Maid of Honor Duties ~ Wedding Question Wednesday

Today our question comes from Tina over at (Florida) Girl With A New Life

 

Question: I just got picked to be Maid of Honor. So what are my most important duties?

 

Answer: Tina this is a GREAT question! There are so many opinions on what the Maid of Honors actual duties are. I believe the number 1 duty is to be there for the bride. There will be times through all the planning that there is no one for her to turn to to complain, nag or boss around, and she will turn to you, her #1 gal pal.  Remember to not to take things personally.  Brides put themselves under so much (unnecessary) stress. Be there to help guide her, keep her organize, and most of all help keep her grounded. 

Here is a more accurate list of Modern Day Duties of the Maid (or Matron) of Honor:

Pre-Wedding:

• Plan/help plan the shower, and, if the bride wants one, a bachelorette party. If the bride has an involved mom and/or sister, coordinate with them on dates
• Dress shopping!! Go with the bride to look for her gown, and help shop for the bridesmaids’ dresses
• Be sure all brides maids have scheduled dress fittings, and are all aware of required attire (this includes hair and make up)
•  Be in attendance for all prewedding parties (if you are local to the bride and groom)
• Help arrange hotels if needed for the bridal party
• Let others in the bridal party know where and when pre wedding events are (rehearsal)
• Help address invitations if necessary
• Lend a hand in scouting venues, caters etc. if asked
• Help keep the Mother of the Bride informed as to what current happenings are (this is if the bride is forgetful)
• Help dress the bride
• Be sure to have a bridal day emergency kit on hand
• Help with last minute wedding to do lists

During the Wedding:

• Arrange the bride's train and veil before the ceremony begins and if necessary while at the altar, hold flowers if necessary, and help bustle the brides gown before the reception
• Keeper of the groom's ring during the ceremony (I usually place it on my thumb)
• Carry tissue in case it is needed
• Be an extra set of eyes to be sure all is set up to the brides specifications
• Be sure all attendants receive their flowers

 Reception:

• Sign the marriage license with the best man
• Play hostess (as well as with the other bridesmaids) at the reception by helping seat guests, usher where gifts can be placed, and where they can sign the guest book.
• Toast the new couple
• Help the parents of the couple get the gifts home from the ceremony
• Be sure the cards to the couple are kept safe
• Keep the guest line moving, and collect the money if they are having a money dance

To learn more about wedding etiquette, Check out this great little book by Holly Lefevre, "The Everything Wedding Etiquette Book: From invites to thank you notes - All you need to handle even the stickiest situations with ease" you can visit Holly at her web site.

 

Here are some other sites to check out:

http://www.bridesmaid101.com/maid_of_honor_duties.html
http://www.themaidofhonorguide.com/
RealSimple Check list

*hugs*
Denice
Photo credit: Me & Holly Lefevre

Wedding Question Wednesday ~ Bridesmaid Dress Drama

Our question this week comes from Emily (scribbles from emily):

Question: I let my bridesmaids pick out their dresses, and they can't agree on anything. Well, except that they don't like whatever I suggest. The deadline for ordering dresses is coming up, what should I do?

Answer:  Wow Emily, you are a nice bride! This is actually what a lot of brides are doing in today's weddings. One suggestion might be that YOU choose the color and style (short, long, sleeves or no sleeves) and leave the rest up to the ladies.

Give your bridesmaids simple guidelines, yet freedom at the same time.  By doing this, you will not only let them find a dress that they are comfortable in, but also that they will fee confident in wearing. This helps you to have fantastic photos!

Make sure you have an "alternate" dress chosen, at a reasonable price so that if someone is unable to find something they like, they have to take the alternate to be in the wedding. This ensures that all dresses are ordered on time.

Many bridal stores are even getting in on this idea. They are offering lots of dresses, in lots of styles all in the same color pallet so they match. Check out David's Bridal and Alfred Anglo.  I know they both cater to this since I have recently used both of them!

One of our close friends and recent bride Millie, did this.  She had a Beach wedding in San Diego and a large amount of bridesmaids.  She gave them the specifications of color (black) and style (short).  Millie also let them choose their own shoes as long as they were 1) Fabulous and 2) yellow.  Here is a shot form her wedding:

Also check out our last post on Bridesmaids and Dress shopping.

Hope this helps!

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit: Photography By Soozie

Book Review: The Everything Wedding Etiquette Book by Holly Lefevre

I want to introduce you to one of my new bloggy friends, her name is Holly Lefevre.  I met this fabulous woman through two of her blogs, Hip Weddings, and 504 Main.  I fell in love with her posts, they were always full of such great ideas and information.  After reading her blogs for a while, I learned that she is the author of a great book called The Everything Wedding Etiquette Book.  I am a HUGE fan of etiquette (my other favorite bloggy friends is Etiquette with Miss Janice), so I was immediately intrigued!

