Guide to Being an Awesome Bridesmaid

A wedding is never deemed complete without a wedding entourage. Bridesmaids have been part of the tradition of weddings. Not much is known about its origins but perhaps it was borne out of the need to have witnesses during the ceremony. The Bible cites that in the story of Jacob his two wives Leah and Rachel both came with their own maids during the wedding.  Although, they were handmaidens or servants and neither friends nor relatives of the bride and groom. In Roman times, bridesmaids were dressed exactly like the bride. This is said to confuse the evil spirits who want to cause havoc to the happy couple. Also, it is done to ward off vengeful suitors or thugs who want to hurt the bride or steal her dowry. It was not until the wedding of Queen Victoria when bridesmaids began wearing white dresses and short veils to set them a bit apart from the bride.

So what exactly should you expect if you were asked by a friend or a relative to be a bridesmaid at her wedding? Let’s have a look at what is expected of the modern bridesmaid:

The To-Go-to-Girl. The bridesmaid helps the bride accomplish things in her wedding checklist. This includes important stuff like picking the wedding dress and scouting for venue for the pre-wedding photoshoot, the engagement party, the wedding ceremony and reception. It may also involve nitty gritty details that could mean the whole world between an awesome wedding and a memorable one. This may involve stuff like, choosing decorations and favors, helping the bride and the groom with the bridal registry, taking care of wedding invites and finalizing the seating arrangement. 

The party planner. Although it is not mandatory, the bridesmaid together with the Maid of Honor do the honors of throwing a Bachelorette party and the bridal shower for the bride. It’s a chance for the girls to have some clean fun before their favorite gal becomes the Mrs. Likewise, the bridesmaid may help out during the rehearsal dinner.

Unwavering Presence and Full Support. The bridesmaid is expected to be present in all of the pre-wedding and wedding day activities. This includes the bridal shower, bachelorette party, bridesmaids’ lunch, rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. And of course, to be with the bride to help her get through her wedding jitters and look her best on her wedding day. Offer the bride some food or water and keep her at ease while waiting for the ceremony to start.

Pitch in on the Cost. Weddings entail cost. And while the bulk of the expenses are to be paid by the couple and their families, the bridesmaids are expected to pay for their dresses (which they get to keep, of course), shoes and travel (if the wedding is happening out-of-town). The bridesmaid, along with the maid of honor, may also chip in for a group wedding or shower gift for the bride. Depending on the couple’s budget, bridesmaids may be asked to pay for hair, make-up, manicure and pedicure during the wedding.

Say Something Nice. While the task of honoring the newlyweds may fall on the maid of honor and the best man, it pays to be ready with an anecdote or two which you could share along with your well wishes for the newlywed couple.

Look Awesome. Being a bridesmaid is a reason to doll up and really look the part. To prepare for the special day, the bridesmaids can organize a bridal shower on a spa to relax and get a mani/pedi. So that during the wedding, they can all feel refreshed and relieved of the stresses of planning the wedding.

Have Fun. The bridesmaid must remember that the wedding is an occasion to celebrate and she is not exempted from having fun. She is expected to mingle with the guests and hit the dance floor along with the rest when the music kicks in. The bridesmaid should also participate in all the wedding day activities including the catching of the bouquet. 

Take Pictures. While the couple could opt to hire the services of a photographer, the bridesmaids can take pictures and chronicle the behind the scenes preparations leading to the wedding up to the events that will unfold after the celebration. This will make a great backstory to a great occasion.

Lots of Love, 
Susan

Photo credits: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 

Wedding Decor Ideas: Photo Centerpieces

Happy greetings to everyone!

Indeed, a picture could paint a thousand words. We enjoy looking at photos of the groom and bride, how they were as individuals and how they are as a couple in love about to  formalize their commitment to each other through marriage. A wedding is a perfect opportunity to provide family and friends a glimpse into the couple's loves story. 

In the past, we've featured an article about engagement photos  and how they can be showcased at a wedding. For this article, we are giving you another great idea for weddings - Photo centerpieces. 

