Zoe, Author at DIY Wedding Tips

Alternatives To You May Kiss The Bride

Today, we’re going to be looking at alternatives to you may kiss the bride. It’s a classic phrase that you’ll hear at almost every wedding – but it seems almost outdated now! While some couples may opt to have the traditional phrase, it’s completely understandable if you don’t.

The phrase doesn’t take gay male couples into consideration, or non-binary couples. Or even couples that simply don’t want to stick to tradition or you may not even be a big lover of PDA and want to avoid the kiss altogether! However you identify as a couple, your day should feel as natural and tailor-made to you both as possible. So do whatever you feel comfortable with – no matter what tradition says! Let’s look at some other phrases you can use for your big day.

What Alternatives are There to You May Kiss the Bride?

Depending on where you’re having your wedding, you can change the wording to almost anything you’d like (as long as it’s respectful!). If you’re already written your own vows, or know your officiant, this will make the process a lot easier, but most venues will be happy to oblige to any personal requests you make.

1. “Your New Journey Together Has Now Begun”

Whether you’re wanting to have the traditional kiss at the end of the ceremony or not, this is a great option. You can share a kiss, a cuddle, or even turn to your wedding guests and cheer! This wording is the perfect way to symbolize the new path you have chosen to take together and is a very touching way of wording it.

The pressure to kiss is also alleviated so whether you aren’t a fan of PDA or are simply more reserved about kissing, you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to.

2. “We Can Now Toast to the New Couple”

A trend that is becoming increasingly popular is having a drink at the end of the ceremony. Not only is the moment most definitely worthy of a toast, but it’s also a huge relief when the ceremony is over, so a small break to relax and celebrate the moment may be what you need.

Again, it takes away any pressure to kiss and instead lets all of your guests celebrate you both, and your new journey together – whilst enjoying a drink!

3. “Think Now’s the Time For That Kiss”

If you do still want to incorporate the kiss, but want the traditional wording taken away, this is a great choice. What’s great about this one is that it’s funny, will make your guests laugh – and instantly relax you and your partner. Once those words have been said, you’ll also know it’s the end of the ceremony. Some couples worry they may not know when it’s over!

4. “Let’s Applaud Your New Marriage”

Clapping has always been the best way to celebrate any huge moments in your life – graduation, awards, so why not your wedding? It’s a moment that should be celebrated and will be something fun for your guests to do. It can even lead on to clapping along to your exit music. If you’re looking for cheesy for your wedding, this may be the best option for you!

5. You May Now Kiss Your New Lifelong Partner

If you still want your ceremony to be as traditional as possible, but you aren’t a “bride/groom”, this is a good choice. It’s as close to the classic line as it can be, while giving it the modern aspect it certainly needs. I think You May Now Kiss the Bride is not a very progressive statement to still be the “norm” at the end of the ceremony.

6. Nothing at All

While this may seem like a strange choice, it’s one of the most popular choices. Be sure to ask your officiant beforehand at which point the ceremony ends, so you know when to make your exit. If you’re choosing this way, it may be best to share a kiss. But you certainly don’t have to! You could even turn to your guests and say, “we did it!” or anything of your choosing to mark the end of your ceremony.

You May Kiss the Bride Alternatives

If you’re looking for a range of funny alternatives, or want to see what other couples used on their big day, The Knot has some great forums in which other couples have shared their choices. Some of their choices include:

You may seal this union with a kiss
“Name” and “Name” – you may now kiss each other
You may now seal your promise with a kiss
You may now take your partner’s hand (a good way to avoid the public kiss!)
Seal the deal so we can start the reception
“Go on and kiss the girl” (in the style of The Little Mermaid)

Conclusion

And now comes to the end of our alternatives. How to kiss the bride/groom is completely down to you (if you decide to kiss). It can be a peck, or dipped kiss to display your love to all of your wedding guests. “Kiss the Bride” weddings may be old school, but if it feels right for you, do it!

The most important point to remember about your wedding day is that it’s yours. If you want the world to know you’re in love with a movie-worthy kiss – go for it! If you want to knock back a glass of champagne to calm your nerves – do it! If you want to walk down the aisle holding hands – do it!

Whatever you decide to do or say, your guests will just be happy to be sharing one of the most important days of your life with you. What are you using for your wedding day? Or if you’re already married – what did you use? Please feel free to leave any answers in the comments below. You may be helping out future couples with their own wedding.

My Best Friend’s Wedding Songs List

Today, we’re going to be looking at the infamous movie, My Best Friend’s Wedding songs list. Whether you’re looking for something slow and romantic, or light-hearted and upbeat, this soundtrack has it all. Let’s take a look at some of the music you’ll find on the My Best Friend’s Wedding soundtrack. And how you can incorporate it into your own wedding.

What is My Best Friend’s Wedding?

If you love romantic comedies, you’ll probably already be very familiar with My Best Friend’s wedding and it’s gorgeous soundtrack. My Best Friend’s wedding is a rom-com classic that was released in 1997.

It follows the story of our main characters, Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz, Rupert Everett, and Dermot Mulroney. Julia Roberts’ best friend gets engaged, and she realizes that she loves him herself – and she’ll do her best to get him.

While it’s not the most apt film to incorporate into your own wedding day – the soundtrack most definitely is! The soundtrack is one of my favorites of all time, and there’s some perfect tracks in there to use for your own wedding day.

