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Friday
10Jul2009

Q&A: Bridesmaid Dresses

DateFriday, July 10, 2009 | AuthorAllison | CommentPost a Comment | in

Q: I as asked to be a bridesmaid in my friend's wedding. I've never been one before. Do I really pay for my dress?

A: Bridesmaids are usually expected to pay for their own dress, shoes, and jewelry. Sometimes cost can run a bit high, so if that proves a concern, voice your thoughts to the bride. Flexibility in your friendship is a good thing to have. Maybe you can talk with the bride and find a dress that doesn't break the bank, or is more fitting to your style. Often brides will let their maids pick out their own dresses, so long as color and style requirements remain in tact. If that's the case, you have control over how much you are spending! You also have to remember, it is your friend's big day, so try not to take complete control over the bridesmaid ensemble. 

-weddingonthebrain.com- Allison

(Photo: Memories by Michael)

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Monday
08Jun2009

Always a bridesmaid...

DateMonday, June 8, 2009 | AuthorMegan | CommentPost a Comment | in

Jim Kennedy PhotographersSo you are a bridesmaid, what do you do now?! Some brides wish their bridesmaids to be very much involved, and some wish them to be her support on the day of the event. Either way, here is a nice little guide on some of the duties of a bridesmaid!

  • Always be genuine, tactful, and on the supporting end of the bride, even if she is being bride-zilla!
  • Help in the planning of the wedding with a big smile! Give advice when needed but don't become too overbearing- remember it is not your wedding
  • Help with the details of the wedding like favors, table decor (if not being done by the coordinator or the florist), etc.
  • Help plan, host, and pay for any pre-wedding events like the bridal shower and bachelorette party
  • Help with shower, bachelorette, and wedding invitations
  • Keep lists of the gifts received at pre-wedding events for the couple to send thank-you notes!
  • Buy a great wedding gift for the couple and/or bride! You can either buy it alone or with all of the bridesmaids
  • Help find the perfect outfit for the bridesmaids that COMPLIMENTS the brides attire and wedding decor- you want the BRIDE to stand out in every way possible
  • Buy your own dress, shoes, jewelry, etc. but always check with the bride to make sure she approves!
  • Pay for all travel expenses for you to be with the wedding (including hotel room!)
  • Attend the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and as many pre-wedding events as you can!
  • Be at the brides beck-and-call on the day of the wedding, before, during, and after for any of her needs!
  • Know how to bustle the bride's dress in case the maid/matron of honor is not around at some point during the reception
  • Dance during the reception and dance often! Keep the morale and happiness of the event up with all guests and of course the couple!
  • Help the couple throughout the entire reception and after with anything needed!
  • ALWAYS be happy, supportive, and available for anything the bride and groom need!

Don't forget to try to catch the bouquet!

Megan

www.weddingonthebrain.com

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Monday
20Apr2009

How to choose your bridal party

DateMonday, April 20, 2009 | AuthorJenny | CommentPost a Comment | in

The traditional way to choose your bridal party is one bridesmaid for every 35-50 guests, but not many people follow the traditional way anymore. Most Brides  today choose the girls they feel close to, this may include sisters, close cousins, best friends etc. Once you have choosen your bridal party, talk to everyone regarding what you are expecting them to do, who is in charge of the bachelorette party, bridal showers, etc. This way everyone has a clear understanding of what they should plan, do and organize!

www.weddingonthebrain.com

~Jenny~

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Friday
27Mar2009

Bridal Par-TEA!!!

DateFriday, March 27, 2009 | AuthorDanielle | CommentPost a Comment | in

  

Planning a bridal tea??? Try using vintage metal tea cointainers filled with the brides favorite flowers to add a fun and modern twist to a typical bridal par-TEA! This will add an unexpected pop of color to the bridal shower and updates the idea of a traditional bridal tea!

For more information on these adorable metal tea containers check out www.marthastewart.com. 

