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Sports Weddings

Hit a home run on your big day!

It’s safe to say that everyone in New England has had sports on the brain this week. You may have heard about a little game called the Super Bowl…that we won. No big deal. Working in a bridal shop, of course we got to thinking about how to “marry” a love of sports with a love of pretty weddings. After some research, we found that there are actually a ton of (non-cheesy) ways to incorporate sports into your big day. Here are some of our favorites:

1) Table Numbers – Even Martha Stewart loves a good sports themed fete! We found these creative table assignments (photo courtesy of Liz Banfield) on her site. The calligraphy and rich stationery are appropriate for an elegant affair, while the text provides a fun twist! This particular table (or dugout!) was for the bride’s family. Adorable!

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2) Cake Topper – In general, your cake topper is a great place to pop some personality into your big day. It’s relatively easy and inexpensive to customize the perfect set for you and your fiance! Do some research (we love Etsy for homemade, affordable toppers) and you can find some gems, like this clothespin style topper; it’s rustic, adorable and full of personality! If this couple can survive baseball season on opposite sides of the Sox-Yankees feud, they can handle anything!

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3) Make an entrance – Of course you can always come running in with a jersey over your respective suit/gown, but we love the idea of you and your fiance running through the a football-like banner even more! How fun would that be?! It would definitely get your party started off right and is sure to be something that your guests have never seen before!

Thanks bridalguide.com for this photo courtesy of Joshua McCoy Photography!

Thanks bridalguide.com for this photo courtesy of Joshua McCoy Photography!

4) Sporty Snacks – Let your guests know that you sleep, breathe and EAT sports! Bring in some classic sports snacks later in the night and your guests will be doing the wave just for you 🙂 Peanuts, popcorn, hot dogs…the possibilities are endless (and tasty)!

Big shout out to southernweddings.com for this shot courtesy of Mykkah Photography

Big shout out to southernweddings.com for this shot courtesy of Mykkah Photography

Bottom line, your wedding should be a reflection of you! So, if you love sports, bring that to your big day! We think the crowd will be cheering for you 🙂 GO PATS!!!

 

Plan your wedding in style!

Do it right at the Omni Parker House’s Brides of Distinction Brunch!

This just in: Wedding planning is alot of work. Story at 11:00.

OK, that is obviously not newsworthy because we ALL know that wedding planning is difficult. It seems like there are almost too many options, right? One minute my Pinterest wedding board is on lock and I know exactly what I’m doing. Then the next minute, new pins populate and they make me want to change absolutely everything. The information overload can be pretty overwhelming. Those big bridal shows and exhibitions are great, but they’re kinda in the same boat. It’s just a little too much to process all at once. That’s why we LOVE the Omni Parker House’s annual Brides of Distinction brunch. It’s like a bridal show shrunken down to an intimate (not intimidating) size, complete with mimosas and cake. Interested? Here’s what you need to know:

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1) If you’re considering the Omni for your wedding (which you should be) this is the perfect opportunity to see their Rooftop Ballroom decorated. It can be really tough to envision your wedding just looking at old photos; this event really brings the space to life!
2) Much like a bridal show, this brunch allows you to meet great vendors. The difference, though, is that these vendors have been handpicked by the Omni because, well, they’re some of the best in the biz! Don’t waste time sifting through a mass of vendors; come to this brunch and meet only the best! (In attendance: Madison Floral, Rentals Unlimited, Person & Killian Photography, Montilio’s Baking Company, The Gilded Harp, Joseph Gann Jewelers, Invitations & Company, Encore Event Technologies, Alexandra Makeup Artistry, Bella Hair Studio and FLAIR!)
3) As you brunch, you can also learn from seasoned wedding experts like The Knot! Guest speakers will give you invaluable wedding insight and advice, while you munch on the Omni’s amazing edibles!
4) There are fabulous giveaways from each vendor, and we’re not talking about little trinkets. You have the opportunity to save hundreds!
5) Last, but certainly not least, you’ll be treated to an amazing fashion show by Flair! See the hottest new designs in bridal and bridesmaids and well also be on hand to answer any of your burning dress questions!

