Mother's Day Gift Idea: Give Her Own Parent BrideBox Wedding Album!
Surprise her with the gift of a lifetime - her very own parent wedding album!
BrideBox Wedding Albums aren't just for you - they make amazing gifts for your parents too. Celebrate your mom this weekend with a beautifully made, guaranteed-to-last-a-lifetime parent wedding album. You have 48 hours left to take advantage of this flash sale, so what are you waiting for?
Get 15% off all albums through Mother's Day this Sunday, May 10. Imagine her surprise when she trades that IOU for this unbelievable gift in just a few weeks. Enter code BBMOM15 upon checkout and get ready to make your mom smile.
How long did you date before the question was popped?
Statistics show that the average couple will get married after about 2.5 years of dating. While that may be true, the good folks at Bride Box want to know why 2.5 years is the magic number for brides and grooms. We have a hunch that age and location do play a contributing factor to why couples get married around 2.5 years of dating, but we would like to do a little digging.
Bride Box is conducting this survey to answer the following questions:
1: How long does the average couple date before they get married?
2: Do couples in different geographical locations tend to date more or less than others?
3: At what age were they proposed to?
With this information, they will create a blog post and infograph to inform brides and grooms. For answering this survey, you will be the first to know the answers to the stated question.
Happy Veterans Day from Favored by Yodit Events - Get to know Brides Across America!
On this Veterans Day, we are highlighting a great organization called Brides Across America that plays a role in making their dreams come true by giving a military bride a free wedding gown during a Brides Across America's Nationwide Gown Giveaway. Events are held twice a year in partnership with bridal salons across the country. Deployments, financial hardships, and other challenges unique to servicemen and women can make it difficult to plan a wedding.
The organization garnered the attention of ABC's Nightly News in 2011 and 2012, and People Magazine article in 2013. However, the highest honor was received during a 2012 White House event by Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden. The event recognized twenty organizations for their contributions to improving the lives of military families. Brides Across America continues to support wounded warriors, post traumatic stress and employment for veterans. Learn more about Brides Across America at http://www.bridesacrossamerica.com.
#WeddingWednesday: 10 Things Your Bridesmaids Need to Do on Your Wedding Day
For your bridesmaids, many responsibilities come before the actual big day – planning the bridal shower and the bachelorette party, dress shopping, helping with wedding-related projects, and more. And even though the wedding day is a time to celebrate, the bridesmaids do have several important tasks to do and roles to play. Check out the 10 things your bridesmaids need to help out with on your wedding day.
Help keep things on schedule
Usually, a wedding planner or venue coordinator will be make sure that everything is running smoothly, but it’s a good idea to give your wedding party members a copy of the wedding-day timeline just in case. That way, the bridesmaids can gently nudge the appropriate people if things start to get delayed.
Always stay calm There may be some stressful moments throughout the wedding day, and it’s a bridesmaid’s job to make sure you don’t get swept up in the potential madness and remembers why you are there in the first place. Whether it’s telling jokes, dancing around, or simply being a listening ear, your nearest and dearest should best know how to calm you down if you get those pre-wedding jitters.
Hold your stuff Even if you do have the forethought to prepare a clutch filled with your essentials (phone, lipstick, dental floss, etc.), there’s no way you’ll be able to keep track of it during the ceremony and reception. Assign a responsible bridesmaid to hang on to your “emergency kit.” If you need any of the items during the wedding day, you’ll know exactly who to turn to.
Be the personal mirror The sign of a true friend is someone who will immediately pull you aside and tell you that you have food stuck in your teeth. And that’s exactly what a bridesmaid needs to do for the bride, who should look her best at all times. So whether it’s a lipstick smudge on your cheek, your dress is out of place, or your hair needs a bit of smoothing, your ‘maids should let you know - ASAP. Because come on, you know you’d do the same for her.
Help the bride go to the bathroom Going to the restroom in a big ol’ wedding gown isn’t easy – so you’ll certainly need an assistant or two to help you, er, relieve yourself if necessary. There’s no need to be shy – these are your best pals and are there to help you no matter what!
