Yesterday one of my BFF's let me know that her and her fiance have finally set a date for their wedding. Now that the date has been set, and with just 6 months to get everything done, we are finally able to start finalizing some wedding details. The bride has found an amazing venue and dress so some of the major planning details are checked off the list but now as MOH I have some of my own planning to get done. The first thing on my checklist: find a bridesmaid dress!

Dress shopping, no matter the event, is something that I love doing! However, when it comes to bridesmaid dress shopping it's not as easy as just walking into a store and picking out whatever you love and going home with it until the wedding day. Based off of my own experiences as a bridesmaid, and from working with them, I have put together a list of helpful tips when it comes to finding the perfect bridesmaid dress. Enjoy!

1. What is the bride wearing?
A brides dress can range from modern to vintage and be made from lace, taffeta, silk, or chiffon. Once the bride gets her dress take into consideration what the style is and what the dress is made of. When searching for bridesmaid dresses look for ones that will complement the bride's. 

2. What color will work for everyone?
When thinking about your bridesmaid's dress color take into consideration what colors will look good on them. I love gold-toned dresses, but unfortunately they wash me out. Sometimes different shades of a color help with this issue if your maids have varying skin tones. The best way to prevent this problem is to have your girls try on the color you are thinking of having and see what works.

3. What body type are all your maids?
This one is something that always stuns me when some brides choose their bridesmaid dresses. Obviously not every person will have the same body type but trying to get every body type into the same dress can be pretty difficult. I love it when brides pick out 2 or 3 different styles in the same color so that everyone can choose a dress that fits their body type and is something they will be comfortable wearing.

4. Have your dress altered.
Bridesmaid dresses are designed to fit a diverse group of individuals, so the probability that the dress that is chosen will fit you perfectly is like 1%. My general rule of thumb is to order 1 size up from what you would normally wear (if you wear a 6 normally order an 8 just to be safe) and then about 2 months out take it to some one who handles alterations. Brides always get their dress altered for their wedding dress but bridesmaids don't always think about this. Believe me it will be worth the extra money when your dress isn't puckering or the straps are falling off in the wedding pictures.

5. Be flexible, but remember it is the BRIDES day!
It is always nice when the bride takes her maid's input into consideration when choosing a dress. Unfortunately, not every girl in the bridal party will be 100% in love with the dress, but don't bend over backwards to make everyone happy. As the bride let your maid's know that you want them to look great on your wedding day, but it is your wedding day.

I will be on the bridesmaid dress hunt over the Christmas break and am hoping that I can find the perfect one! Do you have any tips that might help out other bridesmaids who are also on the dress search?

xoxo
Megan

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So first thing first, have you ever heard of The Blog Baton? It is this great idea that was created by blogger Mason...Like the Jar. Each day a different blogger "holds" the baton and shares about their life and their blog through the shared Instagram account. It is a great way to share your own ideas and blogging obsessions while also learning more about others who are a part of the blogging baton fun. Well, today is my turn and I am super excited! So make sure to follow along with me today @TheBlogBaton on Instagram to see what I am up to today!

And now onto my Wedding Wednesday inspiration for today! Today I have a little wedding history to share with you today. Have you ever thought about where all those wedding traditions that are incorporated into today's ceremonies have come from? I was reading this great article on The Knot the other day and came across an article that talked about where some of the most common traditions came from. Here are some of my favorites...

One of the most common wedding traditions, no matter what kind of ceremony or wedding you decide to have, is the wedding ring. This symbol of eternity and everlasting love can be traced back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians. They would wear a band on their left ring finger as they believed that the vein in that finger led directly to the heart. These bands changed to today's common diamond rings during the Renaissance when the Archduke of Austria gave one to his bride-to-be.

One of my favorite wedding traditions is the bridal party. The Roman's started the tradition of having bridesmaids and groomsmen in their wedding ceremonies as they would serve as protection against jealous demons (or other suitors) that would be out to get the bride and groom-to-be. 

Always being a knight in shinning armor, during the Middle Ages the grooms-to-be started wearing boutonnieres in their bride's wedding colors as a statement of his love. How adorable was this? And those fresh floral bouquets that brides carry down the aisle were not always fresh. Traditionally it was the Greco-Roman tradition of holding herbs and spices to ward off evil spirits, but during the Victorian age the idea of carrying a fresh floral bouquet came into fashion and still a favorite for brides today.

