Real Wedding Vows That Will Make You Laugh and Cry

I’ll never forget writing my wedding vows, aka the moment when I realized I had no idea how to write wedding vows in the first place. It was two days before our wedding and I had just gotten into a huge fight with my mom over something stupid like earrings that wasn’t really about earrings at all. (Weddings, man, they make you do crazy things.) I was exhausted, emotionally wrecked, and in no place to spend my time writing wedding vows. But, since I had procrastinated on the task, there I sat, at two in the morning, holed up in my little brother’s bedroom, crying into football-printed sheets and racking my brain for inspiration, while one of my bridesmaids slept in the bed across the room.

In my heightened emotional state, what flowed from my fingers onto my computer screen ended up being near perfect. Those marriage vows brought down the house and made more than a few grown men cry. I remember being more proud of that than any other part of the wedding. Forget the good food, the venue, the dress. If we’d made people understand why they were there in the first place, then I felt like we did our job well.

If I pulled together a holistic sum of all of the weddings I’ve ever attended, I would say unequivocally that the wedding vows are what set the stage for the whole damn thing.  And that’s not to say that they even have to be hand-written marriage vows, you just have to mean them.

Want to know what makes a wedding go from good to the best party I ever went to? It’s when I leave an emotionally charged ceremony abuzz with love and commitment. Because at that point, all I want to do is celebrate how awesome and in love you are. Possibly with tequila. Definitely with cake.

So today we’ve rounded up some of our favorites from the last open wedding vows thread. Here’s to hoping they inspire you to create meaningful marriage vows for yourselves, and not at 2AM.

SECULAR WEDDING VOWS & MARRIAGE VOWS

I TAKE YOU AS YOU ARE, loving who you are now and who you are yet to become. I promise to listen to you and learn from you, to support you and accept your support. I will celebrate your triumphs and mourn your losses as though they were my own. I will love you and have faith in your love for me, through all our years and all that life may bring us.

I LOVE YOU UNCONDITIONALLY AND WITHOUT HESITATION. I vow to love you, encourage you, trust you, and respect you. As a family, we will create a home filled with learning, laughter, and compassion. I promise to work with you to foster and cherish a relationship of equality knowing that together we will build a life far better than either of us could imagine alone. Today, I choose you to be my husband/wife. I accept you as you are, and I offer myself in return. I will care for you, stand beside you, and share with you all of life’s adversities and all of its joys from this day forward, and all the days of my life.

TODAY, I PROMISE YOU THIS: I will laugh with you in times of joy, and comfort you in times of sorrow. I will share in your dreams and support you as you strive to achieve your goals. I will listen to you with compassion and understanding, and speak to you with encouragement. Together, let us build a home filled with learning, laughter and light, shared freely with all who may live there. Let us be partners, friends and lovers, today and all of the days that follow.

ALEX, YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND. I promise to laugh with you, cry with you, and grow with you. I will love you when we are together and when we are apart. I promise to support your dreams and to respect our differences, and to love you and be by your side through all the days and nights of our lives.

DO YOU, SAM PROMISE TO BE A LOVING FRIEND AND PARTNER IN MARRIAGE, to talk and to listen, to trust and appreciate, to respect and cherish Alex’s uniqueness? Do you promise to support, comfort, and strengthen him/her through life’s joys and sorrows? Do you promise to share hopes and dreams as you build your lives together, and to grow with Alex in mind? Will you strive to build a home that is compassionate to all, full of respect and honor, filled with peace, happiness, and love? Do you promise to always be open and honest with Alex, and cherish him/her for as long as you both shall live?

I, ALEX TAKE YOU, SAM TO BE MY HUSBAND/WIFE. I promise to always be your biggest fan and your partner in crime. I promise to create and support a family with you, in a household filled with laughter, patience, understanding, and love. I vow not just to grow old together, but to grow together. I will love you faithfully through the difficult and the easy. What may come, I will always be there, each one believing that love never dies. As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep.

I, SAM, TAKE YOU ALEX TO BE THE WIFE/HUSBAND OF MY DAYS, the companion of my house, the friend of my life. We shall bear together whatever trouble and sorrow life may lay upon us, and we shall share together whatever good and joyful things life may bring us. With these words, and all the words of my heart, I marry you and bind my life to yours.

I, ALEX, CHOOSE YOU SAM TO BE NO OTHER THAN YOURSELF. Loving what I know of you, trusting what things I will discover. I will respect you as a person, a partner, and an equal. There is little to say that you haven’t already heard, and little to give that is not already freely given. Before you asked me, I was yours and I am devoted to you in every way. I marry you with no hesitation or doubt, and my commitment to you is absolute. Do you take me to be your lawfully wedded husband/wife?

I CHOOSE YOU. TO STAND BY YOUR SIDE AND SLEEP IN YOUR ARMS. To be joy to your heart and food for your soul. To learn with you and grow with you, even as time and life change us both. I promise to laugh with you in good times and struggle alongside you in bad times. I promise to respect you and cherish you as an individual, a partner, and an equal, knowing that we do not complete, but complement each other. May we have many adventures and grow old together.

TODAY, SURROUNDED BY PEOPLE WHO LOVE US, I CHOOSE YOU ALEX TO BE MY PARTNER. I am proud to be your wife/husband and to join my life with yours. I vow to support you, push you, inspire you, and above all love you, for better or worse, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, as long as we both shall live.

I TAKE YOU TO BE MY SPOUSE. I promise to choose you every day, to love you in word and deed, to do the hard work of making now into always. To laugh with you, cry with you, grow with you, and create with you. To honor the divinity in you, of you, and around you. To be your kin and your partner in all of life’s adventures. Loving what I know of you and trusting what I don’t yet know, I give you my hand. I give you my love. I give you myself. Will you give me yourself? Will you come travel with me?

I, ALEX, DO PLEDGE YOU, SAM, MY LOVE, for as long as I live. What I possess in this world, I give to you. I will keep you and hold you, comfort and tend you, protect you and shelter you, for all the days of my life.

