The Everyday Bridesmaid

One of my fiancé’ and I’s main concerns is making sure that everyone is comfortable and relaxed at our wedding. This meant picking a place that’s easy to get to (even if you have to fly in or drive a distance), having the reception at a hotel so no one has to worry about drinking and driving, making sure everything is air conditioned (since we’re having a July wedding below the Mason-Dixon line), and that there will be something for everyone to do (e.g., broad range of music, toys for the kids, variety of food and drink that everyone can enjoy).

The last thing we want is for anyone to feel put-out by the event … especially our wedding party. I’ve picked five bridesmaids and each one has an entirely different body shape. I knew that I would never be able to pick a dress that each one felt comfortable in. Girls, you understand, a really tall girl may want a longer dress than the shorter one, and the “well-endowed one” will be pulling up a strapless dress all night. Some like heels, some want to wear their hair up, some like big gaudy sparkly earrings (OK, that last one may just be me), but you get the idea.

Photo Credit: Grade Fashions
Photo Credit: Grade Fashions

In recent years there has been a big trend in customizing bridesmaids dresses; however, all this “customizing” really seems to be just picking out a neckline, since traditionally the bride still chooses the color, length, and fabric.

Photo Credit: David's Bridal
Photo Credit: David’s Bridal

“You can pick whatever dress you like…as long as it’s lilac, tea-length, in brushed satin, and isn’t strapless – since that’s what the maid of honor is wearing, and she gets first pick.”

I’d rather give my bridesmaids a little more freedom.

Well, in even more recent years (maybe the last two), I’ve seen a big jump in coordinating rather than matching bridesmaids dresses.

You can still get an overall effect that goes with the color, style, or theme of your wedding, but in dresses your bridesmaids are sure to wear again! Here are some great examples of weddings who did just that!

…all in silver:

Photo Credit: GoodWeddingDresses.com
Photo Credit: GoodWeddingDresses.com

…in similar fabrics, but different shades of blue:

Photo Credit: The Knot

Photo Credit: The Knot

…a variety of warm tones, but all long:

Photo Credit: The Knot

Photo Credit: The Knot

…completely different dresses, all in shades of green:

Photo Credit: 10-foot Poet

Photo Credit: 10-foot Poet

…different fabrics, similar color:

Photo Credit: InStyle Weddings

Photo Credit: InStyle Weddings

…completely different and completely chic

Photo Credit: Erin Hearts Court Photography via OnceWed

Photo Credit: Erin Hearts Court Photography via OnceWed

… who says that the bride can be the only one in white:

Photo Credit: StyleMePretty

Photo Credit: StyleMePretty

…or (my personal favorite) go vintage!

Photo Credit: Offbeat Bride

Photo Credit: Offbeat Bride

Of course, there may be a little backlash from your bridesmaids – it’s a lot of pressure for them to pick out a dress without any input from you.  To ease that tension a bit, here are a few tips:

- Offer to go shopping with them

- Pick out some paint chips from the hardware store with the colors you had in mind. The chips are easy enough to take with you to the mall

- Send them photos of what you like.

- Go online shopping, there are billions of dress sites out there.

- Offer to go through their closet. They may already have something that would be perfect!

Having the girls wear something they’re comfortable in (and that doesn’t cost an arm and leg just to wear one day) will definitely help your bridesmaids enjoy your wedding as much as you do!

Are you doing anything “out of the ordinary” with your bridesmaids?

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Filed under: Our Brides & Grooms, Wedding Fashion

Etiquette Emergency: Gift Registry

Photo Credit: HoneyFund.com

Photo Credit: HoneyFund.com

Q: My wife and I were married a month ago in Thailand while we were teaching there and did not have family or friends to celebrate with at that time.  We have since returned to Canada where my wife’s parents have suggested a late reception.  We will be leaving for Taiwan in 3 months and will be unable to carry with us the more traditional wedding gifts.  Is there any way to inform guests of our situation on the invitation without sounding ungrateful, and would it be too rude to ask for money in lieu of gifts?

A: First, many congratulations on your recent marriage!  As with registries, you need never include gift information on the invitation.  As people respond to the invitation, they may inquire as to your gift preferences.  It is at this point in the process when you would share your living/travel plans.  I would strongly suggest that you register somewhere on-line where your guests can shop and have the items delivered to your residence in Taiwan.  Savvy guests will realize that if they do not purchase something from your registry, that a monetary gift would be the next best item.  Gifts that are non-transportable or impractical should be exchanged, returned, re-gifted, donated or stored – while still thanking the giver for their kind thoughts and wishes.

Jodi R. R. Smith is a nationally known etiquette expert and author.  She is the president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting.  You are invited to email her your etiquette emergencies at Salem@Mannersmith.com.

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Filed under: Guest Experts, Wedding Etiquette

Favors with Flavor!

Everyone enjoys a little homemade treat! If you love getting creative in the kitchen, why not make yummy favors to send home with your wedding guests? Below are some great ideas for homemade, edible wedding favors.

Click on the images to view ingredients and directions.

Bread with Jam

Photo Credit: ProjectWedding.com

Photo Credit: ProjectWedding.com

Potted Banana Bread

Photo Credit: TheCoterieBlog.com

Photo Credit: TheCoterieBlog.com

Homemade Jars of Jam

Photo Credit: IntimateWeddings.com

Photo Credit: IntimateWeddings.com

Mini Pie

Photo Credit: OurBestBites.com

Photo Credit: OurBestBites.com

Pie Pops

Photo Credit: Luxirare.com

Photo Credit: Luxirare.com

Roasted Nuts

Photo Credit: Oxmoor House

Photo Credit: Oxmoor House

Fortune Cookies

Photo Credit: Inchmark.SquareSpace.com

Photo Credit: Inchmark.SquareSpace.com

Hot Chocolate on a Stick

Photo Credit: GiversLog.com

Photo Credit: GiversLog.com

Candy Apples

Photo Credit: mrk_photo on flickr.com

Photo Credit: mrk_photo on flickr.com

Vanilla Extract

Photo Credit: SimplyRecipes.com

Photo Credit: SimplyRecipes.com

Surprising your guests with delicious homemade favors is a great way to thank them for being a part of your special day.

