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Holiday Weekend Weddings

How to achieve holiday holy matrimony success!

Obviously, we’re thankful that Columbus discovered America because, well, we live here. That goes without saying. On this particular Friday, though, we’re equally enamored with him for giving us a much needed three day weekend (well, kinda…we’ve got some bridal and bridesmaids appointments on the books, but that’s fun stuff!). On the verge of this long weekend, we got to thinking about holiday weekend weddings. What do you think of them? We love them, but they do come with some extra considerations. If a three day weekend wedding is something you’re thinking about, here’s what you need to know:

1) Be prepared to get on the ball right away – People tend to make plans further in advance for a holiday weekend, so you’ll need to get your save the dates out ASAP to in order to catch people before they’ve made commitments that they can’t change. In addition, travel and hotels are likely to book more quickly for a holiday weekend, so it’s advised to give your guests ample time to secure their spots. Even if you do get going early, though, you still need to be prepared for the possibility of a smaller wedding. Holiday weekends can be somewhat of a fixed point for people (perhaps with traditions or other obligations that they are unwilling or unable to adjust), and you may get more declines than you would on an average weekend.

This wedding took their Labor Day theme to a whole new, adorable level! (Photo credit to Ashley Whitlow Photograhy; Photo found on loveandlavender.com)

This wedding took their Labor Day theme to a whole new, adorable level! (Photo credit to Ashley Whitlow Photograhy; Photo found on loveandlavender.com)

2) Consider the cost – While a holiday weekend does allow you to more easily have your wedding on a Sunday, beware. Having your wedding on a “normal” Sunday typically means savings; yay! However, vendors tend to look at the Sunday of a holiday weekend the same as a typical Saturday, so the savings might not be quite as much as you’d think. In addition, remember the additional cost for your guests. Travel and accommodations will likely be more expensive than normal, so don’t be surprised if that affects their gift budget for you. Book your hotel blocks as soon as you set a date to try to get them the best deal possible!

3) Run last minute errands, well, NOT at the last minute – While on a typical weekend, you’ll have plenty of store options for any last minute things you might forget, on a holiday weekend many stores will be closed. Sit down with your fiancé the week before and go through the entire wedding day with a fine tooth comb, to try and anticipate any needs/purchases before the holiday weekend hits.

These metallic gourds and cute cornucopia are perfect for a Columbus Day wedding! (found on Better Homes and Garden's website)

These metallic gourds and cute cornucopia are perfect for a Columbus Day wedding! (found on Better Homes and Garden’s website)

Those are the big things to remember, but it’s not all “disadvantages”! There are TONS of amazing things about having a holiday weekend wedding! You’ll always have a special, long weekend (i.e. days off) close to your anniversary to celebrate. Plus, the weekend of the wedding you’ll have an extra day to spend with friends and family who are in town. And don’t forget to use the holiday to your advantage! Have it be the centerpiece of your wedding theme and you’re sure to have details and touches that your guests will always remember 🙂

Wedding Morning To Do List

Make your last hours as single lady stress free and smooth!

My twin sister is getting married this weekend! It’s safe to say that planning her wedding has taken over our family’s life for the past few months (or more), and I mean that in the best way possible. It has been amazing working on projects together, and even tackling hurdles together. Because our (yes, our; I feel like this wedding is practically my own, ha!) planning time is coming to a close, I could only think of one thing when it came time to write this week’s blog: the morning of the wedding. Yes, totally selfishly I wrote this blog about the one thing I have left to plan/worry about. But I figure wedding morning to dos are something everyone needs to know about, right? Here are some tips for making your last hours as a Miss stress free and fabulous (and cross your fingers that I remember all of these tomorrow):
1) Food is your friend! Nerves and excitement tend to tell us that we’re not hungry but it’s super important to eat something before the main event. After all, you’ll need tons of energy for all of that dancing and schmoozing! In the days before, find a place nearby that makes a dish that you love and will want to eat no matter what, and assign someone to go pick it up for you. For my sister, it was a simple sandwich. Like all brides, she has been trying to eat healthy prior to the wedding day, and I know she’s going to be so excited to eat that sandwich guilt free! Oh and don’t forget the H2O; dehydration is not your friend!
2) Set the mood. The vibe in your getting ready area should be light and fun! The room should be filled with the music you love and the people you love, oh and a bottle of champagne or two won’t hurt 😉 Have someone in your life that tends to cause you stress? Find a nice way to make sure they are otherwise occupied the morning of the wedding. It’s all about what you want, and what makes you comfortable, so you can focus on getting aisle ready!

