Save the Date Magnets

There are so many different kinds of save the dates out there. Postcard style, DIY, magnet, the list goes on--How's a girl to choose? Let me give you a hint: I didn't! I made Josh choose. I gave him a few options after deciding I couldn't narrow it down anymore. I'm working on "delegating", can you tell?

We found our Save the Dates on Minted.com and decided to with the magnet style! (You can find the specific style we picked, here) While it's a little pricier for the magnet, it's so convenient. 

We thought of it this way: our magnet supply is dismal having just moved in a few months ago, so anything that's sent as a magnet already, is a-ok in our book! We figured our guests would think about it the same way.

We also decided to slip in a card for family members that we may only see once a year, once every five years, never met before (I haven't met some of Josh's extended family and he hasn't met some of mine!), to visit our wedding website! I actually used the "business card" template from Minted.com for these and they turned out so good.

My next challenge is picking out invitations and I'll likely get them from Minted because it's just so easy! P.S. If you shop Minted.com, use my code for a free $25 towards your next purchase!

Three Things They Don't Tell You About Wedding Planning

I've been in my fair share of weddings. I've written about difficult bridesmaids, being the best maid of honor ever, and the best wedding movies to watch. (My all-time favorite? Father of the Bride) But never ever did I think it would be this tough or stressful to plan my own wedding. Newsflash it's kind of hard.

Here are a few things that they (whoever "they" maybe to you) never told you about planning a wedding:

1. You'll want to elope (or call the whole thing off) no less than 3 times. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. And don't worry, it's normal from what I hear. I blame stress. And hormones.

2. If you can make it through the wedding planning, the marriage will be a breeze. These words of wisdom come from my mother. She's probably told me a dozen times and I'm starting to believe her. After all, we've already established that planning a wedding is hard, if not just a teeny bit stressful.

3. Everyone has an opinion. They are kind of like armpits and they all stink. I'd like to think I knew this going in, but not to the extent that it has been taken. Don't like the dress? Tough. Want to invite everyone we've ever known or talked to? Nope. You don't agree with the music selection? I don't care.

When in doubt, hit 'em with the sass.

Pro-tip: Take everyone's opinion with a grain of salt--accompanied by a margarita--because those make everything better and you can laugh about everyone's outrageous opinions.

P.S. I've linked a few fun wedding things below! The one thing I like about wedding planning is buying all things Mr. + Mrs. because like what, I'm going to be a MRS!

Photography c/o: Aperture Photography

 

How to Be the Best Maid of Honor Ever

Let me preface this by saying, I've been around my fair share of weddings and have even been in quite a few. I'm also coming up on the second wedding in which I've been asked to be the Maid of Honor--so while I'm not the end all be all expert, I do have a lot to say on the matter. 

So, you've been asked to be the MAID OF HONOR in your best friends wedding--YAY! Now what? 


Be there for the bride. Whether that's helping to pick out the wedding dress or going through a book bigger than a house (only slightly exaggerating) of invitations, she needs to know you'll be her right hand gal before, during, and after the wedding!

Be honest, but tactful. She asked you to be her maid of honor for a reason. For me, I'd like to think it's because my friends value my opinion and the way I tell it like it is. If she asks if the veil makes her look like a cupcake (and it does) TELL HER! Do NOT let her walk down the aisle looking like a Bavarian fruitcake. If she asks you what your opinion is on which shade of grey you like best, give her your opinion or, if you don't have one, tell her nicely that all grey(s) look the same to you.

Be prepared to make a speech. To be honest, this was the worst part for me with wedding number one. I had to have the best man, his wife, my boyfriend, a two glasses of wine hype me up to get through it. It went off without a hitch and people laughed at my jokes, by the way. But man, I was so nervous. Oh and PRO TIP, don't wait until the last minute.

You might have to deal with stubborn bridesmaids/family members. That's just life. There will ALWAYS be someone who doesn't want to wear this or that (literally in EVERY wedding I've ever worked, observed, or been in). Rather than letting the bride be stressed about "Suzy" who won't get in line, put on your MOH hat and tell "Suzy" what's up.

