Introducing...The Bridal Party

Everyone knows the wedding is about the bride (and maybe a little bit about the groom). But the bridal party plays a huge role, mostly behind the scenes, and they deserve to be recognized for their hard work.

 

There are easy ways to make sure the bridal party gets this acknowledgement, but there are also creative, fun ways to introduce your closest friends and family to all of your guests.

 

Traditional Introductions

Make sure your MC or DJ knows the correct order the bridal party will be entering in the reception, as well as how to pronounce their names. The minimum the DJ should say is their first and last name and role in the bridal party. Something else you can consider adding is how they each know the bride or groom. Another fun tidbit to add is just a fun fact about each person. For example, “John Doe is the best man and was the groom’s roommate and wingman in college—he’s the one who introduced the groom to the bride!”

 

Don’t forget to introduce the ring bearer and flower girl!

 

It’s common to put information about the bridal party in the program for your guests to read, and while this is helpful, it can be impersonal and doesn’t give them a chance to put names to faces.  Consider putting in a small photo next to each member of the bridal party along with a short bio.  Weddings are about joining two families, but the bride and groom need to facilitate this, and the best way to start this is to introduce the bridal party.

 

Other Tips for Formal Introductions

 

Make sure your bridal party is comfortable with each other. Even if they don’t know each other before the ceremony, encourage them to spend some time together, since they will be walking and dancing together all day.

 

Enter the reception hall excited. When your guests see you and your bridal party having a great time, they will be more excited and will participate in the festivities more eagerly.

 

Communicate well with your DJ or MC. If you have hired a professional, he or she will have lots of ideas for how to spice up your introductions and can facilitate the whole procession.

Creative Introductions

 

Encourage your wedding party to do something fun as they enter your reception.  Choreograph a dance routine and have the members of your bridal party waltz, tango, or wobble their way into the reception hall. Let each couple decide individually which dance they want to use for their entrance.

 

Use props: find toys or other props that fit your theme and have your bridal party use them during their introductions.  This bridal party entered to the song Thrift Shop sporting their best thrift store attire.

 

 

Still not sold with these introductions? Consider this:

 

 

At this wedding, the bride and groom put together a meet the bridal party table. All you need to do is put each person’s name, picture, and some information about them in a picture frame. Here are some ideas for what to include in the information section:

• How they know the bride/groom
• Where they’re from
• A fun fact
• A funny quote from them that was said at some point during the wedding planning

These picture frames don’t have to be for just the bridal party, either. You can include the parents of the bride and groom, the ring bearer, the flower girl, and anyone else you think deserves one!

 

However you choose to do the introductions, make sure you include a big thank you to all those who helped to make your day special.

Image Credits: Wedding Party Photos, Wedding party booklet, Thrift Shop Entrance, Meet the maids and grooms

Elizabeth is an undergraduate at Ohio Northern University with a double major in professional writing and creative writing and a minor in psychology. Liz writes for My Wedding Reception Ideas as well as creates multi-modal writing projects for Re:Media, an Ohio Northern University online publication.

 

The Little Black Bridesmaids Dress

Black is the new black.  Okay okay, so bright and bold hues were forecasted to be this year's hottest trend but don't be fooled because the absence of color is definitely back full force.  This staple wardrobe color can be styled to be romantic, classic, modern, retro, or even boho.  And since black flatters any figure it only makes sense to don your leading ladies with a gorgeous little black number she will definitely wear again.  Pair your dresses with some strappy sandals or daring colored pumps for a splash of color.  Contrasting monochromatic bouquets also look stunning next to the dark backdrop created by a simple black gown.  For more daring brides, hand your girls a black color swatch with your dress length preference and let them pick their own gown.  Giving your girls the freedom to pick their own dress is the perfect way to get  a wedding day wardrobe that will be cohesive yet unique.  To help with your hunt for the perfect little black dress, here are a few of our favorite must-have frocks.