Did you know that wedding dresses weren't always white? Before Queen Victoria wore a white dress at her wedding having a colorful dress was the thing to do. Some cultures still embrace the colorful wedding day traditions, but white is still the most popular wedding dress color for brides today. The most famous white wedding of all was when Grace Kelly married her price charming in the 1950's. The princess bride fantasy became the dream of millions of little girls and still is today.

Prior to the 16th century wedding cakes were usually made of pure sugar. It wasn't until Queen Victoria's son Price Leopold, Duke of Albany, had his wedding that the first entirely edible wedding cake was served. Today to help with the wedding cake budget you will see a bunch of bride and grooms choosing to have a wedding cake created with both techniques with the bottom few layers being made of foam and the top layer made of cake. 

Today's wedding are filled with a combination of old and new traditions that truly reflect the style of each bride and groom-to-be. There is no right or wrong choice when selecting which traditions you want included in your wedding and adding a little spin to some of the traditional parts of a wedding makes the wedding day all the more special. 

What is your favorite wedding tradition?

xoxo
Megan

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Yes I am totally excited about Thanksgiving tomorrow and getting to celebrate with my family, but one of my favorite parts of the day is looking through the Black Friday ads. I know its silly but I actually get a thrill out of finding great deals and making a shopping plan of attack. So with shopping on my mind it got me thinking about wedding registries. This is one of those topics that can leave a lot of bride and groom-to-be's with lots of questions as it is not something that one adds to their wedding inspiration board on Pinterest or is normally covered in wedding magazines. So to help those who are recently engaged and soon to be married I have some great tips that will help you create the perfect wedding registry. (Just please promise me you will not go out and try to register on Black Friday!)

When to Register?
As soon as possible! Guests will look to this registry for gift ides for engagement parties, showers and the wedding so the sooner you register the better. 

Where to Register?
When choosing where to register try and stick with just 2-3 stores. Just make sure at least one store is a national chain which will allow all your guest access to the registry, both in person and online. Below are some of the most popular places for couples to register. If you can click on the different store logos you will go directly to their wedding registry websites.

How Do I Register?
While some stores will host registry nights for engaged couples most will let you register directly online. If you are more of a visual person you can also ask someone at the customer service desk how to go about creating a registry at their store. Those with online registries are great as you can keep track of everything online and you can avoid the store crowds.

Who Should Register?
While it might be fun to bring all your girls along when you go dress shopping, when it comes to registering for wedding gifts this is best done by just the bride and groom-to-be. You two are the only ones that know what you will need in your new home so plan a date night and have fun shopping for items that each of you want in your new home.

How Do We Let People Know Where We Are Registered?
While proper etiquette dictates that you are not to include where you register on your invitations you can include your wedding website which is where you can post where you have created registries. Word of mouth is also the best way to let your guests know so as soon as you are done registering let your wedding party and immediate family members know so that they can spread the word.

What Things Should I Register For?
There is no specific list of what couples should and should not register for. It all depends on what the couple currently has and what they want. Think both short-term and long-term when registering. Some popular items to register for are china, flatware, stemware and kitchen appliances. This is also the perfect time to get some nicer linens and towels with your new monogram on them!

So congrats on your engagement and have fun registering! Do you have any other helpful tips for those who need to create a wedding registry?

I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and good luck to those who are heading out tomorrow to brave the Black Friday sales!

xoxo
Megan

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The first thing many girls want to do as soon as they get engaged is to go try on wedding dresses. As excited as you may on your engagement and wanting to find that perfect dress, take a few minutes and read these dress shopping tips that I have put together for you from The Knot. I promise you will be better prepared and ready for finding the dress of your dreams after you read through these tip!

1. Set (and Stick to) Your Budget
Before you take your first step into a bridal salon talk over your wedding and dress budget with who will be paying the bill. Tell your consultant upfront what your budget is and make sure to also factor in the cost of alterations and any accessories that you may need to purchase. 

