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.
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! 
Brides! Win a Wedding at Arena Stage.
Dreaming of a lavish wedding but don’t quite have the budget? You’re in luck: Arena Stage is giving one local couple the wedding of their dreams—currently valued at $80,000. The wedding package includes a ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception for up to 175 guests at the Mead Center for American Theater, plus free use of the venue, catering and a wedding cake by RSVP Catering, decor by Design Foundry, music and lighting by Bruce Pike Productions, floral design, valet parking by MJ Valet, a hotel bridal suite provided by the Mandarin Oriental, an engagement portrait session by Cameron Whitman Photography, wedding-day photography and videography, and a pair of tickets to the official opening night of Fiddler on the Roof—plus other surprises along the way.
The only catch: The wedding date is set for January 2, 2015.
For more information on the contest including how to enter, see here. Good Luck!!
Source: Washingtonian Bride and Groom
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: 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+.
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...
10 Romantic Ways To Propose For Under $100
It has been said, "when you know, you know." And if you're a man and reading this blog then that must mean you're ready to POP the question. However, there's a lot more to it then just dropping a whole lot of dough on a ring. You will need a proposal, and not just any proposal, one that will knock her socks off. One she'll be telling your grandchildren about like it was yesterday. Have you been tossing and turning while thinking of the perfect way to propose? Don't fret. There's certainly not a lack of information out there to assist you in planning and executing the task at hand. But if you're looking for a few ideas that won't break the bank here are some way to propose for under $100,
Proposing ideas for $100- $50
- Arrange a surprise proposal with a street caricaturist. Have him sketch a picture of you two with word bubbles. Yours will read, "Will you marry me?" and hers will say, "Yes!" This is a very cute idea and from the research I've done it would be roughly $75-100. And you'll have something to frame to commemorate this exciting event.
- Make the box holding her ring a selection on the dessert tray at your favorite restaurant. Well, I'm going to assume you're not taking her to a hole in the wall down the street but a fancy intimate place. I mean, if they have a dessert tray, you know it's going to be a little pricey, $75-$100 easy. Of course you'll have to order some champagne, which will add a few more dollars to the grand total.
- Gather your families together for a barbecue and make it a family affair. This proposal can range from $50 to $100 easy but it will be an event the whole family will be thinking about for years to come. A way to cut costs- make it a potluck and have family members bring a dish.
Proposing ideas for $50- $15
- Slip the ring on her finger while she's sleeping and wake her with champagne and strawberries. At first, the gesture will simply seem romantic -- the real surprise comes when she notices her new piece of jewelry. A nice bottle of champagne is about $12-23 and you can get chocolate covered strawberries at Publix or your local grocery store for about $2 each. $47ish
- Propose in a flower or botanical garden when everything is in bloom. Depending on where you live, a botanical garden roughly cost $12-20 dollars a ticket. If you take her there while everything is in bloom $40 will seem like a good value- make sure to bring your camera.
- Go out for a night of dancing and ask the DJ or bandleader to pass you the mic so you can dedicate a song and propose on the dance floor. Talk about shock and awe! You can expect to about $10 a person to get into any busy club, so about $20 total, but one unforgettable proposal!
- Spell your proposal out in glow-in-the-dark star stickers on your ceiling. Get into bed, turn the lights off and wait for the inevitable gasp. I took at look at Amazon and found these stars online for about $15 because I had no idea where you'd purchased them otherwise. Quick things to keep in mind however, make sure she's not there when the package is delivered. A girl always has to know what's in the box.
Free ideas for proposing:
- Play hangman and have the phrase be "Marry me." Pencil plus paper equals free.
- Go to the beach and casually build a sand castle and place the ring on the highest turret. Then invite her to admire your handiwork. It doesn't cost anything to go to the beach, just remember to bring sunscreen. Free
- Scrape your proposal into the frost on her car's windshield (winter)- Free
Then be sure to contact us here at Favored by Yodit Events so we can help you plan the wedding of her dreams!
Source: fdleventconsultingblog.com
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+.
#TipTuesday: 31 Tips To Make Sure You Enjoy Your Wedding Day
1. Wake up refreshed.
Get to bed at a decent hour the night before so you can be your best. For this reason it’s wise to plan bachelor and bachelorette parties at least a week ahead of time.
2. Eat a breakfast that is high in protein and complex carbs.
Bonita Suraputra / Flickr: 21185968@N00
This food will take a while to break down in your body and keep you going, which is important since brides and grooms can go long periods without eating.
3. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready.
You want to be able to relax and have a good time with your bridesmaids, not stress over whether you’ll finish in time.
4. Wear a dress shirt when getting your hair styled.
Brides often wear T-shirts that have to be pulled over their freshly coiffed hair at the end. Dress shirts, however, can be unbuttoned without doing any damage to your beautifully done hair.
5. Grooms should make a list of all the things they need to do on the morning of the wedding.
BBC / Via effyeahscotus.tumblr.com
Bridesmaids are great at helping a bride remember everything. Groomsmen are less helpful in this regard, though they are more likely to bring beer.
6. Speaking of groomsmen, it’s a good idea for the groom to discuss expectations for behavior.
Guys can get pretty crazy at a reception. If you want a level of decorum it’s best to spell that out before someone tries to do a body shot off your grandma.
7. If you bought new shoes for the big day, be sure to break them in ahead of time.
Otherwise you’re liable to feel awkward in them and have sore feet.
8. Don’t overdo the perfume.
Via thefrisky.com
Heavy perfume can make you feel nauseous and even attract bugs.
9. This goes for you too, grooms.
Remember, a little cologne goes a long way.
10. Hire a wedding coordinator if possible.
Couples often decide to cut this expense, but coordinators let you enjoy your day by keeping drama at bay. Favored by Yodit Events can take care of all your wedding needs! Choose from day of coordination, partial planning or full planning.
11. If you can’t hire a wedding coordinator, let your bridesmaids handle some of the day-of logistics.
Universal Pictures / Via cosmopolitan.com
They’re literally falling over themselves to help.
12. Don’t forget a wedding day survival kit.
Colleen Melarkey-Beattie / Flickr: 107771213@N02
A typical one includes a first aid kit, tampons, a Tide To Go stain remover pen, and anything else that might fix a minor emergency.
13. Take a few selfies.
These candid shots make a fun counterpoint to your photographer’s stylized professional shots.
14. But other than that, put your phone away.
Fog and Smog / youtube.com
Nothing is happening that’s more important than your wedding, OK?
15. Get loose before you walk down the aisle.
Via sbnation.com
Do some light stretching to release tension and get your blood flowing so that you don’t — gasp — pass out. Hey, it happens. Check YouTube.
16. Stop to take it all in during the ceremony.
Ask your officiant to include a “deep breath” moment so you can look over the audience, gaze at your spouse, and burn the memory into your brain.
17. Make a five-minute dinner date.
Taking the time to enjoy a full meal is almost impossible with so many guests clamoring for your attention, but a five-minute dinner date — where you grab a few bites and enjoy your new spouse’s company — is more manageable.
18. If five minutes is too much, get your food to go.
Arrange with the caterers to send a couple to-go boxes of food with you when you leave the venue. They’ll be glad to do it.
19. Be magnanimous.
Greet everyone with a smile even if it’s your second cousin whom you haven’t spoken to in a couple years because she said that thing (you know what I’m talking about). No one likes an angry bride, and you won’t like being one either.
20. Similarly, stay poised during the best man and bridesmaid’s speeches.
If something inappropriate is said it’s best to let it pass without having a big reaction. Many people will have missed it, but they won’t miss you screaming at the best man.
21. Give a thank you speech with your spouse.
It’ll feel good to thank your parents, grandparents, and guests (especially those who traveled great distances) for making such a momentous occasion in your life possible.
22. Arrange for group photos at the reception.
Have the DJ call over college friends, co-workers, and teammates for a few quick group photos. Your photographer may suggest doing these before the reception, but save the more formal, time-consuming shots for the wedding party and family only.
23. Be careful with alcohol.
HBO / Via reactiongifs.com
This is a day you’ll want to remember clearly for the rest of your life, so make sure you don’t drink too much (that’s for doing at your friends’ weddings). One tip is to drink a full glass of water between each alcoholic drink.
24. Pack flats for the reception.
Sophisticated ballet-style slippers look great with a wedding dress, so bring a pair to put on when you want to cut loose.
25. Appoint someone to save you from chatty guests.
Inevitably someone, whether it’s your great aunt from Poughkeepsie or the dad of your old college roommate, will talk your ear off seemingly unaware it’s your wedding day. That’s why having someone to politely pull you away is a must.