We found this cute getting ready photo (courtesy of onelove Photography) on brides.com. Head there to see their list of must play wedding morning songs!

We found this cute getting ready photo (courtesy of onelove Photography) on brides.com. Head there to see their list of must play wedding morning songs!

3) Let your dress breathe. Likely your dress will have been cooped up in a bridal bag for safe keeping, so the morning of the wedding unzip and set her free! Letting the gown hang loose for a few hours before the ceremony will allow it to settle and de-wrinkle a bit. Also, having a steamer nearby for any stubborn creases is never a bad idea!

Now that's a stylish way to let your dress de-wrinkle! Adorable photo from our bride Julie's big day, courtesy of Sweet Lady Jane Photography

Now that’s a stylish way to let your dress de-wrinkle! Adorable photo from our bride Julie’s big day, courtesy of Sweet Lady Jane Photography

4) So fresh and so clean, clean – assign one of your bridesmaids to tidy up your getting ready room. Most likely your photographer will be taking some photos there, and no one needs to see your guilt free burger wrapper! Another thing to clean – your ring! Make sure that baby sparkles in your shots!
5) Lastly, make sure your emergency kit is packed! Flats, Band-Aids, Advil, bobby pins, breath mints, tissues, touch up makeup, a brush and a nail file are just some of the must haves. Decide what’s important to you and put it in the kit! Also, be sure to have your phone fully charged and ready for all of those congratulations texts!

Tell us – was there something else that made your morning special and smooth? Let us know, and I’ll be sure to pass along any tips from our getting ready experience 🙂

Wedding Jewelry

Accessible Luxury at Long’s!

This week we had the privilege of collaborating with the amazing Long’s Jewelers on a fun blog about beach appropriate wedding gowns and jewelry (give it a read here). We so enjoyed working with everyone at Long’s. They are kind, accommodating and really know their stuff! Long’s truly has a piece for every bride’s style and every wedding theme. Want a little color? They have it! Searching for a modern way to wear pearls? Look no further! And of course, they are the bling kings! Working on this project got us thinking about the relationship between your wedding dress and bridal jewelry. You can’t just force two styles together because you happen to like them both. It takes time and work (albeit fun work) to ensure that your gown and jewelry go together. We’ve pulled together a short list of tips/recommendations to help you get started, and be sure to contact the experts at Long’s when you’re ready to finalize your perfect bridal bling!

If your wedding dress is covered in crystals – In our opinion, if you’ve chosen a more intricate gown, we recommend going a little lighter on the jewelry. Our tip: skip the necklace and go for an amazing bracelet and/or earring. The bare décolletage will give some much needed separation between your dress/jewelry and really allow each to shine!

We think these simple and elegant pieces from Long's are perfect to pair with an intricate gown! Top: Sterling Silver Bamboo and White Topaz Studs Bottom: Siviglia 18K Yellow Gold Bangle with Diamonds

We think these simple and elegant pieces from Long’s are perfect to pair with an intricate gown! Top: Sterling Silver Bamboo and White Topaz Studs Bottom: Siviglia 18K Yellow Gold Bangle with Diamonds

If your dress is simple, clean and strapless – This classic, bare neckline makes way for a world of jewelry possibilities! This is your opportunity to go for a fun, fabulous piece, maybe something a little more modern than the typical wedding jewelry. This is your excuse to really have some fun with your accessories because there’s very little that will clash with your timeless, effortless dress.

