Out of the Box Brilliance

Spooky Chic


In honor of Halloween tomorrow, it wouldn’t be right not to talk about Halloween themed weddings. If a Halloween wedding isn’t out of the box, I don’t know what is! Brides and grooms all have their own personality, and a lot of them are choosing to have their big day on the one day of the year that all the ghosts and goblins come out.

Many people assume that when a couple wants their wedding on this day that they must be creepy or gothic. That’s not true at all anymore. A Halloween wedding, to me, can mean a deep, dark, romance with rich colors and a great way for your guests to really get into your wedding. Having this theme doesn’t mean that your wedding has to be silly or sloppy at all. There are so many ways to make this theme the most elegant event your guests have ever seen.

I have talked about cakes before, but since this is a special Halloween edition I have to talk about these creepy cakes. These cakes are great because you know that they are meant to be for Halloween, but they are still classy. The first one is a lot more whimsical, but the second one is more subdued in its “Halloween-ness”. Both will suit any type of couple for their holiday wedding.

For a fun wedding like this, centerpieces can make or break what kind of theme and tone you are going for. I feel there are three different types of feelings here. The fall tree branches can give more of a harvest feel to your wedding. Also, it gives more color to the reception room. The spider webs candelabra definitely give the stereotypical Halloween feel. For the right couple, this is great! Last is my absolute favorite idea for a centerpiece. The Jack-o-Lantern is a neat way to kill two birds with one stone. It is beautiful in itself because of the great orange color, but you can carve it to serve another purpose as well. This person chose to carve the letter of their last name into it, but you could put the table numbers or names to let guests know where they are supposed to sit.

Ok so we all know what Halloween is really about right? Candy of course! Many couples are now having candy buffets at their wedding. For a Halloween wedding candy should really be one of the main features. Kids will be swarming around the candy buffet all night. If you are having an adult only reception, you will find most of the adults turning back into kids at the sight of your candy spread! Here are just some pictures I had to post because they looked so Halloweeny and delish!

On a closing not, I really want to caution the bride and groom about wearing any kind of costume. Maybe if you and your guy are really set on wearing a costume, save it for the reception. You don’t want your guests not taking your wedding seriously. Another idea about wearing some kind of costume down the aisle could be something like this mask below. Your guests know you are wearing a costume, but you will still look elegant and how a bride should look.

(I just wanted to post these two very cool pictures I found of a reception venue all dressed up for Halloween to show just how stylish this theme can be.)

Keep all these things in mind if you decide to have a Halloween wedding. You can make it as creepy or as chic as you want. This type of theme really gives you a lot of freedom to be creative as you want. Whatever route you choose to take, just make sure you use that creative freedom to your full advantage!

Teriffic Traditions and Inspired Innovations: Bridesmaids

Bridesmaid: /briedz-,mayd/ n. a woman who is an attendant of a bride.

Even without the definition, we all know who the bridesmaid is. She stands next to the bride at the altar and helps her through the exciting day - hopefully not in an ugly gown! But, do you know why we have these ladies on our side, or how many it is proper to have? Well that's why I'm here!

Traditionally, bridesmaids would dress in very similar gowns as the bride to ward off evil spirits. It was superstition if the women acted as decoys and followed the bride everywhere the she went on her special day, the evil entities would get confused and therefore could do no harm to the bride.

Today we have our bridesmaids to spread word about the wedding shower, throw the bachelorette party, help address invitations and thank yous, assist decorating the reception hall, keep us calm before the ceremony and basically do anything we need them to do to keep the wedding running smoothly! For these reasons, it's important to choose a solid lineup of women to be your support group during your special time. No one wants a cranky bridesmaid who complains about everything, or one who is unwilling to find run and grab your lipstick before picture time!

Though a nice sentiment, and thought to be tradition, it is not necessary to have sisters as your bridesmaids, whether yours or your fiances. If these ladies aren't cut out for the job of making sure you're wedding day what you've been dreaming of, then don't feel obligated to make them part of your wedding party. It can be hard to make this decision, especially if you want to avoid family conflicts, but if your future sister-in-law will only cause you grief on your wedding day, try including her in another way. She can always be a reader during the ceremony or perform a song if she's musically inclined. This goes for your sisters as well. You should be at ease during your wedding, with a troop of maids who would do anything to keep you smiling!

