Manic Monday: Made of Honor

Manic Monday by Corine Brosseau

 

Your best friend since kindergarten just popped the question!  No, she isn’t asking for a lifetime of commitment; this is something a bit more short term.  You’ve just been asked to be her maid of honor.  Now what??

Image courtesy of Wedding Chicks

Being asked to be a bride’s maid of honor is something to be proud of.  It signifies just how much your relationship with the bride in your life is valued.  However, the job comes with a lot of responsibility and lots of different hats that you’ll need to wear.  From therapist to trusted fashion adviser, from cheerleader to party planner, you will be the bride’s point person throughout her engagement and on her wedding day.  Your time as MOH will be filled with a lot of fun and some great memories, but it can also be very stressful.

We want to help make your run as maid of honor as stress-free and utterly blissful as possible. Here are some of our tips on how your experience can be wonderful and not worrisome!

• Know what you’re getting into and don’t commit if you don’t have the time or means.  Traditionally, the maid of honor is in charge of the bridal shower and bachelorette party.  These events take time, and yes, money, to pull off.  You’ll also likely have to go on multiple dress hunting trips, fittings, and other meetings that your bride might need help with.  If you don’t feel 100% comfortable with any of these tasks or if you’re simply too busy (be it with your job, your family, etc.), respectfully ask if you can be a bridesmaid instead.  If your bride insists on having you as MOH, see if the other bridesmaids are willing to go the extra mile to step up when you’re unavailable.
• Be budget conscious.  Get to know the rest of the bridal party – if you don’t already.  Everyone has a different budget and it’s important to see what the ladies are willing to contribute for events like the shower and bachelorette party.  Don’t plan something that is exorbitantly expensive if you’re not all comfortable with that.  The bridal party is a team and you don’t want anyone feeling that they are putting in more or less money than anyone else unless they are 100% certain that they’re willing too.  Finances can be a sensitive subject and it’s important that you, as ringleader, handle them as such.
• Don’t let the title get to your head.  We’ve all seen Bridezillas, but there is such a thing as a Maid-of-Honor Monster, too!  Make sure that you don’t treat the other bridesmaids as if they’re less important.  Let everyone’s voices be heard and you can avoid lots of drama.
• Don’t procrastinate.  Plan ahead!  Saving things for the last minute will generally result in nothing but chaos.  You want to create the best possible experience for all when planning events.  If you wait till the last second, chances are everyone will be able to tell that the shower or party was thrown together haphazardly and nobody wants that!
• It’s all about the bride.  Your bride will surely come to you for advice and more likely, approval, on the wedding details.  If she’s clearly over the moon about something that you’re not so crazy about, understand that it’s her day and if she’s in love with something, she ought to go with it whether you think it’s the best idea or not. Be supportive and if you absolutely have to steer her away from something, make sure you have a strong reason behind it, as opposed to just saying you don’t like it.  Offer alternatives that she’ll love instead of just a negative opinion with no other option.
• Most importantly, HAVE FUN!

Have you been a maid of honor?  Share your experience with us in a comment, tweet, or on our Facebook.

 

Manic Monday: Bridesmaid Bliss

Manic Monday by Corine Brosseau

We’ve all seen the Bridesmaids version of Say Yes to the Dress and we’ve seen how the experience of picking out a bridesmaid dress can be a rocky road. From color disagreements to sizing issues to simply a stubborn, picky bridesmaid, choosing the perfect ensemble for your bridesmaids is more often than not a daunting task. There are, however, ways to resolve these issues and ensure that your bridesmaids will look and feel fabulous on your big day.

Color: Choosing a color can be one of the toughest tasks when picking out looks for your bridesmaids. It’s hard to find a hue that flatters everyone and that everyone likes! Don’t feel as if you have to commit to a specific shade. If you choose one favorite color, allow brides to vary their shades to suit their complexion and preference. This can still be tough, as you want to make sure everything still looks cohesive. Another option is to choose two different colors that are complementary and let the girls mix among themselves. This spring, peach and mint make a gorgeous combo for your bridesmaids. Still not feeling all the color confusion? Try a neutral tone like khaki or taupe. Mixing neutrals can be another great way to flatter every one of your bridal party. Color of the year, emerald, is always a lovely color choice to fall back upon this year too!

