We're Getting Married!

He Asked and You Said Yes!

Well Here it is... 

A new year approaching so quickly. Where did the time go? 

So many memories and new ones to build. Enjoy this journey before the wedding day. 

Remember these 5 tips because the engagement should be just as fun as the wedding day. 

Getting engaged is undoubtedly a blissful time and memory for couples, but many couples can get overwhelmed by the wedding checklists and all of the decisions that they have to make in the months to come. We wanted to highlight a few tips from our experience working with other couples and from having the pleasure of walking the aisle. Not to mention, we have learned in working with other brides to be; in a short note, they to felt challenged by the planning process. You're not alone. 

Tip #1. Embrace each moment together!

So many couples rush into planning mode right away without taking the time to jut enjoy the engagement. Regardless of whether you are planning a 12-week or a 12-month engagement, you have time, and you only get to experience this once. So breathe.

Tip #2. It's realist to set a few boundaries.

Who wants to be overwhelmed? When you do start the planning process, it is important that you have a sit-down with all parties involved and go over the big picture that you have in mind; from everyone's responsibility to budget. Note: Communication and Organization are essential. Not only does this help everyone get on the same page, but it also avoids future conflicts.

Tip #3. It’s all about the two of you. And that's okay! 

Too many couples that I speak with say they lose sight of this and get wrapped up in trying to make everyone else happy but themselves. Remember this is your wedding. As harsh as it may sound, you have to come to terms with the fact that you are not going to please everyone. But that's okay because you have set the boundaries.

Tip #4. Where's that checklist!?! Prioritize.

Budget or no budget; make your checklist and prioritize it with whats most important to you.

Tip #5. Snap Away! Photographs are memories to last a lifetime.

Photos, photos, and more photos. That's right! Choose a photographer that is able to capture your day. Hire a professional not a friend. You'll find it very helpful to take engagement photos before the big day so that the photographer gets a sense of you as a couple. 

Wedding Planner & Your Wedding Budget

Kiss Your Budget Goodbye Without the Help of a Wedding Coordinator

A common question among many brides: "Should I hire a wedding planner?" And the answer is yes! 

Whether you're planning a month or months in advance; you only benefit on the day of your wedding. Who wouldn't want a wedding professional on their side to handle all the logistics. Many see hiring a planner as an added expense, but the reality is that its a savings in every aspect of your wedding day!  

The reality remains: timing is everything! Parents and couples may hire a wedding planner based upon all the details involved for a successful wedding day. Hiring a wedding planner provides another opportunity to the family to enjoy their day that much more. Above all, hiring a wedding coordinator saves! It saves money, saves energy and equally important; it saves time.

Wedding coordinators are working to assist with every detail from your initial meeting up to the departure for the honeymoon. They will assist you with your budget, vendor referrals, negotiating contracts, and focus on the theme you have encrypted as your special day.

We all know planning a wedding is an enormous task and undoubtedly stressful. It's important that you are able to place emphasis on the positive highlights and why this day is important. Enjoy the moments that lead up to the wedding.

Your next question may be: How do I find the right wedding planner?
Key factors: Don’t hire the first person you meet who says she once planned a wedding for her brother, sister, cousin, or aunt. Ask friends or family members that have recently married, search various associations or through online resources. Just remember, a wedding planner should be professional and trained. A true wedding planner does not plan weddings on the side. It's their career. You want to make sure you feel comfortable and this individual is working for you. Many brides have felt as if they were working along side their new best friend. It should be a great experience.

There are independent event coordinators who work alone, and there are those who have turned it into a larger business. Some coordinator businesses include a full service event, wedding coordinating and might even have a store associated which may have everything from wedding invitations to wedding accessories.

I urge all brides to utilize a wedding planner, so that at the end of the day, you can be among those that say, "I don't know how I could have gotten through the day without you!"

KIRSTEN + MIKE:: MARRIED: DURHAM, NC

Scheer Hammock Wedding

OMG! There is a first for everything, and let me expound on the word first! There will be no other wedding celebration like Kristen and Mike's. In one word: CREATIVE!

Kristen and Mike are two of the most creative people we have ever worked with and truly the pleasure was all ours to be able to experience such a unique celebration. This wedding was indescribable. From the proposal, through the planning process and to execution on the day. All we can do is share their day through snapshots; it's all creativity. It stapled a new level of imagination to our experience! Not to mention the way the Courtney Potter Photography was able to capture each moment on film. 

The focus for their day in their words was simply "we wanted a wedding that was not traditional, so we just did what we thought would sound fun and meaningful to us. We loved the idea of playing games with our friends and families and spending as much time with them that we could. Other weddings we had gone to, we barely spent any time with the bride and groom and we really wanted everyone to feel like their treck to come see us get married meant that we really got to spend quality time together. Having a potluck style dinner allowed us to share the food we love with our families and made people feel like they were really a part of our wedding day."

"When we were planning this, a lot of our ideas came way ahead of our realization that we actually had to execute things - so as the wedding got closer we realized that having a day-of wedding planner would be essential so that we could enjoy and relax and not stress about how it was all going to come together."

It was an unforgettable day and we got the opportunity to work with great vendors! 

Venue: Spruce Pine Lodge

Cake: Miel Bons Bons

Coordinator: It's a Bridal Thing Too

Photographer: Courtney Potter Weddings

Florals: Wild Scallions Farms

JOLENE + CHRIS:: MARRIED: CHARLOTTE, NC

Hrinda Taylor Wedding

Words can't describe the marriage celebration on this day in May. There were tears of joy, contagious smiles, and lots of laughter. Unforgettable moments... Not to mention the flower girl not making it down the aisle. All was well, the bride made it down! And was absolutely gorgeous. 

Jolene and Chris were surrounded by friends and family with the love and support to last a lifetime. This couple was definitely meant to be together. Anyone could feel the love they share for another. It was genuine, it was unique and is just enough to surpass the test of time. 

We wish them all the happiness for the years to come! 

Officiant: Andrea Smith

Florals: Braswell Interiors

Wedding Coordination: It's a Bridal Thing Too

Reception: Maggiano's Southpark

New Engagement? Ready for 5 Important Tips

5 Very Relevant Tips for Newly Engaged Couples

Getting engaged is undoubtedly a blissful time and memory for couples, but many couples can get overwhelmed by the wedding checklists and all of the decisions that they have to make in the months to come. We wanted to highlight a few tips from our experience working with other couples and from having the pleasure of walking the aisle. Not to mention, we have learned in working with other brides to be; in a short note, they to felt challenged by the planning process. You're not alone. 

For our planning team, helping brides organize their memorable occasion by providing not only gorgeous real wedding photos, but professional vendor recommendations that we have had the pleasure of working along side, and resourceful online wedding portals. Her are a few pointers to help make the engagement period as enjoyable and stress-free as possible:

Photo Credit: JT Photography

Tip #1. Embrace the moment!

So many couples rush into planning mode right away without taking the time to jut enjoy the engagement. Regardless of whether you are planning a 12-week or a 12-month engagement, you have time, and you only get to experience this once. So breathe.

Tip #2. Set the boundaries.

When you do start the planning process, it is important that you have a sit-down with all parties involved and go over the big picture that you have in mind; from everyone's responsibility to budget. Note: Communication and Organization are essential. Not only does this help everyone get on the same page, but it also avoids future conflicts.

Tip #3. It’s all about the two of you. And that's okay! 

Too many couples that I speak with say they lose sight of this and get wrapped up in trying to make everyone else happy but themselves. Remember this is your wedding. As harsh as it may sound, you have to come to terms with the fact that you are not going to please everyone. But that's okay because you have set the boundaries.

Tip #4. Prioritize.

Budget or no budget; make your checklist and prioritize it with whats most important to you.

Tip #5. Photographs are memories to last a lifetime.

Choose a photographer that is able to capture your day. Hire a professional not a friend. You'll find it very helpful to take engagement photos before the big day so that the photographer gets a sense of you as a couple. 

We're getting Married! OMG! What's Comes Next?

There are so many steps in the process of planning a wedding that is fun and smooth for you and your guests. Although, planning can be overwhelming at times; it can be fun too. Brides may experience everyone giving their advice, tips, desires and wishes from others, but ultimately, it is your day. 

You ask what comes next after the proposal? 

You got it! Set the date.

Once you have set the date; it is time to hire your wedding planner. No excuses, make sure you make this a part of the budget. After, you hire your planner, you'r Wedding To Do List can fall right in line with what comes next. There's no perfect time to hire your planner other than sooner than later. Most couples think you have to wait until 6-9 months; which is truly a misconception. There further in advance you hire; the more time you will have to pay for the consulting fees. Also, it will give your planner additional planning time and to ensure you are able to reserve top notch vendors. generally, couples can hire a wedding planner/ coordinator from 2 years or up to 2 months prior to the event. 

Here are some tips as to why organized planning helps the engagement time less stressful for you and the groom: 

1. Your Wedding Planner/ Coordinator - They book up fast. You may have to look at an alternate date because the date you selected is not available. Give yourself some flexibility by reserving your date as soon as you have decided as a couple. 

2. Booking the Venue/ Church - Venues and Ceremony locations book fast too. When booking your church banquet hall, or venue, the date you have chosen an already reserved date. Having an alternate date will help you and your planner in booking the venue you want. This notion does apply to other vendors, as well.