26. Have a moment with each of your parents.
Brides dance with their fathers and grooms dance with their mothers, but there’s no moment on the schedule for your other parent. Make one.
27. Don’t do the cake smash.
Brides, you still have people to see and photos to take, so you don’t want to get cake in your hair and on your dress (nor do you want to reapply makeup). Grooms, this is not how you want to start married life. Trust me on this one.
28. Give the DJ a list of songs you want to hear.
This way you’re more likely to hear your jam than “Y.M.C.A.”
29. Make sure you dance.
Paramount Pictures / Via hotukdeals.com
Your favorite tunes are playing, the dance floor is packed with people you love, and you have reason to celebrate! With conditions like that even grooms who “don’t dance” will regret it if they don’t let their inner Bacon loose.
30. Have a relaxed attitude about the wedding night.
Warner Bros. / Via zimbio.com
If fireworks explode, awesome. But after a long day many brides and grooms collapse in exhaustion. Don’t worry… there’ll be plenty of time for fireworks later.
31. Remember why you’re there.
Amid all of the fun and celebration be sure to take a moment to look over at the person you’re pledging your life to and reflect on the incredible journey that lies ahead of you both.
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.
#TipTuesday: Wedding Etiquette 101
Gone are the days where my Facebook timeline is filled with embarrassing photos of who got chocolate waste over the weekend and campus activities. Now every day I am greeted with proposals, wedding preparations and baby announcements! As exciting as this new phase of life is, it is becoming painfully aware to me that common wedding etiquette for guests and/or the bride or groom is not so common. After receiving many questions, seeing several things that made me cringe and even being unsure about a few rules myself I decided to do some research. To avoid being THAT girl/guy check out 10 Wedding Etiquette rules below.
1. Just because you are Facebook friends, does not guarantee you a wedding invite: A wedding is a very personal and sacred event, reserved for family and close friends of the couple. Just because you went to college with someone or occasionally engage in witty banter on social media does not qualify you to receive an invite. Also publically shaming said couple for the lack of an invite makes you look bad…not them. While we are on the topic…
2. Who gets an invite: After you send out your save the dates, you will probably get an influx of informal RSVPs. For those that confirm they will not be attending, there is no need to send them a formal invite. If that person happens to be Aunt Susie who you know will want to keep an invite for her scrapbook, be sure to include a note saying it’s for keepsake purposes only.
3. Plus one woe: If you knew how expensive weddings cost these days, you wouldn’t assume this is an automatic yes. Typically, the only “guaranteed” plus ones are spouses, fiancées, and live in significant others. If you are allowed a guest to accompany you to a wedding, the invitation will either state you and your significant other's name or in lieu of their name “guest”. For my single friends, if you are unsure, ask, but don’t just show up with your flavor of the month.
4. What to wear, what to wear: Most wedding invites will specify the appropriate attire for the event. If you are questioning if your powder blue suit, or crop top mini dress is considered black tie, there is this excellent tool called google that can help you out (lol). If the invite doesn’t say, stay on the safe side and leave your jordans, t-shirts, jeans, and white dresses at home.
5. Everything isn’t Facebook appropriate: While you may be super excited to post your “ussie” of you and the blushing bride on Facebook immediately after you take it, it may be against the wishes of the couple. Unless you are encouraged to post pictures on social media with a specialized hashtag, avoid posting any pictures of the couple until after they post them.
6. Bring on the Gifts: Brides, even though you are spending an insane amount of money on chicken wings per person and are expecting everyone to gift you with those $75 napkin holders you requested or the diamond encrusted skillet you NEED, guests aren’t REQUIRED to bring a gift. While it’s not in best taste to show up empty handed, manage your expectations. Keep in mind that there will be a vast range of budgets attending your wedding and register accordingly. Speaking of gifts…
7. Engagement party gifts: Engagement parties are an opportunity to congratulate the couple; gifts are not expected but will certainly be accepted. Who doesn’t like presents?! If you are dying to give the happy couple a gift, don’t you worry there will be plenty of opportunities including the bridal shower and wedding.
8. Cut the Cake: While the cake ceremony is a longstanding staple in the world of wedding receptions, it’s not one that is mandatory. If you find that tradition dated opt for a dessert table, cupcakes, or a candy bar.