When it comes to how many bridesmaids you should have, the possibilities are endless. A general guideline however is to have one bridesmaid, accompanied by one groomsman, for every 50 guests. Therefore, if you will have 250 guests at your wedding, you should have five bridesmaids. Having five maids at an intimate wedding with 80 guests might look a little unbalanced. It's your day though, so anything goes!

Speaking of, who says the people standing next to you has to be women? If you have a best friend who is a man, or a very close bond with your brother, you can always have him as an attendant. He can also be your maid of honor. In this case, the proper title would be Honor Attendant.

Lastly, you should never feel obligated to have a friend in your wedding party just because you were in his/hers. You should do what feels right to you.

So brides, just remember when you're picking your bridal party, bridesmaids should be the people who you love and who love you, who will be beaming at you while you beam at your groom and who will make your wedding day all the more special by standing by your side!

Until the next Terrific Traditions and Inspired Innovations, I wish you happy planning and wedding bliss!!

xoxo!

Vendor Spotlight: Save the Doodle

Planning a wedding reception is a huge responsibility and no detail can go overlooked. But when it comes to providing a new twist to entertainment, look no further than artist Christopher Schroeder. A lifetime of drawing and studying faces has brought Chris to where he is today, a professional caricaturist and freelance web, print, and illustration artist. He makes bringing our each person's best (and arguably, their biggest) characteristics seem easy. Even the most elegant reception could use some of the good humored entertainment that Chris' whimsical portraits offer.

Chris has been requested for hire by several brides in the past two years. The wedding themes are as unique as each bride, ranging from by-the-book traditional weddings to all-out gothic costume party receptions. A wedding reception of any style paired with Chris' doodles are a perfect match!

A caricature is an exceptional reception favor that each party guest would be proud to display in their homes. They outlast Jordan almonds and soft mints with no contest. And when someone has a caricature drawn of themselves on display, someone is bound to ask, "Where did you have that done?" And what better place than at you lavish event?

Please contact Chris Schroeder for more detailed information by visiting his website at www.SaveTheDoodle.com.

Out of the Box Brilliance

To Veil or Not To Veil?

I say….neither!! Why go straight for the typical? Of course, there is nothing wrong with a tradition that has been around for hundreds of years, but that’s what we are all about here! Traditions are sometimes meant to be livened up. Things that worked for our parents parents, don't always work for us.

The new trend to replace the customary veil is the birdcage veil. Many brides have taken this route and I am definitely a fan! I think these veils are a great homage to the past, but have a completely contemporary look when paired with the right gown. You can wear a birdcage veil with flowers or feathers where the veil gathers. Or you could be a little more daring and go for the pillbox veil. This first picture was designed by Sara Gabriel. I loved this one because she chose to use fabric that would usually be found on a “normal” veil, instead of the loosely woven netting. You can buy her bridal accessories at MB Bride in Greensburg PA. The pillbox veil is an Erica Koesler design. Some of her products are a little outdated, but she also has fabulous ones such as the one below. If you are looking to take a trip back to the 30’s, this is your veil!

This next idea I love because it’s for the bride who wants to be a princess on her day, but also very simple and classy. The bridal headband is the perfect way to let people know you are the bride without wearing a huge tiara like the queen of England! Both of these pictures are designed by Maria Elena. She doesn’t have very many products on her website, but the items that she does have are really beautiful. I really can only describe the bridal headband as class and elegance with a hint of flash.

Staying along the same lines as the headband with simplicity and sophistication, the bridal combs and barrettes are a modern brides dream! These both are Regina B bridal accessories. She is a great designer in New York and if you visit her site, all her products are available for order. Almost every barrette or comb she designed will go great with any hairstyle a bride chooses. They are just the right amount of bling to dress up your wedding hair and make you feel like royalty.

Last accessory I want to share with you is definitely out of the box material, and it is my favorite! This is a Stephanie Browne design. She is a designer in Australia and a lot of her products are pretty pricey, but well worth it in my opinion. When you walk down the aisle with this beautiful headpiece, you will certainly be the center of attention. Not to mention this is something that you would rarely see any other bride wear. So, if you want to dare to be different, this is your accessory!

I must admit that it takes a certain bride to wear most of these veils and accessories, but there are so many different styles out there that every bride will be able to find her own niche. They may seem intimidating at first, but before you think that these are not for you, try them on first! You never know what could work with your wedding and your style.