Run interference There are going to be a lot of people who want to talk to you on your wedding day, but your focus should be on your new spouse and guests. Your wedding party members should serve as point people for questions (for example, “Where’s the restroom?”) or help move you away from anyone who might be causing you stress or anxiety.
Dance like no one’s watching
Your bridesmaids and groomsmen act as the epitomes of “party people” throughout the celebration and serve as examples to your other guests. They should be mainstays on the dance floor, but also listen attentively to the speeches and be present for the cake cutting and other important events.
Make sure you eat Eating may be the last thing on your mind during the reception, but it’s important that you not party on an empty stomach. Your bridesmaids should steal you away for a few moments to make sure you get a few bites in, and of course, sample the delicious cake!
Keep track of gifts Whether you set up a gift table or not, there is a strong likelihood that guests will be handing you gifts throughout the day. Assign a bridesmaid the role of “gift keeper,” making sure that all the gifts get to a safe place. You can give her any gifts you receive, and trust that they’ll be stored safely and properly so you can easily get them home later on.
Be there ‘til the end If possible, your wedding party members should be among the last to leave the celebration and should make sure any end-of-the-night details are taken care of before heading home.
Source: Weddingwire.com
You're Invited: Alexandria's Destination Bridal Showcase
Get ready Virginia brides! This Sunday is Alexandria's Destination Fall Bridal Showcase! Come checkout a variety of local vendors. Click here for ticket information.
Los Angeles Bride Shoots Amazing Music Video Instead of Bachelorette Party
Lauren Mackenzie decided to ditch the traditional bachelorette party and instead invited her guest to shoot a fun music video with her! Participants learned choreographed moves and danced to the tunes of Beyonce and Kesha. I absolutely this idea! Such a creative way to celebrate and incorporate all age groups. Even grandma got to make a cameo!
Real Wedding: Helen and Dawit say "I Do!"
Favored Bride Helen and groom Dawit tied the knot last month in true elegance.
The couple exchanged vows at the Vincent de Paul Church in Washington DC. The church's gorgeous painted ceilings created a warm and romantic ambiance. The wedding ceremony was followed by a candle lit reception at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria Virginia.The couple had a stunning mint and gold cake was baked by Swiss Bakery. The couple added a personal touch to the decor by having custom cocktail napkins made by Wedding Paper Divas The rest of the night was filled with music, dancing and love. The Favored team would like to once again congratulate the newlyweds on their union! 
You're Invited: Hitched Styling Night
9 Things No One Tells You About Wedding Dress Shopping
The man of your dreams just popped the question, and now it is time find the perfect dress. To ensure that the experience doesn't rival Kandi's on RHOA,
take a look at the tips Wedding Wire compiled below.
1. Go On A Weekend
Yes, you may think going on a weekday will be less busy, but on weekends, there are often designer trunk shows and discounts. Bonus!
2. Family First
Only bring your very nearest and dearest to your appointment: mom, grandmother, sister, cousin, or even dad. Keep it to a maximum of five people. Otherwise, there won’t be enough seats in the fitting room!
3. Wear Proper Support
Because after all, you will be changing in front of everyone, and wearing very, very little clothing at times. You’ll need a nude strapless bra (that’s not as old as mine from high school, oops!), shapewear to slim and smooth out any unwanted bumps, and shoes (preferably heels around the same height you might wear on your wedding day) so you can get an idea of an appropriate hemline.
4. Be Vocal
Tell your consultant up front what your budget is, pick out sample wedding dresses that you want to try on, and give your honest opinion. It’s okay to hear from family, but once you’ve tried on a dress, you should be the first to speak. Say out loud what you like and don’t like about each gown, and then rank them in order of your favorites. Also, ask to try on accessories, too. It becomes more real wearing a veil and sash.
5. Get Movin’
Don’t just stand on the pedestal! Walk around in each wedding dress—it’s not like you’ll be standing still on your wedding day. Try sitting, walking quickly, even dancing in the bridal salon! I found that some fabrics and silhouettes made me waddle like a duck! No thanks.