Happy Planning!

weddingonthebrain.com-Danielle Graven

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Monday
16Mar2009

More Bridal Shower Fun

DateMonday, March 16, 2009 | AuthorJenny | CommentPost a Comment | in

These days bridal showers are not just thought of as a way to get presents, with our fun lively lives bridal showers are now thought of as another way to celebrate the brides engagement and have a fun get together with friends. Some more fun bridal shower ideas:

  • A Weekend Shower-make a whole weekend or day away of the shower, go to a spa, country club, winetasting and incorporate the bridal shower into the time away. This makes the bridal shower not only a great way to spend time with important people but it makes a fun weekend for the guests too.
  • Couple Showers-why not do a joint shower with the bride and groom, it can be a luncheon, a wine tasting, a poker tournament, something to get both the girls and guys into the party!
  • Activity Showers-do something fun for everyone, a cooking class, winetasting, floral design workshop, etc. This is a great way to get everyone involved and let each and every guests walk away with some new knowledge or even a new project

www.weddingonthebrain.com

~Jenny~

 

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Monday
16Mar2009

Bridal Shower Themes

DateMonday, March 16, 2009 | AuthorJenny | CommentPost a Comment | in

Throwing a bridal shower is never the easiest thing to do, so below are some helpful hints on fun themes for a fun shower!

Around the Clock Shower
Assign each guest a specific time of day and ask them to tailor their gift to this time. For example, if you are assigned 9:00 am, your gift should reflect early morning activities and could include such items as a tray, teapot, table linens and a set of mugs.

Linen Shower
A perfect way to add luxury to the couple's home. Have guests give sheets, towels, fluffy pillows, bathrobes, table linens and other textiles.

Holiday Shower
Ask each guest to base their gift choice on a different holiday — ornaments or decorations for Christmas, champagne flutes for New Year's Eve or a serving platter for Thanksgiving. These gifts are sure to become the couple's family heirlooms.

A Room of the House Shower
Each guest is encouraged to give gifts tailored to a particular room of the house. For example, if a guest is assigned The Bathroom their gift could include guest towels, bath canisters, a soap dish, soap and potpourri.

 www.weddingonthebrain.com

~Jenny~

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Monday
16Mar2009

Bridal Shower Fun Facts

DateMonday, March 16, 2009 | AuthorJenny | CommentPost a Comment | in
  • Bridal showers are an age–old custom derived from a newlywed couple being showered with gifts by friends and local townspeople.
  • According to tradition, bridal showers should be hosted by the maid of honor or a close friend of the bride. Immediate relatives, such as a mother or sister, should not host the event so it does not appear that they are asking for gifts.
  • Bridal showers can take place anytime from two months to two weeks before the wedding. They can be held at the hostess' home or a favorite restaurant. Be sure to consult the bride before deciding upon a location.
  • Involve the bride when inviting guests to a shower. Avoid including anyone who is not invited to the wedding.
  • When the invitations are sent the bride should be registered, and it is acceptable for the hostess to indicate registry information on the invitation

    •  

    www.weddingonthebrain.com

    ~Jenny~

    Facts Courtesy of Pottery Barn

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    Monday
    16Mar2009

    Bridal Shower Placecards

    DateMonday, March 16, 2009 | AuthorJenny | CommentPost a Comment | in

    One fun way to make a cute and fun bridal shower is to use bridal favors as name tags in lieu of a regular place card. A couple fun ideas are:

    -Get each guest a spilt of champagne, write each persons name on the split and tie with a fun ribbon

    -Get a a fun and yummy smelling herb. (lavender, rosemary, basil) Plant each one in a small terra cotta pot which you can then decorate.

    -Make each person a personalized martini glass, fill with colorful candies for a yummy and pretty treat.

    -Go to a thrift store or craft store and get lots of different frames, find pretty and colorful pieces of paper to write each guests name on it and put in the frame.

    -Purchase a bottle of bubble bath and write each guests name on it.