Classic bridesmaids dresses have a simple and understated elegance to them.  From timeless  A-lines and simple sheaths to strapless floor length gowns, you can't go wrong with a classic little black dress. (Left to right: J.Crew, Jim Hjelm, J.Crew, Dessy)

For romantic brides, don't forget the girly trimmings.  Ruffles, bows, ribbons, and ornate lace detailing simply ooze romance.  To stay on trend and score one of this season's hottest looks, opt for a simple lace dress for your girls. (Left to right: Bardot, David's Bridal, Alexon, Dessy)

Boho is for the bride who's looking for a laid-back, thrifty chic style.  Opt for a high-low dress for this season's trendsetting style.  For our Bohemian brides, we especially love TwoBirds Bridesmaids wrap dresses which can be wrapped in a million different ways to flatter each individual's figure. (Left to right: TwoBirds Bridesmaid, BCBG, ModCloth, Aidan Mattox)

Retro dress styles will have your girls looking timeless while still keeping with your vintage aesthetic.  Cap sleeves, circle skirts, and pinups dresses are sure fire ways to get that vintage glam look.  Stay on trend by grabbing an illusion neckline dress.  Your ladies will love your high fashion pick. (Left to right: ModCloth, Asos, Stop Staring, Dessy)

Modern brides will love these architectural little numbers.  It's all about volume and structure with these modern frocks.  For daring brides, channel Carrie Bradshaw and throw in a structural headpiece for a touch of avant-garde styling.  For this season's must-have look, opt for a trendy peplum dress. (Left to right: Calvin Klein, Alexon, Vera Wang, Vivienne Westwood)

12 Days of Weddings - 10 Lords A Leaping Inspiration Board

Welcome to the 10th edition in our 12 Days of Weddings blog series. So far we have given you 9 image collages full of wedding inspiration for your holiday wedding. For our 10th inspiration board, we've decided to honor the infamous 10 lords of leaping by paying homage to the fascinating action photography trend that captures grooms and their groomsmen mid-jump - or mid-leap for our purposes. We chose 10 of our favorite "jump shots" to show you. Hopefully this collection of images will inspire both you and your wedding photographer. If not, at least you will get a kick out of seeing some character capturing photographs, mid air poses, and other acts of randomness.

Image Credits (In order from top to bottom, left to right): 1. Southern Aisle, 2. Delightfully Engaged, 3. Polkadot Bride, 4. Unknown, 5. Bellafotografica, 6. Deroughe Mont Manor, 7. The Romantics Ad Campaign via Art8Amby , 8. Tom and Lorenzo, 9. True Photography Weddings, 10. Bridal Snob

The Perfect Bridesmaid Gift...A Survival Kit

Personalized Bridesmaid Clutch with Survival Kit

The perfect bridesmaid gift for you to give to your bridesmaids is a survival kit. What is a survival kit you ask? Bridesmaid survival kits are cosmetic bag or small purse filled with the essentials that all ladies need for emergency situations. Most survival kits come with band aids, bobby pins, towelette, sewing kit, breath mints and of course a pack of Kleenex. This is perfect for all those little things that can and will go wrong on an important day. A personalized clutch is a great gift for your bridesmaids and they can use the survival kit for more than just your wedding celebration but for all kinds of special occasions that will come up during her life.

It would also be a fun idea to make your own survival kits if you are the DIY kind of gal. You can buy an inexpensive cosmetic bag or use a personalized bag and add all the essentials to the bags. If you really want to have some fun, make up some survival kits for the groomsmen as well. Here are a few more items other than the ones listed above you may want to add or consider adding to an already made up survival kit:

Personalized Lime Green Quilted Cosmetic Bag

For the Bridesmaids

• Lip Gloss
• Stain Remover Wipes
• Nail File
• Aspirin
• Tampon
• Safety Pins
• Trail Size Hair Spray
• Deodorant

Custom Printed 8 x 5 x 10 Frosted Gift Bags

For the Groomsmen

• Antacid
• Satin Remover Wipes
• Aspirin
• Trail Size Shaving Cream
• Disposable Razor
• Black Socks
• Safety Pins
• Chap Stick
• Deodorant

The above items can also be added to your wedding welcome bags that you are leaving for you hotel guests. This is a fun and inexpensive way to make your guests, bridesmaids and groomsmen feel appreciated and loved. Good Luck!

