Take It Seriously

In agreeing to toast the bride and groom at their wedding, you’re not just speaking for all the guests, you’re essentially a poet with an important story to tell. It’s both an honor and a huge responsibility. Embrace this obligation with the grace and maturity it deserves.

Don’t Procrastinate

We recommend writing your toast about three weeks before the big day. Approach this “assignment” with the same seriousness you would a college paper. Have someone you trust edit your work, and do a couple of drafts. Advance preparation will prevent hastily scrawled thoughts on cocktail napkins and last-minute panic attacks.

Cover All the Bases

While we encourage you to innovate and personalize the standard as much as you want, an expert toastmaster will usually:

• Express how thrilled she is to be at the wedding and thank the bride and groom (and their parents, if appropriate) for inviting everyone to be a part of their special day.
• Include a personal touch (a favorite memory, joke, or special secret) that will be emotionally significant to everyone.
• Offer encouraging (and often moving) words of advice for their future together. (A quote will usually work its way in here.
• Offer triumphant of well wishes.
• Conclude with the standard raising of the glass, saying “To Jane and John” (don’t forget to take a sip!).

Pick an Appropriate Quote

If you choose to quote, make sure the quote you pick has real resonance for you and is relevant to the message or idea you want to share. Settle on words of wisdom that you can deliver with confidence, earnest emotion, and understanding. And remember, quoting is not required. If it feels at all pretentious or insincere, skip it, and substitute with something that comes from you.

Suss Out Your Style

The best man speech is often wry retellings of zany shenanigans, droll commentary on the subject of marriage, and self-deprecating remarks — often with knee-slapping, side-splitting results. Don’t feel your maid of honor speech has to be sentimental and poetic for the sake of contrast. If you’re hilarious too, the crowd is in for quite a treat. Don’t worry about stealing thunder.

On the other hand, if funny isn’t your shtick, don’t feel pressured to be a comedian — just be yourself and speak from the heart.

Go for Short and Sweet

As you prepare your toast, keep it simple. Don’t use words you normally wouldn’t use. Try not to ramble — toasts can be as short as two lines or as long as two minutes. Steer clear of X-rated anecdotes, goofy giggling, and sing-songy, gimmicky group efforts. Remember, this is your moment. Make it a class act.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Once the toast has been written, practice reading it out loud obsessively to up your comfort level on stage. On the day of the wedding, grab one of the bridesmaids and ask her for final feedback on delivery, jokes, and hand gestures. You’ll be grateful for the preperformance audience. Be sure to write out the complete speech (or transfer it to note cards) and bring the cheat sheet with you to the microphone (no, you don’t have to memorize). Emotions and nerves can catch even the coolest of cucumbers off guard.

Set a Schedule

Toasting time usually happens once everyone has been seated and served champagne, but the bride and groom may want to have it happen between courses. Check with them; if they don’t have a preference, the timing is up to you and the best man. When you’re ready, simply approach the microphone stand as a toasting team. The crowd will be called to attention the old-fashioned way (clinking a glass with a utensil) or the bandleader or DJ may announce to guests that toasting is about to begin.

Traditionally, the best man is considered the toastmaster. For this reason, he may toast first, warming up the crowd for your turn in the spotlight. Of course the maid of honor can take over his role altogether, serve as comaster (a two-person show), or toast the couple right after the best man. We’ve seen double toasts work well in a variety of formats. You and the best man may want to determine who goes first and who follows based on the content and feel of your speeches.

Stay Calm, Cool, & Collected

Or at least fake it. No matter what, you’re going to be nervous. Take deep breaths. Think pleasant thoughts. Maybe have a glass of wine, but don’t overdo it. You definitely want to avoid that drunken honor attendant cliche. Remember, when it’s all over, you get to party hardy. Speak slowly, and no, no one’s going to care that your hands are shaking.

Get Creative

Is toasting too old hat? Knock their socks off with a dance performance, a song, or a reading of an original poem. Salute them in whatever fashion feels most comfortable. That said, if you’re planning something really outlandish, check with the bride first.

Read more: Maid of Honor Toast - Maid of Honor Speeches http://wedding.theknot.com/bridesmaids-mother-of-the-bride/bridesmaids/articles/wedding-toasting-tips-for-the-maid-of-honor.aspx#ixzz1smpFJXy9

I forgot to add links on some of the photos I posted as to where I got them from. I use etsy a lot since it’s cheap and you can get lots of cool customized things! 

