Engaged Bridesmaids

When my parents have celebrated a big anniversary in the past I have always thought it is such a coincidence their good friends are celebrating the same anniversary the same year as them.  Now, boy do I get it!  As my wedding approaches in just about 6 months I will stand up for my cousin a few months before and one of my best friends a few months after.  I also have a feeling as soon as the weather heats up there may be a few more best friends jumping on the engaged train.

This means I am going to have several engaged bridesmaids!  This leaves me in an interesting predicament when it comes to bridesmaid gifts.

I am obsessed with monograms and I think they look so cute in wedding pictures.  I have a few ideas of gifts I want to give the girls, but my hope is they will want to reuse them.  If I have a bunch of girls that are about to tie the knot, do they really want their maiden monogram?  How can I give them a new monogram before they are even married?  Do I have to give just an initial or a first name?  WHAT DO I DO?!! I am asking all those brides out there that have been in my shoes to please share with me what they did?  Any engaged girls have a preference on what they would want?

TAKING ALL AND ANY ADVICE OVER HERE PLEASEEE!!

Skin that is Wedding Ready

With the wedding nearly six months away I have stepped up my game on many levels.  I have been working out about six days a week and have been trying to eat healthy.  I really haven't kicked it into full gear yet, but I do have a plan as the date slowly approaches.  I am pretty confident if I put in the work I will be happy with the way I look and feel come August.

Until recently, however, I never really thought about what I would be doing as far as skin care for the big day.  I have always had decent skin so besides for a few breakouts I never paid much attention to the products I used.  Don't get me wrong, I have always LOVED products (Judi don't have a heart attack I haven't been lying to you) I just would buy them use them for a few weeks and then completely ditch them.  After talking to another friend that is getting married after me she kind of turned a light on.  I want my skin to be bright and perfect for my wedding.  As a result I have spent the past few weeks (one of the projects I worked on while I was on my blog break) reading a researching and I have come up with a great regiment.  After about three weeks of commitment to my regiment and one facial, I am loving my skin more than I ever have.  I can really see myself continuing this plan after the wedding.  Today, I will start with what I have been doing in the morning.  Some of these products overlap, but I will be back tomorrow to share which I use at night along with a few other products.  Please feel free to let me know anything else you used in order to make yourself feel ready and confident for the biggest day of either yours or your friends life!!

1.  Philosophy- Purity: Gentle & refreshing face wash
2.  Kiehl's- Ultra Facial Toner: Do you know you every time you wash your face you are supposed to follow with a toner to restore the ph balance?
3.  Orgins- GinZing Eye Cream: I put it on the lids and under eyes and it has been eliminating the puffiness almost immediately
4.  Kiehl's- Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream: This is the most expensive product so I may switch it out after the wedding, but seriously does it work wonders.  I find my skin feeling tighter after using it for only 3 weeks.  I know I am years away from real wrinkles, but it is never to early to start preventing them.  I bought it with SPF because I plan on using it during the day, but if you want to use it at night you can also get it without.
5.  Garnier- BB Cream: Oh my do I love you BB cream.  I know it's the craze right now, but seriously this Garnier brand is the most amazing product ever and it is under $15.  My skin has changed dramatically ever since I started using this.  It provides the right amount of coverage without looking caked on and then while its working as a foundation all day it is also correcting my skin.  Oh, on top of it it smells fabulous.  I am obsessed.  The little pimples I used to get in my T-zone are gone.  GONE. GONE!!! Okay, you get it.  SO GO GET IT!  

Bridesmaid Speech Tip #1

I am currently busy making what we (and when I say we I mean my college friends) think is the best bridesmaid speech ever.  It is consuming my brain so I figured I would share some tips with ya'll over the next few days.

MTV is Calling All Bridesmaids

So what do you all think?  Should I send in a tape or what?  David was a little uneasy about it so I am still unsure if I want to try out to be the next Snooki.

If you fit the criteria you should totally do it!

{Guest Post} A Very British Camping Party

Good Morning everyone!  I don't know about everyone else, but I am fascinating in hearing what other girls do at bachelorette parties in other countries.  A few weeks ago, Laura from Polestar explained to us why they call it a Hen Party, today she is going to introduce us to Glamping!  I had never heard of it until they went on "Pretty Little Liars," but I am interested to hear how it is down in England! 

 

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I love reading Traci’s blog because it reminds me that even though we are on the other side of Atlantic us Brits are not so different from you Americans, especially when it comes to weddings and partying.  A British hen party generally plans out the same as a Bachelorette party over in the States; there is usually a day time activity of indulgent relaxation in a spa or beauty salon, followed by a raucous night fuelled with alcohol!

