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.

How to Plan a Wedding Without Losing your Sanity

If you have been keeping up with recent posts, you may be inclined to think that planning a wedding is sunshine and roses from start to finish. Don't get me wrong, with an online wedding planner, wedding planning is easier! But, I'm not going to tell you that you won't have moments where you want to make a run for Vegas and call it quits on all the plans. Yes, I love weddings, they are my passion in this life, but I can't say I didn't have a small handful of "bridezilla" moments during my own 14-month engagement. So whether you're on the verge of losing it now or just having a bad day, sit back, read on and file this little advice post away for future reference.

                                                                      

If you're looking for an instant cure for your frustrations, you need to laugh and be entertained. After my wedding was over, I found a new love for following other bloggers and became instantly obsessed when I found Mama Laughlin's blog about her journey of getting fit, raising two (handsome) boys and looking hot doing it! And then she introduced her readers to Skinny Meg, a bubbly mom of one who lost over 100 pounds and shares her tips and sparkly, chevron style with the world. I kid you not, these women are hilarious! If you don't read their blogs, follow them on instagram, facebook, keek and pinterest, you should start...like, now!

photo credits: Mama Laughlin & Skinny Meg

That brings me to my next point, getting fit and getting engaged go together just as new years resolutions and gym memberships. So go for a run, lift some weights, or take Megan's advice and get in some squats! Trust me when I tell you, sweating cures it all!

Let's get to the real cure for any women's ailment and that's shopping. Of course you could go to your local mall or my second home Target and walk out with a whole new outlook on life or you could stay home in your jammies and shop at the most amazing online boutique ever, Kiki La'Rue. If you follow All Tulled Up on Facebook, then you know my obsession with this store runs deep. You can read more about that here and then immediately after, go buy some cute stuff from them and tell them I sent you!

Piko Top                           

Split Decision Dress

Short Sleeve Piko Dress

Most importantly and in all seriousness, spend time with your friends, family and fiance, minus the wedding discussion. Call up your best friend and go out for a girls day. See a movie, get your nails done or meet for dinner and drinks. Make any wedding-related talk off-limits at least one day a week. If you want these people around after you're married (kidding...kind of), remember to give them a break from your wedding once in a while and ask them about what's going on in their lives too.

And don't forget to do the same on date nights with your guy. Spend time at home getting your guest lists together and venting about wedding-related frustrations and then leave that all at home when you head out for a night out together. It will remind you that outside of wedding plans, life is still there.

Remember you're likely to be more sensitive to little things because you're overwhelmed with everything else. Blow past those minor mishaps and remember the real reason for all the madness...

                                                                Source: elementofelegance.com via Meaghan Shelton on Pinterest

Choosing the Perfect Shower Dress

Even prior to the big day, brides have a handful of excuses to head to the mall! Of course you need a new dress for your engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party and rehearsal dinner! Because, let's be honest, a girl can really never have too many dresses, right?

Traditionally, brides are expected to wear white dresses to the rehearsal and bridal shower to stand out among the guests in attendance. And whether you choose to be traditional or not, it always seems that it's more difficult to find what you're shopping for when you're looking. 

For my own bridal shower, I really wanted to wear white. I looked for a solid month at every mall, department store and boutique and couldn't find anything! Finally, on a third trip to Nordstrom Rack, I settled on an ultra-flattering dress (the picture of me to your right), with a Pretty Woman look, or so I was told!  

Here's a full-length view. My bridesmaids minus my MOH.

It was only after the fact that I came across dozens (literally dozens) of adorable, affordable dresses that would've saved me weeks of searching! So, in an effort to save all my lovely brides-to-be and fashionista readers from the same, let me introduce you to the most fabulous shopping experience of your lives!

In my previous post, I mentioned Kiki La'Rue and Becka, the fabulous owner of this online gift to women boutique. If you clicked on that little link yesterday, then you saw exactly why I am such a fan of KLR. (and if you didn't, what are you waiting for?) 

In addition to their assortment of gorgeous tops, jewelry, dresses and more, Kiki La'Rue offers customer service that is unlike you'll find in almost any brick and mortar store out there! Typically, I am not a fan of online shopping because I like to try things on before I buy, but shopping with KLR and Becka is different. Any questions you may have about sizing, fabrics, measurements, Becka will personally answer for you! (Plus, finding a hot pink envelope in your mailbox with a personalized note with every order is seriously the cutest thing ever!!) And as a busy bride-to-be, shopping online only makes sense. Knowing that you're ordering a quality, affordable piece is a bonus!

Without further ado, here are some charming options for your pre-wedding festivities!

Clock Strikes 12 Dress

Mia Dress

Amber Striped Piko Dress

Perfectly Tied Shift Dress

I know some of them are sold out, but don't worry because they are constantly adding re-stocks of popular items! Hopefully, I've converted at least some of you into KLR addicts, like myself. I already know my brides are stylish, but sporting your new KLR dress to your bridal shower (or an adorable Piko top for a lunch with your girls) will ensure your guests will know the same! So head on over to Kiki La'Rue and make yourself at home...you're welcome! : )

If you like what you're reading, make sure to follow All Tulled Up using your Google, Yahoo or Twitter accounts or follow via email by adding your address on the lower right-hand side of the home page! Don't forget to comment below or email me to tell me about topics you want to read about, ask for wedding advice and info, or just to introduce yourself! Thanks for reading, dolls!

Happy Planning (& Shopping)!!

Meaghan xoxo