Zoe, Author at DIY Wedding Tips

Why Do We Do That Bridal Shower Game Answers & Other Shower Games

Today, we’re going to be looking at the bridal shower game, Why Do We Do That and the answers you’ll need when playing this game at your bridal shower. When you think of weddings, you’ll likely instantly think of superstitions and traditions that come with getting married. Whether it’s the bride’s something borrowed and something blue, or the bride wearing a white dress – there’s often many that we follow without even realizing that we’re doing so.

Wedding Traditions Game

Whether you know the game as Why Do We Do That Wedding Game or the Wedding Traditions Game, it’s one that’s most often played at bridal showers. Let’s take a look at some of the questions you may like to ask. These (obviously) all start with, Why Do We Do That?

Tie cans to the car of the bride and groom
The bride wears a white dress
The bride holds a bouquet
Having a ring bearer
Bride wears something blue
Bride throws the bouquet
The bride wears a veil
The bride wears something old
Bride takes something new
Ringing bells
Designating a specific ring finger
Couple goes on a honeymoon
Serving wedding cake to guests
Bride stands on the left of the groom
The groom wears a boutonniere
The men have a stag party
Carrying the bride over the threshold
Have a flower girl dropping petals
Groom throws the garter
Cutting the wedding cake together

You can find a free printable version here, in a range of colors here from Games for Bridal Showers. Or if you’re creative, you can try making your own and coming up with some of your own traditions and answers.

Wedding Traditions Game Answer Key

Never fear! If you’re looking for the answers to the example questions above, they’ll all be here in order to make planning the game as easy as possible for you.

So the noise will frighten away the evil spirits
It is a symbol of royalty and purity
Guarantees the couple to have many chances of having children
Marriage is said to be doomed if the ring is dropped by the groom himself
It shows a bride’s worthiness
To pass on her good fortune
Works as a disguise for the bride to ward off any evil spirits
It represents the past of the bride
It symbolizes the couple’s new journey and happy future together
Keeps evil spirits away when they hear the bell
It contains the vein of love
Considered a cooling-off period for the bride’s family
So guests can collect crumbs as a token of good luck
To defend his bride, his right arm must be free
He wears his lady’s colors to display his love
To kiss the bachelor days goodbye – a fond farewell to single life!
The bride tripping means bad luck
The strong smell of flowers wards off evil spirits
To distract guests so they keep their eyes off of the bride (oo-er!)
Symbolizes the couples shared future

Of course, these are just some of the ideas you can use within the game. If you know of any other traditions or superstitions that you think are worthy of the list, please feel free to let me know in the comments below – the more the merrier!

Other Bridal Shower Games

If you’re hosting the bridal shower, you may feel at a loss at which games to include – but don’t worry, there are lots of options to choose from. And most of the ideas you can do yourself, or buy from online marketplace such as Etsy and eBay. Some popular bridal shower games (besides Why do We Do That) are:

Find the Guest. This is a great game to start off the bridal shower and acquaint any guests that do not know each other. Questions are asked such as, find the guest that: speaks a different language, is wearing red shoes etc. This way your guests will have to mingle and become familiar with one another!
Making Cocktails. Split your bridal shower into small teams and get some cocktail ingredients at the ready. Set a time limit for the teams to make the best new cocktail of their choosing…and even name it something wedding related! You can offer a small prize for the winning team, or their bragging rights can be enough of a prize!
Charades: Wedding Version. Charades is a common game that most people enjoy, so why not play it with a wedding twist? Act out books, films, TV shows (all wedding themed, of course). You could use ideas such as Say Yes to the Dress, Mamma Mia, 27 Dresses, The Wedding Singer etc.
Musical Bouquet. You’ve no doubt heard of musical chairs…but what about musical bouquet? It’s musical chairs with a twist! Have guests sit in a circle and pass round the flowers. Whoever is holding the flowers when the music stop is eliminated. Much like musical chairs, the last person is the winner!
Scavenger Hunt. This can be in the room that you’re hosting the bridal shower in, or you can go big with this one! You can use clues such as, “the couple’s favorite place to eat”, or “the bride’s favorite place to shop”. It will be a lot of fun for the guests and get everyone involved.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to become more familiar with Why Do We Do That and other popular bridal shower games. There’s a plethora of games you can play at your bridal shower, so just choose games that you feel most comfortable with. The most important thing is that you have fun, and enjoy whatever you do at your bridal shower – whether that involves games or not.

What games did you play at your bridal shower? Or are you like me and didn’t have a bridal shower at all? Please feel free to let me know in the comments below. I love reading them!

Large Shadow Box For Wedding Dress: Displaying Your Gown

Today, we’re going to be looking at a large shadow box for wedding dress and other ways you may want to display your wedding gown. Many brides want to preserve their wedding dress and ensure it stays as perfect as can possibly be. And why not!? You probably paid hundreds, if not thousands, for your dream dress, so you likely want to display it in all it’s glory. But how? Let’s take a look.

What Is A Shadow Box?

Shadowboxing your dress is thought to be the best way of preserving your dress in the best possible way. Once the wedding is over, your dress is usually cleaned and pressed to ensure it goes into the shadow box looking as pristine as possible. This method ensures that no yellowing can occur to your dress and that things like dust and air moisture can not cause any damage.

Shadow Boxes For Wedding Dress

You can go to a shop and someone can do this for you, or you can buy a kit and do it yourself at home. While this is the cheaper option, it isn’t advised that you do it yourself unless you know what you’re doing. There are stores such as David’s Bridal that can take care of the cleaning and preservation for you. Their Cleaning and Preservation Kit is $149.95 and takes just two to six weeks.

They offer a variety of services such as cleaning, cleaning, and preservation, and their premium service which is an additional $50.