Where it is so easy for Americans to jet from State to State on their hen weekend, it is the same as us popping over to Paris, Amsterdam or anywhere in Europe for that matter for a weekend full of fun. I am currently planning my best friend’s hen weekend in Barcelona, which I cannot wait for! I am slightly sad though that we cannot go to Vegas though; I think I might turn into a bridzilla and force my friends to save so we can go for my hen weekend!

Via I loved Barcelona the last time I visited and CANNOT wait to get back there later this year!

 

If that fails, and the monster inside me doesn’t escape, I would happily stay in England for my hen weekend. I have been considering a ‘glamping’ weekend for my own hen party. Glamorous camping has been becoming increasingly popular in Britain over the past few years, mainly because of the celebrity appearances at British festival sites.  It is also being marketed as a very kitsch product, with a vintage feel that British brides-to-be are really going for in all aspects of their wedding plans.

Maybe it is because I am a bit of a festival babe and I actually cannot think of anything better than wearing my Hunter wellies, mud up to my knee length socks, singing my heart out in the rain, but I really want a glamping weekend away in the English countryside!

I have more fun at festivals than anywhere else!

So far, all of my camping experiences have involved wet clothes and a cocktail of cheap cider, rum and blackcurrant juice, which is probably why I am so intrigued by glamping. On a glamorous camping trip I can demand luxury! Tipis instead of pop-up tents, quilts instead of rain sodden sleeping bags and even real cocktails made with fresh ingredients. I would also like to have my obligatory pamper day combined in with my camping trip. Luckily for me two of my best friends are beauticians who will be more than happy to give manicures, pedicures and facials in our tipis.

I also want to indulge in the nature with a foraging trip, probably before I have my campsite manicure! Most camp guides will be happy to organize trips around the campsites to show campers which wild ingredients can be used in food preparation and drinks. These camp guides are also expert wild food chefs too, so my group of hens will get a gourmet meal too!

I want to dress up as Pocahontas when I stay in the tipis!

Like most hen parties, the evening will definitely end in a boozy haze! My weapon of choice is rum, so I will be making everyone mojitos. Hopefully the camp guides will give me some advice on how to make my already very alcoholic cocktails even wilder! Knowing my group of friends there will be lots of tequila and champagne too. It will be nice to sit around the campfire playing games and sharing stories all night with the girls I love the most rather than trotting off to a club full of strangers. I think that is the real beauty of glamping trips, they are very personal and only involve the people that you really want there!

To stop the hangover that is obviously going to occur, experts glampers have come up with the perfect trick, that being the portable sauna! What better way to end a night and to sweat out the toxins than in a sauna? It really adds to the luxury of the glamping experience. That way, you can nestle down into the tipi feeling fresh.

After a good night sleep I would love to be woken up with a vintage tea and breakfast. I want real china cups and proper loose tea made in a quaint tea pot, which will really help evaporate any hangover that could be floating about! Being in the British countryside it would be rude to have one of the camp guides make us a full English breakfast – bacon, sausages, eggs, beans, tomatoes and mushrooms with lots of buttery toast! Having everything cooked over a campfire will just make it all taste so much better!

I think I am looking forward to a teddy bears picnic more than anything else!

Well I suppose I should stop getting to ahead of myself, I need to finishing planning my best friends hen party before I jump ahead and starting planning mine completely!

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Alright, well if that is what camping is, well I think I am in!  I just love all the british words she includes, especiall wellies!  I am thinking tipis are the same things as tepees? 

 

Laura thanks so much again for sharing:) 

Little Borrowed Dress

If you open my closet you will find seven bridesmaid dresses that were worn once and will never be worn again.  I know every bride says mine is different and it totally can be worn again, but the truth is after wearing that dress for twelve hours straight nobody wants to wear it again..ever.  As you know I focus on the positives when it comes to being a bridesmaid, so I never let these dresses bother me.  It comes with the territory of being a bridesmaid, you buy a dress for $175+, you get it altered for $40+ you then dry clean it for no reason at all for $15 and then you let it just sit for $230+. 

Well, after my Skype converstation last night with Corie Hardee, the owner and founder of Little Borrowed Dress, I think I may have stumbled upon a bridesmaid dress game changer. 

Can you imagine paying only $50-$75 for a bridesmaid dress that looks great and needs zero alterations?  Well at Little Borrowed Dress this is all possible. 

