not, we repeat, do not bring your wedding binder to work. A notebook full of decor ideas and fabric swatches is way too obvious (unless perhaps you’re an interior decorator). Leave the real deal at home and add ideas to a digital notebook (like the one on TheKnot.com) at work. You can save articles, photos, and gowns you like — and remember, if you really need something you can actually hang onto, you can always print out the pics.

Watch Your Back

It should be obvious, but use your best judgment when it comes to planning your wedding while you’re supposed to be working on your work (you know, the stuff they’re actually paying you to do). Don’t leave a wedding-related web page or document on your screen if you have to step away from your desk — close or minimize it. And keep more than one window open so if someone comes by it’s easy to tab over from your reception site’s floor plan to something more legit.

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4 Ways to Max Out Your Free Time

Your Commute

In the subway? Read wedding magazines or go over your lists. On the train or a bus? Use a laptop or Blackberry to email or surf the web wirelessly or, if it’s not too loud, make a few quick check-in phone calls with vendors before their day gets too busy. Driving? Use the voice notes feature on your cell phone to record any sudden bursts of inspiration. No matter how you commute, use your iPod or CD player to preview potential ceremony or first dance tunes — you’d feel lazy sitting around your house doing it, but if you’re stuck in traffic, why not crank up Pachelbel’s Canon in D?

Your Lunch Hour

Plan to devote at least a few days a week to vendor phone calls. The key is to plan out your conversation beforehand and make a list so it can be swift and tactful. That way, you’ll still have time to enjoy that grilled chicken salad.

Your Workout

Don’t just watch CNN scroll by while you’re pedaling away on a stationary bike. Instead, use some of the time for wedding-related reading (for example, print out a bunch of ceremony or vow ideas to read over). If you go to the gym at the end of the day, that’s a good time to read back over your to-do lists, check off what you’ve completed, and jot down notes for what you need to do next.

Making Dinner

Whether you’re waiting for the oven to preheat or unwinding while your fiance does the work, use the time in between prep work and mealtime to hop online. A watched pot never boils anyway, right? Hit the message boards, Real Weddings, or gown search on TheKnot.com and make that spare 5 or 10 minutes count.

3 Things to Watch Out For

Limit Your Sources

If you’re asking your coworkers for a bit of wedding advice — even something simple like, “Do you like periwinkle better than peach?” — make sure they’re on your invite list. The more a work pal feels involved in your wedding, the more she’ll feel snubbed when that big square envelope doesn’t arrive. The exception: if you’ve already made it clear your guest list is going to be limited.

Get Your Apology Accepted

You’re running late handing in an update on a project, your boss comes over to check on you, and — uh-oh — you’re on TheKnot.com message boards. How do you deal? First, fess up. In this case, honesty is the best policy. Tell her the project’s actual status, and say that you just needed a minute to clear your head before plunging back into your work. Then try not to let it happen again. If you arouse your superior’s suspicions, you’ll be monitored that much more closely.

Protect Yourself

Look up your company’s policy for computer use. No employer wants you to use your computer for personal reasons, but what you need to check out is just how extensively your online activity is monitored. If it seems like Big Brother is watching, you may need to scale back your at-work wedding planning — but don’t worry, you’ll still find a way to get it all done.
(Reblogged from The Knot)

Bachelorette Party Games

We are all aware of the fun but corny games people play at bachelorette parties… but here are some games you can play that don’t get old too fast.

Never have I ever…

Here’s how to play:
As far as I know, we all pretty much know how to play this game. Therefore, we all know it can get really dirty pretty quickly (WHICH IS SO FUN FOR BACHELORETTE PARTIES!). Although, be sure you are aware of your audience and adjust the game to make it age appropriate or to avoid embarrassment. If you are unfamiliar with the game, anyone who has done the deed drinks. If you are the only one to drink, you have to share the juicy details!


*FYI* ^That’s my sister :-)

Lingerie Shower Guessing Game

Here’s how to play: Have every guest bring some type of lingerie (teddy, g-string, victoria secret maids outfit…) have the bride go out of the room and give each person a hanger and hang their piece of lingerie all over the room. The bride will be brought back in and she will write down who she thought brought which item of lingerie. She has to drink every time she guesses incorrectly!

(^Note how airbrushed her “tummy” is!)

