Breaking the Rules

Do you ever wonder how some of these wedding traditions and superstitions started? Well here a few traditions you can add a modern twist to.

Hide and Seek Bride

Back in the day of arranged marriages, weddings were more a symbol of a  business agreement. Grooms were not allowed to see the bride before just in case they saw her and wanted to run! Veils were also used to hide the bride from her future husband. Now a days it is considered bad luck for the groom to see his chosen bride before the wedding. Take advantage of this tradition to come up with some great photos ops! However, some couples find it helpful to see each other before, a sense of comfort.

 

 The Ring

If you've read my past blogs, you know I am a huge fan of the non-traditional engagement ring. I myself rock an ice blue Sapphire ring. I say throw all the rules out the window and pick the ring that really speaks to you. Traditionally the engagement ring was a Sapphire stone. Sailors believed the stone fade if their fiance was unfaithful while they were out to sea.

 

 To Veil or Not To Veil

Romans believed the veil would protect the bride from evil spirits. Their original veil was actually flame colors to scare the spirits away. Later Victorians turned the veil into a status symbol, the longer and heavier the veil the better. Today there are so many options including the fashionable birds cage featured on the right. This gives a bride the option to follow traditions still but to add her own unique style to it. 

Something Old, Something New....This tradition began with the nursery rhyme Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in the Shoe. But really it was a way to give tokens of good luck to the bride. Some brides are having alot of fun with this tradition and the color blue. Or if you'd like to follow the trend but in a less subtle way think about collecting all your items on a pin, to wear on the inside of the dress.  

Clever Ways To Ask Your Maids

You've  got your guy now you need your girls! Here are a few unique ways to ask your bridesmaids (and

groomsmen) to stand by your side during this special occasion.

Customize labels for your friends favorite beverage or spirit! This gives your party a keepsake from the wedding and a great refreshment! Check out Etsy for some great pre-made labels or customize your own online.

Creative a box of goodies or just rose petals with your very own custom invitation.

 (think Bridesmaids but without the live butterfly)

You could even use this opportunity to give your party their gift or jewelry to wear at the wedding.

These Are My Actual Bridesmaids Invitations

Buy a copy of Bridesmaids and customize with your actual bridal party! This is a quick cut and paste job or for you tech savvy brides, Photoshop your friends faces. This is sure to get a laugh out of your party. For you grooms out there try the same idea with the cult classic Bachelor Party starring a very young Tom Hanks

Pop the question to your bridesmaids with their own ring! You can choose a fabulous giant bling ring or the ever popular childhood favorite Candy Ring Pop.

Whatever you decide to do, be inspired, be unique, be you.

Wedding Weightloss

If you're anything like me, operation wedding weight loss is my LEAST favorite part about preparing for the big day. We all want to look our best on this special occasion but the gym may not be your home away from home. For those of you that need working out to be fun, here are a few unique fitness classes trending. 

Aerial Fitness

Test out your Cirque de Soleil skills with Aerial Fitness. These classes will target every muscle group for overall results and give you that great yoga style stretch.  Don't feel intimidated, they have classes for every level. 

Trampoline Aerobics

Bring out your inner kid with Trampoline Aerobics! These indoor trampoline fun zones are popping up everywhere and many offer adult only fitness classes.

Pole Dancing Class

Pole dancing classes may be a bit controversial but can be so much fun! This workout is so great for upper body strength and can be a fun group workout with your girls, such as a bachelorette party outting. Lose some weight while having fun with your girls, and maybe pick up some sexy movies for your  hubby to be!

Barre Fitness

Your inner ballerina will love Barre Fitness classes. This type of workout incorporates ballet with Pilates and Sports Conditioning.

These studio classes can be on the pricey side but many new studios offer deals on one month trial classes. I also suggest you check out great sites like Groupon and Living Social for deals.  

Indecent Confections

Okay so maybe they're not completely indecent, but these cakes are naked. Naked Cakes are growing in popularity this year and I'm loving it!

I love the simple yet elegant look these delicious cakes portray. They have an air of romance with a vintage feel. They are perfect for spring and summer but can really be dresses up for any season with the right added touches.

                                    

                                                

                                    

                              

                             

The greatest thing about these cakes is the price! They can be much cheaper and less time consuming than fondant covered cakes. Feeling daring? Try making your own naked wedding cake at home and save a ton of money! 

Venues of a Different Color

Picking the perfect venue can be difficult. There are many things to take into consideration, such as, what time of year, how many people, decor, themes and of course your budget. Here are a few unique, non-budget breaking, venue ideas you might not have considered before.

The Zoo can be a great venue! You already have a beautiful natural decor and all the exotic animals really add a "wild" touch to this special day.

Bronx Zoo, New York

 

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado

San Diego Zoo, California

Made popular by the movie Sex and the City, a library can be a beautiful and classic venue with a lot of great architecture. 

New York City Library (Sex and the City)

Boston Public Library

Washington D.C. Library

Your local museum will really get you in touch with your artsy, unique and not to mention inner child. With the variety of museums out there, there is bound to be one that will paint the perfect picture.

Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona

Natural History Museum

Neon Museum, Nevada

Man and Wife's Best Friend

If you're an animal lover like my fiancé and me you'll want to include your pets in this special occasion. Here are a few different ways to incorporate your furry four legged friends.

Include them in your engagement photos and save the dates



Make them a part of your wedding decorations like your cake topper

Include them in the ceremony! Have someone from the wedding party walk them down

the aisle. Worried your dog might get rowdy? Just pull them in decorated wagon



Wanting to include your feline companion? While cats might not be as easy to

include in the ceremony, you can definitely include them in the wedding photos.

Make sure to set your pet up for success by: 

1. Including them in the wedding rehearsal as well.

2. If your dog is not used to wearing clothes and you plan on dressing them up, have them

walk around the house in the outfit ahead of time.

3. Bring lots of treats!

This blog is dedicated to our beautiful children Lola, Rosco and Kingston :)







Let Them Eat Cake!

It used to be that you just had to choose between wedding cake vs. cupcakes. Well now many bakeries are giving you best of both worlds, Cakelets! I  love these little confections. They can be a bit pricier, since a lot more man hours go into creating these little gems, but they are well worth it to add that unique spin on your wedding. From miniature wedding cakes and butterflies to purses and pets. Check out the wide variety of styles you can choose from.

Thinking of trying out this trend at home? You can purchase your own cakelet pans like the ones below.

Available at Target

Available at Williams Sonoma