RELIGIOUS WEDDING VOWS & TRADITIONAL WEDDING VOWS

I, SAM, TAKE YOU, ALEX, to be my wife, and I promise before God and these witnesses, to be your loving and faithful wife/husband. I will be by your side to share with you your happiness and success, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and disappointment. As your companion, I will seek to be open and honest with you, to forgive you as Christ has forgiven me, and to always remind you of the Lord’s plans and promises. Forever I devote my love and my life to you from this day forward.

BY THIS RING YOU ARE SANCTIFIED TO ME AS MY WIFE in accordance with the traditions of Moses and Israel. Wear me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is infinitely strong. Many waters cannot quench love, no flood can sweep it away, I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine. (Jewish)

I TAKE YOU FOR THE LOVE YOU HOLD IN YOUR HEART, and vow to spend my life cultivating my love and care for you, for our family, and for all living things. Our relationship is my most important consideration; it gives me strength, and I vow to put every effort into strengthening it in turn through honesty, faithfulness, and patience. For all the days that we live with one another, I promise to spend each day working to become a more true version of myself, and I will do my upmost to help you do the same. In this effort, I take the Threefold Refuge vows, the Three Boundless precepts, the Ten Grave Precepts, as well as your wisdom and your council as my guides. (Buddhist)

IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD, AND THESE OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, I take thee to be my beloved, promising with divine assistance to be unto thee a loving and faithful spouse so long as we both shall live.

Source: apracticalwedding.com

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7 Things the Mother of the Bride of Groom Shouldn’t be Doing

Even though it’s all out of the goodness of their hearts, the mother of the brideand the mother of the groom can get a little too involved with the wedding. Here are a few things that they definitely shouldn’t be doing – where you know they’ve crossed a line…

Intrude

Obviously, with their child getting married, both sets of mothers are bound to get excited. Your diaries will be filling up with lunch dates with you and your mother, or you and your groom’s mum where every single thing you could possibly talk about when it comes to weddings, will be mentioned.

At Wedding Ideas, we love to see brides accepting help from others so they get a bit of stress relief, but don’t let that mean that no part or no detail of your wedding is planned by you. It’s not uncommon to see that motherly tendency of ‘taking over’ – whether subtle or slightly more aggressive – so be warned. If you want something done in that way, don’t let your mother’s words sway you. Your day, your way – and that’s that.

Overload

As we said, by no means refuse ALL the help the offer, because at the end of the day, it’s saving you a job and it’s saving you time. But when delegating wedding duties around your friends and family members, make sure that both you and the recipient are realistic in the amount they are taking on.

No matter how eager and keen your mother-in-law may sound about taking on 12/20 jobs you’ve got on that to-do list, remember that she still is human, and her eager excitement for the wedding plans may wear out before she’s even finished her second task of writing out all the place cards. At that point, you won’t even DARE to mention the handmade favours she agreed to do…

Disapprove

It’s a common stereotype of mother-in-laws – both of the bride and the groom – that they can be quite… disapproving… of everything. Of course, we don’t believe in that stereotype, but there might be times where you can understand where that common image of mother-in-laws have come from.

Taking her along to your wedding dress fitting can quickly turn from a lovely and thoughtful idea, to maybe changing the aim of the shopping trip to buying an axe, and a shovel. And her constant comments about your hubby-to-be not making enough effort? Just no. If this is happening to you, calmly let her know what she is saying is upsetting you, and most importantly, don’t let it affect you!

Wear white

Oh come on! This is number one of the wedding rule book, isn’t it? If wedding guests aren’t allowed to wear white, neither should your mum. This is the point when the question will be raised, by you, by your groom, and by everyone else: “Is she pretending it’s her wedding?”.

We’re almost sure your mum would think this one through, but do ask her what she’s wearing before the wedding day actually comes, just in case… We’ve got loads of tips on mother of the bride style and fashion right here.

Match with the bridesmaids

On a similar note, unless you’ve actually specified for her to do so, if your mum or mum-in-law is deliberately matching her outfits to your bridesmaids – essentially, assigning herself as an extra bridesmaids, – that’s another line crossed!

If she wants to make some kind of link to the bridal party, suggest the idea of a corsage in the same colour as the bridesmaid dresses. It would be a really nice touch for the photographs, and make your mum a little bit happier. But remember, make sure that both sets of mothers go with this idea so that one isn’t left out.

Be late

From offering bride-ly advice and knowing exactly how to calm you down, to readjusting that strand of hair that’s a little out of place after you’ve finished getting ready, your mum should be there for you on your wedding morning! She shouldn’t show up late and think you won’t notice.

That goes for the rest of the wedding planning process, too – all the arranged appointments, lunch-time meet ups to talk about table plans, and so on. You should never underestimate the usefulness of a mum around your wedding time, and neither should she!

Steal the show

Wearing white on the day is one thing, but taking complete control of everything that’s going on, pointing out every little detail she helped with, and not letting the bride or groom get a word on their wedding day is on another level! Either the excitement of the wedding has got a little too much for her or her glass is getting topped up a little too often, either way, there comes a point when it’s acceptable to just say ‘STOP’. I mean, she didn’t even help with that bunting!

To be honest, we’re sure that you won’t have to deal with any of these extremes, but you might witness a few hints of this kind of ‘Mumzilla’ mode. Just always be careful how you approach it and what you say. Want more advice on that? Check out 6 things to never say to the mother of the bride or groom!

Source: Weddingideasmag.com

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What’s Happening To The Traditional White Wedding?

It looks like modern bride and grooms are tearing up the wedding etiquette book!

The traditional British wedding is on the verge of extinction as brides and grooms opt instead for ultra-modern refinements to their big day in 2015, new national research has revealed.

The modern innovations start from the initial wedding invitation, as 22% are now issued via Facebook or other social network rather than the traditional card, sent through the post.

What’s more, one in every 20 wedding invites is dispatched by email, with a further 12% being sent by textmessage, according to the study by leading hotel bookers LateRooms.com.

The venue

Indeed, of the polled 2,000 couples – who were either recently married or hoping to get married in the near future – 38.5% admit they held or are due to hold their entire wedding day in a hotel instead of choosing a church service and a reception at a different venue.

Less than three in 10 weddings (28%) are now conducted by a priest or a vicar. The overwhelming choice of minister for the modern wedding is an appointed civic official from the register office (48%) though many couples are now officially married by a friend (one in 20), while one in 10 wedding ceremonies are conducted by a ship’s captain.