Holly was nice enough to send me her book.  I read it cover to cover in one night, it is a very easy read, and FULL of great information.  Etiquette is something that people do not spend enough time on these days, so Holly is making it VERY easy for you to stay in line.  She was even gracious enough to answer a few questions for me.  So, without further ado...

Why did you decide to write an etiquette book?

It actually found me. I was working on another wedding project, when this opportunity came along. The other project was not moving along as quickly as I liked so I jumped at the chance to write something for the Everything series. There is a lot of wedding information out there, but I truly enjoy being able to provide advice that is real and honest - weddings are amazing but not always fun and "hearts and flowers" - there is real emotion and problems involved too. I had also been a speaker at bridal shows for years, covering planning design, and etiquette, so this was a natural progression.

How long did it take you to write the book?

If I recall the whole process was only about 3-4 months. Since this book is part of the Everything Series, there had been previous editions. I was not starting from scratch, but rather updating and rearranging a previous edition, which in some ways is a lot easier than starting from scratch, and other ways not. While I had the basic premise and a lot of viable information already, it was up to me to update the book with new etiquette questions and standards, to make the book my own, and to make it fit withe the series of books.

 

What is your favorite section of the book?

Tough one - they are all my favorites in different ways and for different reasons. I think I like The Business of Being A Bride. So many brides do not realize what it takes to pull a wedding - as they envisions weddings to be - off. I strive to be realistic in my advice and answers. I want them to understand this is a business for the vendors and for them, for two reasons...I do not believe in negotiating anyone to death or manipulating anyone into a price or service they cannot afford...this is both for the vendors and the brides. I want brides to realize help is out there in the form of a wedding planner or by involving your groom or family members. As much as I wish everyone would hire a wedding planner, I know this is not going to happen, so I really want to educate brides.

Which etiquette standard is ignored the most by brides, or grooms?

The one etiquette standard I see brides wanting to wiggle on all the time is not having the guests pay for anything. Too many times, to save money they want to have a cash bar or have the guests pay for their own valet parking. No, no, no! If you cannot afford it do not do it. Plan a wedding within your means.

I once worked with a couple who married at a major luxury hotel. They thought food was of the utmost importance (which it is to a degree). They had 10 different hor d'oeuvres and paid over $10,000 for their cocktail hour and then refused to pick up the valet parking (the only parking available without having to walk a number of blocks) bill of $10.00 per car. The hotel was even advising against this amount of hors d'oeuvres and they refused to listen. As a planner you can only do so much. Couples should also learn to trust the experts they hire and are working with.

Overall I say being gracious goes a long way. I was fortunate to work with mainly wonderful, kind brides, but I have also worked with my share of diva brides. The guests are paying the bride and groom an honor by coming to the wedding, as the bride/groom is honoring them with the invitation. This extends from beginning the ceremony on time and not making the guests wait for an unreasonable amount of time to planning your timeline so that guests are not left waiting for 2 hours for dinner to begin after the ceremony to playing appropriate music at the appropriate times of the reception.

 

Some of my Favorite Holly posts:
~ A Gracious Bride Knows
~ What's A Mother To Do?
~ True or False...The Mom's Must Match?

THANK YOU Holly for writing this book. I hope future brides realize how important it is, and read it! If you are interested in buying Holly's book, check out Amazon.
 
*hugs*
Denice
 
Photo Credit: http://hipweddings.blogspot.com/

Last Minute Wedding "To Do" List

The last few weeks leading up to your wedding can be hectic.  Making sure everything is done, is enough to cause you (the bride), your mother, sister, best friend, soon to be mother in law, sister in law, father, dog, cat etc. to have insomnia! Trying to get every detail completed is complicated and almost impossible. That's because it takes a TEAM!

Here is a list that we have come up with to help you in your last minute planning frenzy.

1) Contact local and nearby hotels and reserve blocks of rooms for your guests. This help them by getting a discount rate.

2) Make sure you use the restroom BEFORE you put your dress on!! This goers for all members of the Bridal party!

3) Have the bridesmaids help keep the Mother of the Bride and Bride in the room out of sight of guests.

4) Draw out and list the details for your table set up, this includes: the gift table, cake table, guestbook table, bridal tables, reserved tables, guest tables, children's tables etc.

5) If there is to be water/wine/campaign in the glasses, be sure someone knows so they can notify the on site planner if this is not done.

6) Designate someone to hand out all the flowers- make sure they know who is to have them.

7) Create a photo shoot list of all the photos you (and your families) would like taken. Most likely your photographer will do this with you. Soozie, owner and photographer form Photography By Soozie,  is a great resource and fabulous photographer, check her out!

8) Be sure your Maid of Honor helps you get your garter on.

