No look is complete without...accessories!

Finding the perfect accessories to go with your bridal gown can be a difficult task. Some brides prefer to wear little or no jewelry or accessories, and others want to be completely "jacked up" as they say on Say "Yes" to the Dress: Atlanta. Here are few looks from Bel Aire Bridal that represent a few of trends I have seen lately.

Belts

Belts and sashes are a great way to add bling, color or detail to your dress. It also can be really flattering for those brides who want to accentuate their waists.

Hairpieces

Hairpieces are another great way to add a little bling to your look. These can be paired with a veil or worn in place of a veil.

Birdcage Veils 

Birdcage veils have been making a comeback lately. They go nicely with the popular "vintage" themes and are a nice alternative to a traditional veil if that isn't your style. 

Check out some other bridal accessories on my Pinterest board!

Six Months Out...What needs to get done.

Today marks six months until my wedding day...YIKES! I was just thinking through things that I need to be getting done and thought it would be nice to share some of those with you all. Here are five, of many, items I recommend checking off of your wedding to-do list at the six month mark.

1. Order Bridesmaid Dresses

If ordering bridesmaid dresses from a bridal store or another retailer where your dresses will be custom made, I've been told to order them around six months out from the wedding date. The dresses can take around four months to arrive and this gives you time to have the dresses fitted and altered if need be. More  tips on bridesmaid dresses can be found here!

2. Schedule a tasting with the caterer

I just received a letter from our venue/caterer that said we should be scheduling a tasting session in the next month or so. This is important because once you decide on the meal, you can be more aware of your budget. You can also then put the meal options or menu on the invites if you would like.

3. Start finalizing your list

It is now time to start finalizing your list so you have a more accurate idea of how many people are expected to attend. Most send out "Save the Dates" about four to five months in advance, so getting that list finalized is important.

4.  Order engagement Pictures

Engagement pictures should be ordered as soon as possible so that they  can be used for invites, "save the dates," and as possible decor at the wedding (i.e. on the guest book table, at the main entrance, etc.). Plus, this gives you time to enjoy your engagement photos before you get caught up in the wedding and honeymoon photos. Haven't taken engagement photos yet? Check this post out for more tips!

5. Book your honeymoon

In order to ensure you get the accommodations you prefer, it is recommended that you schedule your honeymoon at least 6 months in advance. More tips for planning your honeymoon can be found here!

Flowers Galore!

Choosing flowers for your wedding day is a fun, but sometimes difficult decision. Should I get real or silk? What color look best? Do I want a big bouquet or a smaller one? What kind of flowers are best during which season? So many questions! I'm no flower expert, I leave that up to HyVee Floral. However, I did find some pretty cool ideas on Pinterest (of course...where else would we find ideas?!) and I wanted to share them with you all! Whether you are wanting real or silk, these are ideas that would work with either option. Enjoy!

Spring Flowers

http://www.modwedding.com/2014/01/03/25-pretty-spring-wedding-flower-ideas/

http://storyboardwedding.com/vintage-travel-inspired-wedding-elmwood-gardens/

Winter Flowers

http://www.brides.com/wedding-ideas/wedding-flowers/2011/12/winter-wedding-flowers-winter-weddings#slide=1

http://www.100layercake.com/blog/2013/12/10/black-gold-art-deco-wedding-inspiration/

Summer Flowers

http://www.stylemepretty.com/australia-weddings/new-south-wales-au/2014/02/13/the-butterfactory-pyree-wedding/

http://www.stylemepretty.com/australia-weddings/western-australia-au/2014/03/07/summer-margaret-river-winery-wedding/

Autumn Flowers

http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/starry-nights-5-midnight-blue-color-palettes-wedding-day/

http://faulknersranch.blogspot.com/2013_09_01_archive.html

Honeymoon advice from a REAL travel advisor!

Planning a wedding is a huge process with a lot of details and steps to accomplish. It is easy to get wrapped up in planning the wedding and forget about what comes after the wedding...the honeymoon! If you are planning to take a trip for your honeymoon, let the experts help you out! As I have been communicating with our travel adviser to plan our honeymoon, I thought it would be great to share some of her advice with you all! I set up a little Q+A with Humble Travel's, Annie Humble-Gougler, and she was able to offer some great plans for planning your honeymoon. Check it out!