Finish his sentences

Here’s how to play: In a sense, it is like Mad Libs. Before the shower/party the MOH will ask the groom to write out sentences such as “I love when I come home and the bride is…” or “My favorite thing to do with __ the bride__ is _____”. After you get enough sentences, make copies and have everyone fill out what they think he would finish the sentence as. Trust me, it can get dirty, so make sure you know the crowd. If you need to tone it down a little to avoid embarrassment, it is easy to do so!

 

Wedding Night Preview

Here’s how to play: At the shower, when the bride is opening her gifts, someone records all of her reactions to each present she opens… such as “Oh, WOW!” “You’re going to have to show me how this works..?” or my personal favorite, “Oh, I have wanted this for SO long!”. After she is done opening all of her presents, you play the game. The recorder will inform everyone that your reaction to each opened gift is our preview to things you will say on your wedding night. Pretty hilarious at times. Make sure she says some good ones!

 

 

(Reblogged From TwoBirds,One Stone Wedding)

Planning with Pinterest: Pros & Cons

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We all, meaning I, have spent hours browsing the endless eye candy that Pinterest has to offer. When I first joined I really didn’t understand what it was, other than I was finding tons of recipes, fashion, fitness and wedding (even though I’d already gotten married) ideas that I wanted or wished I could have to put into action. Pinterest can be a great tool to use to plan many things, and for many brides when they get engaged, they go Pin-crazy. I’ve put together a list of good and bad things about trying to Pinterest plan.

Pros:

-Ideas for pictures: I’ve found countless of picture ideas I never would have thought of if I never got online. I can easily show my photographer some great snapshots I can’t go without on my big day.

YES - Have your family and friends in the background of the first kiss instead of the officiant

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First kiss from behind the preacher

Awesome shot!

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– Ideas for colors/bridesmaids dresses and flowers: I can easily show a florist and look for bridesmaids dresses that go along with a shot I’ve seen and easily Pinned.

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-Easy organization. When visit a vendor or go to the bridal salon to buy bridesmaids dresses, I can easily whip out my phone and show colors, ideas and my vision. I don’t have to print out endless amounts of pictures and remember to bring them with me when I meet with a vendor. It’s all right there!

Cons:

-Idea and Information Overload: One could possibly spend countless hours looking at ALL of the great ideas for favors, pictures, colors, decorations, extra fun activities, etc. But you can easily get overwhelmed with all of the ideas, trying to do all of these great ideas that sounded good at the time but make you lose track of the purpose of the day- marrying the love of your life. I was talking to a friend of mine whose friend recently got married, and commented that she got so caught up in doing all of the ideas she saw on Pinterest, it became too stressful.  You don’t want to spend your wedding day stressing over whether the photographer is going to still be there at the end to snap that awesome ‘sparkler picture’.

-Will I be able to afford that?: As many start to actually plan their wedding, they quickly realize that:

True!!!

Things you think you are definitely going to have at your wedding- like a rustic barn venue and vintage cowboy boots for all of your bridesmaids- might not be a financial reality.  Looking at all the pictures then realizing what you can actually afford can leave you feeling inadequate and unfulfilled. Just remember that you don’t need all the bells and whistles- remember the true meaning of the day!

absolutely amazing

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– Usability of images you find: Again, as you start to plan, you’ll probably realize that some of the stuff you Pinned really isn’t even useful to your actual planning.

 Pinterest can be fun- but try not to get overwhelmed! It’s really easy to get caught up in “I need to do this” and “I must have this”. Don’t lose sight of the point of your day. My advice is pick 2-3 really good ideas that you find and focus on those instead of trying to focus on 15 things you find you want to do.

Blog inspired by Pencil & Pancakes

Save The Date Etiquette

In today’s world, planning ahead has become a necessity. “Save The Dates” allow your guests to plan for your wedding day well in advance. This is especially important for out-of-town guests, destination weddings, or weddings taking place near a holiday. Remember, this is not an announcement, it’s just a heads up.

Guests
Save the date etiquette is vital. The most important thing to do before sending out a save the date card is to finalize your guest list. The save the date card is a pre-announcement that lets your guests know to expect an invitation to be a guest at your wedding.