Do we have you convinced yet? You really should attend this event; it’s the best of the best and one of the most fun, relaxing ways to get some of your wedding planning done! Call today to book your spot, all of the info is above 🙂 See you there!

A Real Life “Wedding Ringer”

Meet “Bridesmaid for Hire”

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably know about the new movie “The Wedding Ringer.” Kevin Hart has been on literally every TV show promoting it. I don’t think he sleeps. Anyways, in case you’re one of those rock dwellers, it’s about this guy (Hart) who is a professional best man. Josh Gad (a.k.a. Olaf) hires Kevin’s character to be in his bridal party and hilarity ensues. Long story short, it got me to thinking if such a service actually exists, and…it does! Bridesmaid for Hire is owned by Jen Glantz, a seasoned bridesmaid with a ton of wedding experience under her belt. Jen puts that experience to good use, offering friendship and aid to brides in need of an extra hand. Packages vary from virtual advice sessions to actually having Jen there with you on your big day. Even if you already have a bridal party in place, she can still be of service. On your wedding day, you’ll want your best girls to be free to relax and get pampered with you, so have Jen run around and do all of those last minute things for you. She can check in with your vendors, bring a gift to your fiancé, and even grab snacks and champagne! Jen does it all! What do you think? Would you use such a service? Or do you think your girls would be insulted at a relative stranger stepping on their turf? Let us know what you think! And of course, your friends at Flair are always here for some good, impartial advice. We may not be there on your actual wedding day, but we’re happy to discuss all aspects of it with you beforehand! We’ve been known to go from chatting about bridesmaids’ dresses to invitations to honeymoons, all in one appointment! We love all things weddings and can’t wait to hear about yours! See you soon, brides and bridesmaids!

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Winter Wedding Ideas

Make your winter wonderland wedding a WOW!

So, I went to a wedding last weekend, and it was the first winter wedding I had ever attended. Living in New England, most brides choose the fairer weather months for their big day, myself included. I was a little nervous in the weeks leading up; What should I wear? What if it snows? Is everyone there going to have the flu?? I have to tell you, though, that I was pleasantly surprised by this winter wedding. It was beautiful, elegant, and honestly all of those things that I was worrying about didn’t even matter. Sure, it was super cold, it was dark by 4:45 and I had to wear my sleeping bag sized down coat over my dress, but when you really love the couple, that stuff just isn’t that important. Plus, the summer gets so busy and it was really nice to go to a wedding at a more relaxed time of the year. Do I have you thinking about throwing a winter wedding of your own? I have two more things that might sway you. 1) Generally speaking, you can save BIG on a winter wedding, as vendors are far less busy. 2) If you have a winter wedding, you can do things like this:

Use the weather/nature to your advantage! We love these pinecone placecards, and these sapling favors are just TOO cute, and so unique!

Use the weather/nature to your advantage! We love these pinecone placecards, and these sapling favors are just TOO cute, and so unique!

We've all seen a bubbly bar, but in the winter you can treat your guests to a hot chcoclate or hot toddy bar! Mmmmm

We’ve all seen a bubbly bar, but in the winter you can treat your guests to a hot chcoclate or hot toddy bar! Mmmmm

You can wear comfy yet fabulous things like these Hunter boots and this fur jacket! Interested in fur, check out Flair's fur rental today!!

You can wear comfy yet fabulous things like these Hunter boots and this fur jacket! Interested in fur? Check out Flair’s fur rental today!!

Wedding Shoes

How to Pick the Perfect Pair!

During our wedding planning, my now husband and I didn’t always see eye to eye. I’m sure you can relate! No, we can’t let every Tom, Dick and Harry have a plus one. Yes, we do need those big candelabras on every table. No, we can’t play hard rap during dinner. You know, the usual stuff. One of the biggest things my husband couldn’t understand, though, was the stress I felt over my wedding shoes. Direct quote: “But your dress is long, right? So no one will see them.” Oh silly hubs, that’s kind of beside the point. I will see them, I will know if they are fabulous or not, and my girls are obviously going to ask to see them! So, they have to have it all; gorgeous, comfortable, affordable and of course they have to go with my gown. If you’re feeling that same shoe stress, check out these tips before you shop (oh, and even better, Flair can get you all of the fab shoes you see below – we are an official carrier of the amazing Nina Shoes)!

