It 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.

It's common to see a Bride and Bridesmaid's sportin' the newest bridal fashion at bachlorette parties and the pre-wedding rituals.  Many small designer boutiques and online stores have the newest bridal fashion to help celebrate this special time.  Inkbox Design Boutique has some of hottest new tees and tanks for the Bride, Maid of Honor and Bridesmaid.  This design boutique also has custom stationary in the same design style, it doesn't get any cuter than this place!!!  You can also find other bridal fashions glammed out in rhinestones at Classy Bride.  These bridal fashions can be a fun addition to the bachlorette weekend or make great gifts for the bridal party.

Happy Shopping! ~www.weddingonthebrain.com~  -Kari Brooner

Why not throw a Tea Party for the Bride to Be!  Orange County has many unique and fun tea houses that offer gourmet food and the perfect setting for an afternoon Bridal Shower.  In South County, the Tea House on Los Rios, in the historic district of San Juan Capistrano hosts showers, luncheons and even small weddings.  They offer an extensive menu of light tea sandwiches to heavier meals and enticing desserts.  The Tea House on Los Rios is a quaint atmospohere surrounded by a beautiful gardens, a large wrap around deck and a restored Victorian home.  In North County there are quite a few tea houses in Orange and Tustin, one of my favorites is the McCharles House in historic old town Tustin.  The McCharles House offers seasonal tea's the celebrate the flavors of spring and summer.  Their intimate setting, unique decor and amazing culinary treats are sure to please the Bride to Be. 

Enjoy the simple pleasures Orange County has to offer! ~www.weddingonthebrain.com~ - Kari Brooner

Looking for a great way to pamper the bride before the big day or just wanting to say thank you to your bridesmaid's for making your life a little easier during this stressful time, we've found the place for you.   The Nail Lounge in eastside Costa Mesa located on 17th street is the perfect place to sit back, relax and be pampered in style.

The Nail Lounge offers various treatments from the basic maincure and pedicure to microdermabrasion to luxury pedicures that come in flavors such as Decadent Chocolate, Pumpkin and Rose.  The Nail Lounge also offers services just for guys.

Are you still looking for the perfect place to host the bachlorette party or refresh before the big day?  The Nail Lounge will let you book your party during regular hours or after hours.  They can even provide gift bags for the guests.

Now sit back and relax because you have found the perfect place for your next bridal event!!!

Happy Pampering! ~www.weddingonthebrain.com~ -Kari Brooner

Planning a wedding is a really large task and requires alot of time and energy. Unfortunately, sometimes the excitement of getting married, gets lost in the mix. To focus back on fun purchase clothing to match with your groom. Get a set of matching robes  and slippers monogramed with bride and groom, then enjoy a day at the spa. Or get a cute shirt or tank for the both of you to wear when you are registering. At www.advantagebridal.com you can see all the matching clothing they offer. The knot's, (www.theknot.com) wedding store also has totes, hats, slippers, sweats and more!!!

www.weddingonthebrain.com ~Jenny~

One of the most important duties and traditions of a maid of honor or matron of honor is the toast at the reception.  It can be difficult to even get started in writing a speech like this, especially if you are not a big fan of public speaking (like most of us!).  Here are some tips you might find helpful on what to include in your speech:

-share stories about the bride when she first met the groom (what she would say about him or how much she liked him)

-share a funny, but appropriate story about growing up with the bride

-offer words of advice to bride and groom

-tell guests how and when you first met the bride (this will inform guests of who you are and why she chose you as MOH)

Your speech can be funny, emotional, sad, happy... however you want it to be!  Be sure the toast is focused on the bride.  It is okay to have notecards or a hard copy of your speech with you.  Try to make your toast personal and conversational, as this will help in calming your nerves.  Be sure the speech reflects the connection you and the bride have as friends.  Afterall, she did choose YOU as her maid of honor! 

Good Luck!  -weddingonthebrain.com- Samantha Woods 

A lot of people are unclear on who pays for the things when it comes to the wedding. When it comes to the bachelorette party is common and accept to have everyone chip in that is attending the party. Just make sure all the ladies invited are on the same page and know to bring money with them. On another note as far as the bridal shower goes, the hostess, (meaning the maid of honor or the all the bridesmaids) typically pay for the expenses.

www.weddingonthebrain.com ~Jenny~

Traditionally, bridal showers did not have themes.  However, more and more bridal shower hosts are choosing to have themed showers.  One theme idea if the bride and groom have not been living together previously, is having a "Recipe Shower."  Have guests do a pot luck.  They can serve their favorite dish and bring the recipe with them for the bride.  Guests can give kitchen related gifts or serve the food in gifts (i.e. pots, pans, dishes, utensils).  Cute favors for themed showers, like the favors pictured above, can be found at www.beau-coup.com

-weddingonthebrain.com- Samantha Woods 

Bachlorette Party Polish!!!  Polish Company Essie makes great new shades of polish just for the bride's last bash!  It's called "Bachlorette Bash" and is a great shade of pink for a fun weekend in the sun.  Purchase this polish for Bridesmaids and the Bride!

OPI also has a line of nail polish for the BIG Day!  The shades come in colors like I Do! I Do!, Bride's Bouquet, and Honeymoon Sweet.  Check out these shades and many other OPI favorites!

Happy Painting!  ~www.weddingonthebrain.com~ Kari Brooner

 

5 W's of Bridal Showers:

WHO plans the bridal shower- Usually the maid of honor, matron of honor or friends and family will plan the event.  As far as WHO is invited- make sure to collaborate with the bride on who she wishes to attend.

WHAT is a bridal shower- Legend tells us that bridal showers began when a rich young woman was marrying a poor man.  Her father did not approve of their courtship and refused to provide a dowry for her.  Her friends stepped up to the plate because they felt sorry for her and got together and bought the couple things they needed to set up their new house together.  Thus, the bridal shower is an event where friends and family "shower" the couple with gifts.

WHEN should the party occur- Usually around 2-6 weeks prior to the wedding.  However, if there will be out of town guests the bride would like to attend, the shower can be postponed until a few days before the wedding.

WHERE do we "shower" the bride with gifts- Traditionally bridal showers were held at the maid of honors residence.  However, more and more parties are being held at restaurants, hotels, country clubs, etc.  Be sure to have the shower at a place which is convenient for guests and the bride!

WHY- Bridal showers are customarily known as a ritual of female bonding.  It is a time to spend with the bride and friends telling stories, eating, and focusing the attention toward the bride and her future new life. Gifts are usually smaller than wedding gifts and are practical and useable. 

Be creative and have fun with it!!

weddingonthebrain.com- Samantha Woods