After you have booked your venue for the ceremony and reception; your wedding planner/ coordinator can ensure your to do list falls right in line with your wedding day.

 There's still much to be done, like hiring the:

3. Photographer 

4. Caterer

5. Videographer

6. Florist

7. Band or DJ Service

8. Cake

9. Transportation

10. Invitations 

11. Save-The-Date Announcements 

12. Wedding Dress 

13. Bridesmaids Dresses 

14. Decoration Rentals 

Your wedding planner/ coordinator is designer to take much of the stress of wedding preparations, so that you and your fiance can enjoy every bit of the wedding day.

Table Talk - Centerpieces that Wow!

It's okay to be unique, original and have your own flare when it comes to decor for your wedding. One thing's for sure, you shouldn't be skeptical to step outside the box when it comes to the décor! 

Our advice is to make a statement that echoes the theme for you wedding. Brides, be bold and choose something different as opposed to the traditional floral centerpieces. When you add a little personality to your decor, and tying in the perfect elements to accent your theme; your centerpieces can then easily make a statement about you as a couple.

We have incorporated a few ideas for inspiration for the perfect reception decor. We selected a few ideas that will have your guests in awe when the enter the venue. You can take you approach from rustic, to simple modern, or branches to shabby chic.

 With any choice - go for eye catching. Decorate your area with unique elegance that is sure to bring attention to your reception!

Pair it up! Gown and Shoe choices for every type of Bride!

Image: luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Happy 2011! 

I know we have been gone for awhile but, we were off enjoying the holiday season!  We're back now and ready to tackle a new year.


In this months post we are going to talk about how to "Pair it Up". Of course I am talking about dresses and shoes.

Taking a look at some of the Spring 2011 trends we have put together some dress and shoe pairings for four bride "types". 

Traditional

 Our traditional bride is longing for the lace, bows and taffeta. It's going to be white and if there's an accent color it's strictly pastel. Think Shelby in "Steel Magnolias".

Our Gown Choice:

This beautiful gown made by Bonny style #042 is a beautiful mix of what the traditional bride wants. A sweetheart bodice that leads down into a luxuriously full ball skirt. This dress is accented by beaded lace and a cathedral train.

 Our Shoe Choice:

Simple but elegant white satin shoe by Benjamin Walk, (makers of Liz Rene Couture, Touch Ups and Johnathan Kayne, and Dyeables). Perfect choice for a more traditional bride.

 Modern

Our Modern Bride is ready to hit the ground running. She has discussed, with her planner, the ways the wedding can be more "green" and has made sure that local produce will be used for the reception dinner. 

Our Gown Choice:

 This light and flowy gown by Bonny   style #048, is perfect for our modern bride.A wonderful mix of couture style and clean design.  This one shoulder dress drops down into an empire waist and then to an a-line skirt with cathedral train.

 Our Shoe Choice:  Another wonderful shoe by Benjamin Walk. Strappy but, not over the top with a beautiful symmetrical rhinestone accented diamond design.

 Funky

Be ready for anything that this Bride throws at you! She may be arriving atop and elephant with the local high school marching band providing fanfair. Or, you may be set on a city-wide scavenger hunt to find the reception location! You just never know. 

Our Gown Choice:   

It's the non-traditional color of this dress that appeals to our funky bride. This dress with its strapless bodice, dramatic pick-up skirt and semi-cathedral train it sure to help her make the entrance she is looking for!                                     

Our Shoe Choice:

This bootie, by Benjamin Walk, adds that bit rock and roll style our Funky Bride is looking for.

Destination 

She is ready to start the new adventure of married life with an adventure. She has her passport in hand at all times. She might not even make it to the reception, if she can convince her husband that that 8:00 pm flight to Spain is a better idea!

Our Gown Choice:  

              A perfect choice for that on the beach in Barbados wedding! This Bonny gown style #052 made from chiffon. Starts at a sweetheart neckline, flows into a beautiful flared skirt and has elegant lack up ties  in the back.  Accented with a simple rhinestone broach.                

Our Shoe Choice:

Don't be afraid to get this one wet! This jeweled jelly shoe from Benjamin Walk is perfect for that after vows walk in the surf!

We here at It's A Bridal Thing can make any of these, and many more choices, possible for your big day!

Feel free to take a look at our website at It's A Bridal Thing.com or give us a call at 704-893-0201 and see how we can make your big day special!

We hope you like our selections! Please let us know!

Get Great Ideas Online!

When you first meet your wedding planner, it's good to come with some general ideas about how you want your big day to look. Here are some websites we  here at It's A Bridal Thing think will help get you started!

