Wednesday, February 10, 2010
I love that weddings bring together friends, sisters - everyone to celebrate. With this in mind, I went on a search for creative ideas for bridal celebrations. When Amy of Swizzle Events responded and shared this unique bridesmaid getaway, I asked her to share it with you...
Swizzle Events, Nashville Wedding & Event Planner
http://www.swizzleevents.com
Bridesmaid luncheons, bridal teas, and bridal brunches are a time to gather your best girls, the ones who have seen you through thick and thin, and celebrate your friendship. Whatever you call it, it’s a tradition that’s as old as time.
So what do you do if you aren’t that traditional bride who loves to visit the tea room? The possibilities are endless! Take a cue from your own favorites. Maybe you'd love a night out on the town or the quiet of a mountain cabin. Perhaps a concert followed by a fusion dinner is more your style.
Maybe you’ll be like Mariska, a recent Nashville bride who traded in the traditional party for a Girlfriend Getaway in the Mountains!
She had a wonderfully large wedding party that included her sister and friends she had made in middle school, high school, college, and church. Here is what she had to say about her unique bridesmaid getaway:
“We went to Blue Ridge, Georgia and stayed in my husband’s aunt’s log cabin in the mountains. The scenery was absolutely beautiful and completely relaxing. I wanted all of my bridesmaids to get to know each other before my big day. I didn’t want them to meet each other for the first time the day of my wedding. It was really nice being able to get away with my bridesmaids for a weekend to have girl time and to discuss wedding details with all of the girls who mean the most to me in my life".
(That's Mariska on the far right. Thanks for sharing your photos Mariska!)
One day, we went into the town (Blue Ridge, GA) and went shopping throughout all the antique stores in town. We ate at a tea room where we all dressed up in hats. So fun! One night we had a bonfire in the backyard of our cabin and had s’mores. We stayed up all night talking by the bonfire and in the jacuzzi outside. It was nice being able to sit and talk outside with the moon and the mountains as our view.
It was a great time for me and my bridesmaids to bond before my big day and for them to get to know each other. Most bridesmaids know the bride for various reasons (sister, childhood friend, college friend, etc) and usually they all don’t know each other. By having a getaway with your bridesmaids, you give them time to get to know each other, which will make your day more special and less awkward for everyone. I had a great time on our trip and made amazing memories with my close friends that will stay with me forever!”
Looking for something a little closer to home? Try a visit to Arrington Vineyards, a gorgeous hillside winery just south of Nashville. They have two tasting rooms and ample seating areas outside complete with picnic tables. You can plan a casual picnic and treat your bridesmaids to a wine tasting and maybe a bottle of wine as a gift. Another fun option is to join them for Music in the Vines beginning weekends in April. You can preorder a picnic dinner from one of their caterers, bring your blankets or chairs and enjoy live music under the stars. You can also rent a private area for larger parties.
Want something more contemporary? How about planning a chic dinner at Virago? With sleek lounge seating and delicious sushi and fusion cuisine, it’s sure to be a hit. Located on Division Street in Nashville, Virago offers a catering menu that you can use to plan your dinner from start to finish or you can simply order from the menu. Looking for something a little more casual? How about the Wildhorse Saloon? You can rent the Riverview Room and enjoy a fabulous dinner. Best kept secret: their private dining room overlooks the river and has a fabulous view. When you’re finished, take the party out to the dance floor and kick up your heels!
This is such an exciting time in your life! As you get ready for the great journey of marriage, remember to take some time and enjoy the remarkable ladies in your life.
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Posted by Swizzle Events |
Filed under: Bridesmaids & Bridal Party
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Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Groom and the boys? Check. Bridesmaids? Check. Moms and flower girls? Well I'm glad you're here! Regardless of age, girls always want to look great and feel fabulous for special occasions. Luckily there's no shortage of options for every lady in your bridal party, young or older.
In recent years, designers have taken moms' tastes into account and are giving them more modern and stylish options so they maintain their dignity without looking like, well, MOM. Bridal boutiques that carry a bridesmaid line will also have dresses for moms and sometimes it takes a little sifting through to find a good fit that she will feel comfortable wearing. Watters' Special Occasion line has several mom would love to wear.
Here are my favorites.
The Mandarin style buttons add flair to the outfit. (Watters & Watters Special Occasion from b. Hughes Bridal)
I like this one because the jacket is removable to reveal a stunning strapless, full length gown and it's perfect year-round. The fluting really draws the waist in too. (Watters & Watters)
This orange is surprisingly flattering - trust Badgley Mischka to know how to make mom feel glamorous! (b. Hughes Bridal)
There are plenty of styles and designers to choose from, and the bridal boutiques in town all carry lines that guarantee mom will find something that she (and you, of course) will love. The same goes for flower girl dresses - boutiques are really good about being one-stop shops.
Ok, all together now, “awwwww!”
Doesn’t that just make your heart melt? The gray dress is by Melissa Sweet which the Bride Room carries. The pink ones are by Watters & Watters and the white one above is by Us Angels, available at Faccio Bridal (facciobridal.com).
Custom dresses are fast becoming the norm so if you can’t find something you absolutely love but you have an idea of what it should look like, take it to Designs by Sarah Marie and get exactly what you/mom/ your flower girl loves. Maybe even make a day of it, get some brunch with mom and the girls, and really have fun with this part of the planning!
Pictures courtesy of Us Angels, Badgley Mischka, Watters and Melissa Sweet.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Attire & Accessories, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party
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Monday, August 17, 2009
Cherished Memories is having liquidation sales from now until the end of September, possibly the beginning of October. EVERYTHING must go. They have bridal, bridesmaids, mothers, flower girls, shoes, jewelry, tiaras and veils. Everything will be anywhere from 30%-60% off. As they get closer to the closing date, prices will of course continue to go down. They also have select dresses for $99.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Attire & Accessories, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party
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Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009 On Friday, I went to preview Wedding 101 and it was so exciting! As I stated last week, I wasn't able to attend the vendor preview but I do hope that you at got to go to the grand opening Saturday. If you haven't checked it out, here's how the boutique looks.
When I arrived on Friday, Ashley was on the phone and told me to get a party favor as I waited. She directed me to a table with 3 apothecary jars that were half-filled with brightly colored balls. The table had empty tins...my first thought - what a cute candy bar! But it wasnt:). Ashley ended her call and told me the jars were filled with scented balls (not candy). Ahhh...got it now:).
Just like a candy bar, the scent bar would have a tin for filling with scented beads, mini candle, a favor bag with a cute label
As I created my "scented sachets" tin - I thought - no, this isn't a candy bar but it could definitely be a scented favor bar. I told Ashley and a new fun bar was born!
Wedding 101's favor bag includes confetti, travel candle, tin with beads and a label - so cute
I think this would be a great idea for a bridal shower. Maybe you could allow your bridesmaids to create scented tins of their own. The bar would be just as cute and interactive as a candy bar but for zero calories! Plus, the scented sachets would last longer than candy. The only concern is that people might mistake it for candy - so beware! Wedding 101's scented balls and candles would be a great place to start if you are interested in seeing it in action or buying the supplies. Ashley said they would definitely help you create a scented sachet bar for your wedding. There are like 7 fragrances available. My favorite is the sunshine! You can rent the jars, buy the sachets and even buy coordinating Botanicus travel candles to match. As you see, Wedding 101 is not only a library of info but also has a retail area too. I'll be hanging out there a lot and I promise, ABG and 101 will collaborate to make planning your Nashville wedding easier and even more fun and fab!
more from Wedding 101 - love these wedding gown, courtesy of Bridal Opulence
also love this table design by classic party rental - how cute are the hanging letters for a shower or fanciful wedding!
Another great bridal vendor - Maples Wedding Cakes - always stunning
You can see more at Wedding 101.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Guests, Gifts & Favors, Inspiration & Trends
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Sunday, August 9, 2009
This couture lollipop is all the rave among the celebrity crowd and I think it would be so cute for a bachelorette party or a great addition to a bridesmaid gift pack. But - this is definitely for a luxe bride! I so love it though. They are available in a variety of colors for like $25 each. Pricey but so perfect.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Guests, Gifts & Favors
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