Friday, September 28, 2012

Wedding List Stress


I think I am going to need one of these and fast.  We are finally sitting down and writing out our wedding list.  Literally every time I look at it I get a weird sickening feeling in my stomach.  It overwhelms me.  I can't seem to keep it organized.  I have so many questions I am starting to panic...

How do I organize it? Anyone have an excel sheet they can forward on to me?

How do I decide who gets a date and who doesn't? 

Where do I draw the line?


AHHHH!

I am really looking forward to this weekend because David's family is coming to town.  Both of our families are going out to dinner tonight so I hope we can get some of this panic settled. 

One exciting thing to look forward to this weekend is tomorrow night at midnight I can call American Airlines and book our honeymoon tickets.  It will be 331 days out from when we want to leave.


See you in 332 days. Yes please.

Have a great weekend hopefully you are less stressed than I am!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

What Exactly is a Hen Party?

So a couple weeks ago I was contacted by this company in London, Polestar, that specializes in hen parties all over the Britain.  Originally we wanted to highlight what they offer, but the more we talked the more I wanted to know what exactly a hen party was.  So today, I have invited the adorable Laura Hughes to give us the low down.

 
Also, before I forget, I am over at the Polestar website filling the Brits in on what it takes to plan the perfect bachelorette party! 
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Why do the English call bachelorette parties ‘hen parties’?
 
When Traci got in contact with me she sparked a very interesting thought in my mind. She asked
me ‘why do the British call bachelorette parties ‘hen parties’?’ Really, on first thought, it makes
no sense. It is easy to understand where bachelorette comes from as it is the female of ‘bachelor,’
meaning a single male, therefore a bachelor, or bachelorette, party means the last party as a
singleton. But a ‘hen’ has no relation to marriage at all.
 
It would seem that the term ‘hen’ comes from the British obsession with naming women after
feathery creatures. Dating back to the 1800s women have been referred to as ‘birds’. This is slang
term that has stuck for the past two hundred years, and is often thought of as being derogatory as
it alludes to simple-mindedness and the idea of women being men’s pets. It is also suggests that it
goes back to the phrase ‘the birds and the bees’, that then alluding to women appearing very much
a part of nature.
 
‘Bird’ is chiefly British slang meaning young woman, but in Scotland the term ‘hen’ is very much used as a form of affection towards women. Much like the terms ‘love’, ‘babe’ and ‘darling’ across the country, ‘hen’ is generally used as a loose term in Scotland to describe all women. The word itself
actually derives from hen-wives, those being the women who were employed to tend to chickens. If
you think that it is strange for the Brits to call women chicken tenders as term of affection then we
should work our way south to Yorkshire where things get even more confusing! The term ‘chook’
is used to describe almost everybody up north. ‘Chook’ again is referring to birds, this time it could
mean either chicken but it could also mean duck, as in ‘lover’dook’ (with ‘chook’ rhyming with
‘dook’).
 
Elizabeth Dawn played Vera Duckworth in Coronation Street is a strong northern lass who enjoys the phrase ‘lover’dook’

 
 Really, there are none so strange as English folk!
 
Yet I still haven’t explained why we call our bachelorette parties hen parties. Other than in
Scotland ‘hen’ isn’t really used as an affectionate term. In fact, ‘hen’ refers to gossiping women,
or busybodies. Now it seems obvious to jump to the conclusion that all women are gossips and
busybodies hence why our strictly female parties are named after hens, but it must also be noted
that where ‘bird’ is used to describe younger girls ‘hen’ is used to describe women. This therefore
suggests that a hen party signifies the transition from being a ‘bird’ (a girl) to a ‘hen’ (a woman),
which is what being married is actually all about. This also makes the word ‘hen’ seem much more
positive.
 
Polestars have seen all types of women during our eight years of hen party planning, but we are yet
to have any actual hens turn up to any of our events, or birds or ducks for that matter! Although
every weekend our classes are jam packed with mad as you like English ‘birds’ from all over the
country who are having their special day made even more special by our fantastic teachers at all of
our alternative hen activities!
 
How most Polestars parties end up looking
Thanks for having me America, I hope I have managed to make sense of some of our confusing
British ways! Check out www.polestars.net for alternative hen ideas that you can enjoy from across
he pond!
 
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I hope this was enough info for you on hen parties lol, I really do suggest you head over to their website they have some great ideas and who knows maybe you could plan a bachelorette party in London?!    

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

www.confessionsofaprofessionalbridesmaid.com


If everyone would please check their browser you will see why I have once again used this beautiful bow.  Yes, I have finally done it, www.confessionsofaprofessionalbridesmaid.com is mine!  I want to thank everyone that has been reading my blog for the past nine months.  It has really been such an amazing experience.  In the next three months before my blogversary I am committed to stepping up my blogging game.  I am putting in some major time and effort to learn what I can to make this the best it can be.

I hope you all have enjoyed what I have shared so far and if you ever have any recommendations please feel free to reach out to me!  In the meantime if you are reading and haven't followed me yet your love and support would be much appreciated!

