Necklace

Buy your bridesmaids a personalized gold necklace to say thank you for all of their support.  Make sure to pick out something that not only looks good with their bridesmaid dress but will also go with outfits in the future.

Photo Source: Aliexpress

Fancy Pajamas

Who doesn’t love pajamas? Gift your bridesmaids with a comfy pair of pajamas the night before the wedding and enjoy a fun “pre-wedding” photo shoot the next morning before getting ready for the big day.

Bathrobe

Bathrobes are not only a great gift that your bridesmaids can use after the festivities are over, but they are also extremely helpful while getting ready on the day of the wedding. Provide your wedding party with personalized robes to wear while getting their hair and makeup done so everyone can easily slip into their dresses without catching their hair.

Photo Source: WowWee.ie

Earrings

Give your bridesmaids a pair of elegant earrings to wear at the wedding. EraGem has a great selection of beautiful vintage earrings that would make wonderful bridesmaid gifts.

Shoes

Your bridesmaids already have to get shoes for your wedding. Why not give them shoes as a gift so that they have one less thing they have to purchase?

Photo Source: Davidsbridal.com

Spa Day

Bring your bridesmaids to the spa. This will not only help everyone get relaxed and ready for the hectic wedding day, but it will also become a special memory that you got to share with your best friends.

Fine Wine

If you are planning to give your bridesmaids a gift to ask them to be in your wedding, a bottle of wine is a great way to do this. Many online vendors sell labels that you can personalize for each of your bridesmaids.

Photo Source: Etsy.com

Fancy Chocolate

Last, but not least, chocolate. Give your bridesmaids a box of mouthwatering chocolate to enjoy before, during or after the wedding festivities.

The post 8 Elegant Gifts Your Bridesmaids will Love appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Last week, I attended my cousin Connie’s wedding. She and her husband got married at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.

I was a little skeptical because I knew she had wanted a beautiful outdoor setting and I was thinking: Okay, so what changed? How did we go from wanting an outdoor venue to a hotel? But, she’s my cousin and if this place made her happy, I was all in, so I brought my girlfriend and off we went.

All I can say is wow. I was completely blown away. This isn’t “just” a hotel, it’s…an experience. I honestly couldn’t believe it.

We got there early so I had a chance to actually walk around and do a little exploring. Let me just say that at every turn the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa surprises.

For one thing, there are tons of indoor venues she could have picked, including two different ballrooms and an absolutely gorgeous exhibit hall. All of these are probably a little “too fancy” for me, but I was stunned by how beautiful they were, and I can just imagine all the happy couples who are destined to get married in them.

The real treasure though, was the pavilion, which is what Connie had picked out because it offers a mix of both indoor and outdoor spaces and she didn’t want her special day spoiled by the prospect of rain, so she played it safe.

Not that she needed to worry, it hasn’t rained in half of forever, but I have to say that the pavilion was beautiful, and the space is enormous. There was plenty of space and even with more than a hundred friends and family, we barely made a dent.

It’s beautiful too, and when I got a chance to talk to her a little bit before the ceremony, she told me that the choice of the pavilion was kind of agonizing. I could understand why because as pretty as the pavilion area is, it’s just one of three different outdoor venues that the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa has to offer.

The River Bend Pavilion was amazing too, but she was really tempted by the Sunday House. Her only concern there was that it’s smaller than the space she chose, at just 900 square feet, making it a great choice for small, intimate gatherings but with so many guests, she was worried there might not be enough space for everyone to move about comfortably.

I think she made the right decision given the size of her wedding but me? When I get married, I’m totally into the idea of a smaller wedding and the Sunday House looks perfect. That’s one of the best things about the resort. They offer something for everyone.

What made the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa such a great venue though, was the fact that she had lots of wedding guests coming in from out of town.

If you’ve ever done something similar (and you probably have) you know what a challenge it can be to find your way around a city that’s totally unfamiliar to you. It’s so easy to get lost and if you do, there’s a chance you might miss the wedding completely.

That’s not a concern here, since your guests can simply stay at the wedding venue. One of the perks of being both an awesome venue and a hotel, right?

On top of that, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa caters and has an IT staff on site, so you won’t have to worry about the food angle, and all of their ingredients are locally sourced.