Silhouette: This can be tricky depending on the figures of your girls. If they are all pretty similar in build, it’s easy to choose one silhouette for everyone. However, if the ladies are of varying shapes and sizes, as they likely will be, allow them to choose a silhouette that flatters their own shape in the same color. This allows for uniformity of color but a more comfortable style option for your bridesmaids. If your girls’ shapes are similar, but they want to differentiate a bit between themselves, choose one dress and allow them to alter necklines or hems to suit their unique sense of style.

Price: Not everyone is willing to spend an arm and a leg on their bridesmaid dress. Be sensitive to people’s budget constraints. If you absolutely fall head over heels in love with a gown that’s out of range, choose that one for only your maid or matron of honor and allow the other girls to don a similar but less pricy style.

Making the choice: When it comes time to pick the look (or looks), make sure that you stand your ground. Don’t be pushy – they are wearing the dresses after all – but don’t let the ladies walk all over you either. It’s your wedding and you need to be happy with the way everything looks.

Let us know what questions you have about picking the perfect look for your bridal party or share your stories of what went right and what went wrong when you made your choice! We’d love to see your bridal party looks – so come share on our Facebook page!

Its All In The Details: Bridesmaids Gifts!

Its all in the Details by Alyssa Aiola

From start to finish and through thick and thin your bridal party managed to survive the wedding planning process and deserves some appreciation. Whether you have two bridesmaids or twelve, it is important to put some thought into a gift that they will actually enjoy and will use for years to come.  When it comes to actually picking out your presents there are thousands of options and not breaking the bank is extremely easy. In the past most brides gave out the usual key chain or strand of faux pearls but today we are all about the trendy and unique presents. Here are a few of our favorite stylish and personalized bridesmaids gifts that are all under 100 dollars!

Apron:  What a cute way to play up “maids” then to give her an adorable, stylish and feminine apron from the Anthropology Apron Collection ranging from only 32.00-38.00 dollars!

Jewelry: What girl doesn’t love jewelry! From necklaces to bracelets, personalizing is made easy since you can incorporate your bridesmaids first initial. One way you will really brings your bridesmaids to tears is by giving them a personalized Tiffany Notes Disc Charm necklace for only $75.00!

Compacts: If you are trying to go for the more playful present, compacts are extremely practical and fun. Our favorite is Henry Bendels initial compact, which once again allows room for personalization for only $38.00!

Cosmetic Bags: Cosmetic bags are a great way for your entire bridal party to keep their makeup and jewelry together when getting ready for your ceremony.  We love Tory Burch’s Cosmetic Bags that are only between $55-$75 dollars and come in fun vibrant shades that can be tied back to your wedding theme!

Earbuds: Allow your bridesmaids to never miss a beat by buying them a great pair of ear buds. Kate Spade has come up with a trendy and stylish collection of ear buds for only $40.00

Kindle: Give your bridesmaids a gift that they can use anywhere at anytime and is one of the top wanted gadgets of all time! Kindles are now more versatile then ever and start only at $69.00!

Manic Monday: Help From Your Maid of Honor

Manic Monday: By Alyssa Aiola

With the stress of your wedding day approaching it is understandable to have a few meltdowns and panic attacks, but that’s where you maid of honor should step it and take control!  Your maid of honor has multiple duties and automatic responsibilities the second she agrees to the commitment.  Besides just being the go- to person when it comes to guidance and getting a fresh perspective, it is also an extreme compliment to know you can put trust in someone on the biggest day of your life.   You never want to make your maid of honor feel like you are being a bridezilla, but you shouldn’t feel afraid to ask for some help! Below we have created an appropriate list of duties your MOH should feel compelled to take on so you have a seamless and stress-less wedding day.

