Great Gift Ideas! Perfect for Bridal Showers, Bachelorette Parties & Wedding Attendants! Use code BPT922 and take 15% off your total order! Offer expires 9/28/2011. 11:59pm EST. Visit our site to start customizing today!
Author: bridalpartytees
Save-the-Date Ideas!
You may already be aware of the protocol for sending wedding invitations, however, “Save-the-Date” options can be a little more tricky. You want to make sure your friends and family are in the loop when it comes to your wedding, and sending a save-the-date is a great way to do this. Typically a save-the-date is sent approximately six months prior to the ceremony. Your save-the-date will be the first glimpse of your wedding, so it’s important for it to reflect the style of your ceremony. Below we have listed several ideas to help you brainstorm.
A Save-the-Date Calendar: Many brides-to-be are creating cards that look like a mini calendar month with the date of the wedding circled or decorated.
The Photo Strip: A cute, classic idea is to use a photo strip from a photo booth (similar to those seen on the boardwalk, or in a mall) with cute pictures, revealing the wedding date. One or our favorite ideas, is to have information regarding your wedding in each of the photos. In each of the four pictures hold up a sign or chalk board that says 1.) We’re getting married 2.) Save the Date 3.) July 30th 4.) Be There!
Customizable Refrigerator Magnets: You can customize a magnet with your names and the date in a unique design. It’s simple, and your guests will have their reminder right on the fridge! Check out our templates here!
Pretty and Unique: We like the idea of using pretty save-the-date designs on a fan or pinwheel!
Cookies: Some brides like the idea of a save-the-date cookie. If you choose this option it might be a good idea to send out a second reminder in case some of your friends have a sweet tooth and accidentally snack on it before writing down the date!
Color-Coodinate the Graphics: Including graphics or colors that coordinate with the season or location is always a great idea. Including pink and red flowers if you plan to marry in the springtime in a rose garden, or a card tied up with a piece of twine for an autumn soiree are simple ways to indicate details to your guests about your ceremony.
Stickers: We love the idea of save-the-date stickers that will fit in those tiny boxes in appointment books or desktop calendars! Or, check out some larger stickers to customize like we have here!
Love is in Bloom: You can also send your save-the-date on a personalized plantable seed card. This unique idea is not only eco-friendly, it’s also super affordable, averaging only $1.25 per card. This is perfect for spring weddings, and by the time it blooms it will be time to celebrate!
Mark the Date: A personalized bookmark with all the necessary save-the-date details can be made easily and inexpensively with a laser printer. You can punch a hole in them and add your own tassel and mail them off in a glassine envelope. This way, your guests can save the page, and your date!
Save-the-date options are endless, and a great way for your to get creative about your big day. So have fun, browse around and find an idea that best suits you!
Custom Bridal Sweatsuits
Shop Our Custom Bridal Sweatsuites!
Custom bridal apparel is becoming one of the most popular must haves before your big day. One trend that continues to grow in popularity, especially among celebs, is customizing sweatsuits. These sweatsuits have become essentials in elite weddings, and have transformed ordinary lounge wear into iconic fashion. Some would hold Juicy Couture responsible for this trend, but many brides are opting for more affordable alternatives. What was once limited to celebrities is now becoming a wedding staple for all brides.
One of the most memorable weddings featuring custom sweatsuits was the union of Britney Spears and Kevin Federline. The ceremony sparking this trend, took place on September 18, 2004. These one of a kind pieces weren’t limited to only the bride and groom. Both Britney and Kevin’s wedding entourages were spotted wearing custom suits.
Pink custom sweatsuits were also seen at the wedding of Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott. Tori’s bridesmaids wore this custom apparel on May 7, 2006.
The trend has also become increasingly popular among reality television stars. Bethenny Frankel’s custom bridal sweatsuit resulted in some of the most memorable photographs taken of the glowing bride before her ceremony. Bethenny’s suit debuted the morning of her big day, outside of the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City on March 3, 2010.
Reality moguls Kim and Khloe Kardashian have also added to the sweatsuit craze after including custom bridal wear in both of their multimillion dollar weddings. Khloe Kardashian who married Lamar Odom of the LA Lakers, provided her bridesmaids with purple custom sweatsuits. Hers can even function as game day attire!