The dress

Once a mainstay of tradition, the white wedding dress is also being eschewed, with just a third of brides now getting married in one. Almost as many (28%), now walk up the aisle in a coloured dress.

The food

Even the traditional roast dinner has been usurped in favour of more modern culinary delights when the wedding breakfast is served.

More than one in five weddings has an Italian-themed dish at the centre of its wedding breakfast, according to the research. And almost one in four couples (24.4%) chooses curry for their wedding breakfast.

Furthermore, 10% of those tying the knot choose fish and chips or their favourite take-out as the main meal on their big day.

Just 18% of couples opt for a traditional fruit wedding cake with 21.6% choosing a chocolate cake for their reception and a further 26% opting for a sponge cake. One in 20 couples now even choose an alternative of a cupcake tower!

Maybe we will see an uptick in the Downtown Las Vegas Wedding!

Source: weddingideasmag.com

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How to Pull Off a Seasonal Wedding Without Overdoing It

Whether you handpicked your wedding date or went with whatever was available at your venue of choice, the time of year you host your nuptials can play a role in some key decisions. But the month you get married shouldn’t fully dictate the look and feel of your big day. We asked some pros for their advice on how to keep your wedding seasonal without going overboard.

Don’t Over Do It

The trick is to use seasonal décor sparingly, says Audrey Isaac of 100 Candles. “The goal should be to give a nod to the season without it completely overshadowing your theme,” she adds. So you can skip the decorated fir trees and wreaths around the holidays. Simply pair lanterns and LED lights with a few pinecones and touches of evergreen. And get creative with glass vessels. You can fill them with seasonal fruits like cranberries floating in water.

Think Beyond the Obvious

For September through November, resist the urge to scatter leaves, pumpkins and scarecrows everywhere. “You will quickly go from ‘fall’ to ‘craft fair,'” says Kim Sayatovic of Belladeux Events. If you’re getting married in the spring some simple, fresh flowers is enough to give a seasonal feel. And in the summer, cool colors and sheer fabrics can make you feel like you’re in the French Rivera, Sayatovic says. The same goes for weddings around other holidays, like Valentine’s Day. Bag the hearts and go old-school romance instead. Use famous love quotes for table assignments or as handheld banners at your photo station, says Paula Ramirez of the Historic Mankin Mansion.

Go Subtle on Color

As far as color, instead of literally decking the halls in red and green at Christmastime, Isaac says to opt for rich metallic tones such as gold and copper. Avoiding the highly obvious choices will help you steer clear of making your wedding look more like Santa’s workshop. Similarly, autumn weddings can rely on some gorgeous colors like reds, oranges and yellows, but hold back from using them too generously.

Pick Just One Element to Highlight

Visual subtlety is definitely the way to go, according to Jamie Chang of Passport to Joy, who says picking just one element — for example, the color orange or twinkling lights — for incorporating the season without overdoing it. That said, she recommends thinking of the experience itself in addition to the aesthetics. “Focus on the bringing in the mood of the season and the feeling. That could be in the food or the drinks or the program or the favor or how guests are greeted.” A cozy and warm squash soup for fall or a fun wine slushie drink for summer are always a hit with guests. A dessert table packed with traditional holiday treats made by relatives is also a great idea, adds Amy Kolodziej of Sunshower Photography. You can also allude to the season through wedding favors to enjoy at the party or take home. Chang suggests small potted flowers or seeds for spring or greeting guests with something that will make them more comfortable, like hand warmers in winter.

Keep Personal Style At the Forefront

Just remember, don’t get carried away. Your best bet is choosing delicate seasonal undertones while using your own personal style to solidify the aesthetics, Ramirez says. So try not to obsess over every single detail being “on season.” Being selective about where you choose to highlight fall, winter, spring or summer touches will give it a more natural effect and reduce overall stress. “Don’t let it be the focus or take away from what is special about the day — the ceremony and being with the people that are close to you to celebrate,” says Emily Sullivan of Get Polished Events.

Hers a Few extra ideas also from Twitter:

Ideal colours for Spring! Have a browse through our 'Spring wedding' Pinterest board for colour scheme ideas and seasonal table decoration https://t.co/GY26zg9aTE

— Fross Weddings (@Fross_Weddings) February 15, 2017

The Best Winter Wedding Flowers for Your Seasonal Wedding https://t.co/Sp7uBaVTJL #weddingideas

— Gabor P. (@intimfotozas) January 18, 2017

Source: Brides.com

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Your Last-Minute Wedding-Day Checklist

Although these wedding details may be at the end of your list, you won’t want to forget them.

1. Check in with your vendors.

“Confirm arrangements with your pros and make sure they all have exact directions and a contact person’s cell phone number,” advises Julie Pryor of Pryor Events in Los Angeles.

2. Prepare final payments.

“Pay your vendors ahead of time,” says Emilie Duncan of Emilie Duncan Event Planning in Columbus, Ohio. “Then you don’t have to try to remember what is owed to whom on your wedding day.”

3. Have an “insurance policy.”

“When your vendors collect your final payments, have each of them sign a note indicating he’s received it,” advises Samantha Goldberg of Gold Events Planning in New Jersey. “Then if anyone claims he wasn’t paid, you will have proof that he was.”

4. Create tip envelopes.

“If you plan on tipping anyone, such as the banquet captain, wait staff or DJ, prepare envelopes with their names and insert the correct amounts,” says Duncan. “Sealed envelopes are a whole lot safer than a big stack of bills in someone’s pocket!”

5. Bring extra cash just in case.

“You might want to give a gratuity to someone who you feel has gone above and beyond the call of duty,” says Kathi R. Evans, event coordinator for All the Best Weddings and Celebrations, based in New Jersey.

6. Drop your luggage off early.

“If you’ll be staying overnight at a hotel after the reception, bring your bags the night before or have a friend or family member drop them off the morning of the wedding,” suggests Sarah Lusardi, wedding planner for NY Engagements, LLC, in New York.

7. Pack for your honeymoon early.

Doing it sooner rather than later is the way to guarantee one less worry,” says Pryor. “Also, make sure your passports and travel documents are in order.”

