Photo of the Day
The perfect exit for a mountaintop wedding ceremony!
The perfect exit for a mountaintop wedding ceremony!
Photo Credit: Kiera Photo
Tip of the Day: Chalkboards are popping up in more of our real weddings submissions lately! Use them to add a nostalgic element to your big day and display meaningful messages.
Create chalk hearts leading up to your home driveway or ask for permission to draw them on your ceremony site's walkways.
Photo Credit: Monica Valenzuela, Hart + Sol Photo East via A Practical Wedding
This word search "wedding program" keeps guests entertained before you make your wedding debut!
Photo by Carl Zoch via OnceWed
Say "thank you" with flair.
Photo Credit: Heather Sali Photography
Hang bride/groom chalkboards on the back of your chairs for a sweet touch.
Photo by: Bend the Light Photography on Heart Love Weddings via Lover.ly
Add personality to your table numbers with chalkboard signs.
Photo Credit: Right Look Photo
Identify each food with a corresponding chalk label.
Photo Credit: Wilton Photography
They say the devil is in the details, but I happen to think that personality is what makes any wedding shine. One of my favorite places to add creativity is in the wedding programs—they don't have to cost a fortune to be a winner with guests. From whimsical to romantic to modern, here are a few of my favorite things (can you tell I'm in the holiday spirit?).
I've been in love with chalkboards for as long as I can remember, so this idea is my personal favorite. My mom was a schoolteacher for over 20 years and every day after class, I would make pretend that I was a teacher, just like her, by doodling all over the board! There are so many ways that you can incorporate this nostalgic element into your wedding. Check out more chalkboard-inspired décor here.
Photo Credit: Jessamyn Harris
How adorable is this crossword puzzle? You can also include fun facts about your bridal party—we can't wait to try this steal-worthy idea.
Each week, we feature music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from DJ Qlassick. DJ Qlassick has spent close to a decade perfecting his DJ craft, and his brilliant technique has led him to open for the likes of Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, and The Roots. As a mainstay in the Philly nightlife scene, DJ Qlassick is known for his fresh blend of genres. "A client's big day is as important to me as if it were my own friend or relative. I have become a part of it, so I am now dedicated to making sure it's everything they hoped it would be".
Your wedding day will be filled with traditions. But before you get there, another time-honored tradition should be taken into consideration, one that will usher you into marital bliss. No, we’re not talking about a rehearsal dinner. We’re talking about the last hurrah, your final memories of the single life: your bachelor and bachelorette parties.
Photo by Deja Vu Studios via Bridal Reflections
Tip of the Day: Believe it or not, the photos above feature the same exact dress! "Transformer" wedding gowns are a huge trend. Two-for-one styles allow you to showcase different looks for the ceremony and reception without having to purchase a second dress. Search for a gown with a detachable long skirt or chic lace overlay. We spotted transformer gowns at NYC bridal runway shows this fall, including Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, Reem Acra, and more.
Unadorned hair is beautiful on its own, but bridal headpieces have the power to pull your entire look together. I recently purchased mine during a sample sale at Bridal Styles in Brooklyn, NY, a boutique that's been around for over 25 years (my aunt bought her wedding hair accessory there in the '80s!).
At first, I balked at trying on anything that even remotely resembled something Dutchess Kate would wear. As time ticked by—and I admired the other brides' clips—I had fun trying on more ornate styles. (After all, when else is it socially acceptable to wear a bejeweled crown in public?) Here's what I learned about the art of accessorizing from my consultant, Kassie.
In case my fiancé Jason is reading: No, this isn't the style I picked!
Decide what your hairstyle will be in advance.
You'll have to know more than just whether you'll wear your locks up or down. For example, if you're set on having a bun, do you envision a high ballerina style or a low one that is swept to the side? If you're blessed with long, thick hair, consider bigger hair accessories that can stand up to the weight, rather than daintier ones, which will be less noticeable.
Join us every Friday for our Q&A column, where editor-in-chief Diane Forden answers one reader's biggest etiquette question.
Q: Do we need to send a thank-you note to my friend who traveled quite a distance to attend our wedding but didn't give us a gift?
A: Regardless of whether or not a gift was given, anyone who attended your wedding should receive a thank-you note. No doubt, your friend spent considerable time and money to get there, and her presence should be considered your gift. Be gracious, and let her know that you are delighted that she was able to share in your big day and that you appreciate the effort she made to attend.
—Diane Forden
Photo Credit: You're That Girl Designs/Etsy.com
Baby, it’s Christmas time, and it’s my mission to get you looking more like Santa’s hot little helper than jolly Mrs. Claus. And, come January, you won’t feel like you have a mountain to climb to shed off the holiday gain — no, it's not a prerequisite to the holidays.
You just need to get ARfit!
So rather than the 12 Days of Christmas, we’re doing the four ARFit weeks to Christmas, and here is your next Hot Body Workout! Check out last week's video here, and subscribe to my channel for new, free workouts every week!
Complete each of the following for 1 minute each (watch the video for demos):
Round One:
► Jump Rope
► High Knees
► Bumwackers
► Frog Jumps
► Burpees
Walk or Jog 10 minutes
Round Two:
I recently discovered two fantastic florists, Vanessa and Michael Gonzalez, owners of Verde Flowers in New York City, who create gorgeous, unforgettable arrangements. (They also happen to be the sole florist for the New York Yankees!) Check out their dramatic cascading bouquet:
...organic elements they often combine with flowers:
...and this majestic centerpiece created for an escort card table:
I also love their amazing display of green-hued florals:
…and this centerpiece of pretty blooms paired with striking branches in a tall glass cylinder:
For brides marrying over the holiday season, Vanessa and Michael offer these tips, which they used for a recent wedding: