Time Flies When You're Writing About Weddings

Writing for the Bustle Event Design blog has been an incredible experience. First and foremost, I want to thank Lindsey for giving me this opportunity. Lindsey is an incredible event designer and I've had more than my share of fun writing this blog for her firm.

I would also like to thank all the readers out there - those who have read the blog just once and those who have read every single post. I've so enjoyed writing about all things wedding-related, and knowing I have a small audience out there has made blogging for Bustle all the more meaningful.

If you're interested in checking out my personal blog, please stop by livingsimplyliving.tumblr.com. Thank you for sharing this unforgettable experience with me.

Until we meet again...

~Liz

Personalizing a Destination Wedding

I read in an issue of Martha Stewart Weddings that the key to making your destination wedding unforgettable is to think of it as a blank canvas. Yes, you will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains, palm trees, crystal clear water, or whatever - but your wedding is the star of the show and you should treat it that way. Here are some ways to make your destination wedding more personal and memorable for both you and your guests.

- On your wedding website, include a special section about events your guests can anticipate, advice on what to pack (sunscreen, ski goggles, etc.), and local attractions. This is a good idea for any bride - no matter where your wedding is taking place, guests will appreciate being well informed.

- If you want your wedding decor to stand out, find creative ways to use materials that are easy to pack & transport, such as paper and balloons. I love what this couple did with giant white balloons.


And check out these adorable DIY paper flowers (with how-to instructions) from Green Wedding Shoes:

- At your reception, choose food, beverages, and music that compliment your surroundings. You don't need to go overboard with your theme, but if your guests feel connected to their environment, they'll feel even more comfortable and so will you.

- It's crucial to find vendors that you trust, especially if you're not familiar with the area. (That's something a wedding planner can help you with!) On your wedding day, the last thing you need to worry about is if the flowers will be delivered on time or if the deejay needs help setting up the dance floor. Do your research before selecting vendors for your wedding so you don't have to sweat the details on your big day.

When planning any wedding, a good rule of thumb is to make choices that reflect who you & your husband are as a couple. Because no matter where you venture for your wedding day, it's important to remember why you're there - to share the rest of your life with the person you love.

Out With The Old, In With The New?

I was browsing the internet and came across this article on The Knot, 20 Wedding Traditions You Can Skip. We're constantly blogging about ways to make your ceremony and reception unique, so I thought I'd share some of the traditions mentioned in the article and my thoughts on them as well.

- A white wedding dress. The article says: white's always in style, but you have other options too. My thoughts: I completely agree, of course. For example, check out the lovely bride in the image below. However, when I get married one day, I can't imagine wearing anything other than white.

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- Seeing each other before the ceremony is a no-no. The article says: Do whatever you want! If you want to see each other before your nuptials, plan a "first look" photo shoot so you and your spouse can still have that special moment captured. My opinion: I think it depends on what works best for the timeline of your wedding day. (Check out our blog post on having a "first look".)

- Bridal jewelry has to be simple. The article says: Make as bold a statement as you want with your accessories. My thoughts: I love, love, LOVE embellished bib necklaces like the one pictured and think it would be so fun to wear something like that with a wedding dress. But, I'd be careful about looking too trendy - I don't want to look at my wedding pictures ten years later and wonder what the heck I was thinking. Also, I do like the idea of changing your accessories (or even your dress) from the ceremony to the reception.

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Check out the article for even more ideas on how to turn wedding traditions upside down!

Would you have a backyard wedding?

Woah, how is it Thanksgiving? Time flies, doesn't it? I must apologize for my lack of blogging this month. I'm sure you've all been on the edge of your seats wondering when my next post would be. ;) So without further ado, I've gotta ask: Would you have a backyard wedding?

It seems like every year brides get more and more creative about wedding planning. A traditional wedding in a religious venue and a reception in a ballroom are always great, but these days modern brides are opting for a wedding off the beaten path - whether it's in a barn, at the beach, or in a backyard. Especially given the economy's downturn in recent years, many brides and grooms choose to save their pennies by marrying at home.

Check out the married blogging couple over at YoungHouseLove, for example. As Sherry says in the blog post, "Just like everything else we do, our wedding was one giant DIY project." And don't they look like they're having fun?



Here's an adorable at-home wedding from Green Wedding Shoes. This backyard soiree is so classy it hardly looks DIY'd!



While having a wedding in someone's yard requires a lot of work and can come with complications (neighborhood noise ordinances, for instance), it can also pay off big time: a DIY backyard wedding can cost one fifth the amount of a typical wedding and reception!

So what do you think - would you save some moolah by having your wedding at home? Or would you rather go all out with a swanky ballroom affair? Maybe you're somewhere in the middle? Let us know in the comments!

Pulling Off Pink

Once upon a time I promised you, dear readers, a monthly blog post on how to style a wedding around a particular inspiration or theme. Well... suffice it to say, that didn't happen. So this time around, I make no promises. But I do have an inspiration board ready for you! Feast your eyes on what I've dubbed "Pulling Off Pink."

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To be honest I'm not a lover of pink so this was a challenge for me. But I like the idea of using pink with a vintage and/or modern twist. For example, aren't those Jackie O. style bridesmaid dresses to-die-for? And those pink chair covers are so romantic. I really like the idea of hanging chandeliers everywhere, and maybe accenting your pink with blue, yellow, black & white, or gray. Especially gray!

Of course, you can also use pink in your invitations, table signs & centerpieces, escort cards, the groom's & groomsmen's ties, and more. As always, the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination. If you have any unique "pink" ideas to share, let us know in the comments!

When Will You Have Your "First Look"?

An age-old wedding superstition is that on the wedding day, if the bride and groom see each other before the wedding ceremony, it's bad luck. Many couples today pay homage to this superstition by finding a loop hole - instead of the big reveal happening at the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom have an intimate "First Look" moment during the day, sometime before the ceremony.

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Reasons to wait until the ceremony to see your betrothed are obvious... the romance, the suspense, the anticipation! But logistically it might be better to have an intimate moment with your future spouse before the wedding, due to time constraints, or to give you and your wedding party more opportunities for pictures. And to just have a moment to yourselves before all the craziness starts.

What do you think? Would you (or did you) wait until the wedding ceremony to see your spouse-to-be? Or are you in favor of a "first look" session?

Would you register for your honeymoon?

A trend I've heard about on and off for a while now is registering for your honeymoon. That's right - in lieu of or in addition to a traditional gift registry, couples are listing their honeymoon as an item guests can donate money towards.



Would you do it? Or do you think it's tacky? Here are a few websites that offer this service:

- honeyfund.com: "A honeymoon gift registry with no set up fees, no transaction fees, and no travel purchase required."

- buy-our-honeymoon.com: You set up your honeymoon and the activities you want to experience while traveling, and assign a gift price to each activity. Guests can then pick what they want to purchase for you.

- sendusoff.com: Works similarly to the buy-our-honeymoon site. They also provide email notifications to your wedding guests, and travel suggestions for you and your spouse.

So what do you think? Is a honeymoon registry a must-have for the modern couple, or a major faux pas? Sound off in the comments!

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Bridesmaid Dresses: Love 'Em or Leave 'Em?

Have you ever seen the movie 27 Dresses? It's probably one of my favorite chick flicks, right up there with Sixteen Candles and How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days. Then again, maybe I just have a thing for movies with numbers in the title.

I desperately need to clean out my closet and I got to thinking about my bridesmaid dresses. There's one that I actually shortened and wore again, but the others are unmistakably bridesmaid dresses and I'd feel silly wearing them anywhere now. Granted, my situation is far from this madness...




I especially love the moments at 1:59 (Gone with the Wind), 2:52 ("Men wore dresses, women wore suits"), and 3:15 (LA wedding). But at 3:51 in this clip, when Katherine Heigl's character Jane talks about how each dress bring back memories of great times she had with her friends, I have to agree. I know I'll still have the memories regardless of whether or not the dress is taking up space in my closet. But for me, it's somewhat difficult to let go.