Corie, like me and so many of you, has been a bridesmaid multiple times.  While sifting through her closet she came across four bridesmaid dresses that hadn't seen the light of day in years.  She came to a realization that all bridesmaid dresses are either not that great or are just really expensive, or worse, they are both.  This is when it hit her, groomsmen rent their wedding day attire, why don't bridesmaid have the same option?

Like, Rent the Runway, Corie wanted to create a place where bridesmaids can rent the dress right before the wedding and easily return it after.  With all the different brands, styles, and colors available she realized the best way to make this happen was to design her own dresses. 

Hillary - $50 / Hillary Jane -  $75

 

Cheryl - $50 / Cheryl Leigh - $75

Julie - $50 / Julie Elizabeth - $75

Catherine - $50 / Catherine Ann - $75
 

 

The process is pretty simple, the bride browses online to view the eight dresses they have available.  Once she selects the style and color she likes, she has her bridesmaids choose their size and place their own orders. Don't worry too much about size because they will send you a second size for free.  In order to ensure they have the dress available for all the bridesmaids they ask that the orders be placed at least three months before the wedding date.  The dress arrives at the girls homes two weeks before the wedding.  Once the wedding is over all they have to do is send both dresses (dirty not clean) back to LBD in the provided prepaid return envolope. 

 

Alright, so it sounds simple enough, I know, but I had probably a million questions for Corie.  I figure I would share them and all her answers.

 

I get every dress shortened, how do these dresses really not need any alterations?

 

When designing these dresses Corie started by thinking about all the dresses she borrows from her sister, and all the dresses her sister borrows from her.  They both wear the same size, but their body types could not be more different.  They went with dresses that looked good on all body types and can be easily adjusted with a ties, hooks and elastic.  As far as the length goes if you choose a short dress, on the taller girls it will hit right above the knee, and on the shorter girls it will hit right below the knee.  For full length gowns they offer two lengths regular and long.  They ask that you give your height in heels as a way to make sure you get the correct dress length.  With every dress rental they send a second size for free, that means if there are seven bridesmaids in the wedding party, they will actually be sending fourteen dresses, so odds are there will be a size that fits you among them.

 

I have twenty bridesmaids, will you have enough dresses for all my girls?

 

If you order three months in advance they gaurentee they will have the dresses you need.  Yes that means 40 dresses including the freebies!

 

As a bride and I would be nervous about selecting a dress offline and not seeing it until two weeks before the wedding, can you send me a few samples to try on?

 

If you can make it to New York they have just opened up a new showroom for you to come try on the dresses.  If you can't make it to New York you can always order a dress for an earlier date to try them out. 

 

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I really learned so much last night about this new buisness and I am truley a fan.  I think my favorite thing was how Carlie kept saying that customer service is their number one concerned.  Of course they want to please the bride, but at Little Borrowed Dress, they want to also really please the bridesmaid.  If you think about it they are usually the next customers! 

 

 

"Reasons Why You Cannot be a Bridesmaid" Review

So how many of you have read the Gawker article, "Reasons Why You Cannot be a Bridesmaid"?  If you haven't read it you really should.  Like RIGHT NOW.  However, I will break it down for you.  It is an email sent by a monster bride to her potential bridesmaids with a list of ground rules they must accept before they are granted the honor of bridesmaid. 

I have had a bunch of family and friends send me this article to get my opinion on it and I have decided I need to address everything this bride requests of her bridesmaids and give you my perspective.  I am going to break it down by paragraph and give you my thoughts.  Just to lay down some ground rules the bitch's  bride's writing is in bold and I am in pink.  Also, please excuse her grammar, she isn't the brightest.  


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

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

• Not too bad yet, I think it's a little harsh to tell your brides your maid of honor ultimately runs the show, but a lot of brides do it so I would be totally fine if one of my best friends wrote this to me.  (Glad they may have already knew that though)

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

• It's hard to fully understand what she is saying because of the language, but I think I got the gist.  There is to be no talking about nice things for this bride behind her back.  So if a few bridesmaids wanted to do something special you have to clear it with the maid of honor and then she can decide whether others need to know.  I think I will skip emailing anything for this one.  Don't want to get in trouble!

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

• So basically we love you so much and you truly is are the most important people at the wedding besides for my highness and Jake, but if you can't make three parties throughout the year in three different states, you are no longer THAT important and I will replace you. 

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

• So let's say I accept this HIGH honor of being this slave and I send in all my dates I can possibly think of this far in advance, what happens if my cousin plans her wedding the same day as the shower next month and I have to miss it?  Or what if a work trip comes up and I have to go somewhere on a weekend?  Am I out? 
• This is out of this world.  I would never ask my bridesmaids to spend this money on me.  If they are able to then I love them for it but if they can't I will help the where they can and I totally understand if they can't participate in everything.  Doesn't she get that people have their own lives and on top of it this may not be the only wedding they are in at the same time?  I personally can't miss work that often so I would have been kicked out for sure.