1) Don’t stray too far from your normal – If you never wear heels, your wedding day is not the time to start. There are gorgeous flats out there. Trust me, I wore Louboutin flats on my big day! On the other hand, if you do wear heels, but you tend to keep them around 3″, don’t go higher on your wedding day. Even if your fiancé is super tall, you’ll hate how unstable and uncomfortable you’ll feel is those new 6 inchers!
2) Remember your venue – If you’re going to be on the beach, you’ll likely want to stay away from a heel. Sinking in the sand is not a good look on your big day! Same goes for grass; if you want some height consider a wedge heel that won’t let you down! Or if you do opt for flats, you can always have a back up heel ready for when you hit solid ground! For you Boston brides, keep wedges and flats in mind if you’re going to walk the cobblestone streets for your photos. Turning your ankle is not a good way to start your married life!

Now these are the perfect cobblestone shoes! A 2" wedge; comfortable and chic!

Now these are the perfect cobblestone shoes! A 2″ wedge; comfortable and chic!

3) Think of the weather – We’re in New England, so you never know what the weather will throw at you! Make sure you choose a shoe that will be ready for anything. If you want a sandal, try to go for a sling back style, or anything with a strap to keep your foot in place in the event you hit some rainy weather. Having a winter wedding? Always go for a closed toe, even if you find a peep toe you’re obsessed with. You’ll regret it!

Adorable AND ankle support, we're sold!

Adorable AND ankle support, we’re sold!

4) Accessorize! – A little Dr. Scholls can go a long way! Most likely your big day will be the first time you really wear your wedding shoes, so a cheap, simple gel insert can do alot to add to your comfort and enjoyment!
5) Keep your gown in mind! – Sure, those pumps with the gold studs are hot town USA, but they probably won’t go with your traditional lace gown. While you can buy whatever you like, if you choose a shoe that is too different from the style and feel of your dress, it can make for a confused and distracting look.

We love the traditional style of this peep toe, but if you want something more unique get it in a fun color like this navy!

Most of all, try and buy something that you’ll wear again! Your wedding shoes are an investment, but they are one of the few things you can actually use after the big day! Don’t stress about finding dyable shoes to match to your dress, because when will you ever wear those again? Stay true to you, have fun, and you can always reach out to your Flair friends with any of your shoe stresses!

New Year’s Eve Wedding

Tips and Tricks for a Successful, Stylish Event!

Happy 2015! How was your New Year’s Eve? Hope you celebrated with lots of fun, family, friends and flair 😉 Did anyone attend a NYE wedding? In our profession we obviously talk about weddings a lot, and from what we hear, NYE weddings are always memorable and exciting! If December 31 is the date you’re thinking about for your big day, here are some things to keep in mind:

• If you’re having a church ceremony, remember that their holiday decorations might still be up. The advantage there is that you can avoid paying to decorate the site, but the disadvantage is that you have to work your wedding color palette around their décor. Talk to your site in advance to get an idea of what, if any, decorations they will still have up that day so that you can plan accordingly.

Sure, poinsettias are pretty, but they don't go with everything!

Sure, poinsettias are pretty, but they don’t go with everything!

• Typically, when you have a winter wedding here in New England, booking your vendors is a breeze. The busy wedding season here is roughly May – October, so most vendors are free and clear in December. However, because NYE is one of the biggest party days of the year, some of your favorite vendors may get scooped up for non-wedding events. In particular, book your caterer, florist and DJ/band well in advance. Oh and don’t forget to ensure that your photographer can stay past midnight to get those fun countdown shots!

• Remember, even though it’s your wedding day, it’s still everyone else’s New Year’s Eve! Make sure they can celebrate somewhat traditionally by watching the ball drop. Talk to your reception venue in advance about bringing in a large TV or projection screen to watch the countdown as a group. Counting down together will definitely be one of the most memorable parts of the whole day!

Now that's a party! Photo courtesy of The Knot, taken by Vue Photography

Now that’s a party! Photo courtesy of The Knot, taken by Vue Photography

• Make sure you have plenty of bubbly! New Year’s Eve is the biggest day for the consumption of champagne in the US, after all! Stock the bar and also consider cute, mini champagne bottle favors like these that we found on bridalguide.com; they’re practical, adorable and your guests will love them!