My Best Friend’s Wedding Music Songs List

Let’s take a look at all the music that appears in My Best Friend’s Wedding. The tracks include:

I Say a Little Prayer – Diana King
Wishin’ and Hopin’ – Ani Difranco
You Don’t Know Me – Jann Arden
Tell Him – The Exciters
I Just Don’t Know What to do With Myself – Nicky Holland
I’ll Be Okay – Amanda Marshall
The Way You Look Tonight – Tony Bennett
What the World Needs Now is Love – Jackie DeShannon
I’ll Never Fall in Love Again – Mary Chapin Carpenter
Always You – Sophie Zelmani
If You Wanna Be Happy – Jimmy Soul
I Say a Little Prayer – cast
Suite from My Best Friend’s Wedding – James Newton Howard

You can listen to the full soundtrack here.

Which Songs Can I Use in My Wedding?

If you’re looking for the perfect, “I married my best friend” song for your wedding, there are plenty of choices to choose from in this soundtrack. Let’s take a look at some of the songs you could choose and which part of your big day they would be most suited to.

I Say a Little Prayer – Diana King

While this song could be used at any point during your wedding, I think the optimal moment would be when you’re walking down the aisle to your chosen lifelong partner.

With lyrics such as,

“forever and ever, you’ll stay in my heart and I will love you, forever and ever, we never will part, oh, how I love you”

it really is a beautiful song and one that I’d almost describe as pretty. That is why I think it’s the best choice for your entrance music.

Wishin’ and Hopin – Ani Difranco

If you’re in the early stages of planning your wedding, you may not know that you need a playlist for when your guests are arriving. You need around 15 minutes of music to get your guests settled and in the mood for your wedding. I would recommend light-hearted music for this. And with lyrics such as,

“So if you’re thinking how great true love is, all you gotta do is hold him, and kiss him, and squeeze him, and love him, just do it, and after you do, you will be his”

it’s the perfect fit – as you very soon will be his forever!

The Way You Look Tonight – Tony Bennett

One of the most iconic first dance songs at weddings is The Way You Look Tonight. It’s one of the most romantic songs, and will work perfectly as a first dance song – as it has done already for thousands of other happy couples! With lyrics such as,

“With each word your tenderness grows, tearing my fears apart, and that laugh, that wrinkles your nose, touches my foolish heart, lovely, never, ever change, keep that breathless charm, won’t you please arrange it, cause I, I love you, just the way you look tonight”

it’s not hard to see why this song choice is one of the most infamous wedding pieces, decades on.

What the World Needs Now Is Love – Jackie DeShannon

Earlier, we spoke about the playlist for when your guests are arriving. This song is upbeat and happy and will put your guests in a great mood before your arrival. With lyrics such as,

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love, it’s the only thing that there’s just too little of, what the world needs now is love, sweet love, no not just for some, but for everyone”

it works really well, as there will never be a room as full of love as on your own wedding day.

If You Wanna Be Happy – Jimmy Soul

If you’re looking for something funny and witty for your wedding, this is the perfect choice. It would make for a hilarious exit song choice. Now you’re married and ready to leave the ceremony, with lyrics such as

“If you want to be happy for the rest of your life, never make a pretty woman your wife, so for my personal point of view, get an ugly girl to marry you”

your guests will definitely be crying with laughter, after a serious ceremony. It will likely give you and your partner a good laugh too!

My Best Friend’s Wedding Songs List Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to see how many fantastic song choices there are in My Best Friend’s Wedding. From the arrival of your guests, all the way up to your first dance, there are songs you can use throughout the day from this soundtrack.

Did you use any of the songs from My Best Friend’s Wedding for your own wedding? Or do you now plan to? If so, please let me know which songs you’ve chosen and for which part of your wedding day. Feel free to leave any answers in the comments below.

Read more about Songs For Parents At Weddings

Songs For Parents At Weddings

Today, we’re going to be looking at songs for parents at weddings. If you have a good relationship with your parent(s), you’ll want to include them in your big day, in the most memorable way possible. Whether they get their own entrance song at the ceremony, or you opt for the traditional father/daughter dance at the reception – there’s lots of ways to make them feel special.

But which songs will work best? We’re going to covering it all today! From the start of your wedding day, through to the end. Whether you want something sentimental, or something that will leave your guests laughing for the rest of the night, we have something for everyone.

Songs for Parents Entrance at Wedding Ceremony

Your parents may want to make a grand entrance to your wedding – and that is completely understandable, considering they’ve likely played a huge role in your lives. Whether you’re looking for a parent’s entrance song, or grandparent’s or any other significant adult in your life, here are some great options (funny, romantic or otherwise):

It Takes Two – Robe Base & DJ EZ Rock
All the Small Things – Blink 182
Get the Party Started – Pink
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
Walk This Way – Aerosmith
Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves
Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
I’ll Be There – Jackson 5
Can You Feel the Love Tonight? – Elton John
I Got You (I Feel Good) – James Brown

The options above are more generic, so if you’re looking for something more personal, you could use your parent’s wedding song or a song that is significant to them. They may already have a choice in mind!

If your parents are walking down the aisle individually, or only one parent is attending your wedding, here’s some alternative options:

Mama Said – The Shirelles (mother choice)
Pretty Woman – Van Halen (mother choice)
Oh, Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison (mother choice)
Soul Man – Blues Brothers (father choice)
Papa was a Rolling Stone – The Temptations (father choice)

Parents Dance Wedding Songs

Once the ceremony is over, and the speeches are done – the next big moment for your parents will be the reception. Some couples like to dedicate a song to their parents, in which the parents take to the floor and have a dance themselves. Your parents will likely be overjoyed on your wedding day, and wanting to show off how happy they are for you. Many of the songs above would work well for this too. Some other options include:

God Only Knows – John Legend
Wind Beneath my Wings – Bette Midler
Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
My Girl – The Temptations
Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
Forever Young – Rod Stewart

An option that would work well for this dance, is your parent’s wedding song. This would be extremely personal and special for both you and your parents. It would remind them of their wedding day while being a huge part of yours.