Does your dress allow for bolder accessories? Try a little color or even a fun monogrammed piece, like these from Long's! Top: 14K White Gold Cushion Blue Topaz Necklace Bottom: Yellow Gold Lace Monogram Necklace

Does your dress allow for bolder accessories? Try a little color or even a fun monogrammed piece, like these from Long’s! Top: 14K White Gold Cushion Blue Topaz Necklace Bottom: Yellow Gold Lace Monogram Necklace

If your dress has a vintage vibe – Your jewelry should match! You shouldn’t pair a traditional lace gown with modern, funky jewelry. It will look like your dress and accessories are going to two totally different parties! Buy a timeless gown? Maybe opt for a classic pearl necklace to coincide with that vibe. Is your dress modern and architectural? Then you can totally pair it with a fresh and funky statement piece. Basically what we’re saying here is that your jewelry and dress vibes need to jive.

Vintage and pearls are a match made in heaven, though we're kind of obsessed with that modern diamond necklace, if your dress allows it! Top: 18K White Gold Pearl Necklace, Bracelet, and Earrings Bottom: stunning diamond pendant necklace on a simple platinum chain

A vintage dress and pearls are a match made in heaven, but if your dress is more modern we’re kind of obsessed with the bold diamond necklace below! Top: 18K White Gold Pearl Necklace, Bracelet, and Earrings Bottom: stunning diamond pendant necklace on a simple platinum chain

Now these are just the some basic tips from girls in the dress world; for all the wedding jewelry info you need to know, or to learn more about any of the pieces seen here, contact the amazing staff at Long’s!

Wedding Checklist

Commonly Forgotten Items

“It is what it is.” “If it’s meant to be, it will be.” “Everything happens for a reason.” “Hindsight is 20/20.” All annoying phrases, am I right? As true as they may be, generally when someone slaps you with one of these, it’s a time when you really don’t want to hear it. Luckily, when it comes to weddings we’ve got the last one covered for you. We’re here with some commonly forgotten wedding checklist items, so that your foresight, current sight, hindsight, and really any sight can have perfect, wedding ready vision 🙂

Your legal documents – Remember that marriage certificate you waited endlessly for at city hall? It’s quite literally the most important part of the wedding day but many brides still end up leaving it at home. Put it on your packing checklist NOW. Also, if you’re leaving the country the following day for your honeymoon, be sure to grab your passport (unflattering photo and all)!

Remembering your marriage certificate ensures you can get a classic, sentimental photo like this one!

Remembering your marriage certificate ensures you can get a classic, sentimental photo like this one!

Your photos – Obviously you’ll think to book your photographer, but also remember to do your photo homework in advance of the big day. Look at your photographer’s blog and choose some shots that you like. Send them to your photographer in advance so that he/she can get a good sense of the style that you’re going for. Trust us, it will make the day go smoothly and ensure that you get the photos you’ve been dreaming of. In addition, choose someone who will assist the photographer in wrangling guests for photos. This should be someone who knows yours and your fiancé’s family/friends well. So, when the grandparents are needed, for example, this person knows just where to find them!

Vendor meals – It’s customary to provide your vendors who will be on site during the reception with a meal. After all, you want them energized and at their best! Talk to your caterer/venue in advance about having a few less formal meals on hand for them. Typically they will work with you to create a lower priced entrée that your vendors will surely appreciate!

Your ceremony seating – Reception seating is planned to a t, complete with seating chart and all. Yet somehow, brides tend to pass over thinking about their ceremony seating. Decide if you want to designate sides for your family and your fiancé’s. If you have individual chairs, plan on providing extra, as people tend to not want to sit right next to each other if they don’t have to.

Whether you assign seating or not, you've got to admit this sign we found on Etsy is too cute!

Whether you assign seating or not, you’ve got to admit this sign we found on Etsy (link to seller above) is too cute!

Tell us – is there another item you’d add to this list? Let us know; future brides will appreciate your 20/20 hindsight 🙂

Wedding Rentals

Unique, cost effective additions to your big day!

