Shop the look (left to right): Anna, Hannah, Olivia and Stella in Eggplant.

Beth Insalaco Photography.

First things first, let’s talk sizing.

Bridal and bridesmaid sizing can vary from traditional retail clothing so we don’t recommend just ordering the size you typically wear in pants or dresses. Even though our size chart is based off of American sizing (unlike most bridal companies which run on European sizing), you’ll want to take your bust, waist and hip measurements to determine the size that will fit you best and require the least amount of alterations.

Bust measurement – Wearing the undergarments you’ll be wearing with your dress, wrap the measuring tape around your back and under your arms at the fullest part of your bust (not underneath the bust).

Waist measurement – This one is definitely the one you don’t want to mess up, but it’s easy to do so. Again, wrap the measuring tape around your back at the smallest part of your waist. This should be a few inches above your belly button at your natural waistline. If you’re standing straight up and bend to one side, it will be where the natural crease in your side happens.

Hip measurement – This measurement should be taken around the fullest part of your hips and butt. You’ll want to make sure this measurement is most accurate if you’re wearing a dress that is fitted throughout the hips. With our styles that are flowy throughout the skirt, this measurement won’t necessarily matter.

Now what? Compare these measurements with our size chart below. Each measurement will line up with a specific size. If one measurement is falling in between two sizes that means you’ll fit better in the larger of the two sizes. So, for example, if your measurements are 38” bust, 30.5” waist, and 41.5” hip, you’d want to go with the size 10. Even though your bust and hip measurements fall in line with the size 8, the waist of the size 8 dress would be too small with a 30.5” waist. The size 8 would be 1” too small in the waist.

Questioning what size to order? We’re always happy to help our customers out! Feel free to email us your measurements at info@kennedyblue.com and we will gladly recommend the size that will fit best!

Having trouble deciding on a style?

If you’re a bride considering one style to order for your ladies that will coordinate with your bridal gown, we recommend thinking about a few things here.

Your dress fabric and style – Do you want your girls’ dresses to coordinate perfectly, partially, or contrast with your gown? We’ve seen brides do each of these three and look absolutely stunning as a whole, so it’s mainly personal preference here.

Shop the look: Londyn in Blush.

Ali Kvidt Photography.

Your venue – Is it more formal or casual? Our most popular styles for formal weddings are floor length chiffon, sequin and short full lace dresses while more casual events tend to lean towards our short chiffon or our lace top styles.

Season – This can be a good determining factor for color and style. Is your big day mid-summer in a warm climate? Short dresses might be the way to go here. All of our dresses are very comfortable, but you still may want to take temperature into consideration. Fall wedding? Our new Bordeaux color is the perfect fall hue.  

Shop the looks above (left to right): Chloe and Addison in Eggplant (left image) and Delilah, Lola and Bella in Black (right image). 

Sarah Libby Photography (left) and Molly Jo Collection (right).

As mentioned above though, we’ve seen such a variety of stunning weddings both formal and casual and everything in between. This is your wedding, so ultimately it’s up to you!

Did the bride give you styles to choose from?

We know narrowing down which style you like best can be tough with so many different necklines to choose from. Especially when you haven’t tried them on before to determine which style is most comfortable and hits in all the most flattering spots.

Shop the look: Stella, Olivia, Anna and Hannah in Blush. 

Stephanie Nunley Photography.

I’m going to break it down by neckline for you, but first let’s talk waistline and skirts. Majority of our dresses have flowy skirts with a natural waistline. This includes all of our crinkle chiffon, lace top, and satin top dresses.  If you’re looking for something more fitted, our full lace dresses are the ones for you.

So let’s get to it, shall we? Here’s your neckline breakdown.

V-neck – The most universally flattering of them all, this neckline creates a leaner and longer looking silhouette and is good if you have broad shoulders. If you’re a little bustier, you may want to consider if you’ll be okay with a little cleavage or not.

Pictured above: Chloe in Bordeaux and Sadie in Blush

High neck – Another neckline that’s good for almost every body type because it tends to draw the eyes to the shoulders and create a well proportioned look. If you want a little more coverage throughout the bust, this is a good choice.

Pictured above: Kylee in Slate Blue and Audrey in Sage.

Spaghetti strap – Straps will give you a little more support up top, unlike a strapless neckline. Spaghetti straps are pretty universally flattering and will create length throughout your neckline and torso but if you have more of a broad shoulder, you’ll want to stick with something with a thicker strap. (Psst! You're gonna want to check out the STUNNING back on Mackenzie)

Pictured above: Nova in Silver and Mackenzie in Marine.

Scoop neck – This neckline is great for ladies with narrow shoulders because it tends to create a more lengthened and widened look throughout that region. Scoop necklines are also good for hourglass body types because it creates the perfect balance throughout the top and bottom.

Pictured above: Sophia in Wine and Quinn in Eggplant.

Strapless – Great for ladies with broad shoulders and a straight waist but can be tough for those with a larger chest due to lack of support. Each of our strapless dresses does come with attachable spaghetti straps.

Pictured above: Camilla in Coral and Parker in Raspberry.

Halter – If you’ve got a larger bust or narrow shoulders, halter neckline is the perfect choice. Our Lucy and Violet halter top dresses are also what we recommend for any of those pregnant bridesmaids because it allows for support up top throughout the neckline and also has a bit higher waist than the rest of our dresses, so it will allow for more room for your bump!

Pictured above: Lucy in Charcoal and Violet in Teal.

Boat neck and off the shoulder – Perfect for those pear shaped ladies because it creates balance. These two necklines draw the eye up to the shoulder and shows off a slim neck.

Pictured above: Thea in Mulberry and Harper in Navy.

One shoulder – The asymmetrical neckline also draws the eye up to the shoulders to create balance for a more pear shaped body type.

Pictured above: Brielle in Mint and Julia in Royal.

All in all, choose the style you think you'll feel most comfortable in if you have the option to choose yourself. You know your body best and most likely know what necklines you prefer wearing and look best in! 

So there you have it: how to purchase your bridesmaid dresses online – even if you haven’t tried them on beforehand. Even though it can be a bit intimidating, we can assure you it is the perfect new alternative to shopping for your bridal party. Especially with girls spread out throughout the country and online shopping being the norm today. We have a great staff of stylists who know our product better than any other and LOVE helping throughout the decision making process so PLEASE do not hesitate to contact us with any questions along the way! Happy shopping! 

1. These ladies who loved the mixture of lace and chiffon AND different necklines as much as we do. 

2. This winter wedding who paired our black lace top dresses with the most beautiful white flowers, pine and berry bouquets. 

3. These maids who matched their bride in color, but wore short styles to contrast with her long bridal gown. 

4. These blushing beauties who mixed a lace top dress with regular chiffon necklines flawlessly. 

5. This blush party who found the perfect style for every body type and completely rocked it. 

6. These beauties in eggplant who are glowing almost as much as their bestie tying the knot. 

7. This bride who outfitted her MOH in a different style than the rest to ensure she stood out. 

8. These maids and their junior bridesmaid who were so excited to see their bestie in her bridal gown for the first time.

9.  These nine who rocked four different necklines in navy like pros. 

10. These best friends who know how good laughter is for the soul. 

11. This bride who knew how perfectly the strapless and halter styles coordinated so her MOH could stand out just a little bit!

12. These ladies who found the perfect and cutest flower girl dress to coordinate with their mix and match styles. 

13. These six who are totally "mint" to be best friends.

14. These three who chose necklines that perfectly complemented their bride's gown.

15. These four who got the cutest personalized hangers as bridesmaid gifts. 

16. These ladies in Navy who were ready to celebrate at the lake after their bestie tied the knot!

17. This party in mint whose bright flowers fit perfectly with their bright colored dresses.

18. This party who loves the wine color as much as we do. 

19. And this party who mixed the Wine and Cactus colors to create the perfect, spring tulip-like look. 

20. These party people who clearly know how to celebrate on a wedding day!

21. These gals who had the cutest message for the groom. 

22. And these besties who each wore a different neckline and couldn't be happier for their bride.

23. And this mismatched party in Peacock who celebrated by the lake. 

24. This Mint party who coordinated strapless and one shoulder dresses flawlessly.

25. These ladies who mismatched the color of their cardigans flawlessly.

26. This barn wedding with the perfect mix of V-neck and cap sleeve lace dresses. 

27. These ladies who rocked eggplant lace like no-other. 

28. This bride and her besties who sure know how to strike a pose. 

29. This bride who wore Kennedy Blue and outfitted her ladies in different coordinating shades. 

30. These four who not only mixed and matched their dresses, but the color of their shoes as well. 

Tandem Tree Photography

31. This beach wedding party who mixed fabrics, styles and lengths like pros.

32. And finally, this gang who mixed and matched fabrics, colors, designers and even their guys' attire and looked absolutely flawless!

No matter what your wedding theme may be, mismatched bridesmaid dresses is never a bad option! Need assistance deciding on styles, colors or fabrics? We know our dresses better than anyone (obviously!), and we LOVE helping our brides and bridesmaids decide on the perfect styles. Give us a call at 1-844-294-7199 or shoot us an email at info@kennedyblue.com and we'll gladly help in your decision making process. 

You can also try on dresses at home with our At Home Try-On service before placing your actual order and order fabric swatches to see which fabrics and colors you like best beforehand. Time to start shopping! 

1. Planning your wedding color palette will be a cinch.

Navy’s on-trend, but blush is so romantic. Slate blue is another hot color, but will it look good with your favorite metallic and your florals? There are so many palette options to choose from, so why not make it easier by having Kennedy Blue swatches right in front of you? No need to guess or start from scratch when you can order different shades for just $1 each.

Featured Kennedy Blue Dress: Anna in Slate Blue | Whims and Joy Photography

2. Ordering your bridesmaid dresses will be painless.

You’ve picked your palette, now it’s time to coordinate. Once you’ve decided on your favorite Kennedy Blue designs, we recommend ordering a color swatch. Everyone loves the convenience of online shopping, but the truth is that different computer monitors, mobile devices, and tablet screens all have different resolutions, and the color you see on screen may not appear exactly the same way in person. We want you to love your Kennedy Blue dresses as much as we do and, with a color swatch in hand, you can confirm that you are ordering the right shade and fabric.

3. Sharing with your vendors will guarantee coordination.

If you tell your florist that your ‘maids are wearing light blue, there’s no guarantee that his or her idea of light blue is the same as yours. Avoid any confusion and eliminate any chance of disappointment by showing your exact color to your vendors. If you want your invitations, décor, flowers, table linens, and other accents to coordinate or match, providing everyone involved with a color swatch is the most effective way to do it.

Ray + Kelly Photography 

4. Your groomsmen will definitely need them.

Guys always need…a little extra help, right? If you want your groomsmen to match their ties, vests, or pocket squares to your bridesmaid dresses, make sure they have a swatch with them when they order their accessories. There’s no other way to ensure continuity or confirm that the colors will match without an actual piece of fabric in the precise hue.

Kayla Barker Photography

5. Your life will be so much easier!

There’s a reason why there are so many professional (and expensive) wedding planners out there, and that’s because it’s hard work! If you’re doing it all yourself, we suggest taking any small steps you can to make the task a little bit easier and a little bit more enjoyable. A color swatch will do just that.

We’ve seen many brides carry her Maid of Honor’s dress to different vendors for color coordination, but we all know it can take weeks (and sometimes even months) for that gown to arrive. You can’t put off planning all of the little details of your wedding until the dress arrives, and when it does come in, do you really want to run the risk of ruining it because you’re carrying it to and from vendors all over town? Save yourself time and aggravation by ordering a color swatch.

Don’t provide your vendors or groomsmen with a digital photo of your chosen color—you’re never going to get seamless coordination or cohesion that way. Take advantage of our swatch service today and let Kennedy Blue help you perfectly plan your wedding!

Shop the look: Anna in Slate Blue

Whims and Joy Photography

Reasons we Know You'll Love our Dusty Blue Shade for Bridesmaid Dresses

1. Versatility

One of the biggest reasons why I love the color is because it is so versatile. From informal to formal ceremonies, different dress styles, skin tones, and even different color palettes, the hue will complement everything and everyone! Plus, it's something different than your always-popular (and versatile) navy and eggplant. 

Kennedy Blue Kylee (left) & Stella (right).

Unlike other trendy colors at the moment – I’m looking at you, blush pink – this dusty blue looks great with all skin tones. The muted quality and neutral tone creates a soft appearance that will flatter all of your girls. You don’t have to worry about being washed out or overwhelmed. It really is one of those rare colors that works for everyone!

It’s also a great color choice for a variety of different styles. Because it is such a clean, minimal, and chic color, it won’t compete with fancier gown designs. However, it will also elevate simpler designs to something very stylish and gorgeous. Whether you’re thinking a knee-length chiffon dress or a satin strapless gown, this shade is the perfect choice.

2. Variety

If you like the idea of slate but don’t want all of your girls to be in the same shade, don’t worry! Think of the color as more of a spectrum – dusty blue, French blue, gray blue, they all fall under that larger category. This really opens up the options in terms of finding the right hue for you. Of course, all of our dresses in chiffon and satin are available in the perfect slate blue hue.

Sometimes,it’s difficult to bring that beautiful Pinterest image to life. The slate blue hue really does vibe with so many different colors, styles, etc. making it easily customizable for your big day. Whether you're having an outdoor ceremony or something more formal, this shade will complement your gown as well as your theme no matter what the season may be! Picture this: Your girls in Kennedy Blue dresses in a mixture of slate blue, mint, silver and charcoal colors. We think it'd be gorgeous! 

Pictured Above: Kennedy Blue Blair in slate blue (left) & Londyn in mint (right).

Pictured Above: Kennedy Blue Nova in silver (left) & Lucy in charcoal (right).

3. Color Palettes

Let’s talk color palettes, shall we? Not to sound like a broken record here, but again there are so many options with this color. Slate blue is the perfect choice for a winter wedding because it adds color and vibrancy to the bridal party style, while the dusty and cooler tone mirrors the season. I love the idea of mixing in a lush maroon or wine color in your flowers – think marsala (or Kennedy Blue Bordeaux) if you’re going all out with past and present trendy colors. You can even add cream or ivory to lighten up the palette and give the eye a rest from the vibrant hues.

Another way to incorporate it into your color scheme, regardless of season, is to brighten it up a bit with peach, light blue/green, or cream. Blue and orange are opposites on the color wheel, making them the perfect complement. The slate anchors the peach and grounds the whole palette. Peach and lighter tones of the cream help round everything out. It’s a unique and gorgeous way to have darker tones featured in the color palette without weighing everything down!

Photo by: Purrington Photography

If peach isn’t your thing, try it with our mint, and blush pink to create a chic, contemporary, and complimentary color palette. Adding in these different, warmer colors is the perfect way to counter-balance the cooler color. This is also something to keep in mind if you’re worried that an all slate palette will feel too cold.

4. Mix and Match

Another bridesmaid trend is to mix and match colors and dress styles to create a more personalized and eclectic look. Lucky for you, slate blue is the perfect color for this!

In need of inspiration? The above color palettes would be an excellent starting point for creating a mixed look. If you’re searching for something different, one of my personal favorite combinations is to create a dusty, ethereal, and chic appearance by combining gray, lavender, light green, and our chosen hue. It’s such a light and soothing look! The key here is to make sure each color has the same undertone so that nothing clashes.

You can also incorporate the dusty color with grays and light blue, or with lighter purples and pinks. In either case, try to find shade that has either blue or red undertones to match the rest of the dresses. If possible, putting the dresses next to one another before finalizing them is the perfect way to ensure you will love the chosen mix and match palette. Otherwise, color swatches in each of the shades is also be a great way to compare colors if you can't get the actual dresses next to one another before purchasing.

I know we’re talking about bridesmaid dresses here, but slate is also a great color on the guys standing by your groom. From vests, pocket squares, and ties, it is easy to incorporate into their ensemble as well! Take your slate blue color swatch around to some department stores and match it up with the men's attire to ensure a cohesive bridal party look!

5. Perfect for All Fabric Types

I personally love our chiffon fabric in the dusty slate blue tone, because it’s so airy and chic. However, a major perk of this color is that it will be gorgeous in other types of fabric as well.

Above: Kennedy Blue Olivia in Slate Blue.

Oftentimes, the standard bridesmaid dress is pictured as an A-line, flowing chiffon number that’s stylish yet also pretty simple. While this is a fantastic option and obviously popular, what if you want a style that’s a little more daring, yet in a trendy color? All of our chiffon and satin dresses are available in slate blue along with other gorgeous colors to create a perfect mix and match look. So you don’t have to feel forced to choose the style of dress based on what colors it comes in.

 Above: Kennedy Blue Abigail in Slate Blue.

Like fabric types, a variety of different accessory styles and types will be fabulous with the shade. From simple diamonds or pearls to a statement necklace or earrings, slate will make everything pop.

Final thoughts

In case it hasn’t become clear by now, I love this color and know you will too. It’s chic, stylish, clean, romantic, contemporary, and timeless, which is a whole lot for one color to accomplish. No wonder it’s so trendy!

I love how clean and minimal the hue is, but I also love how complimentary and malleable the color is as well. It will honestly look perfect with cool or warm shades across the color wheel so you can definitely make it your own unique look. 

Do you love our slate blue as much as we do? We hope so! What colors would you pair it with for your big day? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 

Ray & Kelly Photography

This wedding planning guide outlines all of the most important questions you should be asking each of your vendors when you sit down with them. Asking these questions up front will help you prepare for everything making sure all of the details are absolutely perfect and that they can each fit perfectly into your budget, planning and most of all, that they can pull off exactly what you want for your big day!

Questions to Ask Your Wedding Venue  

When you're searching for the perfect venue, forgetting to ask an important question could mean ending up with a site that's missing a key element, or ending up with a hefty charge at the end of the night. So, before you sign that dotted line, make sure you're asking all of the questions below!  

1. Is our wedding date available? Obviously you'll want to start with this one. ;) This is the question you want to ask right away. If your date is flexible, when sitting down with your venue you'll want to ask which is available (and don't forget to coordinate this date with your photog. right away, too!)

2. Will there be any other weddings or events booked on the same day? Depending on the size of your venue, there could be another wedding or event booked the same day. This could be a make-or-break it thing if you're wanting a more intimate wedding, you might not want to book somewhere where there will be something else going on on the same day.

3. How much is the deposit? Another pretty obvious question - gotta make sure the venue falls within your budget! 

4. Are there any other fees not included in the cost? Sometimes these extra costs are written in the fine print and can include a cleaning fee, overtime charge, or gratuity. Make sure you get all of the costs and explanations before signing anything.

5. When do we need the final head count / what is the last possible date for any changes? Now, obviously you won't be able to make any huge changes (like your date) after booking, but other things may come up so you'll want to check into when you need to finalize things by. 

6. What is your cancellation policy? Most likely it won't come down to this, but just in case!

7. Do I need to use your vendors?  Many wedding venues partner with vendors such as caterers, linens, etc. so you'll want to look into that before even meeting with the vendor and if you're not necessarily interested in their specific partners, make sure to ask this question. 

8. Do you offer a day-of coordinator? Is there any additional cost for this? Some venues will offer day-of coordination at no additional cost, and others offer day-of for a small fee. You could also inquire about wedding planning help if you'd like, too.

9. Can we make a payment arrangement? Check to see if you can pay in increments if this is something you would prefer. This  might take a little weight off your back so you don't have to worry about such a large payment all at once. 

10. What time can vendors arrive for setup?  This question is key. You'll want to make sure to ask this so you can pass this information along to each of your vendors and make sure that this will allow them enough time. You can always ask if certain vendors can start setting up the evening before your wedding, too if you think they'll need a little more time. 