Please follow the tutorial below to show me your love:

On the right hand side you will find this same box.  I know there are more than 22 of you out there!  Please click "Join this site"
You will be taken to a screen that looks very similar to this one.  Please select an account.  You will then be redirected to a screen where you can sign into that account.  Once you sign in you will be all set!
 
Thank you again for reading what I have to say I appreciate each and everyone of you.


Monday, September 24, 2012

Spice up your Welcome Bags

One of the ways you can really put your own twist on your wedding is with the welcome bags.  If you are making the bags yourself there are some small items you can personalize and include that give off the professional and customized vibe.


Here are a few favorites I have found...


I usually take matches from a good restaurant, how about having some custom matches from a great wedding?
For the beach wedding some SPF protection to use throughout the weekend.  Who wants to be burnt in pictures?

Chapped lips are the last thing someone wants when attending a wedding.  Give your guests some chapstick to guarantee soft lips all weekend long!


Who doesn't need like to keep their beer cold
 
 
Do you have any cute ideas to put in your welcome bags?

Friday, September 21, 2012

Season Limbo

As the weather fluctuates between hot and cold I feel like I am in limbo as far as what to wear.  Do I still get to wear my summer neon's when its warm, or do I have to switch to fall?  As far as shopping goes it is always fun to get to switch seasons.  Here are some items I would love to be wearing...


Manolo Blahnik - Pumps / Asos - Sweater / Vince - Sweater / Rebecca Minkoff - Jacket / Splendid - Flats / Topshop - Dress

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Feeling Under the Weather



I don't know if it is because the weather is going from hot to cold back to hot or I caught something, but I am not feeling well today.  All I want to do is climb in bed and rest.  I hope this thing passes soon!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Wedding Dress Update: PURCHASED!

So part of the reason I didn't post last week was because I went to New York Wednesday and Thursday to get my wedding dress.  I had fallen in love with it the first trip to NYC, tried a different version on in Chicago, and finally made the decision on Thursday morning.

Since my sister lives in Michigan and has a new baby it has been hard to have her present for most wedding planning.  This time, however, she was able to meet my Mom and I in New York, which made the trip THAT much more special.  (However, I was a little jealous of her all weekend because while our flight was delayed she got an amazing blow out and her hair looked better than mine all weekend #sisterproblems.)

When my Mom and I finally made it to the hotel, Melissa was waiting with gifts, what a way to kick off the trip.




  Melissa surprised me and got me my something blue!!!  It is a piece of fabric I will have sewn into my dress with my new initials and our wedding date!  Another special perk is my bridesmaid, Kate, had the exact same something blue (well with her date and initials but you get it) in her dress that her Maid of Honor gave to her.  I had never heard of this and was blown away.  She had it made at J. Crew if you want to purchase one.

The rest of the day Wednesday we shopped and just spent some quality time together.  Wednesday night was very special to me, my sister finally got to meet my bestest friend, Judi.  Judi is such an important person in my life and I just could not believe she had never met my sister!!


Thursday was just as I thought it would be, perfect!  My sister loved the dress and I just finally had that bride moment where I never wanted to take it off.  Seriously, I wouldn't get out of it and another girl was totally eyeing it in the store.  I obviously cannot show a picture but I couldn't even if I wanted to because I decided I didn't even want to take a picture of it.  No picture would do it justice, so I want everyone even my family and friends to wait for the big day! 

After our appointment, I celebrated like I always do.. with a giant bowl of spaghetti!


The trip was truely incredible and I have found my dream dress that I get to wear when I marry the man of my dreams!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Walk Down Wedding Lane: Matt and Carli

 
 
Today I wanted to look back at the beautiful wedding I attended over labor day weekend.  Matt and Carli were married at the Four Seasons Chicago and the party went ALL NIGHT LONG.  The energy was so high and everyone was just so excited for the bride and groom.  The best example I can give was how that the floor was literally bouncing during "Call Me Maybe" so as the last song they had to play it again! 
 
The room was so beautiful but the love that Carli and Matt have for each other made the night that much better.  I found a few professional pictures online so please note they were taken by Phil Farber / Photo Images, Inc.
 
 
 
 




 
Carli works for Bright Pink and holds the organization close to her heart.  The newly weds made a donation to the organization in leau of wedding favors. 


Carli showing off some Bright Pink love
On the right is Lindsay Avner, Founder of Bright Pink and the matchmaker for Carli and Matt. 
Beautiful Bridesmaids


Some Longhorn Love



Fancyyyyy



 


Monday, September 17, 2012

Happy New Year


Good Morning!  Wishing everyone Shana Tova, which means Happy New Year!  Whether you are celebrating Rosh Hashanah today, or it is  normal Monday morning, hopefully you are able to start the day (year) out on the right foot.  My new years resolution is to post as often as possible.  I apologize for last week, but I was super busy at work and then off on a mini vacay with my mom and sister to FINALLY BUY MY WEDDING DRESS!  I will be back this week with some recaps of two fabulous weddings I have attended and of course some more bridesmaid 101.

Have a wonderful day!

Friday, September 7, 2012

and a Sixpence in Her Shoe

Honestly, who knew there was a fifth line to this rhyme.  At first I was like well I will just do the four "somethings," but as I started to research the true meaning behind each one, I felt I couldn't just leave out the final line to the poem. 