9) Designate someone to help pack up left over giveaways that were on the tables.

10) Designate someone to help gather up all the decorations that belong to you, and pack them up.

11) Designate someone to gather all of your gifts and cards, and load them into a car.

12) Make sure you notify the on site wedding planner to pack up any left over cake, and leave it with your parents (or another trusted person).

Do you have any suggestions we might have left out?
PLEASE share!!!

We hope it helps!

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit: Photography By Soozie

To Tan or Not To Tan?

I was in a wedding this past May. All of you who know me, know that I am almost see through I am so white.  I avoid the sun at all cost, and when I am in it, I am usually coated in 30+ sunscreen.  So, knowing that I had to wear a strapless dress, that was bright shamrock green, I was NERVOUS!!!

I began researching different tanning methods.  Self tanner...No, Tanning Beds...No, Airbrushed Tan...Maybe, Mystic Spray Tan...Maybe, and last but not least, the Instant Spray Self-Tanners...Maybe.

I tried the spray yourself tanner and let me tell you, it was hilarious!  I was so orange and streaky.  It was not going to work.  Then I looked in to the professional Air Brushed Tan.  Man, is that EXPENSIVE!!! Maybe it would be ok, if I was not on such a strict budget, sooooo on to the next choice please...

That only left me the Mystic Tan.  I found one place local to my home and called for an appointment.  They were able to take me right away.  I went the Wednesday before the wedding. Yes, I know, I should have done a trial run before hand, but I was out of time!  I figured that if I went Wednesday, I would have plenty of time to scrub it off, need be. 

I was so surprised, it was not too bad at all. I got to the place, paid my $40 (that was for 3 sessions), and the nice girl (not a creepy guy) walked me through it.  I stepped in the booth, applied my lotion to the necessary places, took a deep breath, stood like a scare crow and pressed the button.  15 seconds sure is a long time when you are holding your breath! I repeated for the back side, got out, blotted and was on my way.

The after photo is 3 days after getting the tan

I was very surprised at how natural my tan was.  In no way did I feel like I looked orange (except in a few areas...my toes and hands).  I had SO many compliments (and a few jokes) on my new tan.  I guess people are just not used to seeing me with color.  I will DEFINITELY be using Mystic Tan again.  It was reasonable, and worked great. Check it out!

This is the day after getting the tan

Check out this link for some videos: Yes I Mystic
Click here to find a Mystic Tan near you
 
Good Luck! If you do tan, let me know how your experience was.
 
*hugs*
Denice
 
Photo Credit:
Myself
Mystic Tan Image: www.glowtanning.com/equipment.htm
Tanning Bed
L'Oreal Paris- Spray
Air brush Tan

Bridal Handbags By Laura Lee Designs

I have been blogging for a few years now, but just recently caught on to the twitter phenom.  I never really understood it, or had the time to "tweet".  Well, this year I made that my goal, and boy, am I glad I did!  Through Twitter, I have made some great connections, one being Laura Lee Designs. Laura Lee Designs handcrafts the best looking bags I have seen. They are super cute... SUPER CUTE I say!!   Their web site says it all:

"Laura Lee's handmade beaded handbags are a fusion of cultures, fabrics and trimmings discovered during her travels abroad. Stylishly appealing and refreshingly chic, each handbag is adorned with high quality satins and swirling patterns of Japanese beads. Colorful snakeskin and leathers compliment the intricate beading, adding a functional elegance to every handbag. Less an accessory and more a piece of wearable art, Laura Lee handbags capture your style and verve."

Well,  we have tweeted back and forth a bit and the individuals behind this brand are super nice. Laura Lee agreed to let me interview her!! (Exciting!!) So without further adoo, I introduce THE Laura Lee of Laura Lee Designs (LLD):

Denice: Is Laura Lee Designs a one-woman show, or is there a team behind it all?
Laura Lee: An excellent team is behind LLD! A manufacturing team in NYC, material and leather resource group in NYC,  A "photo-shop" Associate & NY Assistant, Washington D.C. Assistant, Graphic Artist and Advisory Board. LLD COULD NOT EXIST WITHOUT THIS FANTASTIC TEAM!

D: What inspired you to start your company?

LL: I was surrounded by brands while living overseas and hadn't seen anything unique or one-of-a-kind that showed a "personality". I had access to artisans that could help me with samples and felt if I didn't start with my small idea of a beaded bag, somebody else might take this idea and run with it...so I began the "journey" of Laura Lee Designs.

D: For Brides who have never heard of Laura Lee Designs, what is your single most important selling point of your Bridal Bag?