Father/Daughter Dance Songs

One of the most traditional dances at a wedding is the dance between a father and daughter. If you don’t have this on your big day, try not to feel too disheartened – I didn’t have one. However, if you opt for this dance, there are many beautiful (and more light-hearted) choices. Some of these include:

You Are so Beautiful – Joe Cocker
Sweet Pea – Amos Lee
The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross
Father and Daughter – Paul Simon
You are the Sunshine of my Life – Stevie Wonder
Lean on Me – Bill Withers
Have I Told You Lately – Rod Stewart
Hero – Mariah Carey
Your Song – Elton John

Mother/Daughter Dance Songs

Something less traditional, but becoming increasingly popular is the dance between a mother and daughter. This is what I opted for on my wedding day, as my mom has always been the most important person in my life. The song I chose was The Best Day by Taylor Swift. It was a really personal song to us, and one I had sung to her for many years. I even changed the list line of the song to, “I had the best day with you, on my wedding day”. This made it really intimate and personal.

Some popular choices for mother/daughter dances are:

You’re My Best Friend – Queen
Mom – Meghan Trainor
Never Grow Up – Taylor Swift
You are My Sunshine – Kina Grannis
You Make My Dreams Come True – Halle & Oates
I Turn to You – Christina Aguilera
God Only Knows – The Beach Boys
There You’ll Be – Faith Hill
You are the Sunshine of My Life – Stevie Wonder
Mama – The Spice Girls

Conclusion

To conclude, I hope this article has helped you to find some songs for parents at weddings. Brides have a great selection of 60 Must Play Songs About Parents at weddings. Some of the options in the article can be used for any part of your big day, so it’s a good article to read once you’re finished here!

It’s important to note that your parents may have passed, or you may not have a good relationship with them. Many of these songs will work for grandparents, aunties, uncles, godmothers, godfathers – whoever has been there for you throughout your life.

Whether you want a song that shows their unconditional love or something that will leave the wedding guests with tears of laughter, there are so many great options to choose from, to leave a lasting memory in everyone’s minds, and hearts. Sentimental and memorable is what I would opt for. My wedding dance with my mother is something I’ll treasure forever, and was one of my favorite memories from my wedding.

Did you include your parents in the ceremony and reception, with entrance songs and dances? What song choices did you opt for? I would love to know song choices that made them feel special or received the most laughs. You may be helping out future couples, so please feel free to leave any answers in the comments below.

Making A Backless Bra

Today, we’re going to be looking at making a backless bra. Whether you want to alter the bra completely, or you want no cutting involved – we’ve got you covered. It’s a fact that some dresses and tops look better without bra straps or the back of your bra showing. Even more so, with your wedding dress. You definitely don’t want the back of your bra making an appearance in your beautiful wedding photos! But there’s a few easy solutions you can do yourself.

What is a Backless Bra?

A backless bra is a bra that has an extremely deep plunge between the two cups. That way, your boobs are held firmly in place, without the straps or back on show! Backless bras may have adhesives on the side to ensure there’s no way the cups can budge. While some brides choose to go braless on their wedding, not all brides have that option! So backless bras are the way forward.

How to Make a Bra Strapless

The easiest way to make a bra strapless is to buy a bra with removable bra straps. These types of bras are extremely common and easily accessible. That way you won’t have to damage the straps themselves, and it’s easy to go strapless.

However, if your perfect wedding bra does not have removable straps – don’t worry! It’s super easy to remove them. You just need to be handy with a sewing kit. The Better Fit has a great step-by-step guide on how to cut your bra straps off easily, and effectively.

There’s actually a huge range of already strapless bras available in stores if it’s just a bra without straps that you’re needing for your wedding dress.

If you don’t want to alter the bra forever, there are other options in the article to make the bra strapless, without altering it entirely.

How to Make a Backless Bra

Making a backless bra is why you’re here! And now the straps are gone, it’s time to remove the back. Whether you want to use cutting methods or other methods – we’ll be covering it all in this section. When choosing your bra, ensure it’s padded with an underwire, this is the easiest to make alterations to.

The only things you will need for the sewing method are:

Bra
Scissors
Needle and thread
Pins

Once you have everything you need, just follow this step-by-step guide from All Day Chic.

Your backless bra will be ready in just 6 easy to follow steps. There’s also a video tutorial on their post if you learn more visually.

Alternatives to Cutting

If you’re not good at sewing, or unsure whether you want to do any cutting to your wedding bra, don’t worry! There are other ways to get a backless bra without the worry of making any alterations yourself. You may be concerned that a backless bra won’t give you enough support, so for big-busted women, these can be great alternatives.

Bra Converter

If you’re dress isn’t particularly low, and you’re opting for comfort on your big day – bra converters are a good solution. You hook the converter to the back of your bra and bring it round to your stomach. This pushes the back of the bra down so it’s much lower than usual. Once the converter is removed, your bra is returned to normal and you can go back to wearing it for everyday use!

Invisible Straps

You may already know that invisible bra straps are available, but did you know you can get invisible backs too? They are available and give you the full support of a normal back. Although the straps are clear, they can be seen from a short distance. That’s important to bear in mind if you’re adverse to anything showing on your big day.

Go Braless!

If you’re feeling bold and it’s an option – why not go braless for your big day?! This was a decision I made at my own wedding. My dress was so incredibly tight at the bust, that there was no worries of anything moving anywhere! If you’re smaller-chested and have a tight dress, bear this idea in mind.

Buy a Backless Bra

Buying a backless bra is definitely an option, but it can be a costly one. They are usually extremely expensive and may not offer the support you need. They also may not be very comfortable, which isn’t ideal for your wedding day. Using a much-loved bra and doing it yourself is a good alternative.

