CC image from Flickr courtesy of Tiny Tall

If you’ve ever seen the movie 27 Dresses then you know that bridesmaid dresses can be downright hideous, crazy and off the wall, but the ideal bridesmaid dress is one that can be worn again, with or without a few alterations. While the bride should have the final say on the bridesmaid dresses, the bridesmaids should get to provide input. After all, they are the ones who will be wearing the dresses!

CC image from Flickr courtesy of PrincessAshley

First and foremost, the bridesmaid dresses should complement the overall theme of the wedding and the bridal gown. You don’t want to mix a vintage lace gown with sleek, modern bridesmaid dresses. And the bridesmaid dresses should never upstage the bridal gown. Just like the bride, the bridesmaids want to look good for their moment in the spotlight. Consider styles that will flatter their figure. Often A-line dresses or those with empire waistlines are the most flattering for all figures. Dark colors are also flattering and are often easiest to repurpose after the wedding.

CC images from Flickr courtesy of _rockinfree

Some brides are open to choosing the fabric or color and then letting the bridesmaids choose their own dresses. Be sure to select a fabric that is fitting for the season and the weather. Another option is choosing dresses in different shades of the same color. Keep in mind that there should be something that ties all the dresses together – whether it’s the color, the neckline, or the fabric. Sometimes it’s even an accessory like a cute shrug.

One final consideration when choosing bridesmaid dresses is the bottom line – what is it all going to cost each bridesmaid. Your bridesmaids are probably on a budget and beyond the cost of the dress is the cost of the shoes and any special undergarments that may be necessary for underneath the dress. Be mindful of the cost throughout the process.

Need some ideas for great bridesmaid dresses? Be sure to check out our Pinterest board for The Bridal Party.

With a Little Extra Planning, You Can Include Your Best Four-Legged Friend in Wedding Day Festivities

From pup-sized tuxedos and doggie cuffs to canine tiaras, vests and veils, pets, too, are walking the aisle with style as more couples choose to involve their four-legged friends in their weddings. Later, T-shirts declaring “Invited Guest” and “Wedding Crasher” can even help guests realize the roving pooch is not just a mooch from the place next door. Decked out in a black bow-tie collar and bearing a small handmade pillow, Cooper executed his duties with charm and grace. He had long since proved his behavior made him trustworthy for such a big occasion. “My biggest concern is that he would want to stop and get attention from everyone as he was going down the aisle,” quips Addison.

While you may see some videos of cats, parrots, monkeys and even the occasional pot-bellied pig at weddings, dogs are most likely to be on the wedding VIP guest list. “You can’t make that addition a last minute decision,” advises Pat Miller, certified professional dog trainer and behavior consultant. “The critical socialization period for dogs is between three and 14 weeks. If that hasn’t been handled properly, you can’t make that time up later.” Even for the most sociable dogs, a wedding is a mix of loud noises and strange human encounters that heighten protective instincts and add to distraction and possible anxiety.

Have a plan just in case the scene proves overwhelming for your furry guest. “Ask someone to remove your pet once the ceremony is over, or consider asking your pet sitter to take charge during the event,” Pat says. And don’t forget about your two-legged invitees. “If you anticipate guest anxiety, advise them in advance and offer to arrange appropriate seating. Remember it is your day; don’t let your pet put a damper on the festivities.”

Wedding venues are now broadening their welcome to include pets. Among the facilities that already have a pet policy established is Musket Ridge Golf Club in Meyersville, Md. “Our guidelines mirror what many properties require of guests,” says Bonnie Swanson, certified event planner and event sales manager at Musket Ridge. “Pets here must be attended and controlled at all times, and they are to be removed immediately following the ceremony; they are not allowed in our buildings. We also make it clear that Musket Ridge is not responsible for clean-up and that the client is responsible for any damages.” With a little preparation and proper planning, your best four-legged friend can become a beloved participant in your wedding day.

by Yvonne Butts-Mitchell + photo by Seth Freeman
Originally published in bliss 2013 

While the traditional white wedding in a local chapel may give way to destination affairs with more exotic interpretations of a bride and groom’s favorite style, one element of the celebration endures even the most passing fancy: the goodwill toast to the happy couple.

Elements of a great toast:
• Acknowledgement of the couple’s relationship and love
• A humorous or poignant recollection that relays a non-offensive tidbit about the bride and groom
• A friendly word of advice or offer of well wishes to the couple

Jokes can quickly backfire, so be careful in choosing your words. Keep your toast short, simple — and above all — wedding-day sweet. And don’t script your toast — remember, the most sincere sentiments are spoken from the heart.