Once you sent out a save the date card to a guest, you cannot un-invite them. And I stress CANNOT. If, by chance there is a wedding budget crisis, and you need to make guest cuts, it is good to know this before you send out the cards. You can trim a guest list easier when the guests are not yet pre-invited.

Tracy Ryan

When you send out a save the date card, be sure to list if the person invited can include a guest. There are a couple of ways this can be done. If you know the name of the guest that will be invited, include them when addressing the card. If not, it is acceptable to include “and guest”. Also, if children are to be included, list them on the card as well.

When should save the dates be sent?
Send them as soon as you set your wedding date and have secured your ceremony and reception sites… This can be from 6 months to a year before the wedding. When planning your destination wedding, the more time you can give your guests the better, it can be a year or mom in advance.

Helpful info:
The only guests who will be invited to the wedding should receive a save the date. For wording, keep it shirt and sweet! Your names, wedding date and “Invitation with details to follow.” If it’s a destination wedding, it would be good to include travel agencies along with resort and hotel information.

Your save the dates can be anything from refrigerator magnets to photo postcards, the sky is the limit! Here are some of my favorite that I’ve found on Pinterest … you can find more on my pin board…. SAVE THE DATE.

Getting Pictures From Your Guests

Facebook and Google+ has made it a lot easier for people to share photos from weddings. Just upload, tag and share. But what happens when you aren’t friends or connected to someone that might have taken a great picture of you or of you and another guest. Well, with technology, there’s an app for that!

 

Apple has the largest amount of applications available with just over 600,000 to choose from,  and Wedding Party App is one of those. A well thought-out app,  that is not only incredibly easy to use, but best of all it is FREE. A no charge easy solution to collect all of your guests’ behind the scenes photos.

Your wonderful photographer will capture all the beautiful highlights, but guests capture the subtle, the fun, the surprising and the unexpected moments. Wedding Party App has some wonderful features that we know you will appreciate.

 

 

Suggest bulk uploads: 
With the iPhone camera being as good as many point and shoot cameras, guests end up taking a ton of pictures through their phones. Wedding Party App does not require your guests’ to take photos within the app, instead they suggest photos based on the time and location that they were taken. It automatically shows guests the photos they’ve taken at the wedding making it incredibly easy to share. Then couples can upload all of the photos at once with our bulk upload functionality. It’s really simple, any of your guests will be able to figure it out!

See your wedding in perfect order from the walk down the aisle to the first dance-
While majority of photo sharing apps timestamp your photos with the time of upload, Wedding Party App does something a little more unique. As guests upload photos to the app, Wedding Party App automatically arranges them in your wedding timeline based on when they were captured and NOT when they were uploaded. This way when all the pictures have been uploaded, the couple get a minute by minute timeline of their wedding in the app. From the walk down the aisle to the first dance, all the way to the bouquet toss and send off!

Download all your guests’ hi-res  photos for free-
With just one click you can bulk download all the high resolution pictures that were captured at your wedding!

Add personal touches-
You can customize the app and add a personal touch to it. You welcome the guests with a cover photo of your and your fiance (like above). The app is branded with the name of the couple and we even have customized email invites you can send to the guests along with free personalized place cards and a poster you can download and print( see below)!

Perfect for friends and family that could not make it to your destination wedding-
Destination weddings are super popular these days but the cost and distance make it nearly impossible for everyone to show. Wedding Party instantly streams all the pictures from your guests to the app and a website as well, so relatives at home can follow every special moment! So, it’s a neat way to follow along and even participate!

 

 

DIY: S’mores & Hot Chocolate

DIY S'mores and hot cocoa

Who doesn’t love an old favorite like s’mores and hot cocoa? With the fall season quickly approaching us,  Smitten on Paper wanted to share this fun + cozy DIY! They are sharing how to put together a s’mores and hot cocoa kit – sounds super cute, right?

DIY S'mores and hot cocoa


Materials:
• chocolates
• marshmallows
• graham crackers
• hot cocoa
• clear baggies
• kraft baggies
• straws
• cups
• template – download here

DIY S'mores and hot cocoa

DIY S'mores and hot cocoa


Now that you have the first part finished, it’s time to move onto the hot cocoa packages!