I think the reason many American girls have never heard of this sixpence ritual is because is probably more of an English tradition.  A sixpence is a coin that was minted in Britain from 1551 to 1967.  It was made of silver and worth six pennies.  A sixpence is placed in the bride's left shoe to represent wealth and financial security.  Although this may be an English custom, who is to say American brides can't follow this as well?  Who doesn't wish for wealth and financial security as they start a new marriage? 

Even though you may not have an actual sixpence, you could always use a dime or a penny to complete the tradition. If you want the real deal and want to use an authentic sixpence, you can find them at Silver Sixpence.
 
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I hope the history of the poem "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a sixpence in her shoe" has taught you a few things you didn't already know.   I will be back next week on a recap of the beautiful wedding I attended this past Sunday.  Later today David and I are meeting with my Mom and the wedding planner to pick out some Save the Dates!
 
Have a great weekend and don't forget to VOTE for Spencer :)

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Something Blue

"Something Blue" has been linked to weddings for centuries.  In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, fidelity and most importantly purity.  Before the late 19th century, blue was even a popular color for the wedding gown. Today, bride's still wear their "Something Blue" but it also represents individuality and creativity. 

Some traditional "Something Blue" options are a blue garter, blue flowers in the bride's bouquet, blue tie or bow tie for the groom.  However, I think there is much more room to add your personal touch on the something blue.  Nobody has to give this item to you, you can pick it out all yourself, so I think there is room to choose something that truly represents you and the wife you want to be for your husband.

Ring - Karina B / Eye Shadow - Nars / Shoes - Manolo Blahnik / Bobbi Pins - Ciao Nina / Earrings - Dana Rebecca Designs / Nail Polish- ESSIE / Thong - Hanky Panky / Clutch - Judith Leiber


Check back tomorrow for the last of the "Something Series" and also don't forget to VOTE for my main squeeze Spencer!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Something Borrowed


Good Morning, I am back with the "Something Series," and today let's focus on "something borrowed."  "Something borrowed" represents borrowed happiness.  It is usually an item given to the bride from a happily married friend or relative.  It is given with the hope that the good fortune in that marriage will carry over to the new bride.  It also symbolizes that the bride and groom can turn depend on their friends and family in time of need.  It is important that the bride makes sure to give this item back to the friend or family member that lent it to her.

My first example of "something borrowed" is what I will be using on my wedding day.  A while ago my Mom gave my sister (or she permanently borrowed) this beautiful flowered diamond cuff.  Melissa wore it on her wedding day and then our best family friend, Ali (one of my bridesmaids) wore the same cuff on her wedding.  Before my wedding my sister is lending it to two more of her best friends and I plan on letting one of my best friends wear it as well (Melissa do you mind?).  It is just the prettiest bracelet not too overwhelming, but so incredibly beautiful.  The fact that so many of my sister and my friends will wear this bracelet as their "something borrowed" makes this bracelet even more beautiful.  My parents have such a strong marriage as well as my sister, and I hope that everyone that wears this bracelet truly lives happily ever after.

Another "something borrowed" I hold really close to my heart is wearing the veil that one of your friends or family members wore to their wedding.  This could also be a good idea for "something old," but I saved it for today, because I was always hoping this would be another "something borrowed" I would wear at my wedding.  My sisters veil was the most gorgeous veil I have ever seen.  I can't find any photos that did it justice.  I was always planning on wearing her veil, but it really doesn't go with my dress. 

Some other "something borrowed" ideas:
  • Pins/ broach from a friend's dress: You can put them on your own dress or on your bouquet
  • Tiara/hair pin: If you loved what your friend wore in her hair borrow it!
  • Purse: How about borrowing someones Judith Leiber bag.. Yes Please!
  • Hair extensions: Hey.. you gotta look good and those things are expensive, may as well share the wealth.
  • Flip flops: Obviously everyone wants their own pair of beautiful wedding shoes, but what about borrowing a friends white sparkly flip flops she wore at her wedding once your feet start to scream at you.
Some Jewish "something borrowed" ideas: (I try to not bring in religion often but this is just what I know and I want to share)
  • Talis: During the Jewish ceremony the Rabbi wraps a Talis around the bride and groom, you can borrow one from a family member
  • Kiddish Cup: Also during the ceremony everyone under the chuppa drinks wine out of a Kiddish cup, this can be borrowed from a family member

What else did you borrow?  What about other religious customs?  Please share!

DON'T FORGET TO PLEASE VOTE FOR SPENCER.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Vote for Spencer


 
Alright all my fabulous readers I need your help today.  My little Nephew, Spencer, is a contender in the Gerber Generation Photo Search 2012.  This means he is in the running to win a $10,000 Gerber Life College Plan.  Voting starts today and continues through September 24th.  I need all of you reading to vote everyday until September 24th, and get your friends and families to help out!  It will be easy because I will just provide you the link everyday:  VOTE HERE (must like Gerber Generation on Facebook one time).

If you are questioning whether you should VOTE for my man or not let me provide you with a few more examples:

 
 







I think I proved my point PLEASE VOTE!