Top Tips and Advice for Outfitting Your Wedding Party, Your Questions Answered!

So, you think picking out your dress will be the hardest part of the wedding? Think again! As the bride you are responsible for choosing not only your own attire but also the ensembles for the rest of the bridal party. The bridesmaids, groomsmen and of course your groom, will need your opinion and guidance in choosing their wedding day get-ups! Now the groom and groomsmen shouldn't be much of a problem,  they will wear whatever you tell them to (but don't forget to ask their opinion)! When it comes to bridesmaid dresses, all of your girls will no doubt have an opinion. This is where it can get tricky, there has to be a balance between taking into account your bridesmaid's choices but still sticking to what you envisioned for your wedding day. Here are some helpful tips and advice to tackle the task of outfitting your bridal party. Your top questions are answered here!

How soon should you pick out bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen attire?

Depending on how long your engagement is, consider starting to shop for your bridesmaids dresses around 8 or so months before the wedding (it is never too soon to start looking). Select and order the dresses about 6 months in advance. This will allow time for all the dresses to come in and for your girls to have a fitting before the big day!

The groomsmen should order their tuxes at least 3-5 months before the wedding. Because of the precise fit of a tuxedo or suit, the groomsmen should stop in the tux shop to get professionally measured. If they live too far from the shop they can always send their measurements in. The groom should stop in for a final fitting of his tux a week or so before the wedding.

How much freedom should the bridesmaids have when picking out dresses?

It is important to many brides that their bridesmaids feel comfortable and beautiful in their dresses. Start out by choosing the color of the dresses, the bride can be fully in charge of this. The color of the dress will coordinate with the color scheme of your wedding. Now when it comes to picking out the style of the dress, this is where you can bring in advice from your girls. First off, designate whether you want short or long dresses, this can be dependent upon what season the wedding will take place in and how formal the event will be.

Ask your bridesmaids what style and fit they would be most comfortable in. Straps or no straps, a tight or flowy fit, are all things to take into consideration. Chances are, everyone will have an opinion on this. If the opinions differ greatly it is important to reign in all the choices and as the bride, have the final decision power. A couple strategies are to pick a few of your favorite styles and let the girls choose their favorite from this smaller selection. Another popular alternative to the bridesmaid dress dilemma is to have all of your girls in the same color but allow each of them to choose the style of dress they like. When choosing this option, all the dresses should coordinate and make sure that no one goes over the top with a micro mini or extravagant floor length number that rivals the bride's gown!

Can the bride go with the groom and his groomsmen to pick out tuxes?

The bride can definitely go along with the groom and his groomsmen to pick out their tuxes or suits, and she is encouraged to! It is not really taboo to see the groom in his tux before the wedding. It will be helpful to go along to pick out the style and color of tux that will coordinate with the bride's gown and the bridesmaid dresses. Your groom will probably be thrilled to have help in this endeavor. Make sure to ask your groom's opinion on his preferences of tux style and design, he is the one who has to wear it! Let him have fun too, consider funky socks or trendy ties to add some interest to that penguin suit.

Who pays for the wedding party's attire?

It is usually the responsibility of the bridesmaids and groomsmen to purchase their own dresses and to rent tuxes. That is why it is important to consider cost when choosing everyone's ensembles, you don't want to put anyone out financially. Some couples who are able to will cover the cost of everyone's outfits but typically it is the bridal party's responsibility.

So don't stress out ladies, the tricky task of decking out your whole wedding clan can be easy and pain free. Just go into the process with a clear concept of what you want to see everyone in and also an open mind to other's opinions. Have fun, this should be an enjoyable process for all involved! Good luck!

Photo Credits: Main tux image, Bridesmaids photo from Drew Brashler Photography, Groomsmen photo from Cooper Carras

Top 5 Trends for Fall Bridesmaids

Counting down the days until your fall wedding? We've got the hottest tips on how to outfit your bridesmaids for the upcoming autumn season.

Trend #1 - Fantastic Fall Colors.

Fall colors are no longer limited to orange, brown, and yellow. More and more brides are incorporating rich hues like peacock blue and plumy purples for a more varied palette. We love this and your bridesmaids will too! While orange and yellow can be difficult colors to wear, blue and purple compliment a variety of skin tones easily. This lovely purple dress was designed by Megan Sweet.

