Wedding Planning Tips Archives - Flair Boston | Wedding Dresses in Boston MA | Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses, Accessories, Wedding Dress Cleaning

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Pets in Weddings

Ideas and Cautions

On your wedding day, you and your fiancé become a legal family, but I have a feeling that many couples out there felt like family long before that, and often because of the addition of their first “child” – their pet! For many of us, these important and cute creatures bring us together and really complete our lives, so leaving them out of the wedding day seems impossible! If you’re thinking about incorporating your pal into your big day, here are some ways to do so, and some cautions to consider before you set any plans in stone:

Our bride Sofia and her hubby had their adorable pooch there for some photos, and we think it totally paid off! Photo credit to the fab Kate Nielen Photography

First look – Let’s face it, pets are unpredictable, so giving them a role in the more structured parts of the day (i.e. the ceremony/reception) may not be ideal for everyone. Instead, you may want to consider having them there for the more private and carefree first look portion of the day. You’ll get some adorable photos of your little family, and your pet should do wonders to ease any day of jitters you may be experiencing!
In place of a bouquet – Of course, this one only works if you have a smaller pet, but having either yourself or your maid of honor carry your pet down the aisle is a great way to include them in the ceremony while still keeping a semi-tight rein on them. Cue the ooh’s and aah’s!
Cake topper – The reception is typically a rip-roaring, loud party, which may not be the ideal situation for your pet (and certainly not the ideal situation for them to be on their best behavior). So, instead of having them there IRL, consider including them as part of your cake topper! Cutting the cake is still a major part of most receptions, so this will ensure that your BFF gets to play an important role even if they’re not there in person.
And now, some cautions:
Sure, having your pet there will make you happy, but will it make him/her happy? Be sure to keep in mind your pet’s temperament and personality before choosing to include them in your big day. Do they like crowds? Are they high-strung? If you answered no then yes, you might want to consider incorporating your pet in a way that doesn’t necessarily require them to be there in person (e.g. our cake topper suggestion above).
Safety first! Is your wedding taking place in a high traffic area or on a particularly hot/cold day? Remember that you’ll be pretty busy, and won’t be able to keep an eye on or tend to your pets needs as much as usual, so if the environment isn’t ideal you may want to opt to leave them at home.
Keep your guests in mind. Do any of them have pet allergies, or even a fear/aversion to pets? The last thing you want is to make anyone uncomfortable on your big day, so be sure having your pet there won’t cause anyone any undue stress!

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Bridesmaids’ Dress Shopping

The long and short of it

Wedding planning requires that you make a ton of choices (cue all brides saying: duh!). A band or a DJ? A buffet or a seated dinner? Write your own vows or use the traditional? There’s so much to consider, but luckily there’s really no wrong answer. Whatever you and your fiancé like is the right choice! When it comes to bridesmaids’ dresses, one of the first decisions you have to make is long versus short. If you’re in the middle of this “lengthy” debate, here are some things to consider:
Formality – In the past, the thinking seemed to be formal venue = long dresses. That’s not necessarily true. It’s more a question of the vibe you’d like to achieve for your big day. If you’re asking your guests to wear black tie, for example, then yes, long bridesmaids’ dresses are a must. If the men are wearing tuxes – long again. Basically, if you’re going for a super formal, black tie type of wedding, floor length dresses are your best bet. Other wedding styles tend to have more flexibility.

Our gorge bride Lexi had her wedding at the formal Oyster Harbor Club – so long bridesmaids’ dresses were a great choice for her big day! Photo credit: Molly Anne Photography

Weather – Having a July wedding? Do your girls a favor and highly consider short dresses. If you’re having a black tie, indoors (aka with AC) affair, though, you can still think about long. Vice versa for winter; make sure your girls aren’t shivering down the aisle and put them in long. Having a Spring/Fall wedding where anything can happen weather-wise? Then just choose what you like and cross your fingers!
“You’ll wear it again.” – Ahh, the classic bridesmaids’ conundrum. If having your girls more easily re-wear their dresses is a top priority to you, then you may want to lean towards short styles. Let’s face it; most of us have far more casual events on our social calendars then formal. Therefore, they’re probably more likely to have the opportunity to wear a shorter, more casual dress again.
Religious ceremony – Having a religious ceremony doesn’t necessarily negate one or the other length. It’s more a reminder that if you do opt for short, make sure your girls don’t hem them so much that they become inappropriate in your given place of worship. When in doubt, long is never a bad choice for a more traditional, religious ceremony.

Most of all, though, always remember what we said up top. There’s really no right or wrong when it comes to weddings. It’s the biggest day of your life, so above all else just choose what you like! Happy shopping, brides and ‘maids 🙂

in Boston Bridesmaids / bridesmaids dress shopping / long bridesmaids dresses / short bridesmaids dresses / Wedding Planning Tips 0 comments

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Wedding Planning Tips

Get support from stats!

As a general rule, I try not to take too much stock in statistics. It seems like every morning when I flip on “GMA” they are spouting some sort of doom and gloom stat, most of which seem to want me to give up my vices. Skip my morning cup of coffee? No thanks! I saw some wedding stats recently, though, that I did find to be really interesting, even helpful. For example, did you know that almost 40% of all engagements happen between November and February? Yes, that’s right people; we have entered prime engagement season! If you’re one of the many recently (or about to be) engaged, here are some other stats you may find helpful as you begin the wedding planning process:

OK...we couldn't find any pretty photos about stats to add to this blog. So instead, we're showing off some of Jenny Yoo's new designs (which you can see at our preview trunk show next weekend)!

