TIPS | ESSENTIAL MUST-HAVES FOR THE BRIDAL SUITE

Hello Everyone! No matter were your bridal suite is located - whether at a hotel, venue or someone's home, it's important to have your room set with a few wedding day essentials that compliment your style. This will be your area to prepare, relax and get ready for one of the best days of your life. Take a look at what we believe will make your time in the bridal suite all that more comfortable!

GOOD ENERGY

BRIDESMAIDS

 JILLIAN KNIGHT

PICTURE PERFECT SPOT FOR YOUR WEDDING DRESS

WEDDING DRESS

SPOSTO PHOTOGRAPHY

MIMOSA BAR

READY LUCK PHOTOGRAPHY

DETAILS

TIPS | RSVPING "NO"

The good news is: your best gal is finally getting hitched and has asked you to be her bridesmaid. The bad news is: because of life (finances, work, health, etc.) you simply can't make it to the wedding. We know it's rough so we've gathered our best suggestions and favorite products to help soften the blow and say, "#wishIwasthere" without becoming overwhelmed by guilt.

1. Be upfront: When the invitations arrive and you realize you can't make the big day, let the couple know ASAP. Provide a concise and honest response as to why you will be unable to attend and offer a time to further discuss the decision, if necessary.

Skip the text or FB message on this one and opt for an old school phone or face-to-face conversation.

STATIONARY | 4 LOVE POLKA DOTS

Try this: "You two have always been great to me and I really wish I could make it but, I've got overlapping deadlines at work and no time off reserved. I'd love to make it up to ya'll post-honeymoon. Maybe dinner on me when you're free?"

2. Be Proactive: If you can't make it, you can't make it. Missing the wedding doesn't necessarily mean missing out on the friendship.  Attend the other wedding-related activities or even offer to plan events with the couple after the wedding.

Try this: throw a gown shower! Make it small, simple, and magical like the bridal gown event we hosted with lovelies over at Lovely Bride.

3. Shower support: Just because you're physically distant doesn't mean you have to be emotionally distant. Show your friend how important your friendship is by showering her from afar. A pre-recorded video or surprise basket of your favorite items can mean the world before walking down the aisle.

PHOTO | EMILY MILLAY

4.Gifts, Please: Speaking of gifts....If you don't attend the wedding you don't technically have to give a gift but, if the bride/groom are important to you,  sending a cute/quirky/sentimental gift can really help set the tone for the day and say 'I care; hate that I missed it.'

  PHOTO | COPYPASTRY

PERSONALIZED FLASK | BLUDOG DESIGNS

Try this: send a special token via mail for the bride and/or groom - a telegram, fresh flowers, fruit, a handwritten note or even these adorable custom couple cookie cutters. Bonus points if you bake cookies and send those as well!

TIPS | CREATIVE WAYS TO ASK YOUR MAIDS

Congrats girl, you're engaged!! Let the wedding planning begin! There are lots of details to start considering and plenty of work to be done, but one of the best parts of the whole process is having your best gals (or guys!) by your side. So how will you pop the question? We’ve helped by gathering a few unique and creative ways to ask your maids!

1. Give JOY! Who doesn’t need a little French macaron action in their life? JOY Macarons is a specialty bakery in Dallas, Texas that handcrafts small batches of French macarons. They're light, delicious and perfect just the way they are, but let’s take it a step further and customize! For DIY brides, Michael’s sells an edible metallic candy paint that would be perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to the top of each macaron.

PHOTO | JOY Macarons

2.     Thanks for the memories! Parabo Press offers a customizable accordion fold zine that can display 14 different photos, so scroll through that Facebook timeline and Instagram feed and select the best photos that sum up your friendship. The zine is a great option to show your bridesmaid that you really took time to think of them and create something special that will last.