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• Last but not least, let your friends at Flair help you plan your gorgeous, glamorous NYE wedding day style! Think lots of sparkle (duh). How about the brand new gold metallic version of Jenny Yoo’s Annabelle dress (arriving at Flair later this winter); it’s perfection!

This style is flattering AND fabulous!

This style is flattering AND fabulous!

Looking forward to a fun, fabulous and Flair filled 2015 with all of you 🙂 xoxo

Bridal Gown Preservation Boston

Because your daughter will definitely want to wear it someday, right?

Prior to your wedding, you will literally spend months making your wedding gown just right. You will shop for the perfect accessories, trek to multiple fittings and clear out half of your closet to make a safe hiding place for what is now the most important article of clothing you’ve ever bought. Then the wedding comes and all hell breaks loose. Want those pretty Public Garden photos? You gotta watch out for grass stains. Having a beach ceremony? Hello sand! The reception is ripe with horrors, too. Aunt Petunia is wearing a particularly scary shade of pink lipstick that is sure to stain. And red wine? Why didn’t we ban that?!

Now that's a bride who had some fun on her big day! Photo courtesy of Chelsea Nicole Photography

Now that’s a bride who had some fun on her big day! Photo courtesy of Chelsea Nicole Photography

The funny thing is; you won’t actually worry about any of that on your wedding day. You’ll be so engrossed in the enormity and importance of the day that nothing else will really matter. When does it matter? The next morning, when you wake up and see that expensive, gorgeous gown covered in stains. No bride is immune. No matter how careful you are, your gown will come away a little worse for the wear. Have no fear; your friends at Flair are coming to the rescue! We have recently partnered with a company and can now offer bridal gown restoration. Loose beading: tightened. Stains: Cleaned. Wrinkles: released. Basically, we’re bringing your gown back to life! Click here to learn more and to contact us and get your restoration started. It’s an investment that every bride should make; you’ll be so glad that you did!

Wedding Cake Ideas

How to make your cake unique, beautiful AND tasty!

During the holiday season, our mind is focused solely on one thing: food. It’s unavoidable! With all of the office parties and holiday get togethers, we’re consuming way more calories than we probably should. However, we can make ourselves feel better pretty quickly. First of all, it has been so cold that a little extra “padding” might actually be beneficial to our overall health and well being. Secondly, gym memberships will most certainly be on sale come 2015, so we can kick back into gear then. Phew, now, back to the treats! Speaking of which, our food-centric brain got us thinking about the ultimate wedding treat; the cake! Wedding cakes are no longer just white and boring; they are a way to reflect your unique personality and sense of style. Check out these unique cake ideas and make your wedding cake a wow!

1) Back to the basics – It’s actually a big trend right now to forgo over the top cake decorations. After all, everyone tends to just pick off that pretty fondant, right? These “naked” cakes are unique, modern and gorgeous even without their usual trappings!

We LOVE the berries on this pretty cake we found on hitched.co.uk.com! If you prefer flowers, though, check out this stunner we found on Martha Stewart Weddings; gorge!

We LOVE the berries on this pretty cake we found on hitched.co.uk.com! If you prefer flowers, though, check out this stunner we found on Martha Stewart Weddings; gorge!

2) Painted and Pretty – If you prefer a more decorated look, but still want to do something modern and different with your cake, think about painted decorations as opposed to the usual frosting and fondant. Cake artists are artists, after all, and most can use their abilities to paint on your cake with edible “watercolors” to create a fresh, new look that your guests will love!

We are obsessed with the simple, easy watercolor feel of the left cake we saw on olofsondesign.com! And this black and white beauty we found on Colin Cowie Weddings is the epitome of modern elegance!

We are obsessed with the simple, easy watercolor feel of the cake on the left that we saw on olofsondesign.com! And this black and white beauty we found on Colin Cowie Weddings is the epitome of modern elegance!

