How to Relax Before the Big Day

It's safe to say that you will count down the days until your wedding day for at least the last month and for some for some of you, the last year. The anxiety has been building and you're beginning to feel the nervousness daily. First step: take a breath. Second step: practice some of these tips to help you relax before the big day. 

Head to the Salon & Spa
Sure it's the typical answer, but that's because it works. Schedule a spa day the week of or the day before your wedding day, so that you can take the afternoon to not do anything wedding related. Bring your girlfriends and take time to unwind and spoil yourself. 
Do a Craft
Even if you're not the crafty type, there's something for everyone. Whether you're making something for your bridesmaids or your future hubby, or maybe even your new home, there are many crafty projects you can work on that will get you relaxed. Doing something slow that is detailed and repetitive is a great way to focus your mind on the simpler things instead of your stress. 

Get Musical
Pick up that old instrument that might be getting dusty in your closet or pull out some of your old favorite CD's to take you back to the old times. You will instantly feel at home and relaxed listening to some of your old jams. Music really is it's own medicine. 
Finish or Start a Series
Finish the Something Borrowed series or start up the 50 Shades of Grey series to get you focusing on something other than the wedding. Being engulfed in a series is an easy way to get yourself excited about something else and can become the perfect excuse to take a break from wedding planning. 

Get Physical
Hit the pavement or hit the studio to work off your stress. Yoga is the best option for getting in touch with your mind and body while also getting you to look your best in your wedding dress. Physical activity is known to release endorphins giving you that extra motivation you need for your big day. 
Go Back to Your Routine
Believe it or not, going back into your old routine is one of the quickest fixes to relaxation. Instead of leaving work and hitting the gym and then coming home to make dinner, you've been leaving work and heading to a dress fitting and then a cake tasting. Make sure you get back on your routine once most of your details have been decided, so you can feel as normal as you can. 

Go Back to Nature
Take a walk on the wild side and venture out on a hike, go on a camping trip, or set out on a kayak. Getting away from technology and all other wedding related distractions will surely get your minds off of things. 

*all images found via Google

Wedding Traditions

Whether these are fact, fiction, or folk lore, we can't tell you, but what we do know is that these are the only logical explanations than can explain some of the random things we do to honor the age old tradition of marriage. Though the tales may have been passed down through generations like a game of telephone (where the final tale only slightly resembles the original), these traditions will at least give you a good laugh. 

Why do brides wear white dresses?
Early on, brides actually wore any color dress, even black! They usually chose the nicest dress they had in their closet to wear on their wedding day because after all, they didn't have Kleinfeld's back then. It wasn't until Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840 (when she wore a pale white gown) that the white gown became a long standing tradition. 
Christina and Frankie's Wedding
Photo courtesy of mkPhoto
What is the purpose of a veil?
As the tale goes, the veil was used as a way to ward off evil spirits, but it's often now used as a sign of modesty and virginity. It was also used as a way to hide the bride during arranged marriages so that the groom had no way of knowing what the bride looked like until he had no way out and nowhere to run! In Victorian times, the veil length also became an important style status symbol with longer veils signifying royal status. 

Where did bridesmaids originate?
Originally, bridesmaids also wore white or off white dresses. The motive was to have them be along the bride's side throughout the day to trick evil spirits and ex-lovers into being confused as to who the bride was. Maids of Honor back in the day were also in charge of decorating and the planning aspects of the wedding- sort of like a pseudo wedding planner. Now, bridesmaids rarely ever dress similar to the bride as she is supposed to stand out as the most beautiful woman in the room. 
Amy and Sean's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Leave It To Me Photography
Where did the "best man" come from?
What more do you need in a best man than to help you steal your wife from her family? Back in the day, the best man was chosen mainly by his sword skills to help the groom in case he needed to steal a woman and take her as his bride. Looks like best men these days have it pretty easy. 

Why do brides carry wedding bouquets?
Although the first bouquets were mostly filled with herbs and plants, often even garlic and dill, flowers began to be incorporated for not only their smell, but also as a sign of fertility. 
Sherrie and Howard's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Scott Lewis Images
Where did tossing the bouquet come from?
Tossing the bouquet is said to have developed in England and France. It all began right after the marriage, when the newlyweds would have to consummate their vows. Of course in those days nothing was real unless their were witnesses, so many wedding guests would crowd around to, well, watch. During this time, female guests at the wedding would try to rip off pieces of the bride's dress to steal some of her good fortune. Eventually it was decided that the bride would throw her bouquet to send the women out of the room, so that her husband could easily take a piece of her wedding dress off and throw it out of the room to the men, giving the couple the privacy they wanted. 

Why do wedding cakes have tiers?
In Anglo-Saxon England, guests would bring their own small cakes to the wedding and stack them. Eventually a French baker created his own pre-tiered cake and it stuck ever since. Often times guests were also told to take their pieces of cake home and put it under their pillow for even more good luck or at least some "sweet" dreams. 
Kate and Mike's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Cliff Mautner Photography
Why do you save the top tier of the wedding cake?
Originally it was saved to be used for the celebration of the birth of the couple's first child (usually within the first year of marriage). That was, well, in the days when marriage was simply used as a means to procreating. Now, many couples use the top tier of their cake to celebrate first wedding anniversary since they often wait a few years to begin having children. 

Why does a bride stand to the left of the her groom?
Back in ancient, grooms carried their swords on their right side so they could easily grab their sword and fight with their right hand. Just in case any danger loomed on their wedding day, the bride stood to the left of her groom so that his right arm was free to grab his sword to defend his bride if need be. 
Shani and Eric's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Feehly Photography
Where did tin cans on the getaway car come from?
This practice originated in France though it sustained up until the early 20th century in America and then transformed in the tin can tradition on the back of the getaway car. The tradition, which was called shiravee, occurred when an outsider from another community took a local girl as his wife- leaving the local men one more woman down. In order for the outsider to pay his dues, he had to offer the town a late night snack. You knew they were ready when they came banging with their pots and pans. Though tin cans on a car isn't quite the same, it's interesting that they groom's male friends take care of that task which represents their lost chance at the bride to be. 