If you want to do something high tech and incorporate video, pictures or music into your big day, you’ve got experts right there on the property that you can rely on if your technology gets uncooperative. As an added bonus, the hotel has fiber optic cable throughout and offers a massive 100-foot-wide screen projection to display those photos and videos on. Talk about larger than life!

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is a lot more than just a hotel too. My girlfriend and I both got a lot of use out of the Lantana Spa while we were staying there. Between the fantastic spa treatments and the lagoon-like pool, you might not want to go home.

If all of that sounds like a dream come true, that’s because it absolutely is. In fact, if anything, the words you’re reading here don’t really do the place justice. To get the full effect, you really need to check out the photos on the hotel’s website, or even better, book a stay for yourself and someone special. Spend a couple of days being treated like a King or Queen and enjoying all that the resort has to offer.

That’s all it will take to hook you for life and convince you that whether it’s a wedding or some other type of gathering, you need to host it here. It’s an absolutely unforgettable space with a warm, friendly staff and service that’s to die for.

The hotel has just over a thousand rooms and while we were there, I got talking with some of the staff. Did you know that every single one of them has been redecorated? These people are obsessed about details (in a good way!) and it really shows.

Best of all, after the wedding, the newlyweds can plan their honeymoon in such a way that they can spend the first few days (or even the whole thing) enjoying the hotel’s amenities. They even offer spa packages for that exact purpose (Which by the way can booked online here with booking code 33S).

Connie’s wedding was absolutely beautiful and I was absolutely stunned by the venue and everything it had to offer. It’s the perfect place for weddings, elaborate Christmas parties, and really, any occasion where you want to bring family and friends together for an unforgettable experience.

I may not get married any time soon, but even if I don’t, I’m going to host something at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. It’s just an incredible venue. Just spend one day there enjoying all that it has to offer. You’ll be hooked just like I am.

The post My Adventure at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Match them with your Wedding Theme

A dream wedding is a wedding where everything matches! And this starts with the wedding theme. If you are going for a bohemian theme, then opting for a more laid-back dress would be more appropriate. Traditional weddings often (if not always) match the bride’s dress with the flower girls, but with modern trends- couples are now going for color palettes to have a more dynamic effect. Remember, there is more to the flower girls wardrobe than just the dress. You can accentuate the wedding theme through bows, floral pattern, hats, and even through their flower basket. With that in mind, you’ll have a clearer idea on what dress to choose for your flower girls.

Make it appropriate for the Location

If you’re planning on having an outdoor wedding, going for a sleeveless A-line dress would be the best choice. The same thing goes for ball gowns that suit perfectly with weddings held at hotels. This may not be as important for indoor weddings than outdoor receptions but considering the location of your wedding would mean a whole lot when considering what your flower girls should wear.

Consider the Climate

This is primarily connected to the previous one but knowing the climate during your wedding day means a lot when choosing what your flower girls would wear (same goes to the whole entourage as well). Though we may never predict the exact weather, we can have a rough assessment based on the location of the wedding, the current season and most especially the weather forecast. Knowing these would allow you to choose the best possible type of dress for your flower girls. Considering this would avoid tragic moments for your flower girls like feeling a bit too warm wearing a full ball gown in a midsummer outdoor reception or a dirty tulle due to unprecedented rain.

Age and Height Matters

The last thing you want to happen during your entourage is your flower girl tripping on her dress as she walks down the aisle. You can simply avoid this from happening by choosing their dress according to their age and height. The rule of thumb is: The younger she is, the shorter the frock. Toddler flower girl dresses should be short so that they won’t trip or snag onto something.

Where to buy Flower Girl Dresses

There’s a lot to consider when choosing where to buy dresses. You need to deal with the price, the quality, and the design. It’s not easy to find flower girl dresses with high-quality material and fantastic design is your go-to option. With these things considered, expect only seeing adorable little girls walking down the aisle, wearing adorable flower girl dresses, tossing flower petals and swooning guests -nothing else!

The post 4 Things to Consider before choosing your Flower Girl Dresses appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

The Setup

It’s like Valentine’s Day exploded in this plain gray room and made brunch 10 times even more romantic and fun than it already is. Isn’t this a lovely sight to see as you celebrate being a bride-to-be with your beloved BFF. Red, fuchsia, and gold dominated the room with a bit of black and white stripes to give the setup character. The Kate Spade inspired styling is so extra I am loving it! Plus crushing on the eye-popping tiffany chairs, to be honest.