What about you, do you still have your old bridesmaid dresses? Did you ever have to wear anything crazy as a bridesmaid, like that cowgirl outfit for instance? And most importantly - have you ever been to a Gone with the Wind wedding? Let us know in the comments!

Veil-Less Looks

Maybe your wedding is more casual, maybe your bridal up-do is going to be a hair masterpiece, maybe the idea of a piece of gausy fabric hanging off your hair weirds you out. Regardless of your reasoning, here are some hairstyles that would look great - and still bridal - without a veil.

Headbands:
Great for short hair especially! Since brides-to-be sometimes have trouble being creative with their cropped locks, a headband is an excellent solution. And of course, you can use a headband to dress up just about any hairstyle.

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Cute!

Flowers:
Adorning your 'do with fresh flowers is oh-so-chic, don't you think? I just love the relaxed, beach-y look below.

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A gardenia is also a classic, gorgeous flower many brides use. This bride's style is gorgeous, especially with her blue-hued dress.

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Plus, gardenias are so fragrant that your groom will always remember the way you smelled when he kissed you on your wedding day. Now is that romantic or what?

Tiaras:
Want to guarantee that you'll feel like a princess on your wedding day? Wear a tiara!

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Like the headband, this can be integrated into practically any hair style, and can be worn alone or in addition to a veil.

Also, be sure to check out another Bustle Event blog post on hair accessories for more ideas.

Bustle Wedding - The Meyers

Who: Emily Reid & Jack Meyer

What: Month-of Coordination by Bustle Event Design

Where: St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church & Oak Hill Mansion

When: Saturday, August 21, 2010

Overview:
Emily and Jack met in high school - my high school, to be exact! Emily and I were in the same graduating class at Cathedral High School (Indianapolis, Indiana), while Jack was one grade above us. I was extremely honored when Emily hired me as her month-of wedding coordinator. Emily was the perfect bride. Laid-back and caring... she focused on what was really important: marrying her sweetheart (and not freaking out over tulle and place cards). Emily's family was amazing to work with, as well. Correction: Emily's family was INCREDIBLE to work with! The Reid family is so kind and supportive. The Meyer family is just as great. Emily & Jack are so lucky!

Some pics (by SB Childs Photography - lovelovelove their style):



















































































Can I just say - What a crazy bridal party!!! These ladies and gents were the life of the party. Not a dull moment to be had. :)

[All photos credited to SB Childs Photography]

Vendors:
Ceremony - St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church
Photographers - SB Childs Photography
Reception & Catering - Oak Hill Mansion
Wedding coordination - Lindsey & Emily, Bustle Event Design
Shuttle bus transportation - Carey Limousine
Wedding cake - Classic Cakes
Floral - Posh Petals
DJ - Event1 DJs

To-Die-For Frocks

As an unmarried person who adores weddings and all that comes with getting married, the idea of wedding dress shopping both intrigues me and freaks me out.... a lot. Sure, I've had many friends find The Perfect Dress. I've watched Say Yes To The Dress plenty of times, and have yelled at the bride on TV because why can't she understand that the first dress she tried on was THE ONE!?! ...or, you know, whatever.

But then I saw these awe-inspiring dresses from Quail Bridal. How cool is this Parisian Gown?


The peony chiffon skirt detaches! I have only one word for my feelings about this: Love.

Quail also has some stellar bridesmaid dresses. And I'm not talking about the kind you can shorten and wear again. I'm talking about the kind you can just wear.

What about you readers, any wedding dress shopping secrets you want to share?

Let's Talk Veils

Hello, readers! It's been a while since my last post - almost a month! Now that I'm back from my summer blogging vacation, I'm getting down to business. Time to talk about veil trends for 2010-2011! There are so many styles out there and I love how each one can really set off whatever particular look you want to achieve.

Let's start off with my personal favorite, the birdcage veil.

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This veil can be worn with practically any dress style, from vintage to modern. It's best to wear your birdcage veil with a low up-do, but as long as you have a talented hair stylist anything is possible. I love this look anchored with a jeweled hair clip or dramatic feathered hair accessory. You could even wear it with a vintage-inspired hat! I'm in love.

