Brides are supposed to wear “something borrowed”, but that should never be jewelry! There are many reasons why you should not borrow precious jewelry from family members. This is especially true if the jewels you are loaned carry a legacy with them. Instead, buy or rent jewelry and borrow something else, like a hairpin!

1. It Could Get Lost

In all the hustle and bustle, coming and going, and excitement of your day, the jewelry could get lost. You don’t want to be interviewing hotel employees about who vacuumed the rug when you should be visiting with guests at your post-wedding brunch!

2. Not Your Style

Since you will only be wearing a few items of jewelry with your gorgeous gown, you want these key pieces to be expressions of you. Instead of feeling obligated to wear a family member’s style, feel the freedom and joy that comes with choosing your own

3. Heavy Emotional Symbolism

Jewelry is symbolic. People wear class rings, crosses, and other symbols that carry meaning. If you are not aligned with the symbolism of the piece you feel pressure to borrow, don’t wear it. Jewelry with a legacy carries a heavy store of family stories and values. Only wear it if that weight feels okay to bear.

4. Make Your Own Memories

The earrings, necklace, or bracelet that you wear during your union will carry memories. When you borrow jewelry, you have to give it back. Keep the memories that you make. You can wear those pearl or gold earrings on your anniversary and smile with recollection!

Some might say that borrowing jewelry is an honor. Be sure that you know what you are getting into before you agree to wearing a borrowed  accessory along with your perfect wedding dress! If you feel that borrowing jewelry from family is a good idea, I’d love to hear your reasoning! Please leave a comments below.

The post 4 Reasons You Should Never Borrow Jewelry From Family: Especially If It Has A Legacy appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Is it time to hire your wedding photographer? The photographer that you chose will have a big impact on the quality of your day, as well as the memories that you will hold onto for years to come. Here are seven expert tips for hiring your wedding photographer.

1. Consider Personality

You might be tempted to hire a photographer based on their past work alone, but don’t! Personality, and how well you get along with your photographer, is just as important.

According to award-winning Toronto wedding photographer Calin Ardeleanu, the images turn out better when the couple and photographer have bonded. He says that every bride and groom should “make sure there is a good fit between you and your wedding photographer. If you don’t feel comfortable in front of her camera, it will show in your wedding photographs.”

2. Reach Out To Past Customers

Don’t rely on public, perhaps photographer-supplied reviews alone. Instead, dig a little bit deeper. Reach out to past clients if you can, and ask specific questions about their experience.

3. Consider The Rules About Sharing

You may have never worked with a professional photographer, so it is natural to assume that once you own photographs you’ll be able to share them freely. However, many photographers retain the rights to the photograph, and you may not be able to share them online without a watermark or citation. Check on this before signing a contract.

4. Meet The Team

Did you think you would only be hiring one photographer? These days, it is common to have a lead photographer as well as a second shooter so that not a moment is missed. Amy Lyn, a Certified Professional Photographer based in Ohio, says that a second shooter is key because “there are many parts of the day that happen at the same time and obviously your photographer can only be in one place at a time.”

When you have your in-person meeting with your photographer, ask if he or she will be the lead on the big day. Also ask about who will be assisting, and meet all parties if possible.

5. Hire In Advance

There are so many details to consider while planning a wedding. Your photographer should be towards the top of your to-do list. Try to book your photographer 18 to 12 months in advance, if possible.

6. Review Portfolios With An Artist’s Eye

You may not be an artist, but you can still look critically at images that you see as you compare photographers. Think about composition and lighting. Consider the vibe of the image… do the subjects look natural, relaxed, and joyful?

7. Be Realistic About Hourly Rates

One of the most important expert tips is that the art of photography takes time. It is common for a complex photograph to take five to ten minutes to create. The bridal preparation photographs may take two hours, and photographing the details may take about an hour.

This might seem crazy if you are used to snapping photos with your phone, but understand that professional photographers are are working on an entirely different level, and their work takes time to produce. Since your wedding photography prices will be related to hours worked, it is important to be realistic about how much time a great photography session will take. 

