Just as there are etiquette guidelines to follow when it comes to wedding receptions and bridal showers, there are also specific rules of conduct for those involved in the bridal party. It is equally important for the bride to be aware of her responsibilities and how she should interact with her bridal party.

To ensure a harmonious and enjoyable experience for everyone, here are some crucial dos and don’ts that should be followed by all parties involved.

The Bride

Don’t choose a maid of honor based on history.

No matter how much you feel conflicted over which of your best friends to choose for your maid of honor, don’t choose one over the other based on guilt. Even if you knew one friend longer or were closer to her at one point in time, don’t assume you have to choose someone based on the history you share. Choose a friend or family member who you are currently close to and who will be able to be there for you during the wedding planning process.

Don’t forget to gift each member of the bridal party. This is bridal party etiquette 101. It is customary for the bride (and the groom) to gift their bridesmaids and groomsmen with gifts before the wedding. The best time to do this is during the bridal shower. You can even make up a wedding shower game to do exactly that.

The Bridal Party

Do make arrangements for the bride’s bachelorette party and/or bridal shower.

Traditionally, the maid of honor or the bride’s closest friend or family member will take the initiative to throw the bridal shower and bachelorette party. But if you’re a member of a bridal party and you’re unsure of these plans, ask the best man or maid of honor to find out if you can help plan the occasion.

Don’t miss fittings or rehearsals.

This might sound obvious, but there’s nothing worse than showing up late or missing your fittings or the wedding rehearsals all together. It’s rude and an inconvenience for the bride, groom, and other parties involved. Be sure to confirm and keep track of your tux or dress fittings, and attend all the necessary dinner rehearsals as promised to keep on the bride and groom’s good graces.

Follow these bridal party dos and don’ts and you’ll get an “A” in wedding etiquette!

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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.

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.

Choosing a wedding dress is a thrilling adventure. When you think about all of the wedding dress shapes and style options, it can be almost overwhelming! One of the first things that you have to get clear on is whether you want to rent or buy. Renting comes with many advantages, but also many drawbacks. Let’s take a look!

Renting a dress opens up your possibilities regarding what kind of a dress you can get on your budget. Imagine wearing a gorgeous designer gown that would be way outside of your budget to buy as you walk down the aisle! This alone can be the reason for some brides to rent.

Others choose to rent because they know that the dress will only be worn once, and they don’t want to keep it cluttering up the closet for years to come. Any fellow minimalists out there? You will know what I mean! In addition, renting a dress could cut down your budget in the dress category so that you could spend more on something fun, like a decadent cake or the almost-famous wedding band you’ve been eyeing.

Rentals come with draw backs. For one, you will have to give the dress that you become attached to back at the end of the day. Do you think you could rent a puppy for the day? Might be difficult to give him back to the kennel. This is the same with your wedding attire. It becomes a vault of loving memories, and you want to be able to look at it and love it once in a while!

You also might not want to rent if you are someone who stresses about spills and stains. That could ruin your fun, and you don’t want that! If you ever plan on letting your future daughter wear your gown, don’t go with a rental. You should buy instead of rent if you have a specific look in mind that would be hard to find in a rental. Deep and lush purple or pink dresses come to mind!

Whatever you decide, I hope that you feel amazing and gorgeous in your unique wedding gown. Your choice of wedding dress is such a beautiful expression of who you are on your wedding day.

Are you thinking of renting a dress, or do you know that you want to buy?

Leave a comment below to share!

The post To Rent Or Not To Rent? Your Wedding Gown Rules appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Skip the Pricey Banquet Hall or Mansion

One of the most expensive items on bride-to-be’s list is the venue. For those who want a truly elegant setting, a price tag of $1,000, $5,000 or even up to $30,000 isn’t uncommon. However, if you’re on a tight budget, skipping the banquet hall or mansion might be worth it.

A stunningly gorgeous and elegant wedding can be planned in a family member’s backyard, a beautiful park nearby or any other outdoor location. In an outdoor setting, decor can be sparse but still create a breathtaking look. Focus on lots of linens; beautiful flowing tablecloths and chair covers look amazing in an outdoor setting.

Consider the Beauty of Greenery

Add Elegance with Glass

Beauty and elegance can be added in simple ways that don’t cost a fortune to pull off. For instance, rather than placing candles in groups by themselves, place them in glass containers in groups of three or four. This creates unity, which is more attractive to the eye, and it lends an elegance that isn’t there with the candles alone.

These are just a few of the ways that elegance can be added to any wedding without spending a ton of money. What’s your favorite? Share with us in the comment section below!

The post Elegant Wedding Decor Doesn’t Have to be Pricy appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Bring it In

One of the mistakes people make when trying to photograph venues and rooms is attempting to get all of the details into one photo. Rather than photographing the whole room, bring it in and focus on one small area at a time. This will capture gorgeous details that otherwise wouldn’t be seen. It also gives individuals a better idea of the venue or room as a whole.