Trend #2 - The Cardigan

Cooler temperatures in autumn don't provide the best weather for those strapless bridesmaids dresses. Keep your maids cozy with beautiful cardigans dressed up in cashmere or ruffles. The girls shown here paired their teal dresses with lovely gray cardigans. (Image Credit: We Are Home Sweet Home)

Trend  #3 - Cowgirl Boots

Inspiring little country girl hearts everywhere, the cowgirl boot trend is an adorable tribute to your down home roots. This look goes great with flowing floral prints and lacey shabby chic tunics. This look will really take off this year thanks to recent wedding of country singer Miranda Lambert. The photo shown here combined soft brown boots with a muted almost-denim, blue. (Image Credit: Thunder Storms and Cat Naps)

Trend  #4 - Foliage over Florals

Using fall foliage, like wheat, leaves, and branches in lieu of more flowery bouquets will finish off your rustic autumn wedding with a unique flourish. This is a great way to set your bridal bouquet apart from the rest of the girls as well. I love the look of these multi-colored wheat stalks gathered with a lacy bouquet wrap.

Trend #5 - Non-traditional Fall Themes

Fall leaves are lovely, but not for every bride. Autumn brides are branching out with their colors and decor. The most surprising and unexpectedly popular theme for this fall is peacocks. A peacock theme provides a beautiful color palette ranging from green to purple to many different shades of blue. The feathers look great in vintage, sophisticated and rustic settings. The fabulous peacock bridesmaids dress shown here was actually found on etsy! Who wouldn't want a custom made dress?

We hope you've been inspired by these top five trends - but don't forget to add a little bit of your own flavor. You want your wedding to modern, yet also full of your own personality.

~ Jenna

The Most Versatile Bridesmaids Dress Ever

It wasn't that long ago that it was considered perfectly acceptable to walk into a bridal store only to see a small rack of puffy sleeved bridesmaids dresses in your choice of taffeta, taffeta, or....tafetta!  Oh, but not anymore.  The wedding fashion world has finally caught up with the rest us.  Brides today have some really great options to choose from.  Ones that actually complement their wedding day vision.

If you are searching for the ultimate one-size-fits all bridesmaids dress that is guaranteed to be worn again and again, you have to check out TwoBirds Bridesmaid.  What makes them so great?  Their dresses are the epitome of versatile, boasting over 15 different ways that they can be worn, and they are almost guaranteed to look good on any figure.  I don't know about you but I also just love the idea of buying a dress that can actually be worn again!  Some of TwoBird's dresses in action:

Priced at about $270 each, if the price tag is too high for your wallet, there are more affordable alternatives available from larger chain retailers (like this multi-way dress from Dessy priced at $140 each).  A word of caution when going with a less expensive dress...be sure to take into consideration that you may not get the quality, service, and/or color selection that you would get by paying full price.

Happy Planning!

Wedding Purse Essentials - It's All in the Bag!

On your big day the last thing you are probably thinking of is what purse to carry with your wedding dress. While you won't want to have anything hanging on you all day (other than the groom of course), it is helpful to have a small purse or clutch to match your gown with some wedding day essentials in it.

First off you need to select a cute clutch or evening bag that will coordinate with your wedding dress. Go with an elegant beaded, white or ivory bag to match your gown or choose a bag with a pop of color that accents your wedding colors and accessories. You obviously won't hold this purse during your ceremony but have it on hand before and bring it along to the reception. Give one of your bridesmaids the job of keeping track of it for you!

Things you might want to include in this bag are: 

• Compact mirror
• Hanky or tissues
• Lipstick or lip gloss
• Powder
• Small perfume spritzer
• Pocket comb
• Breath mints
• Bobby pins
  

Choose purse or travel size beauty items to fit in your bag.

Another important bag to have on hand the day of your wedding is a larger tote bag with other emergency items and necessities. These items will be used by you and any of your bridesmaids who might be of need. Keep this bag on hand where you and your bridal party will be getting ready. For this carry-all tote bag, choose a large durable bag with fun personalization (bride-to-be or your name or monogram). These personalized totes are also great gift ideas for all of your bridesmaids.  