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

• Oh so you don't have to book a flight just to get your dress altered, she is such a nice person.  However, that is probably a little harsh to demand you check your email when you are OUT OF THE COUNTRY!  What if someone was on vacation and didn't have access.. would they be out?  I am guessing yes.

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

Love,

• I hope every girl that read this pressed delete and never spoke to her again.  This girl is a miserable human being and does not deserve any more attention. 

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So, what do you think?  I think we took two TOTALLY different approaches on asking our bridesmaids.  I threw a shower to celebrate our friendship and she ended all ten friendships.  

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?!    

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?

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 :)

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!

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.

Something New

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I am doing a mini series on the five Somethings.  "Something New"  symbolizes optimism for the future and the new life the bride will share with her groom.

This is an easy something for a bridesmaid to give to the bride:

• New lingere: to wear under her dress (perfect bachelorette party gift)
• New robe: to get ready in (maybe all the girls have matching ones)
• New garter
• New purse: Can carry something old like a hankerchif inside
• New shade of lipstick
• New jewelry (maybe a gift from all the bridesmaids given at a shower)
• New shoes

Hint to bride..This one is easy... YOUR DRESS IS SOMETHING NEW!

Something Old

Not sure about all of you, but I love a good beach read.  After a busy day of work my favorite thing to do is get on the elliptical or take a bath and read.  I recently finished Emily Giffin's new book, Where We Belong, and I was just so sad when I finished it.  I love all her books and now I know I have to wait a while until another one comes out.  If you are not familiar with Emily Giffin, she is also the author of Something Borrowed and Something Blue among others.  This inspired me to start a small mini series I have labeled "The Something Series."

Much of what takes place during weddings stems from tradition. There are religious traditions, family traditions as well as historical traditions. As a bridesmaid and also a bride, I always think to myself how can I make a moment more special.  One of the greatest traditions is abiding by the old English rhyme "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in your shoe." If the bride carries each one of these somethings on her the day of the wedding, it will lead to a happy marriage.   This series is going to focus on how a bride can fill these traditions, as well as how as a bridesmaid you can help.  Today, I start with "something old."

 

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The "something old" symbolizes a connection to the bride's past moving to the future.   Below are some ideas the bride could use, the beginning ones are more common and some of the latter ones are my own personal creations:

 

 

• Father or grandfathers ring: Many brides use their father's or grandfather's ring to place on the grooms hand during the ceremony and then replace it with their new wedding band for the reception.
• Handkerchief: Entwine a family members old handkerchief into the brides bouquet
• Mother or grandmothers dress: Find a way to incorporate an important women's wedding dress by sewing a piece of it into the inside of the bride's dress
• Wedding photos: Place family members wedding photos on display at the reception
• Childhood pillowcase: Use a childhood pillowcase for the ring bearer
• Incorporate an important hobby/sport: Any child that is dedicated to a hobby or sport growing up knows how much time and love their family put in to make that possible.  For me it was ice skating.  I think it would be so special to incorporate a skating outfit by sewing it on the inside of my dress or putting a ribbon around bouquet as a way of tying my past to my future.
• Baby blanket: OK, so Ill admit it I still have sleep with my baby blankets.  I am contemplating cutting a piece of one and having it sewn into my dress
• Sweet sixteen wine glass: Not sure if this happened when you turned sixteen, but at sweet sixteens in Chicago it was a ritual to have all guests write a wish for the young women that she would not read until it was her wedding day.  Wax would then be dripped on top to seal these messages.  Only on the day of her wedding should she open this glass and read the messages.  I cannot wait to do this!

These are just a few ideas, I would love to hear any creative ideas or traditions your family follows for the "something old."

Incredible Etsy Wedding Finds: Mustache Goodies

So really what is up with all this mustache paraphernalia?  I seriously see it EVERYWHERE!  The other day I was at Paper Source and there was an entire table with different mustache goodies.  Lately I have seen many people incorporating mustaches into their wedding to bring a quirky and fun spin on the affair.  As I do with any creative idea, I set out on Etsy to find the most unique homemade mustache items out there.



Alisha's Designs

Double Action Design

Nema Paperie
  





Bijotti & Ciciotti

Faire Une Fete

 

Itty Bitty Wedding

 



Roast or Toast?

