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January 2017 Archive

101 to Bridesmaids Etiquette!

You’ve been to weddings your whole life, you’ve celebrated the weddings of your own friends, and maybe now it’s time to start planning your own wedding—yet, through it all, there are always awkward etiquette questions surrounding the bridal party that remain unanswered.

Look no further; we have researched and compiled some common “bridesmaid etiquette” questions that you might have been scratching your head about…and we have answers. Cringe no more—the only thing you will have to worry about on your big day is looking drop-dead gorgeous and marrying the man of your dreams.

Photo from one of our featured StudioWed weddings—Amy Lynn Larwig provided hair and makeup, and the wedding took place at CJ’s Off the Square in Franklin, TN.

A photo from one of our featured StudioWed weddings—Amy Lynn Larwig provided hair and makeup, and the wedding took place at CJ’s Off the Square in Franklin, TN.

I just got engaged (Excuse me as I start crying again), and as I start planning my wedding, I know I need to choose my bridesmaids ASAP. Do I have to include someone in my wedding if I was in hers?

Remember, this is your big day, and you get to decide who participates. Therefore, if you were in someone else’s bridal party, that does not mean they have to be in yours as well. If you feel uncomfortable with the situation, try to include them in the wedding in a different role. In addition, while including your fiancé’s siblings is a nice gesture, you are not obligated to include them in your bridal party either.

Bridesmaid bouquets arranged by Brocade Designs, a StudioWed vendor.

Bridesmaid bouquets arranged by Brocade Designs, a StudioWed vendor.

What costs am I supposed to cover for the bridesmaids?

You are expected to cover the following:

  • Bridesmaid’s bouquets
  • Hotels for out-of-town attendants
  • Transportation for the bridal party to ceremony and reception
  • Thank you gift
  • Bridesmaids’ luncheon, tea, or party (if you are hosting one)
  • Hair and makeup (only if you want it done professionally)

Your bridesmaids should pay for the following:

  • Wedding attire and accessories. This includes the dress (which you will probably pick out), alterations to the dress, shoes and any other accessories.
  • Transportation to and from the wedding town or city
  • Gift for the couple (either individually or as a contribution to a group gift)
  • Share in the cost of a bridesmaids’ gift to the bride (optional)
  • Bachelorette party attendance cost (optional)

There are definitely sticky areas, such as hair and makeup and the lodging, but overall, budget and finances should be an open discussion between you and your bridal party. It’s a give-and-take relationship—your bridesmaids accept your invitation to be a bridesmaid with the understanding that there will be a financial obligation, but you should keep your bridesmaids in mind when selecting the dress and shoes. Furthermore, it’s okay to discreetly offer financial assistance to a bridesmaid you know might have trouble covering the costs.

Bridal Shower inspiration from StudioWed’s Pinterest.

Bridal shower inspiration from StudioWed’s Pinterest.

Okay, so my wedding date is approaching, and it’s about time to have a bridal shower (I guess?). Who should host it and how much say can I have in the shower?

Basically, hosting duties can fall to anyone in your bridal party, your mom, or the mother of the groom. Whoever does host it should consult you about a guest list, because if someone comes to the bridal shower they should definitely receive a wedding invitation as well.

Additionally, you should discuss the shower with whomever plans it, but try not to be bossy about it—especially regarding the budget. If you don’t want any games, let that be known, but don’t ask for anything that would add unnecessary costs.

You really can include all ages in your wedding. This wedding was planned by Stunning Events, a StudioWed vendor.

You really can include all ages in your wedding. This wedding was planned by Stunning Events, a StudioWed vendor.

Can you just explain the concept of a “junior bridesmaid” to me?

A junior bridesmaid is typically between the ages of 8-16—to young to be a bridesmaid but too old to be a flower girl. The only official responsibilities of a junior bridesmaid are to attend the ceremony rehearsal and participate in the processional; she does not have to attend showers or contribute to the cost of a group bridesmaids’ gift to the bride. Also, if you don’t want to, you don’t have to include her in the receiving line. As far as where to put her in entrance of the wedding party, you can put her before the maid/matron of honor.

This is a great way to include younger siblings, cousins, or nieces. They will appreciate your special efforts to include them on your special day.

 

Sources: Real Simple, the Bridal Guide, and The Huffington Post

Vendor Spotlight : ElleNelle Bridal

Get to know CEO/Founder : Leah Nicole Langley-McClean


Leah Nicole Langley-McClean is a Chicago native. Since she was young, Leah has always been very passionate about designing women’s apparel. Despite Leah’s passion for fashion, she moved to Nashville to study accounting at Tennessee State University. Leah practiced accounting for over 6 years. During this time she also continued to perfect her sewing and designing skills; creating a women’s line and doing numerous fashion shows.   Although Leah has taken a much different path she has still found a way to become an exceptional fashion designer here in Nashville