1. When do you recommend couples begin planning their honeymoon?

Couples typically begin planning their honeymoon between 6-12 months before they plan on traveling. It couple be more or less than that but generally speaking that is the average. 

2. What is the biggest mistake couples make when booking their honeymoon?  (i.e. overestimating budget, not checking reviews, booking too late/early, etc)

Some couples that book too late experience disappointment because they don’t get the hotel or room category they really want.  The honeymoon is that trip that all couples really remember and want to be really special because it’s not just another vacation. It is best to start early so that the couple knows how much money they will need to save for the honeymoon, ensure they get the best hotel and room category to meet their needs, and to get the best value. 

3. What are the three of the most popular honeymoon destinations for your clients. 

Our agency books many honeymoons to Mexico, Dominican Republic and Jamaica. These destinations are some of the top ones that offer all-inclusive and for a good price. Couples tend to get the most for their money in these destinations. For some couples that have already been to those areas and want something different we commonly send honeymooners to St Lucia or Costa Rica. Those two destinations are particularly great for those wanting more adventure.

4. Do you recommend all inclusive resorts over pay-as-you-go places? Why or why not?

Both options are great. It just depends upon what the couple is looking for and where they want to go. If a couple is budget conscience and wants to know exactly how much their trip will cost before they go then all-inclusive is definitely the best for them. However, if I have a client that tells me they love to explore and eat at local restaurants I would suggest a European Plan (no food included) hotel option for them. There are some destinations where almost all the hotels are all-inclusive. For example, Dominican Republic is a big all-inclusive destination. If honeymooners wanted to travel there but wanted to dine at local restaurants I would advise that this destination would not be the best option for them. There are many other islands out there that have lots of local dining options. 

5. What are some of the benefits of booking with a travel agency?

There are so many options out there….it’s a big world! By booking with an agency like, Humble Travel, honeymooners can tell us what type of experience they want and we do the work for them. They are already busy enough planning the wedding, so it really helps to have someone else planning the honeymoon. We help match the right destination, hotel, tours, flights, trip protection and more to our client. This is accomplished by collaborating with our clients to find out what they want their honeymoon trip to be like and the pros/cons of their past travel experiences. We have personal relationships with many different hotels and travel suppliers all over the world through our Virtuoso travel network membership. This has helped our clients get room upgrades at select properties or special in-room amenities while traveling. Plus, let’s face it sometimes things go don’t go perfectly. Sometimes the weather acts up or flights get delayed. Another added benefit is that we help our clients through these situations whether they are at the airport needing help or if they need assistance filing a trip protection claim when they get home.

I have some clients that came to me to book their honeymoon and have come back to me repeatedly to book other trips. We had a great relationship throughout the trip planning process and they really opened up to me about the things they loved and the things that could have been better. Their input has been so valuable because I have taken it into consideration when planning their new trips. Now they always come to me to book all their travel because I know what they like when traveling. This industry is truly about relationships.

I highly recommend Humble Travel. I have had a great experience thus far and have had many family members who have used their services as well.

Annie Humble-Gougler
Office Manager and Travel Advisor

DIY Centerpieces

A great way to personalize your wedding is by making unique centerpieces. I have found some great ideas on Pinterest for DIY centerpieces that are unique and cost effective using items that many of you already have in your cabinets or know people who do. Here are a few that I love.

Wine Bottles

http://www.weddingchicks.com/2014/09/15/rustically-romantic-wedding/

Mason Jars

http://www.adventuresofamiddlesister.com/2012/08/diy-mason-jar-luminaries.html

Glittery Vases

http://burnettsboards.com/2013/10/sweet-classic-wedding-diy-details/

For more ideas, check out my Pinterest boards! Do you have other plans for DIY centerpieces? Let me know in the comments section below.

Grooms...this one's for you!

I've talked about bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses, so now it's time to talk about the groom and his posse. Although much attention will be paid to the the brides beautiful gown and the colors of the bridesmaid dresses, the men in the wedding are just as important. Here are a couple different styles from Milroy's Tuxedos in Cedar Falls, Iowa that represent some looks I have seen for men.

The traditional tuxedo

There is something so charming and elegant about the traditional black white tuxedo with a bow tie. Although it may not be used as frequently, it is a great option for a very formal and elegant wedding.Want something besides black? Try a tan or grey version of this tuxedo to mix it up a bit!