8. Pack properly for your destination wedding.

“Make a list of all the important things you need to bring and, if possible, pack them as carry-on,” says Cindy Clearwater of SunCelebrations in the Virgin Islands. “You may be able to pick up such necessities as drugstore items at your wedding destination, but don’t assume so.”

9. Have wedding items in place before the big day.

Lusardi suggests having your wedding favors, toasting glasses, cake knife and server delivered to your reception site a few days beforehand. For anything going to the ceremony site, designate a trusted friend or family member to get everything there before the guests arrive.

10. Put your signature-drink recipes in writing.

“Give a list to your bartender the day before, so he doesn’t forget exactly what you want,” says Sasha Souza of Sasha Souza Events in California.

11. Name those tunes.

Songs are often covered or remade by different bands, so double-check with your DJ or band leader that they have the versions you want.

12. Have a discussion with your photographer.

“Leave nothing to chance. Give him or her a list of people you’d like to have photographed together,” advises Pryor. “He’ll probably get the obvious ones, but if you want a picture of your sorority sisters or everyone who flew in for your wedding or your new husband’s coworkers, let your photographer know in advance.”

13. Create a wedding-day photography schedule.

Jean Picard, state coordinator for the Association of Bridal Consultants in California, says this is the best way to keep things moving smoothly. “For example,” she says, “if the bride, the bridesmaids and the bride’s family are being photographed at 3:15 p.m., this means they need to be at the location at 3:00 p.m., fully dressed, coiffed and made up. You don’t want a bridesmaid thinking she can pull into the parking lot at 3:15 p.m. with rollers in her hair and her dress in a garment bag!”

14. Create a day-of itinerary.

“Write a detailed schedule for the bridal party and family to be distributed after the rehearsal,” suggests Jo Ann S. Woodward, wedding coordinator in Texas. “This lets people know where and when to arrive for photographs and so on.”

15. Review printed materials.

“Be sure to carefully check place cards, table numbers, menus and programs for errors several days before your wedding,” says Pryor.

16. Make your guests feel loved.

“Have thoughtful welcome gifts with personalized notes waiting for your guests in their hotel rooms,” adds Pryor.

17. Line your cards up.

“Arrange all your escort and seating cards in alphabetical order ahead of time,” suggests Souza. “Bring an extra copy of the seating arrangements or give it to a bridesmaid and let her be in charge of it.”

18. Hydrate your flowers.

“Have a vase of water ready for bouquets when it is hot and dry outside,” Goldberg advises. “Certain flowers, like hydrangea and lilies, need water, so if you want your bouquet to live past the ceremony, don’t let it get thirsty!” Souza adds, “Order a few extra boutonnieres in case some die or are lost.”

19. Figure out how to get your gown to your location.

If you and your bridesmaids expect to dress at your ceremony site, don’t end up trying to fit large garment bags into one car along with you and your maids. If you have a plan in place, you’ll avoid stress.

20. Get your limo driver’s number.

“Don’t forget to bring his cell phone number in case you change your exit time or leave something in the car,” suggests Isha Foss, wedding consultant and owner of Isha Foss Events, based in Virginia. “At midnight, it won’t help to have only the office number.”

21. Arrange transportation home for your bridal party.

“Don’t strand your attendants at your wedding location!” says Duncan. “If they’re planning to arrive via shared transportation, make sure they have a ride at the end of the evening as well.”

22. Prepare for rain.

“If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, be sure to have a tent set up and umbrellas on hand for guests just in case,” suggests Goldberg.

23. Nominate a gift caretaker.

“Designate in advance someone to take your presents home,” suggests Foss. “Give her a house key so she can have everything there for you when you return.”

24. Designate a wedding-day supervisor.

“Have a well-organized relative arrive early at the ceremony and reception site to ensure everything is in order,” suggests Lusardi.

25. Give your legal documents to someone responsible.

“Appoint someone to keep your signed marriage license until the end of the evening so it doesn’t get lost,” says Duncan. “Some honeymoon locations will give you special perks if you show proof that you’re honeymooners. That license may be all you’ll have.”

26. Don’t go hungry!

“Pre-order breakfast delivery to your hotel room the morning of the wedding,” says Souza. “Going through the day on an empty stomach isn’t helpful in dealing with all the excitement.”

27. Make sure everyone knows when it’s over.

“Double-check the end time of your wedding with your venue, as well as the time it must be cleared out, and give this information to all vendors,” says Foss. This will prevent unexpected overtime fees.

28. Pack a big-day emergency kit.

Lusardi suggests including bobby pins, hairspray, face powder, lip gloss and lipstick, hemming tape for last-minute repairs, traction pads for heels, a pair of panty hose, an umbrella and a shawl, stain remover, tissues and backup copies of your music choices should something happen to the originals.

Source: www.bridalguide.com

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10 Tips for Planning the Perfect Marriage Proposal

Ready to pop the question but you aren’t sure how to make your proposal extra special? Coming up with the right way to ask those four little words (“Will you marry me?”) can be a challenge even for guys who are romantic on an everyday basis. You’re probably thinking it has to be a BIG proposal  — something she’ll never forget. It should also be personalized to your relationship. Whew, that’s a lot of pressure.

But don’t worry, we have some fabulous ideas to help make your proposal even more unforgettable. Plus, check out our tips for reliving this magical moment throughout your “happily ever after!”

1. Select a sentimental location.
For example, it could be the restaurant where you had your first date, the rooftop bar where you shared your first kiss, or the spot where you first said “I love you.” Going back to that locale now as the setting for your proposal signifies that your relationship has come full circle.

2. Surprise her by having family and friends share in this moment.
They could be right there with you, perhaps at a family gathering or holiday dinner. Or, if you’d like the proposal to be just the two of you, you could arrange to have your closest loved ones just out of view, maybe looking on from a nearby vantage point. After you pop the question and she says “yes,” wave everyone in for a big group hug and lots of congratulations. It’s the best of both worlds — you get a lovely, intimate moment alone and then have all of your favorite people share in your happiness immediately afterwards.

Bonus: Make it a part of your holidays. With friends and family in town for Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year’s, all of your respective besties will be present for the proposal. And in the future, this holiday will always have even more significance for you as you think back on the time when you got engaged.

