Tag: bridesmaids
courtesy of mywedding.com
Everyone knows that a wedding day is all about the bride ((insert groom to be polite)), but of all the brides I’ve ever known, not a single one of them has ever been dead set on leaving everyone else out in order to achieve her grand status. Sure, there will always be the boo-tastic bridezilla exceptions, but generally speaking, most brides want their big day to be a big day for everyone else too.
Brides ((okay, and grooms)) want their guests to laugh and enjoy. They want their bridal party to dance and cheer. But most of all, they want their family and friends to leave feeling with a feeling of exhaustion from all the fun and excitement… it’s simply how they roll. After all, what bride wants the day that’s “all about them” to be one everyone else marks with distain and ill repute? Um, I’d hope none!
Which is precisely why I love Love LOVE the idea of statement bridesmaid dresses! I mean, helllloooo!?!? Your bridesmaids are not cookie cutter friend prototypes; so, why would you ever want them in cookie cutter dresses? You wouldn’t!
Hence, why so many brides are turning to retro patterns, colorful pallets, hand-me-down favorites and vintage accessories, in order to create the perfect look for their big day. More and more, today’s modern bride is pairing similar colors with different shapes and patterns in order to create a unique, fun ensemble that suits both the bodies of her bridesmaids, as well as her overall aesthetic… truly, making it a win / win for all involved!
Don’t believe me?? Check out below, and see what I mean :)
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) weddingchicks.com, greenweddingshoes.com, marthastewartweddings.com, bridalbook.ph, snippetandink.blogspot.com, weddingobsession.com and greatexpectationsky.com
This kind of look can be achieved in a number of ways. You can find a dozen or so dresses that you enjoy and let them select personal favorites or for you braver brides, you send some of your most trusted ladies out to raid closets and find what works best for those on TIGHT budgets. One of my personal favorite solutions: hit up your local paint store, pick out and pair up your favorite color swatches. Then, provide your ‘maids with a base color pallet they can use to find their dress.
It’s really up to you, but the conclusion will no doubt be the same… unique dresses for unique girls for a unique day! Whoop, whoop!
September 27, 2011
This is as LEGIT as it gets, ladies. One of our most popular bridesmaids’ gifts ever – the Personalized Zebra Flask - is our featured deal of the day. But at 40% OFF its suggested retail, I’d say it’s more of a steal than a deal! (Yeah, I took it there.)
Because attendant gifts are generally bought in multiples, it’s always great when a bride and groom can find amazing gifts at affordable prices. And this personalized flask has stylish safari savings every bride will go wild about! (Pun intended.)
Click the image below to experience total savings all your bridesmaids will love! Cheers!
August 9, 2011
photo courtesy of photosbyjennifer.com
Who said you have to spend a fortune to get a bundle? Um, not this pretty little lady – that’s fo sho! Here at Marilyn’s Keepsakes, we make it a point to serve up trend-tastic goods for the budget savvy bride! After all, does anyone really want to ‘shop til they drop?’ Eeesh. Sounds painful.
Instead of dropping – be it physically yourself or things off your list in order to save – why not simply spend smarter and get more bang for each one of your hard earned bucks?? Ha! I knew you’d be on board!
I know one area that snuck up on me (and added up SUPER fast) was the inevitable rush for attendant gifts… It’s not that I ever had an issue about spending moolah on the beautiful people me and the Mr. love the most, but I just felt like we put it off until last minute; so, when we started factoring in bridesmaids gifts, groomsmen gifts… gifts for the mothers and grandmothers, the fathers and grandfathers, the flower girls and ring bearers… ushers, guest book attendants… I think you see where this is going… I started to panic juuuuust a touch.
Obviously, being partial to all my ladies, I wanted to get them something fiercely fabulous, while still leaving a little somethin’ somethin’ for the all the dudes – haha! Good thing I work at a place that could provide me just that!
<Enter Stage Right> Personalized Bridesmaids Gifts Under $25! Unheard of, you say? Too good to be true, mayhaps? Nope :) Priced with you in mind and personalized free of charge, our entire line will have your wallet looking up and asking, “Does this custom gift make me look fat?” Yes, wallet, it does, and we couldn’t be happier :)
Happy shopping, ladies, and cheers to many MANY years of happiness!