 

 If the bride asks you to give a speech at some point throughout the wedding weekend I think it is important to remember the difference between giving a roast and a toast.  For starters you have to remember who you are speaking about.  If the bride is sarcastic and can take a good roasting session then go ahead, but if she is sweet and sincere and just wants to hear how you became such good friends and some words of wisdom, stick with what will genuinely make her happy.  Of course you want your speech to standout amongst the room full of listeners, but it should not be at the expensive of your friend.  You have to remember she has family, coworkers, and family friends in the room as well as everyone from her grooms side, and she may not be up for a harsh beating.

Basically, my one piece of advice is do this for her and make she will be overcome with happy tears not sad ones! 

Incredible Etsy Wedding Finds: Wedding Organization



Lately, I have just been obsessed with Etsy.  Whether it is a gift for someone else, or a purchase for myself, I know if I go on Etsy I will be able to find something that is not only creative, but a little different than ordinary.  I frequently post my finds on Etsy, but today I realized how wonderful it would be to create a new series!

So today, I am kicking it off the new series with Wedding Organization.  Whether you have a wedding planner or not there is SO much that goes into planning a wedding.  I have spent hours looking for wedding organization systems.  Since we have a wedding planner I do not need a checklist sort of system, more along the lines of a place to keep track on my own of what needs to be done.  Below are a few of the creative options I found on Etsy.  I figure these may make a great engagement gift for the bride, or a special treat the bride can give to her Mom!

Wedding Planner Binder from Urban Collective
Each beautiful binder is personalized and made to order. The wedding organizer and planner has 21 sections filled with checklists, schedules, comprehensive budgets and the right questions to ask all your vendors.

Personalized Wedding Binder Kit from Ampers and Ink $50
This binder kit is perfect for someone that just wants a place to keep all wedding details organized.  It includes a personalized cover, 10-12 dividersand a 12 month calendar at a glance.

Deluxe Engagement Package from Better Half Wedding and Events - $275
They design & create a custom planning binder, stuffed with personalized details, including theirA-Z planning tabs & tips. Also included is their "A Smart Bride is an Organized Bride" CD & worksheets {about 8 different planning worksheets you can download and customize in your own computer, including a wedding planning checklist, budget tracker, and more!} This package also includes a custom year calendar, Say Yes to the Dress section, pictures of you & your hubby-to-be scattered throughout the binder, inspiration boards, and SO much more!

I hope you enjoy this new series feel free to share with me some of your favorite Etsy finds!

Swooning over this Asking of Bridesmaids

As you may already know I am a big fan of creative ways to ask your bridesmaids.  If you ever have any to share please do not hold back!  My bestie, Ali, just showed me how her friend Alissa asked her and I seriously cannot stop swooning.

Among a bunch of other sweet surprises, she gave everyone a copy of the movie "Bridesmaids."  Okay, yes that is a cute idea, but look closely at this cover photo.

I know you don't know any of these girls, but if you look closely these are obviously not the actresses from the movie!  HOW ADORABLE IS THIS?  I cannot get over it and her photoshop abilities.

Thank you Alissa for letting me share!

Honeymoon Care Pack

I was so taken over by the entire Gloria Estefan debacle I completely forgot to share with you the AMAZING gift all the bridesmaids came up with for Lisa's second shower.  As many of you know standing up in a wedding can get pretty pricey.  We wanted to make sure we got something for Lisa that was special, but didn't break the bank.  That is where we came up with the "Honeymoon Care Pack."  It was so perfect I am honestly thinking I should start making these for a living!  Inside this care package was several different items Lisa could use on her tropical getaway to Hawaii.  We put so much thought into it and I think it really showed!



CUSTOM FLIP FLOPS

When Lisa takes a step in the sand she will find the imprint "12-15-12" (her wedding date) and " A <3 L"

MONOGRAMMED BEACH BAG

MATCHING MAKEUP BAG

DO NOT DISTURB SIGN

Of course the hotel will have their own, but its a cute touch to provide one that reads "Just Married"

UNDERWATER CAMERA

HAT

LUGGAGE TAGS
GIFT CARDS
With the left over money we were able to give her money to Amazon.com for her kindle and "Everything but Water" for a new swimsuit

Best Bridesmaid Gift.. EVER!

So my friend, Linus, brought this gift to my attention last night when she found it on pintrest. I know most mothers wouldn't approve, but if I received this as a bridesmaid I would be more than grateful...



via

I then went on Etsy (like there was anywhere else I would look) and I found so many different pretty flasks as well as flasks attached to garters.  I know at most weddings the booze is provided, but why not let you bridesmaids feel sneaky and sexy at the same time?

I am off to do some wedding biz today with my momma!! Can't wait!