If this doesn’t scream Valentine’s Day I don’t know what will.

A keen eye to details is a must!

The Invites

Why use this opportunity to give your gal pals their invitation to be in your bridal party, right? It’d be such a lovely idea that your friends would remember for a lifetime. Matinae Design Studio, without a doubt, nailed the invites for this Valentine’s brunch party!

Definitely doing this for my besties!

Have a lovely brunch, ladies. Cheers!

Vendors

Photographer:  James & Jess
Event Planner: Fairy Godmother a Wedding & Event Company
Etsy Designer: 2 Tiny Hearts
Event Venue: 20th Street Cottage
Beauty: Alivia Daniels
Bakery: De Coeur Bake Shop
DIY or Handmade Goods Designer: Lolita’s Blooms
Invitation Designer: Matinae Design Studio
Other: Paradise Balloon Designs
Beauty: Savvy Skin
Linens and Coverings: Walker Lewis Rents

The post Valentine’s Day Inspired Bridal Shower Brunch appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Extra Special Details

The story behind the success. Nicole’s mother and sister pulled out all the stops putting together this elegant shower. The family wanted the guests who weren’t able to make it to the Puerto Rico destination wedding to feel like they were a part of the celebration. Walking into the room felt like entering a reception! From the live music to the extravagant personalized details, every inch of the room was filled with homage to Roger & Nicole’s love.

The decor. The dining room was decorated in lavish floral bouquets, diamond encrusted engagement photo frames, and plenty of gorgeous desserts and cocktails.

It’s a Russian affair. There were hints of Russian flair at the caviar bar in honor of the grooms Russian heritage.

The game.For this bridal shower game, the ladies were each handed a bag of tulle, scissors and flowers for a contest to see which table could create the brides favorite dress and bridal bouquet. The grooms mother joked that though usually this game is played with toilet paper, Nicole is far too lovely to wear toilet paper and so instead they used real tulle. The girls had good laughs and at the end paraded through the room modeling their designs.

Surprise! The groom cut his Park City ski trip short to make an appearance at the end of the day and showed up with a giant bouquet for his blushing fiancé.

Words From The Photographer

♥ Make sure you have an indoor alternative to an outdoor event! (Even in California!) The bride was so thankful for the warm, dry brunch room when the El Niño came down full force on the day of the shower.

♥ Plan your timeline assuming everyone and everything will run late. This ensures cushion so if people run behind, you won’t stress!

♥ Have your loved ones show up at an early scheduled time for family photos. Since everyone’s dressed their best you’re sure to want to document some family shots, and this way you won’t have to worry about it once the guests start rolling in and cocktails start flowing!

-Abbi

VENDORS

Photographer:  Images By Abbi
Event Planner: Cheryl Gipe Design
Favors and Gifts: Debonair By Design
Culinary: Ella’s Kitchen
Culinary: Ella’s Kitchener
Event Planner: Island Hotel
Musicians: Jesse McLeod
Bakery: Pierre’s Cakes

The post Just Nicole and the Ladies appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

The origin of the custom of bridal showers is probably one of the most selfless thing I’ve ever read about friendship. This tradition is said to have started due to the dowry practices imminent before. For when a bride-to-be is poor and her family does not have enough money for a dowry or when a father refused to give a dowry because he did not approve of the marriage – that’s when the friends would swoop down and save the day coming with gifts that will allow the marriage to happen. Right now, bridal showers simply celebrates your relationships with your entourage with a simple meal (compared to bachelorette parties which means a whole night of partying). But given that opportunity I love how our bride, Katie, made sure that the girls in her life are treated specially with this amazing museum bridal shower in pink. The centerpieces, the table setting, and the favors are all so delectable and pretty that it might even be perfect for a wedding too.

Vendors

Photography:  Mary Wyar Photography
Venue: Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion
Event Planner & Design:  Crowning Celebrations
Chairs: Toledo Chiavari Chairs �
Linens: Meredith Party Rentals
Flowers: Bartz VIviano Flowers and Gifts
Stationery: UpperCase Designs
Macaroons :KF Sweets
Calligraphy: Yvonne Trevino

The post Glass Pavilion Bridal Shower appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

1. Give Each Bridesmaid a Color

This one is incredibly beautiful and will turn your guests’ heads! Simply start with a neutral bridesmaid dress color and give each bridesmaid a color. Incorporate that color in their bouquet, shoes, sashes, etc. The overall look is really stunning!

