Often times the minute your beau pops the question and puts a ring on that left hand finger, many Brides to be have some type of urge to call all their gal pals up and shout "Guess what, I'M ENGAGED!" - some where in that same phone call, either the friend says "does this mean i'm going to be in your wedding?" or the bride out of excitement blurts out "will you be my maid of honor"?

The problem with this is that you've barely been engaged for a minute and have so much racing through your mind about "The Big Day", that you don't have enough time to give it deep thought as to which friends you'd want most to be standing by your side during your wedding ceremony, which friends are truly there for you when you need them to be, which friends can be financially able to contribute to throwing you a bachelorette party (if that would be expected of them), and which friends have the time to dedicate to you in attending fittings or appointments if you need assistance. Bottom line is, give yourself enough time to select friends to be in your Bridal Party (or for the Groom - his Groomsmen) that will genuinely be there to support you and that you will be able to look back on your wedding photos and be able to say your still friends!

Once you've taken the time to make your decision as to how many Bridesmaids & Groomsmen  you will have (as well as Maid of Honor/Best Man), then it is best to ask them to be part of your Bridal Party in a personal and special way! Sending a formal card in the mail as a special gesture to ask them the sweet question of honor is always appropriate (usually the minute they open it they'll end up calling you with loads of excitement and say "yes, I'll be your Bridesmaid" or if they know they have a busy year with a pregnancy or busy work load, they may unfortuantely decline - which is OK too)! Now days there are many creative Brides and Grooms who ask their close friends in extra special ways, such as: custom cookies or cupcakes that say "Will YOU Be My Maid of Honor?", send flowers to them at work with a special card. No matter what you do to ask them, make sure its polite, done in the right timing, and most of all be understanding if they let you know they are unfortunately unable to - trust me, I'm sure you'll have no problem thinking of another friend who would love to play a special role in your big day!

Here are some examples of specialized cards you can order to ask your close friends to be in your Wedding Party, from our Shop:

"Be My Bridesmaid Card" $4 + shipping (or 7 cards reg. $28, 10‰ off = Now $25 *includes shipping)
(Both cards come w/swarovski crystal & high quality iridescent silver envelope)

"Be My Bridesmaid Card?" & "Thanks Bridesmaid!" Card Set = $8 for the set of 2
(Both cards come with swarovski crystal & high quality iridescent silver envelope)

"Be My Groomsmen?" & "Thanks Groomsmen!" Card Set = $8 for set of 2 *also for individual sale $4
(Both cards come with swarovski crystal & high quality iridescent silver envelope)

Bouquet Card (with swarovski crystal & high quality iridescent silver envelope) $4

Weddings now days are becoming so much more creative... Having a Vintage Soda Shop is a great and unique way to entertain your guests in a memorable way! Take your guests back in time to the good ol' days when soda pop was served in glass bottles and savored ;) I recommend sticking with your color scheme and making that color pop (with soda pop). Here are some items you will need: Glass Bottled Soda Pop (Coca Cola, Pepsi, IZZE, etc), Beverage Tubs (filled with ice to chill your bottles), Bottle Openers, Colored Straws (stick with one color or multi-colored stripped straws), and a beautiful table display (some fun ways are to have a colored or patterend table cloth, or even using a cute cart to make a soda station). Check out the inspiring images and let the Fun Pop!

IZZE Soda Shop

One of my favorite recipe websites "Delish", recently posted a great article with expert wedding advice from Monique Lhuillier and I thought i'd share...

"Decide on a color 'story' and carry it through to the china, napkins, flowers, menu," suggests Lhuillier. She also suggests, "A printed menu on a napkin is a more modern look than a napkin ring — and shows you took the time to plan a wonderful meal." And flowers? Says Lhuillier, "Oh, I love an abundance! And lots and lots and lots of candles."

From the Monique Lhuillier Collection for Royal Doulton: Femme Fatale dinnerware and Atelier stemware and flatware; available at Bloomingdale's. Photo by Julie Toy

"A table should feel luxurious, which is not to say that everything has to be expensive — a mix of high and low can be scrumptious. But always use your best china. Life is short!" says Lhuillier.

Peacock, Deyrolle, Paris; all flowers by Krislyn Design. Photo by Julie Toy

Yes, that's a log! Lhuillier put flowers in carved-out birch: "I like integrating textures — more organic, more interesting." For a miniature version, try the 18" Sleeping Beauty, $250. Krislyn Design: 323-692-7862; krislyndesign.com."

I recently spoke with an Orange County, CA Bride (the oh so sweet Beth Dunkerly) who asked me for advice...

QUESTION: "How can I hang decorations if my venue has restrictions on using tape or any type of nails or adhesive to their walls or ceiling? I want to create a unique and warm feeling for our Reception, what should I do?"

ADVICE:
If your ceremony or reception has these type of restrictions, it is actually a good thing. They do this to keep their venue looking as best as possible so that future Brides like you don't have to deal with covering ugly marks on the wall or ceiling. In order to create the look you want while following the venues rules, there are many ways you can still create the the same look!

• Ceremony Ideas: If your ceremony location has these restrictions, you can bring in hanging decorations that are not attached to any of the venues structures. For example, you can bring in rentals such as an arbor, archway, gazebo, that you can hang florals and crystals from (by using clear fishing line). If the venue has an altar that is rod iron - you can also attach fishing line to hang things from and then completely remove them from the structure after your event. This type of tool does not leave any mark to the venues structure after your event! Also bringing in floral decor such as Manzanita Trees and hanging crystals from them look pretty amazing and can also be relocated to your recetion and used to decorate in 2 different venue locations.
• Reception Ideas: Using lighting is another great option that can be reflected on the interior/exterior walls or ceiling and can be either your wedding monogram or also a custom design (such as a floral pattern, damask, or even wording like your wedding date). You can also bring in items like the same wedding arch you used in your ceremony - with hung crystals, and re-use it in your reception design (it looks amazing when over/behind the sweetheart table or when used over/behind your round cake table). Also, if your venue has existing beams, you can hang lanterns, crystals, or florals from these beams to feature decor above all the tables by using clear fishing line, yet again (pretty much one of the best resources)!

Presentation
Color scheme: Your color sceme should deflinitely match the over all color palette you are using in your wedding. Wedding colors aren’t just for the flowers and bridesmaids dresses! Take advantage of the colors of your chosen palette: Enhance your candy table’s presence by tying together to your ceremony to your reception.

Simple, easy tips to help you set a pretty table!
Great advice from HWM