Engagement Memories

"So here I am, waist-deep in wedding planning as I type this, and forcing myself to "come back to reality" with all the dreams I wrote down in my wedding notebook growing up. I flip through that square, pink book now and I chuckle a little. The girls I had planned on asking to be my bridesmaids have come and gone. The spectacular hotel I listed as the reception location is no longer. My lifelong vision of a new years eve wedding is not a desire of mine now. And every guy I thought-whether for 5 minutes or 5 years-would be the figure in the tux standing up at the altar kinda makes me concerned for my mental health. 

I look ahead to the following 365 days (plus a few more) with optimism, anticipation, and a smidge of anxiousness. I'm thrilled with the idea of trying on my dress and knowing it in an instant! My liver aches a little at the thought of all the drinks to be consumed at the bachelorette party with my bridal entourage. I couldn't be more ecstatic to begin receiving response cards from the 150 invitations we have yet to print, address, and send across the country. But more importantly, my eyes fill with tears at the idea of looking down the aisle of my childhood church and seeing my very best friend & soon-to-be husband at the other end."

While looking through my personal Facebook page this afternoon, I stumbled upon this note I wrote and shared on May 10, 2011. Reading through this now gives me the chills-stepping back into that moment and remembering the exact feelings, emotions and thoughts I experienced more than a year before my wedding day. I hadn't yet asked all of my bridesmaids, gone dress shopping or even finalized my color scheme. I had endless amounts of work to do, decisions to make and items to cross off my to-do list, but I wasn't thinking about that. I was thinking about the life I was planning with my husband and the impending celebration we would share with our friends and family. I wasn't scared, angry, stressed or even confused. I felt secure, empowered and excited.

Our Engagement Party Cake

This isn't my typical style, content or focus. It's personal, deep and emotional, but I'm posting this because I want every bride to have that feeling I experienced almost two years ago now, and not just for one blissful evening, but for the duration of their engagement.

I've often wondered if my work is desirable to other brides and grooms, as any new business owner would, and after reading this and feeling that I have stepped back in time, I know that it is. I plan weddings for the women who have planned them since they can remember. Although the plans may have evolved with time, the little girl who will forever be a dreamer is still the same. And I want the experience of planning your wedding to be full of positive memories and exciting times, so that when you look back on it years from now, as I am, you'll feel that you enjoyed every minute of it. I love what I do and I am so very privileged to work with every.single.couple.

5 Things I Would've Done Differently

If I could do it all over again...

• I wouldn't have worried so much about numbers. My bridal party, for example, was uneven after a bridesmaid opted out. Instead of just letting it be that way, I asked my brother's girlfriend. Almost a year later, they've broken up and she will forever be in my wedding photos. All for the sake of keeping it even. 
• I would've booked the best photographer available and adjusted my budget accordingly. (cautionary tale on wedding photography) I also would've compiled a list of shots I wanted from my photographer. I hate seeing adorable photos on Pinterest and wishing I had a similar one. 
• I would've looked into hosting our ceremony and reception at the same location. It would've saved us the hassle of booking a limo, given us more time for pictures and allowed the guests time to relax instead of traveling in between.
• I would've done a "first look" with my groom! Those shots are to die for and I love the idea of having that special moment alone, rather than in front of an audience.

Brooke G Images

Irish Eyes Photography

• I would've hosted a morning-after brunch. Rather than leaving for our honeymoon first thing the next morning, I would've waited a few hours and spent some time with all of our out of town guests at a small breakfast. It would've allowed us to spend more quality time with family and not be rushing to the airport.

What types of things do you imagine you'll regret if you don't do them?
Or if you're already married, what are the things you'd do over if you could? Comment below and tell me your thoughts!

Also, please take a moment to complete this short survey I've compiled to better serve my future brides and grooms. All results are anonymous, so please be honest! Thank you in advance!

Wedding Budget: Affordable Floral Options

When it comes to booking the florist for your wedding, it's very common for couples to experience some serious sticker shock. From corsages and boutonnieres to altar arrangements and reception centerpieces, the tally adds up quickly, leaving some brides to rethink their dream bouquet. Wedding budgets are serious business and keeping your purchases within them can be tricky. While there are many ways to save money on your wedding as well as wedding budget cuts you should avoid, finding cost-effective alternatives to your ideal flowers may not be as obvious.

But, wait! You don't have to cut arrangements or shrink their sizes. All you have to do is be a little creative, think outside the box and know your stuff before meeting with a professional.

While in your wedding floral dreams, you may picture thousands upon thousands of exotic flowers making their appearance in every inch of the day, it's likely that your budget just doesn't allow for it. And trust me when I tell you, that's okay! Two of my favorite cost-cutting options are quickly being recognized for their tiny price tag as well as their undiscovered elegance: carnations and baby's breath.

Baby's breath? YES! I know what you're thinking, but stay with me here and tell me these photos aren't gorgeous...baby's breath or not!

WeddingBee

Elevage Events

And for all my ladies hosting a rustic wedding, you honestly couldn't find a better floral option than baby's breath, as it meshes so perfectly with burlap and lace.

Snippet and Ink

Sara Jane Blog

Once Wedd

Okay, so maybe I haven't convinced you with the baby's breath option. I know we don't typically think of carnations as wedding flowers, but we really should! When bunched together and arranged in bulk, they have the look of expensive and over-the-top for a fraction of the cost!

