Wedding Party

Heirloom Ring Bearer Bowls from Paloma’s Nest

You all know how much I love wedding finds that find a life after the big day; not only are you reminded of your wedding but you get more bang for your buck. And in the case of Paloma’s Nest’s Ring Bearer bowls, you also get a twist on a traditional favorite.

Rather than the classic ring bearer pillow, Caroline (the designer behind Paloma’s Nest) hand-crafts bowls from porcelain that feature ties so you don’t have to worry about rings flying off during the ceremony due to a distracted ring bearer. Each bowl is hand-stamped with a saying, date or name, making it an ideal heirloom. After you’ve used it for years as a ring bowl, of course.

She also offers two versions of customized text tiles, one which can be used to secure your bouquets, the other as lasting favors for your guests.

How to Help Plan a Wedding

We spend a lot of time here on this blog talking about (and to) the bride. Tips, inspiration, real weddings…it makes sense. The bride is, after all, the woman in charge. However, when it comes to getting things done, there are usually at least a few helping hands – and you, helping hand, whether you’re a mother, a father, a maid of honor or the friend making the cupcakes because you happen to be a buttercream pro, are the person I’m talking to today.

The thing is, helping plan a wedding can be complicated. It can be tiring. It can be emotional (It can also be so much fun. And kind of addicting. And wildly exciting. Don’t let me forget to…

Bridal Party 101: Answers to the 3 Most Common Bridesmaid Dilemmas

Sometimes your bridesmaids are the most helpful and awesome people on the planet, and sometimes a little less so. Here are the 3 most common bridesmaid-related etiquette issues and ways that you can work to resolve them.

Your bridesmaids are M.I.A.

You need help with something and a bridesmaid is nowhere to be found? First make sure you have managed your expectations. Your bridesmaids may not be able to come to every planning errand, especially if they live far away. But if you can’t even get them to shop for their own dress, you may have a problem. Before you talk with them, make sure that this is a trend and not just a moment. Don’t jump…

Bridal Party 101: What Does Being a Bridesmaid Involve?

Now that you have invited your bestest friends and relatives to be in your wedding, you are probably wondering what exactly a bridesmaid does. Here is a list of their responsibilities (and yours):

The dress and accessories are their expense. But play nice and consider the cost when picking these things out. Rarely (no matter what you think to the contrary) do gals end up wearing these dresses again. And you can always help with this adding up too much by giving them part of the ensemble as their gift.

Travel costs also come out of their pocket. If you are traveling anywhere unexpected, make sure to give them a heads up about it when you invite…

Etsy Feature: The Little Gentleman’s Closet

Who knew that ring bearers could look so dapper? When I saw these adorable ties at The Little Gentleman’s Closet, I squealed. Okay, the squealing was on the inside because I was drinking coffee at the time, but still. Just look at the fashion statement your little guy can make going down the aisle. And after all, you should be looking out for him because he’s got the rings (seriously, who had the brilliant idea of giving the most critical detail of the ceremony to a five-year old child?).

Bridal Party 101: How to Select Your Bridesmaids

Having a group of bridesmaids that you love is one of the best parts of a wedding. The fun parties, the girl-time bonding, the great stories–all a good time. But sometimes the process of selecting and inviting your bridesmaids feels more stressful than you had thought. Here are some helpful tips to common concerns with picking your bridal party:

Wait for the right time. Especially if you are planning a long engagement, don’t invite your bridesmaids right away (unless of course, they are family). There is no rule that this has to be done right away. Although it is hard to believe your college friendships will ever change or fade away, it happens. Don’t put yourself in the awkward position…

DIY Bridesmaid Invitations from Chelsea at Frolic

This is a simple and sweet way to ask your best friends to be maids at your wedding! Dig up old photos with funny stories or memories to make it extra special! Total Cost: Around $3

Supplies:
White pen
Postcards with envelopes in bright colors
Old Photos
Stick-on photo corners
Scissors

Steps:
1. Find an old photo and cut to size if needed.

2. Attach photo corner and place on postcard.

3. Write a note in white pen and add a caption for your photo.

Tips:
You might want to practice your lettering a few times before writing out your note. Stick on photo corners can easily be moved around so play around with different layouts.

No time? Buy it:

We recommend Bird and Banner for charming invitations like this.

Coralie Beatrix

At this year’s New York International Bridal Week, one of the trends we saw was a move toward more versatility with dress design – reversible, removable straps, etc. Well, clearly Katie of Coralie Beatrix would be ahead of the trendsetting with her easy, effortless, and adaptable pieces that she’s been making since 2010.

Inspired by her love of the casual, easygoing lifestyle of living by the sea, Katie has created an entire collection of bridesmaid (as well as bridal) pieces that can be styled and wrapped into a customized look that is as personal as the woman wearing the dress. Beautiful!

Benign Objects

be-nign, adj. – 1.Of a kind and gentle disposition. And, how! I mean, what could be more genteel than these uniquely lovely wedding invitation handerchiefs by Rachel Wiles of Benign Objects? (Who also just got married this past October! Congratulations, Rachel!)

These custom screenprinted, vintage-style handkerchiefs can serve as wedding invitations (as seen above) or Save the Dates, or for a “Be My Bridesmaid” request, or any other occasion for that matter. In any case, they’ll have people crying tears of joy when they receive them. And, hey, at least they’ll be prepared when that moment strikes.

You can also purchase reply cards and decorative ‘belly bands’ to accompany the handkerchiefs.

What bridesmaid-to-be would say no to this kind of request?

And, what would help carry out the design theme better than custom personalized muslin bags? Great for favors, flower petals, confetti, and more.

Here Come the Bridesmaids: A Friday Round Up

The Dessy Group

Let’s face it, picking out the bridesmaid dresses can be some pretty treacherous territory. (Honestly, my sister should have thought to ask for assistance when she got married. Not good. Poor girls.) And, you give one quick Google search for bad bridesmaid dresses? Well, let’s hope that history doesn’t repeat itself.

Fortunately, there are plenty of beautiful options around to avoid severing any friendships or family ties. So as we head into the weekend, here’s a small sampling of some lovely offerings that may help you in dreaming up your perfect bridesmaid look while avoiding any nightmarish moments.