Top Tips

If you’re doing the cleaning and preservation yourself, you may want to follow these top tips.

Do Your Research. It’s important to know what you’re doing before you even touch your dress. There are plenty of tutorials and posts online to help you along the way.
Always use gloves when handling your dress in any way,
Don’t store your gown in an area where the temperature can be too extreme (hot or cold), such as a cellar, attic or garage, etc.
Wrap your dress in acid-free tissue paper or store in an acid-free plastic garment bag that is safe from harsh light and temperatures. Under a bed, or in a closet is ideal. (If you’re hanging a dress, be sure to use a padded hanger).

Once your dress is cleaned and preserved as best as possible, you can either buy a shadow box frame (these can be extremely costly, so be sure to set aside enough of your budget). If you choose to buy the shadow box yourself, you can purchase from stores such as Unbox the Dress starting at around $200 for the bodice display piece alone!

For a simpler storage box, stores like Etsy are perfect, and you can buy personalized boxes for around $30.

Wedding Dress Frame

You can buy a range of frames and shadow boxes from stores like Hobby Lobby (US) and Hobbycraft in the UK. Arts and crafts stores are the best place to start looking. It’s important to note that you’ll need a large box if displaying the whole dress. This is why most brides opt for displaying a certain part of that dress. That way, it keeps the price down and takes up less space. Let’s be honest, you’ll need an extremely big space to display your gown!

Wedding Dress Display Cabinet

If space is no worry in your home, you could even opt for a display cabinet! This way you can show off the dress in it’s entirety. Not only will it look stunning showcasing your beautiful gown, but it will be a daily reminder of your special day.

Cabinets are quite difficult to find and they can be extremely expensive. AliBaba has them available, but they cost $325…and you need to buy a minimum of 5! It may be easier to make your own if either you or your partner are good at DIY. Or find a bespoke service for a wedding dress display cabinet. However, these prices can be anything upwards from $1000.

If like me, your gown wasn’t too expensive, the preservation of your gown may cost more than the gown itself did! But if preserving your gown is important to you, it’s definitely something I would recommend. Especially if you plan on offering your gown to generations down the line – which is still a surprisingly popular tradition!

Conclusion

To conclude, I hope this article has helped you to become more familiar with large shadow boxes for wedding dresses and other ways you may want to display your gown. However you want to preserve and display it, your gown is likely a clothing item that you’ll treasure forever – so it’s definitely worth the time and care put into it. Whether it’s kept in a box, or on display.

One of the best places to ask…is your dry cleaner! This was surprising to me too. But one of their most common jobs is cleaning and pressing wedding dresses. So if they do not offer the service themselves, they will likely be able to recommend someone that can help you. So your local dry cleaner is a great place to start if you’re unsure where to find a framing service.

Shadowboxing isn’t for everyone, but it’s the perfect way to cherish your gown forever. And remember to set aside a chunk of your wedding budget. Whether you’re doing it from the comfort of your home or having it done professionally – it isn’t cheap!

Have you used a large shadow box for your wedding dress? Or do you plan to display your dress when your wedding is over? If so, please let me know if this was something you did yourself or if this was done for you. If you could recommend any framing stores or preservation services – that would be great! Please feel free to leave any suggestions in the comments below. You’ll likely be helping out future brides with their own display dresses.

How To Decorate A Flower Girl Basket: DIY

Today, we’re going to be looking at how to decorate a flower girl basket. With anything wedding related, if you buy it ready-made, the cost is a lot more expensive. So why not try making some of the items for your big day yourself? One of the loveliest items to make yourself is a flower girl basket. But how do you decorate it? If you’re looking for ideas, inspiration, and even tutorials – look no further!

What Is A Flower Girl?

Usually, a flower girl is a close relative of the bride or groom themselves. Typically, they’re between 3-8 years old, but it’s entirely up to you if you don’t feel the young female in your life is old enough to be a bridesmaid. Often, flower girls throw petals from a basket just before the bride herself walks down the aisle. A flower girl is an adorable way to incorporate the younger members of your family into your wedding. It makes them feel important, and they look super cute whilst doing it!

What Is A Flower Girl Basket?

A flower girl basket is what a flower girl traditionally takes down the aisle. The basket is often white and wicker. And full of flower petals or flowers. This is for the flower girl to decorate the aisle with and make a grand entrance for the bride. While the basket of flowers is traditional, you can use anything! We’ll be looking at alternatives later.

How To Make A Flower Girl’s Basket

Usually, you can visit your local arts and crafts store and pick up a plain white wicker basket (if that’s the color you’re looking for). Of course, you can opt to leave the outside of the basket plain – but it really does add an extra bit of magic to your wedding if you opt to decorate it.

This Flower Girl Basket DIY from Paper N Snitch Blog is super handy if you’re looking to decorate the outside of your basket with fresh flowers. You can match the color of the flowers to your color scheme, or just opt for subtle, pastel colors – they usually work the best in weddings.

In this particular tutorial, they use pink roses, lavender tulips, lamb’s ear, and white and lavender sweet peas – but you can choose whichever flowers you’d like. The items you’ll need to decorate your flower girl’s basket are:

Fresh Flowers (or faux if you’d prefer)
Basket
Hot Glue and Glue Sticks
Scissors

Most of those items you may already have at home, so it shouldn’t be too difficult! This may also be a nice activity to do alongside your flower girl(s). One of the most important points to remember if using fresh flowers is to make sure that they’re hydrated. The more hydrated they are when starting the creation, the longer the flowers will last once attached to the basket.

If you’re looking for more suggestions with flowers, this article from Wedding O Mania is a great starting point.