Here is a list of must-haves to have on hand on the big day. Okay, so it might not all fit in one bag!

• First aid items (Band-Aids)
• Comb, brush, hairpins
• Hair spray
• Medicines for headaches, upset stomach, allergies
• Sewing Kit with needles, thread and safety pins
• Anti-static spray
• Lint roller
• Spot and stain remover
• Eye drops and spare contacts (if the bride or groom wears them)
• Travel iron or steamer for touch ups
• Pen and pad of paper for last minute notes
• Miscellaneous tools for emergency repairs to decorations (scissors, tape, stapler, super glue)
• Nail polish for touch ups, nail file, nail glue
• Deodorant
• Lotion
• Make-up kit
• Tooth brush and tooth paste
• Double sided fashion tape
• Tweezers
• Extra earring backs
• Green floral tape and boutonniere & corsage pins
• Crochet hook (for brides buttons and an easy way to bustle your dress)
• A light snack and bottle of water

Pack your wedding day purse and tote bag a day or two beforehand. That way you can just grab it and go the day of. Having these items on hand will hopefully quell any big day disasters or mishaps!

Photo Credits: Bride's Planning Tote, Wedding purses and Evening Bags, Bride and Bridesmaid purse totes, Monogram backpack and personalized tote

Choosing Bridal Jewelry to Compliment Your Wedding Style

The bridal jewelry you choose for your wedding day will help tie your entire look together. Since much of your wedding day photos will be close-ups of your beautiful face, your jewelry will help to frame your face and complete your look.  When choosing bridal jewelry, be sure to consider the look you are going for and/or the personality of the girl you are buying for to showcase your individual style.

Traditional? - Your gown is a simple, strapless A-line and you are styling a classic updo. Simple pearl bridal jewelry like drop earrings and pearl strands are ideal for your style.  For more elaborate gowns, crystal and rhinestone jewelry will also look elegant and will compliment your traditional style.

Vintage? - Your gown is made of the most intricate lace detailing and your coif has unique pin curls and waves. Antiqued rhinestone jewelry or pearls are the perfect choice.  Bridal brooches and pins are also a great way to get that vintage look you've been searching for.  Add a rhinestone brooch to your wedding dress sash, attach to a silk headband to add sparkle, or simply pin to the strap of your halter dress for a period look.

Modern? - Your dress is straight off the runway and your hairdo could only be described as a work of art. Unique pear-shaped stones and eye-catching bridal jewelry sets with colored gemstones will complement your one-of-a-kind look.  Large chunky jewelry is also very popular right now and is a great way to showcase your inner fashionista on your wedding day.

To learn more about how to style your wedding day look, check out our selection of bridal jewelry for other great tips and ideas.

Happy Planning!

Modern Grooms Accessorize with Style

Grooms and their groomsmen often get overlooked when discussing how to outfit a wedding party. Modern grooms and their buds want to have just as much fun with their wedding day attire as the ladies get to. Of course there will always be a time and a place for the sleek look of a traditional tuxedo, but more and more grooms are showing their sense of style with suits and fun accessories.

The cotton and linen suit is perfect for grooms who love a more casual style. Grooms can also be seen without their jacket and sporting rolled up shirtsleeves, a vest or suspenders, and a hipster style hat.

Other grooms choose to modernize their look with accessories. Shoes, with quirky Chuck Taylors being the most popular, are a common way for groomsman to show their style. If funky shoes are a little too much, there are always colorful socks. I have seen many groomsmen pictures lately with pant legs pulled up to reveal bright and fun patterened socks.

 Grooms and their groomsmen can also play up their look with patterned suits, brightly colored vests and ties. Tweed and plaid are hot for groom suits this year and spunky little bow ties are making a come back right along with it. This hipster style is one that is sure to make the bride swoon!

Grooms (or whoever is planning their outfit) are getting more and more creative with their boutonnieres. No longer just a simple rose and sprig of baby's breath - boutonnieres should be as stylish as the bride's bouquet. Buttons, feathers, brooches, and natural elements are popular ways to make a unique boutonnieres. I love this pinwheel bout shown below! Because boutonnieres are small and usually simplistic, they can be easy to make and add a lot of color and fun to an outfit.

