Banded Together

While selecting your engagement ring is not your choice, discussing your future often occurs prior to your fiancé actually asking the big question. Undoubtedly, one topic that may arise is the desired style of ring as it will be worn for the remainder of your life. Most likely, you have always imagined a huge diamond (as that has always been the trend) although there are options to consider which not only stand out but make your personality shine as well.

Gems: Many have a special attachment to either their birthstone or another with special meaning. Not only can they be created in any shape and diamonds be added as an embellishment (if chosen to do so), the ring is both an expression of you and certainly increases the value and intimacy behind the choice.

Simple bands: While no longer looked upon as being cheap or skimpy, they are a wonderful way to show the growth of your relationship as layers can be added on as your years together pass. It is a symbol that your relationship is not based on flaunting it to others but is a portrayal of the intimate commitment you have with one another.

Double Up: Perhaps the most sentimental design is a combination with special meaning to each of you. One option is two stones of the same type or one that each of you prefers. Alternately, perhaps there is a unique and relevant shape which could be made from any consolidation you choose.

Again, you are not the one who will determine what your ring looks like but if your fiancé knows you well enough and you have had discussions and dreams for your future, whatever he selects will be just perfect.

Bar(Gain) Shopping

The common belief when dress shopping is that the more expensive, the better. That is not true and you would be surprised how many locations have beautiful gowns for less than $1,000. It is important that you stick to your budget and don’t even try on a gown you cannot afford as, most likely, you will fall in love with it and nothing will ever compare afterwards.

Many wedding shows on TV project the idea that, if you aren’t willing to spend at least $2 – 3,000, you have to settle for something you don’t really want.  However, that is far from the truth. In actuality, keeping your budget low does not mean that you must opt for a bland dress made of cheap fabric, second-hand, resembling a prom dress or anything else. With a little research and effort, you can find exactly what you have always dreamed of for a very low cost.

No one will know the name of your designer, where the purchase was made or what you paid (unless being completely inappropriate). In fact, typically the name determines the price and has nothing to do with the quality.

Whether a ball gown, mermaid style, sleek and sexy, over the top for a huge wedding or simple/vintage (perfect for a rustic country home feel) are available.

Saving on your dress also doesn’t require you to alter your vision and may even result in you discovering something you love more than what you’ve ever imagined. After all, taking time doing some research far exceeds spending thousands of dollars on a dress you will only wear once.

Here is a place to begin looking just to get some ideas….
http://www.stylemepretty.com/2016/01/10/budget-wedding-dresses-1000-dollars/

Getting Trendy

Every year, wedding trends change and, while they may be a jumping off point when it comes time to begin planning, there is no need to base your entire day solely on what is currently in style. Many brides want to fit in with what is “hip” and “chic” in the moment and fear getting caught up in the past or seeming too far out of the box. However, here are some trends for 2016 and years to come.

Patterns: Have some fun. Not everything has to match nor does your color scheme have to solely consist of one or two colors. You can select the colors you want for flowers, decorations and bridesmaids dresses, making beautiful combinations of each for your save the date cards, invitations, napkins, etc. Color blocking/random combinations are both expressive and creative.

Sleeves: Although strapless, sweetheart neckline gowns were the rage for years, the creativity with both short and long sleeves is growing. Having either, especially with an open back, is very popular due to exuding femininity, sensuality and elegance at the same time. They can be made of lace, crystals or other beading and accentuate your dress whether simple or the most extravagant.

Incorporation: If you opt to have a reading included in your ceremony, rather than being performed by the pastor, give short portions to certain chosen guests where they can stand up and read them from their seats. Not only would each be honored to do (those won’t be chosen will not feel left out) but it creates an intimacy and an unspoken symbol of value to everyone you invited.

Personal Moments: Personal photo shoots have always been a tradition but now, rather than being intimate, it has become more stylish to take pictures as you get dressed with your bridesmaids, your mother and those nearest to you buttoning your dress or perfecting your veil because the most beautiful images are those which silently express your anticipation and excitement.

Smaller, more intimate unions are not only more meaningful to each person involved but make any sort of variety of old and new both fun and memorable, and that, perhaps, is the biggest new trend of all.

Flower (Girl) Power

One concern that may not immediately come to mind is the type of dress your flower girl should wear as you may think people will not notice the outfit but solely the entrance she is making in anticipation of yours. That is not true and there are things that should be considered when making the settling on one.

Typically, flower girls wear white dresses that are small versions of your gown but should incorporate an element which ties in with the wedding whether a sash matching the bridesmaids gowns or a floral headband in harmony with your bouquet.