Flower Girl Baskets Ideas

If you want to decorate with something other than flowers or use a different style basket, there’s plenty of other options. Here are some of our favorite ideas:

Corsage. Why not stick on a corsage to the outside of your basket? It’s quick and easy to do – and makes it easy to spot that your flower girl is part of the bridal party.
Jewel Rim. Adding some rhinestones and jewels to the rim of the basket is simple but effective. It adds a bit of sparkle to your baskets in a subtle, cute way.
Wrapping Paper. Something cost-effective and easy is decorating your basket with wrapping paper. You can stick to one design, or use a variety to make lots of different patterns,
Glitter. You can’t go wrong with spray glitter – it’s perfect for any wedding!
Ribbon. Another simple but effective idea is ribbon. This is great for an elegant, classy feel.

Flower Girl Basket Alternatives

If you’re not sure if a basket is right for your flower girl, there’s plenty of other alternatives that you can buy or make yourself at home. Here’s some of our top suggestions.

Single Stem. If you’re looking for something simple that requires little effort from your part, why not have your flower girl walk down the aisle holding a single flower?
Wand. Wands are becoming increasingly popular for flower girls. It really will look like they’re adding a sprinkle of magic to your wedding day! And they can made with anything such as flowers, butterflies, ribbon, paper, etc.
Confetti. Sprinkling confetti instead of flowers is a really common alternative. You can even choose confetti that fits into your color scheme.
Bubbles. If your ceremony is outdoors, why not have your flower girls blow some bubbles down the aisle? Everyone loves bubbles! And they make for great photo opportunities.
Balloons. Walking down the aisle with a single white heart balloon is a super cute idea – you can even add Mr. and Mrs. to the balloon itself!
Parasols. If your ceremony is outside, parasols are perfect. They’re romantic, classy, and good for Summer weddings.
Signs. Something simple like a “Here Comes the Bride” sign is a good way to let your wedding guests know that the bride is ready to make her grand entrance!

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you become more familiar with how to decorate a flower girl basket and enlighten you on just some of the creative ideas you can utilize for your flower girl baskets. Every flower girl is different and something that suits one, may not suit another – so make sure your flower girl is comfortable with whatever you choose.

Did you have a flower girl at your wedding? Or do you plan to? Let me know if you’re decorating your own basket, or having them hold something completely unique. Please feel free to let me know any answers in the comments below.

Send Wedding Invitation To Disney Princesses: How To

Today, we’re going to be looking at how to send a wedding invitation to Disney princesses. Let’s be honest, most of us are fans of Disney and what more could you want than a response from your favorite Princess after sending them their own invitation. And guess what? You can do just that! I did this for my own wedding and was lucky enough to get responses from several Disney characters (alongside a response from Buckingham Palace!).

While it’s unlikely that Belle will turn up at your wedding, you’ll more than likely get a reply! All of the Princesses (and other characters) have their own addresses, and we’ll take a look at those later.

Where To Send The Disney Princess Wedding Invitations?

Depending on the Princess you’re sending an invitation to, there are several addresses you can send to. Whether it’s a Disneyland or Disney World invitation, they’re happy to accept invitations at either. Now, if you’re looking to send an invitation to Cinderella and Prince Charming, they actually have their own address!

Cinderella and Prince Charming’s address is:

“Cinderella and Prince Charming
P.O. Box 1000
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830″

If you’re looking to send an invite to a Princess besides Cinderella, it’s best to use one of these two addresses, with the character’s name.

“(Insert Guest Here)
Walt Disney World Communications
P.O. Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040”

“(Insert Guest Here)
Walt Disney Company
Attn: Fan Mail Department
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521”

You may want to include a SAE (self-addressed envelope) with your invites. I did, but Disney were kind enough to cover the postage costs themselves…and I live in the UK! But my wedding was over 5 years ago now, and things may change – so better to include a stamp, just in case.

What Do They Send Back?

What you receive back will all depend on who you’ve sent your invitation too! Cinderella and Prince Charming are a popular favorite as they send their own unique wedding response. A response from Cinderella and Prince Charming will be an autographed congratulatory certificate from them both. It’s a perfect keepsake to commemorate your wedding and keep in a memory box.

However, if you send to another Disney Princess – the responses can vary! Some will reply with an autographed 8×10 photo, while others have even been known to get their own letter. How incredible would that be?!

The most common response from other Princesses is an autographed postcard that includes some of the most iconic princesses, including Jasmine, Ariel, Tiana, Cinderella, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and Rapunzel. Surely it’s about time that Anna and Elsa got some love too?!

How Long Until I Receive a Response?

The response time will vary. Depending on what time of year you send it, and where you are in the world are all factors you will need to bear in mind. I sent my invites in May (from the UK) and hardly had any wait time! Within 4 weeks, I had a response. However, if you’re sending in busier months, or from further away – it may take longer.

The general wait time seems to be around 6 weeks. And that’s the average response time from the US!

Is a Response Guaranteed?

Unfortunately, there is absolutely no guarantee that you’ll receive a response. This will vary on a range of factors such as how much time the characters have, items not being lost in the mail, etc. Disney do this as a gesture of goodwill, so they have no obligation to send a reply.

For example, I sent an invitation to Mickey and Minnie, and Cinderella and Prince Charming. I received a super cute Happily Ever After postcard from Mickey and Minnie with their well wishes on the back. However, I received no response from Cinderella and Prince Charming, so that was a little disappointing.

You can see some more responses from Disney characters here.

Can You Send Invites To Other Disney Characters?

Of course! Mickey and Minnie are probably the most common Disney couple to send a wedding invitation to (I know I did). If you’re looking to send the famous mice an invite, the best address to send one too is:

Mickey and Minnie Mouse
The Walt Disney Company
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521

Mickey and Minnie Mouse
The Magic Kingdom
1675 N Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

That’s right, the famous duo have two addresses! While they used to send pins, badges, and all kinds of cute memorabilia, it seems that the most common response now is the Happily Ever After postcard – which is still a great reply.