Bra Cups for Wedding Dress

An alternative to backless bras are bra cups in your wedding dress. Alterations can be made by your seamstress to sew the cups into your bra, or you can try to do this to yourself. Although I wouldn’t advise doing any DIY like that on your wedding dress. Depending on the cups you choose, cups can cost as low as $10 for the materials – but can become as expensive as $75. And that’s just for the materials alone!

Conclusion

To conclude, making a backless bra yourself couldn’t be easier. Whether you want something temporary or something more permanent, there are ways around it. Going braless is simply not an option for a lot of people, so I hope this article has helped you to understand how to make your own backless bra.

If you’re still uncertain, having bra cups sewn into your wedding dress is a good idea. Some wedding dresses even come with cups sewn in already! If this is the case, you may not have any worries about bras at all on your wedding day.

Did you make your own backless bra for your big day? Or are you planning to wear one? If so, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave any answers in the comments below. If you have any tips or tricks for fellow brides, please share them. You may be helping out someone with their wedding.

What Is An Open Bar?

Today, we’re going to be answering the question: what’s an open bar? A wedding open bar is becoming increasingly popular – but what is it? And what is the etiquette you should be following when having an open bar? And what options can you have? We’ll be covering it all in this post.

Weddings can be extremely costly, especially once you’ve taken food and drink into consideration. Drink can actually be one of the most expensive parts of your wedding day, depending how many guests you have and how many drinks you’re serving per guest. Most couples choose to have some variant of an open bar – we’ll be looking at the different options later.

What Is An Open Bar?

An open bar is when the couple whose wedding you’re attending have agreed to pay the drinks bill. Guests can order freely from the bar without worrying about the cost – as you and you partner are footing the bill. If you’re buying a drinks package from your venue, the quoting may be per head, or you can set aside a chunk of money to put behind the bar; and once that runs out, guests pay for their own drinks.

Open Bar Wedding Etiquette

Although there is no strict etiquette, guests will usually expect a few of their drinks to be paid for throughout the day. In more recent years, couples decide on a mix of an open bar and a cash bar. There are no guidelines you need to follow, but there are a few tips and tricks you can try to make the most of the budget you have.

The most important thing to remember is that although your guests may expect drinks, you are under no obligation to provide them at no cost. If it’s simply not in your wedding budget, that is valid – and I’m sure your guests will be understanding of your situation.

It’s seen as standard to provide at least one glass of alcohol upon arrival at the reception, and a glass of something to toast with. The choice of which drinks you provide is entirely up to you.

If you are choosing to have an open bar, it’s seen as traditional to serve at the very least, beer and wine. A typical open bar should serve several varieties of both. If you’re opting for something more luxurious, adding liquors and cocktails is a good idea.

Wedding Open Bar Options

There’s a few options available for you and your partner to choose from – whatever budget you have. WeddingWire have a brilliant article about 20 Things You Must Know If You’re Having an Open Bar.

Unlimited

If money is no option, paying for all of your guest’s drinks is a great thank you gesture. This is when guests can order whatever they wish from the bar, and the day after the wedding, you foot the bill. While this will take a large chunk out of your wedding budget, and you won’t know how much the final cost will be until after the wedding – your guests will definitely be happy!

Drinks Cap

Putting a cap behind the bar is a great way treat your guests with whatever budget you have. You place a pre-determined amount behind the bar for drinks. Once that money has ran out, guests are left to pay for their own drinks for the remainder of the night. Whether you want to put $500 or $5000 behind the bar – the choice is up to you.

Buy Your Own

If your venue does not have an alcohol license, buying your own alcohol is a cost-effective way to provide your guests with lots of alcohol at a fraction of the price of a traditional open bar. It’s quite unusual for a venue not to have an alcohol license, so this may not be an option that’s available to you.

Specialty Drinks

Something that’s proving more popular in recent years, is specialty bars. Whether you have a “Cocktail Station” or a “Gin Bar”, only providing free drinks for certain alcoholic choices is super fun for your guests, and can also be cost-effective. Cocktails are always extremely popular at weddings – they could even be alcohol-free!

Alcohol-Free

Speaking of alcohol-free, it may be a good way to go! If you and your partner aren’t huge fans of alcohol, there’s no obligation to provide any alcohol at all. If you’d rather provide soft drinks and mixers, and leave the alcohol cost down to the guests – that’s a completely valid option! And likely the cheapest option available.

How Much Will it Cost?

It’s impossible to predict how much your open bar will cost without knowing which option you’re opting for, and how many guests are attending your wedding. However, there are some estimates out there to give you a rough idea of what the price may be.

Weddings Cost Helper predicts that the average wedding reception lasts around 4 hours and that an open bar can be anything from $15-$90 ahead, depending on which drinks you’re serving. However, if you’re serving just beer and wine only, this can be anything between $11-$33 per head.

Depending on where your wedding venue is, this may affect the price massively – so it’s important to bear this in mind when choosing your venue and how many drinks you’d like to provide.

Read more about Tiffany Blue and Yellow Weddings

Conclusion

To conclude, there should be no expectation from your guests for you to provide anything. If it’s simply not in your budget to supply drinks, that is valid and should be understood by your guests.

The most important thing to remember is to do what you feel comfortable with. If you’re comfortable spending thousands on a bar, that’s great. If you’re not, that’s also great! Your wedding day should be full of you and your partner’s choices – even down to the drinks.

Did you have an open bar at your wedding? Please feel free to let me know in the comments below.