Confession: we couldn’t find any pretty photos about stats to add to this blog. So instead, we’re showing off some of Jenny Yoo’s new designs like the Sophia dress here (which you can see at our preview trunk show next weekend)! We thought you wouldn’t mind 😉

The average time spent wedding planning is 12-13 months – Roughly a year; that’s how long it takes most of us to plan an 8 hour day (albeit it the most important 8 hours of your life). We have to say, it seems like the perfect amount of time! That’s not to say, though, that you can’t plan in less or more time, but both do come with their challenges. Less time means potentially paying more to rush items, or missing out on your favorite vendors because they are already booked. More time means…well…more time to mull over and second guess your choices. Sometimes it’s nice to have a deadline to force you to be decisive. So, consider those things as you pick your wedding date!

Want to look as calm as this bride (wearing Jenny’s new Ophelia gown)? Give yourself plenty of time to plan!

50% of all weddings in 2015 occurred on only 25 days – We bet you can guess (roughly) which days. Saturdays in the summer months get scooped up before any other, so act fast if you want to snag one, and be prepared to potentially push your wedding off a year if they’re already booked. If you don’t want to do that, though, consider a Friday wedding, or look at other seasons. If for no other reason, sometimes you can get great deal if you book in an “off” season or on an “off” day!

Planning a popular summer wedding? You can still choose long bridesmaids' dresses as long as they're in a lightweight, flowy fabric like Jenny Yoo's gorgeous chiffon!

Planning a summer wedding? You can still choose floor length bridesmaids’ dresses as long as they’re in a lightweight, flowy fabric like Jenny Yoo’s gorgeous chiffon!

Most couples book their vendors 7-9 months prior to their big day – Let’s think about that for a second; most couples are getting married around the same time (Summer) which means they are also booking their vendors around the same time. What does that breed? Competition! Decide what vendor is most important to you and book them first, before they get scooped by another couple. Have back-ups ready in case a favorite does get booked, and don’t procrastinate on the vendors that typically book out the quickest (venues, photographers and bands, to name a few). Oh, and don’t forget about your friendly neighborhood bridal shop 😉 With summer weddings still reigning supreme in Boston, that makes winter the prime time for wedding and bridesmaid’s dress shopping. Call us well in advance to snag your spot, and be prepared to snap up a dress that you love. With 5 months to manufacture and a couple months for tailoring, Flair definitely falls in that list of vendors to connect with 7-9 months in advance of the big day! The earlier the better, though, we always say, so give us a call to make your appointment; we can’t wait to shop with you soon 🙂

Yes, even the adorable little Etsy flowergirl dress takes a few months to produce, so be sure to order ALL of your dresses well in advance of your big day!

in Boston Weddings / Bridal Gowns Boston / Bridesmaids Boston / Uncategorized / Wedding Dress Shopping Boston / Wedding Planning / Wedding Planning Tips / Wedding Statistics 0 comments

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Wedding Hashtags

Instagram with Intelligence!

Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life. Who doesn’t relish in being the center of attention for a little while? As fun as being engaged can be, though, I’d bet that most couples would say that it’s equally stressful. Even seemingly light decisions have their complications. Trying free samples of cake? Sounds perfect, until you factor in that 1) it’s not really free per se, since you’re paying for the final product and 2) you have to choose a flavor that everyone in attendance will love. Not so easy! Every wedding decision seems to come with a dash of stress and many come with more than a dash of money exiting your bank account. If you’re feeling that pinch, we think we’ve found the one wedding decision that’s 100% fun and yes, FREE! Put that seating chart aside and take some out to create your wedding hashtag. It won’t cost you a dime, and will ensure that your guests have a place for all of those hilarious candids they’re sure to capture. So, ready to hashtag? Check out our tips for creating the perfect one:

Think unique – While #johnandjulie has a certain ring to it, it has been used over a hundred times already. How do we know? A quick hashtag search on Instagram will let you know if your potential tag has already been created. It would be confusing to have your photos mixed in with a bunch of others, so make your tag more specific to you to better ensure that it’s used by your guests and your guests alone. Incorporate your wedding date, venue location, nicknames, wedding words (hitched, tie the knot…), etc. to give your hashtag some spice and individuality!
Keep it brief – Your guests will not appreciate having to type a ton of letters every time they want to tag a photo, so think short but sweet to encourage them to actually use it.
Make it memorable – Try to avoid abbreviations or acronyms that no one will understand/remember. Consider incorporating a rhyme, alliteration, pun or something similar to keep your hashtag stuck in your guests’ heads, even after they’ve had a few cocktails 😉
Don’t be afraid to outsource – If you find yourself over thinking this whole hashtag thing, it might be time to ask your old friend the internet for some assistance! After all, this decision is supposed to be fun and easy! Try a hashtag generator like this one to get your creative juices flowing.

Once you’ve decided on your unique hashtag, be sure to show off your hard work with one of our custom hashtag signs (only $30!). Adorable, eye catching and sure to have your guests geared up to gram the night away!

in Custom Wedding Hashtag Signs / Social Media at Weddings / Social Weddings / Stuff We Love / Tips from Pros / Uncategorized / Wedding Hashtags / Wedding Instagrams / Wedding Planning Tips 0 comments

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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!

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 🙂

in Advice from Flair / Boston Weddings / Tips from Pros / Uncategorized / Wedding Checklist / Wedding Packing List / Wedding Planning Tips / Wedding To Do List 0 comments

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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!

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 🙂

in Advice from Flair / Beach Wedding / Beach Wedding Dresses / Boston Bridal / Boston Weddings / Tips from Pros / Wedding Planning Tips 0 comments