If you have another favorite character that isn’t a Princess or Mickey and Minnie, you can still send an invite and you may get a response. There’s just no guarantee that you’ll get a response. Just remember to add an SAE and your invite is ready to go in the post to your favorite character. Even Disney villains have been known to reply!

Conclusion Of Sending Wedding Invitations To Disney Princesses

It’s worth nothing that you can send an invite to any celebrity or character, provided they have a PO box. Yes, that even includes the President and the Queen! I sent invites to both, and I did receive a response from Buckingham Palace. It’s been said that the Queen only replies if you’re British, and the President only replies if you’re American…but I’m not sure how true that is.

If you want to try, you can find some of their addresses here.

I hope this article has helped you see how easy it is to send a wedding invitation to Disney Princesses! You just have to cross your fingers and hope for a response. Will you be trying to send an invite to your favorite character? Do you have a success story from sending an invite? Let me know in the comments below.

Mini Adirondack Chair Cake Toppers: DIY and Buying Your Own

Today, we’re going to be looking at mini Adirondack chair cake toppers. What you put on top of your cake probably isn’t high on your list of priorities for things to sort out before the big day – but it does need to be sorted! If you’re looking for a beach chair cake topper for your wedding – the mini Adirondack chairs are perfect. But where to buy them? Can you make them yourself? You may not even know what an Adirondack chair is! Let’s take a look.

What Is An Adirondack Chair?

Typically, an Adirondack chair is an outdoor chair with wide armrests. You’ll often see them at the beach. The seat is usually higher at the back and slates downwards as you move further back. It takes it’s name from the Adirondack mountains.

Why Have A Cake Topper?

You absolutely do not need to have a cake topper at your wedding, but I think it’s a great idea. Whether you choose mini-figures of yourself, or a sign – it really adds personality to the cake. At my wedding, I had a “Happily Ever After” glitter sign at the top of my cake, and I loved it!

If you want to give your cake a personal touch, I would recommend a cake topper. It’s a great way to easily identify your cake and it’s usually something inedible – so you can keep it in your memory box long after the wedding day is over.

Adirondack Chair Wedding Cake Topper

If you’re having a beach wedding, a surfer wedding, or maybe you just love Adirondack chairs – mini Adirondack chairs for your cake topper is the perfect idea. They come in a range of colors and styles, so you can really tailor the design to your wedding. We’ll be looking at some of the top choices on online marketplaces such as Etsy and eBay. Plus a tutorial to make your very own if you’re looking for something truly original.

DIY Adirondack Chair Cake Toppers

If you’re creative and love to be crafty, why not try making your own? There’s a heap of tutorials online but my favorite is this one from A Bride on the Budget. The best thing about making your own is that you can tailor it to whichever size you’re looking for – and choose whichever color you want too! Something to bear in mind is that this may take a few hours – so you’ll need plenty of patience.

To make your own, you’ll need:

Pattern from Kyle’s Woodworking (printed)
Craft Sticks
Wood Glue
X-Acto Knife
Pencil
Paint of your Choice
Paint Brush

It really is ready in just a few simple steps. But it is time consuming. This may be a fun activity to do with your partner. Especially if you each decorate your own chairs. Most of the items you’ll need, you likely already have at home so it won’t be very costly at all. And the end product will likely look just as good as one you can buy from the store!

Buying Mini Adirondack Chair Wedding Cake Toppers

If (like me), you have very little patience and getting creative with your hands isn’t something you’re great at – don’t worry! There are plenty of places you’re able to buy your own. The best places to find them are online stores such as eBay and Etsy, but you may be able to find something similar in your local arts and craft stores. It’s worth asking your cake maker if it’s something they can provide, especially as they will know the exact measurements of your cake.

Another place that may be worth looking at toy stores. This may seem an odd one but there are plenty of dollhouse chairs that would work perfectly on top of your cake. They may not be mini Adirondack chairs, but you never know what you may find when looking!

Top Picks to Buy

My top picks to buy that are ready-made are all from Etsy, so that’s definitely the best place to shop around for mini Adirondack chairs. These are some of my favorites on Etsy.

Shop: Adorably Imperfect
Name: Blue or White Mini Adirondack Chair with a Starfish
Price: £7 each
Perks: You can email the shop if you require another color, and they will do their best to accommodate your needs
Shop: 1AdventurousMoose
Name: Mini Foam Adirondack Chairs
Price: £3 each
Perks: This chair comes in a range of colors, including black, brown, green, white, orange, purple and more! Another bonus is that it’s made of foam. This means it’s easy to manipulate in whichever position you need it to be in
Shop: Kousoulas Kreations
Name: Mini Adirondack chairs various colors
Price: £7 each
Perks: The quality of these chairs means that they’ll last longer than others. Plus not only do they come in a huge selection of colors, but they also come in 3 different styles to choose from too!

If you’re looking for some more inspiration on Etsy, you can find more mini chairs to choose from here. Most prices are reasonable, so it’s a great way to find a cake topper at a good price.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to become more familiar with mini Adirondack chair cake toppers. Whether you’re looking to make your own or buy for your cake – it really couldn’t be easier! And particularly works well if you’re having a beach wedding. Even your cake will be showcasing the beach theme! You can even put mini-figures in the chairs too – why not go all out? It is your wedding day, after all!

Did you use mini Adirondack chairs for your wedding cake topper? If so, please let me know in the comments below if you made them yourself, or bought them outright – I would love to hear from you. You also may be helping out any future brides and grooms with their own wedding cake toppers!

