Bridal Boutique
Source: Martha Stewart Weddings
The post-wedding, or morning-after, brunch is a nice way to end the wedding festivities. It’s especially popular at weekend-long and destination weddings since guests are already staying over. The brunch gives everyone time to chat in an informal setting, and this event can be held anywhere from a family member’s backyard to the café at the hotel where everyone’s staying. [Read more…] about Who’s Responsible for Hosting the Post-Wedding Brunch?
Source: Martha Stewart Weddings
We’re often asked which is the best day of the week to host bridal showers, bachelorette parties, engagement parties, and other pre-wedding events. While we usually opt for a day that falls on a weekend, there are a few other factors to consider, too. Here some tips to help you decide which day to choose for each of your important pre-nuptial celebrations.
Take location and calendar into consideration.
If you’re planning a pre-nuptial celebration that requires guests to travel any more than 30 minutes from home, a weekend event date is usually going to be your best bet. With the crazy work hours guests have during the week, it’s likely they’ll be more flexible and more likely to be available on the weekends. Be sure to check the local events calendar wherever you’re planning your pre-wedding event. If there’s a major sports event, festival, or parade going on near the party location, traffic could be a real headache. Plan to avoid these dates when possible.
Be wary of holiday weekends.
It’s tempting to book a bachelorette party or bridal shower over a holiday weekend, especially because you know you and your guests will have an extra day or two free, but this may not always be such a great idea. Event prices, hotel rates, airfare, and more increase during long weekends. As well, many people save their holiday weekends to do something special with their families and they may not want to travel during this time.
Weekends for the win.
Weekdays are tough enough for most of us, balancing work life and home life. While Fridays tend to be more flexible, it’s likely that guests will have to leave work early to make it to an event on time, which isn’t really ideal for most people. Weekends are easier to plan ahead for and less likely to impede your guests’ work calendars.
Saturday vs. Sunday?
Which is better? It’s a matter of personal preference, really. If you know you have a few guests traveling in from out of town to attend your event, Saturday is going to be more convenient. If you’re planning a low-key brunch or late lunch, Sunday may give you more flexibility to prepare for the event and feel more relaxed the day of.
As with all trends they eventually circle back to the classics. Menswear for 2018 is no exception. This year brides and grooms are turning away from the trendier styles of the past and upgrading (in our humble opinion) to a more timeless silhouette.
The classic tuxedo has fully made its comeback in bridal, but it doesn’t mean that there’s just one style for men. Within the world of formal wear there are many silhouettes and ways to differentiate yourself from all the other guys in “penguin suits.” We want to make sure our Ashley & Alexandria’s clients know their options. Below are different areas where men can stylize their looks and really stand out on their big day and at other important events.
Style: Black or white jacket? Peaked or shawl collar? Grosgrain or satin lapels? Still think all tuxedos are the same? Well, that’s not quite the case. Even though you’re wearing a classic tuxedo, there are many ways to pick a look that is tailored to the formality and tone of your event. These subtle changes add up to a look that can accentuate specific aspects of the grooms personal style.
That’s Really Cool
Bow Ties: While opting for a crisp satin black bow tie is certainly a classic option, you and your groomsmen can look stylish and unique by spicing it up with color. You can also experiment with new materials including wood and feathers!
One Wed
Socks: This trend is going nowhere and we’re happy to see it stick around. Colorful and coordinated “sockwear” is a great way for the groomsmen to highlight their look, without the guests even knowing. Bonus points for grooms who attempt this. The photos of all the groomsmen with their socks is becoming one of our favorites!
Dunhill
There are many ways to stand out with style at your wedding. Stop by Ashley & Alexandria’s today to check out our selection of men’s tuxedos by Rondinelli and Dunhill!
– Ryan McClure
Source: Martha Stewart Weddings
There’s so much to love about winter weddings (cozy décor, hearty meals, and breathtaking backdrops), but particularly blustery weather can leave the bride, groom, and their guests in a less than celebratory mood. If the weather outside is downright frightful, ward off shivers with our best warming tips. Here, eight ways to keep your loved ones warm and happy while the snow falls outside.
Thoughtful Favors
To keep everyone comfortable at your cold-weather celebration, stock your venue with blankets, wraps, mittens, or scarves that guests can use during the party and take home at the end of the night. These are especially thoughtful giveaways if any portion of your wedding will take place outdoors.
Outdoor Attire
If your wedding party is taking heading outside for photos, provide matching shawls or jackets for your bridesmaids. For the guys, consider suits made of wool and flannel, which are heavier than their linen and cotton counterparts. Choose a cloth weight between 14 and 19 ounces for the perfect balance of comfort and style; anything thicker may look and feel too bulky.
Limited Outdoor Time
Have you always imagined getting married with a snowy scene behind you? Make your dream come true, then move the celebration indoors for the rest of the evening. Guests will be much more comfortable if protected from the elements. If you’re tying the knot somewhere especially chilly, look for a venue with windows that show off the scene from the inside.
Heated Transportation
If your guests must walk outside between the ceremony and reception, consider renting comfortable transportation. You’ll protect everyone from the cold temperatures while also saving them from potential falls on slippery ice. Walking through the slush in high heels is never easy.
Piping Hot Drinks
Combat freezing temperatures by serving steamy beverages like mulled wine, hot chocolate, or warm apple cider. You can even create a coffee or espresso bar with various mix-ins. Guests will be especially appreciative of comforting hot drinks pre-ceremony and during cocktail hour.
Read the rest here.
Photo: Tulip Bridal
Source: The Knot
You want to look like the most beautiful version of yourself on your wedding day, of course. And what better way to do that than planning out a beauty routine in the months leading up to your wedding day? Check out the pro tips below to look and feel beautiful from the inside out.
Get ready: As soon as you get engaged, everyone is going to ask to see your ring. Keep those nails and hands primed and pretty with regular manis. This is also your chance to experiment with colors and get to know your manicurist. Pro tip: Let your nail beds dictate the shape of your nails. Matching the two will give your hands and nails a balanced, elegant look. [Read more…] about Jump-Start Your Bridal Beauty Routine