And in most recent marital bliss, Kim Kardashian was seen wearing her custom bridal sweatsuit before her wedding to Kris Humphries, this past August.
Fashion designer 22-year-old Petra Ecclestone – whose father is billionaire Formula One mogul Bernie Ecclestone, who is worth a cool $4 billion – married James Stunt at Odescalchi Castle in Italy on August 27, 2011. The wedding is thought to have cost around $7 million. Petra’s sister, 27-year-old Tamara Ecclestone, customized a bridal sweatsuit for her and her little sister and then tweeted her creation. Super cute and super inexpensive (even though I don’t think they really cared about the price!)
Luckily, this is one comfortable trend for brides that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. They’re customized, comfortable, and make getting ready for your big day a breeze. They also make great gifts for your bridal party. So visit our site and customize your personal bridal sweatsuit today!
Celeb Bridal Sweatsuits–Petra Ecclestone
Fashion designer 22-year-old Petra Ecclestone – whose father is billionaire Formula One mogul Bernie Ecclestone, who is worth a cool $4 billion – married James Stunt at Odescalchi Castle in Italy on August 27, 2011. The wedding is thought to have cost around $7 million. Petra’s sister, 27-year-old Tamara Ecclestone, customized a bridal sweatsuit for her and her little sister and then tweeted her creation. Super cute and super inexpensive (even though I don’t think they really cared about the price!). You can customize your own. It’s fun, super easy and again, super cute!
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Gift Ideas For Your Groom
It is an optional tradition for the bride and groom to exchange gifts the night before, or morning of the wedding. Sometimes couples give each other something to wear to the wedding (cuff links or a necklace), or maybe something for the honeymoon such as snorkeling gear, a golf club or a nice pair of sunglasses. It definitely doesn’t have to be anything major–it can be something as simple as exchanging letters the morning of the wedding or a simple frame with your favorite photo! Below we have listed the top ten gift ideas for your groom should you choose to honor this fun tradition! For all other pre-wedding needs check out Bridal Party Tees! We have tees for bachelorette parties, bridal parties, honeymoons, accessories, gifts and favors and more!
10. A Customized T-Shirt for the Bachelor Party: Surprise your groom with customized bachelor party tees for your groom and his friends! Check out some of our designs on Bridal Party Tees for ideas!
9. Engraved Photo Frame: Choose your favorite photo of the two of you and put it in an engraved photo frame! He can put it on his desk at work or dresser at home!
8. Flask: An engraved flask is a really fun and inexpensive keepsake for your groom!
7. Watch: Buying your groom a watch is a classic gift that he will appreciate. Chances are he just spent mega bucks on your engagement ring so why not help him step up his own jewelry collection with a fancy new watch?
6. Cufflinks: Most tuxedos come with a pair of cheap plastic cufflinks and studs that are hardly befitting of your stylish groom! Help him upgrade with a nice pair that he can wear for years to come!
5. Poker Night: Not everyone can afford a getaway weekend to Las Vegas for some gambling, so surprise your guy with a bottle of his favorite liquor, some music, and a poker set! Invite the boys and you’re done!
4. Fishing gear: Send him on a fishing trip with his boys and send him on his way with some new fishing gear! If he’s not a fisherman, the present could be airplane tickets, football tickets, camping gear, or keys to a rental cabin.
3. Digital camera: There are going to be lots of experiences in the years to come that you both want to capture. Buying him a new digital camera will ensure that these memories get recorded! You can even take it with you on your honeymoon!
2. New iPod or accessory: If your guy loves gadgets and music, an iPod might make for a perfect gift! Does he already have one? Maybe get him an armband case so that he can listen hands-free while he’s at the gym!
1. Adventure Sports: Getting married is one of the biggest adventures of your life! If the groom has an interest in adventure sports, capitalize on that and get him a gift certificate for the two of you to do something thrilling! It could be skydiving, white water rafting or rock climbing!
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Top 10 Wedding Planning Tips
Below we have listed the top 10 most helpful wedding planning tips to get you started on your wedding preparations! For all other pre-wedding needs check out Bridal Party Tees! We have tees for bachelorette parties, bridal parties, honeymoons, accessories, gifts and favors and more!