2. Shop Early
The length of the engagement is entirely up to the bride and groom to-be but ideally you should start shopping for a wedding dress 8-10 months before your wedding day. Most gowns are made to order so you need to factor in about 2-3 months for the dress to be made and another 2-3 months for alterations. If you are working within a shorter time frame you might have to pay additional fees for a rush order or have to go with a dress directly off the rack.

3. Figure Out the Dress Code
Take into consideration the time of your ceremony, the reception venue and where your ceremony will be taking place when you are looking for a dress. You might have always dreamed of wearing a ballgown when you got married, but if you are having a casual outdoor wedding the ballgown might look a little out of place. Also, some religions and church have attire guidelines that you might need to take into consideration.

4. Know Your Style
Preppy, glamorous, classic, modern, traditional, or country? Every bride has their own style and knowing what they want on their wedding day will help them, as well as their dress consultant, on finding that perfect dress. You know what looks best on you so trust your instincts if it doesn't look or feel just right.

5. Call Ahead
A bridal salon will carry a wide variety of wedding dress designers but not every dress that designer makes could be in stock. If you come across a dress that you want to try on make sure to call ahead and see if that salon currently it in stock. If they don't have it in their store they might be able to order a sample or find it at another store for you.

6. Book An Appointment
Weekends and evenings can be the busy times for a bridal salon. No matter when you plan on going to look at dresses it is important to call ahead and schedule an appointment. This guarantees that you will have a consultant to help you out and a dressing room to try on some dresses! *If you can the best times to visit a bridal salon is in the mornings during the week. So if you are able to, take a day off to go.

7. Be Open to Other Ideas
Yes, bridal consultants are looking to make a sale with every bride-to-be that they meet, but it is also important to listen to them as they have helped hundred of girls try on almost every dress they have in their store. Your consultant will have some great input on styles and designers that you might not have considered. Give their suggestions a try, you might find your perfect dress this way! 

8. Keep Your Shopping Party Small
Two heads are better than one, but too many can lead to conflicting ideas and a bride not knowing what to do. When planning a trip to the bridal salon try and stick with just one or two other people to accompany you like your mom and MOH. If you want your entire bridal party to go with you just be prepared to listen to each of their ideas and input.

9. Buy A Dress That Fit NOW
At the start of the engagement every bride has it in their head that they are going to "get in shape" by their wedding day. Even though this is a wonderful motivation technique, don't buy a dress that does not currently fit you. It is better (and less expensive) to need the dress taken in closer to your wedding day than to have to add fabric to it. 

10. And Before You Order...
Make sure to read over your dress contract (yes everything to do with a wedding comes with a contract!) so you know exactly what you are paying for and that the correct style, color and size dress is being ordered for you. The contract will let you see what the deposit will be, when the dress will be delivered, and if alterations are included or an extra cost. This way if anything goes wrong it will be the responsibility of the store, not you.
Now you should be fully prepared to take your first step into a bridal salon and find your perfect wedding dress! 

For those of you who have already had their wedding or found their perfect dress what other tips do you have to share for those new engaged?

xoxo
Megan

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A wedding is the perfect occasion for the bride and groom to share some of their favorite things and personal touches with all their friends and family. Well if you and your groom-to-be are fans of all things Thanksgiving I have the perfect wedding idea for you. Take your favorite Thanksgiving foods and create your reception menu around them, with a little twist on the original of course! Whatever your favorite Thanksgiving dish is there are some easy, and creative ways on how you can turn it into the perfect reception dish! Here are some of my favorites...

If you love cranberry sauce...create a cranberry cocktail as your signature drink like this ginger rose.

In you love potatoes...host a mashed potato bar during the reception.

If you love green bean casserole...serve fried green beans during cocktail hour.

If you love turkey...serve turkey burger sliders for all your guests to enjoy.

If you love pie (any who doesn't?!?!)...serve mini versions in mason jars as favors or create a dessert bar featuring all your Thanksgiving favorites!

There are so many great ways to incorporate your favorite Thanksgiving dishes into your wedding reception menu. What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish that you cannot live without? 

xoxo
Megan

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Creating a theme for your wedding is a great way to share a part of your life and personality with your guests. For those that have a love for baseball this week's wedding theme is perfect for you. It doesn't matter if you are planning a wedding to a baseball star or a baseball fanatic I found some ideas that will set your big day up to be a grand slam!