11. Is this venue handicap accessible? 

Ray and Kelly Photography

12. Will there be ample parking? At this point, you should have a rough estimate of how many will be attending your wedding festivities, so asking about the parking situation is something you'll want to get out of the way ASAP to ensure your guests will have adequate parking. 

13. What are your decoration rules? Make sure you know what is off limits. If you don't have an idea of what your decor may be at this time, make sure you save this question for later when you have a better idea. Don't book anything too crazy before checking with your venue. 

14. (If outdoor venue) -- What are your weather policies? Is there a backup location if it rains? Ahh, the ever-so unpredictable weather. Outdoor weddings are seriously the best, but don't forget to check into a backup plan! Most venues will have some type of indoor space, but don't forget to ask if it'll be large enough for all of your guests. 

15. Who is responsible for setting up and taking down decor? When does it need to be completed? This is a great question that can go forgotten often. You'll want to make sure you're not scrambling to get things taken down after your reception! 

16. Are there any photographer limitations? Great information to pass along to your photographer right away if there are any. 

17. What is your pricing for bartending / alcohol? Are there corkage fee's or can you supply your own alcohol? Another great question that can go forgotten. It's often a little less expensive to bring in your own alcohol, so this may be something you want to check into. 

18. What time do guests have to leave the venue? Time to go, people! Make sure you know when you've got to cut your guests off so you don't end up with any additional charges. 

19. Is wedding insurance required? This is definitely something you'll want to check into ahead of time. 

20. Do we need to have the music off at a certain point? This will usually be the time the reception has to be done by, but make sure to ask - just in case! 

21. May I have all events — Ceremony, Cocktail Hour & Reception all on-site? While this may not be something you are interested in, maybe just your cocktail hour and reception, make sure to check into it. Don't forget to ask about the flow of events and transition too to ensure someone will be there making your ceremony site into the reception hall afterwards!

Questions to Ask Your Florist

Flowers are one of the prettiest touches of beauty to your wedding day. Get all of the details about your florist to ensure that you have the best quality arrangements and that nothing goes forgotten day-of. 

1. Do you have a style you specialize in?  You might be able to gather this beforehand by checking out their website and photos, but asking your florist this question right away could get them to really open up about what style of arrangements they're good at. You'll be able to tell right there and then if this style is going to fit into your big day.

2. Do you have a portfolio of previous work we can take a look at?   If you want to see more photos of their work than you've seen online, this is definitely something to ask. You'll get an even greater feel for their work

3. Who will be directly handling our arrangements?  Your florist might have someone else on his/her team working on your arrangements. Asking this question will make you feel more comfortable about what's going on with your florals. 

4. How many weddings do you typically do in one day/weekend?  If the florist you're meeting with does a TON of weddings on the weekend, this might mean they are AWESOME at what they do and are able to crank it all out beautifully and efficiently. But it could also mean that they are too swamped to take on your flowers as well. Check on your date to see! 

Amanda Dumouchelle Photography

5. If our flowers aren’t available or don’t fit the budget, what substitutions would you recommend?  Letting your florist know up front what you have in mind for flowers is key. They'll know what's going to be in-season on your wedding date, and will definitely have suggestions if something won't be available or if you would like a cheaper option.

6. Can you preserve my bouquet?  If you want to keep your bouquet after your big day, this is a great question to ask. Doing it yourself could end up not quite right, or even forgotten about due to your busy schedule. 

7. What will the timeline be for making my floral arrangements?  You'll want to check on this to ensure they aren't made too early or too late. 

8. What is the price of each item (bouquet, centerpieces, boutonnieres, etc.) and how do they charge (flat fee, per item, delivery charges)?  A pretty obvious question to ask right away in order to make sure this florist will fit into your budget. If it seems a little pricey, you may consider changing your centerpieces or bouquets a bit in order to make things work if you really like the florist. 

9. Will you be able to provide samples of your pieces, and are you willing to work with us to make adjustments, if needed? This is a great question. You want to make sure your flowers are just right, so asking to see a bouquet and/or centerpiece ahead of time, or some sort of mock up even, is a great idea. 

Questions to Ask Your DJ/Band

Umm, you've gotta make sure you're able to dance the night away to music you LOVE, right?? Meet with a few DJ's or bands before choosing in order to get a feel for which one will suit your style just right. A great place to start: DJ's your friends have used for their weddings! 

1. Do you work exclusively for this company?  Some DJ's will have side jobs outside of the company they work for. Make sure they don't have anything going on the day of your wedding. 

2. How long have you been a DJ and how many weddings have you done? This will help you get a feel for how others like them and how much experience they have. 

3. Do you offer a written contract? You definitely do not want to agree to anything without one. 

4. What makes you different from your competitors?  This is like an interview - we need quality answers here! 

5. How involved can we be in selecting music for our event? Maybe you want to make your whole wedding playlist, maybe you want them to add in some of their own personal wedding favorites, or maybe you just have a few songs you want them to play. Asking this question is a big one - you don't want to end up with music  you completely hate. 

Anita Martin Photography

6. When will you need to arrive to set up for our wedding? You should know what time vendors can come to set up from meeting with your venue, so be sure to check how much time the DJ or band will need to set up beforehand. They'll need to test the sound, lighting, etc. 

7. What will you wear to our wedding?  This is a good one to ask ahead of time, too. Let them know how formal your wedding will be and see what they would wear. If their answer isn't quite right, ask them to wear something you would like. Hey, it's your big day!

8. How much of a deposit is required to secure our date?  When asking for pricing, this is something else you'll want to keep in mind. 

10. Do you take any breaks?  Obviously, they'll need to take some bathroom breaks, but make sure there won't be any extensive breaks that you don't know about ahead of time.

Questions to Ask Your Photographer

Pictures preserve memories for years to come and will be shared with your friends family and loved ones. Make sure you choose a photographer with a clear vision as to what you want for your special day.  Meeting with them ahead of time will give you an idea of how your personalities will mesh and what quality photos they will deliver. 

1. How long have you been a wedding photographer? This will give you a feel for their experience. 

2. How would you describe your photographic style? Make sure their style fits within your wedding vision. 

3. Do you have a portfolio of entire wedding shoots for us to look through? You've likely seen some of their work online, but asking to see more will give you a bigger idea of what they're all about. 

4. What do you think distinguishes you from other photographers? Another interview question, geez! But seriously, every photographer is different and they should know their differentiating qualities. If these qualities aren't something that fits into your wedding vision, they might not be the right fit for you.

Christy Tyler Photography

5. Is there a reference list available for us to contact?  If you don't already know someone who has personally used this photographer, this is something that may make you feel a bit more comfortable. 

6. Will you post proofs online, and when would we receive our photos? Make sure they are going to deliver you the final product in a timely manner. This might be something you want to put into the contract - that they will deliver the final photos to you by a certain date. I know some brides who have waited months and months for their pictures - not okay! 

7. Will you be the primary photographer shooting the wedding, and will you bring an assistant with you? Two photographers is very common and beneficial. While the ladies are getting ready, the assistant can be photographing the guys. The assistant also gets all of the details, typically - yay! 

8. What price ranges, packages and other products do you offer? Check to see if an engagement shoot is included in your package, how many photos you'll receive, etc. Make sure it's everything you want - these photos will last a lifetime! 

9. Are you familiar with the wedding/reception location? If not, are you planning to scope it out before the wedding? You'll want to ensure your photographer is somewhat familiar with the layout of your ceremony and reception sites. This will cause things to run a lot smoother day-of. 

10. What are your back-up plans if your equipment breaks, you are running late or if you, for any reason, cannot make it to the wedding? Make sure there is a back-up plan - there always needs to be a back-up plan. 

Questions to Ask When Purchasing Your Bridal Gown

1. How many guests can I bring with me?  The shop you may be visiting might ask you this question before you can ask them. Keep in mind, some smaller boutiques may only allow a few people to come with you due to space. 

2. How much time do I have for my consultation? You'll likely need at LEAST one hour. Most shops will do 60 or 90 minute appointments. 

3. What is the starting price of your dresses?  If you can't find out this information online,  you'll want to ask ahead of time. Definitely don't want to end up somewhere where the gowns are way out of your budget! 

4. Are there any trunk shows coming up? Many shops host trunk shows, which allows a designer to showcase their entire line typically over one weekend-one week. If there's a specific designer you've got your eye on, ask before booking your appointment. You might just get to see more dresses than you expect!

5. Do you provide alterations?  Some bridal salons do, some don't. The ones that do not, typically will direct you to someone many of their brides work with. Ask about alteration pricing if they do provide them at the store you are shopping at. 

DNK Photography

6. How many fittings will I need and will I work with the same seamstress every time? This is something you'll want to ask if you plan to purchase your dress there and they do offer alterations. 

7. What is the cancellation policy? Most stores are pretty strict with their policies so you'll want to make sure to ask right away. 

8. How long will it take for the dress to arrive? Months? No way! Typically bridal gowns take a while to come in because they are made to order (like our bridesmaid dresses are), which means they manufacture the dress once your order has been placed!

9. Is a payment plan possible? A wedding dress can cost a pretty penny, so this is something you may want to consider. What do you need to put down right away and when are the other payments due, are some other questions to ask at the time of purchase.

10. Do you stock sample dresses? When making your appointment, ask if they  have specific sample dresses in stock in the styles you have your eye on. This way, they can note it in your file and (hopefully) have the dresses pulled when you arrive! 

11. Should I wear special undergarments while trying on dresses? Typically the answer is going to be 'yes' for this one. You will likely want to wear undergarments similar to the ones you will wear with your actual dress. Also, make sure they're undergarments you feel comfortable enough in to wear in front of your consultant or friend/family member who will be helping you in and out of dresses.

12. Will you store the dress for me? If you don't want to take the dress home when it arrives (and your alterations are completed), this is something worth asking. 

Questions to Ask Your Caterer

FOOD! You'll spend a majority of your money on wedding food than any other part of your reception, so making sure you are working with a caterer that you think is delicious and that is also easy to work with. 

1. What is your average cost? Cost will vary for catering depending on what food you end up going with, but average cost is a great place to start. 

2. Have you done events at my location? You'll want to ensure they are somewhat comfortable with your venue so serving goes seamlessly. 

3. Are you licensed to serve alcohol? Some caterers will provide bar services as well, so this is definitely something worth inquiring about if you're interested. 

4. Will you provide a banquet manager to coordinate the meal service?  This is something  that will ensure things run smoothly. 

5. Do you specialize in an certain cuisines?  Even if you've seen their menu online, what they specialize in is likely the best of the best. 

Ray & Kelly Photography

6. How many weddings will you cater on my wedding day? Depending on the time of your wedding, this could happen. If you don't feel comfortable with this, make sure to ask to ensure your date is completely open. 

7. Will I need special permits for my event? If so, will you handle obtaining them? Depending on your food prep and venue, you could need a specific permit. Make sure you check into this ahead of time so nothing gets forgotten. 

8. What food choices would you recommend given my budget and guest list? You know your budget, they know the food and pricing. Ask for recommendations and you shall receive. 

9. What can you do for guests that have allergy or diet restraints? Something you'll definitely want to inquire about. You always want to have an option for guests with these restrictions. 

10. Will the food be prepared on-site or be brought in already prepared? Make sure everything is planned out ahead of time so you're comfortable with what's going on. 

11. What brands of alcohol will be served? If your caterer is going to be in charge of your alcohol as well, you'll want to inquire about what exactly will be served. 

12. Is the champagne toast after the ceremony  included in your meal packages or is it extra? Some caterers will include this in your package, but you'll want to inquire if this is something you are interested in. 

13. How long will alcohol be served? Your caterer may only serve until a certain time. Make sure this coordinates with your venue. 

14. Is coffee, tea and soda included in the per-person meal charge? I know my family LOVES their coffee after they eat, so this is something that if it were included, would be ideal for me! 

15. Are we able to create a custom menu if we'd like? If you've got something specific in mind for a meal choice, ask your caterer if they could prepare it or something similar, and how much it would cost. 

16. If you do not serve cake, what are your other dessert options? Dessert is something that has come a long way for weddings. The traditional cake dessert isn't quite as traditional now, with so many different options out there. Ask your caterer what they've got. If it's not something you're interested in, there are tons of bakeries that you can also visit. 

Ray & Kelly Photography

17. How much of a deposit do you require and when is it due? Clearly, this is something you'll want to ask every vendor. Breaking your payments up is key. 

18. When will I receive a written contract? Make sure you get everything in writing, and always, always read the fine print!

19. What is your refund/cancellation policy? In case of emergency, of course. 

20. When will you need a final guest count? Most likely this won't be until much closer to your big day, but make sure you have a specific date, so you mark it on your calendar (in that wedding planning binder of yours, of course!)

21. When will I need to finalize the menu? Decisions, decisions! Make sure you mark this date down, too. 

22. What time will you and your staff arrive at the site? You'll want to let your venue know when everyone will be arriving. 

23. How will your staff dress? It is likely that some staff will be serving, so you'll want to check to ensure they'll be in uniform or attire that will coordinate with your wedding. 

24. What is your policy on cleanup? Will they be in charge of clearing all plates, glasses, silverware, etc.?

25. What is your leftover policy? Make sure there are no extra charges for a certain amount of leftover food. 

Questions to Ask Your Stationer

A beautiful invitation is the first thing your wedding guests will likely see in regards to your big day, so make sure everything is absolutely perfect! Follow these questions in order to ensure nothing goes missed. 

1. May I see a mock-up invitation in my font before I purchase them? Whether you're purchasing your invites online or working directly with a stationer, you'll want to make sure you can see some form of mock-up of your invites before they're ordered. Make sure you like the font and that it's legible in the wording you're using. 

2. Can I see an example of your work? Get a feel for their experience and expertise. 

3. What is your turn around time? Make sure you know they'll be delivered in time to be sent out to guests a couple months before your big day!

4. How much will it cost to mail these? Depending on how many different cards you'll have in your invitation, and also depending on the shape, you may need to add some extra postage. Factor this cost into your overall cost up front, so you're not left scrambling. 

Cassie Rosch Photography

5. Do you offer any discounts?  Invites are a great place to inquire about discounts. Ask about ordering in bulk if your guest list is extensive, or even a discount on one small portion of the invites, like the envelopes maybe. It doesn't hurt to ask!

6. What is your starting price point? Get a feel for how much invites are going to run for your entire guest list. 

7. Will you help me with my wording? If you're working directly with a stationer, they will likely aid you in getting that wording just right. 

8. Do you provide calligraphy and assembly services? Some stationers offer these services, so this is something worth inquiring about if you are interested in. 

Questions to Ask Your Wedding Coordinator

A wedding planner can be the best thing that's ever happened to you planning your big day. They'll do all the dirty work for you, and take a lot of weight off your back and also help ensure everyone is where they need to be the day-of. 

1. Have you worked at my venue before? If they're from your city, and they're highly experienced, it's likely they're familiar with your venue. If not, make sure they get a feel for it beforehand. 

2. How many weddings of my size and budget have you planned before? Planning weddings for different budgets and sizes is totally different. If they haven't planned something quite your size or in your budget, ask for a rough overview of what they see when planning your big day. 

3. What role do you feel I should play? You definitely don't want to hire someone who's going to try to dictate every move. This is your wedding, so make sure you feel a good connection with your planner before hiring them. 

Kye Samuelson Photography | Kennedy Blue Anna in Blush

4. How much staff do you enlist to help? Is this going to be a team effort, or are you a one person show?

5. How many weddings do you handle each month? Make sure they're not too swamped with other weddings around yours so that their focus isn't straying. 

6. How often do you expect to meet with me prior to the wedding? Some planners want to meet more often than others. Make sure you feel comfortable with their schedule ahead of booking them. 

7. How do you charge? Is there a flat rate? Self explanatory - do they fit into  your budget?

8. How do you keep in touch with clients? Do they like to text, work with you via email, etc.? Make sure you feel comfortable with their means of communication ahead of time. 

9. Who are your preferred vendors? This might be a great place to get some recommendations for other vendors, actually. If they've worked a lot of weddings, they may have relationships built up with some vendors --and hey, maybe they can get you a good rate on another aspect of the wedding. 

10. Can you help us stay on budget? Everything revolves around your budget. You don't want someone helping you plan a wedding recommending vendors who are completely out of your budget. 

11. Will you be with us on our big day? I sure would hope so! They should be easily accessible throughout your day. And you'll also want to check in about a back up plan in case someone is sick or anything comes up. 

Questions to Ask Your Hair and Makeup Artist

Of course you're going to look absolutely STUNNING on your big day. But just to be sure you feel comfortable with your hair and makeup artist, don't forget to ask these questions!

1. Will you do a trial run with me before my wedding day? This is something you'll definitely want to schedule. A trial run will ensure you feel comfortable working with your artist, and that they can achieve the look you have in mind. 

2. Do you work on location? Some hair and makeup artists will, some won't. If you have to go to their salon on your big day, make sure you can get the schedule you desire to ensure you're not rushed. 

3. Do you want to see my inspiration photos and photos of my dress? I almost would even just recommend showing them these things instead of asking beforehand. This way they can get a feel for your style ahead of time. 

4. Is there a charge for a re-trial if I decide to change my look? If your trial run doesn't go as planned, make sure you check into a re-trial. Some will do it for no charge, but others you may have to pay for an additional trial. 

Sophia Mayrhofer Photography

5. Should I bring my veil and accessories to the trial? If you're wearing something in your hair, you might want to consider this and your hair stylist may appreciate it. Plus, then she can show you how to put it in and remove it easily. 

6. What kind of preparation do I need to do before the wedding? Make sure to ask this beforehand. Do they want your hair clean and dry when you arrive? No makeup on? What about face lotion? 

7. Are you familiar with my skin and hair type? Finding out if they've worked with your particular skin and hair type before is a great thing to know. If they're not familiar, you might want to check out a few more artists. 

8. Are there any extra day-of charges I should know about? Don't want to end up with any last minute charges! 

9. What happens if you are unable to make it to my wedding? Just in case of emergency, you'll want to check in to make sure there would be a back up plan in case something comes up.

10. Do you have any other commitments on my wedding day? Typically, hair and makeup artists will schedule appropriately, but you may want to ask this question just so you feel comfortable with their schedule on your big day. 

Questions to Ask Your Officiant

Whether you're having a priest marry you, or one of your family members or friends, these questions are worth asking in order to ensure everything goes smoothly on your big day!  

1. What's your work experience? If you're having a family member or friend marry you, you may already know the answer to this one. 

2. Can you give us the wedding we want? You'll want to get an idea of what the flow of your ceremony will be. 

3. Are you flexible? You might want a specific reading during the ceremony, or to leave out a certain part. Asking about this flexibility will ensure your officiant is the right fit for you.

Tim Larsen Photography

4. How often will we meet? Depending on your setting, you may have to meet more than you think, so make sure to get all these dates scheduled out as soon as possible so you don't run into any scheduling conflicts. 

5. Will you be joining us at the reception? Typically, this will be up to you as a couple. If you want your officiant to be there for the reception you can ask if they'll say some sort of blessing before dinner. 

6. How much do you charge? 

Questions to Ask About Transportation

1. What type of transportation mode do you offer?  You may have already gathered this information from their website, but they might have something not listed or shown that you'd like to inquire about. 

2. Do you have a minimum rental time? You've probably got an idea of how long you want or need transportation for, so make sure they don't have a minimum right away to be sure it'll work with your schedule!