Be careful of the length of the gown as well as the material it is made of. She needs to feel comfortable as her responsibility is a very important one to her. Therefore, it is imperative that her dress is not too long because her concentration is on the task at hand and she shouldn’t have to worry about getting her shoes caught and tripping. Additionally, you don’t want anything made of a fabric that could irritate her soft skin as, that too, would be a distraction.

The outfits can be purchased from many places whether bridal salons or any number of stores at your local mall. Something to consider is that, most often, the parents of your chosen flower girl are responsible for the cost of the dress. Children grow quickly and, it goes without saying that it is something she will probably only wear for your special day.

She will be nervous as well as filled with excitement. Don’t put any pressure on her and allow her parents to sit in an aisle near the front so she can both see and focus on them as it will calm her nerves. No matter what, any little girl feels honored to take on the responsibility and does so with the hopes of carrying it out with absolute perfection.

I Want to Include Fur(ry) Friends

 

Everyone with a dog considers him/her to be a member of the family and it has become increasingly popular for brides to find ways of including them in their wedding. Unfortunately, most venues are not willing to accommodate animals during ceremonies. However, there are many ways you can do so either subtly or obviously while avoiding conflict.

If you want a more understated acknowledgement, consider having cake toppers made which resemble you dog(s). That way, anyone who knows you will automatically recognize the significance and those who may not be aware will ask and be impressed by the sentiment. As well, your fiancé could wear a personalized pocket square with an outline of your furry child sewn on it.

Perhaps you would prefer to show your love in a more noticeable manner. One, perhaps the cutest way, is to have life-size topiaries (no matter their size) at the entrance to your venue. You can form flower collars matching your design that will make each guest feel just as welcome as you do every time you get home.

Another idea to show how important your dog means to you is by making them a part of your engagement photos. That takes some planning as you must ensure that pets are allowed at your location choice, they will be comfortable there and that the photographer doesn’t take issue with their inclusion. It is also important to bring treats along so as to help with focus, give them time to acclimate to the environment and have a family member or friend who is willing to come along and take care of your baby so you can get some wonderful photos which solely include you and your fiancé.

Dogs are just like children, are a reflection of your personality and hold a very special place in your heart. Wanting to incorporate them in the most special day of your life is understandable but does require thought in sense of to which degree so as to make you, them and your guests feel comfortable.

Cover Me Up….but Barely

No decision in reference to your wedding is easy despite some seeming crystal clear, one of which being whether or not to wear a veil. You may feel as if they are antiquated, add a sense of formality to a ceremony you’ve planned to be casual or will detract from your dress and accessories just to name a few.

If your ceremony is laid back and/or your dress includes accents and embellishments, a short veil (typically only sweeping your shoulders) with some detailing along the edges is a wonderful way to mimic and emphasize the design elements in a subtle yet noticeable way.

If you are looking for something a bit longer, consider one that reaches your elbow. Most often, they are perfect matches for ball gowns, princess style or ones with full skirts as they end right where your dress begins to expand and become full. Therefore, the flow between the two appears seamless.

The most popular veils are those that are fingertip length (meaning that they touch your fingers when your arms are expanded) but are not cumbersome or restrictive in any way. The reason is because they easily can be individualized so as to work flawlessly with any style or formality of dress. If sheer, they won’t detract from any notion of simplicity nor will they cover any detailing, embellishment or an open back. At the same time, they add a sense of tradition and, if being used as your “something old” or “something borrowed,” it will most likely be the length you will be given.

Regardless of the length you opt for, you can play it up or down by adding tiers for additional coverage to a strapless gown, include matching details around the edges, make it extraordinarily simple so as to continue the element of custom etc. The number of options is limitless and just another aspect you can have fun playing around with.

Minimal Assistants


It goes without saying that, as a bride, you likely have a plan (or at least a clear vision) in place regarding most of your wedding day details. Making your ideas come to life may be challenging for many reasons leaving you wishing for sole responsibility over every component. Unfortunately, that is an impossibility as outside help, whether from friends and family or hired professionals, is required. However, every decision including the amount of assistance you want or need and from whom it comes is yours to make.

Remember that the period leading up to your special day is not just exciting for you but for those close to you as well. Many will offer their time, advice and skills to ease your burden and lower your stress level. While usually successful, occasionally their good intentions lead to uncomfortable situations and hurt feelings.

One objective of your wedding is for your guests to enjoy themselves which includes being able to take in everything going on around them. If someone offers to provide their services on the day of for something other than what you want, kindly pointing out some of the special things they would miss is a great way to decline the offer while avoiding being offensive.