Free Color Swatches For Bridesmaid Dresses: Where To Get Them

Today, we’re going to be looking at free color swatches for bridesmaid dresses and where you can get them. Color swatches for weddings are actually super important. There’s so many things to organize for a wedding, and when choosing a bridesmaid dress, you want the color match to be easy. And of course, you want it to fit in with the rest of your wedding theme.

What Is A Color Swatch?

You’ll likely already know what a color swatch is, but if you’re unaware, a color swatch is a small piece of material, that comes in a range of different fabrics and colors. When you receive the small piece of material, you can see how it matches to other parts of your wedding, and decide whether it’s the choice you’d like to go for. Once you’ve made a decision, you can order the material and color in whatever you need it for. In this case, bridesmaid dresses.

A color swatch for bridesmaid dresses is usually to ensure that it matches the groomsmen. Tradition states they should be coordinated, after all.

Free Wedding Color Swatches: Where to Get Them

You may be considering receiving lots of color swatch samples. And so you should! Choosing anything for your wedding is a big decision, so you want to be absolutely certain of the color before purchasing. Especially if it’s a big purchase. But where can you get free color swatches? The price will add up if you’re trialing lots of colors. My top picks for free color swatches are:

Kennedy Blue – if you use code 3FREECOLORS, this enables you to get three free color swatches for any of their bridesmaid dresses; which are usually $2-4 each! You can find a range of styles, fabrics, and colors to choose from. This company is US-based.
For Her and For Him – Their color swatches are exclusively for their bridesmaid dresses only. And this store enables you to have 5 free color swatches, from a range of materials and colors. This company is UK based.
The Little Wedding Company – not only does this company offer bridesmaid color swatches, but also swatches for hats, stationery and cakes too! How incredible is that? Much like Kennedy Blue, only 3 free color swatches are permitted. This company is UK based.
Dress and Charm – while there aren’t many styles available, they do allow you to have 9 free color swatches, which is great if you’re completely unsure of which color to go for. Or even if you’re looking for rainbow bridesmaid dresses. This company is US-based.
Physical Stores. Nothing beats physical stores! Most boutiques and bridal stores offer swatches for bridesmaid dresses they stock, so it may be worth going into your local store and asking. Usually, they’re more than happy to let you take swatches away with you and decide if they’re the right match. And shopping locally is always great for supporting small businesses.

Things To Consider

There are a few things you may want to consider when looking for color swatches. Here are some top tips and things to think about.

Order your swatches before you make any final decisions. Even if you’re certain on a color or shade, it’s always best to check – especially if it’s free! Use one of the choices on the list above.
Once you’ve received your swatches and narrowed the choice down, try doing these things. Test the swatch in different lightings and see how it looks. Match against the complexion of your bridesmaids – sometimes your perfect color doesn’t suit them whatsoever.
Be open to other fabrics. Chiffon, velvet, tulle, and sequins are just a few you may like to use for your bridesmaid dresses. And it’s important to note that each color will look slightly different depending on the fabric you decide on. So be sure to get a swatch in each fabric!
Think about whether the color compliments your groomsmen and the color scheme of the wedding. This is especially important if your wedding closely matching is a must for you. You want everything to work well and look good together.

Benefits Of Color Swatches

You may think that color swatches are a waste of time, especially if you already have your heart set on a color and style. But it’s always best to check. And when there’s no expensive, what’s the harm in checking? The benefits of color swatches are:

It makes coordinating easy! You can use them for groomsmen, bridesmaids, flower girls – whoever you want. And it makes planning so much easier and stress-free; which is exactly what you want for your wedding.
Once you have a color, you can inform all of your suppliers of the color you’re opting for. This makes matching everything at your venue super straightforward. Even down to products like chair covers, or napkin rings!
Transportable. When shopping around for items, having a small piece of material that fits into your handbag is convenient for when you need to match something at the last minute.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you learn where to find free color swatches for bridesmaid dresses and what a huge convenience they are when choosing the color of your bridesmaid dresses. Whether you’re opting for a strict color theme, or something a little more casual – it’s still a great idea. As lighting, material, weather – all of these are factors that can make a color look slightly different.

If you’re completely unsure on colors, most stores that stock bridesmaid dresses will have a full-color palette, but that will not be free.

Did you use color swatches for your wedding? What did you find the advantages were? I would love to see any of your responses in the comments below. If there’s a store I haven’t mentioned that supplies free color swatches, please let me know. You may be helping out a future bride or groom with their bridesmaid dresses!

Top Picks: The Best Wedding Dresses For Short Curvy Girls

Today, we’re going to be looking at some top picks at the best wedding dresses for curvy girls. Let’s be honest, whatever size and shape you are – finding your dream gown isn’t easy. However, if you’ve got curves or you’re shorter than 5ft 3, it can become more challenging; take it from a 5ft 2 curvy bride! But never fear, your dream dress is out there, and we’ll be looking at some of my favorite picks today.

Whether you’re looking for some princess-like, or something more casual, we’ll be covering it all in this article. Some brides’ priority is for comfort, while others may be glitz and glam. The most important thing to remember is that it’s your wedding dress, and you should be choosing something that is right for you; despite what anyone else thinks.

I was one of the lucky ones! I chose my dream dress online (Alfred Angelo Disney Princess Jasmine) and found a local stockist. Then, I tried it on and I instantly knew it was the one. However, it did need a lot of adjustments! But a store that has a surprisingly wide range of Bridal dresses for all shapes and sizes, is Amazon. Here’s my top picks from Amazon.

Wedding Dresses For Curvy Brides

Whether you want to flaunt off your curves with a figure-hugging dress, or you want something more traditional – whatever your body type, you can find the dress you’re looking for. Here are some of the best wedding dresses for curvy figures.