3. How many people will fit in each fleet? Are you going to include dates of your wedding party in your transportation? Make sure whatever you book can hold everyone! Also, you  might want to consider allowing your photographer (and assistant, if there is one) on as well to capture those moments. Don't just assume they will be allowed - if you hit the max, your driver is most likely not going to budge. 

4. What is your cancellation policy? Just in case!

5. What does your insurance policy cover? Also, just in case!

6. Is their a deposit requirement? You'll want to check and see if there's anything required to hold your mode of transportation, or if everything is due at one time. 

7. How will my chauffeur dress? Typically, they'll be dressed pretty nicely, but you may want to check beforehand. 

Jordan Obinger Photography

8. Will my chauffer know how to get my locations? You will want to let him know the locations you'll be getting picked up from and driven to ahead of time. If you'll be making stops along the way, let them know those as well so there's no wasted time getting lost!

9. How does overtime charges work? Who knows, you might decide last minute that you want to keep your driver longer than you have booked. Check and see what their policy is on this ahead of time, just in case. 

10. Is there a flat fee or is it hourly? See what your best deal will be. 

11. Can we see the vehicles before signing the contract? A picture only goes so far. You  might want to inquire about seeing the vehicles in person before booking. 

Now that you have your question list, we're hoping this will help ease the planning process for you! It doesn't hurt to have a list with you when you meet up with any one of your vendors because it's almost impossible to remember all of the questions off the top of your head.  

Are there any additional questions you would add to any of these lists? We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments below!

How it works

1. Order your samples. Simply select up to three samples and check out through the shopping cart on KennedyBlue.com. You can select three different styles you like in the same size, three of the same styles in all different sizes, or whatever you prefer! Keep in mind that these are just sample dresses, so they may not be available in the exact color you would like – they are simply so you can see the style in person, feel the fabric and get a feel for how the sizing runs before purchasing your actual dress in your size and color! PS – each order comes with a 10% off promo code for you and your ladies to use on your actual order!

Once your order has been placed, your dresses will ship out within 5 business days. When they have been shipped, you will receive an email with tracking information so you know exactly when to expect your shipment! We do ship each of our orders priority shipping, so typically they are delivered within about 2 days. Time to get ready for your try-on party!

Don’t forget to order your color swatches with your order, too. If the samples you are ordering aren’t available in the exact color you are looking for, this is the perfect way to get an idea of what the color will look like!

2. Have your try-on party! You’ve got three days with the dresses, so gather your ladies and try on your dresses together so the bride can get an idea of how they look. If you’re all spread out over the country, sounds like the perfect time for a Facetime session. Snap some pics and save them for your reference, too.

3. Measure yourself. If your sample doesn’t quite fit right, don’t worry! Each of our At Home Try-On (AHTO) orders comes with a measuring tape and a size chart, so all you’ll need to do is take your bust, waist and hip measurements and compare them to our size chart to determine what size will fit best. We’re always here to help! Feel free to contact us if you have any questions on how to take your measurements, or even if you want to send us your measurements, we can definitely assist in determining what size will be your best fit.

Here’s an example of how to determine your size based off of your measurements – If your bust measurement is 34.5” that would put you in between a size 4 and 6. If your waist measurement is 28” that would put you in a size 6, and if your hip measurement is 40” that would put you in a size 6 as well. Based off of these measurements, we would recommend going with the size 6 here. You’ll always want to base your size off of your largest measurement.

Sometimes your measurements may be all over the board, so you’ll want to make sure you’re following our measurement guide when taking them and please do not hesitate to contact us if you are questioning your size – we love to help our customers out!

4. Send your samples back. We make it pretty easy for you to get your samples back to us! Once your three days are up, simply place your dresses in the mail using the bag with the pre-paid shipping label that was in your package. If you’re wondering how you’ll know when your three days falls, there should be a note on your packing slip that states when you should pop the dresses back in the mail. If you’re still having trouble figuring this out, feel free to contact us and we can let you know when to send them back!

5. Order your actual dress. Once you’ve gotten a feel for the style, size and color you want to order, you’ll want to go ahead and place your order online (using your 10% promo code, of course!). Once your order has been processed, you will receive an email (within 3-5 business days) with an estimated ship date – yay!

6. Ask questions. We’re here to answer ANY questions you may have along the way. We want to put any concern you have about online ordering, to rest. Feel free to view our FAQ page and contact us with any other questions!

Dress shopping just got a whole lot easier

We know, ordering bridesmaid dresses online – that sounds crazy, right?! We’re here to re-define the bridal industry with a new way to try before you buy. Think about it – now-a-days, brides typically have at least one bridesmaid who lives in a different city or state than them; sometimes multiple!

So, how much easier does it sound to be able to do an AHTO order for each of these out of town girls, and then one (together) for your local ladies?? Avoid that busy in-store shopping experience and the struggle of having to coordinate everyone’s schedules for an appointment. You can now order sample dresses whenever you want, to be delivered wherever you want! If you’re having trouble coordinating something in-town with your ladies, you (or your girls) can each order samples separately. Sounds pretty ideal to me!

Ready to place your At Home Try-On order? Start shopping our sample dresses and place your order today. And don’t forget your color swatches. You can order whichever fabric you prefer– let the fun begin! 

Do you have out of town bridesmaids? Have any questions about our AHTO service? Let us know in the comments below!

Anita Martin Photography

8 Things To Do the Night Before the Wedding

1. Make a List: When planning an event as big as your wedding day, organization is necessary. Keep track of all of the items you need to bring with you to the venue and check off each item when you pack up your car in the morning. Be sure to check your list twice. A third time couldn’t hurt, either. Here are a few things you’ll want to remember:

• Emergency Kit – check out our Ulitimate Wedding Emergency Kit to ensure you don’t forget anything!
• Give checks to someone to ensure all of your vendors are paid on time – a family member or reliable friend is always a good choice here.
• Give rings to someone reliable in the wedding party – MOH or Best Man typically
• Day-of itinerary – make sure the wedding party and vendors have a copy as well
• And of course – your dress, veil/headpiece, accessories, undergarments, shoes, a CHANGE of shoes, etc.

2. Touch Base with Your Vendors: Erase the worries of no-show vendor nightmares by calling your team to confirm arrival times and other details. Ask yourself questions like, “What time is the photographer arriving to set up? When will you need to be ready for hair and makeup? What time are the flowers going to be delivered?”, and then speak with the vendors to get secured answers. After checking in with each vendor, you can also minimize stress by designating his or her tip amounts and how the tips will be delivered ahead of time.

Ray and Kelly Photography

3. Spend Time with Family and Friends: RELAX as much as possible the day and night before your big day. After your rehearsal, have a slumber party with a family member or your MOH, but don’t forget to get some good quality shut-eye! It’s probably best to keep it low-key and have one or two gals spend the night with you instead of the whole wedding party.

4. Check Your Tech: One of the best things about technology is how easily it allows us to capture memories. However, technology has an odd way of breaking down just when we need it the most. Whether you plan on using a camera for snapping before the ceremony moments or on a tripod for a DIY photo booth station, make sure that you fully charge the device and have plenty of memory space on your camera and phone (I know I’m always running out of space on mine!). Pack your chargers, USB cords, and extra memory cards to make sure you can capture all the fun throughout your wedding. PS – giving your phone or personal camera (if you still use one) to one of your besties is a great idea since you will likely be too busy throughout the day to snap as many pics of your own!

Laurelyn Savannah Photography

5. Run Through Your Vows or Speech: All eyes and ears will be on you and your groom as you say your “I dos.” If you’re uneasy about tripping over ultra-important words like “to have and to hold” or drawing a blank if you’re reciting vows you wrote yourself – practice, practice practice! While you and your gal pals are having that low-key slumber party, if you feel comfortable with them hearing your vows ahead of time, this may be the perfect time to practice! They can give you some advice and ensure you feel comfortable enough beforehand. If you’re planning to give a little “thank you” speech at the reception, practice this with your ladies or your groom beforehand as well.

6. Get Romantic: Take time to reminisce on your relationship with your Prince Charming by looking through old pictures and love letters. Allow yourself to appreciate how amazing it feels to have found the love of your life. After you soak it all in, maybe you’ll be inspired to do something extra special for your groom, such as writing him a heartfelt letter to give to him before you walk down the aisle – AWW! 

Laurelyn Savannah Photography

7. Primp and Prep: On the night before your wedding day, give yourself a sweet spa session. Go get a mani/pedi with your ladies, exfoliate and moisturize your skin, and do one of your favorite (tried-and-true) facemasks. Remember that now is not at all the time to be experimenting with new beauty products! You definitely don’t want to end up with irritated skin the day of your wedding, so make sure you’re using products you use regularly.

8. Relax and Rest: As we said before, RELAX as much as possible the day and night before your wedding. You’ve been waiting your whole life for this day, so you’ll certainly be feeling some butterflies the night before. To banish worrisome “What if?” thoughts, trust in all of the planning that you have done and simply try to enjoy yourself. Watch an episode of your favorite show, do some yoga, read a book, or something else you enjoy to calm your mind. Most importantly, get plenty of beauty sleep.

Monica Ganter Photography

I hope that these tips will save you some stress and keep you from feeling frazzled on the day before your big day. Planning for a wedding is hard work, so remember to let your last day of planning be a day of confirming, double-checking, and taking it easy. Make sure you don’t leave any DIY projects until the last minute – you don’t need any additional stress! For a smooth, seamless wedding day, it’s important not to procrastinate. Saving any big projects to work on the night before will leave you feeling frantic, and the time crunch will also lead to sacrifices on the quality of your project. Plan ahead! Make sure you’re following your checklist in your DIY Wedding Planning Binder!

What are you planning on doing the day and night before your wedding day? Let us know in the comments below!

How to Choose The Right Bridesmaid Dresses

• Consider the style of your bridal gown. You truly are the star of the show, but you definitely want to make sure your look coordinates with your girls. If you’re wearing a busy dress with lots of lace, details, and/or beading, keep the bridal party dresses on the more simple side. We’ve definitely seen lace bridesmaid dresses with a lace bridal gown, but you’ll want to make sure the fabrics coordinate. Asking for some swatches to compare before deciding will be a huge help! As for necklines, this depends on how similar you want yours to be to your gal pals. If you have a high neckline and want to keep it simple, a strapless bridesmaid neckline is always a classic. Recommendation: Print off some pictures of your dress along with bridesmaid dresses you’re interested in and see what you think!

Kennedy Blue Londyn in blush | Ali Kvidt Photography

• Be mindful of dress color and skin tones. I bet you can name three colors off the top of your head that don’t go particularly well with your skin. Keep in mind that trending colors such as blush and champagne do not look good on everyone so considering how each of your ‘maids is going to look and feel in the dress is actually really important. Spray tans are always an easy fix for this! Hair color is also something to take into consideration as well. I talked with a bride this past weekend who really wanted to do red dresses, but one of her ‘maids is a red-head so instead she chose purple so the color wouldn’t wash her out. How considerate, right?

Kennedy Blue Violet, Anna & Sophia in eggplant | Tracy Hill Photography

• Be considerate of dress styles and body types. Remember: One dress does not fit all. Keep in mind, an a-line bridesmaid dress style is universally flattering, so if you have ladies of all different shapes, this may be the best type of skirt to choose. Another great (and trendy!) option for bridesmaids of all different shapes is a mismatched look. By letting your girls select their own dress style, you can ensure that they feel confident and comfortable. Recommendation: Give them a few guidelines to follow or certain styles to pick from when going with the mix-and-match look. This way, the dresses will still coordinate with one another as well as with you instead of being all over the board. For more ideas on how to properly execute the look, check out our guide on how different necklines flatter different body types.

• Keep the weather in mind. It’s easy to get wrapped up in a particular look that you saw on Pinterest, until the actual wedding day comes and you realize that all of your ‘maids are either freezing or overheating. I’m definitely not saying that you have to have them wear long styles in the winter and short in the summer, but if you’re choosing to do short bridesmaid dresses for a winter wedding, make sure to provide them with some type of covering such as a shawl or faux fur coat. For summer, long dresses can be tolerable, but you’ll want to find light-weight styles such as a light chiffon fabric and maybe provide them with fans, and bottled water throughout the day, of course – especially if you’ll be outside a lot!

• Price does matter. We all know that the bride and groom have a set budget, but often we forget how much bridesmaids actually invest in the whole process. While your gals should understand that it can become a bit expensive when agreeing to stand up in your wedding, you’ll want to be mindful of how much each dress will cost them and don’t forget that alterations are often part of the deal as well. There are tons of pretty and affordable options out there so just do your research! Pssst, Kennedy Blue bridesmaid dresses are all under $200 and we make it easy to coordinate things with any out of town ladies with our At Home Try-On!

• Get inspiration from Pinterest. Everyone has their own wedding board on Pinterest, right? I’m not even engaged yet, and I know I do…And let’s be honest, even if I didn’t work in the wedding industry, I probably still would. Anyways, Pinterest is the perfect tool when planning your wedding. Search for bridesmaid dresses and get some ideas of colors and styles you’re interested in. From trending mix-and-match dresses to having your girls wear different shade dresses that still coordinate – there are SO many different ideas out there. Follow us on Pinterest for some inspiration!

Kennedy Blue Quinn in coral (2nd from left), Lucy in coral (2nd from right), and Spencer in blush (far right) | Tandem Tree

• Start shopping early. Why, you ask? Believe it or not, ordering bridesmaid dresses from a designer is actually a pretty lengthy process — one that can take anywhere from 3-6 months! Most dresses are made once your order is placed, so this includes production and ship times, typically. Make sure you start shopping around early enough and don’t forget you’ll want to allow time (a few weeks, typically) for any necessary alterations as well. Some designers offer rush options in order to speed up production, but keep in mind that this is usually an additional fee so you may want to try and avoid that!

• Choose a fabric that’s actually comfortable. Comfort is key, and fabric does matter. A lot of brides and her ‘maids aren’t necessarily familiar with different fabrics so being able to try things on to feel how they fit, flow, and breathe is super important. Participate in our At Home Try-On program and see which styles and fabrics you like ahead of time. The last thing you want is to put your girls in a style that they can’t even bust a move on the dance floor in. Chiffon gowns are always our top choice for comfort, since it is a lighter weight fabric you can easily move around in!

• Ask them what they want to wear and be open to ideas. Your ‘maids are going to have opinions on the bridal party attire and so are you. By no means does that mean that you need to go through with their suggestions, but by simply acknowledging and thanking them for the idea will make them feel heard. Who knows, one of their suggestions may be something you haven’t thought about and absolutely love!

• Don’t be a push-over. This is in reference to tip #9. While it’s great to listen to other ideas, don’t let other opinions completely cloud your original vision. After all, it isyour wedding day. Don’t be afraid to say no by politely responding with something like, “that’s a super cute idea, but I’ve really had my heart set on ______!”

• Give your girls some responsibility. As the bride, your ‘maids are there to help you whenever you might need a little bit taken off of your wedding planning plate. Don’t be afraid to ask one of your girls to do the research on pricing, colors, shipping information, etc. Another girl can be in charge of making sure everyone orders on time. It’ll be one less thing for you to worry about and will give them some responsibility that they can be proud of!

Kennedy Blue Stella in eggplant | Adam Kennedy Photography

Making the Final Decision

The process of choosing your bridesmaid dresses is supposed to be an enjoyable experience for you and your ‘maids! Try not to let all of the decision making stress you out and remember to just have fun with it! At Kennedy Blue, we’re always here to help, and LOVE being a part of your big day. If you have any questions or need help with sizing or recommendations, feel free to shoot us an email at info@kennedyblue.com .

The ultimate recommendation: Find a good balance between dresses that fits your overall vision and styles that your ‘maids will love. Don’t forget that although it’s your wedding, you asked these girls to stand by your side for a reason. Allow their opinions to be heard and appreciated, but at the end of it all, you get the final say. Your girls are going to be a huge part of the wedding day (standing up at the ceremony, posing for pictures, sitting at the head table, dancing the night away, etc.) so make sure they look great and feel even better!

Need help deciding on the perfect styles? We’re here to help! Leave us a note in the comments below or contact a Kennedy Blue Specialist and let us a know some fun details about your day. We’ll gladly guide you on the road to a gorgeous bridal party.

Getting Started – Your DIY Wedding Planning Binder

To begin, you’ll need to gather your supplies to put your binder together – Target dollar section, here we come!

What you’ll need:

• 1” binder
• Tab dividers
• Sticky notes
• Colorful pens
• Highlighters
• Clear sheet covers – these will be used to store contracts, pictures, etc.
• Calendar (free printable below!)
• Wedding planning checklist (free printable below!)

Optional Items:

• Washi tape
• A clear zip pouch for storing swatches, business cards, etc.

Once you’ve gotten everything you need, it’s time to put it together! For the dividers we created the following 8 categories (you can always break them into sub-categories within, too):

1. Budget – include your full budget breakdown here
2. Guests & Invites – guests list and their addresses, wedding party contact information, hotel information, invites, etc.
3. Ceremony – venue information, décor or rental information, contracts, wedding programs, officiant information, etc.
4. Reception – venue information, décor or rental information, music playlists and DJ or band contact information, caterer information and menus, seating chart, contracts, etc.
5. Attire & Beauty – bridal gown information (any information on shops you are visiting and where you purchased from), groom attire, bridal party attire, hair and makeup artist information, contracts, accessories, etc.
6. Photographer – list of photos you would like – you can print off some pictures you’d like to show for ideas (or just use your Pinterest board!), vendor information, business cards, contracts, etc.
7. Florist – pictures of inspiration or colors you like, vendor information, contracts, business cards, etc.
8. Miscellaneous – honeymoon plans, registry information, rehearsal dinner information, etc.

A (free!) printable calendar and checklist to get your binder started

Two of the most essential elements of your wedding planning binder are going to be your calendar and a wedding timeline checklist, which we chose to add in the very beginning of the binder. It’s so important to stay on track with planning in order to meet your deadlines, and to promptly make all of your appointments – plus this free printable one from the Elli Blog is ADORABLE! Don’t forget to check out the checklist below, too!

Download your 2016 Printable Calendar from the Elli Blog.

The ultimate wedding timeline checklist to stay organized

Planning your wedding comes along with some deadlines. You might be wondering about some of these and if you can push them back somewhat or not.  Don’t! It is best to stay on top of things, so you don’t become overwhelmed towards the end and also to ensure you get everything on time.

Some vendors need to be booked right away because they become fully booked at least a year in advance. Other things such as your bridal attire and bridesmaid dresses need to be ordered months in advance, due to production times and alterations, so we’ve put together the perfect list for you to ensure you’re on top of things throughout the process!

Download this wedding timeline checklist from Marry This today and get started. You’ll also want to check out our ultimate list below as well that includes a few more things you don’t want to forget!

First things first – Right away after you get engaged

1. First of all, settle on your budget. Figure out how much money you have overall and then break down how much you can allot to each category. The categories and sub-categories listed above are a good place to start.
2. Start putting together your guest list and gathering addresses.
3. Narrow down some potential dates – you’ll be able to set one once you’ve decided on your venue.
4. Research wedding venues that interest you and book appointments to tour and get information on pricing and available dates to see if they’ll fall in your budget and have availability for you.
5. Have an engagement party if you wish! You can throw your own little soiree, if you’d like, or have a friend or family member host something too.

12 Months Before

1. Research photographers you are interested in and book appointments to meet with them. You’ll want to hire your photographer ASAP after you’ve met with them because many photographers are fully booked up to a year in advance. After booking, schedule your engagement photo session for about 8-9 months before your big day.
2. Begin shopping for your wedding dress – YAY! Don’t feel pressured to purchase one right away if you’re still 12 months out unless, of course, you know it’s THE one. Keep in mind, the sooner you do purchase your dress, the more time you will have to pay it off, and the sooner it comes in as well.
3. Finalize the date once you’ve narrowed down your venue and photographer and confirmed their availability for the same day.
4. Book a block of hotel rooms for out of state guests at a nearby hotel.
5. Choose your wedding party! We’ve got a great list of bridesmaid proposal ideas if you’re looking for a fun and creative way to ask your gals.