DIY Hot Cocoa Bags

DIY Hot Cocoa Tags

DIY Hot Cocoa Tags

DIY Hot Cocoa Bags and Smores

DIY s'mores and hot cocoa kit


Wasn’t that so easy and aren’t the results so cute?! This little s’mores and hot cocoa bar would be perfect for the late summer/early fall wedding. Your guests will absolutely fall in love with these little treats and it would be such a sweet way to end the evening. Don’t forget to add little details like the flag banner, which you can find in the Smitten on Paper Shop.

DIY created exclusively for Green Wedding Shoes by Smitten on Paper

Reblogged from Green Wedding Shoes

Say “I Do” To These Things, Too

Everyone knows that weddings cost a fortune (regardless of your efforts to save), but there are certain things in your wedding you absolutely cannot skimp on! Set your budget, assuming you have one, around these three things. They are, arguably, the most important.

1. Photographer and Videographer

Here are just a few reasons why:

• A great photographer can anticipate what will happen next. You’ll never miss great moment in your wedding because your photographer wasn’t prepared.

Reason: They are very experienced and know good and well when something special is going to happen.

• A top-notch photographer can make an ordinary photo into something extraordinary.

Reason: The experience of photographing many brides has shaped their ability to understand what the bride is looking for. They are able to create the perfect photo you had in mind, and more.

• Hiring a friend can be scary! In other words, avoid hiring them!

Reason: Sometimes, the photos don’t turn out as you had imagined and there is some animosity between you and your friend. Who needs the extra stress? You just got married and had an amazing honeymoon and then come home to the real world and find out that your friend didn’t produce the photos you dreamed of. No one wants the confrontation or the elephant in the room when you go hang out with your girlfriends.

• Once it’s over, it’s over! You want to capture these moments forever!

Reason: You only have the photos and videos to relive the moment. With good photography and video work, you can look forward to sharing this moment with your friends and family who couldn’t make your ceremony, or even your children when they start asking questions about your wedding. It goes without saying that photos are fantastic keepsakes, but video will give you an immersive experience. Videographers can capture the true feeling of love in the air. Remember, a picture (or a video) is worth a thousand words!

2. Gifts

I know this isn’t one many people think about – that’s why I included it! When I say “gifts,” I am talking about gifts you might give to one another’s parents, as well as gifts you might offer the bridal party and groom’s party. Traditionally, in most American weddings that is, the bride’s parents will be paying for your special day. Don’t you think you should that deserves a gesture of gratitude?
• In 2011, the average cost of a wedding was $27,000 (excluding the honeymoon). Thanks mom and dad!

Reason: On top of paying a small fortune for the wedding, it’s tradition that parents give the bride and groom a gift. If you ask me, the wedding is a present in itself! With that in mind, it’s important to share how much you appreciate your parent’s hard work, financial support, and their willingness to take the time to give you the wedding you have always dreamed of.
• Bridesmaids and groomsmen give up time out of their busy lives to make your day special by attending all of your showers and parties, as well as the wedding itself. And a lot of the time they pay for their own dresses, tuxes/suits, shoes, and lodging. Thanks ladies and gents!

Reason: Of course they wouldn’t miss it for the world, but I’m sure they would be grateful if you showed your appreciation with a little somethin’ somethin’! Acknowledge that you’re aware of their support and that you recognize the sacrifices they may have made in order to make your day something special.

Courtesy: Photos By J.Kay

3. Your Unique Style

I’ve always heard the saying, “the marriage is for the couple and the wedding is for the parents.” Well, lucky for you, that’s not the case anymore.

• The wedding is not about pleasing your family or your guests! It’s about you!

Reason: Of course you want everyone to love it just as much as you and your bride/groom-to-be, but don’t forget this is a celebration for you! I know, I can’t say the word “you” enough. Now keep in mind, I’m not talking about becoming the infamous and dreadful bride-zilla. But, I encourage you to stay true to your style, whether it’s out of the ordinary or completely by the book! There are many ways to incorporate your style in your wedding.

 

Oh, one last thing: Problem with the folks? No problem.
• If you want to keep it simple but your mom wants an extravagant celebration and throws in the phrase, “it’s my money, shouldn’t I get a say?”

Try this: Split the cost of the wedding 3 ways. This is a new idea that consists of the bride and groom, bride’s family, and grooms family splitting the cost of the wedding three ways. Many couples have started using this strategy because they feel like it’s fairer to everyone. Plus, mom and pop don’t get to chime in quite as much. After all, it isn’t all your folk’s money anymore, is it?

