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

Set of lace thank you labels/tags from DIY Bridal Files (coordinates with Avery 2.5 circle labels) Click here to download!

Coral Orange Wedding Inspiration

Refreshing Papaya Flower Cocktail Recipe:

Ingredients:
1 lime wedge
1 teaspoon granulated sugar, plus more to taste
1 ounce fresh lime juice, or to taste
2 ounces white rum
1 ounce coconut rum
3/4 cup chopped papaya
1 cup ice cubes
2 pieces star fruit, for garnish

Directions:
Rub the rims of two chilled margarita or cocktail glasses with the wedge of lime. Pour a teaspoon of granulated sugar onto a plate, and press the rims of the glasses into it, turning gently until the rims are evenly coated. Shake off excess. Combine the remaining ingredients, except for the star fruit, in a blender. Process until smooth. Taste and add sugar as desired. Pour into the prepared glasses. Garnish with the star fruit and serve.

Source:
Recipe from Calypso Coolers by Arlen Gargagliano. Buy the book!

I recently attended a home party, featuring Jewelry Designs by Stella & Dot. I wasn't sure what to expect... I happen to not usually be a fan of the home shopping parties, only because i don't like making people feel pressured to buy (even though i happen to be a mary kay consultant - which i love! i just am not a fan of pressuring). Anyway, I attended the party and immediately fell for all the cute jewelry and accessories from Stella & Dot! From their fabulous display, incredible products, and right down to their adorable packaging!! I just had to share this fantastic find with all my Brides out there; be sure to check out the Stella & Dot Website where you can order online! Thanks to my cousin Sarah (the hostess) and the oh so wonderful Stella & Dot Stylist: Michelle Bouras for turning me on to Stella & Dot!

There are so many on trend pieces in their current collection that are just perfect for your wedding day look. I even purchased myself the "Glint Flower CZ Earings" that were recently featured in InStyle Weddings Magazine (I've already gotten so many compliments already)!! Check them out here:

I think this incredible pearl and metallic necklace below would be so amazing paired with a strapless gown and some simple earings and this timeless bracelette below - what a stunning look!

If your interested in hosting a Stella & Dot Party, contact:
Stella & Dot Stylist: Michelle Bouras

Stylist ID: 106328
(mobile) 714-225-6106
stelladotmb@yahoo.com
website: www.stelladot.com/michelleb

I do have to say I am delighted to share this fabulous new vendor out on the Bridal Scene... Chinny Lulu Designs is a creative new Hair Accessory Designer with her store featured on Etsy! I am delighted to call Chinny my friend, she is sweet inside and out; and to top it off she is so talented!! Check out her new store featuring custom pieces for all (she has pieces for Modern Brides, Vintage Brides, Fun Bridal Parties, and pretty much any other occasion and style lovers)~ I just love how on trend each piece is, enjoy: