The big question has been asked and now who will stand up by your side on your wedding day? Brides and grooms have started coming up with creative ways to ask their friends and family to be in their wedding party. There are unique ways to ask whether you are the artsy type or not. Below are some fabulous ideas to ask your bridesmaids and your groomsmen to partake in the fun and festivities that come along with being a member of the wedding party!
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IDEAS FOR THE GALS
Bridesmaid Survival Kit:
We all know that being a bridesmaid can be hectic. Why not create a bridesmaid “survival kit” for your gals? Include items that the bridesmaid will need as well as some other tongue-in-cheek items. Some items that we thought would fit in perfectly are: measuring tape, chart for dress measurements, Zanex for the bride, compact mirror, ear plugs (for long winded speeches), a picture of the bridesmaid’s dresses, etc. You can get really fun with this one! If you have not found your bridesmaids’ dresses yet you can play a joke on them by including a picture of a really ugly dress in the kit. Let’s see how long it takes them to crack! Don’t forget to add a sweet note asking them to be your bridesmaid too…
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Courtesy of: Style Me Pretty
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Scrapbooks:
If you are the more creative type and have some time to spare, you can design scrapbooks for all of your bridesmaids. These can be small books that have pages with photos of you and your bridesmaid, maybe a recap of an earlier time or when you first met as well as any momento that you might just have on hand that is special to the two of you. Each will differ, but that is what makes them – your bridesmaid and the book – so special! If you are not the artsy type there are websites that you can create the pages on and then have them printed and bound. Don’t forget to add a card (or sneak a page in) to ask her to be a part of your bridal party.
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IDEAS FOR THE GUYS
We all know that MOST guys don’t like to express their feelings as much as gals do, especially to other guys. Here are a few great ideas for grooms that don’t want to be too ‘soft’ but want to ask their groomsmen in a special way.
Personalized Bottles:
For a sneaky way to ask your groomsmen to be a part of your wedding, photoshop the label of your favorite beer to include the word groomsmen. Invite the guys over for the game or night out, and give them all the beers with the new groomsmen labels on them. Let’s see how long it takes them to figure out that the label has been changed! The label below was made from a Guinness label but any label will work.
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Courtesy of: Wedding Chicks
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Beer Mugs:
Another fun way to ask your groomsmen is by personalizing beer mugs , flasks or shot glasses engraved with their name and the word groomsman or best man. Not only is it a cool gift that most guys will enjoy (before, during and after the wedding…) but these items make great memorable photo props. Don’t forget to get one for the groom too!
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IDEAS FOR THE WHOLE WEDDING PARTY
Wine Bottles:
If you don’t want to make something for your wedding party here is a fabulous solution. We have found two bottles of wine, one is called Bridesmaid Red and the other is “Best Man” Pinot. Bridesmaid Red is created by three Napa winemakers: Josh Peeples, Drew Neiman, and Pam Starr. The three wine makers collaborated by blending their excess barrels. It is a fantastic ‘marriage’ of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a little Syrah. This wine is a crowd pleaser and a great way to ask all of your bridesmaids.
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Courtesy of: K&L wines
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If you are looking for a way to ask your Best Man to be apart of your special day, Truckee River Winery has created a wine called “Best Man” Pinot. The Best Man Pinot Noir started as an experiment with fruit, now it has become a favorite for many. Only 80 cases of this wine have been made so if you are interested in get this for your Best Man (or all your Best Men) then act fast!
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Courtesy of: Truckee River Winery
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Doing an Activity: Tempt your potential wedding party by asking them to join you in an activity that you like to do together – shouldn’t be too hard! While together, hand out cards, notes, make a huge sign or even just ask them to be a part of your wedding party. As long as it is a shared hobby or sport, that is all that matters!
Coming up with a creative, unique way to ask your wedding party can be a lot of fun but can also be challenging. Hopefully some of these ideas will inspire you!
After finding your dream wedding gown (and possibly falling in love again…), don’t forget about your main squeeze and his entourage. The formality of your gown will easily dictate what your groom and his groomsmen should wear. At MW’s lakefront weddings we have seen different types of attire ranging from formal to semi-formal to casual. There are so many choices for the men to choose from so take care with these details and they will be sure to look amazingly dapper!