9. Wedding party trade-off: Just because someone invites you to be in their wedding, does not necessarily mean you need to return the favor. If you are feeling uneasy about the situation, there are always other positions you can put them in, for example a hostess or a reader.
10. Thank you…thank you very much *in my Elvis voice*: Even though your guests wished you a lifetime of happiness, that does not mean you have a forever to send out thank you notes. You have about a three month window to send out a handwritten note, and NO an e-mail will not suffice.
Bonus...
11. Oh you thought that was a gift?: Tapping into your resources and hiring friends as vendors can be a great cost saving tool for couples. However, make sure everyone is clear on the terms of the agreement ahead of time. Whether you are offering your services as a gift or at a discounted rate, make sure all parties involved are well aware and PUT IT IN WRITING. The last thing you want is to your friend repoing your cake at the reception or casting you on the next episode of Judge Judy because you didn't provide her with the check she was expecting.
Source:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/24/wedding-etiquette_n_3806349.html and
http://www.realsimple.com/weddings/etiquette/wedding-etiquette-00100000094464/page3.html
#MCM: Groom Inspiration!
Happy Monday! Today's {Groom Inspiration} is All About Boutonnieres! A boutonniere can make or break a groom’s outfit. Most of the time our Groom’s will purchase a custom tailored suit, and then as soon as the boutonniere is pinned, the outfit is complete. Love this bowtie & tailored tan suit with spring florals! 
Just like the Bride’s bouquet is supposed to compliment her dress and overall style, the boutonniere is also an accessory for the big day! This groom went with a non traditional floral boutonnière 
Most men will wear a flower on the lapel of their jacket only a handful of times in their lifetime. This is a shame. Nothing adds panache to a man’s appearance like the confidence embodied in wearing a stylish boutonniere. A simple flower worn on the lapel of a jacket can add a lot of character to an outfit!
#TipTuesday: 14 Best Hotels for Destination Weddings
Are you the bride that wants your wedding to also be a vacation for your guests, but have no idea where to go? Tablet Magazine put together a great list of the top 14 hotels for a destination wedding like the above Taj Lake Palace! Located in Udaipur, Rajasthan, if you’re a bride and groom for whom nothing less than a brigade of elephants and camels dressed in full regalia will do, you’re in luck. Animal welcoming parties are old hat at this ancient Rajasthani palace, where they’ve been throwing over-the-top celebrations for centuries.
The Auberge du Jeu de Paume located in Chantilly, France is perfect for the couple that wants to party like Marie-Antoinette on thier wedding day. Twenty-five miles outside of Paris, Auberge du Jeu de Paume is one of France’s grandest country estates, with an aristocratic heritage to match the best of them.
The Serai Jaisalmer in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan is a deeply romantic safari-style tented camp in the desert. It beat out such contenders as a hotel with views of the Taj Mahal and an opulent maharaja’s palace in the Himalayas, to say nothing of the Serai’s sister-hotel Sher Bagh, which has thrown some famous weddings of its own.
Boucan by Hotel Chocolat located in Soufrière, St. Lucia, is a 140-acre estate high in the hills above the Caribbean. This hotel has gone and made chocolate a central part of the hospitality experience as well. And needless to say, St. Lucia’s unbelievably photogenic landscapes serve as memorable backdrops for a wedding.
For the full list of destination wedding hotels, visit Tablet Magazine here.
Calling All Grooms! Tips for After You Say I Do.
So you just got married! Your wedding (planned by Favored by Yodit Events of course) is over. Cake tastings, tuxedo fittings and table settings are a thing of the past. Its now time to start your new life with your new wife! Here are some tips on how to insure a smooth transition into married life. Always remember boys, happy wife, happy life!
“Ultimately the bond of all companionship, whether in marriage or in friendship, is conversation.” — Oscar Wilde (poet)
What You Say
- Build a foundation of trust. Agree that if either of you ever say “do you promise” after a questions is asked that nothing but the truth will follow… no matter how tough the question is. You both need to agree that it’s okay to share even the hardest things with each other.
- Know the power of your words. The way you phrase things to her can make all the difference. Try to focus on the positive aspects of a difficult situation, and build from there.
- Make communication a conversation. Don’t just dump information on her. Be sure to provide opportunities for her to ask questions (ex. One of my co-workers mentioned something really interesting to me today…)
- Don’t talk like you’re placing an order. Phrase your communication in a way that not only tells her what you want, but does it in a way that also asks for her permission.
- Discuss the importance of time with friends. It’s healthy to have some relationships and activities that are not shared. Spending time with other people and doing other things helps you appreciate the time you do spend together.
- Share why you need some alone time. Make it VERY clear that you’re not making excuses to spend time apart from her. Before scheduling this kind of time, have a conversation about how important it is for both of you to have this, and the best way to ask for it.
- Never lie to avoid a fight. Doing this will just make you distant, and potentially create a future disagreement that gets blown way out of proportion due to unresolved feelings.
- Don’t just apologize after an argument. Instead of feeling good about being the bigger person just because you were the first one to say “I’m sorry”, try asking her why she was frustrated. Knowing this should help to alleviate everything instead of just sweeping it under the rug.
- Ask really good questions. Don’t just limit it to work, but include questions about what’s been on her mind. Make time for this every day.
- Discuss how to handle working with opposite sex co-workers. This includes working late hours, traveling or even working over lunch. These are all very common, so let your wife know when these activities will be happening. Also, talk about the steps you plan to take in order to keep it “strictly business”. This will build a lot of trust in the relationship.
- Share all your mistakes with her, and genuinely ask for forgiveness. This shows her that you can recognize and openly admit your faults, which will enable your relationship to continue in a positive direction.
- Establish your married relationship as a “new” family. Talk over the details together, and communicate your feelings right away with each of your parents. This will help establish necessary boundaries with them, and show how serious you are about making your relationship a top priority.
- Share what you’re in charge of managing. Be sure to share what you feel needs to be done to effectively manage each task, as well as including her when any major decisions need to be made.
- Talk each night. Each of you should take the time to share your day, what’s on your mind (especially the intimate details) and include some talk about a fun activity you will be doing together in the future. Try to do this when you first get home, or on a walk after dinner. It’s really important to reconnect this way.
- Maintain a healthy level of interest. If the interest level of the listener is fading, it’s probably because they don’t know the point of the conversation. If you both try to share the main point of your story first (then offer the supporting details), it should increase the listener’s level of interest.
What You Do
- Don’t be a coach or umpire; be her fan. Life is the big game, and being in the position to root her on will score you the biggest points. This will build her confidence, and at the same time put you in her cheering section and not the one calling the game (you know how people in those positions can make you mad).
- Just listen. Generally, she just wants someone to listen. If she does want advice, she’ll ask for it. By waiting for her to ask, your response will more than likely be appreciated. Just be sure to ask enough questions, so that you fully understand the situation before sharing your thoughts.
- Plan activities that build your friendship. The more interactive activities you do together, the more you’ll have to talk about.
- Hug your wife at least three times a day. While you do this, tell her how much you love her and how wonderful or beautiful she is. This should increase her emotional connection and deepen her level of trust with you.
- Make sure the timing is right. Certain times of day are going to be better for communication. If she’s not a morning person, let her initiate the conversation. If it’s an emotional topic, she may just need some time before she’s ready to open up.
- Focus on the issue during a fight. Don’t attack each other’s character. Instead, focus on the problem when venting your frustration. Try to see the other person’s point of view, and work from there to resolve everything.
- Agree that it’s okay to disagree. Acknowledging where she’s coming from doesn’t mean you agree with her. Just respect any differences you many have.
- Pick the right environment for an emotional conversation. If she’s comfortable, not threatened and in a private place… then the chance of your conversation going well drastically improves.
- Develop a plan for reconnecting. It’s hard to figure out what to do when you’re already feeling distant, so already having a plan in place will make it a lot easier to get close again.
- Be silly with each other. We all need to stay pretty serious at work, so it’s important to relax in this way with her.
- Pray for one another, as a couple, every day. Whether it’s part of your faith or not, this simple act will help you dedicate some time to really focusing your minds on each other – strengthening your marital bond.
Source: thegroomslist.com
#WeddingWednesday Groom to Groom: What Our First Year of Marriage Taught Me...
I use to be scared of the thought of marriage. Giving my all to one person, trusting them with everything, letting them in wholeheartedly. It was something that I thought would have to be earned by this fictional woman who I was destined to meet. As a teenager, falling in love was something too common, but when college arrived and I entered my pre-adulthood, falling in love was a disease. Never wanting to fall in love or show too much love was a lifestyle for me. That sent me on a journey of partying and women, until...
