Archive for the ‘Attendants’ Category

Ask any pet owner and they’ll tell you their beloved friend is another member of the family, their baby, and/or their best-friend. Since weddings are monumental and a day for celebrating a special union, more and more couples are beginning to include their 4-Legged friends into the day’s activities. Of course, you have people who think it’s in poor taste and a mockery of a sacred ceremony. However, when the day is all about declaring and celebrating love, how could the inclusion of a beloved friend be a mockery?

Before deciding how your pet will participate, you should assess your guests, the personality of your pet, and the location you are saying your I Do’s. You don’t want Dozer sidling up to Auntie Maggie if her eyes tear up at the very mention of his name, and if strange faces work him up, you certainly don’t want him wigging out during your 50+ crowd gathering.

Generally, if you have a calm, social and well-behaved furry friend, the inclusion will be carried off without a hitch. Just make sure you have a reliable person with whom your pet is comfortable manage him for the day. If your pet is excitable or just not very open to meeting a bunch of new faces at once, then it’s best that participation be limited to photo sessions and/or leisure time before the ceremony. If your pet is the type that can’t be around crowds period, then try to use pictures that include him/her for stationary and other wedding day items (i.e. slideshows, programs, announcements, thank you cards, etc.)

You’re pet is a part of your life, and there is no reason why he/she should not be included in your special day, even if it is in just some little way. When you look back at the day, you will be happier seeing all the ways that paw left a mark.

You think you are in wedding dress overload? Throw a little sympathy your hubby’s way. Now, there are many more options for tuxedo’s than ever before. We have searched and found one of the best selections for rentals at Men’s Wearhouse. Their online tutorials and samples really help to make what you envision come to life.

After selecting your wedding colors,  think about the time of the event, location and overall style you want to convey. Isolating these details will help you narrow down the tuxedo choices for your groom and groomsmen.

We have given information on how to select the best bridesmaids for you. Now we want to flip it and discuss the role the bride plays for the attendants. Granted, it is an honor to be asked to be in your wedding but extreme consideration must be given to the people offering their time and support.

• Do not expect your bridesmaids to want to hear every last detail. This is an exciting time for everyone but do not bombard their email or voicemail with things that may only be relevant to you and your hubby.
• They had lives before you got engaged. Your bridesmaids will still have other obligations so be mindful of their schedules and give advanced notice when you need to meet for the major events: dress fitting, accessories shopping, rehearsal, hair and nails, etc.
• Come to the table with all of the facts. It is a good idea to approach your bridesmaids with a solid agenda. If you are still working out logistics, wait to speak with them until you have everything ready. This will prevent frustration and too many outside opinions.
• Ugly is ugly and it will reflect on the entire event. We have had brides with the attitude that their bridesmaid’s dresses should be… um, less than attractive, so they will not outshine them. However, we were able to get them to take into consideration those selections will live on forever in photos and video. You should want your attendants to look and feel beautiful so they can comfortably take part in your day.
• Budget fairly. It is not fair to select Vera Wang if you know all of your bridesmaids will not be able to afford the dress. No one should have to choose between feeding themselves or purchasing something for your wedding.
• Clearly communicate what you want for your bridal shower in advance. If you are a tea and crumpets kind of bride, let that be known before your friends start booking the kind of entertainment that comes with a thong.

When Shakir and I were getting married, I picked black for my bridesmaids dresses. My mother was not happy about that decision and kindly asked (requested) that I choose another color. At the time I thought weddings had to follow a certain decorum so I gave in to my mom’s idea that black dresses were too dark for such an event. Well, sorry mommy but I’ve changed my mind. I absolutely LOVE black dresses for any occasion and especially weddings. They are timeless and sexy and let’s face it… slimming!

Weddings are a time for loved ones to gather and help you celebrate the new path you are embarking on with your chosen love.  When choosing attendants, brides may immediately look to sisters, best-friends or close family because those are the ones dearest to you.  However, personal experiences and the logistics of temperament compel us to suggest looking a little more deeply into your selection criteria. 

We’ve heard countless horror stories of attendants not ordering their attire on time, being late to appointments, flaking on the bride or groom when important duties need to be taken care of, and generally just not seeing their participation in the wedding as anything other than showing up to enjoy a good party.  You do not need us to tell you that it’s not good for your sanity or your relationship with the attendant should the person(s) you’ve selected to help you with your wedding not live up to their duty as your bridal attendant. 

So, before you make that decision, ask yourself some questions:

• Will I have to constantly remind this person to do what I’ve asked?
• Can this person afford the cost of being in the wedding?
• Is this person timely and organized?
• Is this person extremely temperamental?
• Has this person ever backed out on me in the past?

Yes, these questions seem a little cold, but they are also practical.  If you are planning your wedding, you’re going to need help, and your natural instinct is to look to those closest to you for that help.  Unfortunately, those closest to you aren’t always up to the task.  Perhaps they are having a hard time financially and can’t afford the designated attire or the party prep that’s involved, but are too proud to accept help or to tell you up front?  Perhaps your best-friend has a history of bailing out on you at the last minute, just when you needed him/her most?

There are certain things you just need to ask when you are looking for people to help you pull off one of the most important days of your life.  Sure, not every one needs to be super organized or have a memory like an elephant, but they do need to be trust worthy, and you do need to be certain that when things are at their craziest, they’ll be around to help you through it.  And if you are hesitant to rule someone out because you don’t wish to hurt their feelings, we suggest instituting the ‘honorary’ position.  It lets those people know that you care and consider them a part of your wedding, even if they don’t sport the uniform. 

Here are few sites we found helpful all members of the wedding party.  Brides and Grooms, pay particular attention to those attendant roles so that you know exactly what to ask and expect of your attendants.

Top 10 Bridal Party Mistakes 

The Roles- Info Stuff, The Wedding Help Line, and Wedding Tips