Shelley and Jeremy at Gaillardia

Even though I'm very much enjoying this cool fall weather, let's look back on this bright and pretty Gaillardia wedding.

Fabulous Favors

Your guests will already be marveling over your dress, the cake, the food, so why not give them something to take home and still be talking about your special night? Check out these fabulous favors that will leave your guests talking.

How classy and chic are these cake pops? 

Give your guests something to make them say, "That is so them!"

These macarons are so trendy. Stick a "thank you" tag in your colors on it and you're good to go!

 Leave a miniature version of your cake at each place setting to really make the guests feel like part of the wedding.

 This is a great way to make sure your guests are out dancing all night long!

 Succulents have been a must have this season. If you're using them in your bouquet or centerpieces, send one home with your guests so they can show all their friends!

 Perfect for the outside wedding, make sure your guests are looking cool while watching you say "I do."

Money Money Money

The two biggest causes of a Bridezilla are mismanaging your budget and procrastination. If you’re procrastinating, you’re probably going to end up spending more than you anticipated. So decide early on and put it all out on the table so everyone is aware of the situation.

Here are a few options for you:

The Bride’s parents pay

This would be the traditional/most popular way of funding the wedding. The pros are that you don’t have to use your savings and you have more money for your new household. The cons are whoever’s paying gets a lot more input. You may feel compelled to give your parents more say in your wedding even if it goes against what you want.

Everyone Pays

This would be the more contemporary option. There are two ways you can do this. You can either take the whole cost and split it 3 way or if one party is more able than another, ask what each party is comfortable giving and go from there. Compromising is key here. Negotiate to begin with so everyone knows the plan ahead of time. Pros: You’ll be able to afford more and still not empty your savings account.  Everyone’s contributing – cash and ideas. This means that again, you may have to compromise what you want because someone else is also paying.

You two pay for everything

This is becoming the norm, especially as people are waiting until they are more financial stable and more established to get married. Pros: You have total control! Cons: This could mean picking up extra shifts at work or you could possibly deplete your savings and gain debt if you’re not smart about it. This could also offend your parents.

We've heard of a new trend to ask your guests to pay for your wedding. Honestly, this can be a bit tacky. If you're asking all of your guests to contribute you get into a tricky situation by again, people thinking if they contribute they have the right to make decisions for you. Also, if someone doesn't contribute, are they allowed to come? If this is something you're considering, make sure you've thought of all the pros and cons before entering any of these situations.

Don't Break the Bank!

Looking to wow your guests without starting married life in debt? Here are some sure fire ways to save a few dollars while still having the wedding of your dreams.

1. Cut the guest list. This will save everywhere from invitations, food, tables, and decor.

2. Seat the max at each table so you need fewer centerpieces and linens. Your guests may be a little scrunched but they'll be alright, remember they came to dance anyway!

3. Use more greenery and open flowers. This will take up space and still look lovely. Also, buy flowers that are in season. It is extremely costly to have flowers flown in from other places.

4. Hold your wedding outside of lunch/dinner hours. 3pm weddings are perfect for cake and punch because it's in between lunch and dinner.

5. Offer beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full bar.

6. Use fresh flowers, not sugar ones on the cake. 

7. Put the bridesmaid bouquets on the cake table to give a little extra decor. 

8. Don't buy a send off piece for every guest you invite. For example, if doing a sparkler send off, you'll only need a couple dozen by the end of the night because it'll just be your closest 30-40 friends and family there to send you off.

9. Buy your wedding dress off the rack in November-January while the gowns are on sale. 

10. Skip the save the dates unless your wedding is on a holiday weekend. These are trendy but were actually created for those brides. 

There are several other clever ways to save money but being realistic with your budget and vision is key. 

Until next time, happy planning!

Marvel your Maids

Your closest friends have stepped up to the task of being supportive of you for your special day. Help show your appreciation for all the late nights making sure the favors are perfect and the hand holding they've done by giving them a personal and creative gift.

Something personal that they can remember all the days spend with you leading up to your special day every time they wear it

 For your maids with a wild side, a flask is a fun gift to give before going out for your bachelorette! Make it more personal by monograming with their name or your wedding colors.

 Personalized hangers are very popular and make fun pictures for their special dresses to hang on!

 Everyone woman needs a make up bag, right? Monogram make up bags in your wedding colors and your bridesmaids can use them on wedding day.

What girl doesn't love her pearls? Something dainty but personalized with their initial could be the perfect accessory for wedding day.

 Robes to get ready in together make for such great pictures!

If you're splurging for your bridesmaids or maid of honor, this would be a fabulous suggestion. The knot jewelry is a perfect way to say "thanks for helping us tie the knot!"

Dress Trends of 2014

Most designers are coming out with their 2014 line and we are absolutely obsessed. Here are a few trends you'll see in wedding dresses coming in 2014.

Wedding Dress Series...A few things

There are a few things about the make up of your dress that you may want to consider before you start shopping. If you already have an idea of the style and fit you're looking for then you're off to a good start! But for those of you who are just starting to look for gowns, I'm going to break it down for you.

For those tech-savy brides, Theknot.com has an excellent app to assist you in your dress hunt called "The wedding look book."

Silhouette
Simply put, this is the overall shape of a gown and sets the mood for the entire look. Brides choose a ball gown to look like Cinderella or an empire waistline to feel modern and feminine.

Neckline
The neckline is the first thing people notice about your dress and it will frame your face. If you're a more modest bride then a bateau, jewel, or mandarin neckline would suit you best. Your neckline shows off your modest or bold personality and can be great to show off an accessory or family heirloom

Waistline
The waistline is the horizontal seam that joins the bodice to the skirt, which adds a signature style to the silhouette and balance to the gown. Most brides love the natural waist on an A-line dress because it shows off soft curves. If you're more petite, try a drop waist to give the appearance of a longer torso. If you are a little self-conscious about your weight then the high empire waist will help slim your waistline.

Train
Your train will mimic the formality of the ceremony and will be bustled during the reception. Make sure the dress just brushes your toes so you can be dancing all night!

Color
The oldest tradition of the wedding gown would be its white color. Some brides are choosing more pastel dresses or adding color in the details of their gown. Most brides still choose white, or shades there of, but you'll want to make sure your dress matches your skin tone so you don't end up looking washed out in your pictures.

Don't be afraid to make your dress your own: long or short, white or colorful. Be daring with a corset-laced back or classy and sassy with a keyhole cutout. Add beads and embroidery for some extra personality in your dress. After all, you'll only be wearing it for one day and want it to be perfect for you!
Next time we'll be talking about which dress would best fit your body type. Until then, happy planning!