March 10, 2011
If you’ve ever attained the oh-so privileged status of MOH or Bridesmaid Beauty, chances are you’ve had your hands full on more than one occasion. Between helping the bride make, plan or finalize wedding plans, arranging the engagement party, hand placing Swarovski crystals on shower invites, etc., there leaves very little time to concern yourself with the Bachelorette party. But, every bride needs a last fling before the ring! So, here are some easy, no frill ideas that are sure to keep the bachelorette bash set to ”fun mode” the entire night.
Bridal Veil & Sash. No bachelorette party would be complete without the quintessential bridal garb. The ”ooh look at me!” veil will make any bride to be blush. while letting everyone else know whose final days in Single City have arrived! And what going to the chapel veil would be complete without a personalized sash, feathery boa, or Mardi gras beads for additional flair? Answer? None! So, go big or go home :)
Disposable Glam Cams. Sure, digital cameras are all the rage these days (heck, not even the rage… just the standard), but disposable cameras offer a fun touch of mystery and anticipated excitement! As far as bachelorette parties go, you never know where the night will end up, but it’s important to remember all the craziness that happens along the way! Arm each attendee with her own throwaway-another-day camera, and let the fun begin!
**Sidenote: just be sure all the ladies know the bride’s intentions – some may want every memory made public, while others shun the morning after shame of FB newsfeeds altogether.
Shooters. There’s no better way to start the shindig than with some personalized ”cheers” in personalized shot glasses. Designed specifically for the bride and her entourage, these stylish shooters are sure to be toasted all night long (all night!) and make for a very memorable, very functional bachelorette party keepsake.
Bachelorette Tanks. The bride can’t have all the fun. Deck the party out in matching bachelorette party tank tops! These feisty tops are usually studded in rhinestones in one of the bride’s favorite colors or a hue to match the night’s theme. Corresponding tanks will give the group a cohesive yet chic look.
Transportation. Whether it’s for safety or just for fun, renting a vehicle to drive the party around will free up a designated driver and ensures you all get home safely. According to the soon to be Mrs. taste, you can hire anything from a retro Volkswagen Vanagoon to a souped-up party bus limo! The sky (or your budget) is the limit, but as long as your party vehicle is decorated with playful clings, car decals, and bachelorette flags, everyone will know when the party has arrived!
Food & Drink. Food is usually super casual. If the group of girls goes way back, fix old dishes you used to enjoy as kids: s’mores, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly bites, etc. As for the libations, fix the bride’s favorite cocktail and dub it a “(insert bride’s name here)-tini”. It’ll be fun and original, and with full bellies and happy minds, you’ll be ready to paint the town red!
This covers the basic accessories that are sure to equip any bridal party with a night of fun. Don’t forget to plan the activities; scavenger hunts, dare lists, and bride/groom trivia games are all favorites. With close friends and fun accessories, a good time is guaranteed! Cheers!
February 22, 2011
It’s so simple and so true, and even though John Lennon and Paul McCartney originally wrote and performed the song, it was Joe Cocker – and his unforgettably raspy voice – that captivated so many more with its brilliance…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQYDvQ1HH-E]
Because Lord knows “With A Little Help From My Friends,” I have been able to accomplish great things, and with a little help from their friends, brides the world over have been able to accomplish the same. For it is the love of a bridesmaid that truly displays the most exemplary, self-giving form of friendship… and that, my dear friends, can’t be substituted, exchanged or refunded for anything else.
Recently, I received a card in the mail, and because giving and receiving personal stationery is one of my life’s simplest pleasures, I ripped into it with great excitement… which only turned into greater excitement when I saw what the card contained.
Inside the hand addressed envelope was a very well executed card which had Kimmi, my beautiful cousin’s, signature style written all over it. (You may remember Kim from the previous post All Because Two People Fell in Love: The Engagement of Ms. Kimberly Lynn.) My amazing cousin had taken her time and “with a little help” from her Mac created a fabulous card, covered externally with pictures of her and I and the date “October 15, 2011″ and internally with photo ops of her and her love and a hand written note - first asking me to be a bridesmaid; then, giving her explanation of why it would mean so much.
The card was simple and understated – just like my amazing cousin, and it was the perfect way for her to ask. It absolutely made my day, and because we’ll be spending the next year making sure it’s her day, I’m even more excited that she took the time to do something original.
Of course I said YES – duh! and can’t even wait to be a part of her (no doubt!) unbelievable day!