Tiffany Blue and Yellow Weddings

Today, we’re going to be looking at Tiffany blue and yellow weddings. In more recent years, a Tiffany blue and gold wedding has become increasingly popular. And it’s not hard to see why. Tiffany blue is the signature color of the infamous brand, Tiffany and Co. The color is bold, but somehow still remains subtle. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding, in the most beautiful way.

It’s a color that radiates calm when you see it, and that’s why it’s the perfect addition to your wedding day. The color is versatile and works well with a range of colors (we’ll be looking at those later!), but more commonly, Tiffany blue and gold are the preferred color theme. But how can you inject those colors into your wedding? Let’s take a closer look.

How Can I Incorporate Tiffany Blue and Yellow into my Wedding?

Whether you want the color scheme of your wedding to be obvious, or you’d rather opt for more subtle ways, there’s a range of ideas to incorporate the colors into your wedding. Let’s take a look at a few.

Bridal Party. If you’re wanting something really striking, a super cute idea would be Tiffany blue bridesmaid dresses. Their bouquet of flowers could be something less traditional, like Sunflowers. This pairing is bold and looks beautiful.
Groomsmen. For something more subtle, the men of the wedding could wear a Tiffany blue tie/cravat and have their pocket square/handkerchief a cheery yellow color.
Décor. Decorating is one of the best parts of the wedding – so feel free to go wild! Yellow and blue bunting works well together. Even down to alternating blue and yellow straws at the tables!
Wedding Cake. A Tiffany blue cake with yellow and white flowers cascading down would look stunning, and fit in with the scheme perfectly.
Chairs. Decorating chairs is time-consuming if you’re doing it yourself, but worth the extra effort. A Tiffany blue banquet cover with a yellow bow is an idea you could use on your big day. This is definitely not a subtle look!

Tiffany Blue Wedding Centerpiece

Centerpieces are by far the easiest way to incorporate the color theme into your wedding, in the most natural way. They take pride of place on each table and one of the first things your guests will see when they enter. Let’s take a look at some ideas!

Tiffany Boxes. A popular choice that adds a touch of class to your wedding is a tower of boxes, that resemble the iconic Tiffany and Co boxes. You can actually make these yourself reasonably easily. All you’ll need is scissors, boxes, glue gun and sticks, white ribbon, and spray paint. Here’s a video where you can learn to do it yourself!

Balloons. If you’re looking for a budget open that still looks beautiful, balloons are a great option – and also what I used at my own wedding. I bought my own helium tank and made arrangements on the day (you can get someone to do this for you if you do not have time). Whether you opt for Tiffany blue balloons on their own or add yellow/white for a touch of color – they’ll look amazing.
Flowers. Lots of couples opt for flowers as their centerpieces. Whether you opt for something subtle like a Tiffany blue ribbon tied around the arrangement or have Tiffany blue flowers themselves, this is a great way to incorporate the color into your wedding.

For more Tiffany blue wedding decorations and centerpiece ideas, Wedding Forward has a great article that you may find useful.

What Color Goes With Tiffany Blue for a Wedding?

If you’d like Tiffany blue in your wedding but are unsure on yellow/gold as the secondary color, never fear – there’s plenty of other beautiful alternatives! Let’s take a look at the most common colors paired with Tiffany blue.

Blush Pink. Blush pink is my personal favorite to go alongside blue. It’s the perfect wedding day color and is easy to add touches of pink to whatever you choose. Blush pink is a more traditional wedding color, so perfect for a more traditional wedding. Cake, bouquets, and bridesmaids/groomsmen are easy ways to inject these colors into your wedding.
White. Another traditional color is white. Tiffany blue and white look amazing together; it’s a comforting and peaceful pairing. As the bride is usually already wearing white – you already have a start!
Orange. This is a bold one that would work great at a more casual wedding or a Fall wedding. An orange, blue and white wedding cake is a good starting point. Also, bright orange bouquets with Tiffany-colored bridesmaid dresses looks eye-catching.
Grey. If you’re wanting something in the middle of traditional, yet striking – why not opt for Tiffany blue and grey? These colors can work at a casual or formal wedding. Getting the groomsmen to wear grey suits and the bridesmaids to wear Tiffany blue dresses looks stunning in photos.

Although those are the most popular color choices, you can pair Tiffany blue with any color that you like! It’s your wedding day, so choose whatever works for you. What other colors do you think work well with Tiffany blue?

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped with your Tiffany blue and yellow weddings. As Tiffany blue is such a gorgeous, versatile color – it really does work well with almost anything. And it’s one of the easiest colors to find items themed around, so it can make your wedding planning as easy as possible.

Did you have Tiffany blue at your wedding? I did! How did you incorporate it into your big day? My flowers, centerpieces, bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen accessories, and even my wedding favors, were all blue and white. I would love to know any ideas you have, so please feel free to leave any suggestions in the comments below. You may be helping out future couples with their wedding.

Printing Labels For Wedding Invitations

Today, we’re going to be looking at printing labels for wedding invitations. DIY address labels for wedding invitations are becoming increasingly popular. In the past, it has been seen as impersonal and informal to print labels for your wedding invitations – but as times are becoming more progressive, more of us are throwing tradition out the window!

So let’s take a look at why you use them, why you may want to do them yourself, and more importantly, how to do it! If you’re not great with technology, it may seem an impossible task, but here’s an easy guide on how to design, make and print them.

What are Wedding Address Labels?

Wedding address labels are exactly as they sound. You’ll need your guests’ addresses to put on the labels to send out on their wedding invitations. They should be clear and readable. You’ll also need return address labels for your guests to RSVP for the big day. Address labels may not be something you’ve even thought about, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Why Print Them Yourself?