6. Eat Beforehand
Trying on wedding dresses is physically and emotionally draining. Since my appointment was a 1 p.m., I decided to eat breakfast but not lunch only because I knew I would go out to eat afterwards to celebrate. My stomach was growling the entire time.
7. Never Underestimate Your Consultant
I must admit that I was a little hesitant about my bridal salon consultant at first. She strangely resembled Edna from The Incredibles, complete with thick black-rimmed glasses. In a way, she was the perfect match though. Her enthusiasm was contagious, (the opposite of my reserved shyness), but not overbearing. She listened to what I wanted: lace, no strapless, fit ‘n’ flare, v-neckline and illusion back, and in the end, it was her pick that had it all. It was the one.
8. No Cameras
Many bridal salons won’t let you take pictures. I was only allowed to take a picture of the wedding dress I planned to purchase, not the ones I tried on. But that’s okay. If I did take a photo, I would have been secretly afraid my fiancé would find it.
9. Shop Sooner Rather Than Later
Even though my wedding is in late-September, my wedding dress doesn’t come in for another 22 weeks—that's approximately 5 months. I thought I was trying on wedding dresses too early. Wrong. Make sure you go at least 7 months or more before your big day. Otherwise, you may not have enough time to get alterations. Rush delivery, please?
For more great wedding tips, visit Wedding Wire
You're Invited: BizBash - Elevate DC 2014
Elevate is a one-day experience designed to connect event professionals around the power of live events, brought to you by BizBash and Eventbrite. Featuring workshops, and topic discussions on technologies that are changing the industry as we know it, Elevate is here to provide event organizers with the tools to improve events. Step outside of your everyday world, try something new, and be inspired at this one-day conference.
Explore all aspects of events, from sponsorships and budgeting to social media and technology, and discover ways to improve your business and work more effectively. Learn from industry leaders and entrepreneurs who have forged their own paths, taken risks, and achieved greatness.
Ronald Reagan Building
Washington, D.C.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Pricing
Admission to Elevate includes:
- Breakfast
- General Session with Keynote Speaker
- Morning Workshop
- Networking Luncheon with special guest, André Wells
- A choice of two afternoon Workshops
- Cocktail Hour
Ticket Pricing:
- Flash Sale for Event Organizers – First 50 tickets sold - $199
- Full Day Pass for Event Organizers- $225
- For special group rates, email jrivera@bizbash.com.
For more information and to register click HERE
You're Invited to Attend The Coterie Retreat - Presented by MunaLuchi
We're excited to present our first annual business retreat in partnership with Salamander Hotels. The Coterie Retreat is a wedding and event industry conference where you can learn new business insights + network with like-minded entrepreneurs. It will be held on December 9-12, 2014. Featured speakers include Jacqueline Nwobu - Editor-in-Chief of Munaluchi Bride Magazine, Grace Ormonde of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, and Celebrity Event Designer Diann Valentine.
The conference was created for members of The Coterie - Munaluchi's exclusive wedding collective, and their wedding and event industry peers. We encourage you to join the mailing list for an instant notification once registration opens + an Early Bird discount code.
We look forward to relaxing and unwinding with you in December!
Visit the website for more information: www.coterieretreat.com
You're Invited: Complimentary Tickets to Wedding Salon
The Knot, Premier Bride and Perfect Wedding Guide Invite You to
Discover the Best Resources for Your Wedding
Wedding Salon
Monday, September 8th, 2014
4PM-8PM
The Madison Hotel, Washington DC
Cake Tastings, Cocktails, Beauty Makeovers
Honeymoon Giveaways, Reception Tables, Goodie Bag
Complimentary Admission for You & One Guest
Use code WSDCC here
* Registrant must be engaged and is allowed one guest only. All parties must be 21+.
Favored Friday Vendor Spotlight: Anthropologie Presents BHLDN
Checkout Anthropologie's new wedding dress line BHLDN! These gorgeous gowns can be found at store locations in Georgetown, New York, and Chicago to name a few. Cant make it to a store? Shop online at BHLDN.COM! These looks are perfect for an outdoor wedding. Simply elegant and timeless.
