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I know, I know…where the hell have we been? Life’s gotten a little busy and wedding season is ramping up (🎉) so we’ve been a little swamped. We have been active on our Instagram though! To tide you over, today we’re doing a round up of some of our favorite insta posts during our little ~break~.
This week we're talking Wedding Favors! These are one of our favorite fluffy wedding details. Fluffy as in you absolutely don't need them, and no one will probably miss them, but they're just such fun little details it's hard to let them okay. If you're unfamiliar with wedding favors, they are keepsakes that guests receive as a "thank you for putting on your very best clothes and driving into town for us" gift after the reception. There's really no right or wrong favors; it all depends on a couple's unique taste and interests. We've seen it all; coffee, seeds, hot sauce, and koozies galore.
As much as we love them, though, we have to be honest about one thing… soooo, many of your favors are going to go in the trash. I know, I know it sucks to hear, but it's the truth. People will forget or misplace them, and at the end of the night, quite a few them will end up in the trash.
To make sure that you're gifting something meaningful and maximizing the take-home ratio, you need to keep in mind a few things.
Make sure your favors are personal. It's easy to just do a little generic thank you, but people are more likely to hold on to a favor that is a meaningful part of the couple's story.
Don't go over the top. Keep it sweet and simple.
Even with those two rules, there are still tons of options, so check out our Top 5 Wedding Favors!
If the two of you are known for your green thumb, consider sweet little plant friends!
If your wedding has a fall feel, cozy (and more importantly yummy) butter or jam in jars are perfect to keep the theme going all the way to the guests home.
Just because your four-legged friend can’t be there doesn’t mean they can’t be there.
Favors can be functional too!
Stylish cookies aren’t just gorgeous, but they’re less likely to get left behind because they’ll be eaten up before you know it.
As a Texas transplant, planning southern weddings came with a whole host of new traditions. The first time I heard of the "House Party," I was beyond confused (but intrigued). But, we dove in headfirst, and now we can get enough of these Down South customs. In today's blog post, we'll be discussing our Top 5 Southern Wedding Traditions, so put on your boots and let's scoot!
Traditionally the Groom’s cake a is a smaller more elaborately designed cake gifted to the groom. Although they’re not required, many couples choose to include them in their day as a way to incorporate the grooms personality and unique taste. The cake is also an opportunity to serve a more “basic“ cake flavor like chocolate and would serve as a great boxed favor at the end of the night. We’ve seen them all; footballs, sports logos, even a boat like the cake down below.
Photo | Silver Bear Creative
Bridals are a pre-wedding day photoshoot where the bride can get all done up in her wedding dress to take solo pictures. These pictures can be sweet keepsakes or printed for display on wedding day. These shoots are often scheduled the same day that Brides have their hair and makeup trials so they can get the best bang for their buck. Although this typically centers around the bride, we have seen Bride + Groom. In those cases, the Bride and Groom get together and wear a more relaxed version of their wedding attire. Think no bowtie and hair down.
Photo | Amy Karp Photography
I know what you're thinking, another expensive pre-wedding party *eye roll*, but you're wrong, sort of! Bridal luncheons are an opportunity for Brides to celebrate their bridal party like a wedding shower, but for the sweet friends and family members who'll also be walking down the aisle. This party can be held before or after the wedding, so long as it includes those who served or are serving on the brides' side of the wedding, flower girls and all. You can even invite other women who played or will play a large role in your wedding day. People like your aunt, who made the cookie favors, or your nana who helped put together your invitation suite. The gifts for the event don't have to be extravagant; dinner or lunch on you is enough to love on your squad.
Photo | Menary Weddings
Wedding Second Lines are fun and ultra festive ways to let the good times roll on your wedding day. Second Lines are a New Orleanian tradition that stems from West African dance circles. As it became a ritual for African Americans, the parades expanded to celebrations of new life and death. In a typical line, the guests, lead by a brass band and the couple follow a parade route whooping, hollering, swinging towels, grooving, and celebrating their newlywed status. This tradition might take a few more steps to set up (if you’re headed out to a public road, you’ll need a parade permit and barricades to keep things safe), but it’s well worth it. If you’re concerned about cultural appropriation, do your research, consult your local black-led jazz band, hire a local black-led jazz band, and ultimately make the decisions that feels the best for you.
Photo | Chelsea Kaye Photography
If we’re honest, this is our favorite southern tradition of them all. Be it soul food, Tex-Mex, or barbeque; we can’t get enough of the DELICIOUS food. With the right catering team, your wedding food might be more popular and you. Just kidding, you’re the star, but like, make sure you have enough so that we can get seconds.
Photo | Jas & Mike
We don’t want to jump the gun, but this might be out yummiest post yet! Today we’ve compiled our Top 5 most beautifully delicious wedding cakes. From pillowy soft sophistication to wrought iron rustic touches, these cakes are more than meets the taste buds.
Photo | Christina Childress Photography
Photo | Ashley Rhian Photography
Photo | Apryl Ann
Photo | Lauren Nicole Photography
Photo | Mountaintop Films
You've done all your wedding dress research now you're ready to shop, and we're here to help! Today we're revisiting one of our most popular blog posts featuring some of our favorite local bridal boutiques, plus a few new faves. Each of which offers classic, unique, or traditional bridal gown options; your wedding dress dreams are sure to come true. So grab your entourage, your heels, and pop some bubbly; let the dress shopping begin!
BUT, who would we be if we didn't give you a few tips first? Before you get your shop on, make sure you know:
Price Range - Stay firm and realistic.
Style - Use your Pinterest to your advantage! Narrow your preference down 4 or 5 dresses you love for inspiration.
Designers - Having a few favorite designers will help your bridal consultant pinpoint your style. It may also guide your shopping since not all shops carry all designers.
Don't Over Shop - A million different appointments will lead to fatigue (decision and otherwise).
Crew - Keep your entourage to VIPs only.
Opinions - Don't let other's opinions dictate your style. We know it's easier said than done, but it's imperative that what you want comes first.
Movement - Think about the movement of the day. If you can't sit or dance or walk in your dream dress, maybe it's not the right dress for your day.
Take Pictures - Take pictures if you can! This will keep the gorgeousness fresh, and you can look back at them when you're tempted to continue shopping or aren't ready to pull the buying trigger just yet.
Know Your Body - Shop for the body that you have. You may have a big workout plan, but it only adds unnecessary stress and pressure to an already stressful process if you know that one little slip might cost you your perfect fit.
Lean Into Your Style - Don't default to traditional! Your wedding dress doesn't have to white or long or even a dress! You make the rules.
Ask Questions! - Consultants are there to help, so ask away.
Do the handle alterations? What's the turnaround?
How much is the dress? (Hopefully, your consultant respects your price range, but just in case, make sure you're asking so you don't fall in love with something you can't afford)
What are the right undergarments for the dress?
Is there a matching veil or accessories?
Stop - Once you find a dress you love, one that you can envision yourself in, STOP SHOPPING! They'll always be more dresses, but you have to pick one. So once you do, quit.
Photo | a & be dallas
Photo | Lovely Bride Photographer | Valerie Thompson
Photo | Grace Loves Lace
Photo | Patsy's, A Bridal Boutique
Photo | Brilliant Bridal
Traditional wedding boutiques not your thing? There are other options!
Asos is uber affordable and offers an array of sizes and styles.
Reformation has a White Dress section filled with trendy, chic, and affordable wedding dress options.
Second-Hand shops like Still White offer tons of gorgeous preowned wedding dresses.