Be on call. With my first MOH wedding, we lived in separate cities, in different states. I can't tell you how many times I got random texts out of the blue about wedding details and my opinion on them. Be there for your bride-to-be even if you can't actually be there.

Stay interested. Obviously the wedding isn't happening tomorrow and there is a lot that goes on between the time you're asked to be in the wedding to the time she says I DO. Do your best to remember to ask her how the planning is going AND if she needs any help. I get it, you have your own life, your own worries, etc. But planning a wedding is stressful and a lot of times, the bride is waiting for you to make the first move.

Almost every bride will have a "bridezilla" moment (or two). Learn to roll with it and put out those fires before they start. Also, know that it's nothing personal.

Don't flake at the reception. Party it up girlfriend, you earned it. Have yourself a glass of wine or bourbon on the rocks, but don't forget to check in on the bride every once in a while. After all, who else is going to hold her dress while she pees or dance the Wobble with her.

Have you been the MOH? What would you add?

Top 5 Inspiring Wedding Instagram Accounts

It's such a dreary day today, that even the smallest bit of happy will brighten my day. Like all things wedding filled Instagram accounts!

 

I follow a lot of wedding related Instagram accounts for someone who isn't engaged. But, weddings are my job, so I look for inspiration on my feed more often then not.

 

If you are planning a wedding, just engaged, or just like pretty things, read on, follow on Instagram,  and be inspired.

 

1. Southern Weddings Magazine

One of the premier wedding magazines in the South and it's not hard to see why!

2. Weddings Chicks

3.  Style Me Pretty Weddings

 

4.  Ruby and Pearl Events

 

A locally based event management company that just "gets it" Their Instagram is absolutely stunning and a direct reflection of the type of work they do!

 

 

   

5. English Tea Paperie

 

I just stumbled onto this account the other day and I'm so glad I did! For all things wedding invitations, get your inspiration from Chloe!

 

   

Happy Planning!

 

Just Get Me To The Church On Time

My Fair Lady reference anyone?

 

We made it through the bachelorette weekend and now it's time for one of my best friend's wedding! Finally!  It seems like this day would never come and now that it's (almost) here, I'm wishing for just a little more time.

 

How cute is this picture!? Their dog-child made an appearance during their engagement picture session!

 

 

As the maid of honor (and over-anxious person in general), I have a million, trillion things to do before the rehearsal dinner on Friday:

 

-write toast speech

 

-practice walking in my heels + dress

 

-make sure said dress still fits

 

-make a slideshow presentation of baby Rebecca and baby Chad

 

-get my tragic excuse for nails done

 

-pack (on top of packing up my apartment for the BIG MOVE)

 

-what to wear to the rehearsal dinner (nothing WHITE)

 

 

I know this is nothing compared to what the bride-to-be has going on (believe me, I've been on call everyday this week), but y'all. I'm dreaming about what my speech will be. And having nightmares of what could go wrong. Does anyone have tips on writing a speech? They would be greatly appreciated.

 

Do I make it funny or serious? Long or short? I don't want everyone sobbing, but what if no one laughs if I try to make it funny? The obvious answer is a happy medium, but how? This wedding professional has never had to make a speech before and may or may not be freaking out, just a tad.

 

Other than that small detail, I'm so, so excited! It's time to say #peaceoutpatterson and time to #lovethelessards! 

 

Here Comes the Bride...Movies

I mentioned in this post how I have way too many (ten) wedding movies in my personal collection. Probably half of my movies have to do with weddings #oops  I just love weddings and more importantly, wedding movies.
 

 

1. Father of the Bride Part 1

I'm a lover of Part 1 and 2, but Part 1 is definitely more wedding oriented. I love Steve Martin is most everything he's played in, but this movie takes the cake. P.S. How funny is Franck and the way he says "George Banks" and "Navy Blue"

 

2. Something Borrowed
Kate Hudson is like my idol.

 

3. 27 Dresses

A classic.