So here are the links of the shops where I got some of my things for the wedding. I haven’t ordered everything yet, but I’ll try to remember from now on to include the link with the pictures :)

My Garters: http://www.etsy.com/shop/YouNiqueGarters 
The seller is really nice and she is able to customize garters to fit your colors, which is how I was able to get the Gryffindor and Slytherin themed garters.

My Cake Topper: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mudcards 
The seller is very nice! I actually have not received my topper yet, it has shipped though, but from the picture it looks amazing :D Her prices have gone up however so they aren’t as cheap, ours was $78, but they have gone up to $90. Our cake was only around $200 though so my fiance’ splurged on the cake topper, otherwise I would have not agreed to get it, lol!

Harry Potter Hair Bows: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bowcafe 
This seller was super nice. She went out of her way to get the right color of ribbon for my Ravenclaw bow.  She even threw in a free bow for me as well! 

So I went in last weekend to order my bridesmaid dress from David’s Bridal for my cousin’s wedding July. Ever since I have been getting calls from the random number: 800-520-4808 once every day!!!

I found out, through using the internet of course, that this is David’s Bridal!!! I only gave them my phone number so I would know when my dress came in, not so that they can SELL it! Yes, David’s Bridal SELLS your information! So now I get random calls from this number. No one ever leaves a message! 

This is so rude and I discovered that it can last months! 

So PLEASE DO NOT get your dress there unless you want to make your bridesmaids or yourself miserable with annoying phone calls! 

bridezilla-guide:

Because wedding planning is stressful sometimes, we need to find a way to argue but not fight! This tips can help you outside of the wedding planning as well, to keep your relationship healthy.

1) Never fight when you’re angry. If possible, agree that you’ll go off and let the biggest emotional elements calm down before you talk about the problem.

2) Never fight when you’re tired. When you’re tired, you’re not going to give this the best effort. Further, some sleep will often help to put things in perspective.

3) Always realize that you’re doing this together as a team in order to improve aspects of the relationship - not to harm the other person.

4) Make sure you have enough time to sit down and really deal with the problems. Decide CLEARLY AND SPECIFICALLY what the issue is! Then, deal ONLY WITH THAT ISSUE!!! NO bringing in other past problems and no creating new ones.

5) It’s usually only one person that is hurt or angry at the actions of the other. If you or your girlfriend are the one that is upset, you MUST NOT bring in any other issue right now. Agree that you’ll deal with other issues later, but for now, you’re going to talk about just this one thing.

6) When you talk - use “committee courtesy”. That means, that one person gets to talk until they are finished. Even if they take long pauses between thoughts, they still have the “floor” until they give it up. The other person can take notes if they want to and address everything that is said, but the speak MUST STAY ON TOPIC. 

7) When the speaker is talking about the problem, they can only use words like “I feel” and “I believe” or “I want”. They can NEVER say “You did” or “You are” or “You act”, etc. They have to deal only with personal feelings.

8) When a person is NOT speaking, they must be listening! By “listening”, I mean “active listening”. That is when you can take what the other person says and paraphrase it with the same meaning, but in your own words. In fact, it’s a good idea to do this often. You might first ask if you can restate the issue and then do it in another way, asking if your understanding is correct.

9) If things get emotionally charged, either partner can ask for a “break”. This is a 10-minute cooling-off period, where you get a drink or a snack and come back to it afterward.

10) Finally, always remember: this is all about growing the relationship. Everyone is inconsiderate some times. Everyone has missed expectations some times. This is normal in relationships. It’s how you deal with them that’s important.

——-

Via Self Growth

Traditionally, a shower is a party for the bride and her closest female relatives and friends, where she is “showered” with love, good wishes, and gifts. Where to start to tackle the task? Don’t fret. We’ve got shower-planning basics nailed down to ten easy tips.

Who Plans It

Shower hostess is in the honor attendant’s job description — but she should ask for help from the other bridesmaids, the bride’s sis, even the bride’s mom. Emily Post types might tell you moms shouldn’t plan a shower because it looks like she’s trying to get gifts for the bride, but lots of mothers are very involved in helping with this party — especialy when her daughter is the host. Enlist anyone with the time and energy.

Pick the Right Date

A shower can take place six months before the wedding or it can be the week before. It can be a surprise for the bride — or not. Up to you. Depending on where most of the guests live, you may need to schedule it far in advance so everyone can make their travel plans. If most people are local, you’ll have more options. Once you’ve picked a date, set up a planning schedule. Brainstorm as a team about the party — themes, locations, and entertainment — early on. Divvy up tasks such as getting/sending the invitations, making the decorations, and coordinating the menu.