If you want to go for a traditional mid-length veil, you should look for a veil between 20 and 30 inches in length... in other words, anywhere from your shoulders to your fingertips. What length you choose can depend on anything from your height to your dress style. Since these veils can be worn in a variety of ways (high on the head, low on the head, over the shoulders, etc.), many veils come with embroidered edges. So pretty!

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Next let's discuss long veils. There are two main types: Cathedral length veils are are typically floor length, and Regal length veils are around 10-12 feet, or even longer. (Note: I've found some variation on the names of these veils, but you get the idea.) This style veil is oh-so-elegant and great if you want to heighten the romantic look of your dress.


As you can see from this image, courtesy of Scarlett Lillian Photography, a these looong veils can really add some drama to your wedding day - in a good way! They are best worn with a dress that has a train, and make sure you have a plan for how you want to look at your wedding reception, since long veils can get in the way of dancing and all the other wedding activities you'll be doing.

Short, architectural veils are an interesting trend and the styling is across the board from traditional like this:


...to an Avant-garde look, like this:


Often called "bubble veils," this style isn't for the faint of heart, but I love how even a small bubble veil adds some oomph to any look.

What about you, readers? Did I leave out your favorite veil style? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned for a future post on veil-less bridal looks.

History of the Wedding Dress

This is not going to be as boring as it seems because this brief wedding history is going to be presented in pictures!

To start things off, here's replica of a 1799 wedding dress.


Back in the day, i.e. the late 1700s, it was common for brides to wear gowns in practically any color. This was true especially for brides in the middle and lower classes, mainly because of the cost of a formal dress. So the young maiden lucky enough to wear a dress like the one above probably came from some serious moo-lah.

It was actually Queen Victoria who changed the game, wearing a white satin dress in 1840. Check her out:


Not my style but apparently it was all the rage at the time.

Meanwhile in America, the 1860s brought the Civil War (known by Southerners like my former history teacher as "The War of Northern Aggression") and dresses like this. Imagine wearing one of those for a June wedding... I do declare!

Luckily, the turn of the 20th century brought the beginning of today's silhouettes. From the various websites I've read, it seems like a full-length white gown became the norm around the 1930s.

Here's an adorable vintage wedding photo from the 1940s:

How romantic! And I love the woman in the background in her striped suit and hat.

The 1950s saw a lot of ballerina length and tea length dresses:

Then the 1980s brought the wedding of Prince Charles to Princess Di...


And that brings us (roughly) to today's wedding dresses.

Modern dresses have a lot of embellishments and asymmetrical necklines, so it will be interesting to see if that trend continues in decades to come.

To Choreograph… Or Not To Choreograph?

The words "traditional wedding" are used together less and less often these days. Extra steps (pun intended) are taken by the bride, groom, and wedding planner to ensure that the ceremony and reception reflect the couple's journey to marriage, not to mention their unique personalities.

One tradition that is rarely - if ever - overlooked is the bride and groom's first dance as a married couple. Many newlyweds are taking their killer moves to the next level, opting for an all-out choreographed affair rather than a romantic slow dance. Check out this "Evolution of Dance" spin-off:



How fun is that?! I think it's so cool that the bride and groom are totally letting loose and having a blast. More and more couples are taking dancing lessons prior to their wedding, even if it's just to make sure they can do something other than sway side to side. What do you think? Would you (or did you) choreograph a dance with your groom, or even your wedding party? Did you do it yourselves, or take lessons? Give us all the details in the comments!

How To Handle A Diva Bride (And How Not To Be One!) - Part II

It's time for Part II of our spotlight on Diva brides!

Dealing with a Diva bride - commonly known as "Bridezilla" - can be a sticky situation, made all the more uncomfortable if the bride is a close friend or family member. So how do you put up with the bride's Diva ways, and is it possible to put her in her place without destroying your friendship? Glad you asked.