Favorite Quote: "Don't you have needs?" "No. I'm Jesus."

 

4. Mamma Mia

My mom saw this on Broadway with real singers, but I don't think Meryl Streep does a bad job. The guys on the other hand, some of them just can't sing!

 

5. Leap Year

All about a proposal and even though it's PG, it's not as childish as the rating lets on. Plus, this movie really makes me want to go to Ireland!

 

6. Bridesmaids

The most quotable movie of.all.time.

 

7. The Proposal

Rivals Bridesmaids in quotability. This is a movie that I can actually get Josh to watch with me!

 

8. Bride Wars

I love a good scandal, but I was still sad when Emma had to break up with her husband-to-be.
 

9. The Princess Bride

An oldie, but goodie.

 

10. The Wedding Date

 The first movie I think I ever watched where I saw a naked man's butt (scandalous I know). And how does she even find her date? Like he turned out GORGEOUS, but he could've been a serial killer. Hello!

If I had to choose a favorite, I couldn't. But...Top contenders: Father of the Bride and The Wedding Date.

 

 

What are your favorite wedding movies?

Beach Bachelorette

Last weekend I hosted my first ever bachelorette party! A group of us headed to Destin, FL to soak up the sunshine and celebrate Rebecca's last few weeks of being a Miss!

Being a self proclaimed Type A/Perfectionist, I knew this had to be the most perfect weekend ever--from the food, to the decorations, to the weather (ok so I can't control that, but a girl can dream). I   ordered way too much food and handled the decorations. Also, I've decided that I should be a "professional stager" if they have such jobs.

Going with the color scheme of pinks and golds with pops of blue (for the beach), the decorations turned out so girly and whimsical, I'm in love!

The bride-to-be and I arrived Thursday evening--she cracked open a bottle of wine, popped in a wedding movie (I have TEN in my personal collection alone...WHY?!) and let me do what I do best.

We got really lucky that the condo had this adorable white baker's rack that I used to stage as a sort of buffet. Only I, or my mother, would get excited over furniture! The girls thought I brought it with me specifically for the party, and I probably would have, had there been room in the car.



Only, don't ask me to make paper lanterns. I can pull together a cohesive look out of basically nothing, but cannot for the life of me put them together. Thank goodness for Rebecca!



We spent a majority of the time on the beach--Spray, Tan, Turn, Repeat--and I barely got burnt! Compare this to last time I was at the beach and I say it was a success in the tanning department. P.S. How pretty does the water look in this picture I took with my iPhone?

Friday night, we went to a few bars at Baytowne Wharf. I highly recommend Rum Runners home of the Dueling Pianos--it was very entertaining (drunk people watching). Side Note: they take requests as long as it's accompanied by a tip. Someone outbid and paid $60 for the LSU fight song to be played over Florida, Auburn, Ole Miss's fight songs.

Saturday, we hit the beach, went out to dinner, and hosted her lingerie shower--while watching another wedding movie (y'all I have TEN).

It was a whirlwind of a weekend, but the perfect mini vacation!

I can't wait until the wedding!

The Wedding File

I'm an old soul. I like to collect letters and love snail mail. So, even though there's this handy little thing called Pinterest, I still like to collect all things wedding the old fashioned way--in a file folder! 

Y'all already know that I go to a TON of bridal shows for work and that I'm at the age where a lot of people I know are starting to get married, so what better way to keep things organized?

Spoiler Alert: No, Josh and I are not getting engaged anytime soon. Whenever it happens, though, I'll be well prepared and well versed in all things wedding.

This file folder has everything ranging from brochures I pick up from my favorite vendors at the bridal shows I work, to programs from weddings I've been to with certain elements starred for future reference.

I even have my parents enlisted to pick things up from the weddings THEY go to. My dad really gets into it--I love it! I get a full recap of things they liked and things they hated didn't really love. One can never be too prepared. 

This folder has come in handy when helping plan my friend's wedding too! Picking out songs is harder than it seems and it was beneficial to have some real life examples to go off of.