Kiyonna Women’s Plus Size Wedding Belle Dress

Our first choice is this Kiyonna Women’s Plus Size Wedding Belle Dress. You may want to opt for something short, classy, and elegant. If so, this is the dress for you. It comes in two styles: ivory and lace, with a nude lining. The ivory feels more bridal – but it depends how bold you’d like to be!

This dress is $198.00 and the fit is true to size, according to brides that have chosen this dress for their own wedding. It has 4.1 stars and comes in sizes 0x to 5x.

It’s made from 94% lace and is the perfect dress if you’re looking for something that oozes femininity.

Check price on Amazon

Ever-Pretty Women’s A-Line Empire Waist Embroidery Plus Size Dress

The Ever-Pretty Women’s A-Line Empire Waist Embroidery Plus Size Dress is another great choice. It’s very similar to the first dress, but a full-length gown. Brides often opt for full-length gowns if they’re having a more formal wedding. This dress comes in a wide selection of colors, but the obvious choice is of course, white.

The dress is just $54.99 and the fit is also true to size, according to past brides – despite the brand telling you to order one size up. It’s recommendation rating is 4.2 stars and comes in sizes 14-26.

Due to the price, this dress is made from polyester, so although the material may not be as luxurious as the first, it’s a good choice if you’re working on a tight budget.

Check price on Amazon

Babygirls Beach Wedding Dress Plus Size for Woman

The Babygirls Beach Wedding Dress Plus Size for Woman is perfect if you’re having a beach wedding and want to show off a bit more of that gorgeous figure. A full-length gown made of beautiful chiffon material, that comes in a range of Bridal colors. These colors include ivory, white, off-white, and pastel pink.

The top of this dress is embellished with stunning pearls, which really adds a bit of luxury to this already beautiful dress.

Depending on your size, dresses range from $99 upwards, and again, the fit is true to size. It comes highly recommended with 4 stars and comes in a great selection of sizes, from sizes 2-24 plus.

Check price on Amazon

Wedding Dresses for Petite Curvy Brides

Wedding dresses for short women with curves can be even more tricky! But Amazon has some lovely choices you may like to consider.

Wedding Dresses for Bride 2021 Sleeveless Lace Petite/Plus Size Bridal Gowns

The Wedding Dresses for Bride 2021 Sleeveless Lace Petite/Plus Size Bridal Gowns is perfect for whatever wedding you’re having. It’s traditional, classy, and completely classic. It comes in ivory and white and is made from chiffon and lace. This full-length gown with an open back will have your wedding guests in awe.

The dress comes in at $109.99 and is true to its size. The recommendation score of this dress is 4 out of 5 stars, and comes in the best range of sizes I could find! Sizes 0-24, and sizes 18-26 plus.

Check price on Amazon

Ikerenwedding Women’s V-Neck Sequins Sleeveless Lace-up Mermaid Gown

The Ikerenwedding Women’s V-Neck Sequins Sleeveless Lace-up Mermaid Gown is my ultimate choice. If you want something figure-hugging and something that will leave your guests reeling – this gown is perfect. It comes in a range of colors, but silver and white seem most appropriate for a wedding. It has a built-in bra and is made from gorgeous materials, such as sequins, tulle, and satin.

The dress is priced at $119.99 and is true to size. This is our most recommended choice with 4.4 stars out of 5! It comes in sizes 2-26 and is truly stunning.

Check price on Amazon

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped to highlight the best wedding dresses for curvy girls and shown how easy it can be find your dream gown! Amazon has a plethora of other options if none of our choices take your fancy – the world is your oyster.

Whatever dress you choose, as long as you’re happy and comfortable – that is the most important thing. And you’ll look absolutely beautiful, no matter what your dress looks like.

If you’re a plus-size or petite bride, where did you buy your wedding gown from? Or where do you plan to? Did this article help at all? Please feel free to let me know in the comments below. I love reading through them, and you may be able to help any future plus-size brides!

Wedding Guest Books: Unique, Innovative Ideas

Today, we’re going to be looking at all things wedding guest books! While it may not be the first thing you think about when you start planning your wedding, it is actually quite an important aspect of your wedding. It’s something you’ll both be able to treasure forever and look back on to be reminded of how beautiful your wedding was and the people that attended. Whether you opt for a traditional wedding guest book or something more unique, guest books are a lot of fun!

What Is A Wedding Guest Book?

A wedding guest book is a great way to let your guests celebrate with you. They can leave their own well wishes and I find that something handwritten is far more personal, and something you’ll likely treasure forever. It’s a book you’ll look back on for years to come. And the perfect reminder of your special day together.

Do You Need A Wedding Guest Book?

Absolutely not! There is no etiquette that states you need to have a guest book at your wedding. However, most couples do choose to have one, and very rarely regret that decision.

What Does A Wedding Guest Book Look Like?

Traditionally, it’s a white, blank book which is full of empty pages for guests to write their messages. However, we’ve come a long way since then! Some couples may prefer a wedding guest book with photos from their engagement, or something more out there like a blank puzzle – we’ll look at more ideas soon! A groom and bridal guest book is the perfect addition to any wedding.

Wedding Guest Book Ideas

Whether you want a physical book, or something a little less traditional – there’s a lot of choices out there! Let’s take a look at some options you may like to consider.

Puzzle Wedding Guest Book

This is one of my favorite non-traditional ideas. Whether you get your names printed in the middle, or leave the entire puzzle blank – guests can take an individual puzzle piece and customize it. Whether that be with a signature, name or message (depending on the piece size!), it’s super cute! And something you and your partner can get hours of enjoyment out of after the wedding. Knotted Sage on Etsy has a great Wooden Puzzle Guest book, which comes in a range of sizes and styles.