When Christa Hoffeditz of Hagerstown was planning her wedding, she kept her bridesmaids’ pocketbooks in mind. Christa capped the price of the women’s dresses at $150 and allowed them to wear whatever shoes they wished. “I thought it was ridiculous for me to ask my friends to spend more than that on a dress they would only wear once. And since the dress was floor length, no one was going to see their shoes.” Like Christa, brides and grooms can fulfill their dream wedding day plans while making the event more joyous for their guests, friends and family. In fact, putting the needs of your guests and wedding party first is a great precedent to set in your new marriage. Couples who do this “will fare better because they are grounded in important values that are the foundation of a solid relationship, rather then just worrying about the big party,” says Karen Sherman, author of “Marriage Magic! Find it, Keep it, Make it Last!”

Read on for more considerate ideas:

• Provide transportation
Providing transportation for the bridal party from the ceremony to the reception will ensure that everyone arrives on time. Also, consider providing a transportation service for guests from the reception to their hotel or home to ensure their safety.

• Reserve a Block of Rooms
Put a number of rooms on hold at a hotel convenient to the highway or the reception for out-of-town guests. Send accommodation information to your guests in ample time for them to make arrangements.

• Provide Information on Local Tourist Attractions
Remember that your guests might not be familiar with the area, so include information about local eateries and tourist attractions (especially if you are hosting a summer or destination wedding).

• Provide Dining Options
Take special dietary needs into consideration when planning the reception menu. Consult with your caterer about common food allergies and including a vegetarian dish. When planning the menu, offer your guests more than one choice.

• Keep Costs Low for the Bridal Party
The average bridesmaid can expect to spend $1,000–$1,500 on her friend’s wedding — and this does not account for travel expenses, says Christa Vagnocci, senior editor of www.TheKnot.com. Put fewer demands on bridesmaids in terms of hair and makeup. Give jewelry as a bridesmaid gift. Opt out of a bachelor or bachelorette party and instead go hiking or camping.

• Include Mother-in-Law in the Planning
Consider inviting your fiancé’s mom along when you go to look at possible reception venues, flowers and cakes. Ask her about special considerations for groom’s-side guests. She can also be helpful with details such as décor and wedding favors. Soliciting her thoughts and ideas is one small way to include her in the planning without giving up control of the event.

• Keep Guests’ Comfortable
Provide beverages and fans for outdoor weddings to beat the heat, and appetizers to soothe empty stomachs while guests wait for the big meal.

• Consider Charitable Donations
Considerate couples can opt out of cash gifts and instead set up an account with a local charity for donations to be made in their name. Or make a charitable donation in your guests’ names in lieu of wedding favors.

• Skip the Receiving Line
A couple might want to consider skipping the receiving line and instead greet each guest during dinner and/or cocktail hour. This allows the guests to socialize freely rather than waiting on the bride and groom.

• Take Photos Before the Ceremony
Getting professional photos taken before the wedding is another way to respect guests’ time. It also takes pressure off of the wedding party and immediate family, and gives everyone more time to enjoy the reception.

• Offer a Variety of Registry Price Points
Provide your guests with multiple price points on your gift registry. Register for items that don’t cost an arm and a leg to keep everyone’s finances in mind.

by Christina Widener
Originally published in HM May/June 2008

U.S. couples spend an average of $28,800 on their wedding — not including the cost of a honeymoon, engagement ring or wedding planner, according to costofwedding.com. As weddings become increasingly extravagant occasions, traditional guidelines for dividing the cost among family members can help ease the pinch.

The bride usually pays for:
• her groom’s wedding ring and wedding gift
• gifts for attendants
• accommodations for out-of-town attendants

The groom usually funds:
• his bride’s rings and wedding gift
• the honeymoon
• the marriage license
• gifts for the groomsmen
• accommodations for out-of-town groomsmen
• flowers for the bride
• all corsages and bouttonnieres
• accessories for men in the wedding party
• the fee for the clergyman

The groom’s family generally covers:
• the rehearsal dinner
• wedding gifts for the newlyweds

The bride’s family usually pays for:
• the cost of the reception
• the bride’s wedding attire/trousseau
• invitations or announcements
• the seating assignment
• mailing costs
• photographer and/or videographer
• the church/venue fee
• decorations
• music
• accessories for the bridesmaids, flower girl and ring bearer
• transportation for the bridal party from the ceremony to the reception
• the bridesmaids’ luncheon

And the attendants generally fund:
• their own wedding clothes
• any travel expenses to and from the wedding
• wedding gifts for the newlyweds

Originally published in HM Bliss Bride 2008