Want to see how Jessica Alba, Carrie Underwood or Gwen Stefani  looked on their big day? Take a look at In Style Weddings. They have their Best Dressed Celebrity Brides list which includes people like Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana and Katie Holmes. They also have great galleries of wedding cakes and  floral arrangements organized by color!

 The Brides.com Idea Gallery is another great resource! In addition to having wedding cake and floral galleries, they have galleries for  Stationary and Invitations, Wedding Favors and Food and Drinks!


A Wedding Sketchbook is a blog by Michelle Mospens. She details her thoughts on unique wedding invitation ideas, how to make the most out of an engagement photo shoot and backyard wedding reception ideas. Our favorite part of her site is her Wedding Color Trends for 2011 Part 1 and Part 2. Some of Michelle's picks for 2011 wedding colors? Amazon Green, Oyster Gray, Mauve, Celadon, Violet Purple and Clementine Orange!


Want something to help you put all of these ideas together for when you meet with your planner? Try The Knot.Com's Wedding Inspiration Boards. All you do is choose the template you like best, add images(either from The Knot's website or your own photos) and save and share. Tons better than Post-It-Notes in all of those bridal magazines you've bought!




Here are a few non-planning websites that we want to share.

My Wedding.com allows you to make a wedding website, with all the bells and whistles for FREE. They offer beautiful design templates, photo galleries and you can even add music!

Need a laugh to relieve wedding stress? Check out And The Bride Wore... . Hilarious site that covers fashion mishaps from wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and even tuxedos. 

As always, we here at It's A Bridal Thing are here for all of your wedding planning needs! We cover everything from gowns, tuxedos, flowers and invitations! Call us at 704-893-0201 and let us give your big day a beautiful touch.

What do to do?

You have found the perfect gown, shoes and jewelery. Now, what to do with your hair?

For some brides wedding day hair is an afterthought, for others it's the only thought.

When you are thinking about that perfect style keep a few things in mind

1. The style of the dress - You want to make sure your hair doesn't cover any of the accents on your dress or take away from the style of the dress itself.
2. Shape of your face- Pick a style that frames your face and brings out your best facial features.
3. Not the time to be daring- This is not the time to try out that new hair color you have always wanted or to put in the Rapunzel length extensions. If you are itching to try something new, have a hairstyle run through a few weeks before.
4. Make sure it is something you are comfortable with- Don't let your bridesmaids talk you into a loose chignon when you love having your hair down! Remember, this is your day and you should be happy with every part(no pun intended)!

Here are some great wedding day hairstyle ideas for every bride!

This curly up-do accented with flowers would be great for an outdoor fall wedding. Think about it accented with orange spray roses, mini sunflowers  or orange Mokera orchid stems as a nod to the season.

This style evokes 1940's Hollywood glamour. This sleek and chic do is wonderful for a nighttime wedding and easy to maintain on the big day.

Stylish and elegant this natural style is perfectly accented with a sculptured flower. Perfect for a destination wedding!

Short, but not on style! Accent short hairstyles with headbands, or jeweled accessories, to provide a beautiful accompaniment to your gown.

This straight style is accented by a jeweled headband but, could easily be done in ribbon that matches your bridesmaid dresses.









This was just a taste! For some other great ideas take a look at the hairstyle galleries at:

•  Martha Stewart Weddings
• The Knot
• Brides

Fall and Winter Weddings

Hello Friends!
It's the time of year when the leaves start to fall, the air gets colder and the possibility of snow is upon us(maybe!).

Image:Evgeni Dinev/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Did you know that October is second only to June as the most popular wedding month!

Some great fall/winter wedding ideas are:

 Instead of a traditional wedding cake why not have a decorated spice or pumpkin cake?

Colors for the seasons include ones found in nature like rich oranges, browns and greens; as well as jewel tones like reds, purples and blues.

Consider having your fall wedding at an apple orchard or old barn to take advantage of the beautiful scenery of the season.

What about flowers? For Fall mums, roses and daisies are generally inexpensive flower choices for fall and dried wheat stalks make a great bouquet filler. Winter choices could include crocus, lilies and tulips. Think about using dried eucalyptus and holly berries for accents.

Imagine a winter wedding at an old inn or historic house with fireplaces and picture windows to look out at a fresh blanket of snow.

Some winter wedding favors could include snow globes, gingerbread house making kits or an ornament that commemorates the wedding date!

Image: Aleksandr Kutsayev / FreeDigitalPhotos.net


We here at It's a Bridal Thing! are here to help you will all of your wedding needs. We can coordinate everything from wedding planning, dresses, tuxedos and flowers. Just give us a call at 704-893-0201 or visit It's a Bridal Thing.com to set up an appointment.


We are offering a 10% discount on Bridesmaid dresses from now until December 31st! Please see our coupon at Merchant Circle.com for all the details.