11 Months Before

1. Start planning your ceremony and reception décor. Whether you’ll be doing some DIY projects, or ordering rentals, you’ll want to get in contact with any vendors or start purchasing any supplies you need.
2. Book your florist and meet with them to decide on what types of flowers you would like for bouquets, centerpieces, boutonnieres, etc. Bring along any pictures or ideas you have in mind!
3. Book your caterer and figure out your menu.

10 Months Before

1. Finalize your guest list.
2. Set up your registries – make sure to register for enough stuff for the amount of guests you’ll be inviting!
3. Book an officiant. This may be done through your church or elsewhere and there’s always the option to have a friend or family member get ordained to perform your ceremony!
4. Book your DJ or band. This is a great vendor to get referrals from friends on. If you’ve been to a wedding where you loved the music, ask the bride or groom for contact information. Start narrowing down your ceremony and reception music.

9 Months Before

1. Order your bridal gown if you haven’t already done so! This will allow for enough time for production and any necessary alterations before your big day.
2. Book your hair and makeup artist(s) and coordinate whether they will be coming on-site for these services or if you’ll need to make a trip to the salon. This is also a good time to book a trial run – you’ll want to schedule this about 4-6 months before your wedding.
3. Discuss hair and makeup with your bridal party. Do you want everyone to have their hair and makeup done by the same people that are doing yours? Or will you allow your gals to go wherever they prefer (while giving them some guidelines to follow, of course) or even opt to do their own hair and makeup? Will you be paying for a portion of their hair and/or makeup as a gift? This is a good time to let them know your plans.
4. Take your engagement photos!

8 Months Before

1. Order your accessories – shoes, jewelry, any hair accessories or shawls.
2. Plan and book your honeymoon! This is a good time to book an international excursion you may be planning. If you’re doing something local, that should be booked about 4 months before your big day.
3. Order your bridesmaid dress samples and color swatches with our At Home Try-On service. Get a feel for what styles and colors you like and have your girls try on sample dresses in the comfort of your own home!

6 Months Before

1. Edit, proof, and have your invitations printed. Don’t forget to order envelopes and enough postage for the type of invitations you’re purchasing. Order your Save the Date cards at this time as well.
2. Do your hair and makeup trial run with your hair and makeup artist to ensure they are able to create the look you want. Bring along pictures for inspiration and if it doesn’t quite turn out how you like it, let them know!
3. Make sure each of your girls has ordered her bridesmaid dress. Ordering this far in advance will ensure they do not have to pay any extra fees for rush shipping and will also allow enough time for any necessary alterations they may need. Keep in mind, if you are in between sizes – it is best to order one size up because dresses can be easily altered and taken in if they are too big, whereas they cannot be let out much, if at all.

5 Months Before

1. Make arrangements for any rentals you may need for your ceremony or reception – tables, chairs, linens, etc.
2. Check in with your band or DJ to arrange any additional sound equipment you’ll need.
3. Cake tasting – YUM! Time to figure out what kind of cake you want to serve at your reception.

4 Months Before

1. Choose grooms and groomsman attire. Bring along any fabric swatches you have gathered in order to pair the right colors.
2. Send out Save the Date cards.

3 Months Before

1. Book your accommodations for your wedding night.

2 Months Before

1. Send out your invitations.
2. Finalize your food and drink menus with your caterer. If drinks aren’t included in catering, ask about bringing in your own alcohol and/or bartender.

6 WEEKS Before

1. Purchase your wedding bands – it’s getting REAL now!
2. Confirm number of bouquets, boutonnieres and centerpieces with your florist.
3. Start a rough seating chart – you’ll want to wait until all RSVP’s have arrived before finalizing.

4 Weeks Before

1. Finish up any DIY projects. You definitely don’t want to wait any longer on these – you won’t want (or need!) any extra projects or stress added in the next few weeks! You’ll also want to check to ensure all décor for the ceremony and reception is ready to go at this point.

2 Weeks Before – SO CLOSE!

1. Get your marriage license lined up.
2. Create your day-of schedule for bridesmaids, groomsmen, photographer, and any other vendors that need to know when and where to be at a certain time. Pass out or email a copy to each person.
3. Give your final guest head count to your caterer.
4. Finalize your seating chart.
5. Confirm all arrival times with vendors

WEDDING DAY!! It’s FINALLY HERE!

1. Give a trusted friend or family member all checks for vendors to ensure they are paid on time.
2. ENJOY THE BEST DAY EVER!!!

Easy as pie, right?! We know, every wedding is different and not all are planned 12 months in advance, so your checklist may need a little tweaking. A lot goes into planning your big day, so we hope this wedding planning checklist is as helpful as can be in order to make your wedding day the absolute best day ever!

Is there anything else you would recommend to other brides when planning your big day? Was our wedding planning binder and checklist helpful in your planning? Let us know in the comments below!

   

 
    

Reasons Why Hiring a Planner Is Actually Life-Changing

1. They’ll handle the not-so-fun tasks. Let’s face it, wedding tasks aren’t always fun. In fact, there are a lot of aspects that are stressful and time-consuming, especially the weeks leading up to the big day! Obviously there are the super exciting portions like choosing a venue, dress shopping, food tastings, etc., but there are also a lot of parts that will feel more like chores than fun.
2. They’ll help focus your vision. With Pinterest and magazines and Instagram, etc. It’s easy to be flooded with ideas and colors and not quite know how to execute them into a final, complete look. Coordinators will help you hone in on what you envision your big day to be and make that vision a reality!
3. They’ll majorly ease your stress. There are SO many decisions that go into planning a wedding and if you aren’t a good decision maker, you’re going to find this part to be dang hard. Let’s take your vendors for instance — there are tons and tons of options for every type of vendor you could possibly need. Not only do you have to narrow down that list, but you’ll need to negotiate, consistently follow-up, and really stay on top of them.
4. They’ll save you time (in what can be a very long process.) While it’s super fun at first, most engagements are around 9-12 months and that planning process can seem like an eternity and can suck up a lot of your time. Wedding planners will help you save that time! You won’t have to waste hours upon hours researching vendors and venues, going to meetings, and making phone calls — they’ll do the time-consuming work for you and you’ll have more time to relax and just enjoy your engagement.
5. They actually can save you money! This is huge for brides, because believe it or not, your planners want to help you not only create the wedding of your dreams, but a dream wedding that you can afford. They know the best vendors for every budget and are the ones who will negotiate, need be. So although a coordinator is another line on your budget sheet, they’ll help you save money in every other area overall.
6. They have the inside scoop -- and are excited to share it! Coordinators are so incredibly knowledgeable and are 100% experts in their field. They know all the tips and tricks to executing the perfect wedding day and are excited to share that knowledge with you!
7. They’ll help set your budget. Some people love the idea of coordinating their big day from start to finish, but have no idea how to create a reasonable budget to start. A planner can come in and help you determine how much to spend in each area and offer vendors to perfectly fit those budgets.
8. They’ll allow you to be 100% present on your big day! This is SO super duper important and is appreciated by all brides everywhere! Having someone to handle all of the logistics the few weeks leading up to the big day or even just the day of will take so much stress off of your plate. They’ll be the point of contact for vendors, family members, in change of set-up and take-down, and handle and crisis that come up so you’ll never have to be bothered. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Reasons a planner might not be for you:

1. You’ll have to relinquish control. For you type-A brides out there, this might be a difficult thing to do, and potentially even a deal-breaker. A friend of mine recently got married and was beyond overwhelmed with the amount of planning and decisions that were involved. When I asked why she didn’t look into hiring help, she simply said that she didn’t want to give up any control. In the end, she was pretty tired and stressed from the whole process, but that decision was important to her.
2. It’s another line item on your budget sheet. Even though they can save you money down the road, it’s still an additional cost to add to your budget. Luckily, just like any vendor, wedding coordinators come at all price points, as well as their services so it’s totally reasonable to find one that fits your financial needs and style.

Our Q&A With An Event Planner From Blush & Whim

If you’re local to the Minnesota area, you might be familiar with Blush & Whim — a styling and event planning firm located in Minneapolis. If you’re not, you need to check them out! Their style is pretty, chic, and seriously picture-perfect! I chatted with one of their Senior Lead Planners, Jen, and asked her some questions not only about what they do, but about wedding planning, planning advice, and some fun wedding trends that she’s currently seeing. Check it out:

Q. Tell me briefly about Blush & Whim. What types of services do you offer to engaged couples?

Blush & Whim offers a variety of planning, styling and design services for couples. We offer full-planning, month-of planning, and event design packages. Blush & Whim is here to help bring the couples' inspirations to life for their wedding day. We are very passionate about making the perfect day for each couple!

Q. Can you give a general overview of how the 'full-planning' process work?

We help from start to finish from vendor meetings to design meetings to wedding day logistics. We're here to take the stress off of the couple so they can fully enjoy their engagement and wedding day! Blush & Whim works with each couple to make sure no detail is overlooked all throughout the planning process. On the couples' wedding day, we are the go-to people to ensure their vision comes to life!

Q. How can a bride determine if she's in need of a wedding planner?

Currently, I'm planning my own wedding and I know I'm going to hire some of my colleagues to execute my vision the day-of! Every bride should be able to feel stress-free and completely relaxed. You're getting married! Let this be one of the happiest & most fun days of your life! Also, hiring a planner is a great way to make sure your family can also enjoy this day along with you!

A bride should not have to worry about the little details of set-up to clean-up, checking on the cake delivery, directing early guests' arrival to their seats, and other details on her wedding day. Hiring a wedding planner is like hiring your own personal wedding guru. Your planner can help navigate contracts, recommend vendors that fit your vision & budget and offer invaluable advice as you go through the planning process.

Q. What is the most common question(s) you get asked by brides?

One of the most common questions I get asked is, “what do I tip my vendors?” Some vendors will include gratuity and service fees into their package price. A nice standard to go by is tipping 15% or more for any service where you are working with a single artist (i.e. hair/make up artist, entertainment, transportation driver, catering staff). For an officiant, generally a donation to the place of worship is customary. Overall, outstanding service deserves recognition whether in the form of a monetary tip or an online review on your vendor to show your appreciation.

Q. What are some wedding trends you're seeing for 2016!?

• Greenery! Couples are looking for ways to incorporate greenery into their place settings, tablescapes, bouquets and more. I saw this trend start in 2015 and I definitely see this continuing for 2016.
• Floral Chandeliers -- I'm also seeing amazing floral chandeliers! Who doesn't love feeling like you're in a secret garden while you toast to your newlywed status surrounded by family & friends!
• Personalization -- Couples are looking for ways to make weddings more 'us.' Mix and match you and your fiancee's style to make the day completely 'you.'

Questions to Ask A Wedding Planner

As with any vendor, there are a number of coordinators out there so you’ll need to do your research on which one is best for you. Many of them have well established styles, vendor contact lists, etc. so you’ll want to find one that suits your wedding-day vision. Here are some questions you may want to ask your planner before taking the leap and signing any contracts.

1. Have you worked at my venue before?

2. How many weddings of my size and budget have you planned before?

3. What role do you feel I should play?

4. How much staff do you enlist to help?

5. How many weddings do you handle each month?

6. How often do you expect to meet with me prior to the wedding?

7. How do you charge? Is there a flat rate?

8. How do you keep in touch with clients?

9. Who are your preferred vendors?

10. Can you help us stay on budget?

11. Will you be with us on our big day?

For a full list of questions, from florists to dress shops, head on over to The Ultimate Wedding Vendor Question Guide!

Let’s Chat!

More than likely, you're in the process of planning your wedding and if you're reading this, it's probably because you've considered hiring a planner or already plan to do so. I'd love to know: What are your hesitations or deciding factors for hiring a planner? Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts!

Kennedy Blue Quinn (2nd from left), Lucy (2nd from right), and Spencer (far right) | Tandem Tree

Mix and Match Bridesmaid Dresses With These 6 Unique Ways

By now, you’ve probably looked at countless photos online and in magazines of mismatched looks. Some so classy and discreet that you may not have even noticed that they weren’t different dresses to the extreme end of the spectrum where everyone is in completely different looks. Both can be done super well and it’s all about finding a balance of what look you like best!

Same Dress, Different Necklines

Kennedy Blue Brynn (left), Londyn (middle), Peyton (right) | Christy Tyler Photography

This is an easy and pretty discreet way of pulling off mix and match bridesmaid dresses. You choose the dress style that you love, your main color(s) and then have each girl pick a neckline that’s most flattering and comfortable for her shape!

Kennedy Blue works perfectly for this type of mismatched look. The majority of our dresses have the same flowing, a-line skirt (or fitted if we’re talking about lace), but we offer a ton of different necklines (too many to count right now!) for your girls to choose from.

For instance, let your girls know that you want all long, chiffon bridesmaid dresses by Kennedy Blue in navy. From there, they have a wide variety of different necklines to choose from, everything from strapless, to halter, to v-neck, to criss-cross!

My suggestion: A good neckline is the key to comfort, so be flexible with what your girls choose. If they all want straps, but only one wants strapless, that’s totally okay!

Same Color, Different Dress

Kennedy Blue Londyn (far left) | Ben Saefke Photography

Make sure to be transparent with your girls that you want all the same color, but give them total flexibility with their dress. This way, you’ll end up with a coordinated group of gals in various styles and possibly even fabrics that will look gorgeous together!

For instance, let’s say you choose Kennedy Blue’s eggplant as your main shade. Your ‘maids could then choose between all chiffon, all lace, or even lace-chiffon combo dresses! The mix and match options are damn near endless.

My suggestion: Because of the whole dying process, colors can slightly vary by fabric so make sure that you’re okay with the color variations before your girls make their final decisions.

Same Style Dress, Different Color

Mix and match crinkle chiffon dresses in Wine and Cactus | Lisa Webb Photography

A trend that once started by mixing necklines has grown to be so much more! Consider putting all of your girls in the same dress (or ones that are similar in style and fabric), but in an array of different colors.

For instance, try sticking within the same color family such as varying shades of purple or varying shades of green. Otherwise, you can go a bit bolder and mix similar hues such as soft pastels or deep autumn colors.

The are endless variations that you could do for this, but by mixing up the colors and keeping a consistent element (all the same dress), you’re creating a perfectly cohesive, mismatched look.

My suggestion: Use complimentary colors. If you’re staying within the same color family, go for an ombre look so you don’t end up with lots of soft lilac dresses and one bright barney purple dress. If you’re going for something more bold, such as a pastel palette, make sure they all have the same, soft undertone so you’re not stuck with a random bright coral dress next to your soft blush, mint, and lilac ones.

Different Dresses, Different Colors

Kennedy Blue Camilla, Sienna, Charlotte, and Spencer (left to right) | Richaux Productions

If you want to take this trend to the max, try just completely mixing up the look with varying dresses and colors. Whether you stay in the same color family or not, it’s a super fun look that will show off you and your fiancé’s unique personalities! However, beware. This look can go super astray if not done correctly. I’d hate for you to end up with a rainbow wedding. *shivers*

If you’re willing to let your girls pick their own dresses, either assign each girl a hue or give them an image of a palette you’re interested in and let them go from there. A paint chip with ombre hues works REALLY well for this.

My suggestion: To keep the look from going too astray, I’d suggest making a few “requirements” for their dresses. Would you prefer them to be short or long? Do you mind satin in the mix or would you prefer to have softer fabrics like chiffon, jersey, and lace? etc.

Different Lengths

Kennedy Blue Bridal Gown Hailey | Monica Lopez Photography

Whether you mix up the dress styles or keep them all the same, an easy way to create a mismatched look is by doing different dress lengths between knee length and floor length.

My suggestion: A lot of people consider different lengths to be an “unfinished” look unless all of your ‘maids are doing completely different dresses. It definitely has a boho feel to is so this look would probably be most fitting in that sort of setting.

Unique Details/Accessories

Long Chiffon Gowns in Blush | Katie Lewis Photography

If you’re not quite ready to go full mix and match yet, that’s totally okay! Create a mismatched look for your girls by mixing up their accessories. From shoes, statement necklaces, belts/sashes, or hair pieces, there are a ton of different ways to make your bridesmaids feel like individuals.

My suggestion: Keep it simple and don’t go too overboard with the mismatched accessories. If you’re fine with them picking their own shoes and necklaces, make sure you’re ready for ANY variation of those (such as big clunky heels and possibly a hot pink necklace.) If you feel you need to, make some specific suggestions of what they should wear.

Helpful Tips for Mixing and Matching Bridesmaid Dresses

1. It’s totally okay to tell your ‘maids exactly what you want so you don’t end up with a hodgepodge of different looks that absolutely do not go together.
2. Paint swatches are king if you’re doing different shades! You know those cool ombre ones with like 4-6 different colors? Find one that you love (free at any paint or hardware store!) and give one to each of your ‘maids as a color reference for her dress.
3. Find some gorgeous inspiration. There are a lot of variations to this mix and match business so finding some visual inspiration will help you to narrow down the looks you love and…well…the ones you really don’t.
4. Make sure your mix and match look coordinates with your overall wedding theme. Let’s just put it this way — if you’re having an elegant ballroom wedding with a traditional ballgown wedding dress, doing the whole “pick your own dress in one of these three colors!” might not quite go together.
5. Don’t be afraid to say no. If one (or more) of your ‘maids has picked a dress that you’re honestly not too thrilled with, it’s okay to say no, because hellooooo, it is your wedding after all! In fact, it’s probably best to just have all the girls run their dresses by you before making their final decision.

Let’s Chat! Are you doing mix and match bridesmaid dresses for your wedding? Leave a comment below and let us know what style(s) and color(s) you’re doing or how you pulled off the mismatched look!

More Mix And Match Inspiration

Check out more images from this real wedding | Beth Insalaco Photography

Kennedy Blue Stella, Violet, Hannah, and Anna (left to right) | Katie Lewis Photography

Check out more from this mismatched wedding | Sarah Chacos Photography

Kennedy Blue Olivia, Hannah, Julia, and Anna (left to right) | Amanda Dumouchelle Photography

Check out more from this mix-and-match wedding | Essence Weddings

14 Super Pretty Gift Ideas For Your Bridesmaids

1. I’m going to kick this list off with one of my favorites. First off, aren’t most of us girls a sucker for some type of bag? Um…totes! (lol, get it?!) This adorable “Hello Lovely” bag is perfect for your girls to use on a daily basis and especially great if you’re not into the whole monogrammed/initialed trend.

ParrisChicBoutique

2. This 14k gold-filled bar necklace is absolutely one of the prettiest things I’ve ever seen! They are super customizable and are a piece that your ‘maids can wear over and over again. Roman numerals, letters, and numbers can all be engraved onto these bars so make sure to add something meaningful like a birthday, name, or short and sweet phrase.

LEILAjewelryshop

3. After all of the hustle and bustle of the big day, your girls are going to look forward to a day of relaxation. Treat them to this adorable pre-made gift basket that will make for the perfect home-spa day! The kit includes a soap, lip balm, bath salt, muscle rescue balm, and skin rescue balm.

LittleFlowerSoapCo

4. Simple and chic, this pendant necklace is a gorgeous way to show appreciation for your girls! The small, initial charm is a cute, personal touch that your ‘maids will absolutely adore!