Remember that it is your groom's day too, so let him show off his own style. You will end up with a look you both will love!

Photo credits in order of appearance: 1. Tan Suit -  Once Wed  2. Red Socks - One Wed  3. Bow Tie via The Neo Tradtionalists 4. Pinwheel Boutonierre found on Etsy

Giving The Gift of Relaxation with Spa Bridesmaids Gifts

After months to even years of planning for your wedding day, every bride-to-be deserves a bit (even a lot) of R & R.  There is nothing better than sitting back in a cushiony chair while scents of aromatherapy oils linger in the air and licensed therapists cater to your every need.  As your wedding day draws closer, be sure to pamper you and your bridesmaids for all your hard work.  Let all your stress slip away by giving the gift of relaxation with home spa gifts.

Great home spa gifts include anything from a weekend spa gift certificate to embroidered custom bath wraps and towels.  Many spa gifts even come already packaged in beautiful boxes with ribbons taking the guess work out of gift giving.  When looking for the perfect spa gift, be sure to think of the individual receiving the gift.  Is she a workaholic?  Consider a heated eye pillow or feet booties so she take the stress off the long work day.  Loves to hit the gym?  Heated neck wraps will calm those stressed muscles.

Aromatherapy scents are also a great way to cater your gift choices and can range from stress relieving lavender and soothing eucalyptus to stimulating jasmine.  Add the relaxing scent of lavender to your bath time with fortune cookie bath fizzies.  Uber unique, these adorable bath bombs leave a surprise inspirational fortune once it has completely dissolved.

Happy Planning!

"Fathers" of the Bride...Incorporating Multiple Parents into Your Wedding

With more and more couples having divorced parents that are remarried this day in age it is often difficult to fit everyone into your ceremony and assign the typical duties. It is important to know that traditions are changing and there are no set rules on how to deal with your extra family members. Just remember it is your day and everyone will respect how you choose to handle things.

The father of the bride plays a very significant role in a girl's life and on her wedding day he is especially important. He has a number of roles and duties to fulfill such as walking you down the aisle, sharing the father daughter dance and sometimes hosting your wedding day festivities. Now what do you do when you have two fathers (a father and a stepfather) that play an important part in your life? Or you have a stepfather that has stepped in to fill the place of an absent biological father. Here are some helpful suggestions and ideas to ease your worries about your dad dilemma.

One thing many brides are concerned with is how to write their wedding invitations when divorced parents are hosting or helping pay for your special day. Here are a couple ways to handle this situation.



When deciding who is to walk you down the aisle, know that this is your decision and there is no right or wrong way to do this. Choose whomever you feel is right. If your biological father has always been a part of your life and you wish for him to walk you down the aisle, don't hesitate to let him, your stepfather will understand. If your stepfather has truly been the one who has raised you and filled the father role, have him walk you down the aisle. It may not be as clear cut as this and to prevent hurt feelings there are some alternatives. If both your father and stepfather have been significant in your life and you want to share this special moment with both of them, then have them both walk you down the aisle, one on either arm. Or you can have your stepfather walk you halfway down the aisle then hand you off to your father to walk you the rest of the way. If you cannot decide who is to walk you or you don't want to upset anyone, another option is to have your mother or a brother walk you. A bride always has the option to walk down the aisle alone as well.

You may be having the same issues of what to do about the father daughter dance. If you wish to share this moment with both of these special men in your life, consider picking two different songs to dance to with them. Pick a song that is uniquely special to each of them. Another option is to pick a longer song and dance with your father during the first half and finish the song with your stepfather or vice versa.

It is a sensitive situation handling decisions about multiple parents at your wedding. Discuss the roles you wish for each parent to play on your wedding day with them individually. Don't stress about it, there are plenty of ways for your loved ones to feel important on your wedding day. Above all else, they want you to be happy on your big day and will understand the choices you make.

Credits: Father and Daughter Image, Wedding Invitation Formats from On Paper