Vests only

This look is becoming more and more popular, especially for those summer weddings where heat might be an issue. This look can still be very formal, but is a great way to get a more laid back if that's what you prefer.

Suspenders and ties

This is definitely a look for a fun and laid back groom and his groomsmen. It is a trendy and fun way to add some personality and still look very nice for the occasion. This is also another option that is great for summer weddings.

Do you have other ideas for the groom's apparel on his wedding day? Tell me in the comments section or by following me on Twitter!

3 Wedding Desserts That Are NOT Cake

The traditional wedding cake has always been a big part of the meal at weddings. There's the elaborately decorated cake and of course the "cutting of the cake" ritual. However, if cake isn't your thing, fear not! There are a lot of other options, and nothing says you HAVE to have cake at your wedding. Here are 3 different desserts I have had at recent weddings:

Ice Cream Sundae Bar

An ice cream sundae bar is a fun way to serve something sweet and unique that satisfies all ages, especially the kids! Toppings like cherries, strawberries, nuts, Oreo's, and of course chocolate and caramel syrups are the perfect addition to a scoop or two of ice cream.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/

Pie

Pies are becoming more and more popular at weddings. I have seen normal slices of pies and even some very cute mini pies  that each guest got to enjoy. One thing to consider when serving pies at a wedding is if you are serving cream pies of any sort you will need to have a way of keeping them cold until they are ready to be served. Of course the perfect combination with any pie is a scoop of ice cream!

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

S'mores

S'mores may be a traditional campfire dessert, but they are making their way into the wedding scene as well. Some have a campfire outside for guests to roast their marshmallows on and others have brought in small warmers. Both work just fine. It works best if you have a "kit" already prepared, complete with graham crackers, a marshmallow and a piece of chocolate. 

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Say "Yes" to the Dress: Not as easy as it sounds

The famous show on TLC, Say "Yes" to the Dress, shows how shopping for the dress you will wear on one of the biggest days of your life is quite the process. I used to work in a bridal shop and have been obsessed with weddings for as long as I can remember. When I got engaged this past May, I couldn't wait to finally get to shop for MY perfect dress. I quickly  found that, while it is indeed fun to try on beautiful gowns and accessories, it can be quite stressful when it comes down to making a decision. Here are a few tips I have for making the process go a little smoother.

Don't bring too many people

This is a tip I have heard frequently and I fully believe it. I know that some people really have great experiences with bringing a large group of friends/family, but more common than not I have seen that it goes much smoother with less people. The first time I went shopping was with just my mom. It was nice to try on things and not have too many opinions coming at me. Once I had narrowed down my decision to a couple dresses, then I wanted to have more opinions. The important thing to remember is that the most important opinion is your own, and even though others' opinions may help you decide, you may not agree with what others think is best for you. Bringing people who really know my style and personality was really helpful because it assured me that I was choosing the dress that would really be perfect for my big day.

Try on a lot of dresses and styles

Yes, I know that many will not agree with me on this. However, picking out your wedding dress is a once in a lifetime experience so I think you should make the most of it. Try on styles that you normally wouldn't, because you never know how you will feel once the dress is on. There are so many different styles and looks and it is fun to see the differences and to see what works and what does not. Here are a couple of styles from Allure Bridals that are very different, but all fun and beautiful in their own way.

The textured skirt

Lace, lace, lace...it's everywhere!

The ballgown

Go with your gut

It is nice to have others opinions at times, but when it comes down to it your opinion is the one that matters most. Don't let anyone sway you from what your gut feeling is. Many brides wait until they have an overwhelming feeling or emotions that tell them that they have found THE dress, but for some brides that doesn't come. It's important to know which dresses you felt the best in, go back and try those on again, and chances are you will know when you have found the one. It may not bring you to tears, but you will know when it is "your" dress. For me, I was deciding between two dress and was pretty stressed about it. I knew which dress was mine when I tried it on again and was immediately relieved of the stress I was feeling before.

Have fun and try not to stress too much. After all, picking your dress should be fun and exciting!

Oh! Don't forget to check out my "Wedding Dresses" board and follow me on Pinterest!