Martha Stewart Weddings

Gimme Some Sugar

Bella Wedding Flowers

When you go to meet with prospective florists (yes, that's plural. Always meet with 3 vendors in each category before choosing one!!), do a little research beforehand about the average costs of the flowers you most prefer, so you're not blown away by the quote they give you. Don't be afraid to ask them about look-alike options that may save your pennies. (ex: ranuculus in place of peonies) Make sure you have a number in your head before going in and let them know what the budget they have to work with will be. You can always compromise by using fillers and affordable flowers with the more expensive ones. 

What flowers do you plan to have in your bouquet or centerpieces? Or are you doing non-floral options? Tell me about your ideas below! And if you're looking for more original and affordable floral options for your wedding, email me with any questions and I'll do my best to help!

Giveaway Winner & Bridesmaid Tips

Last week, we celebrated 100 likes on our Facebook page with a stylish giveaway. Since then, our likes have doubled and we've gained some more lovely readers. 

The winner of the $50 Kiki La'Rue gift card is Amanda Kiebler! Congratulations, Amanda!

Thank you all for entering! And if you are still dying for some KLR goodies, make sure you like them on Facebook, because they are always hosting their own giveaways. In fact, they will be giving away $250 in gift cards when they reach 10,000 likes, so share, share, share (the photo below) for your chance to grab some freebies. 

And now for today's post, I want to focus on something that doesn't get a lot of attention on the blog: the bridal party. No one wants to be the bothersome bridesmaid, so today I'm sharing with you tips on how to not only avoid that, but blow the bride away with your fabulous bridesmaid abilities!

Until you've experienced it once, the responsibilities you take on when you agree to be in a wedding may not be exactly clear...er followed. Being a bridesmaid isn't just about getting the bride drunk one night, gifting a few items from her registry and showing up in the dress she chose for you. And sometimes those extra responsibilities are either overlooked entirely or just unknown.

Feministing

From beginning to end, this is what the timeline of a bridesmaid will look like:

• Get fitted for and order your dress. (Hint: Try not to be this girl...)

• Coordinate shower plans with the other bridesmaids and maid of honor
• Purchase gifts (either off the registry or something you're SURE she wants) for the shower, engagement and wedding
• Purchase shoes and accessories for wedding day, with the bride's approval
• Assist bride with wedding errands, projects and decisions when she asks
• Attend rehearsal and dinner
• Arrive on wedding-morning on time (or early) and stand by the bride as she marries the man of her dreams!

And if you really want to be super-bridesmaid, and trust me, you'll want to stay on the brides' good side, because her emotions will be crazy (and you can't blame her)! Here's some tips:

• Don't offer your opinion unless asked. Remember this is not your day!
• Don't complain to the bride about anything wedding-related. If you're having an issue with something minor, figure it out on your own or talk to someone else who can help.
• Keep the bride's wishes in mind. Keep her likes and dislikes in mind when making shower and bachelorette party plans.
• Work as a team with the other members of the bridal party. Do not argue, try to take over or dismiss thoughts and opinions of the other girls. 

• Offer often to help with wedding plans
• Be thoughtful. Friendships and relationships can change a lot during an engagement. The little things you do for her during this time will be remembered always!
• Be patient with her! She's got a lot on her mind and a to-do list that seemingly never ends. Keep that in mind when she's slow to return your call or text.
• And on the flip-side of that, keep her in check! Don't let her entire life be taken over by the wedding and remind her the world is still moving outside of wedding plans. She will thank you for it later, if not immediately!
• Be a friend, a support-system and a sister. Stand proudly next to her as she says "I do" and celebrate excitedly with her all night and send her off to a wonderful honeymoon with her new hubby!

Would you add any other items to the list? Comment below and tell me what you think are the best and worst traits or actions of a bridesmaid.

Chevron Wedding Inspiration

As you can see, in lieu of a photo post today, we are going to delve into the infinite world of wedding inspiration! If the background on this blog is any indication, I am obsessed with all things chevron and I love being inspired by current trends in fashion and bringing them to the wedding world. I love the idea of taking a pattern and using it to create the theme for any party, and especially a wedding. So if you're looking for some chevron wedding inspiration, you've arrived at the right destination!

• As with any theme, the first glimpse of your wedding will be in the wedding invitation. Be sure to include your chevron in all of your wedding stationary! Be creative, without being overpowering. You still want your guests to read the invitation wording! Chevron your envelopes or seal with a chevron sticker. Use chevron labels or create custom chevron postage stamps!

KXO Design

Oh So Beautiful Paper

• Y'all know I love me some pretty table decor and whatever your theme/ color scheme, it belongs on the guest tables! Use table runners, chair sashes, extra details and centerpieces to accent the color scheme with your pattern. Keep the patterned items to a maximum of one of two per table to avoid looking too busy.

Style Unveiled

• Patterned and themed cakes are a perfect way to implement chevron into your wedding design at your reception! Again, don't overwhelm your cake design, but keep most of it simple (read: white or solid color), allowing you to feature the chevron as well as your wedding colors on one or two tiers.

Belle

Clever Confections via Cake Central

• Once you've covered all of these categories, you'll want to add little bits of chevron here and there in the details. Think about your ceremony pews or chair decoration, bridal party accessories (pocket squares, ties, bouquet ribbon, jewelry, etc.) and any other extra items you may be including.

Bloomed to Last

The Favor Box

Any time you plan to incorporate a pattern into a wedding, remember to keep it simple! Whether it's the beloved and popular chevron, stripes or polka dots, any pattern can quickly become overwhelming and overdone. Choose a few items to deck out in your theme, while keeping everything else simple in solid colors. If you think it's too much, it probably is. 

What are your favorite wedding themes or patterns? Would you like to see more wedding pattern/ color inspiration? Let me know in the comment section below! And don't forget to enter the Kiki La'Rue giveaway!