New Ideas for Something Blue (that don't involve garters)

You may be the most modern bride on the planet, but when it comes to “Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue,” most brides like to keep the tradition/superstition. According to lore, each item represents a good-luck token for the bride. If she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy.

Blue has been connected to weddings for centuries. Brides in ancient Rome wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity. Christianity has long dressed the Virgin Mary in blue, so purity is link to the color. Blue was a popular color for wedding gowns before the 19th Century, as evidenced in proverbs like, “Marry in blue, lover be true.”

 

We found lots of ideas for working blue into your wedding look. Some are obvious, such as shoes and earrings, others not as much, like blue toenails. 

 

Piccadilly Pumps
 

Blue fingernails may be a bit much, especially for a traditional wedding, but bluetoenails are subtle and will transition well to your honeymoon.
 
 

Blue Sash
 

 

Hanky Panky Undies

 

 

 

Wrap a blue, or blue-embroidered, handkerchief around your bouquet. Bonus points for sentimental value, such as if it belonged to your mom or grandmother

Trunk Show Alert!

Watters Trunk Show February 22-24, 2013

You are invited to AniA Collection as they host an exclusive Watters trunk show! Complete with Watters representative, Vanessa, in attendance!

AniA Collection

419 SW 4th Ave., Portland, OR 97205
(503) 796-9170
www.aniacollection.com

For the brand new bride-to-be

A girlfriend of mine and I were talking about engagement presents last night. Sweet little “I’m excited for you!” gifts to give to recently engaged girlfriends and what to bring to engagement parties.

Gift Giving: One of my favorite topics.

Here are three I’m loving most right now:



Kate Spade "MRS" Earrings
  

Simplified Wedding Planner by Emily Ley

Flutter monogram necklace

Customized Monogram Door Wall Hanger

For engagement parties, a small, celebratory gift will be just enough. A nice bottle of champagne with a set of monogrammed flutes or a set of stationery with both of their first initials (they’ll have to begin writing thank you notes right away!) are great bets.

Stay tuned to my Pintrest Page for more ideas – I’ll pack a board with some more of my favorites for you today. xoxo

Engagement Party Etiquette

Tis the season of love…red paper wrapped presents, champagne toasts and sparkly new rings. It’s engagement season, and we couldn’t be more excited!
 
So you've gotten engaged and sent out your announcements.  Now what?? Another fun first step? Your engagement party! So ladies, feel free to pass this along to anyone you need to – we’ll cover everything you (or your parents or future in-laws) need to know. ;-)

What is an “engagement party” exactly?
It’s the very first opportunity you have to officially announce your engagement (and to show off that ring and the cute guy who put it on your finger!). It’s a chance for members of both sides of the family to get to know each other, and for all to congratulate the two of you in a fun, festive setting.

Who hosts?
Traditionally, the parents of the bride-to-be have hosted, but it’s just as common these days to see both sets of parents hosting together, or even close friends or relatives of the bride or the groom taking the reigns. Just remember that whomever hosts will find themselves with the bill in their hands in the end.

Where should it be held?
Anywhere you like! Consider any special family ties or traditions. Is there a special restaurant or park your families would enjoy?  Often the party is held at hosts’ own homes too. 
 
When should we have it?
When the news is still brand new – one to three months post-proposal – is perfect! Just be sure to set a date that works for VIP guests like parents, close friends and relatives (and the two of you, of course!).
 
Who do we invite?
Etiquette suggests that guests invited to the engagement party should also be invited to the wedding, so keep that in mind when building your guest list for this first celebration. However, this list will likely be shorter, as engagement parties are designed to be a bit more intimate than the wedding itself. Friends and family of the host should be invited, as well as close family and friends of both families and the two of you.
 
Should people bring gifts?
Some may bring small celebratory presents, but that shouldn’t be expected, so you’ll want to graciously accept any gifts and set them aside to be opened after the party (don’t forget to send thank-you notes!). Even as early as the engagement party, some may ask where you’re registered, so it’s not a bad idea to go ahead and get started with a small registry and let your host know so they may pass it along if anyone asks.
 
Should there be toasts?
Absolutely! At a comfortable time during the party, the parents of both the bride- and groom-to-be may stand to extend their congratulations. This is also a perfect time for the bride and groom to thank guests for joining them to celebrate, and offer a special thank you to the host(s).

And with true Southern charm…
Don’t forget to send a small, thoughtful gift to the host after the party. Something sweet and meaningful: A framed photo from the party, a nice bottle of wine, or a pretty book on entertaining with a thoughtful note from the two of you written on the inside cover.  And take time to enjoy every.single.second. You’re just getting started, and there’s so much fun to come!

Happy Almost Valentines Day!!