Personalized Jenga Guest Book

This is a really fun idea – and again, something you can make good use of after! Guests will write their own messages on individual blocks and stack them on top once their message is written. A fun (and perhaps emotional!) game for years to come, can be playing Jenga but taking turns to read each message every time you remove a brick. The best part about this guest book is – it’s extremely affordable! You can pick up Jenga from almost anywhere and your guest book is ready to be personalized!

Globe Wedding Guest Book

If you and your partner are planning on travelling once your wedding is over (or just love travelling in general!), why not buy a globe and get guests to sign that? Whether they sign over countries they recommend that you visit, or you just want a gorgeous new display piece in your home – what better way than filled with messages from loved ones! And it’s something you’ll see everyday as a reminder of your wedding.

Guest Book With Guest Photos

Whether you have a photo booth that prints photos that guests can then stick in, or you prefer something simpler like a polaroid camera beside the guest book – this is a really cool idea! Not only will you get heartfelt messages from your loved ones, but it will also be filled with fun photos from your special day, that you can treasure forever. This will definitely be a more expensive option, but if your budget is a bit more open, it’s a brilliant idea.

Envelope Wedding Guest Book

This is a much more traditional approach, but it’s super cute. And would work perfectly at a rustic/boho wedding. This envelope wedding guest book from Ginger Ray is just $26.99 and contains 80 inserts that go inside 80 mini envelopes in a book! It’s like your very own adult lift-the-flap.

Postcards Guest Book

While not exactly a book, buying a bumper pack of postcards and having your guests write their message on the back is a budget-friendly cute idea. Whether you buy random postcards or postcards with photos of the happy couple on the back – it’s something you can keep forever.

Online Wedding Guest Book

You may not have space for a physical guest book at your wedding venue, or maybe you just prefer things digitally – online guest books are amazing! For my own wedding, I had a physical and an online guest book. The online guest book was great for guests that hadn’t been able to make the wedding, but still wanted to send their best wishes, or simply forgot to sign the book on the wedding night.

For my own wedding, I used gettingmarried.co.uk, which not only can be used for an online guest book, but a range of other options to, such as directions to the venue, best places to stay, and even song suggestions for the reception! You get your own website dedicated to your wedding – and the best part about it? It’s free!

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped to understand all things wedding guest books, and hopefully give you some ideas of your own for your guest book. They really are a perfect addition to any wedding. And I look at my own regularly!

Did you have a wedding guest book at your wedding? Do you have any creative, unique ideas that you think are worthy of mentioning? If so, please feel free to let me know any suggestions in the comments below. I love reading through them and you may be helping out future brides and grooms with their own big day.

What To Wear To An Engagement Party At A House: Do’s and Don’ts

Today, we’re going to be looking at what to wear to an engagement party at a house, and other venues. So you’ve just got engaged – what should you be wearing to your engagement party? Or maybe you’ve just been invited to an engagement party as a guest, and there’s been no specified dress code. Let’s take a look at the do’s and don’ts of what to wear.

What Is An Engagement Party?

An engagement party is pretty self-explanatory! It’s a party that celebrates two people on their engagement. This can be done at any venue, and they’re usually a lot of fun. Games can sometimes be played, and drink is often had. There’s often food available for the guests. And speeches are often rife at engagement parties. They usually last a few hours and it can be anything from a small gathering, to hundreds of people!

What To Wear To An Engagement Party?

There’s a few aspects to consider when you’re deciding what to wear to an engagement party. Whether you’re one half of the happy couple or a guest in attendance – it can be a tricky decision. Let’s take a look at some tips and tricks for guests and the newly engaged pair!

Guests

For guests, there is a certain etiquette and unspoken rule to follow when choosing your engagement party outfits. Here’s some things to keep in mind:

Dress Code. Is there a dress code on the invitation? If there is, this makes it super easy to choose an outfit! If there isn’t one, it can be a little more difficult. The best thing to do if you’re completely unsure is to ask. Whether you ask the bride or groom themselves, or someone else attending the party – it may be best to get some clarification.
Where is it? Where the party is happening can be important. You don’t want to show up to a BBQ wearing a formal cocktail dress. Make sure to match your outfit with the vibe of the venue. For example, a BBQ would be a great time to wear a floaty dress with a pair of wedges.
When is it? The time of year is also important. If it’s the middle of Winter, you may want to opt for a coat or pullover with your outfit, particularly if some of it is happening outside. Dressing for the weather is a good idea, even if there’s a dress code.
Overdressed is best! Even if the engagement party is at a house, you may be wanting to wear something casual – but being too casual is a definite no-no! Stay clear of jeans, sweat pants, casual shorts. Being slightly overdressed is always better than underdressed. You don’t want to stick out for the wrong reasons! Even engagement parties at a house require some effort – some will even have a strict cocktail attire code!
Colors. Choosing the color is important. White is a no-go. But light colors that may appear white in photographs (such as pastel pink) should also be avoided.

Bride/Groom

Choosing an outfit for your own engagement party is something that will likely be important to you, but you may be wondering if there’s any etiquette? The good news is – not really! Brides and grooms can often wear whatever they feel most comfortable in at their engagement party.

For brides, it’s often seen as appropriate to wear white. This isn’t something you have to do, but it’s a great place to start owning the color white. This is the first celebration on your journey to becoming newlyweds, so why not take full advantage of wearing white as often as possible? Wearing white also makes it easy to spot the bride among photographs and certainly makes you the leading lady of your special day – which is probably what you’re looking for!

The groom can usually wear whichever color they’d prefer. But it’s often seen as appropriate to wear a button-down shirt, dress pants, and a blazer. The blazer isn’t a must if you’re having a more casual dress code.

