Let us tell you why Dearly Loved Bridal should be your first stop:
We're not just a bridal shop; we're your bridal besties, here to make your dress shopping experience a breeze. Local charm, unbeatable service, and a wide range of gorgeous gowns await you.
We are also a local, affordable option- saving you HUNDREDS on your big day! Every wedding dress in our bridal shop is under $1500 with most wedding dresses under $1000!
We'd love to have you in, so we can show you what it means to be a Dearly Loved Bride- and make sure you feel beautiful and confident in a dress you love!
]]>If you're in West Michigan and on the hunt for that perfect wedding dress, look no further than Dearly Loved Bridal. We're your local bridal shop with a whole lot of heart and a stunning selection of gowns to make your special day even more memorable. The best part? All of our wedding dresses are affordable (under $1500) and we carry sizes 0-32!
Come say 'Yes to the Dress' at Dearly Loved Bridal!
]]>Grab your girls & stop in to see our new arrivals from Jenny Yoo & enjoy a Popsicle or a Popsicle Cocktail from The Poppy Cart!
In addition to the newest Jenny by Jenny Yoo collection, we will also be showcasing gowns from our newest exclusive collection & other fun accessories!
RSVP to help us get a headcount & be entered to win our Pop & Shop giveaway!
July 25th
5pm-7pm
101 E Main St. Middleville MI 49333
Practical Items:
Fun Items:
Remember to have fun with this! Let this be a task that you and your partner do together. Your registry should represent you as a couple and should include things that make you happy. It’s better to register for too much rather than having everything on your registry be purchased and allow guests to choose what to buy for you. CONGRATS & happy shopping.
xo,
Rae
]]>1. I donut want to do life without you
A donut display is not only mouth watering, but can also be such a cute way to incorporate your colors with frostings, or your wedding season with flavor! Donut boards are trending and I am HERE for it!
2. I scream I DO for ice cream
Here comes the ice cream truck! Everyone loves a good ice cream bar - whether you’re young or old, ice cream hits just right at the end of the night. Whether you park an ice cream truck outside, or pick some of your favorite flavors and toppings for a self-serve bar, your guests will love it.
3. Our love is POPPIN
Individual bags of popcorn is the perfect way to send your guests home with a party favor as well as incorporating that as your dessert. Consider adding a personalized sticker to the popcorn bags with a thank you from the newly married couple or having multiple flavor options for guests to choose from.
4. “Chillin’ by the fire while we’re eatin fondue”
Fruit, marshmallows, candy…I’ve never met a food that isn’t delicious dipped in chocolate! A fondue fountain is not only beautiful, but the tastiest treat! Get creative with items your guests can pair with chocolate, but don’t forget napkins! ;)
5. Let’s party s'more
Chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers, that’s cheap entertainment! Adding a smores bar to your wedding will not only occupy your guests by a romantic fire, but is also a delicious treat, great for all ages!
xoxo,
Rae
]]>Why have a second look? Brides are not only wanting to turn heads when walking down the aisle, but also keep the crowd’s attention with a second wedding dress option. Whether it’s another wedding dress or a little white dress, brides are using their wedding day as an opportunity to have many outfit changes and photo opportunities.
If you said yes to a ballgown, moving around to talk with your guests may not be as manageable and if your dress is form fitting, sitting down for a meal and dropping it low on the dance floor may be out of question. Second looks provide brides the opportunity to seek a bit of comfort for their reception, while showcasing another aspect of their personality.
The getaway dress is becoming increasingly popular as well. Having your bridesmaids help you out of your wedding dress and change you into something easier to slip off has proven to be appreciated by grooms worldwide. ;) Getaway dresses make the cutest photos and give you one last opportunity to woo your guests before you’re whisked away.
Whether you stick to one dress or go for two or three, just remember - it’s your wedding day! Do what makes YOU the happiest.
xoxo,
Rae
]]>If you’re getting married in the Fall, consider using a dark-toned color palette. Rust red, burnt orange, dusty rose, and sage green are the most popular Fall wedding colors. Tying the knot in the Spring? Incorporate brighter colors that match the seasons change, such as pops of greens, blues and pinks! Considering the season when choosing your colors will make your event more cohesive and will be more visually appealing to your guests.