With these things in mind your dream wedding isn’t out of reach. I promise you won’t regret saying “I do” to these things, too.

Reference: Two Birds, One Stone

Avoid Getting Burned Out

For many brides, you get engaged and can’t wait to start planning the big day. You’ve been dreaming about it forever, so you think you know everything! But rushing the process (unless you really need to if you’re getting married in 2 months) can really burn you out!

It’s tremendously easy to do. When you have wonderful wedding magazines like Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, The Knot coupled with awesome websites and blogs like Martha Stewart Weddings, Style Me Pretty,  (and, this one, TLC Events) you’ll catch a case of information overload.

Do you go with the table runners? Mason jars and wildflowers or clear vases with simple white flowers? Lace gown or ball gown? DJ or band?  Add in the million questions you receive from family in friends, the stress of managing a budget and planning the largest party you probably have every planned and you’re stuck with an overwhelming feeling of the pieces just not falling into place. So, how do you avoid it?

1. Ask for help. Also known as hiring a wedding planner.  Hiring a planner doesn’t mean you’re out of the picture, it just means that you’ll have help.

2. Define a clear focus for your overall design / vision. Pick a color palette and stick with it.  Opt for details that complement your personal style but add that touch of flair. Do not feel like you have to use every trend on every magazine page and blog.

3. Don’t let the details become bigger than the purpose. Yes, details are what help give personality to the wedding.  But the couple, marriage and celebration are the most important.  If you focus on the purpose, the details fall in place.  It’s when you get wrapped up in the details that the wedding starts to lose focus…

4. To do lists! Create a list of all of your to-do’s, enlist the help of your fiance, and prioritize what’s important and necessary, what isn’t and what needs to get tackled now and what can wait til later. 

5. ENJOY the process. As overwhelming as it can be, the last thing you want is for the engagement and planning process to take over your life.  I always tell my couples that if it is too much work, you’re doing it wrong. Re-evaluate how you’re tackling the tasks and don’t forget to ask for help.

6. Step away from the inspiration when you have solidified your ideas and vision.  It never fails that once you have finalized those details, you get sucked into other inspiration and develop a case of “I should haves.” You don’t want that. Re-visit that inspiration only in moderation.

7. Involve friends and family.  When you delegate tasks (like crafting or putting labels on envelopes or water bottles), it makes the process seem less daunting and stressful, and much more enjoyable.

While there are a number of other ways to beat wedding burnout (like a good glass of wine every now and then), these tips will help to keep you from going crazy.  When things start to get overwhelming or tiring, take a break.  No one said you had to eat, sleep and breathe wedding planning once you’re engaged.

And, most importantly, be sure you are having fun. That’s what matters the most!

Will you be my…?

It is a great honor to be asked to be a bridesmaid so you should make it a moment to remember for both you and your bridesmaid. Without a doubt, bridesmaids are always touched and flattered to be asked to stand up for you. By asking someone to be your bridesmaid you are singling them out and showing them how important they are to you. You are asking them to be a part of your wedding experience, one of the most important days of your life, so try to think of a unique and stylish way of doing this.

For me, I had asked my maid & matron of honor over the phone (they both lived out of town) and I had just return from the cruise where Dave & I had gotten engaged! I couldn’t wait 9 hours to get back home to wait and ask.  As for some of my bridesmaids though, I had invited them to shop with me for my wedding gown. I had found these cute tumbler glasses that said “Bridesmaid” on them and got one for each of the girls.I wrapped up the glasses and found a cute poem online talking about friendship. I had each of the girls open the gift bags at the same time and pull out the tumblers and asked them to be bridesmaid. Each of the girls were flattered and all said yes.

It’s the little things that matter and make the difference.

Here are some ideas I found online that can make the experience memorable for you and your best friends!

A cute card can go a long way.  There are a lot of really nice cards available that you can send or give to your potential MOH or bridesmaid. You could also send some flowers along with the card, or even send flowers by themselves with a little note attached!

Most people love sweets, especially cookies! There’s a lot of cookie companies or even your local bakeries that can make some cute cookies, asking your girls to stand beside you!

Here are some other cute ideas I found online:

Wine Labels

Survival Kit

 

How did you ask you best friends to be a part of your wedding party? Share with us in the comments section!