Unsolicited offers will not just come for your ceremony and reception but may arise throughout the planning process too. Fortunately, those are easier to handle. During this time, you can include the individual(s) in different yet equally meaningful ways making it seem as if you are not being dismissive. For example, if your mom is determined for you to wear her veil and your heart is set on a birdcage, invite her to help you choose just the right one and offer to sew a piece of the veil inside your gown or to use it as a wrap around your bouquet.

All intentions are good when those who love you offer a lending hand as difficult as that may periodically be to keep in mind. However, it is the one day that all attention is on you and your future husband. Therefore, while always doing so kindly and with consideration, you should not feel guilty for ensuring that what you envisioned is exactly what materializes.

I (Un)expected This

 

Getting engaged is one of the most important days in any woman’s life. However, chances are your engagement will not go as you’ve always dreamed of due to things that have never crossed your mind.

Chances are the proposal won’t happen the way you’ve dreamed of. It might not occur in a fancy location or even close to where you’ve imagined. You may be at home in your pajamas with your hair a complete mess but the moment is all that matters.

There’s no specific time between a proposal and marriage. Enjoy whatever period you opt for in between the two whether it be a month, a year or even longer. Spend time just enjoying the fact that there’s now a difference in your relationship and acknowledge that you will spend your lives together.

While enjoying the time, however, take everything seriously in terms of the future. After all, you have committed to spend the rest of your life with someone and must discuss details such as children, finances, family relationships, holidays etc.

Recently married friends may suddenly feel like experts and dispense advice as quickly as a Pez container does candy. Graciously thank them, consider it but do no more or feel obligated to follow it. After all, every relationship is completely different so what works for one doesn’t work for another.

Your engagement period can be limitless. The importance is that you take the time to ensure you get what you want and deal with issues that may have not have been mentioned but will strengthen the forever bond you are preparing to make.

Join My Party???

When choosing who to include in your bridal party, issues must be considered other than who is closest to you or who you feel obliged to ask.  The position entails more than simply standing by your side at the altar and may be more than some are willing to/can take on.

There is a cost that comes along with the duty. While you select the dresses, shoes and accessories, it is typically expected they purchase them on their own. Additionally, each commonly split the charges for the bachelorette party and bridal shower. As much as some may love to fill the position, it is just not feasible for them and you should not be offended by that.

Time and availability must be contemplated too. Most arrangements can be made via email or phone but some should be done in person to ensure everything is just as you want. However, it is not inappropriate to include someone who is unable to participate in every activity (depending their significance) without offending those who can.

Because someone accepts an invitation from a mutual friend yet declines yours is not indicative of importance or lack thereof. Circumstances change, other obligations have arisen and so on. They should still be invited as a guest though.

No wedding is going to go off flawlessly and there will undoubtedly be disappointments. They should not be taken personally nor create a cloud over what should be the shiniest day of your life.

I’m Your Biggest Fan

The fun begins when planning the smallest details of your wedding as your individuality and personality begin to shine. Consideration should be taken, especially if in the summer or guests are from out-of-town, that the temperature can possibly have an immense impact on overall experience. Therefore, you can not only be fun and clever but provide your invitees with a way to comfort themselves as well. Here are a few ideas….

Fans can be made in any shape or size despite the formality or lack thereof while providing as little or as much information as you want. Use a wooden craft stick and a whimsical silhouette in heavy paper with your names and date on the front and program data on the back, whether the order of the ceremony or members of your party. Add some embellishment with a ribbon or a bell that jingles as you exit the venue. Alternatively, print the details on the front, while providing markers for each guest to write personal messages on the blank back of their fans which can leave for you to read.

Opt for a simple stick (such as bamboo) to which you can attach a personalized packet of your favorite flower seeds. If so, they will both serve to keep the temperature down if an invitee gets warm but also as a unique, creative and fantastic gift for everyone present at your union to take home as a sentiment of the beginning of a new stage in life.

Why not have a panel wedding fan? It is an entertaining option to include infinite material and may be condensed in to the size of an inch.  Card stock with a simple hole punch in the bottom and some ribbon or a brad makes for a cost-effective, informative way to not only provide your names and the wedding date but also directions to the reception, information as to the procession as well as those who are involved in the ceremony.

Most brides don’t have fans as part of their ceremony and those who do don’t give much thought to them. They can serve many purposes, lower your cost and decrease your budget. Therefore, it is something to most definitely give thought to.