Duties Pre Wedding

• Help search for the venue
• Help with invitation prep
• Help plan seating chart
• Go Bridal dress shopping/bridesmaids dress shopping
• Monitor all aspects of the bridesmaid’s dresses from fittings to deliveries
• Stay in control and in contact with all bridesmaids through the process
• Help create registry and spread the word about it
• Host the bridal shower
• Create a list of all gifts received
• Host the bachelorette party
• Be a guest at the rehearsal dinner

Duties on your Wedding Day

• Become an automatic therapist for any wedding day jitters
• Help bride get dressed
• Avoid any type of wardrobe malfunctions between the dress and veil
• Make sure photographer is following directions
• Observe that all deliveries and flower arrangements are prim and proper
• Safely hold grooms ring
• Create a toast to both the bride and groom ( after the best man)

Just by having someone else take on a few of these responsibilities you will feel a huge weight lifted off your shoulders. Remember that every bride has a different individual and unique relationship with their maid of honor and it is important to cherish it and avoid conflict, no matter how stressful things get.  Enjoy the biggest and best night of your life with your MOH and bridesmaids by your side.

Fashion Fever: Emerald Elegance

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau

Image courtesy of Society Bride

Each year, Pantone, color authority extraordinaire, names a “Color of the Year” that inevitably becomes the preferred hue in fashion, home decor, and even weddings!  This year’s chosen color is emerald green.  This stunning jewel tone can be used throughout your wedding, however, it is perhaps most lovely when worn by you or your bridesmaids.

Clockwise from top left: After Six, Green Bride Guide, Elva Fields, Kate Headley Photography, Romona Keveza, White Wall Photography

There are so many different ways to incorporate emerald into your wedding ensemble.  Here are some of our favorites, from subtler options to bold statements!

• BOLD: If you want to go for a light touch of emerald, try a pair of earrings in the hue.  The necklace above, from Elva Fields, is the perfect pairing of sophistication and bold color.
• BOLDER: Dress your bridesmaids in emerald.  Floor length emerald gowns like the ones in our collage are dramatic and elegant.  By slightly varying the shade, it can work for any wedding – no matter what season it is!  For yourself, try a pretty satin pump or sandal in emerald to add a kicky punch to your wedding day ensemble.
• BOLDEST: With brides constantly exploring new colors for their wedding gowns, why not try the year’s hottest color for your own?  Traditionally, emeralds are meant to be a gem that preserves love.  It signifies hope, wisdom, and fidelity.  This meaningful color is a wonderful choice to ring in your marriage and start your life with your significant other on the right note!

Chic Bridesmaid Gifts

Fashion Fever by Aly Dailey

These ladies are here to make sure your special day goes off without a hitch, but why not pamper them a little too? Give your bridesmaids something special to remember your wedding day. Take a look at these chic and practical gifts for your girls!

Robe – Keep all of your girls’ hair and makeup in tact with these sweet coordinating kimonos

Men’s Button Down- Perfect for getting ready in, these make an awesome pre-ceremony photo-op

Underwear- Your ladies will love these cute and comfy bridesmaid undies

Slippers – Keep your toes warm during prep time with these fuzzy slippers

Pashminas- Great for an outdoor or evening reception your bridesmaids will keep these forever

Apron- This option is so beautiful you won’t want to cook in it

Hangers – A cute personal way to keep bridesmaid dresses organized and a great keepsake afterwards

Jewelry – You can never go wrong with jewelry, try something sweet and personal like this initial necklace or monogrammed pendant

**Stationary featured in photo found here

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Little Borrowed Dress

Fashion Fever by Aly Dailey

I had one of those “How has no one thought of this?!” moments this Sunday at the Little Borrowed Dress Pop Up Shop. Soon brides and bridesmaids everywhere will be kicking themselves for those expensive investments hanging in their closets that they’ve only worn once.

Finally, a rental process similar to that of Rent the Runway, for stylish bridesmaid dresses. These dresses have been designed to fit and flatter everyone! The A-line skirts and elasticized waistbands hidden under a pretty sash belt give a great hourglass shape to any silhouette. They are offered in a variety of styles and each of those styles comes in 12 great colors in silk charmeuse or silk chiffon. (The cuts and colors were even cuter in person!) Each of your bridesmaids can choose the style, fit, and color that’s right for them.

Worried about the fit? Check out one of their trunk shows or pop-up shops. You can also order a fitting dress to try on before placing your rental reservation for no extra fee.

Place your order at least 3 months before your wedding date and the dresses show up ready to wear at your doorstep a week before the big day. Best of all you pay a fraction of the retail price. And returning the dresses is a breeze! Simply drop the dress in the prepaid envelope and send it back once the wedding is over, but these dresses are so cute you may just want to keep them!

