A Stylish Affair by Jessie

Monday, October 7, 2013

12 Wedding Myths Busted

One topic in particular keeps coming up with my couples; wedding etiquette myths. Majority of couples think that they must have all the traditional elements of a wedding incorporated into their big day. I have two things to say about this;

1. What an unnecessary headache if it doesn't mean anything to you

2. What a waste of money if it doesn't mean anything to you

I'm here to debunk some of these rumors of wedding must haves

You don't have to have a flower girl or ring bearer. A lot of people don't have children that are close to them in their family or circle of friends
You don't have to have a bridal party. For small weddings, I believe it's best not to have a large bridal party.
You don't have to have a floral bouquet. Many brides are opting for non floral options like button and broach bouquets.
You don't have to have an aisle runner. There are tons of venues that have a natural aisle that doesn't need a formal runner.
Only the bride's father can give her away. I've seen many brides have both parents escort her down the aisle, or even a grandparent.
You don't have to have a bouquet/garter toss at your reception. There are some wedding receptions that have very little single guests and this game can make the guest uncomfortable.
The bride's parents are financially responsible for the entire wedding. There is no contractual obligation for anyone to pay for your wedding. However, if you're sticking to tradition, the groom's parents do have a list of things that they are responsible for ( See this post about who pays for what, traditionally speaking ).
As taboo as it may seem to address, you don't have to be a virgin to wear white on your wedding day. A white wedding dress may compliment your complexion more than an ivory or blush gown would.
You must have a dinner reception. Many couples find it more cost effective to have a brunch reception.
You have to get married in a church. Many couples may have always dreamed of a beach ceremony, or can only afforded to wed at the same venue holding their reception.
The groom does not have to wear a tux. It is perfectly fine if the groom would rather don a chic suit.
You don't have to register for gifts. If you're opposed to receiving gifts as a wedding gift, it is perfectly acceptable you ask your guests to donate to a charity of your choosing.

I hope this helps ease some of those feelings that you must go through the whole ordeal of having a lot of things incorporated into your wedding that either don't mean a lot to you or that aren't in the budget.

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Thursday, October 3, 2013

Best Wedding Dresses under $1,000 for 2013

Last year, I compiled a list of the most FAB dresses under $1,000. I've decided to round up the best of 2013 for all you ladies! Enjoy! :)

ML Monique Lhuillier $698

Sue Wong $448

Ted Baker London $825

Galina $549

Happy shopping! You can be FAB & on a budget! ;)

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Monday, September 30, 2013

Superhero Banner

I was very honored to be asked to make a very special boy a banner to celebrate his one year of being cancer free. He is truly a superhero!

Facebook.com/HOPEFORJOHNATHON

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Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette FAQ

I've decided to address some rehearsal dinner etiquette questions that I have been asked more & more frequently. It seems that weddings, bridal parties, vendors, showers, rehearsal dinners, etc. seem to need a handbook with all the common rules of etiquette & traditions.

I've said it time & time again; you make your own rules. However, if you are trying to stick to tradition & want to avoid embarrassment by breaking the "rules", I'll answer some of the most common questions I get asked.

Q: Who do I invite to our rehearsal dinner?

A: This is up to you. If it isn't in your budget to have everyone you would like, that is perfectly acceptable. Generally speaking though, you invite immediate family, your bridal party, out of town guests, your officiant & their spouse. You can also extend the invitation to your wedding coordinator.

Q: Do I have to invite every one's spouse in the bridal party?

A: If it is not in the budget, kindly word it in the invitation. You can also personally explain your concern to each attendant. Traditionally speaking, every one's spouse is typically invited.

Q: Do I have to have my rehearsal dinner the actual day before the wedding? Can I have it a couple days before?

A: Absolutely! As a coordinator, I recommend it! You don't want a hungover bridal party, if that's your type of crowd. Don't have it too far in advance though; you don't want your bridal party to forget the rehearsal.

Q: Do I have to send out invitations?

A: Just like any event in your life, the invitation depends on the type of event you're throwing. If you are having a large private dinner at a nice venue, you should probably send out coordinating invitations. If you're having a laid back barbecue, a simple evite will suffice.

Q: Who is responsible for hosting the rehearsal dinner?

A: Traditionally, the Groom's family hosts the rehearsal dinner. It is perfectly acceptable for the couple to host their own rehearsal dinner if it isn't in the Groom's parent's budget.

Q: Is it okay to just serve appetizers & cocktails at the rehearsal dinner?

A: Yes. Just make sure to word it on your invitations.

Q: Who makes a toast at the rehearsal dinner?

A: Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is more geared toward the Groom & his family. If the Groom's parents host the dinner, they can make a toast. The groom can also toast to his Bride-to-be. It's perfectly acceptable if any close friends/bridal party would like to contribute. Traditionally, the bride does not toast at the rehearsal dinner or the wedding. Pin It

Monday, August 19, 2013

August 9, 2013

I was so very excited to have had the opportunity to coordinate my brother in law's wedding on August 9th. The couple had gone back & forth with what their plans were for over a year. After booking & canceling several venues, they decided to elope at Sand Key Beach in Clearwater. The reception would be held at a private dining room at The Sheraton's Rusty's Bistro. The weather had other plans for them & in a matter of 15 minutes, we all scrambled to get a room ready at The Sheraton for their ceremony. It was a minor hiccup, because the wedding turned out so beautiful.