Play Around with Different Filters

Don’t be afraid to play with different filters to make your photos look the way you want them. Add a nostalgic feeling to photos with black and white or sepia filters. This can be done with your camera or after the picture is taken through editing websites or applications. It’s a great way to get a more artistic look for certain photos, but be careful; too many filters or manipulations can result in a very amateurish-looking photo.

Don’t Forget Those Photos

Make a list of the photos you really want; the first kiss, the first dance as husband and wife, etc. Make sure you get a trusted individual to take these photos, or do what a lot of brides are doing and provide disposable cameras to each guest and create a list of shots you want. The guests take pictures and then deposit the cameras into a basket at the end of the night. This is a great way to ensure that you have all of the photos you want and plenty to choose from!

Also, Those Random Photos

Some of the most enjoyable photos of a wedding are those that focus on random elements. These often include champagne glasses, hors d’oeuvres, photos of the groom’s bowtie, etc. Make sure to get plenty of photos of the little elements of the wedding!

By following these tips, you can be sure to take some truly elegant and beautiful photos, even if you’ve found yourself suddenly without a photographer. Which of these tips is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.

♥♥♥

Photos by Pixabay

The post How To Take Elegant Wedding Photos Even Without A Photographer appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Hold Your Reception in the Garden

Few things are more beautiful than a garden reception; provided the temperature is ideal. Holding your reception in the garden of the home is a fantastic way to utilize natural decor that doesn’t cost any additional money, and looks amazing! Also you’ll want a good photographer that will capture the beauty of your big day. For example, if you’re in the Toronto area, we recommend Focus Photography, a Toronto wedding photographer.

Have the Ceremony Near the Pool

If you want to do something a little different, hold the ceremony near the pool and use adorable wooden bench seating for your guests. This is a fantastic and unique idea, and if you want to have the ceremony at or after dark, you can light up the pool with gorgeous floating candles!

Hold a Mismatched, Shabby-Chic Reception for an Intimate Group

If you’re planning on holding a very intimate reception with a small group of people, make it elegant and fun with a mismatched, shabby-chic reception. Mismatched chairs, lace crochet tablecloth, simple floral arrangements and any other fun elements you can think of!

Garden Lanterns

Light your way down the aisle for your beautiful dusk wedding with garden lanterns. They’re a wonderful way to add to the festive look and can be left as-is or cloaked in flowers. They’re also typically available in black and white, and look fantastic with candles in colors that match your wedding color palette.

Move It All Out

If you’re having your wedding at home but you’re nervous about the amount of space for the reception area, storage space or utilize your garage for the day of the wedding and transform your great room or living room into a beautiful reception hall.

A Fun Photo booth

Looking for ideas on how to keep your guests occupied and having fun, rent a photo booth. For example, Focusbooth in Toronto offers a great service.

These ideas will help you find inspiration for creating a gorgeous and fun at-home wedding! Which of these can you see yourself doing? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Elegant Ideas for Your At-Home Wedding appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

1. Lace Wedding Bunting

Beautiful lace wedding bunting pops in this outdoor wedding, adding an elegant and charming aspect to the decor. Actual lace bunting can be ordered for this purpose, but a lace effect can also be created from paper for a more affordable price.

2. Metal “Lace” Hanging Lantern

This gorgeous hanging lantern was created to mimic the look of lace, and the effect is breathtaking! Imagine the light patterns created when dozens of these are lit in a dark room!

3. Lace Cupcake Wrappers

There are beautiful paper cupcake wrappers made to look like lace, but you can also order unbelievably pretty real lace cupcake holders! These, created by artist Dream Again Designs on Etsy, are simply gorgeous paired with pale pink frosting and custom cupcake signs.

4. Vintage Napkins

Not only can lace be used to create charming napkin holders, but you can also use vintage lace-edged linen napkins for your reception as well. Every little detail comes together to create the perfect wedding, and you can bet that this detail will not go unnoticed by guests!

5. Lace-Trimmed Veils

While many brides choose only sheer veils, or those with tiny lace trims, veils that feature wide rows of lace edging can be absolutely stunning. They’re perfect for more simple dresses, or for dresses with similar lace trim and elements.

We love lace when it’s used in unique ways within a wedding – what about you? Which one of these examples of lace used in weddings is your favorite? Tell us about it in the comment section below!

The post Wedding Lace: 5 Examples of Unique Lace Wedding Ideas and Examples 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.

1. What is your story as a couple?

Patrick and Kirsten met in the law school library at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in their home state of Minnesota. After sharing a dinner that lasted until the restaurant started vacuuming, they knew they were a good match.