    -Buy different colorful or decorative candles and put each guests name on the candle.

    www.weddingonthebrain.com

    ~Jenny~

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    Monday
    23Feb2009

    How to Compose a Maid of Honor Toast:

    DateMonday, February 23, 2009 | AuthorCassie | CommentPost a Comment | in

    One of the traditional tasks of the Maid of Honor is to give a toast at the wedding reception. There are some key components that make up good wedding toasts that can make your speech writing seem less daunting and more heart warming. Here is a simple formula for writing the perfect speech for your Bride’s perfect day:

    •       Introduce yourself – explain how you know the Bride and Groom and possibly an antidote about how you met/became the Maid of Honor.
    •       Give a fact about the Bride and Groom together – how they met/why you look up to them /silly story about them as a couple
    •       Explain why you know that the Bride and Groom are in love - talk about sincerity, longevity, friendship, or whatever it is that you or the Bride feels is the foundation of love and relate it to them as a couple.
    •       Declare your happiness for them – talk about your best wishes for them and give them reassurance of the joy that their guests have because of their matrimony (this might be a good point to add in the "It's About Time" jokes).
    •       Raise your glass and toast to their future together

    Remember, the goal of a wedding toast is not only to bring tears and laughter into the room, but it is about giving the bride and groom the blessings of their loved ones.

    Good Luck!

    Cassie

    weddingonthebrain.com

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    Wednesday
    11Feb2009

    Maid Happy

    DateWednesday, February 11, 2009 | AuthorAllison | CommentPost a Comment | in

    A wedding can be stressful on all parties, but it’s nice to know your best girlfriends will be there to help you out through those highs and lows. Your bridesmaids are your aides, confidants, and supports. Remind them of your appreciation and thank them for their contributions whenever you get the chance.

    Some other ways to keep them happy are to:

    • Understand their life is not revolving around your wedding. Give them tasks that won’t cause conflict in their work schedules, as well as tasks they can easily manage.
    • Dress your bridesmaids well, and be conscious of differing figures. What looks good on one maid may not look all that great on another. Ultimately the decision on dresses is yours, but take into account their issues of comfort.
    • Be a great friend! Sometimes it gets so easy to neglect the friendship when you’re running around prepping for the big day. When you get together, set aside a certain amount of time where ‘Wedding Talk’ is forbidden. It’s a nice break, and it will keep that bond healthy.

     

    Remember, They'll Be There Through Thick & Thin!

    -weddingonthebrain.com- Allison

    Photo Courtesy of: Millie Holloman Photography

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    Tuesday
    10Feb2009

    But not a drop to drink!

    DateTuesday, February 10, 2009 | AuthorMegan | CommentPost a Comment | in

    Recently I was talking with a friend who is a bridesmaid in a summer wedding in Colorado. She and the other bridesmaids were having a tough time figuring out what to do for a bachelorette party with several of the people in attendance being under 21 or underage. I promise, the task is not as difficult as you may think! Close your eyes and imagine back to the days of girls only, boys have cooties, and sneaking into Mom’s room to put on make-up were the highlights of your day. These are the times we all secretly miss where we had no obligations and responsibilities. Why not recreate these for your last big outing as a single lady with your best gals?

    Some ideas include:

    *A night of makeovers: let everyone make each other over with make-up and spa treatments, try the book Girls Night In or other girls night in books for ideas, then turn on some chick flicks and 80s hits and dance around the kitchen using spatulas as microphones
    *Arts and crafts with an afternoon at a paint-your-own pottery place
    *There is nothing like a fun road trip and magic in the air to have a good time! If your budget allows, take a limo to Disneyland and spend the daydreaming about your own fairy-tale come true!
    *For outdoor/active guru’s, going bowling, laser tag, paint ball, or just a day/night on the beach can be the perfect ticket

    Happy celebrating ladies!

    Megan

    www.weddingonthebrain.com

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    Sunday
    08Feb2009

    Dresses: Bridesmaids or Brideslaves?