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Formal:
The most classic attire is the tuxedo or Black Tie. The tuxedo usually includes a black coat, trousers with stripe on leg seam, white tuxedo shirt, cummerbund, black bow tie, cuff links and black leather dress shoes. For a quirky spin – ‘Creative Black Tie’ – on the traditional tuxedo, replace the black bow tie with a fun color that compliments the color palette of your special day or sport a black shirt for a modern look.
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Photo Courtesy of Ben Chrisman Photography, Dave Getzschman of Ben Chrisman Photography & Jennifer Baciocco Photography - All Merrily Wed Weddings.
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For the utmost formal event, it must be White Tie complete with a white bow tie, vest, possibly jacket with tails and a white tuxedo shirt.
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The most common style that we see at lakefront weddings is semi-formal. Semi-formal usually includes a well-planned suit and tie. This style can be personalized by using a different color suit besides black. Some of the popular suit colors we have seen besides black are: navy blue, charcoal gray, chocolate brown and tan.
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Photos Courtesy of (clockwise) Kate Webber Photography, Lisa Leigh Photography, Mulberry Photography and Jay Reilly Photography. All Merrily Wed Weddings.
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Another fabulous look we love is a “By the Lake” style by combining a navy sportcoat and khaki slacks. This nautical trend is a favorite for many reasons including the adaptability to fit your personal taste.
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Photos Courtesy of (clockwise) Christa Hoffarth Photography, Jennifer Baciocco Photography and Jay Reilly Photography. All Merrily Wed Weddings.
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Don’t forget the details!! All of these semi-formal styles can look great paired with a tie that pulls from your wedding color scheme.
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Kilt:
Another dapper look for those willing enough (and with the legs!) to pull this ensemble off is the kilt. A kilt is a classic Scottish and Celtic garment. It is a knee-length garment that is pleated in the rear and made from wool in a tartan pattern. Many grooms choose to wear a pattern in their family clan’s tartan to represent their Scottish or Celtic culture on their special day. Tradition has it that nothing else is worn underneath the kilt…
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Photos Courtesy of Photography by Monique, Organic Photographs and Ben Chrisman Photography. All Merrily Wed Weddings.
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Semi-Casual:
A semi-casual wedding calls for a more relaxed style. A khaki linen suit or pairing a nice collared silk shirt and slacks are perfect looks for a laid back feel. If it gets chilly during the evening, a sportcoat is a great addition to the shirt/slack combination.
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Photos courtesy by Ben Chrisman Photography. Merrily Wed Wedding.
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Your groom and groomsmen are sure to look as unforgettably stunning as you (well, almost as smashing!) with just a little care in choosing their stylish look.
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Claire and Cole met each other, of all places, in the Reno International Airport. Walking past him, Claire gave him a double look, and not for the obvious reasons, but because of Cole’s certain man accessory. What was the accessory you ask? A fanny pack. A few jokes and banter led to seats together on the plane…
This past August they said their “I Do’s” above the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Claire’s color palette was ivories, creams, champagnes and touches of black. Her inspiration for the day was her beautiful Enzoani wedding dress which has a glamourous vintage feel to it with the rouched bodice accented with gorgeous beaded floral rosettes.
She complimented her gown’s style by adding a bronze sash with beaded floral rosettes to her bridesmaids’ black dresses. Cole and his groomsmen sported black suits with the retro addition of black Converse’s on their feet. xxxx
Elements of black lace, black and champagne feathers, antique pearls and sparkling beading were woven throughout the ceremony and the reception. Ivory and champagne feathers graced the black vintage ceremony urns and within Claire’s bridal bouquet. The black feathers also added a striking contrast within the bridesmaids’ bouquets. Black petals carved a “W” in the ivory petal carpeted aisle and the adorable flower girl carried a black basket.
Champagne linen with black lace toppers dressed the cocktail tables, centerpiece vases wore cream lace and black ribbon while black sequined pillows sparkled on the white couches in the lounge area. The center of their super cute dessert buffet was a simple and stunning double tiered wedding cake accessorized with lace and pearl-beaded floral rosettes.
Claire wanted all her guests to sigh and say, “That was so Claire!” at the end of the day and I think we succeeded! In tribute to their fateful first meeting, everyone departed their reception each with their own ‘man bag’ fanny pack! xxxx
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Every engaged couple’s planning regime usually includes an engagement photo session. Over time this has morphed to include wardrobe changes, multiple locations and creative props from dogs to cruiser bikes – all to capture the pair’s true essence. This trend, now an obligation for most, shouldn’t stop here. Why not extend it to visually document the bride’s bonds of friendship with her BFF’s??