After many dinners later, graduation from law school, and sitting for the Minnesota Bar Exam, Patrick and Kirsten moved out to Washington DC to pursue Masters of Law Degrees. They shared the joys and challenges of moving to a new city together, including discovering the historic Occidental restaurant as a special occasion dining destination.

Patrick graduated from American University Washington College of Law and Kirsten graduated from The George Washington Law School and they began working as lawyers in the city. On the evening of their 5 year anniversary, Patrick took Kirsten back to their favorite dining place, the Occidental, and proposed to her by the beautiful fountain outside the restaurant, with the iconic national Washington DC monuments lit in the background. They walked past the White House while she called her family to share the news. She said yes before he could finish asking and seven months later, they were married on a gorgeous August day in Minnesota.

2. What inspired your wedding day outfits?

Patrick and Kirsten were looking for a simple, yet classic design that was elegant and timeless! Patrick picked clean lines for the men’s shall-neck tuxedos. Kirsten’s custom-made silk A-line dress was covered in intricate Irish lace with a crystal and silk belt. She chose a sleek black dress for her maid of honor.

3. What inspired your wedding decor? Why did you choose the things that you did?

The wedding decor followed the elegant and timeless theme with champagne, pink and plum colored flowers. The linens were champagne, white and black. Patrick and Kirsten also designed their own glasses for the reception in which they served their signature drink–Royale Wedding Punch. They later gave the washed glasses to guests to take home.

While in Washington DC, Patrick and Kirsten have worked in Congress, Patrick for the U.S. Senate and Kirsten for the U.S. House of Representatives. They wanted to bring a bit of “DC life” to Minnesota, which is what inspired their selection of the Minnesota History Center. With it’s high vaulted ceilings and breathtaking views of the Cathedral and Minnesota State Capitol through magnifying windows, the Minnesota History Center added further elegance to the day. Patrick and Kirsten also opened the “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation” interactive exhibit for their guests to enjoy during the wedding reception, which added a bit of history, learning, and fun to the day.

4. What was your favorite part of the day?

The whole day was so beautiful it is difficult to choose a favorite part! If forced to choose, however, Kirsten’s favorite part of the day were the few minutes alone with Patrick during the “first look” prior to the ceremony. Kirsten also enjoyed listening to the organist play Widor’s Toccata as they exited the church–it is a favorite of hers. Patrick’s favorite part of the day was during the speeches given by family members at the reception. Both Kirsten and Patrick loved dancing to The Bruce Henry Band, which included a full horn set perfect for playing Sinatra-esque hits from the 30’s and 40’s.

5. Do you have advice for engaged couples still in the planning process?

Don’t draw out the engagement! A seven-month deadline helped us stay on track in making decisions and eliminated potential arguments about the wedding details. Be realistic about what DIY projects are worth the time (and they can take a lot of time) and which are better to left to the professionals. Spend money on a great wedding photographer! Your wedding picture is the one that will be displayed from now on, so make sure it’s a good one.

6. Did you have any Do it Yourself {DIY} projects? If so, can you describe them in detail?

Yes! After looking at many types of invitations, Patrick and Kirsten decided to design, print and assemble our own invitations. They combined the styles and assembly of different types of invitations to create exactly what they envisioned for their wedding. Their invitations included black, white and plum colors. They used a slightly off-white color which softened the white and made it more aesthetically appealing. Patrick purchased the fonts they wanted to use and he and Kirsten designed the layout through standard computer programs. They purchased supplies and printed the invitations, RSVP cards and information cards on their home printer. They also assembled the invitations in a tri-fold style and assembled envelope liners to complete the DIY project!

Vendors

Photographer:  Erin Johnson Photography
Caterer: Bon Appetit
Floral Designer: Colleens Flower Cellar
Dress Store: Mary’s Designer Bridal
Reception Venue:Minnesota History Center
Band: PopLuxe/ Musicians Unlimited
Ceremony Location:St Timothy Lutheran Church
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Jewelry/Accessories: Swarovski
Bridesmaid Dress: Wedding Shoppe (St. Paul, MN)
Bridesmaid Accessories: Bergstrom Jewelers
Groom Attire: Oxxford Clothes Shawl Collar Tuxedo with El Toro Shoes
Hair Stylist: self
Make Up Artist: self
Event Coordinator/Designer: Christie Altendorf (MN History Center)
Rental: MN History Center
Flowers: Colleen’s Flower Center
Dessert: Buttercream
Linens: MN History Center
Wedding Invitations/Stationary: Self-designed and self-printed
Calligraphy: self
Transportation: self
Ceremony Venue: St. Timothy Lutheran Church
Officiant: Ruth Sorenson-Prokosch, St. Timothy Lutheran Church
DJ/Band: The Bruce Henry Band

The post Kirsten & Patrick – A gorgeous elegant wedding appeared first on Elegant Wedding.