#WeddingWednesday: Brunch Wedding Sweet Bar Ideas
Trending this year in the world of weddings, are brunch receptions instead of the traditional sit down dinner. Brunches are a great alternative if a bride wants to do something different but still classy. A brunch can also save on costs to accompany a Sunday wedding. For some sweet brunch bar inspiration, check out the pictures below.
Put a spin on a classic breakfast staple but providing fruity topping and several different syrup options.
Serve this childhood favorite treat in its miniture form on a stick to keep guests hands free from mess.
French Toast Dippers are a perfect pairing to a "cocktail hour" mimosa before the main course.
For the coffee lovers, add a sweet donut hole to accompany their drink.
Add a biscuit bar to your sweet table, and give you guests a few jams to choose from.
Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker Official Wedding Photo's Revealed!
Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker have officially been married for a month and now pictures of their big day have finally been revealed. Kandi walked down the aisle in a custom $20,000 Reco Chapple gown with a 12 foot train at the Atlanta Le Fais Do-Do event facility. For more details on how Kandi planned her Coming to America themed wedding, check out the latest issue of In Touch. I can’t wait to see the entire wedding planning process when it airs on Bravo this summer! For more pics, see below.
I guess Mama Joyce couldn't even fake a smile for the pictures...smh...
#TipTuesday: Five Tips That May Save Your Wedding (and Your Sanity)
1. Give in to the chaos
The ice swan may melt, the sound system could go on the fritz, it might rain toads -- you'll still be just as married as you would have been had everything gone according to plan.
2. Remember that they're all rooting for you
Say something does go off kilter -- you trip on your hem and faceplant into the cake, the wedding elephant has an accident on the floor or you fumble the name of your beloved. If people laugh, it's because it's all part of the grand story that's unfolding -- not because they're gleeful about a screw-up. They're there because they're on your side and are grateful to be part of this momentous occasion, and if they're not, why the heck are they at your wedding? Seriously, take a look at that guest list and snip, snip, snip.
3. Let your loved ones help -- but on your terms
My husband and I had a fairly DIY wedding -- both to cut down on costs and to put our own stamp on the ceremony that would mark the beginning of our married life. We also didn't have a wedding party, because it was a small-ish event and we didn't want people to feel left out.
So we asked people if they'd like to help in ways that didn't cost them anything, celebrated their talents in ways they were happy to share, and where we provided supplies and general guidelines. Two musician friends sang as we walked down the aisle, an artist friend carved pumpkins to decorate outside, my sister-in-law rallied willing guests to arrange the flowers we'd bought and picked, and some writers crafted a ritual that celebrated our communal love of food.
My best friend from college looked after our mutually-beloved whippet dog, another surprised me with a piece from my favorite poet (Frank O'Hara). My husband's best friend officiated the ceremony, and we let our musically-inclined friends pick the songs they'd most like to dance to. People were also free to simply eat, drink and be merry.
The upshot is that our loved ones felt like they had a stake in our wedding -- and in our marriage -- and that feeling continues to this very day.
4. Stay awake and pay attention
Ask just about any married person if they can remember every detail of their wedding and reception and chances are that it's riddled with big, blurry chunks. It's a joyous, often overwhelming day -- and it's only going to happen once.
5. There's a letdown -- and that's OK
After our post-wedding day brunch, I sat down in a walk-in closet and cried. This had nothing to do with regret, second-guessing or sadness; I'd just married my favorite man on Earth and I was happier in my life than I'd ever been before.
But we'd just spent the vast majority of our time over the previous months focusing our energy on planning the joyous event, and the last guests had just said their goodbyes. All those wedding guests we adore were never again going to be in the same place at the same time, the spotlight was off me, and I was no longer a single woman, girlfriend or bride-to-be. I was someone's wife -- a wonderful, but slightly scary new role. And it was time to step into it.
I cried a little more and spent a moment saying goodbye to the single self I'd always known. Then I took a deep breath, stood up, walked out of that closet and went to find my new husband.