This gal photo shoot can be a glorified glam session and the themes, locations and props can vary to match each girlfriend entourage’s personality. How fun would this be??
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Natasha, one of our 2010 summer brides, gathered her bridesmaids for a glam photo session before heading out on the town for her bachelorette party. Result? An ultra modern, stylish and hip way to celebrate the end of ‘bachelorette-hood’. Her sophisticated, high-fashion photos are ridiculously cool and we’re sure they were even more fun to make.
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What a beautiful testament to the gal bonds of friendship a photo shoot is and a sure fire way to jazz up a bachelorette party or bridal shower. What about a snow bunny photo session, après ski, for those who are snow-lovers? A good-ole slumber party shoot with pj’s, pillows and cocktails? Big city, bright lights, high fashion? Beach, sun, and surfboards? Golf clubs, golf carts on the golf course?
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What would you do for your Bridesmaids/BFF’s photo shoot??
Fall is a gorgeous time of the year, the weather is crisp (well, not yet in Tahoe at least), the leaves are changing, and the food of the season is warm and delicious. With Autumn right around the corner we thought we would share some of our favorite seasonal wedding details – edible and otherwise!
Accent your place setting with a miniature bouquet of fresh herbs with your guest’s name attached and create a runner (or centerpiece if using a round table) of gourds, pillars of varying heights and wicker woven baskets filled with nuts, berries and pumpkins or more gourds. Use the colors naturally found in the food and drink you serve your wedding guests to emphasize your autumn color palette… Some inspiration is below!
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On Left - M.W. Wedding. Courtesy of: Catherine Hall Studios and Thomas J. Story
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Colorful Food
Autumn fruits like pomegranate and apples (rich golds, reds and greens) are at their peak of flavor and perfect for picking! Savory appetizers such as Onion and Apple Tarts with Goat Cheese or Green Apple & Cheddar Quesadillas are the perfect precursor to any Fall celebration. Your guests will love a salad entree of Baby Greens with Reduced Orange Vinaigrette, Roasted Beets, Laura Chenel Goat Cheese & Toasted Walnuts. Serving a spicy pumpkin or squash soup in hollowed out gourds at each place setting, not only look chic and current but they add amazing taste too. A side dish of cranberry and walnut risotto goes perfectly with hearty fall proteins. Dishes with beets and other root vegetables are always traditional Fall favorites as well as add color to your plate!
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Courtesy of: My Recipes, Rachelle Bowden, and Lou Seibert Pappas
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Dazzling Drinks
Here are a few of our favorite autumn inspired cocktails which can work as your Signature Drink after your ceremony or a passed round at the beginning of your dinner:
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Courtesy of: All You
Pomegranate Fizz
A few pomegranate seeds
1 shot pomegranate liquor
1 ounce pomegranate juice
A few splashes Champagne
Place a few pomegranate seeds in the bottom of a Champagne glass. Pour pomegranate liquor and pomegranate juice in glass then top with a few splashes of Champagne.
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Courtesy of: Grey Goose Vodka
Pumpkin Divine
1 part Grey Goose La Poire vodka
1 part pumpkin butter
1/2 part triple sec
1/2 part simple syrup
Pinch each of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and ginger grated nutmeg and apple chip for garnish
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Courtesy of: The Nibble
A Taste of Fall
1 1/2 parts Vodka
1 large slice of pomegranate, chopped
1 part apple juice
Dash of simple syrup
Pomegranate seeds to garnish
Muddle together the pomegranate and syrup in a mixing glass or shaker tin.
Add Vodka and juice, and fill with ice.
Shake well, and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with pomegranate seeds.
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Tempting Desserts
Mini versions of your classic Fall desserts, can add a non-traditional aspect and still be a hit with your guests. We love these scrumptious mini cherry pies from Bakerella, who wouldn’t want one of these? Or these cheesecake filled pumpkins cupcakes are a unique fall-inspired flavor that will keep your guests talking.
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Courtesy of: Bakerella and Stephen Scott Gross
Seasonal Favor
A fave Fall wedding favor is the caramel apple. The options of embellishing this with ribbon, wrap and personalized tags are endless. Not only will the caramel apples be a sweet touch for your guests, they will also look gorgeous individually at each place setting or in groupings on display.
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Courtesy of: Bridal Blog, The Knot and Wedding by Color
