Bridesmaid Gift Ideas

What to give your bridesmaid as a gift is tougher question than it sounds. You want the perfect gift that shows shares your appreciation for your girls, and be something that they will love as well. Monogramming is one way to make each gift personal for each individual bridesmaid in your wedding party. Jewelry is another option that can also be used as accessories for the wedding day. Simple, matching pieces are perfect and your bridesmaids will want to wear them everyday. You do not have to restrict yourself to conventional gifts. Every bridal party is different, and you know them best. Here are a few ideas:

Perfect for the destination wedding

Personalize these robes with initials in the wedding colors, and wear them as you prepare for your wedding day.

Girls also want to have fun!

Let Them Eat Cake!

Guests join the bride and groom to celebrate their nuptials. The bride and groom want their guest to enjoy delicious food, wonderful company and a great atmosphere. Just as important as all other aspects of the wedding, the bride and the groom take the time to pick their cake for the special day, so why keep it in a corner? The cake should have its moment and the details chosen by the couple should be in plain view. Here are some creative cake/dessert displays:

None of these pictures are my own.

A Reception Dress to Shock the Guests!

I have watched many wedding shows, had many discussions with friends and have read many blogs where this question pops up: Should a bride change out of her wedding dress for the reception? I have finally, after a lot of thinking, come up with an answer; It depends on the bride. It is a pretty simple answer. As the most important person that day, the bride has to do what makes her happy. Dream ceremony dresses can be heavy, form-fitting, or just not what the bride feels is right for dancing the night away at her reception. I will agree that more than one wardrobe change is extensive because the bride begins to miss events during her own special night, but I support the reception dress. Every star has a wardrobe change!

 So take a look at these fun, flirty, short dresses that still have that unique bridal feel that every bride wants, for all of her dresses:

None of these pictures belong to me.

Creative Decor Tip - Use Succulents!

I was very shocked as I was writing a proposal at one of my past internships, that my supervisor's notes stated 'succulents'. Thinking that this was an odd description for a flower arrangement, I quickly questioned what she meant. After I learned more about this unique and understated plant, I instantly thought it was very ingenious to use this plant that could easily be overlooked and make something beautiful for someone's special day.

Succulents are a type of plant, commonly with a thick out layer that are beneficial for storing water for a long period of time. Cacti and Aloe are two types of succulent plants. Succulents Sempervivums are the common choice for decorators. They are available in different colors, including pink, purple, red and green, and the formation of the cushions are unique and attractive. Succulents add a unique beauty to any wedding decor. They can be left in their natural state or spray painted gold. They can be incorporated into the ceremony, the reception or given as favors for guests. The uses of these plants are endless! Here are some ideas that I thought were really creative and only enhanced the natural beauty of these plants:

The succulents almost look like they are naturally gold. The work perfectly in this bouquet.

Individual potted succulents are easy to maintain and a nice change from candles.

Also a great Holiday Party idea!

Tasty Trend: Brunch Weddings

When most people hear the word brunch wedding, they do not think of 'elegant' as an associating word. A brunch wedding allows for creative freedom for an intimate setting that all guests will enjoy. A Saturday or Sunday wedding ceremony and brunch reception allows guests who have work early Monday, the opportunity to have a free evening. A brunch wedding also cuts cost for the bride and groom. Vendors will typically provide discounts because they have two events that day. An afternoon reception provides less competition for venues with other brides, and less expensive drink charges. Here are some creative options for a Wedding Brunch:

Appetizer bites like french toast or miniature cinnamon rolls are a sweet treat to provide guests for the pre-brunch "cocktail hour".

A buffet bar may not sound upscale, but with creativity, and a wide arrange of brunch options, your guests won't miss the sit-down dinner. Options can include an omelette bar, a pancake bar, a biscuit bar, parfaits, quiche, pastries and skewered bacon. A grits bar is a perfect choice for the Southern bride who wants a taste of home. A nice linen and gorgeous arrangements complete the look.

Drink options can include a champagne bar, orange juice bar and mimosa stations. A Bellini station is a unique option, that allows more choices and is also an inexpensive choice. Large glass jugs with lemonade or a punch is a perfect option for the bride and groom who want to refrain from alcohol.

"I Do" Spotlight Elie Saab

I love Elie Saab's bridal collections. She epitomizes the sweet, romantic bride that is very fashion forward. Below is her 2013-2014 Couture collection, not her bridal collection, but some of her pieces are perfect for the winter bride. I love the winter fantasy looks that have the right bit of sparkle for the holiday season and is still appropriate for any engagement afterwards. I can picture a brave bride wearing these looks, who wants something unique for her winter wonderland.

My favorite!

These are just my other favorite long pieces from the collection:

I love the illusion neckline on this look

The neckline is a perfect amount of sexy for this look

Emerald was the color of 2013

"I Do" Spotlight: Krikor Jabotian

I do not have much to say that would do any of these dresses justice. For the bride that wants a one-of-a-kind dress, these couture creations, by designer Krikor Jabotian, will make a bride want to re-wear her wedding dress even after her wedding day.

Where To Seat the Married Couple?

This question is more common than most believe. There are multiple seating options and couples do not have to feel forced to do the traditional long table with the entire bridal party. Here are a few  options:

Sweet Heart Table
Very Modern. The bride and groom sits here in perfect view of their family and loved ones as toasts occur.

Estate Seating
This is for the bride and groom who want a more intimate dining experience with their guest with this "family style" seating. The bride and groom tend to sit in the middle, reserved by cute signs.

Square Table Seating
In my opinion, this is a perfect choice for the couple who don't want to be separate from the guests, but do not want the long tables. The square tables are perfect seating for the bride, groom, the parents, the best man and maid of honor. 

Traditional Long Table
This is the most common seating style. The bride and groom sit with their wedding party on either side.