March 18, 2011 (two years removed from college graduation) was the day that I met my wife.....at the club! The most unlikely place to meet a life partner (in my eyes). I spotted her from across the room and drunkenly approached her to ask her name. This attempt had been done before with the same woman and I was told that I was too young. But this time, laced with liquid courage, I took another shot. After small talk, we exchanged numbers. There was no intent to marry right off the bat, but at this point in my life I'd told myself that every female needs to be screened for potential longevity.
Why did I marry her? Two reason: #1. Our similarities in religion, family values and biggest fears (hers-raising a child by herself; mine- dying without the chance to raise my own child.) Two: I asked myself, if my daughter was to grow up and be like her, would I be ok with that? The answer was yes. She had so many great qualities that her negatives weren't even an issue. We dated for a year and a half before I proposed. Why so quickly? My mother always told me that it only takes 4 seasons to learn someone. I interpreted that to mean that marriage is the journey of learning and loving someone.
I like my wife as a friend and I love her as a partner. I think liking someone is more important than loving them in some situations. Marriage is one of them. We do things that friends can do together and that makes our marriage stronger. Our marriage has not been a yellow brick road. A few things that I realize about our marriage that has helped it grow:
#1. We don't expose our problems to others. We keep our quarrels in our home and squash any beef we have with each other in a civil manner. Tears have been shed and some yelling but we never go too long without discussing it and coming to a agreement about what happened.
#2. Sometime I have to give in. Some arguments are my fault and sometimes they are hers. But there are those rare occasions where we both are right and wrong and in those moments I must take the bullet. It doesn't really matter who's fault it is, the end result is a stronger relationship. So if I must take the blame, then that is what I will do.
#3. Make decisions together. Major decisions that could be life changing, I must consult her first. I've even started asking her opinions on small issues to, giving her stake in my life. I had to realize it's no longer about me, it's about us.
#4. Money! Money! Money!- Many marriages end over money disputes. My wife makes significantly more money than I do. She can pay bills and have money left over to spend on whatever she wants, which I can't, but that doesn't make me less of a man. I pull my weight in other ways. And I've learned how to better manage my money so that I can contribute to our lives just as my wife does.
There are more things that have helped my marriage grow but these are the primary ones.
We've only been married a little over a year but we continue to work at our future. That's what keeps me going, our future. The one thing that I did realize is that marriage isn't much different than when we were just dating. The same commitment that I was suppose to have then, I have now. And I always ask myself, "If she did this to me, how would I feel?" That question keeps me from doing a lot of things. Keeps me on track to our future.
Neither of us are perfect, and we aren't too big to say sorry. As long as there is progress then we are on the right track. And now with a little baby girl in our lives we must work even harder to show her what true love really is.
Giveaway: Enter to Win 5 Custom Label Groomsmen Socks from CuteNCrafty
We love a good giveaway and were excited when local designer Kendra Barnes of CUTEnCRAFTY approached us about sharing her fun gift for groom-to-be's! CUTEnCRAFTY is giving away 5 pairs of Groomsmen socks on Instagram (@cutencraftyshop) and what better way to stay warm and save money!
Kendra first designed her Cold Feet Socks for her own groom, to ease any of those those pre-wedding jitters on their special day. Everyone loved it and since then, Kendra has offered her items on Etsy as fun day-of gifts. Check them out and get 20% off of your entire order when you purchase 5 or more Groomsmen Socks. Use the code GROOMSMAN at checkout and make sure to follow them for more details and tell them Favored by Yodit Events sent you!
You're Invited: A Chic Affair
Enjoy some of the best wedding vendors DC has to offer as well as an avant garde presentation of 2014 collections by Lovely Bride and a free ride credit code the day of the show courtesy of Uber.
All tickets include: Champagne, cocktails, cake tasting, mini-spa treatments hors d'oeuvres, conversations with experts, fashion show, exhibition, planning timeline tool and luxe gift bag.
VERY LIMITED VIB (thats Very Important Bride!)tickets available also include:
Early event access, premium seating during runway show, VIB gift upon arrival (including products from Uber and drybar!) and entry to win exclusive VIB giveaways !
For more information and to buy tickets visit: www.acawashingtondc.com
Don't leave the boys at home! Come hang out in our Gentlemen's Lounge!Snacks, spirits, and special gifts just for guys!
You're Invited: Washingtonian Bride & Groom Unveiled
To buy tickets click here