How did the "ring finger" come about?
The ring finger was established during the Roman Empire. It was believed that the vein in the ring finger led straight to the heart, emphasizing everlasting love. 
Annemarie and Jimmy's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography
Why do we call it a honeymoon?
In Nordic and Irish tradition, a bride and groom would go into hiding for 30 days after their marriage. Throughout their time in hiding their friends and family members would stop by with a cup of honey wine and 30 days of honey wine, made for a honeymoon. 


Linens and Chairs and Rentals...Oh My!

The reception is where you and your guests will spend the most time, and where you can bring your wedding theme fully to life. To do this, incorporate the linens, chairs, and chinaware all together to create the reception of your dreams. 

Lovely Linens: Tablecloths, Napkins, and Chair Covers
Specialty linens are the perfect way to transform the reception and continue your theme/decor color palette. This should coordinate with colors and styles used in the invitations, ceremony, and bridal party ensembles.

Start by choosing your table linens first, and then build the table around that. 

The Total Table has a great selection of linens and chair covers to choose from. 
Total Table and other linen rental companies, offer all of the latest trends in linens. Visit their website for a full offering of their patterns. Here are some popular styles you may consider:

Polyester or Spun- Durable, traditional linens

Matte Satin- Offers a subtle luster
Ribbon Roses- Create a bouquet of roses on your table
Chair covers are a great way to tie your color scheme in as well. A sash is great for an accent color too. 
Be sure to order around 6-10 weeks before your wedding, and order an extra just in case changes to the seating chart occur last minute. 

Speaking of you need to rent chairs?

Renting Essentials
Besides chair covers, specialty chairs and other statement furniture can add to your wedding decor. Consider chivari chairs or maybe a lounge section. Party Rental Ltd. and Select Events Rentals, can help you with these and all your rental needs. Outdoor weddings may require more rental items, so be mindful if you need a tent, flooring, and tables. Take a look at their websites to see the various options they can provide. 

Make arrangements for rentals at least 2-4 months in advance. If you are planning a summer wedding, start earlier as many events occur outside during this time of year. 
Marcy and Dermot's Wedding...coming soon!
Photo courtesy of mkPhoto
Are you looking for unique tableware, flatware, or china? You can rent a variety of patterns and colors to add a delectable touch as your guests enjoy their meal.
Select Event Rentals even has a 'Design Your Table' function, where you can match your selections together.
Overall, start planning linens and rentals at least 4 months before the wedding date. The reception setting will bring your wedding theme and ambiance to life, giving you and your guests yet another detail to remember and adore as you share this special day together. 


Splurge vs. Steal {Shoes}

Choosing your wedding day shoes can be a difficult task. You want to make sure you are comfortable on your wedding day but you also want to make sure they look cute too! Here are a few ideas in multiple price ranges to make your wedding day shoes special. 

Accessories: There is no reason you have to wear plain white shoes on your wedding day. Look for fun accessories and accents to make your shoes stand out like feathers and bows. Here are a few to check out!
Ballet Flats: Even though you may have an awesome pair of wedding shoes, it's a great idea to change into a pair of ballet flats for the reception. There are so many options when choosing ballet flats. There are a ton of cute glittery pairs or look for a pair with fun jewels or beads. This is also a great idea for your bridesmaids. It guarantees that you and your girls can dance the night away!

Teaser Tuesday

Lauren and Jon tied the knot on Saturday at the beautiful Hyatt at the Bellevue. Their rockstar list of vendors started in the morning with Meghan from Hair by Meghan doing all of the bridesmaids hair and Cheekadee doing the makeup. Once ready, the bride and her bridesmaids took photos on the balcony floors above the city ground and around the historic hotel. When 5:30pm came, the bride and groom walked down the aisle to music by Mello Strings while being flanked with decor from A Garden Party who handled the decor and flowers for the whole night. After the ceremony in the Rose Garden room, guests headed to the 12th floor for cocktail hour, where they filled out personalized wedding Mad Libs for the couple, before heading back up to the Rose Garden room for dinner. Guests enjoyed a delicious menu prepared by the Hyatt and when it came time for dancing, Synergetic Sound and Lighting got the crowd going on the dance floor. The night ended with guests enjoying some Philly flavor with Peanut Chews and a variety of Tastykakes! The special moments of the day were caught on camera by Carley of Carley K Photography and we're excited to see the rest and share them with you all!

Teaser Tuesday

When Superstorm Sandy made landfall, we were so worried about how it would affect Latda and Troy's Rehoboth Beach wedding, but we were lucky that the town was spared and their wedding would still go on as planned! They started with hair and makeup by Bad Hair Day, and then headed over to the Hotel Rehoboth to get dressed! After everyone was ready, they had the sweetest wedding ceremony at All Saints Church where their dog, Buddha, was featured as the ring bearer! The bridal party headed to the beach by way of the famous Jolly Trolley to take some pretty fun (but chilly!) photos, then they joined the guests for a rocking reception at the Rehoboth Beach Country Club. Latda and Troy's details had a vintage flair and we coupled lots of eclectic items with florals by Bed of Roses, to create their centerpieces and display areas- everything looked great! Guests had a ball taking advantage of the photobooth supplied by their awesome wedding photographer, Rob Korb Photography, and danced the night away by tunes spun by DJ Paul Acker of Silver Sound Entertainment. Many thanks to Rob for these awesome teaser images- we can't wait to see the rest!