Limonbijoux

5. If your ‘maids have an awesome sense of humor, treat them to this hilariously cute “best bitches” mug that will become a staple in their home! Give it to them the morning of the big day and start pouring the mimosas and coffee for a picture-perfect moment!

OhLOLAandco

6. Style your girls in this fun and stylish statement necklace that they can wear on the wedding day and long after. It’s got the perfect amount of sparkle, but is simple and pretty enough that they’ll want to wear it on a day-to-day basis!

WinkofPinkShop

7. Gift your girls an adorable romper that you can all get ready in on the morning of! Available in a huge variety of colors, you’ll find a style that you absolutely adore and will have so much fun taking “getting ready” pictures with all your besties!

SandyWatersStore

8. What girl doesn’t love an inspirational quote or message? Show your thanks to your ‘maids by gifting them one of these stunning hand-stamped cuff bracelets. You can choose whatever quote you want or even just have a fun message engraved in the metal. Super chic!

ZennedOut

9. Thank you girls with a sweet and simple statement that they can add into their home decor. This gorgeous candle is absolutely perfect (especially for people like me who are candle obsessed!) and are also eco-friendly and handmade! How cool is that?

LuluSugar

10. Drink ware is something that your girls can easily use on a day-to-day basis. Get them an adorable personalized tumbler that they can use time and time again! Available in a huge array of font colors, you’ll be able to create a style that they’ll love!

WeddingsByLeann

11. This dainty stone necklace is the perfect way to show your appreciation to your besties! It’s great for a girly, minimalist look and is available in three different color options that are all gorgeous and easy to love!

LEILAjewelryshop

12. Give the gift of a fun accessory that is unique and super adorable! These clutches can be personalized with each bridesmaid’s name and come in a ton of gorgeous colors so you can find the perfect one to suit each of their styles!

boRann

13. A simple and chic way to say ‘thank you’ is by giving the gift of these lovely drop earrings. Whether you get them for your girls to wear on the big day or for every-day use, they are a gorgeous pair that your ‘maids will adore!

Limonbijoux

14. Considering they’re a huge trend right now, floral bridesmaid robes are something that I’m sure you’re not unfamiliar with. They are super fun for getting ready in the morning of and can be worn on a regular basis long after the big day. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, your girls will love being gifted something so cute and cozy!

Silk and More

What Will You Gift Your Girls?

Now that you've seen some of my gift ideas for your bridesmaids, I want to know: If you're a bride, what ideas have you had to give to your girls? If you're been a bridesmaid in the past, what types of gifts have you been given? -- the good and bad!

Leave a comment below and let us know your gift ideas!

Bridesmaid Duties For Your Out-Of-Town Besties

Keep in mind, you can’t force anyone to volunteer if they don’t want to, so please ask before suggesting that they help with anything. Because their distance is a bit limiting, here are a few ways you can have them help out:

• Research! This is by far the easiest way to include them. Whether you’re looking for photographers, shoes, favor ideas, etc., this is easily something a ‘maid can do, regardless of her location! Besides, who doesn’t love an excuse to surf the web?
• Create invites for special events. I know you won’t be the one to plan bridal showers or your bachelorette, but you could suggest to your other ‘maids or family members that this be a good task for your out-of-towner.
• Arrive early to help with last-minute tasks. There is SO much to be done the week leading up to the wedding so ask your ‘maid(s) if it’s possible to arrive a couple days early to not

5 Ways to Involve Your Out-Of-Town ‘Maids

1. Create a shared inspiration board. One of our favorite things to do the minute we’re engaged is to start pinning our lives away! Seriously, there’s just SO much inspiration on Pinterest, I feel the need to see all of my options! Give your girls a general idea of what you’re looking for or a wedding style that you love and create a shared board that you all can pin ideas to!
2. Discuss a timeline. Once you’ve set an official wedding date, give your girls a timeline of when you hope to start dress shopping, celebrating bridal showers, your bachelorette, etc. This can be a tentative timeline, but at least getting them to start planning ahead will be smart! If an out-of-state ‘maid can’t make it to an event, be sure to FaceTime her in or at least send pictures of what’s going on! This will be especially important during the dress shopping (but is only necessary if the other bridesmaids are there, too!)
3. Set bi-weekly phone calls. Texting is fine, but a phone call is so much more personal! Set up bi-weekly phone dates to give updates on everything that’s happening. You can totally even use these as vent sessions to complain about how your mother is taking control of everything or your aunt Shelly won’t stop suggesting her new boyfriend be your photographer. It’s totally up to you.
4. Create a Facebook group. My friends and I did this for a wedding we were in this past Fall and it was SO helpful. We created a group on Facebook where we could share ideas, create events, post pics of our shoes, dresses, accessories, etc., create polls, and just communicate! You can have this same type of communication through a group text, but there are so many more options with a FB group.
5. Shop for dresses using the At Home Try-On. Bridesmaid dress shopping is one of those important events that your out-of-town ‘maids might feel really left out of. Instead of the traditional shopping at a boutique, why not bring the boutique experience to your home!? With our At Home Try-On, you can request to have samples of your favorite styles shipped directly to your doorstep (anywhere in the continental U.S.) to try on in the comfort of your home! At Home Try-On kits even included any requested fabric swatches and a measuring tape to ensure you order your perfect size!

Let’s Chat!

You heard some of my ideas that are perfect for involving your out-of-town ‘maids, now I want to hear yours! What types of bridesmaid duties (if any) do you plan to give them? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Kennedy Blue Audrey, Julia, and Olivia (left to right)

Why Slate Blue Bridesmaid Dresses Are Worth Obsessing Over

About The Color: What’s a wedding without ‘something blue’? Well, not every bride wants to go the navy route and a lot of other shades tend to be super vibrant and over-powering. The goal is: make your bridesmaids look amazing, but don’t forget that you (oh…and your fiancé, of course) are the star of this show! That’s why we’re obsessed with slate blue.

This hue has the perfect dusty-gray undertone making it somewhat of an understatement, but oh-so far from boring! It’s got a warm, romantic feel that also feels light and fresh. It fits perfectly within an outdoor garden setting or even inside a grand cathedral.

Who It Flatters: Whether your bridesmaids have red hair, brown skin, platinum highlights, or nearly translucent skin, I give you my word that they will look like bombshells in this color! Seriously, you guys. This is a hue that flatters all and my gosh, will your ‘maids be thankful or that!

What Styles It’s Available In: Lucky for you, the majority of our styles are offered in slate blue! (Trust me, we’re really excited about that!) It’s currently available in our all-crinkle chiffon dresses as well as our satin-top dresses. 

How to Style It: You’re picking this color just in time, because considering this is a new wedding trend for 2016, there is inspiration everywhere! I’m currently obsessed with pairing this hue with natural, earthy tones. That means, bright, white flowers for a clean, fresh look and deep, leafy greenery for the perfect contrast! Consider adding in a metallic, especially to your centerpieces. Silver, gold, or even…oooo…rose gold, would look stunning with this dusty shade.

Our Favorite (& Most Flattering!) Slate Blue Styles

Sienna

A chic, high-neck style that’s fun and feminine! Just about every girl in our office has slipped this little number on and I swear to you — it has looked amazing on every. single. one of us! Looking for the full-length version? Kylee is your go-to dress.

Abigail

One of our newest gowns, Abigail is a classic style with a trendy twist! Part of what makes this style so unique is its satin, spaghetti-strap top and flowing chiffon skirt. It's the best of both worlds and is a style that 'maids are really loving! If you're shopping for short dresses, check out Blair, the knee-length style.

Violet

A strapped, floor-length gown that seriously turns heads! With the halter neckline (I know, right? Who knew a halter could be so cute!?) and the fit of the bodice, this dress is actually incredibly flattering. It creates curves for your teeny-tiny friends and really compliments your curvier girls. Shopping for knee-length styles? Lucy is the short version of this gown.

Anna

A chic and elegant floor-length style that is completely timeless. Seriously, you’ll look back in 30 years and probably still want to pick the same gown! This full-length style has a v-neckline and v-back, making it super flattering for any and all of your ‘maids. If you’re not shopping for long styles, check out Chloe, the knee-length version of this gown.

Let’s Chat!

Is slate blue not the prettiest color you’ve ever seen in your whole life? Maybe, maybe not, but either way, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it! Would you style your ‘maids in this new and upcoming color!?

Kennedy Blue Nova (left) and Layla (right).

The History of Short vs. Long Bridesmaid Dresses

Throughout time, short and long styles have each been given their own reputations and the length of dress really depended on the formality of the wedding. Full-length gowns were traditionally the only proper option and the idea of wearing a knee-length style was a bit absurd. After a while, weddings became more casual and each length was given it’s own stigma. Longer styles were ideal for formal, black tie affairs, while shorter lengths were for informal, intimate gatherings.

Overtime, those traditional notions have (for the most part) been thrown out the window. Brides are going more with their personal preference rather than what tradition says and heck, that’s how it should have been from the very beginning!

Floor-length styles still have a sense of being elegant and chic, while shorter styles are fun and sweet! However, both lengths can be dressed up or down to fit any event so the real task is determining which is the right length for your big day!

5 Things To Consider When Choosing Short vs. Long:

The formality of the event. Luckily, a lot of gowns now a days are simple enough that they can be dressed up or down depending on the formality of the event. However, that can still be a huge factor for a lot of brides! If the wedding is taking place in a church, some families prefer that the ‘maids be more covered - meaning full-length gowns and sometimes even high necklines and/or sleeves. If the wedding is more low-key, perhaps in the backyard of your family’s home or in an informal dining hall, knee-length styles will fit right in!

Your love for shoes. We all have those shoe-obsessed friends who love showing off the latest flair on their feet. If that friend just so happens to be you, knee-length dresses will be the best route! That way, whether you pick the stylish shoe(s) they’ll be sporting or allow them to choose their own style, it will make a super fun fashion statement!

The season and climate. This is definitely a critical piece to consider when choosing your bridesmaid dresses. There’s nothing worse than being freezing cold while taking outdoor pictures or sweating bullets in a thick, heavy dress. Be aware of the possible temperatures and weather conditions during the month you’re planning to tie the knot. If you do decide to go against the norm, make sure you provide your bridesmaids with the necessary means to be completely comfortable. If that means handheld electric fans or hand warmers and cardigans, do it. I can guarantee it will be greatly appreciated!

Your preferred fabric. It’s time to face the facts. Some fabrics just look better in certain lengths. For instance, stiff, structured fabrics such as satin and taffeta look far better in short styles versus a full-length gown. Same goes for lace. Not only do these fabrics look better in the shorter styles, but just think how uncomfortable you would be spending a whole day covered from neck-to-toe in such a heavy fabric?

Chiffon on the other hand looks gorgeous in both lengths, however brides tend to lean toward the full-length designs for a more romantic, whimsical look.

To get the best of both worlds, check out our collection of lace-top and satin-top dresses that both have chic, chiffon skirts. The styles are fun, unique, and ones that your ‘maids will actually love wearing!

The heights of your ‘maids. Not all ‘maids are made the same. That being said, you might have girls of all sizes and heights in your bridal party. To ensure that everyone looks their best, style your girls in short bridesmaid dresses and make sure they’re gowns are all hemmed at the same length above the knee. Of course you’re more than welcome to do long styles, but keep in mind that if you have a girl that’s really tall, not all designers offer extra length on their dresses. And for your extra petite ‘maids, a full-length gown might drown them, making them look extra short. No bueno.

Long and Short Bridesmaid Dresses You’ll Love

Looking for a bit of inspiration? Look no further! We’ve gathered some of our bride's favorites along with some newer styles that we're obsessing over! Which style is your favorite?

  

  

  

  

Let’s Chat!

Which dress length did/will you choose for your ‘maids to wear!? Was it just personal preference or did you consider other factors into your decision? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Wedding Workout Routine: 11 Ways to Get Started & Stay Motivated

1. Be realistic. Think about your goals and what you want to achieve. If you’re not currently working out regularly, it’s probably not practical to shoot for 5-6 days per week. Set goals for yourself that work for you and your lifestyle. If you aren’t a morning person, don’t expect to be at the gym at 5am everyday. If you’re required to take long work lunches, plan to squeeze in a workout over your break.

For instance, I know I’m really bad about working out over the weekend and usually go out to happy hour with friends one night a week. That being said, I shoot for four days a week, usually giving myself rest days on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.

2. Write your goals down. Create as many goals as you feel necessary, but again, be realistic about what you plan to achieve. Here are some examples of goals you might want to consider:

1. Lose [# pounds] by [wedding date].
2. Drink [#] glasses of water per day.
3. Exercise for [# of minutes], [#] times per week.
4. Loose [# of inches] in my midsection by [wedding date].
5. Cook [#] homemade meals per week.
6. Fit into a size [#] wedding dress!

Once you’ve decided on the goals you want to work toward, write them down and put them somewhere visible. Whether it’s your vanity, work desk, fridge, or bathroom mirror, you want to be reminded of them everyday so you always remember what it is that you’re working for! You can even have your fiance do weekly check-ins with you to make you feel more accountable!

3. Find inspiration. Luckily, social media offers so much inspiration and motivation to get us off of our butts and onto our feet! Pinterest for example, is filled with motivational quotes, fitness guides, healthy recipes, and more. Create a board (it can be public or private!) and start pinning!

The best part is, they have exercised for every level and lifestyle. If you enjoy spending time in the gym, they have great interval ideas for cardio and weight machines. If you prefer working out at home, they have awesome body resistant training ideas that will really get you sweating!

Instagram is also filled with fitness guru’s and tons of inspiration. Many of them will post short videos of routines and tell you to do each move for X number of seconds for X number of rounds. That way, your routines are always changing and you’ll never get bored!

4. Keep an open mind. It’s really easy to think of working out as a chore, but the more you start to think about it as a lifestyle change, the easier it will become! Plus, if you are able to get your fiance on board with the healthy eating and lifestyle adjustments, it will make the transition that much smoother! You’ve been given one body and one life so it’s time you make the most of it, don’t you think!?

5. Invest in new gear! I’ll admit it, this is one of my favorite parts about jumpstarting my workout regimen. (Any excuse to shop, right!?) But honestly, it’s really a great way to get yourself motivated! Whether you shop the clearance racks at Target or invest in some higher price pieces from Victoria Secret or Nike, you’ll be excited to hop into your new apparel and get moving!

There are definitely going to be days when you can’t make it to the gym or that barre class, so it’s great to invest in a few pieces of exercise equipment for your home. A couple of hand weights, a kettle bell, and an exercise ball can go a long way! Heck, you might even want to think about adding some exercise equipment to your wedding registry.

Oh yes, and don’t forget to pick up a good water bottle! I’m currently obsessed with the water bottles from Blogilates. 

6. Create a kick-butt playlist. There’s not much that motivates me more than a really good set of hyped up songs! Creating a playlist is super key and will really help set the tone of your workout. I personally prefer upbeat, high-energy songs…or anything Beyonce.

Spotify also has tons of awesome pre-made playlists that are great for no matter what type of exercise you’re doing.

7. Set reminders. I’m an evening worker-outer so I have an alarm set on my phone to go off at 6pm every night reminding me to get my butt into gear. Do I occasionally ignore it? Yes, but it always reminds me what I should be doing rather than sitting on the couch can’t help but to feel a bit guilty.

8. Mark your calendar. This is especially perfect since you have a goal that you’re shooting for by a specific date. Use a calendar in your home, on your phone, computer, or whatever (I personally like to print one off specifically for workouts) and keep track of your goals, timelines, workouts, meals, etc. It’s a great way to keep you on track and hold yourself accountable.

9. Grab a friend..or two! It’s so easy to slack off or give up when all you have is yourself to hold accountable. Ask a friend, relative, co-worker, neighbor, or duh...your fiance! if they want to be a part of your fitness journey! Whether you take daily trips to the gym together or simply have weekly check-ins on progress, it makes the whole “getting fit” thing more fun and enjoyable. 

If you want to make it really interesting, start a weightless challenge with your bridesmaids! Have each girl pitch in $10-20, submit their starting weights to you, and determine the length of time you want the contest to run for. Create a secret group on Facebook and use it to share recipes, coordinate fitness classes, share favorite exercise videos, etc. Each week, they can check in with their progress. At the end of the challenge, everyone will submit their final weights and the winner will be based on their percentage lost. The prizes can be anything from a fun exercise inspired basket, gift card, credit toward a membership, etc. Just remember to make it fun and motivational!

10. Mix up your routine. What’s the one thing that so many of us are fearful of? Change! But when it comes to working out, it’s actually really necessary! Your body gets bored of doing the same workouts over and over again and over time, they become somewhat ineffective. Make sure you’re doing cardio AND weights. Use different machines. Go for a run outside. Play a game of tennis. Try yoga, bootcamp, barre, and cycling classes. Do a dance video on youtube. Tell your fiance that if he/she goes to a class that you're really interested, you'll try something new that they're really into! There are so many ways to mix up your routine, there’s no way that you or your body should ever get bored!

11. Reward your success. In the beginning, it’s as simple as recognizing that you did something great for your body and feeling great about the progress you’ll soon be making.

As the big day approaches, it’s great to make checkmarks on your calendar marking 90 days, 60 days, 30 days, etc. to your end date. Use these as guides to celebrate your success and progress. Whether you give yourself a pat on the back, buy a new tank top, or reward yourself with an indulgent meal, it’s a great way to acknowledge all of the hard work you’ve put in.

My Favorite Fitness Gurus

I absolutely love following fitness gurus on Instagram, Pinterest, and even Facebook. I find their posts to be motivating, fun, and are great for diversifying my fitness routine. To get you started, I wanted to share some of my favorites with you! Check them out:

Tone It Up - A young, fun, and super cute pair of beach babes that do everything from cardio, yoga, HIIT, total body training, etc. They offer free recipes, advice, have an amazing community of supportive followers, and you can also join their 8-week Tone It Up Challenge for exclusive workouts and meal plans that will get you into gear!

Blogilates - With a focus around pilates, Cassey also includes a variety of workouts that can easily be done at home. We website also includes meal plans, recipes, printables, and a variety of 30-day challenges to get you started!

Alexa Jean Fitness - Alexa proves that even mama’s can be in the most amazing shape. Almost all of her workouts are done at home (with the help of her adorable daughter, of course) and focus on body-resistance training. She offers a range of fitness ebooks that focus on different problem areas so you can hone it and get those trouble spots taken care of!

Kayla Itsines - Probably one of the most well-known fitness gurus in the game, Kayla’s rock hard abs come from hard work and an extremely healthy lifestyle. She’s best known for her Bikini Body Guides that have transformed thousands of girls nationwide.

Tips for Ordering Your Wedding/Bridesmaid Dress When Losing Weight

1. Always order your dress based on your size at the time of ordering. TRUST me on this one, please! It’s so much easier to take a dress in than it it so let out. Of course your consultant believes that you’re trying to lose weight, but what if something happens and the weight just doesn’t come off? Ordering the size 8 when you’re really a size 14 is a very risky move and not one that I’d want to risk, especially for a day as important as this!
2. Look at size charts. Believe it or not, they make these things for a reason. Not every designer is going to be the same to make sure to have your measurements professionally taken and then refer to the size chart to see what size you should order. If the dress is completely fitted, go with your overall largest measurement. If the dress is only fitted through the waist and then is flowing or poofs out, go with the largest measurement between your bust and waist.

Let’s Chat!

Are you planning to start a wedding workout routine to gear up for the big day? What’s more your style? Group classes, at-home exercises, healthy eating habits, etc.? Leave a comment below and let us know what steps you’re taking to tackle this resolution!