Though you may have never worked with a professional photographer before, these tips will help you understand what to expect, so that you can hire the best photographer possible. When you book in advance, and choose a photographer that you enjoy you will end up with much more natural, emotional shots.

Compare potential photographers’ portfolios with a critical eye, and be sure that you understand that good art takes time to create. Don’t book a photographer that can only work for eight hours, when you really need twelve! Did these tips help? Let me know in the comments below!

The post 7 Expert Tips For Hiring Your Wedding Photographer appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

No matter how great of a decorator your man is, chances are he will want to leave the finer point of your wedding decor to you. There are certain aspects of a wedding that seem to be “bridal territory”. Other aspects are shared responsibilities, like the guest list (you each have the right to about half of the seats!), while still others are best left strictly up to your husband to be. Here are the five top things that you should delegate to your soon-to-be life partner.

1. Communication With His Family

Your fiance should be the point-person for communication with his side of the clan. This cuts down on crossed wires, and simplifies the whole process.  For family members, a wedding is kind of like a reunion with a ceremony tossed in. Cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents who have not seen each other in years will be reconvening, and you and your fiance are at the center of the storm! Your husband should handle his own relatives happily.

2. Anything To Do With Suits and Tuxes

Let your guy be in charge of all suit and tux related decisions and arrangements. Just as when you are passionate about something and yet still ask for input and discussion, he will ask for your input. You can give suggestions, but refrain from having the final word. It’s up to him!

3. The Music

This can be a big one to release off into man-land, but you will be happy if you do! Chances are, you and your partner have lots of musical tastes in common, or at least have a common vision for your reception tunes. Leave the details up to him, and pitch in when he needs help!

4. His Vows

Once you decide on what type of vows you both want to say to each other, hand over the reins. He will work on his vows when he is inspired to do so, and no amount of “honey, did you write your vows yet?” will speed along the process.

5. The Rings

This is a great detail to give to your husband. You and he should talk about what kind of process you envision, and then once you have a plan in mind leave the execution to him! He can either give the rings to his best man, your Pastor, or your ring bearer. He should know where the rings are at all times, which is great because it is one less thing for you to think about!

Most ladies love dreaming about their wedding celebration.  We love to think about the color of the flowers, the way your wedding dress will look at sunset, and what kind of icing your elegant but unusual cake will have. Some of the massive details surrounding your wedding planning, like budget, guest list, venue, and menu need to be decided as a team. However, there are some tasks that are perfect for the groom!

Do you think it is fair to ask your man to handle these tasks? Do you think he can handle more, or less?

Leave a comment below!

The post 5 Things To Leave Up To Your Future Husband As You Plan Your Wedding appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Burlap is a fabric with so much character! For instant texture and style for your wedding, add a splash of this country chic fabric topped off with elegant white lace. A touch of babies breath is all you need to complete this rustically dainty look! In this post I’ll share how to create this D.I.Y. project so that you have the perfect chair decor for your wedding.

Step One: Get Everything Together

You will need to know how many chairs will be at your wedding, and what the dimensions of your chair backs are. These decorations can be made in advance, if you know these numbers, so that when you are setting up for the wedding all you have to do is loop them around the back. In addition to this information, you will need the following: Rolls of burlap, lace ribbon, white thread, a needle, scissors and a measuring tape.

Step Two: Measure and Cut

Each piece of burlap should be about 8 feet long and 8 inches wide. One roll of 72″ by 100′ burlap can be used for approximately 100 chair decorations when you use these dimensions.  Cut your burlap in straight lines (Celeste shows us a cool trick in the link above). Next, take the width of your chair back and multiply it by two.  Subtract this number from 8 feet.

For example, if my chair backs are 15 inches wide, I would do 15 times 2 is thirty, and 8 feet minus 30 inches is 66 inches. Split this in half. In my example, I would get 33 inches. Make an “X” on your burlap pieces 33 inches (in my example, you will use the number you found) from each end. This will be the point that you will sew!