Stationery giants have claimed it’s impersonal to send out printed address labels, but I completely disagree. Yes, it’s the first thing you see when the invite comes through your mailbox – but you can make them look gorgeous! And there’s even a range of calligraphy fonts now, to get that handwritten feel without all the work! Some couples even do the calligraphy themselves on their iPad/tablets and print them on completion.

Printing them yourself is great for a range of reasons. Here’s just a few:

Far less time-consuming. Writing your labels by hand can take hours. Your labels will be ready in a fraction of the time
No mistakes. With programs like spell check and being able to check yourself for any mistakes before you print, it can save you from a lot of second attempts at less than perfect handwritten labels
More efficient. Printing labels is easy to organize and complete quickly
Bad handwriting. Let’s be honest, not all of us have gorgeous handwriting (I certainly don’t!). So to avoid looking messy and scruffy, printed labels can look smart and professional
Fun. You can add different colors, flowers, patterns – all at the click of a button. You can’t do that when it’s handwritten!

How to Make Address Labels for Wedding Invitations

Wedding invite address labels may seem daunting, but they don’t have to be at all. Avery have a huge range of blank address labels that you may like to use. Prices start from around $10 for 100-200 labels. The more complex the label you’re looking for, the more expensive.

If you don’t have a label maker, don’t worry! You can even use inkjet printers for your labels.

Before you start your labels, you need to choose the size, color, and whether you want the background left as it is, or if you want it a block color. And do you want a pattern? Flowers? Etc. Once you have your measurements, if you decide you’d like a label that isn’t plain, programs such as Canva and Photofiltre are perfect. Both of these programs let you write in sizes and come with a range of tools, fonts and images to create your own design. The best part? Both of them are free

Once you’re set on a design, you need to input the addresses onto your labels. It’s best to use a basic program like Microsoft Word if you’re a newbie to the technology world. So Microsoft word is a good place to start. This tutorial shows you how to create and print labels using Word. The great thing about Word is that if you’re using the Avery labels, Word already has those labels built into the program!

Once they’re printed, stick them onto the front of your envelopes, and your invitations are good to go – don’t forget your stamps!

Which Color Label Should I Use?

The color address label all depends on the color of your envelope. For example, if you have a deep red envelope, it may be best to steer clear of a white address label!

For bold envelopes, it would be best to stick with clear address labels. They are the most common in wedding invitations as they look the most seamless. However, if you’re opting for white envelopes, there’s no reason your address label can’t be white.

Those colors are for more traditional wedding address labels. If your color scheme is blue and you want your address labels that color – go for it! Your wedding is the one day where everything is tailored to you and your partner’s taste, so do whatever you both think is best.

What About Return Labels?

You may want to make your return labels in the same way. However, as your return address labels are all the same address, it may be easier to get them printed directly onto the envelope.

Or if you’re looking for something really quick – why not invest in an address stamp? It may seem pricey at around $15-$25, but you can use them after the wedding too! All you need to do is put the stamp into ink and press the stamp onto your return envelopes – it really is that easy.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you learn about printing labels for wedding invitations. There will be a lot of “do’s” and “don’ts’s” when researching how to design and print your wedding labels. But just keep in mind, that as long as you and your partner are happy with your labels – that’s the most important thing.

Did you print your own address labels for your wedding? Or do you plan to for your upcoming big day? Please let me know any tips or tricks that helped you design/print them. Please leave any suggestions in the comments below. You may well be helping future couples out with their wedding stationery!

Read more about Flower Urns For Weddings

Flower Urns For Weddings

Today, we’re going to be looking at flower urns for weddings. Urn vase wedding décor and centerpieces are becoming increasingly popular – but why? There’s many reasons why flower urns are perfect for your big day, but first, let’s look at what they are. Then we’ll get onto how much they cost, and even doing them yourself!

What Is a Flower Wedding Urn?

You may not even know what a flower wedding urn is! I have to admit, before my wedding, I had no idea about items like wedding urns! To put it simply, flower urns are big wedding flower vases (that is putting it very simply!). They are often very large and a showstopper for any wedding. They also aren’t just used at weddings – they’re often used at many formal occasions.

If you’re a fan of flowers, urns are the perfect item to add to your wedding. They’re luxurious, elegant, and add a touch of class. They’re definitely bold and striking. A stunning urn overflowing with beautiful flowers – what more could you ask for?

Where To Use a Flower Urn For Your Wedding?

There’s a range of ways to use a wedding urn vase or two (or more!) on your special day. Let’s take a look at the most popular places incorporate them.

Entry Markers. When you walk into your wedding, you may want your guests to be dazzled and flower urns are a great way to do this – while also showing where you’ll make your grand entrance down the aisle. They make a bold statement here and look stunning in photos.
Aisle. Some couples like an urn to be at the end of each aisle – but this can be quite costly and should definitely only be an option if you’re opting for a more extravagant wedding.
Centerpiece. Whether you have mini flower urns on every table or choose to have a show-stopping urn at the center of your top table, urn centerpieces look beautiful.

Types of Flower Urn

If you’re ordering a flower urn from a company, it is often bespoke and there will be a wide range of options for you to choose from. Whether you want a more rustic urn, or something more modern – companies will usually be able to help. Type, color, size, and scent are all things customizable for your flower urn, so they can match the color theme and feel of your wedding.

If you do want to opt for something ready-made, it will be less expensive. So if you’re not having a color scheme, or are on a budget – this is a great idea.

How Much Do They Cost?

Without knowing what you’re looking for (size, flowers, etc.), it’s impossible to give an exact figure as to how much your flower urns will cost. However, after checking a plethora of suppliers – be prepared for wedding urns to take a hefty chunk out of your wedding budget.

If you’re looking for something simple and not entirely customizable, you’ll be looking at around $150-$200 per urn. Yes, that’s right – per urn! This supplier charges £225 per urn, whereby you can choose from a selection of pre-picked colors.