It’s common to meet with your wedding photographer(s) before the big day arrives and that’s a great opportunity to give them an idea of what you want! Whether you show them some inspiration from Pinterest or have a fully written out wedding photo list, they’ll appreciate knowing the types of poses, angles, and lighting that you prefer.

So if you’re looking for inspiration when it comes to your bridal party pics, look no further because we’ve got a fun list that you’ll totally want to steal!

The 14 Fun & Unique Must-Have Wedding Photos

1. The Ring Pic - Get a photo of your ladies checking out that gorgeous bling on your finger! Chances are, it will be a little over-the-top and cheesy, but you're bound to catch some real in-the-moment giggles as you all laugh at yourselves.

Richaux Productions

Monica Lopez Photography

Ali Kvidt Photography

3. Getting Dressed - Most likely, your 'maids will be helping you put on your bridal gown so have your photographer capture those moments. It'll remind you down the road why you chose them to stand by your side!

Purrington Photography

4. The First Look - Have your photographer capture the moment when your 'maids and family see you for the first time in your gown. It's an unforgettable moment and seeing their reactions is priceless!

Rebekah Hoyt Photography

Kye Samuelson Photography

5. Sneak a Peek of Your Feet - It's especially fun if everyone is rocking their own style.

Katie Lewis Photography

6. Spell it Out - Whether you hold up your sorority sign or spell out something like 'love', it's fun, creative, and makes for the perfect picture.

Richaux Productions

7. With The Groom - Most likely, your 'maids are quite familiar with your groom (or are even his sisters!) so make sure they get a few fun pics with him!

Ali Kvidt Photography

Hannah Schmitt Photography

8. Let Loose - Let your 'maids have some fun and let loose! Have your photographer capture those fun, candid moments or tell them to dance a little bit and see what you get!

Richaux Productions

9. Party Hard - Heading to a bar or party bus in between the ceremony and reception? Grab your girls for a picture on the bar or cheers-ing to a lifelong friendship!

Bellagala Photography

Scott & Hannah Photography

10. Capture the Scenery - Whether you're tying the knot in the winter or getting married outdoors, take advantage of what nature has to offer and find cool, unique places to photograph your bridal party.

Ray & Kelly Photography

Studio 220 Photography

11. Let Me Take A Selfie - You'll probably be taking a million selfies on your big day and we love the idea of your photographer taking a photo of you capturing those carefree moments.

Allison Hopperstad Photography

12. Beautiful Bouquets - You spent a heck of a lot to make sure your 'maids get the perfect bouquets so don't forget to get a great picture of them!

Jordan Obinger Photography

13. Photo Booth Fun - If you're having a photo booth at your reception, have your photographer capture some of those moments as well. You'll love seeing and remembering how much fun your 'maids had!

Janelle Elise Photography

14. Getting Down On The Dance Floor - Some of your favorite wedding memories will probably happen on the dance floor so make sure the photographer captures you and your bridesmaids' best moves!

Richaux Productions

Let's Chat

Whether you've already been a bridesmaid or are currently preparing your wedding photo list, which bridesmaid pictures are must-haves for you!? Leave a comment below and let us know!

While it can almost seem as daunting as the planning process itself, I assure you — with a little organization and some helpful tips, you’ll have your wedding thank you notes done in no time! So keep reading to learn all of the thank you card etiquette do’s and don’ts, organization tips, and some samples of what to write!

The Do’s & Don’ts of Wedding Thank You Notes

DO be timely! Your thank you’s are expected to be received by the guest no later than two months after the wedding date or the date that the gift is received. If you go on a honeymoon immediately after, obviously no one expects you to be writing letters on the beach, but you should start working on them as soon as you get back.

DON’T give thanks digitally. Emails and (oh my gosh, I shouldn’t even have to say this next one) texts are absolute no-no’s when it comes to thanking your guests. Even those cute online e-cards? Nope…don’t even think about it. A thank you note involves stationary, a handwritten message, and a stamp. No if’s, and’s, or but’s about it!

DO include personal details. Every card should mention the guests name(s), what they gave, why you’re excited to have it, and how you plan to use it. Check out an example below!

DON’T reference the amount. Regardless whether they gave you a $20 gift or a $200 gift, all should be treated equally and you should never ever ever mention the amount (ever.) within your message. Be thankful that they thought to give you a gift regardless.

DO include mentions of time and effort spent. If any of your family or friends helped with the planning, set-up, clean-up, calling relatives for RSVP’s, or spent any other time or energy other than simply just being a guest, PLEASE make sure to mention that! Thanking them for playing a helpful role in your big day will mean more to them than being thanked for the new crockpot.

DON’T be too formal. “Dear Mr. and Mrs. Anderson…” Ew. Stop. These are your family and friends that you are writing too! It’s totally okay to be conversational and lighthearted. If you want to tell your uncle Mark how much you appreciated his killer dance moves — do it! If you want to tell your cousins that you can’t wait to host a drunken margarita night with the new blender — let them know! They’ll love a letter that actually sounds like it came from you rather than a template.

DO acknowledge your vendors. After all is said and done, they are easy to forget, but boy-oh-boy, did they play a big part in your big day! Sending them a handwritten note will be so appreciated by the staff that helped make your day come true.

DON’T ignore your gift-less guests. Just because they didn’t give a gift, doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a thank-you for being an awesome attendee!

DO be organized! How embarrassing would it be for a family to get two thank-you’s from you? Or even worse, to not get one at all? Find a system that works for you and make sure you stick to it! More on staying organized below.

DON’T tackle this project alone. This can be your first real task as a married couple and shouldn’t be expected to be the bride’s responsibility! Besides, it was half his family, too! Divvy up the guest list and set aside time together each night to work on a number of thank you notes.

Helpful Tips To Ease The Task

• Create a system! Divvy up the task into a daily to-do number per day. For example, plan to get eight notes written per night or every other night. That way, if you have 100 to get done, you can have them all completed within roughly 13 days!
• Get organized with a spreadsheet. As mentioned earlier, being organized is going to be so important to tackling this project with success and ease. Make a spreadsheet that you and your spouse can access while checking people off of the list. Create separate columns for the following: Guest Name, Address, Gift, Written, and Mailed. Put a checkmark in the “Written” and “Mailed” sections once the note has been completed and then again after it’s been placed in the mailbox.
• Order stationary ahead of time. Rather than worrying about writing your notes all at one time, order your stationary in advance so that you can write thank you’s as gifts arrive.
• Split the task. I touched on this earlier, but honestly, it’s easy to get burnt out from writing so many notes at once! Have your spouse help you and divvy up the task by writing cards for each other’s families. It’s a great way to bond with your new family and they’ll appreciate the gesture from their new son/daughter-in-law.
• Send a special message to your wedding party. They played a huge part in your big day and chances are, they spent a pretty penny to stand by your side. Send a special, thought-out note to everyone in your party — ushers, parents of the flower girl/ring bearer, the officiant, and all!

Examples Of What To Write In A Wedding Thank You Card

Sometimes figuring out how to get started is the hardest part. Rather than sitting around for 30 minutes with severe writers block, here are some examples to get you started.

Thank you notes should be at least three sentences, but of course, more is always better! Remember to keep the cards CAP — conversational, appreciative, and personal!

[Guests Who Brought a Gift]

[Guests Who Gave a Monetary Gift]

[Guests Who Did Not Give a Gift]

[Those Who Could Not Attend]

[Vendors]

“Dear [Vendor Contact Name],
We are so appreciative of all the hard work that you put into our wedding day to help make it perfect! We got so many compliments on the [service] and loved telling our guests about [company name]. Our big day wouldn’t have been complete without you!
Thanks so much,
X and X” 

Where to Get Thank You Cards

No matter the size of the wedding, you’re going to have to include thank you cards into your budget. Start looking early and keep an eye out for good deals — especially since you’ll likely need to buy them in bulk.

Whether you want something personalized with a photo from your big day, or something more simple with a simple “thanks” message on it, there are tons of options available, so it’s just a matter of determining what you prefer.

Here are some sites to consider:

Wedding Paper Divas - Personalized stationary. Available in bulk.

Minted - Personalized stationary. Available in bulk.

Paper Source - Personalized stationary and traditional stationary. Available in sets of 6-10.

Target - Traditional stationary. Quantities vary.

Barnes & Noble - Traditional stationary. Quantities vary.

Amazon - Traditional stationary. Quantities vary.

Rifle Paper Co. - Traditional stationary. Available in singles or sets of 8.

Let’s Chat!

How do you plan to tackle your wedding thank you notes? Will your hubby be helping out or are you handling it solo? Will you create a spreadsheet or do you have a different organization method? Leave a comment below and let us know how you plan to get the job done! In the meantime, happy writing!

Slate Blue

About The Color: Inspired by Serenity, one of Pantone’s top colors for the upcoming year, this is a gorgeous hue that has masculine appeal and feminine softness. It’s literally a perfect color that both you and your soon-to-be groom can agree on. Slate Blue has a dusty-gray undertone that makes it super unique and seriously pretty! 

How To Style It: Pair this dusty blue color with a deep red or raspberry accent and a muted blush pink that can be added into your floral arrangements or table settings and centerpieces. Add in plenty of vibrant greenery into floral arrangements and backdrops that will be a perfect accent to the blue.

The greatest part thing about this shade? It’s compliments every skin tone and is a color your girls will be excited to wear! Slate Blue is available in all of our all-chiffon bridesmaid dresses and satin-top bridesmaid dresses.

Peach

About the Color: A soft and chic hue that’s oh-so pretty is inspired by Pantone’s Peach Echo! Peach is perfect for the girly-girl who doesn’t want to do pink for the big day. It’s got a lovely vibrance to it that makes the color not too loud, but is perfect for the warmer months.

How To Style It: Accent peach with similar colors such as corals and pinks! Also, if you’re thinking about mixing and matching bridesmaid dress colors, these are your perfect shades! Otherwise, use these accents in the flowers, linens, stationary, and table settings. And don’t forget the gold! Gold is a gorgeous complimentary color to Peach and will look so chic together. Add in pops of gold to your jewelry, flatware, and any vases or frames used in decor or centerpieces.

Peach isn’t as universally flattering on every skin tone, but if it’s your dream color, it’s nothing that a simple spray tan can’t fix! Peach is available in all of our all-chiffon bridesmaid dresses as well as the satin-top bridesmaid dresses.

Lilac

About the Color: Inspired by Pantone’s Lilac Gray, this color is absolutely gorgeous for an outdoor wedding or garden setting. Just picture that soft purple color against the vibrant contrasting background of the deep green grass and tress. If you’ve been searching for the perfect light purple, you’ve probably run across a few that would look better as a 5-year-old’s Easter dress. Our Lilac hue is light, but has a slight dusty undertone that gives it an elegant and mature feel.

How to Style It: We love Lilac paired with similar hues. Purples (in the same tone) will look so good whether you choose to mix and match dress styles or add them into your accents. Also, play off of the natural, outdoor elements. Bouquets filled with whites, various purples, and greenery will look stunning against the Lilac dresses.

Lilac will look gorgeous on every ‘maid and looks stunning in any setting — not just outdoors! This hue is available in our all-chiffon bridesmaid dresses. If you’re looking for a shade a bit lighter, we offer a Violet option in our satin-top styles.

Latte

About the Color: Latte is inspired by another one of Pantone’s colors of the year, Iced Coffee. Perfect for the neutral fan, this shade has a gorgeous warmth to it, making it a stunning and unique color for spring or summer. In fact, we love this shade regardless of season. Latte has a very earthy vibe and would be perfect for the boho bride!

How to Style It: Latte will look best paired with a bouquet made almost entirely of leafy greenery with pops of a deep reddish/pink. Although it’s pretty soft, this color makes a statement so you don’t want to go too crazy with accents. Gold pairs beautifully with the Latte color so add it into your jewelry and centerpieces.

This shade definitely flatters olive-skin and darker so if you have bridesmaids with a fair tone, you’ll definitely want to consider a group trip to the tanning salon before the big day! Latte is available in our all-chiffon bridesmaid dresses and our satin-top styles as well. If you’re interested in a slightly lighter shade, we also offer Champagne in the above mentioned fabrics as well as lace!

Sage

About the Color: A stunning color for spring and summer weddings, Sage is the perfect soft green that we’ve been waiting for! While this wasn’t on the list for Pantone’s 2016 colors, we still thought it was too pretty not to add. This soft, lush green is perfect for an earthy wedding featuring cool tones and a gorgeous overall palette.

How to Style It: Sage looks stunning when paired with hues of teal and/or blues. When considering a teal, try to look for one with more of a green undertone. For blue accents, look for either a light and airy mint or sky blue, or a deep slate blue. These colors are all perfect if you’re looking to do a mismatched bridal party as well! Keep the flowers pretty simple with lots of greens, whites, and some pops of coral, peach, or even lavender for a pretty garden feel.

This shade is pretty universally flattering and will look stunning in a variety of wedding venues. This hue is available in our all-chiffon bridesmaid dresses as well as our satin-top dresses.

Let’s Chat!

What colors did you choose for your upcoming big day!? Are all your ‘maids wearing the same shade or are they mixing and matching for a unique look? Leave a comment below and let us know how you’re styling your wedding day!

Before you run straight to Facebook to publicly show off your ring (errr I mean...fiance...), there are a couple steps you should take first! Learn all of the who’s, when’s, and how’s of announcing your engagement and and some creative ways to publicly announce it on social media as well!

Announcing Your Engagement: The Who's, When's, & How's

Who To Tell First:

This really comes down to who you’re closest with in your circle of family and friends. Who are the most important people in your life that deserve to know before the rest of the world?

I know how tempting it would be to snap a pic and throw it up on Instagram before even calling your mom or dad, but try to refrain! It might be a little bit old school, but your closest family and friends are going to greatly appreciate you telling them before they see it on social media

Obviously, you’ll make a public announcement at some point, but I’m referring to the people who deserve to get a personal phone call, email, or meeting in person to hear about the big news!

Suggestions:

• Parents
• Children
• Siblings
• Grandparents
• Close relatives (aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.)
• Close friends

When To Tell Them:

This is completely dependent on you and your fiancé. Maybe you want to enjoy your first day as an engaged couple without all of the interruptions. Maybe you’re eager to call your mom the moment you say “yes!” Either way, determine what works best for you and at what point you want to make the news public!

Suggestions:

• Enjoy your first day as an engaged couple. Make a date out of it and soak in the exciting news without worrying about your phone constantly ringing. The next morning, make the calls and let the world know!
• ASAP! If you’re super close to a relative or friend, you might have the urge to call and tell them the second that ring slips on your finger! The excitement will still be fresh in your voice so your parents, siblings, or best friends, will love getting that initial call.
• Wait to share the news in person. I have a small, close-knit group of friends and I think it would be SO fun to get them all together and surprise them with the news in person! Same with my parents. If there are certain people in your life that you think are worth waiting to see, try to make plans ASAP and then wait to make the news public until you’ve seen everyone you want to.

How To Make It Public:

This totally depends on the personality of you and your fiancé. Some couples prefer the big grand gestures to announce their engagements while others don’t care about making it public past their close friends and family.

Suggestions:

• Throw a surprise engagement party. Engagement parties are starting to become a pretty common tradition for couples so what better way to announce the big news than at a party filled with all of your closest family and friends!?
• Mail out announcement cards. Similar to a baby or wedding announcement, it’s totally okay to send one for your engagement as well! Whether you do snail mail or a pretty rad e-card site such as Paperless Post, there are tons of cute options to create a super cute card announcement!
• Publish in your local paper. This might not be as common in metropolitan areas, but it’s still a pretty common tradition in smaller towns. It’s a great way to spread the news in a fun, small-town type of way!
• Social media announcements. This is definitely the most common and is probably how you’ve seen most of your family members and friends share the news. Whether you post a simple status on Facebook such as “I said yes!!” or Instagram a gorgeous ring selfie (#nofilter needed!), you and your fiancé are bound to receive an uproar of congratulatory praise.

Creative Ways to Announce Your Engagement on Instagram

In need of some ring-pic inspiration? Check out popular hashtags on Instagram such as #engaged, #isaidyes and #heputaringonit to find tons of girls showing off their rings and proposal pics! But first, check out some of the cute and totally creative ways below to announce your engagement to all of your social media friends!

Instagram credit: stephhberg

Fun novelty items for brides-to-be are becoming super trendy and are such a fun way to announce the news. Plus, you get an awesome little mug out of the deal! 

Instagram credit: futuremrssanders

What better way to tell the world "I'm engaged!!" than with a classic and fresh manicure to perfectly show off that bling!?

Instagram credit: filigreeandrose

Perfect for the DIY'er, we love the idea of sharing the news in a fun and festive way! It's especially perfect for all you girls who get engaged during the holidays!

Instagram credit: Libelle_Photography

What's more fun than to reveal the news with a photo of the actual proposal! It's super emotional and will make people feel extra special that they witnessed a part of such an important moment!

Instagram credit: ashleyeverett93

Share a selfie alternative of you and your new fiance that's simple, fun, and straight to the point! 

Instagram credit: peanutgallery13

If the location of your proposal has a special meaning (or is just super cool like Disney World), show it off! It's a fun picture that you'll definitely want to show to your kids some day!

Instagram credit: avbreault

If your fiance asked in a super unique way, show the world how creative he is! People will be super impressed with how fun your proposal was.

Instagram credit: heather3591

Who doesn't love a good selfie? Especially one that embraces your inner Beyonce and shows off your sparkler with a delicious latte in hand?!

Instagram credit: kateterris

Ahh the classic ring selfie. It's a sweet and simple way to show off that gorgeous bling that just screams "I'm engaged!!"

Instagram credit: harmoniouspraise

Show off the the big news with a fun and creative photo of you and your fiance right after the proposal happened!

Instagram credit: danasbl

Take a ring pic that not only says, "yup, we're engaged!", but also shows that you've started thinking about the planning process!

Instagram credit: minttuanna

Just as fun as it is to show off that stunner of a ring, show off that handsome husband as well! Remember, he's the one who asked so he's just as excited to announce your engagement to the world as you are!

Let's Chat!

How did you go about announcing your engagement? Leave a comment below and let us know who you told, how you told them, and if you could do it all over again, how would you do it this time around!?

Our newest styles feature chic, satin tops with flowing chiffon skirts, creating that ulta-romantic look that’s perfect for your big day! Not to mention, they run between $150-$180 and are available in 32 different colors, meaning you’re bound find a color you’ll adore. Check them out below!

New Satin & Chiffon Bridesmaid Dresses

Part of what we love so much about these satin-top dresses is how unique they are! Sure you see tons of all-satin styles or all-chiffon styles hanging on boutique racks, but how often do you see the combination together in one dress!? These styles are unique, and don’t have that super bridesmaid-y feel to them, which I guarantee your ‘maids will thank you for!

The best part? You can incorporate other Kennedy Blue styles (chiffon or even lace!) with these to create a fun mix and match look that your ‘maids will love and totally appreciate. All you have to do is decide on a color (or more than one) and have your girls choose the dress that looks best on them.

A Chic, Spaghetti Strap Style

Spaghetti strap bridesmaid dresses Abigail (left) & Blair (right)

Cost: $180 (long) & $150 (short)

This unique, spaghetti strap style was one of the most anticipated dresses of our new collection. Available in both short and long, Abigail/Blair is figure flattering and is a style that your ‘maids will actually be excited to wear!

The fitted, satin bodice features a v-neckline with chic spaghetti straps for the perfect amount of comfort. The waistline is adorned with a simple, sewn-in satin sash that adds a clean, finished look that flows into a gorgeous and airy chiffon skirt.

