Keep the Celebration Rockin' with a Reception After Party!

Your wedding day is cause for a huge celebration. The best way to celebrate means something a little different to each couple, but more and more couples are forgoing the grand exit to enjoy a wedding reception after party. Theses informal gatherings can consist of anything from just a few guests hitting the bars to a planned party on the reception site or the bar or restaurant of the hotel your guests are staying in. For those who love the idea of partying until the wee hours of the morning, here are a few tips on how to pull it off.




Photography by Katie Day Photo via labellebride.com



A lot of couples question who to invite to a wedding reception after-party. If the event will be at all organized, it is important that you invite everyone on the guest list. In this case you can simply add it to your invitations or in your wedding programs. A simple "join us after the reception" will suffice. One couple even had business card sized invites printed up for the ushers to hand out as they sat guests. This is a cute way to let guests know about the after party if you planned it after the formal invitations were sent out. If your after party consists of the bridal party heading out to the bars in a party bus or limo, it is still a good idea to let guests know where they can meet up with you by word of mouth. The more the merrier, after all!

Another common question is how to fund an after party. On a tight budget, a couple and all who want to keep the party going can hit the bars. It is usually understood in these situations that any food or beverage desired is paid for by the guests. However, if you are hosting an after party in the hotel or on your reception site an open bar is never inappropriate. This may be a good compromise for the couple who can't decide whether or not to serve alcohol at their reception. A dry reception keeps the evening family-friendly while still providing adults a chance to enjoy their beer and cocktails at the after party. I especially love the idea of hosting a casual bonfire at the beach or a campsite for rural wedding or having a night out on the town in a bigger city.

There are a few more things you may want to consider. Does your honeymoon flight leave early the next morning? If so, you may want to keep your celebration short. You will also want to have a wardrobe change for your after party, especially if you are leaving the reception site. What girl doesn't love a reason to buy a new outfit? Lastly, make sure that all guests will have a safe way to return home. Collect keys if you must. You can get a party bus, call for cabs, or even ask a few non-drinking guests if they mind being a DD. With all your bases covered, you will have a night that is wonderfully memorable for all the right reasons!

Have Fun!

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!

'Weddiquette 101' Your Top 5 Wedding Etiquette Questions Answered

When it comes to wedding etiquette there sometimes isn't an easy yes or no answer. Making socially acceptable decisions when it comes to your wedding and pleasing everyone can be tough. So just remember it is your fiancé and yours big day, so you have the final say! Here are some of the top wedding etiquette questions I have come across according to our Facebook fans. Read on, chances are you have these questions too!

1. What is the etiquette for a second marriage wedding? Is it appropriate to wear a white dress? Should I have a gift registry?

Second marriage weddings are very prominent this day in age and there are no set rules on how to celebrate your special day. It is totally appropriate to wear a white wedding gown to your second wedding ceremony. The 'etiquette' on wearing white has relaxed over the years. As the bride, you should wear whatever you are comfortable in and feel beautiful wearing, including white!

A lot of couples who are embarking on a second marriage have already established a home with all the supplies and items newlyweds usually receive, so often they do not have a gift registry. It is acceptable to state on your invitations that you wish not to receive gifts. Or couples sometimes suggest that their guests make a donation to a favorite charity instead of gifts. But saying that, it is still very acceptable for you and your fiancé to register for gifts because your loved ones will want to get you something. Tailor your registry to your interests or hobbies. Consider DVDs, camping equipment or gift cards to your favorite restaurants.

2. How can I honor a loved one who has recently passed away during my wedding ceremony?

Many couples wish to honor an important loved one who has passed away during their wedding without creating a sad mood or making the ceremony feel like a memorial. A special way to honor these loved ones is with a memorial candle or vase engraved with their name or names. You may also consider having a short prepared remembrance read during your ceremony. Some couples also denote a missing parent or loved one with an empty seat in the front row with a rose placed on it.

3. Who is responsible for paying for the bridal party's attire?

It is usually the responsibility of the bridesmaids and groomsmen to purchase their own dresses and rent tuxes. That's why it is important for you to consider the cost of the dress you choose for your girls to wear. Some couples who are able will cover the cost of the ensembles but usually it is up to the bridal party themselves.

4. How do you politely tell your guests that you do not want children at the wedding reception?

Many couples wish to just enjoy some 'adult time' at their wedding and some reception sites don't allow children. It is perfectly acceptable to state that on your invitations. Consider using the following phrase, 'We kindly request adults only please' or list your reception as an 'Adult Only Reception'. Another option is to specifically address the invites to those invited (i.e. Mr. and Mrs. So and So). When you don't list the children's names or '& Family' your guests should get the point.

5. When should I send out my wedding invitations? What about Save the Dates? 

Wedding invitations should be sent out 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests plenty of time to clear their calendars, make travel arrangements and it is close enough to the wedding that it keeps the date fresh in their minds. This also allows for you to request that your guests RSVP at least 3-4 weeks before the wedding, giving plenty or time for a final head count for seating charts and the caterer.

Save the dates are appropriate to send out when having a destination wedding or if you have many out of town guests who will need to make significant travel arrangements. Send out save the date cards or magnets 4 to 6 months before the wedding.

Keep sending your wedding etiquette questions our way!

    




Image Credits: Bride and groom wedding invitations from www.funnyweddingmedia.com, Camping equipment, Gift cards, Bridesmaids, Messy Baby from Istock, Letterpress invitations from Paper Chez

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

5 Great Gift Ideas for the Bride and Groom that are under $50.00

Have you been searching for that perfect gift to get for a new Mr. and Mrs.? Look no further. I have done the research for you and found 5 great gifts that any new couple would love and they are also a great price.

Photo Signs: Any personalized gift is a great gift idea for someone special but when it is for new married couple it becomes even more special. A personalized photo sign for the couple’s new life together with their names and wedding date would be a lovely idea.

Glassware: You will find glassware on many bridal registries but you can take it one step further by getting a set of  a monogrammed glassware. Whether the couple has a home bar and they just need some new glasses for sipping ice tea, this is sure to be a beloved gift for years to come.

Spa Sets: If you want to encourage the new couple to relax after the wedding, a monogrammed robe and set of slippers will make the perfect gift. This is also a great gift they can take with them on their honeymoon. If you really want to splurge you can also add a heated neck warmer or an eye pillow to their gift box for added relaxation.

Monogrammed Towels: A set of monogrammed towels would add an elegant touch to anyone’s guest bath. This is another great gift idea. Who doesn’t need new towels and adding the monogram will only make it more personal to the couple that receives them. Add some personalized soap to your gift to give it even more pizzazz!

Cake Top Display Stand: This is one of my favorite gifts for a new bride and groom. What better way to gift a memory of their special day but by giving them a display stand for their cake topper. The stand can be personalized with a special message and/or their names and wedding date. This is truly a gift that will be cherished for many years.

Finding that perfect wedding gift can sometimes be a daunting task. Take the guess work out of it and try one of the gifts above. Happy shopping! Please click on the photo for more details about the product.