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Filed under: Our Team, Wedding Favors and Gifts

Wearing Makeup on Your Wedding Day

ebony-and-andrew-vintage-wedding057

Photo Credit:Marzena Wasilewska

Since this is my first Wedloft blog post, it seems appropriate to start at the beginning. Deciding how to wear your makeup on your wedding day may seem like a daunting task, and for some brides it may not even be a consideration. Makeup can often times be an afterthought, but it really is a critical part of your wedding day photographs. It is the key to being camera ready after making a considerable investment on a wedding photographer or videographer. Many of the brides I work with report that they wear little to no makeup, usually out of a lack of time or know how. This, coupled with a general fear of makeup, either because of a bad experience or  lack of experience can be overwhelming to anyone.

The first step to overcoming a fear of makeup is to embrace it’s temporary nature. If you try something that you don’t like, it only takes seconds to start fresh. If done correctly, makeup will enhance your beauty and give you the best result in your pictures. If for no other reason, makeup is absolutely necessary for professional photography. Although your photographer is a trained professional, you will be in multiple lighting situations over the course of the day including natural, fluorescent and flash.

14cf6_toronto-wedding-photography-workshop-photos

Photo Credit: Dave and Charlotte Lifestyle Photographers

You will be photographed up close and at a distance, much like how your guests will see you throughout wedding and reception. Another factor is that your pictures will likely be in black and white and in color. Your makeup needs to be both black and white and color photography friendly in all of these different types of lighting. In addition, depending on the type of videography package you have reserved, it’s possible that your videographer might be shooting your wedding in high-def which requires a more specialized type of makeup.

vintage-mexican-wedding11

Photo Credit: He and She Photography

vintage-mexican-wedding09

Photo Credit:He and She Photography

Once you have made your peace with makeup, or if you are already a makeup addict, a trained artist that specializes in bridal or beauty makeup can do your wedding makeup or teach you how to do it yourself. Your wedding dress will be perfectly complimented by a flawless makeup application and you will look beautiful in your photographs.

wedding_makeup

Photo Credit: Segerius Bruce Photography

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Filed under: Beauty, Guest Experts

These Aren’t Your Mother’s Ruffles

I love ruffles on wedding dresses! It’s not a new trend, but the ruffles today sure look different from your mother’s and grandmother’s.

Photo credit: Monique Lhuillier

Photo credit: Monique Lhuillier

Photo credit: Robert Bullock Bride

Photo credit: Robert Bullock Bride

Photo credit: White Thread

Photo credit: White Thread

Photo credit: Rivini

Photo credit: Rivini

Photo credit: Edgardo Bonilla

Photo credit: Edgardo Bonilla

I really love the look of these soft, tiered ruffles!

Photo credit: Temperley

Photo credit: Temperley

Photo credit: Mori Lee

Photo credit: Mori Lee

Photo credit: Aire Barcelona

Photo credit: Aire Barcelona

Photo credit: Aire Barcelona

Photo credit: Aire Barcelona

Photo credit: Val Stefani

Photo credit: Val Stefani

Photo credit: Lazaro

Photo credit: Lazaro

This dress from Jennifer Salzman’s Fall 2009 Collection has a lovely and flowing ruffled tulle skirt with a gathered tulle bodice. A great choice for a spring or summer wedding!

Photo credit: Jennifer Salzman

Photo credit: Jennifer Salzman

These ruffled dresses would be perfect for an outdoor wedding or a Bohemian bride!

Photo credit: kt Jean designs

Photo credit: kt Jean designs

Photo credit: Caroline Herrera

Photo credit: Caroline Herrera

Photo credit: Debenhams

Photo credit: Debenhams

Check out this “Fashionista” gown by Kenneth Pool of Amsale. Martha Stewart Wedding’s take: “The new incarnation of easy, breezy tulle and clear paillettes perfectly showcases this drop-waist gown’s standout shape.”

Photo credit: Martha Stewart Weddings

Photo credit: Martha Stewart Weddings

Want something short & sweet with ruffles? Try this dress from Reverie by Melissa Sweet. Its swishy tea-length skirt and intricate stripes of textured embroidery look great with the ruffled silk shantung.

Photo credit: Martha Stewart Weddings

Photo credit: Martha Stewart Weddings

Ruffles also look great in color! Vera Wang’s bunched and asymmetric ruffles are inspired!

Photo credit: Vera Wang

Photo credit: Vera Wang

Photo credit: Vera Wang

Photo credit: Vera Wang

Photo credit: Ouma

Photo credit: Ouma

If you love the ruffle look, choose a ruffled bridesmaid dress.

Photo credit: Amsale

Photo credit: Amsale

Photo credit: After Six

Photo credit: After Six

Photo credit: Bari Jay

Photo credit: Bari Jay

Photo credit: Siri Inc.

Photo credit: Siri Inc.

Photo credit: Lela Rose

Photo credit: Lela Rose

Photo credit: Max & Cleo

Photo credit: Max & Cleo

Ruffles look too cute on flower girls!

Photo credit: Ruffled

Photo credit: Ruffled

And they look great on feet too!

Photo credit: Steve Madden

Photo credit: Steve Madden

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Filed under: Our Brides & Grooms, Wedding Fashion