Here is a  collection of must-consider adorable photo centerpieces:

 The Accordion. A funky way of sharing your favorite couple pictures at the wedding reception.

Make it personal. Wrap flower vases with the couple's pictures .

If you have a flare for drama, make a statement by placing the couple's photos in a cloche.

 Give your guests a glimpse of the past by sharing the couple's pictures at every age. 

or perhaps, by year.

Simple DIY decor. Transform a mason jar into an interesting centerpiece. Line them with the couple's favorite pictures and adorn with elements that go with the wedding theme or color palette like some twigs and vines for a beach wedding

or music sheets for a music themed wedding.

Illuminated photo frames with battery operated candles make a great centerpiece and wedding giveaway

Share fun facts about the couple in each of the table number photo centerpiece.

How about an artsy photo bouquet of the couple's pictures?

Add a feel of nostalgia by using old soda bottles as vases filled with flowers and pictures.

Create a visual impact with a picture tree centerpiece

Add a rustic polaroid to a shabby chic centerpiece. 

Lots of Love, 

Susan

Photo Credits: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14

10 Ring Pillow Alternatives

Happy greetings to all Lots of Love Readers! When you plan weddings, you are always inclined to go with traditional designs and details because they have worked pretty much for everyone. However, if you want your wedding to be something that people will remember for a very long time, you can fill with elements that will separate it from the rest. For instance, the ring pillow. Also known as the wedding ring cushion. It is traditionally a small pillow that is used to carry the rings during Western weddings. You can add a personal touch by letting your ringbearer carry the rings on something out of the ordinary. 

Here are 10 ring pillow alternatives worth considering.

Boxed up. Something you can use even after the wedding. 

So you won't miss it, you can label which one is for the Mr. and the Mrs.

Especially delivered by your favorite bear. 

Something classy and unexpected. The rings hidden on a cane. 

Keeping it safe inside a safe guarded by your most trusted ring bearer.

Showcased in a vintage jewelry box.

Give new life to an old book by transforming it into a ring holder. 

 

 Something that will go perfectly well on a beach wedding: Rings placed on a shell. 

Something creative, a lotus origami with the rings in the middle. 

Simply colorful. Pin the rings on a flower of your wedding's motif.

Engraved heart bearing the rings.

Lots of Love,
Susan

Photo Credits:  1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11

Wedding Details: Ring Bearers

Happy Greeting to all our Lots of Love Readers!

When planning a wedding, getting your family and friends involved in the ceremony or the reception gives it a personal touch. You can always find something for everyone to do on your wedding day. Your besties can of course serve as your bridesmaids and maid of honor. The little girls as flower girls. And those cute nephews, godsons or even your kids can play the important role of ring bearer at your wedding. But what exactly do ring bearers do? As the name suggests, these cute little guys are tasked to carry a pillow that holds the rings of the bride and the groom. Ring bearers are usually boys from age 4 to 8. Although there is no hard and fast rule about it, getting someone who can walk down the aisle without much fuss would really be very much welcomed. 

Here are some ways you can spruce up your little helper's participation at your wedding:

Pay homage to Scottish tradition by getting him to wear a kilt.

Be one of the boys. Get him to wear a cool pair of shades.

Something comfy - suspenders, shorts and loafers.

Let him be your personal superhero for the day

A fairy tale wedding filled with your well-loved characters.

Arrive in style. Your ring bearer will definitely enjoy driving to the altar on his personal ride.

Wheeled in. Let him ride on a wagon to the alter during the ceremony.

Instead of marching before the flower girls, getting them to walk the aisle together would be more fun.

Carry a sign. Ain't this the cutest?

Alternately, you can get him to bring a big balloon announcing the bride's entrance.

Add a quirky touch to his attire with the help of an awesome cartoon character boutonniere.

And don't forget to pack some art stuff  for him to show your appreciate for his help at the wedding.

You can also get him to do other chores like distribute lollipops to welcome guests at the reception.

Brotherly duties. You can get an older sibling to accompany your little bearer as he walks down the aisle.

 Looking dapper in a hat.

Lots of Love, 

Susan

Photo Credits: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16