LL: The most distinct element that defines the "SOMETHING" BRIDAL BAG is the 4 pockets inside labeled "OLD-NEW-BORROWED-BLUE”.  little keepsakes can be put into each pocket by the Mother of the Bride or the Maid of honor.  These Bridal Bags come in ivory/silver and gold. Finally, they can be handed down to the next generation.  A sentimental gift indeed!

D: How did you develop the idea for the Bridal Bag and all its fabulous compartments?

LL: I was in a girlfriend's wedding when I started this line.  The day of the rehearsal she was panicked because she did not have anything that had the "SOMETHING"  themes and she thought it would be bad luck if she did not have something with the traditional necessities. Also, she could not find a decent bag to hold her mints, lip gloss and hanky.  All of the bridesmaids scrambled, and it made me think that there could be an incorporated item; finally I made the decision to come up with the Bridal Bag that would serve both of these needs.  The "SOMETHING" bag was created!!

D: When people request custom-designed Bridal Bags, what are their options?

LL: We currently do not do custom design Bridal bags, but we will do custom-colored bridesmaids handbags, but with a minimum of 6 bags required.

D: Summer is here, what is your “must-have” pick from your line?

LL: The clutches, especially the STEPPIN’ OUT with 3 straps: MAGENTA/CANADIAN BLUE AND GOLD. This one can be used wearing jeans or a little Spring/Summer dress!

D: Is there anything else that you would like our readers to know?

LL: There are some new lines that are coming out: OUR ALUMNI SERIES, currently featuring the VIRGINIA TECH BAG. Then in the fall; UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, TEXAS A&M and UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON.

Also, Next year we are looking forward to participating in the KENTUCKY DERBY, THE 167 YEAR OF "RUNNING WITH THE ROSES",  and finally, we are doing private label for companies such as ROLLER BAGS and TOTE BAGS.   In the pipeline: "RAIL" EQUESTRIAN SHIRTS FOR DRESSAGE/SHOWINGS and WHITE WEDDING BOOTS.   At LAURA LEE DESIGNS, we are always looking for ways to keep the brand and women fresh and unique!

 

Thanks Laura Lee!  I have to say, I love the M bag!! What's great about them is they come in virtually every color!

I hope you enjoyed this interview and getting to know Laura Lee Designs.  Should you want to contact them, here is their info: General inquiries: info@lauraleedesigns.com OR for PR info Lindsay: Lindsay@lauraleedesigns.com. OR, you can always go to their web site, blog, Twitter, or Facebook!

*hugs*

Denice

Photo Credits: Laura Lee Designs

Bridesmaid Dress Shopping

Yesterday I embarked on a journey with my sister in law, the Bride to be, to find the perfect bridesmaid dress. This my friends, is no simple task. There are THOUSANDS of dresses out there in hundreds of different colors, lengths, fabrics, styles etc.

So, how do you find that perfect dress? Here are some questions that the Bride needs to consider:

1) How many bridesmaids will I have?
This is important due to how your photos will look

2) What are the size ranges of my bridesmaids?
You need to know this because not every designer has a size "0" or plus sizes

3) What are the ages of my bridesmaids?
If you have younger bridesmaids (under age 16) you need to be sure the dress is age appropriate. Same goes if you have an older bridesmaid.

4) What are the budget restrictions of my bridesmaids?
Make sure that your bridesmaids can afford their dress, as well as accessories, shoes etc.

5) What are the skin tones and hair color of my bridesmaids?
A yellow dress may not look as nice on a pale bridesmaid as it does on a tanner one. Same with the hair, A hot pink dress may not flow as nicely on a bridesmaid with red hair as it does on one with Brown.

6) Do I want a dress that is cut/styled similar to mine?
Do you want it to match the style of your dress or look completely different?

7) Do I want a long dress or short dress?
Keep this question in mind when thinking of your bridesmaids. Will everyone have matching shoes to accompany a short dress? Is it an outside wedding? Consider the climate you are having in as well. A long dress will not go well with a hot, summer day!

8) Will my bridesmaids all wear the same dress?
Some prefer to have the bridesmaids all in the same color, but the style is left to the individual bridesmaid to choose. Some Brides also like their Maid of Honor to be in a different dress than the bridesmaids.

9) What is the season and time of my wedding?
This can be a huge factor in deciding color, length and fabric. Keep the dress in line with the climate and surroundings.

10)What color am I looking for?
Keep this in mind when choosing the colors and theme of your wedding. Make sure the colors you want are available!

Crazy you say? Well this is a shortened list. We could go into so much more detail! I know you are all thinking..."Is it really that difficult?" YES it is! Finding the perfect dress, and keeping your bridesmaids happy is important for wedding day bliss.

I know there are lots of you out there with bridesmaid dress horror stories, and we here at KDC Events would LOVE to hear about them and SEE THE PHOTOS!!! Send them to us at: Events@KDCEvents.com. We will feature your story and photos here!

*hugs*
Denice