    DateSunday, February 8, 2009 | AuthorCassie | Comment1 Comment | in

    Your close friend has just announced to you that she is getting married! Not only is she getting married but she wants you to be one of her bridesmaids! After the excitement of her good news wears off, the picture of a dress that will be worn only once due to its incompatibility with your body comes to the front of your mind. Dread sets in immediately. But wait! Today’s trends bring you a piece of really good news…bridesmaids no longer have to wear the same dress as five other girls with very different body types. It is becoming more and more popular for brides to be kinder to their bridesmaids and allow them to wear different styles from one another. Every bride has a different preference, but generally there are three categories of bridesmaid’s dresses.

    1.     The dresses that all are completely uniform from head to toe, jewels to shoes.

    2.     The dresses that are different styles, but still the bride’s favorite color.

    3.     The dresses that get to be as individual and unique as the ladies wearing them.

    Do some research and find out what kind of bride your friend will be. If she wants you to fit into the first category, you can inform her of today’s trendy different bridesmaid fashions and see if she will budge… but if not, it’s her day and you’ve got to do it her way. Who knows, maybe you will get lucky and get to wear that dress that makes your body look it’s most beautiful after all!

    Cassie

    weddingonthebrain.com

     

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    Sunday
    01Feb2009

    Designer Invites with tons of Style!

    DateSunday, February 1, 2009 | AuthorKari Brooner | CommentPost a Comment | in

    Looking for the perfect invitations for the upcoming Wedding festivities?  Check out Polka Dot Design (www.polkadotdesign.com) This exclusive online invitation boutique has designer invites you will love for the upcoming Bridal Showers, Lingerie Shower and Bachlorette Party!!! 

    Shower the Bride in style and order these invitations online for the upcoming events.  You can customize the invites, have them printed and sent to you in the same week!  Polka Dot Design offers high quality invitations and high end design. You won't be disappointed.  Happy Planning!

    ~Kari Brooner - www.weddingonthebrain.com-

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    Friday
    23Jan2009

    My favorite bridesmaid gift!!

    DateFriday, January 23, 2009 | Authorrachel | CommentPost a Comment | in

    Recently, I was in a wedding and part of our gifts was a pair of Havaianas flip flops. This was a great idea!  Each girl got the same pair so we could give our feet a brake from the heels yet we were still in unison. We used them through out the day and they where great to throw on for dancing.

    So ladies think about your bridesmaids and give them a break from their heels and slap on some Havaianas.  You can find them at www.havaianas.com and they come in all different colors and prints.

    ~ Rachel

    www.weddingonthebrain.com

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    Friday
    23Jan2009

    JUNIOR Bridesmaid?

    DateFriday, January 23, 2009 | AuthorSamantha | CommentPost a Comment | in

    Do you have someone you want to include in your wedding but she is too old to be a flower girl and too young to participate in the activities and duties of a bridesmaid?  Well the perfect solution is to ask her to be your JUNIOR bridesmaid (typically between the ages of 9 and 14).  In order to include her in the bridesmaid process without overwhelming her ask her to:

    • Attend the bridal shower and help out by handing you gifts to unwrap at the appropriate time
    • Wear a dress similar to that of the other bridesmaids in the same color
    • Assist in handing out the programs to guests during seating
    • If desired, she can walk down the aisle at the processional with the rest of the bridesmaids

    Your junior bridesmaid can be your daughter as well.  If so, you can give her some additional opportunities to participate as in dancing with you during the father/daughter dance or giving a special speech at the reception.  Have fun with it and she will feel honored just to be a part of it.

    Exquisite!- Samantha Woods

    photo courtesy of Fritz Liedtke

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    Monday
    19Jan2009

    Bride's Stylish Bachelorette Wedding CAP

    DateMonday, January 19, 2009 | AuthorCarrie Goff | CommentPost a Comment

    As the maid of honor or bridesmaid it is important that you take good care of your friend who is getting married, especially at her bachelorette part.

    Why not get this cute bride's cap with veil by Beverly Clark for her night out with the girls. The cost is only $21.00 and you can purchase it at the Wedding Outlet. While she is wearing it and celebrating her last officially night of singleness she will sure to be noticed.