Decide On the Budget

Before you start fantasizing about a full spa treatment for fifteen, determine who is paying for this shindig and how much it is going to cost. For fancy fetes, it’s kosher to ask all the bridesmaids to help out. Be clear about what everyone owes from the very beginning, though. And make sure all dollar exchanging takes place in advance.

The Idea

Is the bride a traditional tea party type of girl? Would she be thrilled about a cozy shower at home, or is she expecting the works in a hotel ballroom almost the size of her reception hall? Does she have specific passions (art, gardening, traveling, the color pink) that might lend themselves to a special shower? Keep in mind that themes often make planning easier — and more fun, because you can use your imagination to add special touches to the invitations, gifts, food, and entertainment.

The Location

You can be as creative as you want about where to have the shower. A list of options: a picnic in a park or at the beach; a backyard barbecue; an Italian restaurant; a hotel salon; a botanic garden; a bakery. Keep in mind that party spaces get booked early in busy seasons, like during the holidays. Call about availability before you get your heart set on something. And obviously, prices may be a factor.

The Guest List

Everyone invited to the shower should also be invited to the wedding. Ask the bride to help out with the shower guest list. If it’s a surprise, consult with her mom, groom, or sister. If it’s a bridal shower (just the girls), make sure the bride’s and groom’s close female relatives are invited, as well as all the women in the wedding party and the bride’s close girlfriends. If it’s a couple shower, make it a coed guest list.

The Gifts

It’s a good idea to suggest that the bride and groom register for gifts prior to the shower. In the shower invitations, include information about where guests can purchase presents. (Yes, this is okay etiquette-wise.) If you want guests to bring gifts in keeping with a theme, include special instructions. Just make sure there are related items on the registry so the soon-to-be newlyweds don’t get unwanted gear. Investigate any special discounts you can pass on to shower-gift buyers.

The Invitations

Don’t feel like you have to go nuts with the invites. They should reflect the formality (or informality) and theme of the shower, but they can be as simple as those cute ready-made cards available at any card store. Make sure guests RSVP to someone (the MOH, the bride’s sister) by a date that’s at least a few weeks before the shower. If many guests will be coming from out of town, mail the invitations at least two months before the party — if not earlier — so those who need to can make travel arrangements. If it’s an in-town thing, four to six weeks should be enough time.

Make a Menu

If you’re having an at-home shower, think about having the party catered — food can be anything from a five-foot hero to fried chicken and potato salad to dim sum. If you’re doing a theme shower, make the food match. Are the bride and groom honeymooning in Venice? Do an Italian theme with a full-on pasta bar. Don’t forget hors d’oeuvres — be it bowls of pretzels and chips, crudites (raw vegetables and dip), or the bride’s mom’s famous mini-pizza rounds! For dessert, serve cake, and/or pastries, cookies, pie, ice cream — either homemade or supplied from the yummiest bakery in town. If you’re having the shower in a banquet hall or restaurant, work with the manager/host to come up with a delicious menu. Keep in mind the bride’s taste and any special guest needs such as vegetarian or kosher dishes.

The Entertainment

Primary activities at any shower: eating, laughing, and gift-opening. One bridesmaid (often the MOH) should keep track of which guest gave which present, and another should make sure cards stay with the right boxes — then thank-you notes won’t be a nightmare for the bride. Background music (in keeping with the theme, if it lends itself) is a good idea and some planned activities will keep the party moving at a nice pace.

bridezilla-guide:

Groom & Groomsmen Gift Ideas

fuckyeahweddingideas:

Wedding Related Costs: An Infographic

(via blasphemywedding)

How to tie a bow tie

kliqweddings:

DIY Flower Ideas: How to Preserve Your Wedding Bouquet

You meticulously planned every bit of its detail, so why not protect your prized floral possession?

Make sure your flowers never lose their beauty with this guide to bouquet up-keep and preservation.

What It Is

You dry your bridal bouquet — by yourself or via a professional service — and hang onto it as a meaningful keepsake.

Why Do It

A preserved bouquet can be both a memento and decorative piece for the home.

How It Works

There are three methods: silica gel (quick-drying mode via immersion in a sand-like, silicon substance); pressing (press select blooms from the bouquet and flatten via a flower press and framed); and freeze-drying (pros spray the blooms with a starch to set the colors and then “bake” the bouquet in a freeze-dryer). All modes allow for beautiful presentation in frames, glass domes, etc. But freeze-drying is the only method that allows for “open arrangements” (they don’t have protective covering), and yields the most true-to-life results in terms of flower shapes and colors.