Leah transitioned into bridal in 2015 while she planned for her very own wedding. She is truly testament to why brides should consider custom gowns. She struggled with the decision to make her own gown or buy off the rack. She experienced dresses not fitting right, a very limited selection for her size, pushy and just down right bad customer service, and the constant reminder that due to her shape she would have to spend a pretty penny on alterations. Beyond all of this each dress that she did try on was always missing something. With that being said, it was obvious what she needed to do, so she designed and sewed a one of a kind couture gown for herself. Since Leah’s wedding, she’s found herself wanting to stay in the bridal business. It’s one of the biggest days in a person’s life and she wants to be apart of it. She is prepared and honored to take on the responsibility of helping her brides look their absolute best on such a big and special day.
We asked Leah five, fun questions to get to know her better! 
1. What is your favorite vacation spot? —
 I’d say LA, it’s so beautiful! Since going for the first time about 5 years ago, I try to go at least once a year. There’s good weather, beaches, great hiking spots, and a ton of fabric stores, what’s not to love?
 
2. Favorite Nashville hangout? —
 Any new restaurant, my husband and I are foodies. So, anytime we find out about a new restaurant
opening we make sure we’re there. 
 
3. What is your favorite sport? —
 Not really into watching sports, if I had to pick I’d say football. Although I haven’t played in a while, I love to play volleyball for fun. 
 
4. What makes you stand out? —
 Personally; my style, smile, laugh (I’ve been told it sounds funny), and I always seem to be the person that people vent everything to. I guess it’s because I give level headed advice and can just be a listening ear when needed. When it comes to my clients, I believe in doing whatever I can to make them happy and have a great experience. I want them to love, love, love their custom dress. 
 
5. What does your ideal day look like? —
 My day would start with a good workout, then a venti caramel macchiato from Starbucks, fabric shopping, making significant progress on a whatever dress I’m working on, then playtime with my husband or friends; either the movies, dinner, or a random pop-up event for the night. 
What ElleNelle Bridal Offers: 
We offer custom bespoke bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses, and special occasion gowns.
What Others Are Saying: 
 
“Leah has custom designed and made a few dresses for me for my wedding, baby shower and 30th Birthday and all of them were nothing short of FABULOUS!!! She is such a joy to work with and will not let you leave unhappy. She works endlessly to make sure your custom dress is PERFECT. It does not matter what size or shape, she can do it. Being that I’ve been 3 different sizes and shapes for all of the dresses she made me lol, she made sure I felt comfortable and confident. I highly recommend Leah for your custom dress needs. She is the bomb!” – Chassity on Wedding Wire
 
“She did a fantastic job! I absolutely loved my wedding outfit and because it wasn’t a dress I will be wearing it again!!!” – LaTrice on Wedding Wire
Photo of the Week : Justin Wright Photography

We are swooning over this gorgeously intimate photography captured by Justin Wright of Justin Wright Photography. This was taken in Guatemala! Justin does it all, folks! This is so stunning, we couldn’t help but share!

 

Vendor Spotlight : White Ink Calligraphy

White Ink Calligraphy

Get to know Claire:

1. What is your favorite vacation spot? —Just about any beach where there is beachside service!

2. Favorite Nashville hangout? — I consider myself a foodie and absolutely love that the Nashville restaurant scene has blown up.  I’m always out and about trying new places.  I live in East Nashville; however, I tend to lean towards Germantown solely for their restaurants.  City House is my absolute favorite, hands down.  If you haven’t tried their Margherita pizza with an egg on the middle, and a side of octopus, you’re missing out on life.  
3. What is your favorite sport? — Is throwing a tennis ball for my dog to catch considered a sport? YES! I have a 7 year old golden retriever who has WAY more energy than one would ever expect.  He lives and breathes chasing a ball!
4. What makes you stand out? — I provide modern calligraphy services.  My style is for the modern bride and budget friendly.  I love to help brides incorporate my hand-lettering from their invitation envelopes to the welcome sign they use on their big day.  
5. What does your ideal day look like? — Netflix.  My dog.  Wine.  

What White Ink Calligraphy Offers:
Event Calligraphy services: wedding envelope addressing; place card lettering; handwritten seating charts; handwritten wedding vows, custom gift tags, wedding signage, etc.  


What Others Are Saying:

“Claire was great! I needed a large number of name cards for my sister’s bridal shower. I explained to her that it was at a nicer restaurant and I wanted more than run of the mill hand-scribbled name cards (hence why I asked Claire to do it). They were better than I could have even expected! The price was very fair and the product was fantastic! I’ll definitely use Claire for my future wedding.” -Courtney 06.27.2016

“Definitely use this vendor! Saves time and takes the worry of addressing them yourselves! Great to work with and very flexible.” -Suzanne 06.06.2015

“My wife and I received a small uninteresting piece of paper for our wedding certificate six years ago. One day while perusing a local shop, I saw that they had beautiful ornate wedding certificates for framing. I had to buy one. We commissioned Claire to do the lettering on the certificate and it turned out perfectly! Her turnaround was quick and her skill was simply amazing. She really made the certificate look magnificent. Thank you, Claire!” – Jonathan 09.25.2010


Contact info:
claire@whiteinkcalligraphy.com
IG:@whiteinkcalligraphy
Facebook @whiteinkcalligraphy
www.whiteinkcalligraphy.com