I was driving around my hometown recently when I passed by a new gym that had just opened. Right away, it struck me as weird. I didn’t take issue with the gym itself. After all, everyone is trying to get fit for the summer, so opening a gym right now isn’t a bad idea. However, it was the physical space that bugged me. With that unmistakable blue and yellow exterior, this space was and always will be a Blockbuster Video store. I spent many a Friday night there with my parents trying to decide between “Father of the Bride” and “Kindergarten Cop.” So, to see it now as a gym was just odd. It made me a little sad to think about how swiftly the video rental market has gone under. We’re the last generation that will remember having to go out of the house to find a new movie to watch. It was a fun experience that I find myself missing from time to time. How fun it was to experience something without the commitment/permanency of buying! Luckily the rental world has expanded in other ways so I can still get my rental fix! For example, the wedding world is ripe with rental opportunities aside from the typical chairs and linens! Here are a few of our faves:

Plants – Talk to your florist about their rental options. You can save some big bucks if they have living plants available for rent! As opposed to cut flowers that are single time use, florists can offer lower prices on plants that can be reused for future events. We love this for the bride/groom looking for a unique, cost effective approach to their florals!

Check out the pretty potted plants at this chic wedding! Photo credit Marni Rothschild Photography

Check out the pretty potted plants at this chic wedding! Photo credit Marni Rothschild Photography

Restaurants – When most people think of weddings, they picture a ballroom. For a different option, consider renting out your favorite restaurant! It’s a personal touch and you know the food will be top notch. Plus, your guests will appreciate a break from the hotel ballroom style wedding that we all certainly love, but have been to before.
Furs – A fur can be a chic, fun accessory for your wedding day, but most of us do not have the budget to invest in a permanent piece. Have no fear, Flair is here! We’re entering the fur rental market and have some lovely pieces that will help you get some even lovelier photos! Contact us for more info and get ready for all of the oohs and aahs!

Fab Flair bride Ali ROCKED her fur! Photo credit Sweet Jane Photography

Fab Flair bride Ali ROCKED her fur! Photo credit Sweet Jane Photography

Tell us – are you (or did you) renting anything fun for your big day??

Bridesmaids’ Dress Shopping Tips

Set yourself up for dress success!

Planning; when it comes to your wedding, there’s very little you can do without it. From the all important budget planning, to the seating chart, to your ceremony structure and more– advanced preparation is key. The same goes for your bridesmaids’ dress shopping! In order to get the most out of your appointments, prior planning is of the utmost importance. That hour in the store goes by in a snap, so getting organized in advance will help you maximize your time and set you up for success! Since we know a thing or two about bridesmaids’ dress shopping 😉 we decided to pull together a brief list of recommendations for what to do before you visit us:
1) Buy your bridal gown – The wedding dress sets the tone for all of the other attire, so check that off of your list first! Another reason to wait? Designers come out with new dresses 1-2 times per year and you want to make sure you see all that will be available for your wedding season. We recommend shopping 5-6 months in advance of the big day.

Yes, we are totally going to use this blog to shamelessly show off some fab Flair brides/maids who did their homework and shopped with success! Photo credit to the amazing Deborah Zoe Photography :)

Yes, we are totally going to use this blog to shamelessly show off some fab Flair brides/maids who did their homework and shopped with success! Photo credit to the amazing Deborah Zoe Photography 🙂

2) Do your research – There are so many options available these days that it’s best to come in with an idea in mind to help us tailor down your search/selection. Check out real weddings (our Facebook page is a great place to start!) as well as styled shoots in magazines/ blogs. Use those as inspiration to help you head into your appointment with atleast one thing you must have in your bridesmaids’ dresses. You’d be surprised how much that one thing can help narrow down the sea of dresses and make your shopping trip successful and stress free!

Blush and beautiful! Photo credit to the fab Suzanna March Photography

Blush and beautiful! Photo credit to the fab Suzanna March Photography

3) Choose your dream team – Your bridesmaids’ dress appointments are not an excuse for a small party. More people = more voices, more opinions and more anxiety! Take some time prior to your shopping trips to decide whose opinion matters most and who you think will really help you choose the right dresses. Bring only those people to your initial appointment; you can always bring more people to any follow up appointments…after you’ve narrowed down the choices!