Step Three: Sew The Burlap And Add Your Lace Bow

Make a loop with your burlap so that the little  X’s on each and match up. Tack the burlap together at this point with a few sturdy stitches. Create a bow with your lace ribbon, and attach it at this point with a few stitches Now your decorations are all ready for the wedding set up! You might have to set them aside and wait for the big day.

Step Four: Top It All Off With Flowers

When you are ready to set up your chairs, loop one burlap and lace decoration around each chair, and center the bow to the back. Add in a touch of baby’s breath by sticking it through your lacy bow.

This project costs around $200 to $250 to put together for 100 chairs, so it comes in at about $2 to $2.50 per seat. It is well worth it! This rustic chic touch will add personality and beauty to your wedding theme. I hope that you find these instructions helpful. Let me know how your project goes in the comments section below!

The post DIY Details: Lovely Burlap and Lace Chair Decorations appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Is your wedding the largest event you have ever hosted? That’s okay! Feel like an seasoned hostess by learning the things that a bride should never say to her guests. A gracious hostess is kind, courteous, and polite no matter what she is feeling on the inside. It is only one day, after all! After that, you can go back to venting, brutal honesty, and whatever else you need to do! However, on the big day a bride should never say…

“Because I said so”

In the heat of the moment, it might be tempting to assert your role as the guest of honor. The wedding is all about you and your fiance! But rather than sounding like a bridezilla, phrase your preferences in a more subtle way. You can say things like, “I love your idea, but I’d really prefer to wait here for the photographer,” or “our wedding is for adults only“, or whatever other preference you wish to assert.

“Now it’s time for…”

Rather than direct the flow of events, allow your wedding planner, the band leader, or your DJ to speak up. You should never feel that you have to wrangle the crowds

“No photographs please”

Though you are the star of the party, you should not abruptly dictate what others can and can not do. I have been to weddings where a bride wanted only the professional photographer to take photos, and she announced that no one else should take pics. This dampened the mood and made guest feel controlled. If you want to make this request, get your wording down, and request an “unplugged ceremony” well in advance!

“I’m glad they didn’t come”

When you speak with your guests, no matter how well you know them, never speak ill of someone else. A gracious host is kind! When you speak negatively, it affects the way people see you. It doesn’t matter who you are speaking about, or what they have done. Keep criticisms to your self!

“That wasn’t supposed to happen”

There are a thousand little details to your wedding, and some of them are bound to go wrong. A gracious hostess will not point out the flaws, but will rather focus on what is going right! I was at a wedding once when a hurricane warning threw all of the guests into a tizzy. The hostess handled it like a star by remaining positive and calm!

“The venue cost…”

Never, never discuss the price of anything related to your wedding with your guests! This is tacky and will sound rude. Keep the financial details quiet, and redirect conversation by saying something appreciative about the people who have shown up to support you.

Even if your wedding is the largest event you have ever put together, you can handle your hostess duties with tact and grace. Be courteous and kind, and avoid sounding unappreciative or bossy.

How are you feeling about being the hostess of your big day? Leave a note below to share whether you are excited or nervous!

Can’t wait to hear from you!

The post 6 Things A Gracious Bride Would Never Say To A Guest appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

The right decorations can make your theme come alive. This D.I.Y. chair decoration project is easy to complete and would make a beautiful touch to take care of the practicalities of reserved seating! Before starting this project, think about the back of the chairs you will be using (if you know). This design will hang well on a chair that does not have a rounded back. The “handle” needs something to loop around! Follow these steps in order to create this sweet and simple chair decor.

Step One: Gather Supplies

This project does not require much in the way of supplies. You might find that you already have most of what you need on hand already! Gather up the following:


as well as a measuring tape (optional), and scissors. The mason jars should be clear and have a defined lip around the top.