Source: CNN.com By By Kat Kinsman
Real Engagement: Tiffany & Keith
I absolutely love planning weddings and I get super excited for all of my clients…especially the week of the wedding; but I had no idea I would feel this overjoyed about getting asked to plan Tiffany & Keith's Stylish October Wedding. Its always special to be able to share this moment with all of my clients and the many lovely engaged couples that read our blog for inspiration. Learn more about their intimate engagement story.
Who: Randall Keith Benjamin II & Tiffany Blacknall
Ages: 27 & 28
Wedding Date: October 3rd, 2014
How Keith Popped the Question:
Keith told Tiffany they were doing a photo shoot for a couple’s profile with photographer Andrew Lee. She was to report to the Jefferson Hotel at 9am Saturday, February 8th with three changes of clothing. The Presidential Suite at the Jefferson Hotel was reserved for the shoot. While giving her a tour of the suite, Keith paused in front of the French doors that open to the terrace and said, “I know you thought that this was just a couple’s shoot, but this is actually our engagement shoot; but first, we have to be engaged.”
Why did you decide on using Favored by Yodit Events to assist with your wedding coordination?
We opted out of having family/friends assist with wedding coordination, because we really wanted our family/friends to enjoy being guests and treated like royalty for the night. After having conversations with three other wedding coordinators, we knew that Favored by Yodit would be the best fit. The initial consultation felt comfortable, yet professional. Favored by Yodit truly considered our budget and our needs and made us feel secure that we truly wouldn't have to worry about anything on our wedding day!
What are you most excited about for your wedding?
As a bride, I am most excited about my AMAZING dress and standing in front of Keith vowing the rest of my life to him and our journey together.
When did you know you would spend the rest of your life with your fiancé?
There wasn't an exact moment that I knew that Keith was the one. I reflected on a very challenging period for Keith that just so happened to occur during the first half of our relationship. I realized that even though he was being challenged in every area, he never changed his display of love and care for me. I knew that if I had to go through life (the good and the BAD) with someone that it had to be Keith. Keith is someone that I respect; and he is the only man that I'm willing to follow.
Source: Capitol Standard
You're Invited: Wedding Salon DC on September 8th 2014 | Get Favored Free Tix
Brides! The Wedding Salon Bridal Show Is The Ultimate Resource For Your Wedding Planning Needs!
Luxury Wedding Vendors and Award Winning Service Providers Find wedding photographers, photo booths, videographers, wedding entertainers and DJ’s. Meet celebrity wedding experts and beauty stylists, view stunning table décor, taste wedding cakes, see couture bridal gowns, invitations and wedding favors. Exciting Destination Weddings and Honeymoons Find the best wedding venues, travel destinations and exotic honeymoons.
The Knot, Premier Bride and Perfect Wedding Guide Invite You to
Discover the Best Resources for Your Wedding
Wedding Salon
Monday, September 8th, 2014
4PM-8PM
The Madison Hotel, Washington DC
Cake Tastings, Cocktails, Beauty Makeovers
Honeymoon Giveaways, Reception Tables, Goodie Bag
Complimentary Admission for You & One Guest
Use code WSDCC here
* Registrant must be engaged and is allowed one guest only. All parties must be 21+.
You're Invited: Book Hill Says I Do!
Whether you’re just starting to plan or have everything but the last-minute details nailed down for your special day, you’ll find helpful resources at Book Hill Says I Do on April 4 and 5. The neighborhood in Georgetown hosts a two-day event to help get brides, grooms, and their guests get prepared to get hitched.
Vendors will be on hand to aid you in making decisions, from selecting invitations at Dandelion Patch to picking the perfect dress at Lovely. Brides can visit Salon Ilo for hair and makeup suggestions, Patisserie Poupon and Macaron Bee for cake and dessert tastings, and Bacchus Wine Cellar for beverage samples.
Be sure to check in at either Urban Chic or Sherman Pickey during the event to receive a gift bag with special offers. Participating stores will offer discounts, as well as gifts with purchase. Register for the Bridal Bliss raffle to be eligible to win a prize from participating stores.
No RSVP necessary. April 4 and 5, Book Hill neighborhood, Wisconsin Ave., NW.