3) Cakes with a shine – Your Flair friends have already told you that metallics are huge in wedding wear, but they are also a major trend in wedding cakes! Whether you take the metallic over the top or just as an accent, it is sure to take your cake to the next level! BIG shoutout to Flair friend and Boston based bakery Montilio’s for their stunning metallic edged cake that they made for Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy’s recent wedding. It was featured on People.com, no big deal! Way to go Montilio’s, it couldn’t happen to a better, nicer bakery!

The cake on the left (found on zerodecor.com) exudes simple elegance and we have NO words for the beauty of Montilio's cake. It is sheer perfection!

The cake on the left (found on zerodecor.com) exudes simple elegance and we have NO words for the beauty of Montilio’s cake. It is sheer perfection!

Whatever you do, remember that your cake is another way for you and your fiancé to show off you love and personalities, so do your research and make your cake unique, special and oh so YOU!

Aria Bridal Gowns

Welcome Flair’s newest designer!

One of the many perks of our job is that we get to stare at pretty dresses all day. It doesn’t stop at staring either; we also get to buy said pretty dresses! We’re always on the hunt for fabulous, new dresses to bring to our beautiful, Boston brides. As fun as that sounds, though, it’s also a job that we take very seriously. We have super high standards for what we bring into Flair. After all, these designers become a part of our family and their dresses become a part of your wedding day; mega responsibility! So, you can imagine our excitement when we find a designer who fits the bill. Join us in sending a big, huge welcome to Aria!

Aria’s Creative Director and President Tak Hau has been designing since the late 80’s, with his styles popping up in some little shops you may have heard of, like, oh, Barneys and Nordstrom! Looking for a new challenge, Tak launched Aria is 2001 to bring his figure flattering, affordable and stylish designs to the bridal world. Aria bridal gowns are modern, fresh, elegant and made in the USA with American made silks. It’s not the easiest or cheapest way to do things but it produces a product up to Aria’s strict quality standards, and for that we (and brides everywhere) are grateful. Trust us; you are going to love Aria just as much as we do! Get to know them this weekend with our first Aria trunk show, where we’ll have tons of styles in the store at a great discount! Call today to book; these spots will fill up quickly!

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Pantone Color of the Year 2015

Pop the cork and add some Marsala into your wedding day!

We LOVE when Pantone announces their “it” color for the upcoming year. They are always right on point, and 2015’s color is no exception! Marsala is such a gorgeous, universally flattering color and you can work it into your life in a ton of ways. A wine colored handbag would add a chic pop of color to any ensemble. Or, how about marsala skinny jeans? Gorge! If you really love this stunning shade, though, why not take it from everyday to wedding day!

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1) Marsala Mani and Manolos – Even if you already have your wedding wardrobe on lock, there’s still time to add some marsala to your wedding day look. A wine colored manicure would look simply stunning against a white bridal gown! Or, think about popping this hot color into your shoe; a fun, unique choice that you can definitely wear after the big day!

Skating The Issue by Essie is the perfect shade of Marsala! And these burgundy Manolos? We're swooning!

Skating The Issue by Essie is the perfect shade of Marsala! And these burgundy Manolos? We’re swooning!

2) Marsala isn’t just for drinking! – Though we love a good glass of red, if you want to add some marsala into your wedding cuisine in a unique way, consider it for your food, not your beverages. How stunning are these marsala cupcakes? And they’re delicious too; a traditional red velvet cake with dyed frosting to match. Simple and chic! Not a red velvet fan? Add some marsala colored blooms to your traditional white cake for a truly “wow” look! You can also play a more cheeky homage to the color of the year by offering a wedding classic; chicken marsala 😉 A true crowd pleaser!

Mmmmm marsala!

Mmmmm marsala!

3) Marsala for your man – Guys are lucky, they can wait WAY longer than us girls before finalizing their wedding wardrobe, so you likely still have time to add some marsala to their look. We LOVE this wine colored bow tie, for example (it’s from The Dessy Collection and you can get it at Flair or Frills!). It looks great with this black tux, but would look just as amazing with a navy suit and suspenders! Or, along the line of your manolos, give your man a hint of marsala in his footwear with adorable, unique socks like these from Polo.

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The options are endless girls, so have some fun incorporating this gorgeous color into your big day! Of course, it goes without saying that Flair also has a TON of bridesmaids’ dresses available in the year’s hottest color, so give us a call to come in a check them out! Cheers!