Step Two: Measure And Cut

Cut the twine into sections about one and a half feet long. You will need one piece of twine per mason jar. These will be the handles that loop around the chair back. Next, cut more twine, this time in ten inch pieces (one per mason jar). These will be wrapped around the neck of the jar, and tied in a bow. Thought it doesn’t really matter how long each piece of twine is, I suggest measuring so that you come out with all of your jars hanging to relatively the same length. This makes your chair decor look intentional once they are in place along the aisle.

Step Three: Put It All Together

Secure the ten inch pieces of twine around the neck of the mason jar with a firm double knot and then a bow to make it look pretty. Wrap the “handle” piece of twine under this on both sides of the jar, and tie together on the top. This will form a nice loop from which to hang your beautiful bouquet. Put in your mini chalk board signs, and you are all set!

Once this project is done, your chair decorations will be ready for flowers. The flowers that you choose should go with your theme and the other floral arrangements that you have in mind. Though they should tie in, the flowers in these jars don’t have to exactly match the other flowers in your wedding. Because these decorations are so “down home” and simple, they do not require luxurious or full bouquets. Try wildflowers with dainty blossoms, in a unified pastel color. Keep this simple to retain the french country style charm!

The post Sweet Reserved Chair Bouquet That You Can Make Yourself appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Isn’t this centerpiece idea so charming? This simple idea would be a lovely touch for a wedding with a sweet, rustic theme. It would work well at a wedding with lots of other lavender details, or a wedding with a color palette that includes soft purples.

Hold individual strands of lavender in place with a double-wrapped string of twine. The lavender should be fresh and not overly dry so that everything stays in place! Use a clear no-frills candle holder and a plain white, unscented candle for the best effect. If you plan on making more than a dozen, get some friends to help. Lining up all of those pretty lavender strands will take some work. Lavender is known for being a calming herb that has the ability to lift the mood in a room! What more could you ask for out of your wedding decor?

The post Charming DIY Lavender and Twine Centerpiece appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Cutting wedding expenses back can be a nerve wracking experience. You know you have to save money somehow, but you do not want to compromise the quality of your event. With the right strategy, you can cut your wedding spending without sacrificing tastefulness. Your wedding will turn out to be just the stunning, sophisticated event that you have envisioned!

1. Musicians For Hire

Instead of booking an expensive band with a great reputation, do some digging on your own. Find a diamond in the rough by visiting local music schools and talking with your musician friends. You will spend less on a hand picked, talented but little-known string quartet than on the booked-two-years-out wedding band that everyone drools over.

2. Creative Catering

Make an impression of grandeur with out breaking the bank by serving out copious amounts of less expensive foods, and using the expensive items, like shrimp or steak, sparingly. The appearance of food can make it look luxurious while the actual ingredients were budget friendly. Take time working with your caterer to ensure that foods are displayed in pleasing and artistic ways. Use gourmet sauces over affordable main dishes in order to add an upscale air while saving some dollars per plate. Another great trick is to hand pass the more expensive appetizers, so that guests eat less!

3. Timing Is Everything

As you plan out your wedding day timeline, consider cutting the cake and doing your first dance early on in the evening. This way, you can let your photographer go early!

4. Liquor Savings That No One Will Notice

Use mid-shelf liquors at your bar. No one will be able to taste the difference, what with everything else going on around them! The subtle flavors of their Tom Collins will be the last thing on their mind!

5. Ink Your Invitations

Get crafty and put together an elegant D.I.Y. invitation with the help of your printer and online tutorials. There are so many great resources out there, that no one will ever know that you scrimped and saved in this area!

6. Simplify The Decor

A sneaky and effective place to cut costs is in the decor department. Your guests will think that you are going for a simple and chic look when you omit some of the usual budget-consuming trimmings and trappings. Use flowers in key places, like the altar and in the bridal and bridesmaid’s bouquets, but in other places substitute with less expensive options such as candles.

These six tricks will help you shave down your wedding expenses without turning your wedding into a tacky or tasteless affair.

Can you think of any other great budget cuts that don’t require any sacrifice?

Please share below!