2. Opt for a Non-Traditional Dress

Who says your wedding dress has to be all white? Go for a colored dress or incorporate pops of color into your white dress. A colored petticoat, sash and shoes are the perfect accessory to add lots of beautiful color to your big day.

3. Create a Balloon Wall

Tie colorful balloons to a string and hang it along a back wall. Then, repeat the process all the way down the wall for a beautiful, colored balloon wall. This is a perfect place for photos, as it will look quite impressive as a backdrop!

4. Ribbons

Hang ribbons across the ceiling in shades of all colors for a bright and vivid color addition. If you don’t want all colors, you can use ribbons in your wedding colors. This is a fun and affordable way to brighten up your reception.

5. Colored Fans

For an outdoor wedding, give your guests fans in all colors of the rainbow! These are super easy to create and very affordable, so they’re an easy way to add color.

These fantastic ideas can help you beautify your special day and ensure that it’s everything you want it to be!

The post 5 Ways to Add Color to Your Wedding appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Bride and Groom with Parents

If the bride and groom’s parents are still together, a great photo opportunity exists. All three couples can share a touching moment or sweet embrace for a photo that will be beloved by all of them. The bride and groom can be the center of the picture while the bride and groom’s parents can be off to the sides. This creates a beautiful photograph and a lasting memory.

Bride and Ring Bearer

What is more touching than a fun dance between the bride and ring bearer? This can make for a beautiful and sweet photo opportunity.

Groom and Flower Girl

This also makes for a beautiful picture. Ideas include having the flower girl stand on the groom’s feet for a dance, the flower girl tossing flower petals at the groom, or the groom and flower girl simply smiling at each other.

Bridesmaids

There is something about a group of girls who are best friends and family, celebrating a special day together. Bridesmaid photos are precious and can be wonderful mementos of a special day. Try unique shots, like the bridesmaids’ toes in the sand for a beach wedding or the bridesmaids’ high heels abandoned as they share a group dance.

Make sure you communicate with your photographer and let him or her know precisely what you want so you can have amazing pictures to share, frame, and to enjoy for many years to come.

The post Beautiful Wedding Photo Ideas appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Plan the Wedding Shower

It’s up to you to plan the wedding shower, including the menu, events, etc. You should also invite the guests, but be sure the bride approves of everyone on your list!

Give Out the Registry Info

It’s your job to let the guests for the wedding know where the bride and groom are registered.

Recording Gift Info

You should keep track of who gave which gifts so the bride can send out thank you cards to everyone who attended.

Attend Bridal Events

You should be attending the bridal events with the bride, including going dress shopping, going to fittings, etc.

During the Wedding

You should coordinate the bridesmaids during the wedding so they all know where they’re supposed to be, etc.  You should provide assistance to the bride during the wedding, and you should also make a toast to the bride and groom. It’s traditional for the maid of honor to give a speech as well.

It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s a wonderful service to do for the bride! If you’re unclear on certain responsibilities, you should simply ask the bride what she prefers.

The post What are the Responsibilities of a Maid of Honor? appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

No White

It’s considered taboo for any woman to wear white to a wedding if that’s what the bride is wearing, because it’s her day to shine. White accents on your dress or suit are fine, but avoid all white.

Go with the Theme

If your daughter’s wedding will have a theme, it’s important that you stick to that theme when selecting an outfit. She will probably have some suggestions for you, so consider them thoroughly when choosing your outfit.

Keep it Tasteful

It’s always best to choose an understated, tasteful ensemble. That certainly doesn’t mean that it needs to be unattractive, but it should be elegant and pretty. Stick to dresses and skirts that fall below the knee or just above.

Jackets Are In

Jackets are in for mothers of the brides, and they look absolutely fantastic with elegant dresses. If you’re uncomfortable wearing a jacket, look for a dress with a shawl or shrug.

Keep in mind that it’s your daughter’s big day. While you certainly don’t have to approve your fashion choices with her, it’s best to get her input on what you’re choosing. That way, you can be sure the bride will be happy with what you’ve chosen and that you will both have a lovely day and look lovely as well.

The post Mother of the Bride: Choosing the Perfect Wedding Ensemble appeared first on Elegant Wedding.