Tips

Think about preserving just a few select blooms instead of the full bouquet. This will cut down on the cost of preservation. Also, it’s important for preservationists to receive the bouquet in prime condition. So get a tossing bouquet, and, at the reception, leave your actual bouquet in a safe place where it won’t get bruised or crushed (maybe have a bridesmaid handle this) as a precaution. Sometimes brides will immediately have the caterer store the blooms in the refrigerator, or, if it’s a hand-tied bouquet, stick the stems in water.

DIY

If you want to try and preserve your flowers yourself try hanging the bouquet in a warm room such as an airing cupboard upside down. This will help the flowers to release their moisture and to dry out much more quickly.

Visit the Kliq Weddings Website to find out how Kliq Weddings can help capture your Wedding Day with stunning Videos and Photography!http://www.kliqweddings.co.uk

kliqweddings:

Choosing a wedding ring – also known as a wedding band – might seem a more straightforward task than selecting an engagement ring, but it still involves many important and exciting decisions!

You will be wearing your wedding ring for the rest of your life so it’s important to choose a design you’ll be comfortable with. Consider a variety of metals, shapes, thicknesses and styles in order to find the perfect choice for you. Wondering where to buy your dream ring? You’re not alone. Here is some helpful advice from www.weddingpath.co.uk

Metal

The choice of metal for the bride’s wedding band is usually dictated by her engagement ring. The groom’s ring will often follow suit too. However, if the bride and groom have different preferences there is nothing to stop the groom opting for gold while the bride goes for platinum. In any case, here are the most popular options:

A yellow gold wedding ring is the traditional choice. 24k is the purest but also the softest variety, so is not generally recommended for wedding bands. 14k and 18k gold are less pure but harder and therefore more likely to make a durable wedding ring.

A white gold wedding ring will complement any silver or platinum jewellery you may have already. However, a white gold wedding ring is often plated with rhodium to enhance its appearance, and this plating is likely to wear off with time.

A platinum wedding ring is another popular choice. This silvery metal is highly resistant to damage. It’s much rarer than gold and is therefore more expensive, but a platinum wedding ring will last a lifetime.

A titanium wedding ring is a more modern choice since it is only relatively recently that this striking greyish metal has been used for jewellery. It is extremely durable and can be carved without losing its strength. A titanium wedding ring is a real talking point.

Shape

When it comes to the shape of the bride-to-be’s wedding band, the main consideration is how it sits with her engagement ring.

If the engagement ring is straight-edged, a classic, straight-edged wedding band will sit snugly next to it. However, the gemstone setting in some engagement rings will not accommodate a straight-edged wedding band. In this case you could either wear your engagement and wedding rings on different hands, or opt for a curved wedding ring, sometimes known as a fitted wedding ring or a shaped wedding ring. 

Many curved styles can be bought off the shelf. Otherwise, a good wedding-ring jeweller can custom-design a wedding band to sit perfectly next to your engagement ring. You might find this a rewarding and symbolic process in itself. 

© Photo by Shona Fidget

Band style

You will probably never have considered this before but if you turn a ring on its side you will notice the style – or profile – of its band. The most common band shapes for wedding rings are:

Rounded-edge wedding ring: this gently curved style is the most subtle and traditional option. 

High-domed wedding ring: with its more pronounced curve, this style is slightly taller than the rounded-edge design.

Flat wedding ring: this design has quite square edges for a more modern look.

Other terms you might hear when it comes to wedding-band shapes include D-shape wedding ring, court wedding ring or concave wedding ring. Don’t be unnerved by all this terminology; find a jeweller you trust who is prepared to give you plenty of time and who will answer your questions patiently. 

Other considerations

Nowadays couples often favour jewel-set wedding rings. If you like this idea you should consider the harder stones (such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, topaz) as time takes its toll on softer varieties. Diamond-set wedding rings are the most popular option.

Couples often want to have their wedding date engraved on the inside of their wedding rings and sometimes there is room for other sentiments too. If you are doing this, make sure you write down exactly what you want inside your ring – including use of capital letters etc – and ask your jeweller what font or style (eg italic) will be used.

Be sure to check out how long it will take for your wedding bands to be ready. Allowing at least eight weeks is a good rule of thumb. Ask your jeweller, and if the rings will not be ready in time, don’t panic – ask them about a ‘loaner’ ring. Also be sure to get advice on sizing – a common mistake is to order a size too big.

Families often pass down wedding rings as heirlooms so this may be an option for you. If so, you probably will want to leave any original engraving inside the ring. It might also be appropriate to note in your will who you would like your rings to go to.

The trick is to choose rings that you and your partner are happy with. Don’t worry about other people’s choices, but do ask around and look in jewellery stores, in magazines and online for inspiration. 

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http://www.kliqweddings.co.uk