Here is her brilliant creation:
Outside of Kimmi's card :)
And for more “Will You Be My Bridesmaid?” gifts and ideas, be sure to check out our collection of goodies…
October 25, 2010
photo courtesy of snippetandink.blogspot.com
Every bride always says it, and every bridesmaid always dreads it: “Really, girls, the best part about this dress is you could shorten it and wear it again!”
…
Um, no… no, you can’t. Nine times out of ten (at least!), a bridesmaid dress is a bridesmaid dress is a bridesmaids dress. I made no qualms to my ladies-in-waiting; while they were able to select the dress they liked best, it was still going to ’maid-tastic :)
But alas, there is a solution! Bridesmaid beauts and please conscious brides, may you find solace in the exception that proves the rule. For the one in ten times dresses can be worn again… say it with me… PRINTS!
While prints or patterned dresses may come off seemingly less formal, really are a fantastic way to incorporate vintage glam and retro chic style into even the most mod of wedding settings. And because of their universal appeal, they can easily be re-worn for other weddings, formal gatherings or simply putting on your Sunday best!
Check out some of my favorite printed princesses:
photo courtesy of greenweddingshoes.com
photo courtesy of google.com
photo courtesy of greatexpectationsky.com
photo courtesy of onestylishbride.com
photo courtesy of jesslehry.com
photo courtesy of wedding-for-two.com
August 16, 2010
Picture this to infinity and beyond! (photo courtesy of smh.com.au)
Move over, Katherine Heigl; there’s a new bridesmaid beaut in town!
Jill Stapleton has set the new bridesmaid bar, but my question is… who will break it? According to the Huffington Post, Jill Stapleton – an Ohio dance instructor – broke the Guinness World Record for most bridesmaids in a single wedding. 110 to be exact.
I have to admit, when I first heard about this story, I was like, “Really, Jill? Really??” Who has a 110 close friends? Let alone 110 close friends they’d want in their wedding photos?? However, after hearing the story in full, it’s actually pretty cute.
Stapleton’s 110 bridesmaids were actually 110 of her dance students. Ranging from tiny tots to tween queens, these world record breaking bridesmaids were all dolled up in various shades of aqua blues, royal purples and sea greens in order to march down the aisle all in the name of love! According to Jill, it was a “fairytale” wedding for all!
**Side Note: The former World Record for most bridesmaids was 90, but you can be darn sure I’ll be waiting on pins and needles to see who can top 110. Challenge noted and extended. I look forward to seeing who accepts :)
June 16, 2010
This past weekend, I had the distinct pleasure of attending my girlfriend Corrie’s wedding, and in a word… it was a delight. I have had the honor of knowing the now Mrs. Laker since Freshman year of high school, and she has been nothing short of an extraordinary friend, and more notably, an extraordinary person. She knows one speed: unstoppable and has had more adventures in 25 years, than most will have in a lifetime. She’s unique, daring, fabulous and absolutely hilarious and her abundant kindness could only possibly be topped by her incredible sense of style … so, you can imagine… I was pumped to see what she had planned for her big day!
And surprise-sa-freakin-surprise, it was brilliant. The whole day – well, at least to the uninvolved eye – went off without a hitch! Everything was beautiful, and one thing I particularly lllllllloved (please note the emphasis on love) was her choice of bridesmaids dresses. In complete Corrie fashion, she gave all of her bridesmaids only one restriction in purchasing their dresses: make sure it’s black.
There was no hullabaloo about length, cut, material or design. She just wanted all the bridesmaid dresses to be black, and even though every girl had on a completely different look, they coordinated seamlessly through the timeless look only black can achieve and the breezy confidence that came from each girl of wearing something she loved. It was executed on a coolness level I’m convinced only Corrie could achieve, and I would gladly encourage any bride to be out there struggling with finding the “perfect bridesmaid dress” (*hint: this doesn’t exist - hehe) to seriously consider this as an option.
It cuts the risk on finding a dress that “will work” for every girl in your wedding party and gives an opportunity for every girl to “work it!” Even if you’re worried about the formality of the color black for a less formal, afternoon wedding, don’t be. Black is the one shade that will always be in style and can be coordinated with any color you’ve already planned, imagined or even invented. It’s something different and REALLY works well for a bridal party that consists of several different shapes, sizes and personalities!
And for the perfect “little black dress,” visit shopstyle.com, which can narrow your ideal by size, color, cut and price!
A few of the bridesmaids showing off their "little black dresses."
Gathered around the bride!
Corrie, the bride with a million genius ideas, posing with her gorgeous Mama! (For cereal, TWINS!)
January 4, 2010