Making a bridal party of 6 all look happy and amazing? No easy task, but this bride did it right! Photo credit to Studio 1923

Making a bridal party of 7 all look happy and amazing? No easy task, but this bride did it right! Photo credit to the talented Studio 1923

We could go on and on, but if you do those three, main things in advance of your bridesmaids’ shopping, we’re sure that you’ll find your appointment to be trouble-free and triumphant! Tell us if you have any tips for our future Flair brides/maids to add to the list 🙂

Wedding Dress Shopping Tips

The don’ts that every bride should know!

When trying something new, there’s always a little bit of trial and error. No one skis a black diamond on their first try. No one has perfect hair their first time using a curling iron (we’ve all been victim to those tight, Shirley Temple curls). But what about wedding dress shopping? Most of us only get one crack at that, so how do you work out the kinks? Take advice from fab pros like Flair, of course! We’ve learned over the years that when it comes to gown shopping, oftentimes it’s more about knowing what NOT to do. Here are our top dress shopping don’ts:

Yes, we are shamelessly using this blog as an excuse to show off photos of Flair brides who obviously shopped successfully - they look gorge! Photo credit: Leah Haydock Photography

Yes, we are shamelessly using this blog as an excuse to show off photos of Flair brides who obviously shopped successfully – they look gorge! Photo credit: Leah Haydock Photography

DON’T try on a gown that is over of your budget – There’s a reason it’s more expensive. It’s pretty, and you’re probably going to love it. Then you’ll have the hard decision of either raising your budget or trying to forget said dress; a Sophie’s choice if I’ve ever heard one!
DON’T shop too early – Your body may change. Your taste/style may change. New styles may come out that you’ll love more. Enough said. 12-9 months in advance is ideal for dress shopping/purchasing, so do your best to stay within that time frame.

Another pretty, pretty Flair bride :)

Another pretty, pretty Flair bride 🙂

DON’T focus on sales – Sure, sales are great…if they happen to apply to a dress that you already love. It can be easy to feel like you “love” a dress because it’s on a huge discount, but that shouldn’t be your #1 reason to purchase it. Think about if the dress was full price; would you love it just as much? If so, buy it! If not, it may be time to move on.
DON’T try to change a dress – Aside from little adjustments (extra length, for example) you really shouldn’t want to change a dress if it’s truly “the one.” If you want to alter major parts of the dress (i.e. top style, skirt fullness, material, etc.) then it’s likely not the one for you. Besides, the designer knew what he/she was doing and there’s probably a reason they designed the dress the way they did. Even if they will make the desired modifications for you, do you really purchase a dress without seeing those changes first? Probably not.

Gorgeous overload!

Gorgeous overload!

DON’T try to please everyone – This dress is all about YOU. Period. End of sentence. Sure, it would be great to have everyone in your entourage agree on a dress, but we’re here to tell you – that rarely happens. In the same breath, don’t feel pressured to purchase a dress just because everyone in your group loves it. If the only reason you love it is because they do, it’s probably not the one for you.

Lastly, DON’T put too much pressure on yourself. After all, gown shopping should be fun! One way to ensure that it is…come to Flair 😉 We can’t wait to shop with you soon!

Making your Bridesmaids Feel Special

Be the Beyonce of Brides (aka the best)!

When you get to a certain age, it seems like your whole life rotates around weddings. When’s that shower? Where’s that bachelorette? We have HOW many weddings this year?! Not to mention when you’re a bridesmaid in one (or more) of those weddings. After the first one or two times being in a bridal party, the shine can wear off a little. So, when you get engaged, remember that while it’s your first time as a bride, it’s probably not your friends’ first time being a maid. Make your wedding stand out (and earn yourself an A+ bride rating!) by doing some special things for your girls throughout the process:

1) Ask them in style – The first interaction your bridesmaids will have with you as a bride is when you ask them to be in the wedding party, so do it right! You don’t have to go crazy (a Bridesmaids style invite complete with live butterfly is not necessary); a simple, chic, personalized card is a timeless approach that is sure to have them saying “yes!”