1. Get a Grip on the Guest List: One of the first and most helpful things you and your fiance can do to start planning is to get a grip on the approximate number of guests you’re inviting. The number of guests will play a huge role in your budgeting, choice of venue, and meal selection.
2. Don’t be Afraid to Name Your Terms: Almost anything is negotiable with vendors. It’s perfectly acceptable (and smart) to say “I would really love to have you, but my budget doesn’t allow for this. Is there any way we can make this work?”
3. Step by Step: Put together a wedding planning schedule and get things done one-by-one in logical order so you don’t take on too much too soon. Don’t design your cake before you’ve chosen your flowers, don’t hire vendors before you’ve confirmed your date, etc.
4. Keep a Paper Trail: Make sure you get any nonstandard charges to your agreement in writing or send the vendor a confirmation email. Don’t take anyone on their word alone-by the time the wedding rolls around they might not be working for the company anymore.
5. Make a Binder: In a three-ring binder, compile all your correspondences with vendors, notes you make during meetings, and photos or magazine ads you want vendors to see. You can even set up a special email account dedicated to your wedding.
6. Set the Style: The style of a wedding sets the tone for the remainder of the planning and influences the budget, the guest list and all events involved. The merging of differing but coordinating images and items will influence events such as the rehearsal dinner, reception and even showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties.
7. Compromise: Remember that while your wedding is your special day, it’s also your fiance’s special day! Try to do as much of the planning together as possible. This way you’re both happy (and aware) of the decisions that are being made and it will help you stick to a budget!
8. Have a Stress Reliever: While planning a wedding can be one of the most fun things you’ll ever do, it can also be very stressful, and even cause you and your fiance to fight over petty things. Find an activity that calms you down and relieves stress like going on a bike ride, getting a massage, or hitting the gym.
9. Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help: It’s not a sign of weakness or incompetence to ask for help when planning your wedding. It can be a huge, daunting task so there is no shame in asking for a little help! Look into hiring a consultant, attend bridal shows, read bridal blogs, or seek help from a close friend you know who enjoys event planning.
10. Have Fun: Remember to personalize your wedding! This is all about you! So have fun, laugh, be humble, and enjoy planning this once-in-a-lifetime
Fall Wedding Ideas
Fall is quickly becoming the most popular season for weddings! The weather isn’t stifling hot, the colors are rich, the food is decadent and there are lots and lots of themes to choose from! Listed below are some ideas to help you plan your fall wedding! For all other pre-wedding needs check out Bridal Party Tees! We have tees for bachelorette parties, bridal parties, honeymoons, accessories, gifts and favors and more!
Textured Linens: Fall wedding decor is all about texture! Tablecloths in materials like velvet, quilted or ruched silk, linen, or even ultrasuede are a great way to add texture and depth to your wedding decor. Use fabric with a crimped look or multiple layers. TheKnot.com suggests organza embroidered with bits of chenille, or layer two tablecloths (think sheer velvet on top of taffeta).
Dramatic Glass: To add a fashionable and unique touch to tabletops, try using black glass or crystal. You can even fill them with champagne-colored flowers to heighten the drama!
Add a Touch of White: When considering your fall wedding flowers, you might want to add white flowers to the mix. Brides typically choose oranges, reds and browns for their fall wedding colors, so adding white makes these colors pop! Not only will this make rich fall hues stand out, but it will modernize your look!
Textured Wedding Flowers: The latest trend in fall wedding flowers is lush, richly hued arrangements with lots of interesting texture. Think densely packed, dome-shaped bouquets in a color scheme such as red, brick and plum.
Fall Wedding Cake Ideas: Make the most of the season by picking cakes with distinct fall flavors. Instead of traditional white cake, consider a pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting or a spice cake with blackberry filling and cream cheese frosting. For a lighter cake that will still remind guests of fall, go for an almond lemon cake with lemon frosting and filling.
Fall Favor Ideas: Send your guests home on the right note with some festive fall favors! You could treat them to caramel apples, autumnal-shaped chocolates, apple cider mix, pumpkin spice soaps, or apple butter!
