Here's a fun photo idea if you have a lot of brothers. It could also work with cousins, uncles and so forth, but there's just something about brothers. Take a look:
Marcia Swartz Photography
Bridesmaids get a unique view of the entire wedding from planning to reception. I spoke to Janine recently about being a bridesmaid at her sister's wedding. Here are three things that she experienced:
1. Highs - the best part of being your sister's bridesmaid is the dress-fitting because you get to see the development from start to finish, especially if the bride has her gown made. Also a favourite was the spa day that her sister took them on as a thank you for their help and support.
2. Lows - making invitations and stringing beads...
3. Tip - if the bride stands on a chair for the removal of the garter, make sure that it is sturdy - you don't want a fall!
Weddings are all about special - a special dress, a special day, and most importantly a special someone. Your wedding day jewellery should be special too. I can't think of anything more special than wearing a piece of jewellery that has sentimental value, like a family heirloom or those earrings your gran always wore on her birthday (provided of course that you like it!).
A few months before my wedding, my future mother-in-law gave me her mother's pearl necklace and matching earrings. Her mother had passed away some years before, so it was a tearful moment for both of us. Weddings are also about building lifelong family ties. I have treasured those jewels, and that moment, ever since.
If your hair stylist for your wedding is also a hair dresser, give him or her a blank canvas to work with. I did this, and I had enough long hair in a good condition for my hair dresser to colour and cut into the style I had decided on. No extensions required, and no huffing and puffing.
So, here are five things you can do for your hair in the months leading up to your wedding:
1. no blow-drying or ironing
2. no cutting
3. no colouring
4. use a good shampoo
5. apply a treatment once a week
A fantastic confetti idea that I got from Yolande, which will have your guests talking long after your wedding, is to use helium-filled balloons instead of a traditional choice. Each guest gets one and they let them go at the same time. You could go for white, different colours, or have your wedding date and names printed on. The only drawback of this idea is that helium balloons last about eight to 12 hours depending on the balloon quality, so if your ceremony is in the afternoon, someone will have to collect the balloons that morning. Still, a hundred shimmering white balloons floating into the air will be quite impressive.
Floating balloons
Many wedding menus include desert with the meal. If you add a large wedding cake to this, it becomes a bit much for your guests to chew on and either cake or desert is left over. A great way to minimise both waste and costs - but still have a huge, stunning wedding cake - is to use polystyrene for the bottom layer(s). The polystyrene is then iced together with the top layer, which you and your new husband cut and eat for the photos.
Do you love ice cream? Why not have mini ice cream cakes together with a small traditional wedding cake at your wedding? Especially if you're getting married in summer.
If you can't get a caterer to make these for for you, here's how: Melt ice cream of different colours in separate bowls and swirl together in mini moulds* (one for each guest). There are some great romantic shapes (hearts, butterflies, flowers, etc.) available at most kitchenware stores. Have the venue place your ice creams on desert plates or bowls garnished with chocolate chips or edible flowers and freeze until you cut the small wedding cake for your photos.
Your guests will certainly remember this special touch!
*If ice cream's not your thing, use mousse or other cold puddings.