These ADORABLE cards (by fab local artist Holly Nichols) are available on our online site, Frills, and can be customized with different names/shoe colors!

These ADORABLE cards (by fab local artist Holly Nichols) are available exclusively on our online site, Frills, and can be customized with different names/shoe colors!

Custom MOH card

2) Plan a get together – Kick your wedding planning off with a bang by organizing a fun event for your girls! This is especially important if your bridesmaids don’t all know each other; it’s your job to facilitate the getting acquainted process. Take a cocktail making class, plan an outing at a local vineyard, indulge in a spa day…the list of possibilities goes on and on! It will be fun for everyone and it’ll show your girls that you care, which will get them excited to help you plan for the main event!

3) Take their opinions into account – This is a good idea across the board, but especially with their look. Think about creating a special “bridesmaids’ style” Pinterest board and give them access to add to it. Then, use their ideas as a jumping off point for your dress shopping trip. They will respect that you have taken their preferences to heart and will end up looking and feeling better for it!

Worried they'll have differing opinions? Jenny Yoo shows that it's OK (even beautiful!) to mix and match dresses and colors!

Worried your bridesmaids will have differing opinions? Jenny Yoo shows that it’s OK (even beautiful!) to mix and match dress styles and colors to suit each girl’s style!

4) Give them a shout out – The rehearsal dinner is the perfect time to make your love for your bridesmaids’ known. Most of the important people in your life will be there, so calling them out specifically is sure to bring a tear to their eye and earn you major bride points (and make up for that inevitable bridezilla moment that every bride has).

5) Be the wedding morning maven – By the day of the wedding, your bridesmaids will have done a ton to help you, so it’s time to let them know how much you appreciate all of their hard work! Order room service, bring in their favorite coffee, pop some champagne and create a fun, stress free getting ready environment full of gratitude!

6) Take your photos over the top – If you have time, talk to your photographer about doing special portraits with each of your bridesmaids. Also offer to have their significant others involved. If they can walk away from your wedding with a professional photo with you and their hunny (maybe even their families!) they are sure to remember you as the bride to beat!

Whatever you do, always remember that your bridesmaids’ whole lives are not dedicated to your wedding. Stay involved in what’s going on in their lives too and make time for non-wedding talk. Trust us, you’ll probably want to get your mind off the big day every once and awhile too 🙂

Flower Girl Dresses

Fresh, new ideas for the little lady in your life!

flower girl
noun
1. A young girl at a wedding ceremony who precedes the bride and carries or scatters flowers in her path.

Alternate definition: A young girl who has a strong chance of stealing your thunder.

The wedding day is all about the bride – oh yeah, and you too, grooms 😉 – but if there had to be a second in command, it would be the flower girl. She’s cute – almost too cute – and the wedding can’t start without her. She’s basically a mini-bride. She sets the tone for your own walk down the aisle, so you definitely want her happy and excited. How can you ensure that? Well, with little ones there’s never a guarantee but if you dress her right, she’s probably going to jump at the chance to hit that aisle and strut her stuff. Check out these fresh, new ideas for flower girls and get your little lady runway (i.e. aisle) ready:

1) Redefine “flower” girl – Flower petals are the classic, standard accessory for flower girls (duh), but they’re not always practical. If your ceremony is outdoors, they’ll probably end up flying all over the place. Not to mention the fact that flower girls are notorious for either not throwing the petals at all, or dropping them in huge, random clumps. Not exactly the delicate scattering of petals you were hoping for. You can avoid that by giving her a modern, unique item to carry. Try a clever sign, or what about a big, bright balloon? And that chic parasol? We’re swooning!

Thanks to Real Simple for these adorable photos!

Thanks to Real Simple for these adorable photos!