    Carrie Goff- www.carriegoff.com

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    Monday
    19Jan2009

    Personalized Bridesmaid Brag Bag - Gifting for HER!

    DateMonday, January 19, 2009 | AuthorCarrie Goff | CommentPost a Comment | in

    Photo Moments Clutch & Cosmetic Bag is Personalization Mall's newest and ingenious personalized gift for your bridesmaids. Can be used alone as a clutch or take along inside a purse for cosmetics - also great to hold ID's or jewelry for travel! Made of the heaviest weight satin.

    Photo image appears on both sides of the bag along with any custom message, name, date, etc. elegantly printed on the white satin ribbon tassels attached to the zipper closure...unique, fun and unforgettable!


    Choose to add a black nylon liner (optional) if the bag is to be used for cosmetics to avoid any leakage onto the photo image. Bag measures a convenient 4" x 7" size and features convenient zipper closure at top; hand washable - will not bleed.

    Give a  gift your bridesmaids will love of you and them on your wedding day, at your bachelorette party or just hanging out...

    Carrie Goff- www.carriegoff.com

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    Thursday
    13Nov2008

    MAID in the shade

    DateThursday, November 13, 2008 | AuthorDanielle | CommentPost a Comment | in

     

    Polish off your bridemaid's look with a one of a kind custom-blend nailpolish to match your wedding day color palette.  You can get the perfect shade to match any part of your day by simply sending a color swatch to Giella, which creates custom-blend nailpolish.  This is such a fun idea and will make you that much more polished!!  For more information on the custom made polishes visit, www.giella.com.

    Happy Planning!-weddingonthebrain.com-Danielle Graven

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    Sunday
    07Sep2008

    Personalized Sandals

    DateSunday, September 7, 2008 | AuthorSamantha | CommentPost a Comment | in


    These sandals from Sandals 4 Events are a great idea as a gift for your bridal party.  Bridesmaid shoes are not always the most comfortable of things.  Surprise your bridesmaids with these personalized full grain leather sandals before the reception so they can dance the night away in comfort and style.  Or you can purchase the sandals for your new hubby and yourself with a phrase like "I do" or "Just Married" right on the sandals.  The slip-ons even come packaged in a nice drawstring bag that would be nice to reuse and it can also be personalized.

    -Exquisite Event Planning and Design- Samantha Woods

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    Wednesday
    02Jul2008

    10 Rules for a Brides "Man"

    DateWednesday, July 2, 2008 | Authorrachel | CommentPost a Comment | in

    madeofhonor_galleryteaser.jpgIt is becoming more and more common for women to have a man standing on her side rather than the grooms. The romantic comedy, Made of Honor with Patrick Dempsey takes a funny spin off of a man taking the role of maid of honor. Like the movie men just don’t really understand what it means to be the maid of honor in the world of bridesmaids. So, all you men who are a brides “man” here are 10 rules to keep you out of trouble.

    1. When it comes to the bachelor party be prepared to plead your case that you weren’t sent on a secret mission to spy on the groom.

    2. When it comes to shopping with the bride for the wedding don’t feel responsible for taking part. Most likely you will just screw things up.

    3. Just because you are a part of the bridesmaids does not mean you have to be part of the bachelorette party unless they planned gender-neutral activities. Examples are river rafting, all you can eat buffets, and anything involving the great outdoors or maybe something that you can be their personal bellman.

    4. Don’t try to match the wedding colors by wearing matching colored socks even if the bridesmaids think it would be cute. Black is the only acceptable color with your tuxedo.

    5. Yes, it is okay to flirt with the bridesmaids.

    6. When it comes to the wedding ceremony it’s not the best time to boast about your job.

    7. Let the tears fall, its okay to cry during the ceremony. Plus you score extra points with the ladies, we love sensitive men.

    8. Try to refrain from sticking your tongue out at the kid in the crowd smirking at you. You can get back at him during the reception.

    9. Do be caught committing number eight.

    10. Don’t even think about proving your gender preference to the groom’s mother after hanging out at the open bar for awhile.

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