Three Things to Consider When Choosing Bridesmaid Dresses

Choosing your bridesmaid dresses is an important part of bringing your visions of your wedding day to life. Their dresses are most likely where your color pallet will be most evident. There are so many different options, but finding the dresses in the style and color your want at an affordable price is not always as easy as it seems. Here are the four biggest considerations I suggest focusing on when choosing dresses for your bridesmaids.

Style

It is a known fact that no two bodies are exactly alike. That being said, choosing a style of dress for your bridesmaids that will look good on everyone is very important. The last thing you want is for your bridesmaids to be uncomfortable or self-conscious about the dress you choose for them. 

One way to avoid this is by choosing the brand, fabric, color and length of the dresses and letting your bridesmaids choose the style. Some may prefer a strapless, fitted dress and others may prefer straps and a more flowy look. If you want your bridal party to look more uniform, then this may not be something you want to consider. If you like the idea of creating a subtle array of looks throughout your bridesmaids, this is a great way to accomplish that.

Here is one of my recent pins that shows a slight variety in the bridal party dresses.

Color

Finding the color you envision for your big day may not be as simple as you think. If you have a color that is not a common shade, you may want to start search for a brand that carries the color you have in mind before you fall in love with a dress that doesn't come in the right color. Also, when deciding on a color for your bridesmaids, you should consider the season the wedding is in. If it is a spring or summer wedding, you may want to consider brighter colors or colorful flowers. If it is a fall or winter wedding, neutral or darker colors are popular. Of course, there is no "rule" that says you can't do a certain color in a certain season, but you may want to consider this when thinking about the overall look and feel of your wedding.

Another issue might be that even though the colors may be called the same thing among various brands, it doesn't mean they are the same color.

For instance, I have been frantically searching for the "perfect" mint bridesmaid dresses. The MoriLee, lin of bridesmaid dresses have a mint that looks like this:

http://www.morilee.com/bridesmaids/bridesmaids/686

The Bill Levkoff mint looks like this:

http://www.billlevkoff.com/style/bridesmaid-dress/730

Be sure you ask for color swatches or visit a store that carries the dresses that you are considering or you may end up disappointed.

Price

Being in a wedding is not cheap and it is something that your wedding party is fully aware of when agreeing to be in the wedding. However, if you can lower the expenses for your wedding party as much as possible, it will make for a much smoother process. If your bridesmaids will be paying for their own dresses, I suggest choosing a dress that is a price that you would expect to pay if you were the bridesmaid. 

In some instances, the couple our their parents pay for the dresses. If cost isn't an issue, the possibilities are essentially endless. You still will want to consider the number of bridesmaids there are and how much of your budget will be spent on their dresses if you choose to pay for them.

Now go out and find your perfect bridesmaid dresses!

Engagement Photos 101

As the leaves start to change, it becomes a popular time for couples to do their engagement photo session. I am gearing up for my engagement session on Wednesday and thought I would share some of the advice that I have gotten from other couples, Pinterest, and my photographer.

When is the best time to take engagement photos?

This is really all about the preference of the couple. Fall seems to be a popular time for engagement pictures in the Midwest as the leaves begin to change and create the perfect natural backdrop for the session. Others prefer spring and summer with green grass and sunny skies as the setting for their engagement shoot. I have seen some do winter shoots with fun hats scarves, fluffy coats and lots of snow. It really does depend on the preference of the couple. However, I would recommend taking pictures at least 5-6 months before the wedding. This allows you to enjoy your engagement photos and use them for "save-the-dates," invites and/or programs for the wedding.

What the heck should we wear for engagement pictures?

Trust me, I know this is a daunting task. My fiance and I are getting our pictures taken in two days and we just figured out what we were wearing yesterday. Here are a few tips I have.

1. Don't wear obnoxious colors. They will take away from you and your fiance and they are...well... obnoxious.
2. Don't wear things that you wouldn't normally wear. Be yourselves.
3. Dress for the season. I wouldn't recommend a sundress in a winter session, or a sweater in a summer session. You get the point.
4. If you wear a pattern, your fiance should wear a solid or something pretty subtle. Likewise, if your fiance chooses a patterned shirt, you should choose something a bit more calm to balance out the outfits.
5. Don't bring your whole closet to the shoot. Two to three outfits is more than enough for the engagement shoot. Chances are, you are only going to order a few shots so it doesn't make sense to bring too many outfits. Plus, it is not convenient to be changing clothes every five minutes.