Picking your color palette goes hand in hand with your wedding theme. If you decide to do a black-tie affair for your wedding, adding in pops of color may not set the mood that you’re going for. Take the theme of your wedding and choose a color palette that will complement that. If you’re planning an upscale, dressy wedding use dark toned accents, such a rose-red to keep the vibe moody. For a barn wedding, consider rustic colors to pair well with the scenery.
Wedding colors can even tie into your venue! When getting married outdoors, consider muted colors to make you and your guests remain the center of attention, as well as the scenery surrounding your ceremony and reception. For an indoor wedding, adding pops of color will draw guests attention to your decor rather than to access scenery you may not want their attention on.
No matter your wedding color palette, focus on what makes you and your fiancé the happiest and which colors best match your personalities! When in doubt, always choose colors that will age well.
xoxo, Rae
]]>Some brands are spot on with pant size (Watters, Wtoo and Willowby), others run 2-4 sizes small (Maggie Sottero and Justin Alexander.)
Below you will find some shopping tips when it comes to finding a dress with a great fit.
In general, we say anywhere from 2-4 sizes past your pant size is a good place to start with bridal sizing.
Sizing Tips and Tricks
-Typically, a gown can be altered about 2-4 sizes down without losing the integrity of the dress (size 14 to a size 10.)
-If the gown is unaltered, it will usually have about an inch of wiggle room on each side seam to be let out.
-Bridal sizing is all about measurements and not the size stamped on the tag. Each designer comes up with their own size chart - much like how brands of jeans fit differently. Don't be surprised if you fit perfectly in a 14 from one designer and a 20 in another designer.
-We cannot reiterate this enough- tag size doesn't define you. You are no less beautiful in a size 2 or a 22!
How to Figure out Your Bridal Size
To find your Bridal size, we suggest purchasing our Wedding Dress Fit Kit on dearlylovedbridal.com. The Fit Kit will provide you with all the tools you need and a step by step video of how to measure your bust, waist, and hip. Once you determine your measurements, be sure to look at the dress size chart and determine what size will work best for you. We always suggest to order a gown to your largest measurement. For example, if your bust and waist are a size 12 but your hip measurement falls into size 14 - we would suggest ordering the size 14. It is much easier and cheaper to alter a dress smaller than getting it let out.
Feel free to message us with any measuring questions and snag our Fit Kit for just $5!
xoxo,
Rae
]]>Purchase a polaroid camera to have your guests snap selfies or group photos! Have them write their names on the polaroids and tape them into a sketch book. You’ll have a book filled with pictures of those you love the most and can use it as a coffee table decor. Scrapbooking made easy!
Make a phone call with the telephone guest book! Allow guests to leave a voicemail on a trendy-looking, old phone and get all of the voicemails to listen back on! A company we love is “After the Tone!” They have several styles and colors of phones and they ship everything right to your door! Convenient and such a fun activity for your guests to partake in.
Bring a classic game into the mix! Purchase a set of plain Jenga blocks and have each guest sign a block. This adds a game to your closet but also holds a special meaning when you and your partner play!
Set up a camera and allow your guests to record a fun video of them giving newlywed advice, or sharing their favorite memory of the couple! What a cool way to make a wedding video that you can look back on for years to come!
This one is my personal favorite! Have a Journaling Bible displayed and allow guests to highlight their favorite verse and write their name beside it. This is such a fun way to incorporate religion into your wedding and allows you to have a Bible filled with verses of encouragement from your loved ones! At Dearly Loved Bridal, we have a beautiful assortment of journaling Bibles that would be perfect for your big day.
]]>As a wedding industry expert, I can confidently say it’s never too early after your engagement to say yes to your dream dress! The best time to shop for your gown is 9-12 months prior to your wedding date. The industry standard for ordering a dress takes anywhere from 4-6 months, but during certain times of the year, the ordering process can be even longer!
If your made to order gown was ordered from a standard size chart rather than your custom measurements, you will likely need alterations once your dress arrives! Most alterations will require 3 appointments which can take 2-3 months.
Don’t have 9+ months until tying the knot? Shop at stores that have ready to wear gowns (like ours) where you can take home with you the same day, or explore bridal shops that have quicker shipping options!
Wishing you the best of luck as you find the dress of your dreams!
XOXO,
Raegan
]]>Gathered on Main is an eclectic, intimate wedding venue and is also great for showers and parties! It is affordable and located right in the heart of Middleville. The building is historic and features brick accent details, white walls, wooden beams and concrete floors.
The Alaska Haus is a gorgeous event space featuring tall ceilings and stained glass windows. There is an outdoor ceremony space as well as an indoor reception area. They have a gorgeous bridal suite and an upstairs cocktail hour space.
Graycen is the sweetest, most encouraging stylist and loves to have a great time with her clients. She has several years of experience and is very knowledgeable when it comes to wedding and formal event hair. She is affordable and does an incredible job!
GCT is the place we trust with our tans and lashes! They also offer brow, teeth whitening and permanent jewelry. We love the vibes and the girls at GCT.
Creekside greenhouse is our favorite recommendation for florals. From simple bouquets to stunning floral arrangements, their work is one of a kind! At an affordable price with timeless products, Creekside is a shoe-in for all of your floral needs. They are even launching a
Riverdog Tavern has a delicious catering menu! From meats and side-dishes, to yummy hors d'oeuvres, they will be sure to keep your guests satisfied. Riverdog is a restaurant local to Middleville and we send all of our Dearly Loved Brides to them to enjoy cocktails and loaded tater tots after saying yes to the dress.
Copper and Lace is a Grand Rapids rental company with endless decor options for your big day. They have a variety of wedding arbors, arches, lounge seating, table decor, etc. They offer packages to set up and tear down and also have a 15% off coupon code for your first rental!
Halcyon Events does an incredible job with wedding and event planning. She is personable and knowledgeable and we love her brand. She offers 3 different packages at an affordable price and has a great rapport thoughout West Michigan!
The Cake Girl is local to Grand Rapids and does great work! Her cakes are not only beautiful but delicious as well! She has tiered options as well as sheet cakes and is at a great price point!
Party in a box does an amazing job with weddings! He keeps the guests entertained and engaged and really sets the tone for the evening! You will often find him dancing and singing right by the speakers. He is a lot of fun.
Sheldon does a beautiful job capturing weddings and other important life events! She has a natural and airy mood to her photos and pays great attention to detail. Her photos speak to her talent, and she’s definitely one to add to your list.
Links to recommended vendors:
When it comes to making cuts and deciding where you want the majority of your money to go, pay attention to the details that will make you and your fiancé the happiest! If you’ve been dreaming about your dress and flowers since you were a child, splurge in that area and cut back in other areas.
Rather than doing a plated dinner served by staff, opt for a delicious buffet and throw-away silverware. Florals can be very costly! I love a good bouquet and flower arrangement as much as the next girl, but consider using a vendor like Something Borrowed Blooms where you can rent florals and not have to worry about the cost of fresh flowers. Although party favors can be fun, focus on the experience guests are having while they’re at your wedding rather than something for them to take home.
When choosing a venue, opt for one that is timeless and beautiful. You shouldn’t have to pay hundreds to thousands of dollars to decorate the space you are paying for to use! A lot of venues will decorate for you or have items you can use for decor.
When purchasing your dress, of course consider Dearly Loved Bridal ;) We are size inclusive, budget friendly, and love to spoil our Brides! You shouldn’t have to spend thousands of dollars on your wedding gown. Love the way you look and feel, and get that dress of your dreams, girl! But don’t break the bank!
xoxo, Raegan
]]>The wedding industry is completely split on this hot topic. Luckily, there are no set rules when it comes to wearing a veil, but here are some ideas to consider when making your choice.
Wearing a veil makes for a finished, classic, wedding look. With dresses moving in a trendier, less traditional direction, wearing a veil sets you apart as the bride. From simple tulle, to pearl or beaded accents, a veil can class up your look as a whole. Veils also make for a dramatic photo opportunity! From it being blown in the wind, to having you and your fiance draped in the veil, the photos can be moody and elegant.
On the other hand, some brides feel that veils are heavy, or just another thing to fuss with on the day of. If the back of your dress is detailed, or has a long train, some brides wish to not cover themselves up with a veil. We have noticed that a large number of brides are saying that a veil just “isn’t them” or doesn’t go with their laidback-wedding vibe.
Whether you’re planning an elegant affair or a backyard barbecue, you are the bride and you get the pleasure of deciding what to wear on your big day! Make a decision that you will look back on and be confident in! Veil or no veil, you will look stunning on your wedding day!
]]>Slip Dresses
The classic slip dress will be in and trending big this season! Slip dresses are known for thin straps and a tight-fitting, slinky look resembling a slip. Whether it be silk, crepe, or satin, slip gowns will be the perfect look for your 2023 wedding. Our Soiree and Jenny Yoo Collections feature several slip options to choose from.
Colors & Patterns
Bold dresses with patterns and colored-floral detailing will be making their debut for 2023. From fully colored gowns to details of color draped throughout, designers have tapped into the BOLD wedding look. If you want a dress that's sure to be talked about and remembered, try finding a pattern or color you love and match it with simple accessories and decor. Let your dress stand out and other details accentuate the look.
Bridal Gloves
This trend may seem outdated for some, but bridal gloves are back to stay! Whether it be a simple tulle glove, or a full pearl statement piece, adding a glove gives brides the option to have a more covered, regal look without the maintenance that sleeves may bring.
When finding your dress, focus on what accentuates your personality and make a confident decision, knowing you’ll love your dress for years to come!
xoxo, Raegan Ross
]]>Midday Celebrations
The evening wedding that turns into an all-night affair is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Starting your nuptials earlier in the day and having a timely reception following, ensures that guests stay entertained and satisfied. No one enjoys an evening ceremony followed by hours of waiting to eat and celebrate.
Dramatic Aisles
From long, drawn out aisles to full-floral arrangements, decorating the aisle will be iconic in 2023. We will see less rolling out the runner, and more detailed design. Brides will look less for simplicity and more towards statement pieces their guests are sure to remember.
Color
Wedding colors have been IN for a while and are still trending! Planning the theme of your wedding based around color, detail, texture, and patterns are quickly becoming a necessity. Adding bold pops of color to your wedding is appealing to the eye and ensures there’s always a photo-op for your guests.
Intimate Ceremonies
Keeping the ceremony intimate and saving extra guests solely for the reception is becoming preferable amongst newlyweds. The intimacy of your wedding ceremony is special and heartfelt and oftentimes pent-up nerves and anxiety will take away from the enjoyment of the day.
Candid, Natural-Looking Photos
Rather than posed and perfect looking shots, couples are wanting their wedding photos to be a representation of who they are as a couple. Overly edited shots are a thing of the past, while bright, natural lighting is preferred. Photographers are focusing less on perfection and more on capturing the day as it was.
If you’re getting married in 2023 consider adding these trends to your celebration, but remember to keep it YOU!
xoxo, Raegan Ross
The History:
Dollar Day began October 2019 as a way to bless brides with the chance at an affordable wedding gown- we coined it as our sale of the year- which quickly became seasonal!
After 11 in person Dollar Day's on record- we decided as a shop we needed to take a break. Our last in person Dollar Day in March of 2022 was met with a lot of resellers, and those looking for a "Halloween costume"- not the actual brides we sought to bless.
After posting our Dollar Day TikTok, the internet went wild with brides in desperate need of affordable wedding gowns from all over the country. Our hearts were stirred and soon we were planning our first ever online Dollar Day sale, complete with over 100 discounted gowns.
We were absolutely blown away by the turnout, and so were our brides. Gowns sold out in seconds, leaving another round of brides still ready to find their dream dress.
How does it work?
Our next Online Dollar Day will be March 10th at 7:00pm ET.
Starting the morning of the 10th, our website will be locked. Then at the given time, the website will unlock and gowns will be available for purchase.
There will be a limit of ONE gown per customer, and ALL SALES ARE FINAL.
Things to keep in mind:
- Wedding gown sizing is different than your "pant size". Please view our Sizing Guide for tips and tricks on finding your correct size.
- We will only have 15-20 $1 gowns, and over 60 gowns marked down to $899 and under, with lots of options for $99, $199, and $299.
- You are able to sort by size or by price on our website.
- We ship to the entire US. If you are getting a message that we do not ship to your address, it is likely because the gown sold out before you go to checkout. Shipping is between $20-$25 depending on the weight of the dress.
- We are a small business who just wants to bless our brides. This is not a "publicity stunt," nor are we trying to misguide anyone. This is our way of showing YOU how you can have your dream wedding on a budget and feel beautiful all while doing it.
HAPPY SHOPPING! We can't wait for you to become a Dearly Loved Bride
]]>Becoming a fiance is pure bliss and having a proposal around the Holidays, adds a little more magic to the mix!
As you prepare to become a Mrs. here are 5 things to focus on when getting engaged this Holiday season:
Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year & a special engagement!
You are Dearly Loved!
]]>Join us for an afternoon of all things bridal!
Upstairs at Dearly Loved- preview our new collection of wedding gowns, and ask all of your wedding shopping questions to any of our expert stylists.
Downstairs at Gathered on Main, meet some of our favorite vendors, and tour our new event space.
We will have refreshments, exclusive promotions, and incredible giveaways all afternoon!
]]>All ready to wear gowns marked down to $899 and UNDER for the weekend!
Join us for 1 hour with up to 4 guests
]]>Join us for our Grand Open House on Thursday 9/29 from 4:00-7:00pm!
Looking for an affordable venue? Gathered on Main hosts up to 99 guests, and is the perfect backdrop for your next intimate affair.
Learn more at: gatheredonmain.com
]]>Fall in love with Jenny Yoo this week at Dearly Loved.
Who wants a first look at some of the Jenny Yoo gowns that will be joining the shop + studio this fall?
9/16-9/14 we will be hosting a curated collection of Jenny Yoo gowns, including some exclusive that will only be available with us during the show.
Come fall in love with these effortless gowns + get a special gift when you say yes with us during the show.
Book your exclusive trunk show appointment today:
https://dearlylovedbridal.as.me/jennyyoo
Take 70% off a selection of ready to wear gowns, making everything on the sale rack under $299! Available at our Michigan location.
Not local? Book your Virtual Appointment!
The sale will also go live online 9/16 at 6:00pm ET, so set your alarms!
]]>We are so excited to {finally} be able to offer Virtual Appointments!
While chatting over the web isn't quite as great as meeting in person, it really is the next best thing! We are ready to guide you through the process of finding your dream dress from wherever you may be!
So here's how it will work:
Here's what you'll need to best prepare for a Virtual Appointment:
1. Your Measurements
- The three key measurements (bust, waist, hip) will help us to determine your correct bridal size. Measuring is simple, and all you need is any tape measure (yes, even the metal one from the tool box will do). You can watch our how to video to see what we're talking about.
2. Your top three gowns from our website.
- These may not be the three that make it to the final round, but we'd love to get an idea of your style, and what you are most interested in. You can copy the links or SKU #'s/Style names into your appointment questionnaire.
3. EXCITEMENT!
- We love getting to know our brides, and understanding their style goals! Our main goal is always to help you find the dress of your dreams and we are so honored that you would trust us to do so!
Our bridal studio is moving downtown Franklin!
After being at our Arrington location for almost two years, we are so excited to expand and move to our favorite downtown!
Our Grand Opening is set for Friday, June 3rd from 4:00-7:00! You can find more event information here: https://fb.me/e/1PDjWAKU2
We will remain by appointment only, but have opened up more availability for appointments.
With the downtown Franklin move comes a few exciting additions, including Suits and Tuxes, and a brand new collection of gowns, to be debuted at our Grand Opening!
We will also be moving our Ready to Wear gowns from our Tennessee shop, back to Michigan. These off the rack gowns will be on sale for our Grand Opening Sale, Saturday 6/4!
You can book an appointment for the sale event at www.dearlylovedbridal.as.me/grandopening
It is a dream to be able to provide affordable wedding dresses to the Nashville area, and we are so thankful to be right in the heart of downtown Franklin!
]]>
When thinking of the friends and family you will be bringing along to your keep the following in mind:
1. Not everyone has to come
There, we said it. It's easy to get wrapped up into this idea that every person involved in your wedding, has to be part of every "wedding moment".
When narrowing down your guest list, be sure to invite the people you feel most comfortable with, and those that you trust whole-heartedly.
Keep in mind, most bridal shops- including ours, have a limit to the amount of guests you can bring anyway!
2. Bring people who understand your vision
Showing your group inspiration, not just of your dress but of your overall wedding, will be extremely helpful in keeping them on the "right track".
Helping your friends and family understand that you do not want something flashy and tight before you come in, will most likely deter them from pulling those types of gowns at your appointment.
3. Bring opinions you trust + value
If it’s not someone you’d trust to tell you that your every day outfit looks good, then likely your bridal appointment won’t be the place for their guiding opinion either.
When too many conflicting opinions get involved the bridal appointment can quickly go from fun to confusing.
At the end of the day, the dress you pick should be the dress YOU loved the most, and bringing people that support that should be top of mind.
4. Bring the people that will help you to make the decision- not question it
Having the people with you that you need to help with not only the dress decision, but purchasing decision is important.
When you find your gown, you will want people to support your choice and not encourage you to “keep looking” or second guess your purchase.
Letting your intention to purchase a gown be known ahead of time, and bringing people who will help you make that decision will help make it easier when you find the one!
]]>
1. Shop Used First
You can find almost anything second hand, especially when in comes to wedding decor. Shop local Facebook groups + market place to score some great deals on gently used goods.
It doesn’t stop at decor, shopping second hand can save you thousands when it comes to your wedding dress too (enter Dearly Loved Bridal).
2. Pick an Undesirable Date
Choosing a date “off season” or even day (ex: Friday/Sunday) can save you HALF the cost of a venue. Many venues even offer deals and extras when you book during the Winter months or weekdays.
This alternative is becoming much more popular, and people will still come, we promise.
3. Brunch, please
Serving breakfast, brunch or even lunch is a great way to share a (less expensive) meal with your family and friends.
If this just isn’t your thing- consider something not as traditional, like Tacos or Pizza to save some dough…see what we did there?
4. Skip the “Extras”
Save the dates, party favors and midnight snacks are all fine and fun- but they’re not necessary. If they’re not in budget, don’t feel like you have to have them.
Unless you’re giving away puppies or cars, no one will remember in 5 years what you did besides get married…just saying.
5. Don’t Over-Invite
In the world of weddings the guest list can really control the budget. Avoid over-inviting by only inviting the people that YOU TWO want to invite.
In the age of micro-weddings and elopements, you are not obligated to invite the great aunts and second cousins, nor do you need to invite your high school bestie you haven’t talked to in 10 years. Keeping the guest list controlled will definitely help the budget down, and probably your stress levels too.
]]>
And to that we say "hard pass".
Our job as bridal stylists is to make the day all about Y O U. To make sure you are loved, heard, taken care of, and feel as beautiful as you are.
So here are a few things that OUR bridal stylists won't EVER tell you.
1. "We don't have anything for you"
Though our selection is always changing- we do our best to curate our shop to have a variety of sizes, styles and price points. We pride ourselves on truly having something for everyone.
2. "That looks terrible"
We do our best to find gowns that fit your style AND flatter your figure. We will ALWAYS shut down negativity, and do our best to help you find a gown that makes YOU comfortable. This is your day to make memories with those you love, and we will advocate for positive comments and attitudes from everyone.
3. "This might not be the shop for you"
In fact, this IS the shop for you. You are welcome here. We proudly serve brides with all budgets and body types. We promise to go above and beyond to help you find "the one"!
4. "You have to buy from us, or else..."
While we will always strive to earn your business, we will never be pushy. It's our job to make sure that YOU feel confident, both in your dress and the decision to buy it. Since we typically only have one of each gown, the possibility of it not being there days later is real- BUT we believe that if it is meant to be, it will be.
5. "We don't have anything in your budget/size"
We curate a bridal shop where ALL budgets and body types are welcome. While it may not be "the one" we will always have at least something that can work for you. Our exclusive line of bridal gowns, Dearly by Dearly Loved is available in sizes 0-32, and we have gowns starting as low as $50.
If there is one thing that you should know about our stylists, it's that they are FOR you. We truly want you to find a gown you feel beautiful in! It's our job and honor to make you feel loved.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT ]]>
As discouraging as it can be to have your wedding world turned upside down, there is still so much to be celebrated. With the recent shift to Micro Weddings and Elopements, we've seen so much creativity and positivity come out of what could be a soul-crushing experience. Regardless, re-thinking your wedding can be stressful and with an ever changing time-line it's important to evolve your vision and options if you want to pull of the day of your dreams.
We've put together a guide to help brides (#coronabrides or otherwise) plan and rethink (and possibly execute) their big day in 10 days!
Write down everything you are thinking and make some lists. What elements of your wedding can you incorporate into your new day? How can you translate the overall "vibe" of your wedding. What are the three most important things to you?
There are three key ingredients to a wedding: Legalities, Place + People.
Know someone ordained- perfect. Ask them! Don't? Make someone get ordained. In most states, a simple online class will suffice!
Grandma's farm? Best friends backyard? Venue shopping will look much different these days. But with the right event insurance, anything is possible!
Once you've narrowed down your venue options, it's time to send some texts. (we have 8 days left babes, no time to chit chat). Check your state mandates, and look out for potential set backs when it comes to deciding on your guest count. Error on the side of "intimate".
Re-committing to a gown you've previously purchased, or committing to an off the rack dress is essential. At this point there are 7 days left, and emergency tailoring might be out of the question (but it never hurts to ask), so the key is finding something you love that also fits.
Whatever the gentleman in your party are wearing will also need to be decided and purchased with haste. If you're popping tags- head to Goodwill to find a statement sport coat to pair with slacks. Or if all else fails- Amazon Prime anyone? The key here is comfort.
If your gals need some garb- send them to your local consignment shop (hint hint) for an off the rack gown! They can always order online, or check second hand stores as well.
Get creative when it comes to thinking food. Pizza party? Pot luck? Plated dinner in the back yard? All viable options. As for the beverage (did someone say beveragino?) pop up mobile bars are making appearances all over and add so much to an intimate wedding. If that's not going to work- consider your favorite bartender and a trip to Costco.
Do you need a portapoty? How about some linens for Aunt Sue's card tables she's letting you borrow? Today is the day to secure it. Check with local mom + pop rental places first, they are much more flexible to work with your timeline.
As for blooms, florists won't likely be able to find the petal pink peonies of your dreams- but they most likely WILL whip out something beautiful. Stick to soft whites and greenery for an easy and elegant boquet!
Thank the Lord for Apple Music, Spotify + Pandora, am I right? Put together a few playlists for your big day! If your wedding doesn't call for tunes- take a nap on Day 6, you've earned it.
We recommend the following playlists:
1. Beginning: Soft + subtle music to get the mood right before you walk down the aisle.
2. Walk Down the Aisle: Make it you. And no, it doesn't HAVE to be "A Thousand Years Instrumental" unless you love that song.
3. We Did It: whatever song you and your partner want to boogie back down the aisle to!
4. Get the Party Started: Ease them in- this can be soft or jazzy tunes perfect for cocktails, dinner or both.
5. Turn Down for What: After the grandparents leave- play this. You know What I'm talking About People (get it?).
Let them eat cake! Call local bakeries and restaurants (they need you now more than ever). If no one can do it in your time frame- Costco is A L W A Y S a good idea. Heck, Betty Crocker bake it yourself.
If cake isn't your thing pie, doughnuts or cobbler are sound alternatives. Or better yet, save the calories...just kidding.
Go back through the list above and confirm with everyone. As we know, plans change quickly these days so making sure you have time to find a back up is essential.
If there is anything you need to grab, today is the day to get it!
Big day tomorrow- rest up and try to relax as much as you can. Finish any last minute projects, and get EXCITED!
Que the happy tears!
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Same.
When heading to your bridal appointment, remember these three items to help you get the best idea of your bridal look:
1. NUDE EVERYTHING
Wearing skin colored undergarments will help you get a better sense of what your gown will actually look like, without the distraction of that bright pink bra strap.
2. Strapless Bra
Most dresses will not require a bra to be worn at all (thanks alterations)! However, it will be very helpful to have a strapless bra handy, just in case the dress in question is not fit for the girls, if you know what we mean.
3. Shape Wear
If you plan to wear Shape Wear, plan to bring it along! Not that you will actually need to wear it- but it's good to have on hand when you need to get the full effect!
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