Make Your Own Bouquet

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Whether you like this bouquet or not this is a great article for any bride looking to save a ton of money by making their on bouquets. I love this article because it shows step by step how to tie your bouquet. Be creative and pick your own arrangement of flowers that best fit your needs. If it is this bouquet, that’s great. But if not totally replace the flowers with ones that are more your style.

 

Instructions:

1. Select a collection of flowers and berries in different sizes, textures, color shades, and shapes. Remove all of the foliage from the stems, and wrap each stem with floral tape. Begin arranging the flowers and berry stems in your hand to create a tight, compact ball of flowers. Wrap the stems together with floral tape just below the flower blossoms. 


2. Cut the stems from seven large grape leaves, and make stems using 22-gauge wire. Arrange the leaves around the flowers to form a collar, and join all stems into one main stem cluster with floral tape.

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3. Using 2-1/2-inch coordinating ribbon, begin wrapping the handle at the top of the stem cluster by holding the bouquet in your hand so that the flowers are facing away from you. Leave a tail of ribbon about 2 feet long on the left side. With one hand, pinch and hold the ribbon together at the stem top. With your other hand, tightly wrap the ribbon down the stem, covering the pinch with the first wrap. As you wrap, make sure that the ribbon remains flat.

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4. When you have reached the bottom of the stem handle, fold the ribbon over the bottom end of the handle so that the back of the ribbon is facing up, and begin wrapping back up the handle. When you are finished there will be ribbon tails on both sides of the bouquet. Tie a large, full bow at this point. Secure the ribbon in place with 2-inch pearl-headed corsage pins. Trim the tails of the ribbon to the length desired.

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Tip: Complete collections of classic bridal flowers are available, or you can choose nontraditional blossoms for one-of-a-kind bouquets. Via

 

The Right Wedding Dress For Your Body Shape

bride mirror

 If you haven’t a clue what wedding dress style works with your body type, or even what body type you are keep reading! The following methods are a way to determine your type and suggestions for what dress silhouette will most likely flatter you. The most important thing though is to go out and try on a few dresses in different styles to see what you like best.

 

You’ll need to find a tape measure; these can be purchased for just a few bucks from a fabric store if you don’t have one. Your “bust” is the biggest measurement around your chest. Your “waist” is the smallest measurement around your waist and your “hips” are the thickest part, approximately 7-9” below your waist. Measure your bust, waist and hips and write down these numbers.

Hourglass Body Type – If your bust and hips are approximately the same measurement (within an inch or two) and your waist is smaller than either of these by at least a four inches (the more the better though) then you are an hourglass shape. This classic old-Hollywood shape (think Marilyn Monroe) can wear any style of dress as most styles are flattering. The mermaid though will really highlight your curves and you’ll even be able to pull off a sheath.

Pear Body Type – If your hips are larger than your bust then you have a pear shape. Many women fall under this category! An a-line dress is the most flattering because it is full in the skirt, hiding the bigger hips on the bottom. An a-line gives a balanced appearance of an hourglass and even works with an upside down pear, which is when your bust is larger than your hips.

Round or Square Body Type – If all your measurements are similar then you are a square or round body type. To add definition and the appearance of an hourglass shape you’ll want to select dresses with gathers or other details on the hips and bust. This will highlight those areas and give you a feminine shape. Generally an a-line dress will be the most flattering and have the most options for you.

Have fun dress shopping! I always recommend trying on wedding dresses in a few different silhouettes, even the ones you don’t think you’ll like. Sometimes this will just confirm that it isn’t right for you, but often you’ll be surprised that a shape you didn’t think would work will be the most flattering! It is always helpful to try on a variety so you know what you are looking for and what you are not looking for. This will make the whole process easier if you go to other shops too. Happy dress finding! Via

Fish Tacos

fish tacos

These hors d’oeuvres would be a great addition to any beach themed wedding. Especially if your guests are sea food lovers! These catfish tacos with chipotle aioli are a unique and yummy addition to any beach themed wedding. These are flavorful and fun! I absolutely love fish tacos but I would make sure your guests are seafood fans or they may not go over so well. Learn More!

Cotton Candy

cotton candy

Want a unique and fun dessert idea? Well then, just take a step back into your childhood with cotton candy. Who would have thought a bowl full of cotton candy could be so gorgeous? I know I didn’t, but I was totally wrong! This green apple cotton candy is beautifully arranged in these cute little dishes and toped off with edible pansies. This is a unique and charming dessert that your guests are sure to love!Find out more!

Flower Girl Dress

cherry dress

Flower Girls always look cute no matter what. Besides the Bride they are my favorite to see walk down the isle. But this flower girl dress pictured above is way too cute! I love it. Just picture it…give her some red rose petals and you are good to go. It is perfect. I love it. But if you don’t like the red this little dress comes in plethora of colors to choose from. Check it out!

Wedding Cake Alterative ~Mini Tarts

mini tarts

Don’t like cake? Or maybe you want a different alternative to cake for your wedding. Then these little mini tarts are perfect. I think these would be great for a beach themed wedding or even a fall wedding because of the colors. I just think they are really cute. Plus they look really yummy!!! You could even do cake and the mini tarts to have some dessert options.

Who Pays for What in a Wedding

 pays

Deciding who pays for what is sometimes a really hard decision when planning a wedding. It is becoming more and more common for the Bride and Groom to completely fund the wedding themselves. However, when making this decision, it may be easier to start with the traditional list of who pays for what and then narrow done your decision. Just remember that ultimately it is up to you and your family. Think of it as a starting point, because how you get to your bottom line is up to you!

Ceremony

  • Bride and family pay for church or synagogue, sexton, organist, etc.

  • Groom and family pay for marriage license and officiant’s fee.

Clothes

  • Bride and family pay for bride’s dress, veil, accessories, and trousseau (read: lingerie and honeymoon clothes).

  • Groom and family pay for groom’s outfit.

  • All attendants pay for their own clothing (including shoes).

Flowers

  • Bride and family pay for arrangements for church (including huppah if a Jewish ceremony) and reception, plus bouquets and corsages for bridesmaids and flower girls.

  • Groom and family pay for bride’s bouquet and going-away corsage, boutonnieres for men, and corsages for mothers and grandmothers.

Honeymoon

  • Groom and family pay for complete honeymoon.

Photography

  • Bride and family pay for all wedding photos and video.

Prewedding Parties

  • Bride or groom’s family plans and hosts engagement party; if there is more than one, bride’s family hosts the first one.

  • Groom’s family plans and hosts the rehearsal dinner.

  • Bride plans and hosts bridesmaids’ luncheon.

  • Groom hosts and plans bachelors’ dinner.

  • Maid of honor and bridesmaids host shower.

  • Best man and ushers host bachelor party.

  • Friends may throw additional engagement parties or showers.

Reception

  • Bride and family pay for all professional services, including food, drink, decorations, and music.

Rings

  • Bride and/or her family pay for groom’s ring.

  • Groom and/or his family pay for both of the bride’s rings.

Stationery

  • Bride and family pay for invitations, announcements, and wedding programs.

Transportation

  • Bride and family pay for transportation of bridal party to and from ceremony and reception.Pic