3. Hire a professional photographer.
He or she can hang out close to your proposal spot and covertly capture amazing photos of your proposal scene. Expert photographers know how to capture the light, make your setting look even more magical, and position themselves perfectly to get a priceless shot of the look on her face when she realizes what’s happening. It’s a big trend now to invest in pro photography — these images are way too important to risk losing via dead camera batteries or other mistakes non-pros might make.

Bonus: You can give the engagement photos as a surprise wedding-day gift to your bride!

4. Incorporate music.
Do you have a song that is meaningful to the both of you? Or, does she remember the first song you ever slow-danced to? (You can subtly ask her without giving away your plan.) Having a sweet tune playing in the background elevates your proposal to “unforgettable” status.

Bonus: Slow dance. No matter where you are. No matter who’s around, if you’re out at a public spot like a scenic overlook. No matter if there’s music or not. Just gather her close, and lead her in a slow dance to last forever in her memory. Sigh…

5. Get symbolic with the flowers.
Give her a surprise proposal bouquet and arrange floral décor at your proposal site. For a romantic touch, get symbolic with the number of flowers that you use. For example, if you’ve known each other for ten years, have a ten-rose bouquet made. If you’ve been together for three years, a three-flower bouquet isn’t going to cut it, so how about including one flower for each month that you’ve been dating? Share the symbolism of your flower choice with her.

Bonus: You’ve got an instant ritual for your marriage! Each year on your proposal or wedding anniversary, you can add another flower to the bouquet, instantly transporting her back to this magical moment right here and now.

6. Do it earlier in the evening.
Instead of proposing at the end of the night, after a romantic dinner, carriage ride, concert, or some other activity, start off at the place where you’ll pop the question and then enjoy an evening filled with events that you’ve planned. That way, you won’t be nervous all night.

Plus, she gets an entire night of wearing and showing off that engagement ring, right now, rather than having to wait until the next day.

7. Speak from the heart.
You could plan anything, but it’s the words you say that make your proposal truly one-of-a-kind. Tell her what you love about her, yes, but also tell her when you knew she was The One. If you told your best buddy after your first date that you knew she would be an important person in your life, then add that to your proposal “speech.” Then, talk about what you want to share with her in your future together.

Whatever you do, don’t read word for word from a written speech. You can sound awkward, lose that connection of looking into her eyes, and she might wonder if you found any of those phrases or quotes online. Just jot down some key phrases or things you want to mention on a “cheat sheet” and you’ll be fine. Don’t forget to breathe! Speak slowly, and if you shed some tears, that just makes it all even more unforgettable.

8. Show her a video of you asking her parents for their blessing.
If you previously talked to her parents — which is quite proper and gallant of you — let her see that moment as well. You don’t need fancy editing or a soundtrack, although you could design the video that way if you wish! She’ll love being privvy to such a meaningful gesture and seeing how respectful you are of her parents (not to mention seeing how excited they are that their daughter is getting married!).

Bonus: If your girlfriend has kids, show her a video of you asking them if they’d be okay with your proposing to their Mom, or what they would like to have at the wedding. Same goes for your kids. Cuteness abounds!

9. Plan an element from her favorite movie.
Remember the Keira Knightley wedding scene from Love Actually where the musicians pop up from within the guests and serenade them? If that’s her favorite movie, arrange for some musicians to sit in the rows of a movie theater that you’ve pre-arranged for your proposal. And friends and family can be in the seats as well.

When the big screen starts playing, it opens with that scene from the movie, and then live musicians play right there, making her favorite movie come alive as part of your proposal — total wow-factor!

10. Make that first meal you cooked for her early on in your dating days.
Thinking of proposing at home? Cook a sentimental meal that she’ll never forget. You can celebrate future anniversaries with your chicken cacciatore.

Bonus: Break out the wine. If you remember which vintage you shared on your first date, how awesome would it be to revisit that life-changing first clink of your wine glasses now, with your proposal to follow?

Source: Bridalguide.com

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10 Must Know Money-Saving Wedding Tips

RANK YOUR PRIORITIES

What facets of your wedding are most important to you? Focus on areas that make your heart go pitter-patter, and you’ll feel OK about skimping on the rest. As for what guests tend to remember, according to a survey conducted by St. Louis Bride and Groom magazine, 81 percent of guests say the entertainment is the most memorable part of a wedding.

RECRUIT FRIENDS

Think of it as cost-free outsourcing. Gather your inner circle, play to their strengths (e.g., assign lettering to the friend with the most beautiful handwriting), and turn the prep into a party.

BE RUTHLESS WITH THE HEAD COUNT

Quick tips for whittling your guest list: Omit children and coworkers (making cuts categorically is less likely to cause rifts); and when it comes to couples, invite spouses, fiances, and live-ins only. Keep the numbers down for your wedding party as well: Fewer attendants means less money spent on bouquets, boutonnieres, presents, and transportation.

INITIATE AN OFFICIANT

There are many unexpected costs that can inflate your budget; an officiant can be one of them. If that’s the case for you, consider having your vows administered by a trusted relative or friend. Universal Life Church (ulchq.com) and Esoteric Interfaith Church (northern way.org) are two organizations that “ordain” laypeople so they can officiate weddings, which most of the 50 states will recognize. Laws in a few states, such as Virginia, are strict, requiring officiants to be active in their ministry. To be sure you’re in the clear, check with the county clerk about the laws where you’ll be wed.

EMBRACE THE OFF-SEASON

Whoever decided that June brides had more fun, especially when there are 11 other equally lovely months clamoring for your attention? Those that don’t fall during peak months will help out your bottom line. “You can save as much as 15 percent off high-season rates,” says James Jay, director of catering at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa in Texas. Just remember, in places such as Florida or the Bahamas, summer is the off-peak season.

THINK OUT-OF-THE-BANQUET-HALL

“Pick a venue that already has a chic ambience,” suggests Abby Larson of wedding blog Style Me Pretty. “Restaurants are usually the best option. They have gorgeous tables and chairs, and the decor is often easy to fall in love with. You’ll save an absolute bundle.” Las Vegas Wedding Venue

SWAP CITIES

After moving her wedding from Brooklyn, New York (her current home), to a beach town in Michigan (her native state), bride-to-be Vicky Sherman watched catering quotes drop from $140 per head to $40 — a savings of $15,000, based on her 150-person guest list.