Josh's mom asked me not too long ago how long it would take me to plan my "hypothetical" wedding. In all confidence, six months, given the right vendors were available and thanks to my very real file folder. (this is after I get my braces off of course!)

What can I say? I'm a planner, it's what I do. 

Location, Location, Location

When it comes to your wedding, location is everything.

Don't believe me? The venue is one of the first things you look to book. If they don't have your date, you may be forced to look elsewhere and/or change your date. Which is huge!

You want your wedding venue to do a few things: reflect the theme of your wedding/set the tone for the evening, reflect who you are as a couple, and be within your budget. With hundreds and hundreds of venues to choose from in the New Orleans area alone, I'm highlighting one of my favorites....

---------------------------------------------

....The New Orleans is the Lakefront Airport Terminal. I may be a bit biased since the company I work is in charge of the space. But I'm not exaggerating when I say this space is breathtaking. Revived from it's crumbling state after Hurricane Katrina, it is increasingly becoming a very popular venue.

Art Deco. Airplanes. Recently Restored. Need I say more. When you walk in, it transports you back to a time and place where jazz bands played and life was simpler.

I've spent a lot of time in this space: working different events, eating at the cafe with my family for every birthday or special occasion we can think of, and selling it to clients. I could gush and write about the space all day long, but I'll let these fabulous pictures by GK Photography do the talking. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words!



The Walnut Room

The Walnut Room

The Atrium

The Atrium

Pictures from the Grand Opening by GK Photography.

 

 

Can't you just picture the grandest of grand events being held here?

When Everyone's Getting Married but You

Currently people in my life are divided into three categories: not married, married, and married/together with kids. If you fall into the first category (like myself) and will be checking the SINGLE box on your taxes this year, this post is for you.

"Really?! She got in engaged before me??" 

"They've only been dating for ___ months/years!" 

"I didn't even know they were dating?!"

"#singleforlife"

"Help. EVERYONE IS GETTING MARRIED OR POPPING OUT BABIES OR BOTH!"

"I don't think I can handle another save the date."

Admit it, you've thought at least one of these...ok, maybe all.  So, how do you cope?

First of all, you and I are in need of a reality check. No, not everyone is getting married or having children. There's your little brother or sister, your co-worker, etc. There are millions of people not married and *gasp* not even dating anyone. 

I know how you feel. I worked in the wedding industry for two years and have been dating my boyfriend for 7 years and counting.  I'm either constantly planning/thinking about my wedding or fielding questions of if/why I'm not married yet. 

Know that anyone can get married. And consequently divorced. So don't rush it.

It's not a race. Duh.

There's so much more to life than just getting married. Learn to love yourself and accomplish your personal goals first. Getting married doesn't make you cooler and it doesn't make everything that's bad in your life disappear. It just makes you married. 

Trust the timing of your life.

Favorite Wedding Planning Resources

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming and very stressful. But, it doesn't have to be. There are so many wedding tools out there and today I've made your search a little easier by rounding up my favorites!



Southern Weddings: If the whole layout of their website doesn't make you want to swoon, then you're doing something wrong. They have pages on pages of real weddings, interviews, and tips. I literally read four pages straight of weddings and was slightly sobbing by the time I got through (the engagement stories really get me). So much inspiration and they are a magazine too--I have yet to get my hands on it, but if it's anything like it's website, I'm sure it's fab.

Favorite Story: Burying the Bourbon (A Southern tradition that I didn't even know existed!)

Favorite Tool:  The Planner

Obsessed with: Their Shop (my sister got my mom the Tshirt "Oh my stars" for Christmas and she loved it!)

Pinterest: Duh. Show me any girl and I will show you her "Dream Wedding" Board (or something a long those lines). So many pins, so little time. Here's mine, for example. I'm almost positive this is the board with the most pins on my Pinterest!

Borrowed and Blue: This website is unique because it allows to you see actual weddings from your area. Locally inspired weddings = their slogan. Thinking about getting married in Central Park? There's likely already been a wedding there and you can draw inspiration from it (what colors they used, what local vendors they used, etc.) I could spend hours (and actually have) reading about the New Orleans ones.