For some inspirat

ion for engagement party outfits (for women and men), The Trend Spotter has a great post to give you some ideas on what to wear.

Can You Wear White To An Engagement Party?

Unless you’re the bride, under no circumstances should a female wear white to an engagement party. White is strictly reserved for the bride. This is her moment to shine, and the first time she’ll have the option to wear white for the first step on her wedding journey.

Unless asked by the bride, white should be avoided at all costs. It’s also important to avoid light colors that may appear white from a distance, or in photographs. The bride should be the star of the show at her engagement party – so be sure not to steal the spotlight.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped to decipher what to wear to an engagement party at a house or any other venue. It’s important to note that although a house may feel more casual, you still need to make some effort – it is a celebration after all!

Ultimately, it comes down to the dress code and the vibe of the engagement party. If the couple want you to wear jeans, then, by all means, go for it! If you’re unsure and there’s no dress code – ask. The happy couple will likely be more than okay to answer any questions. But try to ask in advance, asking last minute isn’t ideal on their special day.

What did you wear to your engagement party? Or as a guest in attendance? Are there any other do’s and don’ts you can think of? If you have an answer to any of these questions, be sure to let me know in the comments below. I love reading through them, and you may be helping out future couples.

Cool Things To Do With Sparklers At Weddings

Today, we’re going to be looking at cool things to do with sparklers on your big day. There’s a wide selection of fun things to do with sparklers…and they really do add a bit of sparkle to your day. Let’s take a look at some of the best sparkler ideas, and why they’re becoming increasingly more popular at weddings in more recent years.

What Is A Sparkler?

You’ll likely already know what a sparkler is, and they’re very common around this time of year. But more recently, they’ve been showing up at weddings! Sparklers are small handheld fireworks that emit sparks in a safe, controlled way. You hold one end and it sparkles until burnt away. You can get sparklers in a range of colors and do lots of cool tricks with them (if you know what you’re doing).

Why Use A Sparkler At Your Wedding?

Using sparklers at your wedding is a trend that is extremely popular nowadays, and it’s not difficult to see why. If you’re looking for a unique way to add a sparkle (excuse the pun!) to your wedding, this is a great choice. You can use them at any point throughout your day and they make for gorgeous photos that you’ll treasure forever. Your wedding is a big occasion, so what better way to celebrate than with sparkle?!

Things To Do With Sparklers

Whether you only choose one person to use sparklers or your entire wedding party, there’s an idea for everyone in our ideas – let’s take a look.

“I Do” Kiss with Sparklers

When you share that first kiss as a married couple, what better way to celebrate than with sparklers. Whether they are behind you and make for the perfect backdrop for you and your now lifelong partner, or each guest has their own and lights their own sparkler to celebrate your union – it will be truly special and memorable for you, and your guests.

Sparkler Photos After the Ceremony

Sparklers are well known for writing messages in the air and capturing great photos. Once the ceremony is over, and you go to your photographer for photos – why not incorporate sparklers? Whether you choose to do this with your now-husband/wife (writing Mr. and Mrs. in the air is a super cute idea!) or with your bridal party for a bit of goofy fun – this will certainly leave a smile on your face. While also making some gorgeous everlasting photos.

Sparklers on Your Cake

On special occasions (usually birthdays), you may have a sparkler in your cake – so why should your wedding cake be any different? It will be attention-grabbing for all of your guests to let them know it’s cake cutting time and makes for a stunning cake. Cake sparklers are 100% safe and usually burn for around a minute; giving you plenty of time for those perfect photo opportunities!

Sparkler Girl

You’ve heard of flower girls…but have you heard of sparkler girls? Having your flower girl(s) walk down the aisle with a single-lit sparkler will be sure to bring tears to your guest’s eyes. While also making for some gorgeous photos of the young ladies in your life. This is a really unique idea if you’re looking to steer away from tradition.

Exit/Entrance

The most common use of sparklers is when the bride enters, or when the happy couple make their exit after the ceremony. Having sparklers lit at the entrance or exit will make for a special moment you will treasure forever. And make the guests feel really involved too if they each have their own. You can even add customized sparkler tags (we’ll look at those later).

Where To Buy Sparklers For Your Wedding?

There’s so many places you may want to buy your sparklers from – after a quick Google, you’ll be inundated with sparkler options. However, I would recommend Grand Wedding Exit. They have a range of different sizes, including 10, 14, and 20 inches. They also have different shapes, including stars and hearts! If you’re looking for bundles, rather than individual sets, they supply those too! And confetti and balloons, if you’re looking to shop in the same place for all of your décor needs.

If you’re giving each guest their own sparkler, you may want to personalize them with a tag. Sites like Etsy and eBay have a range of affordable options with personalized labels that include the couples’ names and date of the wedding, and a cute tagline like “let love sparkle”. You can find them in a range of styles and colors, to match the color theme/scheme of your wedding.

You can also buy a Wedding Sparklers Box to store the sparklers in and your guests can help themselves. If you’re having a chic/rustic wedding, this idea will work perfectly with your theme. This particular wedding sparkler box is £44.70 from Etsy and can be done with a selection of finishes, and be personalized with any wording you may choose.

Conclusion

I hope this article has introduced you to just some of the cool things to do with sparklers. Using sparklers at any point throughout your day is fun, memorable, and unique. And really does make for the best wedding photos that will make you feel you’re in a movie. And what better day to feel that way than on your wedding! The smile it will leave on not only your face, but your guests’ faces too will definitely be worth it. And it’s a great activity for the kids to enjoy too!

Did you use sparklers at your wedding? Or do you plan to? Did you use any ideas that didn’t make it onto the list? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below – I love reading them. You may be helping out future brides and grooms with their own sparkler needs, on their wedding day. Sharing is caring!