HIRE AN EXPERT

Save money by spending it on a planner? It sounds counterintuitive, but wedding planners 1) are not shy when it comes to haggling, 2) can draw from years of experience working with brides on budgets, and 3) have working relationships with vendors — all of which can amount to big bucks shaved off your final bill.

SEEK FREE FONTS

Finding the perfect typeface that’s also free is a bit like searching for the Holy Grail. Here’s reason to rejoice: four decidedly un-tacky fonts that don’t cost a hard-earned dime. Top row from left: Customize place cards, coasters, menus, or thank-you notes with simple Kontor serif or Lane sans serif, from dafont.com. Bottom row: Use the more stylized Monogram kk and Hoedown fonts from abstractfonts.com to stand in for a calligrapher or give a “Just Married” sign a retro Western kick.

SAY YES TO ALL-INCLUSIVE

“Choosing a venue that comes with extras built in, like a wedding coordinator or an on-site ceremony location, means significant savings,” says Christina Latvatalo, wedding sales manager at the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York. All those extras can add up to thousands you won’t have to spend.

Source: marthastewartweddings.com

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Top 10 Tips For Navigating Your Wedding Invites

You’ve heard it before but it really is true: Your invites set the tone for your wedding and it sets the expectations as well. They are the first glimpse your guests will receive of this special day that you and your betrothed are slaving over to create a perfect reflection of your love and commitment. Don’t skimp out on the most important preview of this spectacular day.

The world of paper and invitation etiquette is vast and varied, traditions and trends certainly change, but my custom invitation boutique, Lion in the Sun, coordinates invitations for hundreds of couples each year, so I’ve compiled a list of some common miscalculations and my favorite secret stationer tips to help guide you through the process.

1. Be sure to send an invite if you’ve sent a save the date: The save the date is a courteous heads-up about your wedding date, but it is not an invitation. Keep careful track of who you send save the dates to and make sure they all receive an invitation. I have heard a lot couples tell me that their invitation quantity is going down after they receive responses to the save the date, because some people can’t attend. Nothing is more confusing or heartbreaking than receiving a save the date and then never receiving an official invitation. Also, make sure to send an invitation to guests that cannot attend. Not sending an invitation implies the guest is no longer invited.

2. Be timely and create a sense of urgency: Technically, invitations should be mailed 6-8 weeks prior to a wedding. In these busy times 10 weeks has become the norm. However, more than that is too early and can backfire. Instead of making sure people respond promptly, this tactic actually causes most people to put the invitation on the “to-do later” list. Also be careful not to confuse your need for deadlines on the room blocks with the final head count for the caterer. You don’t need an official head count until about a month before the wedding for the caterer, seating chart and rentals. It is your guests’ responsibility to make travel arrangements and hotel accommodations, so try not to stress too much about that in terms of timing for your replies.

3. Think Ahead: depending on your invitation choices, you may need as much as two months more for design and printing time, so be sure not to cut it too close. Ordering your invites early really saves on stress and money for rush fees and expedited shipping. In the long run, if you can, it is really worth it not to put off printing until the last minute. Also consider all of your components when ordering your invitations. Work with your stationer to maximize your $$. For instance, if your are ordering from a larger printing company we recommend ordering announcements, maps, thank you notes and even placecards at the same time if you can. You save money on proofs and then you also save on one-time shipping for all parts.

4. Count Carefully: Be sure to count mailing addresses — not invited guests! Remember, many guests are invited as couples or as a family. If you have 150 total invited guests, you may only need 100 invitations. Add approximately 10 to 15 extras for last minute guest-list additions. If you have to reprint additional invitations after the order is completed, the printing company will treat it as a new order and it can be very costly. It is always safer (and much less expensive) to have a few left over!

5. Consider different printing options: While letterpress is all the rage it can be an expensive process. Thermography is a modern alternative for attaining the raised printed effect of engraving and is generally half the price. This is achieved with a heat process which causes powdered ink to expand, resulting in a raised letter with a beautiful sheen. Flat or off-set or digital printing is a photo process resulting in a modern, sleek look. Generally this process is about the same price as thermography, but with digital printing you can print multiple colors at no additional coast. For those looking for a more matte or contemporary feel, flat-printing may be the alternative you are looking for. It also works well for reproducing photograph half-tones, sketches and maps.

6. Save with creative reply cards: Reply postcards are a really popular and great way to save money. They can be well designed with a vintage emblem to look like an old postcard or leave the back blank for your guests to decorate and with a note to send back a “creative reply”. Another great way to save money is a tri-fold invite with perforated reply postcard that your guest tears off and sends back. Your invitation can then have one continuous detailed design and lots of information across three panels on each side, but by printing just one piece it cuts down costly components. Just remember that the postcards will not arrive back to you pristine. The USPS can give postcards a beating.

7. Develop a secret code for replies: Some people are so excited to send their reply card back that they forget to write their name on it or their writing is illegible. A great fix is to number your reply cards so that when someone rsvp’s with no name you’ll know who it is. The most discreet way to do this is to write a small number in pencil on the backside of the rsvp card and keep a corresponding list of guest names and numbers so you can check them off as you receive them. You may be surprised at how many guests forget to write their own names on the rsvp cards!

8. Avoid using address labels: Try not to, you really don’t want your wedding invitations to look like a corporate mailer. There are several ways to address your invitations without turning them into something that looks like an office mass mailing. Lion in the Sun offers hand calligraphy as well as computer-printed calligraphy services. But my best suggestion is to hand write them yourself or consider asking someone in your family or your bridal party to address the envelopes for you. You can always order extra envelopes just in case, and who doesn’t love to see a hand-addressed envelope waiting for them in their mailbox? It feels really personal.

9. Don’t lick one hundred envelopes: The safest way to seal your invitations is to use a glue stick. If you use a water sponge, you risk getting important cards wet and wiping the adhesive away. We provide glue sticks to our clients so there are no accidents a la Seinfeld or paper-cut tongues. Don’t lick — use a glue stick!