Think Beyond the Pumpkin: Just because you’re having a fall wedding doesn’t mean you have to incorporate pumpkins in your decor! Since it’s harvest season any grains like wheat and millet add atmosphere. Wine or champagne grapes and fruit like apples, pears and pomegranates will also highlight the fall in a non-pumpkin way!
Centerpiece Ideas: For tall reception pieces try willow branches and plenty of fall flowers like fresh dahlias, sunflowers, and calla lilies. For a more formal fall arrangement, try dark roses and calla lilies. Also, add a few small votive candles to each table for warmth.
Popular Wedding Themes
Having a theme for your wedding sometimes makes all the planning and preparation a little easier. When you focus on a theme, you have a more specific vision of colors, fabrics, flowers, music and details, which makes your wedding preparation that much easier for you! Listed below are some of the most popular wedding themes that couples choose for their special day. For all other pre-wedding needs check out Bridal Party Tees! We have tees for bachelorette parties, bridal parties, honeymoons, accessories, gifts and favors and more!
Spring Flowers: Spring continues to be one of the most popular seasons to get married. After months and months of cold, icy weather lots of couples are ready to celebrate their love in a time of growth, renewal, and new life! “Spring Flowers” is often a popular theme because it’s easy for the couple to choose colors and costumes for the bridal party in spring floral colors. Center pieces can be arranged using this flora, and favors can be seed packets of spring flowers, or flower bulbs!
Garden: A Garden theme is another popular spring wedding theme. With this theme couples typically choose colors such as turquoise, yellows, coral, and chartreuse. Center pieces and decorations can incorporates birds, trees and the color green.
Beach and Tropical: Beach and tropical themes are extremely popular for summer weddings! With these themes, deep red, purple, and fuchsia are great accent colors that are trendy now, in addition to colors that are appropriate for spring weddings. Sea shells, sand dollars, starfish, and drift wood make great center piece accents, as well as sand-filled vases and candles!
Nautical: Couples who share a love for the sea often chose a nautical wedding theme. An obvious color choice for this theme would be navy blue. Crisp, white linens punctuated with navy napkins, navy placemats, and navy chair covers tied with white satin sashes makes a beautiful statement that can be dressed up with splashes of gold or dressed down with dots of brass. Centerpieces can be something as simple as a seascape in a bowl, and a fabulous seafood feast should be in store for your guests at a nautical themed wedding!
Vintage: Vintage weddings are definitely in vogue this year, and the best part is, you can have a vintage wedding in just about any season! Depending on the couple’s style, your wedding could reflect the Victorian Era, Jazz Era, 1940’s or 1950’s. Choose your style, and from there you can find plenty of resources to guide you to finding the perfect color scheme, centerpieces, flowers, and more!
“Green”: Environmentally conscious couples everywhere are choosing to have “green” weddings in place of traditional weddings. Couples can send out invitations on recycled paper, hold the ceremony outdoors to save electricity and water, use a caterer that serves organic food, and instead of giving out favors that guest will probably throw out anyways, use that money to make a charitable donation and tell the guests about it at the reception!
Rustic: Rustic wedding themes are great for fall! Autumn is a time when nature is adorned with its richest colors: Coral, deep red, burnt orange, and latte. In combination with these beautiful colors, couples tend to choose antiqued woods, brass or pewter to decorate, as well as leaves and candles
Halloween: October is quickly becoming a most popular month to tie the knot! Of course, a lot of couples who choose to get married in October opt for a Halloween themed wedding. With this theme you can simply choose oranges, reds and black for your colors with pumpkins for decoration, or you can really go all out with spooky cobweb decorations, high, stiff collars added to the dresses, and invite guests to dress in costume!
Winter wonderland: Winter wonderland wedding themes are a popular choice for winter brides! Colors are typically simple and sophisticated with a base color of pure white and adding accents of silver and gold. Decorate with snowflakes, stars, and white branches decorated with twinkle lights!
Christmas: Christmas themed weddings are also popular themes for winter weddings. Red and green are an obvious choice for colors, but another possibility is burgundy, forest green, and gold. Decoration options include holly branches, poinsettias, Christmas ornaments, and even gift-wrapped packages!