PHOTO | Parabo Press Accordion Zine

PHOTO | Personal Wine

3.     Ladies Night! This last idea is more of an experience and has two main components: dinner reservations and wine. First step, grab a great bottle of wine and design a personalized label. It's easier than you think! Personal Wine has so many great options for creating a customized label. You can select a photo, add text, and even have the bottle engraved with a message for each bridesmaid. Etsy has pre-made labels for wine or beer bottles and they are super cute! The second step is to plan dinner for your friend(s) and bring the bottle! If you go out to a restaurant, ask the waiter to serve the bottle as an added surprise!

We're pretty sure all of these options would put a smile on any bridesmaid’s face and have them thinking you’re creative AF. Go ahead and check "Ask Bridesmaids" off your wedding to do list! 

TIPS | WEDDING REGISTRY

Creating the wedding registry seems like the best part of the wedding planning process - that and the food + cake tastings, but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t prepare in advance. Today, we are sharing 5 tips to enjoy creating your wedding registry.

1. Use a checklist. You can either download lists available online or you can create your own. Remember to only register for items you really need. Just because the list you downloaded included an ice cream maker, doesn’t mean you really need one. Having a registry checklist will help you keep track of your items in case you register at more than one store.

2. Give yourselves enough time. It can take a few hours to roam the entire store registering for items you need, especially if you two are getting a new place together and starting from scratch. You may spend several minutes discussing what color the bath towels should be and whether or not you really need a place setting for 10. Trying to do a whole registry in one day can be really exhausting so try breaking it into departments – kitchen, bedding, bath, etc.

3. Register for items in a variety of price points. Although it would be nice to have extremely fancy glassware, not everyone on your guest list will be able to afford luxury brands. You want to make sure your guests have a variety of different price ranges of items to choose from.

4. Register at 2-3 different stores. Yes, Bed Bath and Beyond is where everyone goes for their wedding registry, but there are also several different stores that offer nice perks to complete a registry. This also allows your guests to choose a store that is closest to them. Don’t forget to ask what their return policy is because I can guarantee you will receive more than 3 cutting boards.

5. Update your registry. Ensure that your registry is up-to-date. Depending on how far in advance you start the registry, some items may be discontinued or some are already purchased by guests. Maintaining your wedding registry also helps prevent receiving duplicate items.

Hopefully these tips help you have fun scanning your little hearts out. We’d love to hear what your favorite tips are to create a stress-free wedding registry!

Photos | Chelsea Kaye, Jeff Brummett, Decor Inventory

TIPS | WEDDING FAVORS YOUR GUESTS WILL WANT TO TAKE HOME

Think about the last several weddings you’ve attended. Do you remember the wedding favors? Let’s be honest, the personalized matchbooks and mints aren’t favors that your guests will remember. In fact, they may be left behind at the reception tables only to be tossed away. You want your wedding favors to be unique, memorable and appreciated.

Here are a few wedding favor ideas that your guests will actually want!

Pretty Little Plants

Who wouldn’t want these adorable succulents sitting in their living room or on their night stand? I’ll take one for each room in my house, please and thank you!

Photo | Rachel Solomon Photography

Cute Coffee Mugs

If you’re having a fall or winter wedding and a majority of your guests are avid coffee drinkers, you can’t go wrong with a coffee mug and beans.

Photo | Wendy Laurel

Kits for the Kids

Don’t forget favors for the kids! A little basket of gadgets, games, and snacks will surely keep them entertained all night!

Photo |KT Merry Photography

Cigars

Men may not be fans of pretty little plants, but they sure do love their cigars!

Photo | Brian Dorsey Photography

Donuts!

Because nobody can resist a donut! Send your guests home with a sugary treat!

Photo | Leila Brewster Photography

Ice Cream Scoops

Come on, how charming! After all, we ALL scream for ice cream and you can be sure that your guests will use these at home a lot!

Photo | Carmen Santorelli Photography

Remember one thing: You know your guests the best. If you have a guest list filled with food lovers, a midnight snack will be the way to their hearts. If your crowd really enjoys to have a good drink, you know they won’t leave behind a mini bottle of tequila! Give them a small gift to show your love and appreciation for accompanying you on such a special day!

What would you like to take home with you as a wedding favor?