To Corsage, or not to Corsage?

Tradition can be great, but in can also be cumbersome. I come from a tradition of weddings where every person who is doing anything as part of the wedding - cutting cake, serving coffee, doing the guestbook, is supposed to be corsaged, as well as mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, you name it.

According to strict etiquette, the only absolute requirement is that mothers be recognized, although most people recognize grandmothers as well. Any other special guests or family members may receive corsages at your pleasure, but it is optional.

Then there is the matter of boutonnieres. Other than the wedding party, these days usually fathers, grandfathers, and ushers will be the other boutonniere wearers.

There really aren't a lot of rules as far as what you do for corsages or boutonnieres as far as composition. Customarily, the groom's boutonniere will have an element similar to the bride's bouquet. Often you see grooms and groomsmen with coordinating pocket squares, which is a clean, more modern look.

As far as corsages go, if the bride has a certain way she would like them to look, then that is of primary importance. Otherwise, it is a nice gesture to find out what people will be wearing and choose flowers in complimentary colors. Usually you can't go wrong with soft whites and ivories, but if you are thinking of color you dont't want to go to all the effort of getting a beautiful big corsage and then have it clash!

Another thing brides may wish to do is enquire of the ladies they'd like to give a corsage if they'd prefer something pinned on their dress or a wrist corsage. If they are wearing a very delicate fabric, they may not wish to put a pin through it and risk leaving a mark. Or, people may prefer the pinned corsage to having something around the wrist- I personally cannot stand bracelets, so a wrist corsage would be a form of slow torture, however well intended.

One idea I've heard that I think is a really nice alternative to giving corsages is to place a small vase with a flower or two, or a small nosegay next to the place setting. This is an elegant and understated way to recognize special people, and they can enjoy the flower without the encumbrance of having to wear it, and also bring it home to enjoy.

Hopefully this gives anyone wrestling with these questions some helpful information and ideas, and just to reiterate, the preferences of the bride and groom are really the first consideration. So don't stress about something that in the scheme of things is really a small detail, and go with what works for you and your wedding!

Fast as fast can be.... Part II

This week's speedy deliverer is Alexia.

They have an in stock bridesmaids program. Not all of the available styles are shown, but many are pictured on their website.
The downside: they don't list color availability, and it is limited, although for some styles they do have 2-3 options.

Here is the link to what they do have on their website:
http://www.alexiadesigns.com/Bridesmaid-Wedding-Flower_Girl-Special-Dresses/InStock/pages/0/

There is a small fee per dress to do the in stock program, but it's less than a rush cut, which is nice.

Alexia also has some dresses that are part of an express delivery program, again the color availability is somewhat limited. The do not picture which dresses are available on their website. The express delivery is nice because there is no additional charge, and the dresses should be delivered in 8-9 weeks or so.
Here are the styles currently part of the express program (this may change so always check with us before ordering): 2500, 2700, 2702, 2706, 698, 840, 842, 844, 846, 848, 850. Also 1402, 2408, 2410, 688, 690, 692, 694, 696. Again, only in certain colors does the rush charge not apply.

So, if you are interested in an Alexia dress and your wedding is close, get in touch with us and we can check to see if it's offered in stock or through the express program, otherwise they do a rush cut as well so there are always possibilities!

Fast as fast can be.... Part I

I am going to do a series about each of the bridesmaids and bridal lines we carry that has "in-stock" or quick delivery programs. I'm starting with my fave, Eden:

They have an "in-stock" bridesmaids program, and they are my favorite because they show which dresses are in the program, and list the colors available on their website. Usually the dress just comes in one color, and the style numbers end in an "R".

Now, Eden says the dresses are available for "Immediate" delivery, however, they still have to process an order, send it to us, and then we need to send it out to you. So you still want to allow a month or so to receive the dresses.

Here is a link to the page with their in-stock dresses:
http://www.edenbridals.com/In-Stock-Bridesmaids_c_51.html

White or Ivory?

There are two things you need to consider when deciding on your wedding dress color:
your skin tone and your own personal preference. Don't even think about the whole "White is for purity" thing. Ivory is a shade of white. Most people can't even tell the difference unless they see the two together. So don't even let it be a concern. Think about what you like and what looks best on you.

White tends to look the best on people with darker skin tones. Against very fair skin it can be harsh, or wash someone out. Ivory will be softer and flatter fair skin. There is such a range of ivory shades available, from very light to very creamy, that even within ivory you may find that you prefer a lighter ivory or more toward champagne, etc.

At the end of the day, go with what you love. If you have fair skin and love the look of that dazzling white satin, then do what you can to get a little color and don't think twice. If someone close to you feels strongly that you should be in white, and you love ivory, then ivory it is. You are the one getting married, and you are the one who will be looking at yourself in those photos for decades to come. So, find a color, and fall in love!