Stay tuned for their ever evolving collection and check out their website here.

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How To: Unique Bridesmaids Dresses

Fashion Fever by Mallory Mayer

Do you often get the feeling that bridesmaid’s dresses are almost always the same?  Same basic satin with a ribbon around the rib cage? Well I do. Why so plain and simple? There are ways to add a little uniqueness to them without drawing the attention away from the bride. Here are 3 simple and easy tips to bridesmaid’s dresses that are one of a kind!

1. Play with shades. One of the simplest ways to have unique bridesmaid dresses is to play with the different tones of the color. Many people use basic neutral colors, or use the most prominent color from their bridal décor, but by mixing up the tones of the colors, it allows them to make a statement without being ‘in your face’ bold.
2. Play with styles. On the contrary of what many think, there is way more options than just long or short.  There’s above the knee, under the knee, mid-calf and long. And who said the dresses had to be satin? Get rid of the heavy straight fabric and look to something like chiffon! Don’t be afraid of different textures; give the dresses some movement and personality. And think about having each bridesmaid wear a different style! This especially works well if your girls have various body types. And although there should be no thunder stealing, you’re bridesmaids should still look hot! Finding something that looks flattering on each person will compliment the overall look of the wedding.
3. Play with accessories. One method to having a unique bridesmaid dress is to actually leave the dress alone and simply play it up with jewelry and accessories. Let’s say you want to adorn your girls with pearls. Each girl should have pearls incorporated into their look just in a different manner. Maybe one with a pearl necklace, one with a bracelet, one with a hair accessory, etc.

With these simple and easy steps, you will be well on your way to those one of a kind bridesmaids dresses you always dreamed of!

Steamy Prints!

“I Do” By Jennifer Bueno

When a bride announces her engagement to her girlfriends, arms flare up, tears start to flow, and screams of excitement ring through the air, but really gets them going is when they are asked to be bridesmaids..  “OMG! Of course I’ll be your bridesmaid!!” they all cry out.  When the screaming, jumping, and interrogation about the proposal resides, reality sets in. The reality that the bride they are embracing with grateful arms is going to be dressing them in the dreaded bridesmaid dress. “OMG. What dress am I going to be forced to wear!?” suddenly becomes their only thought.

We can all blame this foul reaction on history.

Bridesmaid dresses are notorious for looking like an explosion of terrible fabric, topped off with big puffy shoulders. They have come a long way since the days of awkward taffeta; however, bridesmaid dresses are still showing up in boring shades of pastels.

For brides to have an impeccable wedding they need to consider their whole wedding look, including the bridesmaid dresses. Sticking your leading ladies in a terrible dress will only serve as a distraction and will ultimately throw off the whole look of the wedding.  Bridesmaids should fit with the theme wedding. Blending in to complete the wedding look.

Luckily spring and summer are right around the corner, and with new seasons comes new trends!

The 2011 spring runway has been a bed of roses! Florals have been all over the place, and translate exquisitely to bridesmaids dresses. Floral prints are ethereal, feminine, and romantic. The perfect touch for the ultimate finishing touch to any spring or summer wedding! The best part? Your bridesmaids will be ecstatic to wear it, and once again embracing you with emotional hugs.

Prints are also great, because women of all body types can wear them. For the more voluptuous girls, compliment their curves with a slightly larger print.  For the slender bridesmaid, stick with a smaller print to not overwhelm their body.

These dresses by BCBG, Winter Kate by Nicole Richie, Nicole Miller, and edressme are great examples of this must have bridesmaid look.

Remember, bridesmaids are the accessories, and as we all know, that is what completes the outfit, a.k.a the bride!

Trendy Wendy – Chic Maids Dresses

by Trendy Wendy

Bridesmaid’s dresses don’t have to be hideous. They don’t have to be sub par either. In fact, they can be fabulous. Not spotlight-stealing fabulous, but wear-again and feel-great-in fabulous. With Leona dresses your maids will look chic and color coordinated without being too  matchy matchy, which is the worst possible scenario.

Check out these green dresses, super cute and not all alike. These maids go together while still showing some personality. The black and white is this bride’s favorite dress. Check out the site and pick yours.

See you next week for the hottest! xoxo Wendy

photo by Simply Bloom