The post 6 Ways To Cut Wedding Spending In A Tasteful Manner appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

A sparkler send-off is such a spectacular sight to behold! If you love doing things with a bit of extra style and flair, and aren’t afraid of being the center of attention, consider planning for a sparkler send-off! Here are three fun reasons to add this to your reception time-line.

1. Your guests will love being a part of this exciting, crowd bonding experience.
2. You and your new hubby will get to feel like celebrities!
3. The pictures will be fantastic.

Can you think of any more reasons? Leave a comment below! A sparkler send-off is one of those crazy wedding ideas that add a clever modern twist to wedding traditions. I love modern twists on tradition. Do you?

The post 3 Fun Reasons To Have A Sparkler Send-off appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Falling down a steep and rugged snow-covered hill doesn’t sound like the beginning of a love story, but for me it was!

A Chance Encounter

Six years ago I tumbled down a Tear Drop Trail on Mount Mansfield in Vermont, my skis and poles scattering around me. All of a sudden, a body landed on top of me and I struggled to wipe snow from my face to see what was happening. A man (who later became my husband!) was untangling himself from the mess of snow and equipment that we had created. We both said our apologies and he helped me up. Our groups joined together for the rest of the back country ski to the car. The snow was deep and it was still coming down hard. When I think of that day, I see millions of snowflakes in my minds eye. They covered our noses, eyelashes, and buried our skis. My husband asked me again and again if I was sure I was alright. I knew right away that he was a kindhearted person. That-day journey down Tear Drop Trail was the beginning of our life together! Two years later, my husband asked me to move to Colorado with him. He had just received his dream job offer, as a career fire fighter. I happily said “yes”, and we moved west together! I knew in my heart that we would get married, and it felt amazing to know that I was moving with the man I would spend the rest of my life with.

The Proposal

When my husband proposed one year later, tears came to my eyes. He held out a tear shaped ring, and said, “I am grateful everyday for that snowy run down Tear Drop Trail,” and he went on to ask me to be his wife.  I remember wiping tears from my eyes and nodding because I couldn’t find my voice. He slid the ring onto my finger, where it serves as a constant reminder of our chance meeting and all that has happened since.

Wearing My Ring

My ring means the world to me. When I see it, I think about how both my husband and I treasure our story and our memories together. Each new memory adds to the others, and it all started with a tear drop. At first, wearing the gorgeous ring made me feel nervous. Our wedding was to occur in Vermont, so we had lots of long-distance arrangements to make! I was getting nervous about losing my new ring so I had to educate myself starting with Jewelry Insurance 101.  Jewelry insurance gave me  peace of mind as we made all of our wedding arrangements. I knew that even though I had so much on my mind, I didn’t have to worry at all about my treasured ring because it was insured! Also, I should add that my husband’s choice of a ring for me completely blew me away. (Hint hint…Guys, you should check this out: Learn what brides-to-be want in an engagement ring!) I never thought that I would one day wear a ring as unique or valuable as the one that he chose for me. I think that had he asked me what I preferred, I would have suggested a ring that was much more modest and understated. That was one of the reasons that insurance meant so much to me. I wasn’t used to wearing such a precious item during day-to-day life. Instead of worrying constantly, I trusted my insurance to protect me from any losses that could occur. Jewelers Mutual Insurance is the specialist in jewelry insurance, as that is the only thing they cover. If you are just newly engaged and getting used to wearing your ring, or even if you have been married for years, you can give yourself the gift of peace of mind by getting a free quote from Jewelers Mutual.  You can do this online quickly and easily, and it makes a big difference!

Connection And Shared Memories

I started to get more comfortable wearing my ring, and now it feels like a part of me! On the few occasions that I have to take it off, I feel completely at a loss. When it is on, I feel connected to my husband and our shared memories. My ring gives me a feeling that even though our encounter on the ski trail seemed to be by chance, it was not. I feel that my husband and I were supposed to meet, and fate gave us that beautiful, snowy  encounter as a gift.

My Take on Financial Security

The post My Engagement Story: From Tear Drop Trail To A Meaningful Ring appeared first on Elegant Wedding.