The Venue
This might surprise you, but there are a number of ballparks across the country that have suites and other large meeting spaces that they rent out during the off season for events. So if you are planning a baseball themed wedding or dreamed of having a wedding in your team's stadium make sure to pick a date during the off season so you can get in. When it comes to wedding venues this one will get you top points in creativity!

The Decorations
Last week in my baseball party post I shared with you some great ideas on how you can create some great baseball themed centerpieces for a World Series Party (which game 1 starts tonight!). To top that off you can also coordinate your florals for this baseball themed affair. Have your bouquets and the table floral toppers made into the shape of a baseball. 

The Cake
Since baseballs and wedding cakes are both traditionally white it is very easy to turn your wedding cake into a baseball themed masterpiece. If you choose not to have cake you can go with cake pops or chocolate dipped strawberries decorated like little baseballs. And to top off your baseball dessert this baseball cake topper is a must-have!

The Exit
Instead of rice, confetti or even sparklers give all your guests mini baseball bats to make an archway. Not only will these make the perfect exit for the bride and groom when they leave their baseball themed reception, but you can also have them engraved with your names and wedding date for your guests to keep as favors. 

What do you think about this ballpark themed wedding?

xoxo
Megan

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A few days ago one of my best friends and her boy friend got engaged. While my first thought was "finally" I am really happy for the two and can't wait to celebrate with both of them! So in celebration of my friend's engagement I started putting together some of my favorite proposal stories and ideas. I really am a sucker when I hear that the groom put a lot of effort into the proposal. So girl's make sure to share this post with your man if you want them to get a little creative with their proposal plan!

For the guy who has great computer and video skills you can try something creative like this movie proposal.

And for those who aren't as technologically inclined you can try one of these! Here are two great ideas for the couple who shares a love of food.

Have your (potentially new) pet carry the ring in on their collar.

Of course there are the adorable seasonal proposals as well.

And my favorite is the photobooth proposal. You are guaranteed to capture the best reaction shots ever!

What is your dream proposal idea? And don't forget to remind your guy to have a friend capture the proposal on camera! Those will be some of the best shots that the two of you can treasure forever.

xoxo
Megan

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There are a few event planning faux pas that will have me running if I see them happen at an event and color disasters are one of them! A few days ago a ran across this great article by the color gurus over at The Perfect Palette and couldn't agree more with what they had to share about some of the most common wedding color mistakes. So of course I just had to share them with you. They are so great that they even put together solutions so you can avoid making these common mistakes! Happy Wedding Wednesday everyone!

#1: IGNORING YOUR VENUE COLORS!
When deciding on your color palette, I urge you to seriously consider the reception space! For instance, if you’ve chosen a reception area with burgundy and gold carpets, a color scheme of lime green and fuchsia will surely clash, and there’s really no way around it. That’s not to say you have to choose colors that perfectly match the surroundings. 

THE SOLUTION: I suggest using the venue’s decor as more of a guide when selecting your palette. Or simply choose a space that lacks a lot of color so that you won't have to worry about a potential clash!

#2: NEGLECTING TO ORDER MOCK FLORALS!
Okay, so one thing that you must realize is that color in a lot of respects in sort of subjective. Your idea of vibrant coral blooms might not be exactly what your florist shows up with on the day of your wedding. Are you going to be okay if your coral colored blooms turn out to be baby pink? Some couples wouldn't let this bother them. And I say, all power to ya! But simply put, some brides would really have a problem if their dream blooms ended up totally clashing with the overall look.

THE SOLUTION: Request that your florist put together some test bouquets. That way you know that you're on the same page when it comes to color. And there won't be any surprises on the day of!

#3: WAITING TOO LONG TO MAKE A DECISION!
I would have to agree that selecting your wedding colors has to be one of the most exciting parts of the planning process. Your colors set the tone for the entire feel of your day! But what happens when you prolong deciding on your colors? If you don't decide on a timely manner, be prepared to find yourself scurrying around in a desperate attempt to find items that will match or coordinate. Especially if you've chosen a more unique scheme.

THE SOLUTION: Give yourself a deadline! At some point in the dreaming period (as I like to call it) you must start putting those dreams into action. And without a color palette, not much can get accomplished!