Honestly, it’s the perfect dress no matter what your wedding style may be. From country-chic to modern boho, it literally will fit in with every look and comes in a variety of colors to coordinate with your big day!

A Classic, Strapless Gown

Strapless bridesmaid dresses Scarlett (left) & Jessica (right)

Cost: $180 (long) & $150 (short)

A fun and unique take on the traditional strapless gown, this dress is perfect for a simple and chic look! Available in a full-length and knee-length version, the simplicity of Scarlett/Jessica will gorgeously fit in with any wedding style.

The soft, fitted bodice has a feminine sweetheart neckline that is super flattering on just about any figure! The natural waistline is emphasized by a sewn-in satin sash that hits right above the chiffon skirt.

This strapless gown is perfect for someone seeking out a traditional feel with a fun, modern twist! Scarlett and Jessica can easily be styled up or down depending on the formality of your event.

Overall, our satin-top bridesmaid dresses are a fun choice for any bridal party. These dresses would look dreamy at an outdoor country wedding, inside a cathedral, as part of a modern glam event, and so much more! And I’m not just saying this, but it’s totally a dress your girls can wear again and again.

Let’s Chat! Which satin-top style is your favorite? Leave a comment below and let us know which style you prefer!

Millie Holloman Photography

15 Ideas For Your Winter Wedding

1. Hand out weather-appropriate favors. Seasonal gifts are always cute and extra appreciated. Consider handing out favors such as small blankets, homemade hand warmers, sparklers, cookies, or mini bottles of baileys!

2. Consider the sun’s timing. Have you noticed how dark it gets by the time you’re driving home from work? Make sure to consider the change in the sun’s location if you’re doing anything outdoors. If you’re having an outside ceremony, you don’t want the sun setting right in your guests eyes and for the sake of your wedding photos, you also don’t want the sun right behind the alter.

3. Choose weather-appropriate dresses. As cute as knee-length dresses may be, they just aren’t practical in 30 degree weather. In fact, that would just be kind of cruel. Dress them in something long and heavy that they’ll feel totally comfortable in. Long chiffon bridesmaid dresses are the perfect choice for your girls. The fabric has a light and romantic look, but the length will keep them warm and cozy.

Janelle Elise Photography

4. Serve seasonal food and drink. From the cocktail hour to the reception, serve foods that will warm your guests tummies! Soups, meats, and potatoes, are great staples for the sit down meal, while hot cocoa bars, s’mores bars, hot totties, and ruled ciders are great desert options.

5. Try to keep the entire wedding in one place. While it’s really common for ceremony and receptions to be held at two separate locations, depending on your location and the severity of your winters, you may want to consider otherwise. For the safety and convenience of your guests, keeping the ceremony and reception all at one location will definitely be appreciates.

6. Use candles and light up the night. During the winter months, it starts to get dark quite early (usually around 3:30 pm) so you’ll want to make sure that your venue has plenty of light. My suggestion? String lighting and candles. It’s super gorgeous and creates soft, dim lighting that’s perfect for a romantic winter wedding.

7. Use seasonal decor. Things such as ornaments, berries, pine cones, logs, and white birch branches will make a gorgeous, wintery statement in your decor.

8. Wrap up in warm, wintery staples. Keep yourself warm by bringing an extra layer such as a fur wrap, shawl, flannel button-up, cardigan, or whatever suits your style!

9. Capture the snowy scenery. One of the prettiest parts about winter weddings is the gorgeous photography that you can get. Take pictures with snow falling in the background or take some fun ones with your bridal party tossing it up into the air.

Janelle Elise Photography

10. Decorate in festive color palettes! There are so many variations to winter color palettes, but some of the most common are as follows:

• Red, black, and silver
• Emerald, black, and gold
• Blue, gray, and silver
• Eggplant, emerald, and gold
• Claret, blush, and ivory
• Charcoal, mustard, and ivory

11. Go bold with your makeup. Black liner and red lips will look absolutely stunning against a snowy, white background.

12. Be weary of holidays. There are tons of holidays during the winter months so make sure you know if your wedding falls during a holiday weekend. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it can definitely cause scheduling conflicts for your guests.

13. Have a coat-room available. Considering it’s going to be cold, possibly wet and slushy, and your guests will most definitely be dressed in layers, it’s going to be super important to ensure that your space has a coat-room available. Not only should there be a place to store outerwear, but someone should be manning the area at all times as well.

14. Use seasonal blooms. Gorgeous flowers like anemones, roses, ranunculuses, and tulips will look stunning in bouquets and centerpieces. Also be sure to incorporate greens like spruce branches and eucalyptus that add a gorgeous winter touch.

15. Wear layers…under your dress. As long as your dress allows for it, it’s totally okay to wear tights, leggings, and/or even boots under your dress! This totally applies to your bridesmaids as well. The men shouldn’t be the only ones who get to stay nice and toasty…

Janelle Elise Photography

Your Winter Wedding Ideas

Whether you've attended a winter wedding or are planning your own, what ideas and suggestions would you add to this list? Leave a comment below and let us know what you love most about winter weddings!

Details From A Simple Outdoor Oregon Wedding

Q. How did you and Josh meet?
A. Josh and I met online at Match.com. I had moved from Kentucky a few months prior and he had moved from Florida. We both wanted to get out there and make friends, so we took to the internet. We had actually both joined the same hiking club in the area previously, but had missed each other on different outings. 

Q. How did he pop the question?
A. Josh actually ended up proposing a couple times! It’s kind of a running joke now. But I had said yes every time. The first time was in September and we knew we wanted to get married. He hadn’t quite saved up enough money for a ring, so he prepared a huge home cooked meal, complete with flowers and candles, and gave me an antique locket with a note inside asking me to marry him. The wedding planning started from there! Then in January, a friend of mine asked for me to show her our venue, so I met her there after work. I was so caught up in the description of where tables and drink stands were going to be, that I failed to notice a sign under the tree for our ceremony asking “Will you Marry Me?” Josh had made the sign and was kneeling at our tree/alter with a ring. He even had another friend hiding in the bushes taking photos the whole time. 

Q. What's one fun fact about you and Josh as a couple?
A. Josh and I love costume parties. It doesn’t have to be just for Halloween. His going away party from Florida was movie themed, where he dressed as Inigo Montoya. And at Thanksgiving, his cousins hold an annual theme party, with themes ranging in Olympics, Disney Characters, The 90s, to Crazy Cat people.  I own Thanksgiving Pilgrim outfits, Christmas cloaks, and a ton of other costume accessories. But more than the act of dressing up, Josh and I each appreciate the effort of homemade costumes and thinking of creative ways to make them. He once paper-machéd a yoga ball to become the KoolAid Man. We think of any excuse to use iron-on printer paper, a hot glue gun, and spray paint!

Q. Tell us about your wedding day.
A. Josh and I started our big day with a morning run, which I would recommend to everyone. It really helped calm the nerves. Our wedding was held at Mt. Pisgah Arboretum over Labor Day weekend. The venue was nestled in a small valley surrounded by trees. I really wanted its natural beauty to come through and show our out-of-town guests why we love Oregon so much. Love of family was a key role in our wedding, since we were about to create our own family. My oldest sister was our officiant, with my other two sisters standing by my side. Josh’s twin brother was his best man, while his two sisters and older brother stood up next to him. Josh and I each escorted our parents down the aisle. After the ceremony, we enjoyed a cocktail hour with our first dance and the dances with our parents. Dinner was served family style at the tables in an effort to bring people together. We enjoyed pie from a local shop for dessert and then danced the night away under the tall trees. My favorite detail was wearing my mother’s wedding veil.

Q. What was it like seeing Josh for the first time on the big day?
A. I thought he would be nervous so I wanted to hurry up and see him. It was hard to go the whole morning without seeing him. Turns out he was fine. We both were. We did a first look before the ceremony and once we saw each other it was just like “ok, let’s get this party started! Let’s do this!”  Seeing all of our friends and family who had travelled so far to be with us was more emotional for us both.    

Q. What was the most challenging part of wedding planning and why?
A. Asking for help. Josh and I don’t have any family in the area and 90% of our guest list was from out of town. I didn’t want to be asking people to work when they had just gotten off of a plane. It was hard to ask people for help and to delegate out responsibilities because I just wanted them all to enjoy the weekend. But so many friends and relatives were glad to help and to be a part of the wedding as more than just a guest. I really appreciated all of the support. 

Q. Why did you choose Kennedy Blue lace-top bridesmaid dresses for your 'maids?
A. I am the youngest of four and Josh is the youngest of five. We knew we wanted our siblings to be a part of our big day and stand beside us during this next step in our lives. I really wanted a dress option that would look cohesive as a group, but suited the individual’s preference in style. Kennedy Blue offered a large variety of fit, style, cuts, and lengths. Most of the ladies ordered the At Home Try-On, which was helpful, because two of them switched their preferred style based on how it fit them in person. Plus, since we live spread out across the country, it was nice that they could order different styles and share them through pictures with the group. I was open to the idea of them picking the same style, but as it turned out, they all preferred different lace-top dresses!

Photos: Christy Tyler Photography
Venue: Mt. Pisgah Arboretum

Click here to see more of our real wedding stories featuring Kennedy Blue!

Get The Look

If you aren’t sure if the look is for you, but have definitely been considering it, keep reading! I’ll tell you a little bit about the history of ivory bridesmaid dresses, how they got back into the wedding limelight, and some of the greatest concerns that brides have when they’re debating to go the ivory route or not.

Ben Saefke Photography

The History of Ivory Bridesmaid Dresses

Believe it or not, bridesmaids once held a bigger role than just planning epic bachelorette parties and helping brides to get dressed on the big day — they helped to ward off evil spirits! Sounds weird, I know, but it was once believed that evil spirits were out to harm the bride and groom so the ‘maids dressed as the bride to confuse the spirits of who was who.

After a few decades, brides started adding more color into their weddings and thus, colored bridesmaid dresses became the tradition.

It wasn’t really until 2011, when an iconic moment history really brought ivory bridesmaid dresses back to life. Remember that thing…the royal wedding? Of course you do!! Unless you lived under a rock or were below the age of 15, how could you not? Princess Kate’s sister, Pippa Middleton, wore the most stunning Sarah Burton dress…in IVORY. It caught everyone’s attention and from that moment forward, we started seeing neutral colored bridal parties popping up like crazy.

Kennedy Blue 'Londyn' is featured second from the right. | Ben Saefke Photography

Common Questions About Ivory Bridesmaid Dresses

Now, ivory bridesmaid dresses are most certainly not for everyone, and that’s totally okay! Maybe you’ve dabbled with the idea in you mind, but have a few concerns regarding whether it’s the right choice for your big day. If so, here are X common concerns that brides have about dressing their bridesmaids in ivory and how you should approach them to determine if the color choice if for you. Here we go!

Question: Will they take attention away from the bride?
This thought always lingers in the back of every bride’s mind and is probably the main cause for concern when you express your ivory idea to family and friends. “People aren’t going to know who’s the bride!” Let’s get real, people. If you honesty don’t know who the bride is, maybe you shouldn’t even be there. Truth is, the bride is going to stand out no matter what and no one can take your sparkle away!

Question: Is ivory going to be flattering on all my girls?
This is where people get confused. White and ivory are not the same thing. The majority of brides are opting for ivory now-a-days because white, in the bridal world, has turned harsh, overly bright, almost to the point of having a blue tone to it. Ivory is much more subtle, muted, and extremely flattering on just about every skin tone.

Question: Are my bridesmaids going to look more like brides?
I mean, unless you’re putting your girls in grandiose bridal gowns similar to yours, I’m pretty sure your dresses will be pretty distinguishable. Be smart about your selection if you go the ivory route. Either have all of your girls pick her own style so it creates a rustic-chic look, or go with a style that’s quite different from your own. For instance, if you’re wearing a strapless fitted lace gown, style your ‘maids in a strapped lace bridesmaid dress with a flowing, a-line fit.

Question: Am I totally going to regret this color choice in a few years?
I’ll be completely honest here — there are probably a lot of things you chose that you’ll look back on in 10 years and say, “what the heck was I thinking?!” Unfortunately, with us living in such a trend-based world, that’s just the way it goes. However, I will say that ivory is a completely timeless color (neutrals never go out of style!) so you definitely have that going for you!

Question: Are people going to think my bridal party looks bad?
Everyone will have their opinions about everything and no matter what color in the world you chose, there’s always going to be those people who don’t love it. Pick a color for your bridal party that you love, be firm with your decision, and tell your haters to suck it! …but in much nicer terms of course! :)

Ben Saefke Photography

Ways to Make Your ‘Maids Stand Out

As a bride, you 100% deserve to stand out on your big day. Styling your ‘maids in ivory dresses won’t take the focus off of you, but there are easy ways to keep them looking like bridesmaids while you stand there all glowing and bride-like. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Dress them in them short styles. As the bride, you deserve to be the one in the elegant, full length bridal gown while your ‘maids are just as classy and chic (whatever your wedding style may be!) but in something slightly less formal.
• Accessorize them differently. Make your girls stand out apart from you. Add a floral crown to their look or have them each wear a statement necklace that looks best with their dress. If you’re going heavier on the accessories, then maybe have your girls go pretty minimal with just a pair of studs or pearls.
• Keep it casual. Brides who opt for ivory gowns for her ‘maids are usually going for a boho-chic or rustic vibe. My personal favorite way of styling them is by keeping the look pretty casual, rustic, by styling each girl in her own dress. Also, it just makes for some seriously gorgeous photos.
• Mix and match different hues. If you are a little hesitant to do a full ivory bridal party, consider just going for neutrals instead. Colors such as ivory, champagne, and latte could act as your palette and then each girl could choose the color, in the style dress that she prefers.

Some Of Our Favorites In Ivory...

                        

                        

10 Ways to Create an Expensive Looking Wedding on a Budget

Use your meal as a centerpiece. Incorporating food into table settings has become a huge trend in party decor. Not to mention, it’s an easy and affordable way to create a completely satisfying centerpiece! Style the tables with fancy bread baskets, bottles of wine, and even some artisan cheeses for your guests to munch on. Throw in a few candles and you’ve got yourself a gorgeous centerpiece that your guests will love.

Scour your home for decor. You might be amazed at all the treasures that you can use for your wedding decor, right within your own home! The perfect idea if you’re planning a rustic-chic or vintage wedding — check around your house to see what types of decor you have just lying around that can be used in your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Things such as frames, baskets, candle holders, old books, chalkboard signs, furniture and other common household decor could all be gorgeous pieces at your wedding.

Make double use out of flowers. The cost of flowers can quickly add up and it’s an expense that most brides aren’t willing to forgo. So to get that lush look that you’ve always been dreaming of, make double use of your flowers! You know those bouquets you invested in for your bridesmaids? After the ceremony, give them to the staff to incorporate into table arrangements. If you have flowers lining the aisles of the ceremony, you can also use those in the reception decor as well! This way, you're getting large, lush centerpieces without paying double the price! Make sure to let your florist know ahead of time that the bouquets will have double-use so that he/she can make something that’s super versatile and just as beautiful!

Ali Kvidt Photography

Borrow from friends and family. Chances are, you’ve had family or friends who’ve previously gotten hitched and they might have some leftover items that they could hand down for your big day! From decor, linens, and place settings, it’s definitely worth asking! They also might have some gorgeous vintage frames or a bottle of recycled wine bottles that will perfectly fit into your scheme.

Make it metallic! There’s nothing a little spray paint can’t make pretty! Trust me, buying gold or silver items for your centerpieces, decor, or table settings can definitely get pricey so investing in a few cans of spray paint (and trust me, it’s a small investment) is a cheap way to fancy up your not-so-pretty decor.

Fancy up your linens. Obviously you can invest in linen upgrades, but that would require a pretty hefty charge and that’s not what this post is about! Instead, try try this simple trick that will really make a difference! Instead of just setting a napkin at each table, have one neatly folded on top of each plate or chaser into a fancy shape or into a pocket to hold your menu. Most venues will do this free of charge so it’s definitely something worth asking about!

Janelle Elise Photography

Brighten up the space. It’s pretty amazing what an array of candles can do for a dimly lit wedding venue. It instantly gives your space a classier, more romantic feel. Best part about it? They’re fairly inexpensive and can be used in so many different ways!

Forage the outdoors. If you’re lucky enough to have a yard filled with flowers, fruit trees, or even just some gorgeous greenery, you might be amazed at how much decor is just waiting to be used in your own backyard! Are you able to make your bouquets using flowers from your garden? How about using some limes, figs, or lemons from trees in centerpieces? Get some inspiration off of Pinterest and see what you’re able to make all on your own!

Get fancy with writing. Calligraphy is a huge trend right now and doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg! Rather than having a calligrapher hand write all of your invitations, have them create one that you love, make a digital copy, and take it to a local printer to be printed out! You also can take an evening to watch a few calligraphy tutorials online so that you can create your own escort cards, signs, and table numbers. It’s a classy look that will make all the difference!

Go frame crazy. From table numbers to signs, stunning frames add an elegant look! Whether you already own some or you need to take a trip to your local Goodwill or consignment shop, they can be relatively inexpensive and a gorgeous addition to your big day! And don't forget, if you find ones at shops that are the right size/shape but the wrong color, it's nothing that a little spray paint can't fix!

Christy Tyler Photography

Let’s Chat! I’m sure there are plenty more ways that you can save some serious cash while still making your wedding look extra fancy so I want to know, what are your ideas? What did you do to make your wedding on a budget seem more expensive than it actually was!? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Yup, that’s guilt, ladies. And it’s setting in hard. Whether you decided not to invite kids or opted for a small wedding that will exclude a lot of your family, it seems that everyone likes to give their two-cents about weddings — “This is how you should do this” and “You’re not actually going to do that, are you!?” It's common for brides to feel like your decisions are disappointing family and/or guests, but honestly, you're probably way over-thinking it.

The truth is, you have absolutely nothing to feel guilty about when it comes to making those types of decisions for your big day, because guess what? It's your wedding! That being said, here are the 12 most common decisions that bride's feel guilty about when wedding planning and the reasons why you shouldn't feel bad for making them!