The Knot: What doesn't this website have? Dresses, Real Weddings, Local Vendors--it's a one stop shop!  You do have to make an account, which makes it a little like Pinterest, but only for weddings!


It's always a good idea to check out the local wedding magazines in your area. They often have bridal shows and are stuffed full of information specific to your area. I work with "New Orleans Bride Magazine" and "N.O.W magazine" on a professional level and they are just the best. They each have a different take on the same city. You can even submit your wedding and it could be published!

P.S: N.O.W (short for New Orleans Weddings) has a bridal show coming up on February 25th!

Because (She) Said (Yes) || Rebecca + Chad

Wednesdays (for the most part) on this blog are #WeddingWednesday. To shake things up, I'm starting a new kind of series: Because She Said YES!

Now instead of just advice from a wedding professional (aka moi), I'll be mixing in interviews with couples either recently engaged or married and featuring their advice. I hope you enjoy!

-----------------------------------

When: July 2015
Where: Jackson, MS
Photographer: Hillary O'Briant of Southern Bella Photography
(find them on Facebook)

First up, one of my best friends, Rebecca and her fiancé Chad. I love telling their story because I was there from the very beginning--literally! It's not everyday you see a relationship come together right in front of your eyes. I'd like to say I had a hand in putting the two together because I sat up every night with her listening to her gush about her new crush.

Southern Bella Photography

I wrote a little bit about their story here, but long story short, they met over spring break and it wasn't completely romantic--friends interfering from both sides, the combo of sun, sand, and alcohol. They even joke that it's going to be a weird sort of story to tell their kids!

Their wedding is coming up (in July) and somehow Rebecca has managed to stay cool, calm and collected (not at all a bridezilla) while planning and working as a full time nurse. Her secrets? Read on.

 

 

 

Me: How do you stay in budget?

Rebecca: As far as the budget goes, it’s important to realize what’s important to you and your fiancé and where the money should be spent. A rustic venue was a must have for us...I don’t want to give too much away, but we plan to have lots of personal touches and a fun atmosphere to celebrate our new marriage.

Me: Any advice for those just engaged?

Rebecca: My biggest tip to the newly engaged, is to take a break from the wedding planning! It can become so consuming and overwhelming at times. Chad & I have started a little monthly tradition. On the 18^th of every month, (our wedding day) we try to spend some quality (non wedding) time together.
Some dates are just pizza and a Redbox--but, it's going to be really cool to look back after we get married and actually start celebrating our wedding anniversary.  


Like, why I haven't I thought of that?

 

Southern Bella Photography

In just a few short months (eek!), they will be married--because she said YES!

     

"I saw the SIGN and it opened up my eyes"

"Or actually I didn't and that's why I missed your wedding, but at least I made it to the reception right?" That is definitely not something you want to have to say to a bride.

Signage is probably one of the most important details of your very important day. It tells people where the bathroom is, what the food is, and where the wedding is. All crucial elements, right?

A few CRUCIAL things to label:

1. Where the wedding/reception is: even if you include a detailed map on the invite some people will still get lost. To help, place some kind of sign at the entrance that conveys the message "You've arrived--time to party!" (balloons, etc.) Do this ESPECIALLY if your reception is in a complicated location and/or people have been known to get lost before.

2. Food: Have you ever been at a buffet and wondered what it was that were looking at? Labeling food items is helpful in general, but especially if there are food allergies. You DO NOT want someone with a seafood allergy to take a bite of a crab cake and end up in the ER or have to pull out their Epi-pen. Also, picky eaters benefit from this. (label the bar while you're at it!)

3. Reserved Tables: To dodge the "faux pas" of one of your guests sitting in "Aunt Betty's" special spot. I've seen some people get pissed off because their "spot" was taken.

4. Which door to use: People coming in the back door/ banging on a locked door is never a good thing. Solve this problem with a simple door sign "Please use other door" or "_____ Reception use front door"


Have you ever experienced a wedding or party mix-up due to no signage?