10. Be neurotic about postage and mailing: Make sure that your invite has the correct postage. Nothing replaces a conversation with the Post Office. Have it examined and weighed, buy proper postage — don’t save money here! Be careful about addressing: light colors and elaborate calligraphy can interfere with mailing. Also be sure to mail one to yourself before the rest go out. This will confirm that you used proper postage and give you a keepsake with a postmark from your local post-office.

Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

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9 WEDDING TIPS, TRICKS, AND HACKS

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you just how overwhelming wedding planning can be at times (and you DEFINITELY don’t have to tell me! LOL). While it can be way too easy to feel like things are spinning a bit out of control at some point throughout the wedding process, there are a few wedding tips, tricks, and hacks you can use to make the process that much easier (and enjoyable). I’ve also listed them in order of when you might use them throughout the planning process or your day-of wedding timeline.

I’ve compiled a few of my favorite ways to save your time, sanity, and pocketbook, below. Do you have a wedding tip, trick, or hack you want to share? Let us know in the comments section!

1. Create a wedding-specific email address

Setting up a unique e-mail address (IE: sarahandmarkwedding@gmail.com) might be one of those “Duh” wedding tips, but a lot of brides still need reminding! This should be the first thing you do as soon as you start anything wedding-planning related. That way all your important wedding vendor emails will be all in one place, and you won’t have to accidently send your boss a message intended for your caterer. (This totally happens).

2. Get a credit card with perks

This could be yours for 5 nights…with points

So many credit cards have perks these day…from airline miles to hotel points, the more wedding-related items you can charge on a credit card with bonus points, the better. A lot of cards also offer miles or points just for signing up, which means you can score a free flight or hotel room with the first few charges. I have an SPG (Starwood Preferred Guest) card from American Express and try to save up enough points each year for a free week-long stay in a great hotel. I also use the Citibank AAdvantage card to get miles for upgrades (vs. using them for flights). If you’re going to be spending a lot of money on this wedding, then damnit you should be getting as many free things as possible for it!

3. Get a personalized address stamp

Custom address stamp via Etsy seller HelloWorldStamps

This was one of the best investments I made in terms of DIY wedding stuff. I ordered an address stamp from Etsy (they have so many to choose from) and went to town with it. I used it for our thank you cards, wedding invitations, and later that year our holiday cards. I now use one for pretty much every letter or bill I send out. Even if you know you’re moving soon I still think you should get one…I view mine has a memento from our old apartment AND our wedding day (it also helps when I totally forget what our old address was).

4. Use a glue stick or sponge on your wedding envelopes

Vintage airmail envelopes via Etsy seller PocketsofFilm

I thought about that Seinfeld episode where George Constanza’s fiancee Susan died from licking her wedding envelopes MULTIPLE times throughout the wedding planning process (mostly because it’s so funny), and also because you realize after you’ve licked a couple envelopes just how gross they are. I highly recommend using a glue stick (or you can cut a small piece from a sponge and wet it) to seal your envelopes. It’ll make your life way easier (and your mouth not taste so weird).

5. Create a shared google doc for the seating plan

The Green Building in Brooklyn. Photo by Zorz Studios

Chances are your parents and future in-laws have a few (or a lot) of guests to invite to your wedding. But figuring out where to put them can feel like a game of Pin the Tail on the Donkey. While you can use a fancy wedding seating chart tool, a google doc (like this one) will also help you organize your wedding tables AND let you share it with family members, who can make their own changes or additions. Note: The linked Google doc looks a little confusing (at least to me) at first, but once you figure out a) you replace the word “family” with a guest and b) each table goes down and not across it makes sense. Instead of a Google Sheet you can also just use a Google Doc and list out the tables like this (which looks painfully simple but works, especially since your parents can easily delete or add names that way without screwing anything up):

Table 1:
Mike
Bob
Amy
Chad
Lynn
John
Paul
Mariel
Isabelle
Ron

6. Wear your wedding shoes around the house before your wedding

Breaking in your shoes on your wedding day does not sound like the most comfortable idea, nor does slipping down the aisle in your un-scuffed heels. Try wearing your wedding shoes once a day around the house in the weeks leading up to your wedding to get them ready for the big day.

7. But also bring a pair of flats

Photo by Love Days Photography

I seriously cannot begin to express just how sore my feet were by 2 a.m. on our wedding night. I even thought for a moment that I broke or sprained one of both of them, they hurt so much. If I were a smarter person I would have brought a cute pair of wedding flats to wear once the dancing began. It’s also smart to think about buying some inexpensive flip-flops to offer to guests as wedding favors.

8. Wear a button-down shirt

Depending on where you get your wedding hair and makeup done, you’ll want to wear either a button-down shirt or robe that allows you to easily change out of it and into your wedding dress without messing up your gorgeous wedding hairstyle and perfectly shined lips. Wedding Idea: Think about wearing a men’s button-down shirt along with your bridesmaids (instead of the classic robes) for a fun photo op. You can even get them monogrammed with each of your bridesmaids initials for a unique bridesmaid gift.

9. Avoid drinking early in the day

Photo by Elizabeth Burgi Photography

I love champagne as much as the next person, but too much of it before wedding photos and your ceremony might have you tired, glassy-eyed, and dehydrated. Save the champagne with your bridesmaids photo-op until 30 minutes or so before the ceremony, which will leave you feeling juuuuust right.

Source: www.womangettingmarried.com

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12 Unique Wedding Dress Ideas

Want to show off your sense of style on your wedding? Ditch the big white dress and get inspired with these alternatives.

1. Graphic Lace

   
   

   PHOTO BY KURT WILBERDING

   Say good-bye to the delicate ladylike lace of the past. The new trend is toward bold graphic lace that feels fresh and modern, but still feminine.

    

2. Subtle Ombre

   
3.  Can’t commit to all-over color? Opt for on-trend ombre in a light hue. Full-skirt gowns with ruffled organza or layers of billowing tulle will soften the effect, but if a bold statement is what you’re going for, try bright shades and less textured fabrics.

4. Sheer Lattice

   

   PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO

   For a look that’s unexpected, yet timeless, choose a dress with sheer panels with a netting or basket-weave-style effect. From ultra-modern convertibles with illusion necklines and sheer skirts to more subtle, delicate sleeves on classic silhouettes, a little lattice can go a long way in adding a unique touch.