Christy Tyler Photography

What Not To Feel Guilty About When Planning Your Wedding:

1. Getting financial help. If your parents are helping you to foot the bill (or are paying off the whole thing) it’s definitely not something to be ashamed of. In fact, why is it anyone’s business who’s paying anyway!? If anything, you should feel incredibly grateful to have such generous parents!
2. Not having a huge wedding. Not every wedding is hosted in a grand ballroom that can seat all 300 members of your family. Nope. In fact, in more cases than not, cuts need to be made and family needs to be understanding of that. Wedding size is a very personal decision and not everyone wants the grand event. Small, intimate weddings are becoming more and more popular so family and friends should respect your decision to have an intimate affair.
3. Not asking someone to be a bridesmaid. From friends, family, and future sister-in-laws, there are a lot of potential bridal party members that could be a part of your big day. Unfortunately, you probably can’t pick everybody. Don’t feel obligated to choose future SIL’s if you aren’t super close and if you want someone to play a special part in your wedding, but not necessarily be a bridesmaid, consider the roles of personal assistant and usher.
4. Your wedding being ‘nicer’ than others. It’s not a competition, but I totally understand how sometimes it can feel that way. You’re planning a wedding with few financial worries, while your best friend is shopping the sample sale racks for the best deal she can find. The fun thing about weddings is that they are all so different and more likely than not, she probably isn’t thinking, “ugh, her wedding will be so much better!” Her end goal is to tie the knot like you and really, that’s all that should matter!
5. Your friends throwing a bridal shower and bachelorette. This is a super common tradition and has become somewhat of an expectation, so don’t feel bad when your friends want to throw you an unforgettable bash! You only get married once and you’re spending plenty to make sure they have a great time on your wedding day so just sit back, and enjoy all the fun they throw your way.
6. Not giving everyone a plus one. This one really gets people worked up. As much as bride’s would love to invite everyone they know plus their friends, significant others, co-workers, etc., it’s just not at all feasible. Unless a guest is married or has been in a long-term relationship, you are in no way obligated to give them a plus one. Just imagine all the rando’s that could potentially show up. That girl your cousin met at a party last weekend? Yeah, no thanks.
7. Your BFF still being single. Alrighty, brides, it’s time to get off of your high horse. Just because you’re happily engaged doesn’t mean that all of your single (or non-engaged friends) are sulking every time they are blinded by that bling on your hand. Believe it or not, your friends are actually super excited for you so don’t worry about them being jealous and bitter.
8. Getting gifts. Whether you and your fiancé have never been roommates or you’ve been living together for years, this is the perfect opportunity to build your collection of household items or upgrade the things you currently have! If anything, think of it this way — you’re actually doing your gusts a service by creating a reference list of items so they know exactly what to get you! Plus, people will spend however much they’re comfortable with so don’t stress over the gift-giving!
9. You can’t stop talking about your wedding. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the details of your big day and honestly, there’s a lot to discuss and it’s a HUGE part of your life right now so don’t feel bad about it regularly coming up in conversation. However, if you notice your friends or family starting to get bored by the conversation, it might be time to switch it up a bit,
10. Not inviting kids. This is probably one of the greatest for most couples, especially because the idea of not inviting children is becoming more and more common. If you decide to host an adult-only soiree, I guarantee you’ll get a few eye rolls and whispers behind your back, but it’s your day and the last thing you need to worry about it kids running around. Plus, it’s a way more relaxing environment when adults can just sit back and un-wind, child-free. I know plenty of parents who look forward to leaving the kids with a babysitter so that they can have a fun night out.
11. Asking for help. There’s a lot that goes into planning a wedding and sometimes it can be a lot to handle on your own. Don’t feel ashamed to ask for help from your bridesmaids, friends, and family, because chances are, they’ll be super excited to help! Also, it’s quite common for people to assist, especially in a lot of the DIY projects, invitation stuffing, and set-up and break-down on the day-of.
12. Breaking away from ‘tradition’. Let’s put it this way — it’s totally okay if you don’t want to walk down the aisle to that traditional “here comes the bride” music. And it’s more than okay to skip tossing the bouquet and dollar dance during the reception. (Do people still do dollar dances?) And if you don’t want to wear white, don’t feel guilty that your grandma is throwing a fit in the front row. As weddings progress, more and more couples are breaking away from ‘traditional’ wedding practices and throwing the party that true suits them.

Poly Mendes Photography

Did you find yourself nodding your head in agreement to one or more of these? Trust me, you're SO not alone! Negativity can be super hard to avoid, but just remember that this is your wedding day and you ultimately get to make the final decisions. And if you need any help, check out our blog on How to Deal With Bad Wedding Planning Advice.

Let's Chat! What is something that you've found yourself feeling guilty about during the wedding planning process and how did you handle the situation?

Easy Ideas to Make Your Maid of Honor Feel Special

1. Give her a unique bouquet. Sprucing up your MOH’s bouquet is a great way to differentiate her from the group. Whether it be larger, have different colors, different flowers, or even have a different bouquet wrap, hers will beautifully stand out amongst the rest of the ‘maids in photos.

2. Style her in a different dress. By giving your MOH a different style dress than the other ‘maids, you will make her feel extra special on the big day! It doesn’t have to be anything drastic. Stick with your same color(s) and style her in a dress that has a unique neckline compared to the other girls.

3. Have her hair styled differently. If you are requesting that all of your ‘maids wear their hair up, have your maid of honor leave hers down and vice versa. It’s an easy way to stand out and have your MOH feel like she’s one-of-a-kind!

4. Embellish her look with a statement piece. Statement necklaces are incredibly popular and don’t seem to be going out of fashion anytime soon. Have your ‘maids all wear something chic and minimal and then have your MOH wear a classy statement necklace. Perhaps something special that you even picked out for her!

5. Style her dress with a unique belt. Since most bridesmaid dresses are pretty simple, have your MOH wear a chic little belt with some sparkly bling or a colored sash.

6. Adorn her with a special hairpiece. I personally am loving hairpieces for weddings right now and gifting one to your MOH to wear on the big day is a super special way to make her stand out amongst your ‘maids. Otherwise, if your girls are wearing some type of flower or leaf crown, tweak hers to have a signature look!

7. Style her in a different color. Mix and match bridesmaid dresses doesn’t just refer to the style of dress anymore. People are mixing colors and it’s gorgeous! A really easy way to give your MOH a stand-out look and be totally on-trend is by styling her in a different colored dress that’s complementary to the other bridesmaids. The easiest way to pull of this look? Choose a color that’s just a few shades off from the rest to create an ombre effect.

8. Decorate her chair at the head table. Similar to how the bride and groom often have signs or highly decorated chairs at the head table, adorn your maid of honor and best man with signs or other decor to help make the seating arrangement more obvious. They’ll definitely appreciate the gesture.

9. Dress her in a different length. You’ve probably seen bridal parties where one or multiple girls are in short bridesmaid dresses while the others are in long? It’s that same kind of thing. If all of the ‘maids are in short, flirty styles, dress your MOH in a long, elegant design that will leave her feeling extra special!

10. Style her in different shoes. It’s a super simple and subtle way to give your MOH a signature look, but she’ll love the uniqueness! Instead of having all of your girls wear the exact same shoe or the same color, let your MOH spice it up a bit. Whether she goes with a wedge instead of a stiletto heel or chooses gold instead of nude, it will be a fun accent!

Other Ways To Recognize Your Maid of Honor

Photos by Ali Kvidt

• Ask her to be a part of your wedding in a super special way. We have an awesome blog on the Ultimate List of Bridesmaid Proposals that will give you some serious inspiration!
• Involve her in the planning process from start to finish. Even if it just means sending her little texts with updates on decisions and upcoming events. If you’re looking for some fun wedding-related activities for you and your MOH or all of your ‘maids, check out out blog on 8 Fun Ways To Get Your Bridesmaids Involved.
• Thank her in your speech. It’s tradition for the bride and groom to give a ‘thank you’ speech at their reception and thanking their bridal party for taking part in the big day should definitely be a part of it! Don’t forget to give your MOH and best man a special shout out!

Let’s Chat! Who is your maid of honor and do you plan to differentiate her from the group? Leave a comment below and let us know your ideas!

However, there is one slightly minor and kinda huge downfall to being a bridesmaid: the money. Don’t get me wrong! In the end, it’s totally worth it, but being aware of the financial strain that being a bridesmaid could cause (especially if you aren’t financially ready for it!) is definitely a good thing to know! That being said, before you 100% commit yourself to standing beside your friend at the alter, it’s important that you know what you’re getting yourself into.

The Bridesmaid Guide to Budgeting

Dress & Alterations

What’s Involved: Your bridesmaid dress and any necessary alterations. A hem, strap adjustment, and side-seam adjustment are common alterations for a bridesmaid dress.

Who Pays: Usually the bridesmaid is on her own for this one. If the bride chooses a dress that she wants all the ‘maids to wear and it’s a bit out of budget, they’ll often pitch in, but I wouldn’t rely on that.

Cost: $150-$300. You can get a great dress for around $150-$200, but expect to pay anywhere from $20-$100 for alterations.

Ways to Save: Ask around and try to find a seamstress who is super affordable. If you have one in the family or a friend of a friend, even better! As far as dresses go, watch out for deals, but don’t put off ordering just so you can save $10-15. You might end up not even being able to get a dress in time!

Accessories & Shoes

What’s Involved: Jewelry, undergarments, shoes, and a clutch.

Who Pays: The bridesmaid usually buys her own accessories, but if the bride is asking for something specific (e.g. a certain necklace or pair of shoes), she’ll often buy that as their gift.

Cost: $20-$150.

Ways to Save: If you have some freedom with accessories or shoes, try to use things that you already have! Otherwise, shop sales or stores like Nordstrom Rack that offer great deals!

Bridal Shower

What’s Involved: Any split costs for the venue rental, food, drinks, and a gift.

Who Pays: It depends. A bridal shower is often hosted by the MOH or family member of the bride, but more often than not, the bridesmaids are asked to pitch in. Regardless of who pays for the event, you should always bring a gift, though.

Cost: $30-$150. Depending on who’s footing the majority of the expenses, expect to pay at minimum for a gift and much more if all the expenses are being split evenly.

Ways to Save: Ask to be involved with the planning. The more you’re involved, the more say you’ll have in the budget and can find cheaper options for venues, food, etc. The best option? Host the event in someone’s home and cater the event yourselves!

Bachelorette Party

What’s Involved: Drinks, food, transportation (cabs or Uber), overnight accommodations, any other day events, airfare, an outfit, and decorations.

Who Pays: The bridesmaids should cover the entire event. The only thing the bride should pay for is airfare if it’s a weekend getaway.

Cost: $75-$400+. At minimum, all you’ll need to pay for is a night of dinner and drinks. If there’s airfare and hotels involved, expect to pay $400-$1000.

Ways to Save: Try to stay closer to home. I guarantee you can have just as much fun without going to Vegas or Miami! Otherwise, shop for flights on Tuesdays. That’s when tickets are always the cheapest.

Hair & Makeup

What’s Involved: Hair and makeup for the wedding day.

Who Pays: It depends. Sometimes brides will cover the costs of hair and makeup for her girls, but more often than not, the bridesmaids pay for their own.

Cost: $50-$150. Each service usually costs about $50-$75.

Ways to Save: I would always recommend having your hair professionally done, but if you’re really good at makeup, you can do your own and possibly even a few other ‘maids in the group!

Wedding Gift(s)

What’s Involved: A wedding gift for the couple.

Who Pays: You do.

Cost: $30-$150. The cost of gifts varies a ton, with the average family member/friend spending about $80 on a gift.

Ways to Save: Find a price point that you’re comfortable with and stick with that. It also might be a good idea to go in on a gift with another bridesmaid and/or friend!

Traveling to the Wedding

What’s Involved: Gas money or flight to get to the wedding location.

Who Pays: You do.

Cost: $5-$400. If you’re driving, it could be so minimal where you don’t notice any cost at all, but if you need to fly, it’s going to cost you a pretty penny.

Ways to Save: If you’re driving, find a travel partner so you can split the gas costs. If flying, shop around on travel websites for good deals on flights!

Wedding Day Accommodations

What’s Involved: Hotel stay or lodging.

Who Pays: You do.

Cost: $100-$200/night.

Ways to Save: Find someone or a small group to share a room with so the individual costs will be cut down significantly.

Bridesmaid Budget Tips

Surprisingly or not, the average cost to be a bridesmaid is around $1600. Can you believe that!? $1600! Not to mention all the work you have to put in as part of your bridesmaid duties. Luckily, the costs all happen over a matter of months so it’s not like you’re forking it over all at once. But, since we all like to save money, here are some of my tips for a bridesmaid on a budget:

1. Shop sales. Black Friday is coming up, so it might be the perfect opportunity to get your bridesmaid dress at a great discount! Also keep an eye out for flight deals on travel websites, hotel discounts on Groupon, and check the end-caps at Target for some great clearance party decor!
2. Use your own resources and connections. Do you have a friend who’s really great at cooking? Ask him/her to cater the bridal shower or bachelorette. If you have a family friend who’s good at sewing, have her inspect your dress to see if the alterations are something she could manage. If you have the ability to pick your own shoes or jewelry for the big day, shop your own closet or borrow something from a friend with good style! Are you good at makeup? Do your own!
3. DIY Gifts. Between the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette, and actual wedding day, there are a lot of gifts involved! Search around on Pinterest for some cute DIY gifts that your bride will adore.
4. Make a budget and stick to it. When you’re planning events like the bridal shower or bachelorette, it’s SO easy to spend a lot of money. During the planning process, make a budget that everyone is comfortable with and stick to it. If you insist on doing something that may cost more and the other ‘maids aren’t quite on board, offer to pay the difference yourself.
5. Split costs. Whether it’s the bridal shower, hotel, a car ride, or a wedding present, splitting the costs will always make your overall spend just that much less.

Let's Chat! What money saving tips do you have for bridesmaids? Let us know in the comments below so we can help saving girls more money! Let's keep the savings coming, ladies!

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What is The Big Fake Wedding?

Now, if you’re in the wedding planning process and haven’t heard of The Big Fake Wedding, it’s definitely something work checking out.  It’s a non-traditional wedding fair that allows you to see your local wedding vendors in action! Yes, they still have booths, and handouts, but they are the stars of this entirely fun and fake wedding event that you get to “crash”! And that couple that you saw just say the most romantic vows ever? Yep, that was actually a vow renewal. Are you getting excited, yet?

Currently, The Big Fake Wedding is traveling to major cities across the U.S.. For a full list of locations, you can check out their “Events” page to see if there’s one coming to your state. Each location has a different theme and color palette when you click on the that the vendors are supposed to base their work around. You can see the inspiration boards when you click on each individual city, along with the participating vendors (who have at least signed up, so far.)

The Big Fake Wedding in Minneapolis

This past August, The Big Fake Wedding hosted its event at Le Meridan Chambers in downtown Minneapolis. Our inspiration board was “Floral Graffiti” and consisted of vibrant corals, purples, soft pinks, and neutrals. The bright palette made for a super stunning event and overall, every vendor perfectly executed the theme.

As soon as we heard about this opportunity, we hopped on board. The dress we chose was Sienna -- our newest all-chiffon style with a high-illusion neckline that was perfectly flattering on both girls. Since neutral bridesmaid dresses are such a huge trend right now, we figured this was the perfect time to show off our newest color, Latte. It. Was. Gorgeous! The latte color and high-neck style perfectly complemented the strapless, ivory wedding dress of the bride, and even looked stunning next to her blush-pink reception dress! Seriously, they were a hit!

Literally, from the hair and makeup to the linens and lighting, to the photographers and bridal party attire, everything is presented to you by a local vendor. It’s a great opportunity to see them in action! Sure you can see how a bridesmaid dress looks online, but this event lets you see how it flows, moves, and you can even ask the girls, “are those comfortable to wear?”

One of my absolute favorite parts was the decor. It was amazing! There were about 10-12 reception tables and each design company was in charge of styling 3-4 so EVERY SINGLE table had a different, gorgeous design that left me feeling incredibly inspired and I’m not even planning a wedding. Seriously though, I was ready to book every last one of them, that’s how gorgeous it all was!

Overall, our evening was filled with fun and entertainment. We had everything from an amazing s’mores bar with homemade marshmallows, an aerialist who danced on a suspended ring, a DJ who also did magic, a photo booth with props, a slow-motion photo booth, and a live band that I literally fell in love with.

Part of what makes this such a great event is that you really get to see the personalities of the vendors. I don’t mean it so much in the sense that you can go and talk with them at their booths (although that’s always a delight for us!), but when you get to see their work in action, you get a sense of who they are and what type of styling/music/design they love to do! It gives you a perfect glimpse into what your actual wedding day could be like. It truly is an event filled with inspiration.

All the photography in this blog was done by Allison Hopperstad.

For a full list of the participating vendors from the Minneapolis event, check out The Big Fake Wedding vendor guide!

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Perfect ‘First Date’ Ideas for Newlyweds!

Try Something New - What better way to celebrate a new marriage than by learning/trying something new together!? Whether it’s a dance class, skydiving, a cooking class, rollerblading, or even just a new restaurant you’ve been dying to try, what better time than the present?

Read Through Your Guest Book - You probably weren’t able to get to talk to all of your guests as much as you may have liked to, so take some time with your hubby, grab a glass of champagne, and read through your guest book together. If you did anything fun like “advice for the couple” or wedding ad-libs, this is the perfect time to go through those as well!

Revisit Your First Date Location - How fun would it be to have your first date night as newlyweds to be at the same place you had your first date? Or got engaged? Or first said “I love you”? Super cheesy, but also super romantic.

Open Wedding Gifts - It’s so much fun to receive gifts for birthdays or holidays and your wedding is no different. Spend an afternoon/evening opening all of your presents, but please please please remember to write down who gave you what!

Indulge in a Drink - After all is said and done, go find a nice, cozy bar (or an upbeat, rowdy one!) and just sit down and enjoy a drink. Or four. In fact, order the most expensive cocktail on the menu, because after all, you DEFINITELY deserve it.

Movie Night - Don’t make this your usual movie night. If you’re going to do it, do it up big! Grab 2-3 of your favorites or new ones you’ve been dying to see (Redbox and Netflix are my go-to’s). Then, hit up the gas station and buy ALL of your movie snacking essentials. Chocolates, candy, ice cream, popcorn, fountain soda’s, pizza rolls, etc. Hey, no one said it’s healthy, but it sure is a heck of a lot of fun!

Cook a Meal - Because nothing says “love” like good food and full bellies. Prepare a new meal (or one of your favorites) together and enjoy your first homemade meal as husband and wife. My recommendation? Pizza! See who makes the more more unique and delicious one!

Road Trip - One of my favorite things is to just get in the car and drive! Grab your partner, pick up some road snacks, turn on some tunes and take a mini-road trip to wherever your wheels take you! Make it just a day-long event or even a full weekend.

Comedy Show - You’re probably in need of a good laugh. Like, one of those, “I literally just piddled a little bit” laughs. 

Spa Date - How AMAZING does a massage sound right now? Book a couple’s spa day for a full afternoon of rest, relaxation, and pampering.

Outdoor Picnic - How sweet and romantic right? Besides, what’s not to love about a little wine, cheese, the outdoors, and spending time with your hubby/wife!?

Seasonal Outing - If you live in a super seasonal state like I do (good ol’ Minnesota) then seasonal outings are the perfect date idea. I’m talking apple picking, ice skating, a corn maze, a beach day, etc.

Get Active - It’s a great stress reliever and your bodies will probably appreciate a good workout. Hit up the gym or go for a peaceful bike ride outdoors.

Binge Watch a New Show - How many of you are guilty of doing this way more regularly than you should!? I know I am. Pick a random show On Demand, Hulu, or Netflix and see how many episodes you can get through on a Sunday afternoon. My personal suggestion? If you haven’t seen Scandal…start it NOW.

Star Gaze - Awww how romantic, right!? It actually really is. Grab a blanket, the hood of your car, the back of a pick-up or whatever suits your fancy and just lay back and enjoy the night sky.

Karaoke Night - Even if you don't have the best voice, you guys will have fun bonding over sour notes, a classic duet, and mutual embarrassment.

Backyard Campout - One of my favorite things to do with the bf is to sit in the backyard, light up a bonfire, and just hang out beneath the stars. If you’re up for the adventure, set up a tent and all! 

Farmers Market - Take a trip to your local farmers market and stock up on some fresh food, flowers for your home, and maybe consider even starting a small herb garden with your hubby?

Q&A Date - Have you seen those Q&A games on google or Pinterest that test your knowledge about each other? It’s actually a super fun idea so give it a go! Make it into a full game night with some of your favorite board games and card games as well.

What Are Your Date Night Ideas?

Making sure that you and your spouse make time for each other is SO important in maintaining a healthy relationship. Whether you simply watch a movie together or go on an extravagant adventure, do whatever it is that you enjoy doing as a couple.

So now that you’ve heard some of my newlywed date night ideas, I want to hear some of yours! What is you and your spouses perfect idea of a date? Have you planned out what your ‘first date’ will be as newlyweds? Leave a comment below — we’d love to hear your ideas!