2) Give her happy feet – A comfortable kid is a happy kid, so get her started off on the right foot with some cute, yet comfortable footwear. Mini Uggs, cowboy boots, Toms, or even Hunter rain boots are sure to be met with ooh’s and ahh’s from your guests as well as your flower girl!

We found these cuties on Pinterest :)

We found these cuties on Pinterest 🙂

3) Get her ‘do just right – While we are obsessed with the flower crowns we’ve been seeing for brides, bridesmaids and flower girls alike, it’s time for some new alternatives. We love this lace headband. Lace is so very bridal and therefore perfect for the big day! Also, every girl loves some bling, so why not adorn her top knot with some sparkle? And for the little diva in your life, a mini-veil is an accessory that’s sure to make her feel special and wow your guests!

Kudos again to Pinterest for these sweet shots!

Kudos again to Pinterest for these sweet shots!

4) Dress for success – Gone are the days of simple white dresses with a color coordinated sash. There are tons of adorable, modern dress styles for your flower girls! Jenny Yoo has numerous options that are sure to set your girl apart, and they even go along with the hot, new trends we’re seeing in bridal gowns. Lace, sleeves, colors; there’s something for every girl’s taste!

Just a few of Jenny's delightlful dresses! L to R: Her Etsy, Annie and Avery styles

Just a few of Jenny’s delightlful dresses! L to R: Her Etsy, Annie and Avery styles

Whatever you choose, make your flower girl feel special and she’s sure to walk the aisle with a smile 🙂

Beach Wedding

How to ensure your wardrobe works for a wedding by the waves

So, we hit 70 degrees this week (finally!) and that had us thinking of one thing – the beach! After the winter we’ve had, New Englanders are long overdue for some waves, sand and vitamin D! Are you having a beach wedding, or are you attending one this summer? We LOVE a celebration in the sand; they are so serene and romantic, and the photos always come out so gorgeous. A beach wedding is not without its challenges, though. Here are some tips to ensure that your pretty attire – hopefully from Flair 😉 – as well as your guests’, work for a wedding by the waves:

This shot could NOT be dreamier! Just be ready, though, for the wind to sometimes take your veil in directions you don't want it to go! The less fussy the veil, the better!

This shot could NOT be dreamier! Just be ready, though, for the wind to sometimes take your veil in directions you don’t want it to go! The less fussy the veil, the better!

1) Consider a station where your guests can swap out their high heels for Havaianas. Be sure to include some towels for sand removal if you’ll be leaving the sand after the ceremony! If you just can’t bring yourself to ditch your own designer wedding heels, though, consider taking the extra step to bury a hidden, wooden aisle under the sand.
2) On your invitation, remind guests to bring items that will add to their comfort on the beach; sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, etc. When you come down the aisle, you want all eyes on you, not squinting through the sunshine! Also, be sure to note the attire you prefer for your guests. Beach chic, smart casual; something that indicates that you’re not requiring an overly formal look from your friends and family.
3) When it comes to your bridal gown, consider the weight of the fabric. A light, flowy chiffon or organza will not only keep you cool, but will look simply stunning blowing in the breeze! Also, think about the dress silhouette. Are you really going to want to carry around a ballgown on the beach? It’s your day, though, so if you do fall in love with a fuller dress don’t be afraid to say yes, just make sure it bustles easily!

Amy Kuschel's organza Juniper dress (left) and Jenny Yoo's tulle Esme dress are perfect for beach weddings; lightweight, comfortable and oh so bridal!

Amy Kuschel’s organza Juniper dress (left) and Jenny Yoo’s tulle Esme gown are perfect for beach weddings; lightweight, comfortable and oh so bridal!

4) Guys look great in tuxes; that’s just a fact. You may have to get adjusted to a different look on your man, though, for a beach wedding. That heavy fabric will surely make him hot and uncomfortable, and we want him focused and fresh! A linen suit is a great alternative, or you can ditch the suit all together and go for a shirt, tie and slacks. We have a feeling you’ll find him just as dreamy 🙂

Need some help with your wedding wardrobe, beach or otherwise? We’re always here to help, so get going and make your appointment! We can’t wait to see you soon 🙂