5. Futuristic Column

   

   Make a dramatic statement with a contemporary take on the column gown. We love how designers have given this classic silhouette a bold new look, with a highly structured shape and flattering asymmetric neckline. A sleek futuristic belt is the perfect accessory to tie it all together.

7. Interesting Embroidery

   

   PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO

   Traditional, feminine silhouettes are given new life with intricate embroidery. Elaborate geometric patterns and gold details go far beyond the customary floral lace and sequins.

8. Fashionable Fringe

   

   PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO

   You probably think of flappers or motorcycle gangs when you think of fringe — but suspend that thought for just a second. Fringe is on-trend right now and has made its way onto bridal runways everywhere. To keep the look wedding appropriate, choose a classic silhouette with expertly draped, high-quality materials, like silk fringe, and delicate details, like crystals and pearls.

9. Bold Color

   

   PHOTO BY MARIA VALENTINO / MCV PHOTO

   Who says you have to wear white? Shake things up with a fresh pop of color. Blush is an obvious choice, but gowns today come in every shade imaginable, from bright blue and hot pink to pistachio green, gold and even red (seriously!).

10. Crop Tops

    

    Crop tops have been a staple on runways for the past few seasons and are now making a statement in bridal. From Theia to Hayley Paige and Sophia Kokosalaki, the new way to show off a little skin is giving a cheeky peek of your midriff. If you’re feeling bold, try a cropped bustier, but if you’re not ready to bare it all, pair a boxy top with a high-waist skirt for a super-chic look.

11. Lacy Rompers

    

    Get excited—rompers at weddings are now a thing, and not just for guests. Watters has given its seal of approval on this summer must-have by creating a super-pretty lacey number that’s perfect for the bride who wants to stand out. Las Vegas Wedding Chapel

12. Modern Ball Gown

    

    PHOTO BY KURT WILBERDING

    Think every ball gown is the same? Think again. Forget the poufy princess dress—ball gowns are getting a major makeover in unexpected ways. Think: button-down collared shirts with bold belts instead of corseted sweetheart bodices.

13. High-Low Hemline

    

    PHOTO BY KURT WILBERDING

    Want to show off those amazing shoes (and legs), but aren’t sure if you’re ready to go the minidress route? You can have the best of both worlds with an asymmetric silhouette. Shorter in the front and longer in the back, this playful style has the classic elements you want, but with added depth and texture that give the dress a fresh, modern look.

14. Half Pant, Half Dress

    

    PHOTO BY KURT WILBERDING

    Take a note out of Emma Watson’s stylebook and go for a totally unexpected but super-cool look— a dress over pants. We’ve seen the pantsuit, the romper and the jumpsuit, but this statement-making combo, made popular on the bridal runways, will take your style to a whole new level.

Source: theknot.com

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WEDDING JEWELRY TRENDS FOR 2017!

We pulled our jewelry trend report for 2017 from TheKnot.com. And while some of these trends might seem a little out-there for bridal — believe it! Oversized earrings, forehead bands and chokers are going to be making an appearance down wedding ceremony aisles before you know it. Here, our 2017 jewelry report, originally written and reported by Jennifer Hirshlag for TheKnot.com:

The biannual bridal shows don’t just give us a sneak peek at the gowns brides will be wearing in the months to come — they also give us ideas for the latest ways to accessorize them.

1. The Shoulder Duster Earring

   

   PHOTO BY NAEEM KHAN, VERA WANG, COSTARELLOS

   Chandeliers are a classic choice, but this season we were swept off our feet by their bigger, bolder counterparts: the shoulder duster earring. These very long statement danglers that brush the clavicles work magic to frame the face and draw the eye upward. Wear a more rounded pair to accessorize an A-line gown, as seen at Naeem Khan and Vera Wang, or go for a more angular style to top off a column dress, like this one at Costarellos.

2. The Forehead Band

   

   PHOTO BY FRANCESCA MIRANDA, ANNE BARGE, CLAIRE PETTIBONE

   Skipping the veil? Try the forehead band. This dramatic style that rests closer to the hairline than the traditional headband caught our attention at Francesca Miranda, Anne Barge and Claire Pettibone for so many reasons: It holds strands off the face, works well with strong makeup (dark lip, anyone?) and—most important—creates a regal vibe, no tiara necessary.

3. The Cocktail Ring

   

   PHOTO BY JIM HJELM, OSCAR DE LA RENTA, YOLAN CRIS

   And the bride wore a…cocktail ring. The large evening baubles were back and grander than ever. Not one, but three colorful gems spanned three fingers for a gutsier take on the style at Jim Hjelm; an oversize dome ring glittered at Oscar de la Renta; and a wide red band popped out at Yolan Cris. Consider your own take on the trend if you’re wearing a gown with loads of surface interest—think: ornate embroidery or dimensional lace. A cocktail ring will accent the dress without overdoing it.

4. The Choker

   

   PHOTO BY RIVINI, SAREH NOURI, HAYLEY PAIGE

   Nothing walks that fine line between demure and va-va-voom like a choker. We started seeing the short necklace again on the ready-to-wear catwalks and now it’s appearing on the bridal runways as well. The wider version, like those at Rivini and Sareh Nouri, should be your go-to if you’re wearing a strapless dress or a gown with a plunging neckline, while a smaller chain, like the choker at Hayley Paige, balances a more voluminous look like this layered tulle ball gown.

5. The Hoop Earring

   

   PHOTO BY BERTA, HOUGHTON, NAEEM KHAN

   The bigger, the better. That was the message at Berta, Houghton and Naeem Khan where we saw a return to hoop earrings. While they may not seem bridal at first look, the slim—and very modern—style can give a more traditional dress a bit of edge. And because hoops are so unexpected on the aisle, they’ll give it a double dose of personality too.

6. The Delicate Touch

   

   PHOTO BY THEIA, LIHI HOD, WILLOWBY BY WATTERS

   Not every accessory needs to make a big statement. Case in point, these dainty pieces: a pretty diamond pendant at Theia, a small earring at Lihi Hod and a barely there bracelet at Willowby by Watters. They each made a subtle but lasting impression, while adding to the easy, youthful vibe of these flowing dresses. Bonus: After your wedding day, you can wear this kind of delicate jewelry every day.

Source: TheKnot.com

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