What do do if you're the friend/bridesmaid/co-worker:
- If you aren't a part of the wedding party, sometimes it's good to simply provide a listening ear and nod empathetically. Any normal girl can seem like a Diva bride if all she needs is a lunchtime venting session. However, if these lunchtime venting sessions turn into a daily ritual, maybe it's best to avoid her until she returns from her honeymoon, tan and in newlywedded bliss.

- If you are a part of the wedding party and the Diva bride's Diva-ness is directly affecting you, perhaps it's time to take some subtle action. Here's one idea. Take the Diva bride out for a cup of coffee. Bring your laptop or a notebook. As you enjoy your lattes, you and the bride can make a checklist of what needs to be done and by when. Let her vent, then subtly suggest some ways she might navigate through a few of her challenges.

- Another helpful hint: if you make a suggestion to a stressed-out Diva bride, try disguising your advice as a question. For example- No: "Just pick out a caterer already!" Yes: "You need to select a caterer? What are your options? Do you want to make a pro/con list?" Questions instead of instructions or suggestions will make the bride less defensive. Often, a Diva bride simply needs to know that someone's in her corner.

- If all else fails, forget subtlety and buy her an early wedding gift.

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How To Handle A Diva Bride (And How Not To Be One!) - Part I

We've all experienced it... whether as a bridesmaid, a co-worker, or just a quiet observer - the Diva bride. Commonly referred to as "Bridezilla," the Diva bride is said to roam city streets, yelling at cake decorators and photographers, leaving a trail of trampled bridesmaids in her wake.

What do you do if you stumble upon a Diva bride - and happen to be a member of her wedding party? What if you hear someone yelling into her cell phone about how all her friends MUST attend her bachelorette party in Las Vegas NO MATTER WHAT, YES EVEN THE PREGNANT ONE, and when you glance over at her, it's your reflection staring back at you?

Perhaps some stress-relieving tips are in order to keep the upcoming wedding day, be it yours or your best friend's, in perspective.

Part I: If you're the bride...
- Consider hiring a wedding planner. Coming from an event-planning blog, I realize this is biased advice. But a wedding planner or at least a "day of" consultant can handle the details of your wedding day without breaking a sweat. This can really take some weight off of your shoulders. If a wedding planner isn't in your budget, ask a reliable friend (who isn't part of your wedding party) to follow up on the most important day-of details, like the caterer and deejay.

- Be as organized as possible. Whether this means making a checklist using a wedding website or downloading a wedding planning app to your phone, knowing what lies ahead will make for a smoother ride.

- While we're talking organization, here's a good way to make sure you stay on schedule: mark your wedding date in your calendar then move backwards, marking all the important milestones as you go. By important milestones I mean your bachelorette party and bridal shower, along with booking your reception venue, hotel rooms, travel arrangements, and more. I use this strategy for deadlines at work, too.

- This is easier said than done, but try to put yourself in the other person's shoes if something isn't going your way. If a friend can't afford to attend your bachelorette party, if your kooky aunt insists on bringing her equally kooky "friend" Richard, if you hear a rumor about your bridesmaids wanting to throw you off a cliff - take 30 seconds to consider the situation from the other person's perspective before blowing up.

More to come on this topic in Part II of our spotlight on Diva brides. Stay tuned!

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Welcoming Out-of-Town Wedding Guests

Any bride knows that guests will often travel far and wide to witness your big day and the fun that goes with it. As the bride, you're also playing hostess to your wedding guests. So, how do you make your out-of-town guests feel welcome?

- Create a wedding website listing all the important information - the day and time you plan to tie the knot, the location of your ceremony and reception, and registry information. When you send out your Save the Dates, include your website with your other wedding information. This will appease all your guests, not just the out-of-towners!

- On your wedding website, create a section specifically for out-of-town guests where you can suggest hotels, restaurants, and even tourist activities around your city. If you've blocked rooms at a particular hotel for your wedding weekend, be sure to include this information as well.