#4: FORGETTING ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTRAST!
I've seen this one all too often. Okay, so here's what happens. You've decided that you want a pale pink wedding. So you go out select a pale pink bridesmaid dress for all your friends to wear. And then without even thinking, you turn around and order the same color bouquets. If you don't take into consideration contrast and variation, you can sadly expect to create a look that lacks interest and pizzazz.

THE SOLUTION: Think about contrast when you're selecting your attire, invitations and table linens. Think about the big picture and note that each of these layers should not all be the same. exact. color. Add contrast by selecting varying shades!

#5: SELECTING AN UNFLATTERING BRIDESMAID DRESS COLOR!
Okay, so this mistake is a common one and sadly it happens a lot! The truth is that not every color is a great pick when it comes to dressing your bridal party. Some colors wash people out, others simply aren't flattering.

THE SOLUTION: When selecting a bridesmaid dress I urge you to consider the varying skin tones and body shapes. For instance, not everyone is going to be able to rock that cocktail length dress in chartreuse. So take your girls to the bridal shop and narrow down a color that compliments the majority of your attendants. I swear your friends will thank you!

For more great color ideas for weddings, parties and life head on over to The Perfect Palette!

Do you have any helpful color tips for someone planning an event?

xoxo
Megan

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Weddings are some of my favorite events to plan and work, but I will be totally honest - the bill can get a little high. Most brides have their wedding planned out to a "T" when they get engaged, but unfortunately they don't know what a majority of their dream wedding costs. Some parents will create a wedding fund for their kids, just like they do for college, to help pay for their child's wedding day. Others may have an unlimited budget, but that is not always the case. To help with budgeting and managing the wedding fiances I have put together, with the help from The Knot, a list of who traditionally pays for what. **Please take into mind that anyone can pay for anything, but this is just how it is done traditionally. 

And for those who are paying for the wedding themselves you can check out some of these great ways to save when it comes to planning your wedding day.

• Week 1 of Ways to Save When Planning Events
  
• Week 2 of Ways to Save When Planning Events
  
• Week 3 of Ways to Save When Planning Events
  
• Week 4 of Ways to Save When Planning Events
  

Do you have any great budget tricks that you used when it came to planning your wedding day?

xoxo
Megan

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Hosting a wedding in the south is filled with tons of traditions and southern charm. Everything from choosing the location to the end of the night sendoff is based off of the classic traditions that even our great-grandparents took part in. Now you may be thinking I don’t want a wedding similar to one from the 1800’s. Today’s traditional southern wedding has its roots in the traditions but filled with today’s southern charms. So without further introduction here is the last segment in my wedding themes post from The Hook that will help you in creating the perfect traditional southern wedding.

The Venue
When it comes to choosing a venue for the traditional southern wedding look for a location that will provide your guests with the same southern hospitality that you grew up with in your home. Southern mansions, like the Historic Mankin Mansion in Richmond (above), are filled with true elegance and beauty and are the perfect location for the southern couple’s wedding day.

The Bride and Groom
For the southern bridal you can’t get more traditional than a classic white Vera gown with a statement making white veil and bouquet filled with a variety of white flowers. And without a second thought, this southern belle will be wearing her mother’s or grandmother’s pearls as her something borrowed on her wedding day. The southern groom will look like the perfect gentleman on his wedding day dressed in his traditional black tux. And you will be able to spy his southern trademark on his colorful box tie and personalized cuff links. 

The Invitation
The southern wedding invitation is and always will be a statement piece. This is the first thing that your guests will see so choose something elegant and classic that will let your guests know that your wedding will be the southern event of year. This one from Grey Likes Weddings is the perfect example!

The Music
No traditional southern wedding can be complete without a harpist. A harp player is an elegant touch and provides the perfect amount of ambiance to the ceremony and reception.

The Sendoff
After you and your guests have been celebrating all night at your southern mansion you will want a sendoff as statement making and glorious as your invitations. The sparkler exit is perfect for this type of wedding as your venue provides enough space outdoors for your guests to have fun with the sparklers and be able to send the happy couple off on their first night together.

My favorite part about any traditional southern wedding? The monograms that will be on everything! What is your favorite part about a traditional southern wedding?

xoxo
Megan

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