If you’re looking for something bespoke, you’ll be looking at significantly more! Although they’re incredibly expensive, they do look stunning on your wedding day, and make for great photos.

Do It Yourself

If you have time to spare or are simply wanting to do keep to a stricter budget – why not try doing it yourself? I will point out that it isn’t easy and will take lots of time and practice. However, it is certainly worth the additional effort and will feel extra special when you get married.

What’s great about making your own is that everything is chosen by you. You can go to your local garden store (or browse online if you’d prefer) and choose your preferred urn. Whether you opt for something modern like iron, or traditional like resin – you’ll be making a statement.

Once you’ve chosen your flowers from your local florist, the arrangement begins. This is the tricky part. Here’s a tutorial to learn how to make urn flower arrangements. It may sound easy, but it’s definitely not as simple as it may seem.

Tips When Making Your Own Flower Urns for Weddings

If you’re nervous about making your own, here’s a few tips to get you started.

Be sure to store in a cool environment the evening before the wedding, so it looks as fresh as possible before the wedding
Be sure to use a range of sizes and textures to give your flower displays some definition
You may not want to use fresh flowers. If so, artificial flowers can be arranged well in advance to ensure there’s less stress on the wedding day itself
Check which flowers are in season around the time of your wedding – you want your flowers to be looking as beautiful as they can be
Be sure to fill the urn with items such as sand, rocks, or glass gems, so it’s easy for the stems to be put into place
The most important piece of advice is to be patient…and have fun!

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you make a decision on whether you’d like flower urns for your weddings. Although they take a hefty amount out of your budget, it’s a worthwhile purchase. Especially if you decide to make them yourself. However, if you choose to make them yourself, make sure you have space for the urns after your wedding – you don’t want to be left with ten urns to squeeze into a one-bedroom apartment!

Did you have flower urns for your wedding? It wasn’t something I could afford for my wedding, but I wish I could have! If you did, feel free to share any tips or tricks that helped you with your big day. You may be able to help out some future couples on their wedding planning.

Wedding Gift Ideas For Groom From Bride

Today, we’re going to be looking at wedding gift ideas for groom from bride. We’ll take a look at wedding day gift etiquette between the happy couple, and what gift ideas are truly memorable. Despite the title, it’s worth noting that these gifts are also perfect if it’s a Bride/Bride or Groom/Groom wedding.

Wedding Exchanging Gifts Etiquette

It’s a wedding tradition to exchange gifts with your partner for your big day. It doesn’t have to be something expensive and extravagant (although it can be if you wish), but it’s usually something sentimental that the other person can treasure forever, as a reminder of your special day.

Why Exchange Gifts?

Exchanging gifts is good for many reasons. As it happens so close to the wedding itself, it’s a great way of relieving any nerves you have about the wedding – it’s a big day, after all! It’s also an extra way of letting your significant other know that you’re looking forward to the wedding, and what the future holds for you both. Having a keepsake from the wedding from your other half is something you’ll appreciate forever.

When Should Gifts be Exchanged?

Gifts are usually exchanged on the wedding day. However, it can be the day before. As close to the wedding as possible. Exchanging gifts just before the ceremony can be a special moment for your photographer to capture. But if you want the first time your partner sees you to be walking down the aisle – exchanging gifts the night before is an alternative option.

I exchanged gifts with my now-husband the day before and it worked perfectly for us. Do whatever works best for you and your partner. Even if that means no gift exchange at all!

Wedding Gift Ideas for Husband

Finding a gift wedding gift for the groom can be tricky. You may not even know where to begin! Never fear, I have a range of brilliant ideas for a wedding gift for him. Whether you’re looking for something lighthearted, sentimental, or practical – we’ve got it covered!

Practical Wedding Gift Ideas for Groom from Bride

Practical gifts are a great idea to get your future husband something he can use on the wedding day, or in his everyday life. Let’s take a look at some of the best options.

Cufflinks. Whether they’re personalized with your wedding date or your names, or something simpler like the color scheme of your wedding – cufflinks are the perfect gift. Your groom can wear them on the wedding day. These monogram cufflinks with your initials and the wedding date are adorable.
Shaving Set. Something more traditional, yet practical, is a shaving set. This is something that can be used on the wedding day, but also for the rest of their lives. Get it engraved with your wedding date, or your groom’s name to make it extra special.
Briefcase. It may not be of use on the wedding day, but it’s something he can make use of at work and always think of you when he sees it.
Watch. A new watch with a note like, “It’s time to get married”, is super cute and fun, yet also practical.

Sentimental Wedding Gift Ideas for Groom from Bride

If you’re a sentimental soul, like me, you may want to give your partner something they can treasure forever.

Three Heart Map. The three heart map is stunning. It has the dates and locations of where you met, where you got engaged and where you’re getting married. It can be on display in your home and always be a reminder of your special day. There’s plenty of options available on stores like Etsy, but this is my favorite.
Journal. If your partner likes writing, a journal is a great idea. You can suggest making it a scrapbook-type journal for your future and suggest that your journey together starts here and it will be special to document it.
Handwritten Letter. Possibly the most special gift a groom can receive from you is a handwritten letter about your love. It’s something he can re-read whenever times are rocky and the perfect keepsake for your wedding day.

Lighthearted Wedding Gift Ideas for Groom from Bride

If you want to keep it lighthearted and funny, these options are great and will give a much-needed laugh before the ceremony begins.

Wedding Lego. You could give this one the night before and make it together to take your mind off the day approaching. It can be extremely nervy, so this is a great thing to keep you both busy – and something cute to do together. You can buy the Wedding Lego set here.