Where should we take engagement pictures?

This is another thing that totally depends on the preference of the couple. I would recommend choosing a location that fits your personality. It is also nice to choose a place that is meaningful to you two as a couple. If you are struggling to choose a location, ask your photographer. They are the expert and they know which places are good and which ones just don't work.

Here are some of my recent "pins" that I think are great examples of poses, locations and outfits that work well for engagement photos. Enjoy!

 

How to Choose a Reception Venue

Choosing a reception venue is a large task when planning your big day. There are a lot of things that need to be taken into consideration and it can be a bit overwhelming. For some, the reception will take place at the same place the ceremony will be and for others they will be at different locations. Here is a list of things that need to be taken into consideration when choosing a venue.

1. What is the cost and what is included in the cost?

Venues vary greatly in cost. Some may just include the rental of the room with nothing else included. Others may require a minimum amount that includes food, beverages and decor. Some venues will be a mixture of the two. It is important for you to decide what your priorities are and go from there when deciding what you are willing to pay.

2. How many people does it hold?

This is pretty self-explanatory. You need to make sure the venue will comfortably accommodate the number of guests that will be at your reception. On the flip side, renting a venue that accommodates 500 people when you only plan to have 150 guests doesn't make a lot of sense either.

3. What "look" are you going for?

The venue will play a huge role in creating the overall look and feel that you have envisioned for your wedding day. For instance, if you are going for an elegant, romantic feel, then a place like Park Place Events Center may be a great option for you.

 

If you envision mason jars, burlap, and an overall rustic and vintage feel, Bessie's Barn would be the perfect venue for you.

Whatever look you choose, having a venue that fits that idea will really help you to bring your visions and ideas to life!

4. Are there hotels or other lodging options nearby for guests?

Guests really appreciate having hotel or lodging options near the reception venue. If your venue isn't near lodging, having a shuttle of some sort lined up is a great idea. Some of your guests may be driving a couple hours or more for your big day and some may just want to stay close to the reception so they don't have to worry about driving home. Either way, planning for hotel and/or lodging options will be much appreciated by your guests.


I wish you the best of luck with finding the venue that is perfect for your big day. Remember, venues book up very quickly so don't wait too long to reserve the place for your day!

Wedding Planning: Where to begin!

You just got engaged... Congratulations!

Planning a wedding is an exciting time, but if you aren't careful it can become a very stressful time. My goal is to help you have the exciting times far outweigh the stressful times. From personal experience, I have learned that there are a few things that need to be decided fairly soon after getting engaged in order to get the wedding planning off to a good start. Here is a list of the three things that are great ways to get started on planning your big day.

1. Determine how many guests will attend the wedding

It may seem impossible to know how many people will attend your wedding when you JUST got engaged, and that's because it is impossible. However, without getting a rough count, it is impossible to know how big of a venue you will need and what your budget will be. You can get a rough estimate by deciding if you want it to be a large affair with all your family and friends, or if you want it to be an intimate celebration with just your family and closest friends. Once this is determined you can start to get an idea of how many people will attend and thus move forward with making a decision on the budget and venue.

2. Set a budget

Talking about a budget isn't the most exciting thing about planning a wedding, but it is definitely one of the most important. Once you know about how many will attend the wedding and reception, it is time to start budgeting. It is important to sit down and talk with both sets of parents and figure out who is paying for what so you can start figuring out the details. Once you have a budget prepared it makes it easier to choose a venue, photographer, honeymoon location, etc. because you know how much money you have to work with.

3. Choose a venue

Choosing a venue is an extremely important task to tackle right away. Venues fill up quickly and if you aren't on top of it, you may miss out on the venue you prefer. When choosing a venue, you want to take into consideration the cost and what is included in it, the size, the distance from ceremony to reception if the venues are different, and what the overall look is that you are going for. If you are going for a vintage, rustic look, then a romantic, upscale events center probably isn't the best option for you. On the flip side, if you are going for chic and elegant, then an antique-style barn is not an ideal choice. The biggest thing is to do your research, check out a lot of places and compare them, and choose what you feel will be best for your big day.

Most of all, take it all in and enjoy every minute of the planning. This is an exciting time for you and your fiance and your families. Happy planning!