- Create "welcome packets" for those staying in a hotel - you can enlist your bridesmaids to help assemble and distribute them. Some ideas of what to throw in: a pocket-sized city guide, a gift card (think $5/person) to a local coffee shop, a list of your favorite restaurants & the location of each, and perhaps a snack like some homemade chocolate chip cookies. You could throw everything into an adorable bag, like this one!

Wouldn't you love to check into your hotel and receive this cute packet upon arrival? What a great way to let your guests know that you're glad they're a part of your wedding.

- In your wedding program, write a special "thank you note" to all of your guests, making special mention of those who traveled long distances to be there.

The most impactful thing you can do is personally greet your out-of-town guests either at your wedding or reception. After all, they've come to see you, so make sure they do just that!

Make Green a Part of Your Wedding

We're not talking about the color green - although I once attended a green & white wedding that just looked so fresh - we're talking about having a Green mindset! A hot topic for today's bride is how to have an eco-friendly wedding without busting your budget. With that in mind, here are a few easy ways for you to save two kinds of Green!

-Use postcards as RSVP reply cards in your invitations, instead of a card that goes into an envelope. Less paper used and less money spent! And be sure to check out our past blog post on wedding invitations made from recycled materials.

-At your rehearsal dinner and wedding reception, make sure guests can put empty bottles in recyclable containers instead of in the trash.

-Make a statement by honeymooning at a solar powered resort.

-Consider having your wedding and reception at one venue. You won't have to worry about (or pay for) transportation for your wedding party, and think of the carbon emissions saved if your guests aren't driving their cars from one place to another.

Case in point: Last summer I attended the wedding of two college friends at the Metropolis Ballroom in Arlington Heights, IL. It was a gorgeous-beyond-belief wedding, and the transformation of the event space from ceremony to reception was incredible.


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-Flowers are pretty much a given in any wedding, but consider flower-free centerpieces for your reception. We did a blog post on centerpieces a while back that might help you brainstorm. I also love the idea of filling apothecary vases with colorful stones, mirror balls, or even tissue paper (which you can recycle later). And if you have to purchase centerpieces, you can sell them on e-bay or craigslist.

Do you have any other Green wedding ideas we haven't mentioned? Tell us below in the comments!

Would you film your wedding and reception?

Ask any bride and she'll tell you that your wedding day goes by in a blur. Hopefully those little moments that make the day special will always stand out in your mind - seeing your groom for the first time that day, how you felt when you heard "you may kiss the bride," hugging your best friend at your wedding reception.



Filming your wedding day would certainly go a long way in capturing all the moments and details that made your day unique. Case in point: Check out this amazing video from Elysium Productions ~

Erin & TJ's Same Day Edit from St. Regis, Monarch Beach from Elysium Productions on Vimeo.

If it was in my budget, I'd certainly want my wedding day captured on film. Would you?

What to Wear to a Wedding: Decoding Dress Codes

The appropriate outfit to wear to a wedding can be a confusing issue. While many wedding invitations don't specify the attire of their guests, some do. With anything from "cocktail attire" to "black tie optional" penned on the invitation (or implied by the bride), it's sometimes hard to know what the fashion expectations are for a wedding. So, here are some suggestions to make your decision a little easier.

If the invitation says...

Business Attire: Another way to say this is Smart Casual. For men, this would mean slacks and a sport coat with a collared shirt and tie. Suits are fine as well. For women, a sheath dress is ideal, and you could liven it up with some fun accessories. These types of outfits are great for a wedding in the late morning or early afternoon.

Cocktail Attire: For men, a dark suit. For women, a short (think knee, not thigh) but formal dress is appropriate. Basically the same as Semi-Formal Attire, this is for a wedding occurring after 5 PM.
Black Tie: Other forms of this might say Black Tie Optional or Black Tie Invited. If it's optional, this gives men the opportunity to wear tuxedos (or formal suits), while women wear anything from cocktail dresses to evening gowns. If "optional" isn't part of the dress code, it's best to be overdressed rather than undressed in my opinion.
Do you have any dress code questions that we haven't answered? Let us know in the comments!

{Special thanks to Polyvore for helping me create the looks you see here.}