Groom Survival Kit. This is something I bought for my now husband. You can make them yourself or buy them from stores like Etsy/eBay. It’s a collection of mini gifts to help them get through the day.
Groom Boxers and Socks. A pair of boxers with “the groom” on and a pair of socks that say, “in case of cold feet” are a super cute and fun gift.

Memorable Wedding Gift Ideas for Groom from Bride

If you’re looking for something to blow your future hubby’s mind, I would highly suggest a sexy boudoir shoot. Whether you take the photos yourself or get them professionally done at a studio; putting them all into an album for your partner to enjoy is certainly something he won’t forget!

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you come up with some ideas for your future partner! Whether it’s something funny, practical, sexy or sentimental – I’m sure he will love it, because it’s you that’s given it to him. No matter your budget, you can find something perfect.

What did you get your husband for your wedding day? Did your gift not make the list? If so, please let me know in the comments below. You may be helping out any future couples with their wedding gifts.

Read more about Succulent Wedding Bouquet Cost

Succulent Wedding Bouquet Cost

Today, we’re going to be looking at succulent wedding bouquet costs and how to get the best flowers for your budget. Succulents are one of the few flowers that are readily available all year round, making them the perfect versatile choice for your bouquet. Whether your bouquet is entirely made from succulents or you add some flowers too, it makes for a truly stunning bouquet.

What is a Succulent Bouquet?

A succulent bouquet is a bouquet (unsurprisingly) made up of succulents. Succulents are plants that are drought-resistant and retain water. They’re usually thick, fleshy and despite how they may sound, look beautiful at weddings.

As they’re available year-round, they’re a popular wedding choice. Another reason that they’re popular is because they’re usually far less expensive than flowers. They’re perfect for filling out bouquets and centerpieces.

As they are grown indoors, you can even grow them yourself at home, to add something special to your wedding bouquet. Also, if you plant them after your wedding day, they can last for years! It’s a special memento to treasure from your special day.

How Much Does a Succulent Wedding Bouquet Cost?

It’s impossible to predict an estimate for your specific succulent bouquet in mind. This is because prices can vary massively depending on the size of your bouquet and whether you’d like to incorporate flowers. This will increase the price of your bouquet.

However, we can look at some succulent bouquets online and how much they cost. Urban Succulents offer a wide range of succulent bouquets. Depending on what you’re looking for, prices start at just $60 and can go up to around $200. The more complex and intricate the bouquet, the more expensive the bouquet. They offer a range of colors and styles, that would work well at any wedding.

Urban Succulents also have succulent boutonnieres, cake toppers, corsages, and wedding favors. There’s nothing like a bit of matching on your big day!

If you’re working towards a tight budget and needing to look for something cheaper, sites like Etsy are a great place to start. A simple search for “succulent” bouquet gets thousands of hits and there are some starting from just $20-$30. Prices obviously increasing the bigger the bouquet and more complex.

DIY Succulent Bouquet

If you’re looking for an even cheaper alternative, making your succulent bouquet yourself will be the cheapest option. You can buy wired succulents ready-made to make your bouquet, or grow them yourself! Some things to remember when making your own bouquet:

Make sure you have ribbon, floral tape, floral wire, and your succulents (and flowers)
Succulents like Aeonium have flower-like rosette forms and are great for giving your bouquet a flowery feel without the flowers
Succulents will often have short stems, so you will need to make the stems longer yourself with the floral tape and wire

For a step-by-step guide on how to make your bouquet yourself, Gardening Know How have a great article to show you how.

Which Succulents are Most Popular for Bouquets?

You may be unsure where to start when looking for succulents to put into your bouquet if you’re choosing to make your own. Let’s have a rundown of some of the most popular choices to include.

Aeoniums – If you’re looking for drama, and something a little bit extra for your wedding bouquet, these are the best option. They’re easy to care for and come in a deep maroon color, as well as yellow and green. If you’re having a fall wedding, these would work great.
Burro’s Tail – if you’re looking for something to work well in your bridal teardrop bouquet, I would highly recommend Burro’s Tail. The stems cascade down and even the leaves are the shapes of a teardrop! They’re pale green typically, but sometimes even sprout pink blooms, which will certainly add an extra pop to your bouquet!
Echeveria – If you’re looking for something that resembles a flower, this is a great alternative. They look very similar to flowers and add a touch of class to your bouquet. As each Echeveria looks entirely different, it’s very easy to make up a bouquet of this succulent alone! This succulent comes in a range of colors, which makes it a very popular option for succulent bouquets. Pink, purple, blue, green, black – they can fit into any color scheme.

If you have the time to grow your own, it’s a much cheaper option. A bag of seeds can be bought for around $4-$10, depending on which succulent you’re growing. If you’re on a budget, it’s definitely worth the time to cut the price down of your bouquet massively.

How Long Does it Last?

The best thing about succulent bouquets is that they can be prepared well in advance for the wedding. If kept in the right conditions, succulents can last for around a week. This means that come the big day, you won’t have to be racing around for flowers as yours will have already been sorted up to a week before!

The fake items can be removed after the wedding and re-planted. So in reality, your bouquet can last several years, if looked after correctly.

Succulent Wedding Bouquet Cost Conclusion

I hope this article has helped to understand how much succulent bouquets cost and just how easy it can be to make your own. If I had known how easy it was, I may have even made them myself for my own wedding. Whatever your price range, there’ll be something available for you. And as they can be kept afterwards, it’s a perfect keepsake from your wedding.

Did you have a succulent bouquet for your wedding day? Are you planning to grow your own? If you have any tips and tricks to make the ideal bouquet, please feel free to leave any suggestions in the comments below. You could be helping out future brides with their bouquets!

Read more about How To Make Wedding Chair Covers