Wedding Planning: Letting Loved Ones Help

If you don't have the money or simply don't want to hire a wedding planner, then a DIY wedding is best for you. The only issue? If you aren't used to planning large events, such as weddings, you may end up feeling very frustrated. DIY weddings are also easier on the wallet, helping to save some cash for a honeymoon! 

How did I make my DIY wedding work? Well, luckily I have friends and family that actually wanted to help. I took them up on this offer, for sure! Here are some good ideas: 

Do you know of anybody musical? If you have a friend that can sing or play an instrument,  consider letting them do their thing while you walk down the aisle. Many brides pay hundreds of dollars for this! 

Do any of your friends have a garden? You can make your own floral arrangements, and they will mean so much more knowing that somebody that you love helped to make them! 

Any artistic friends? They can put their skills to the test by carving ice sculptures, pumpkins, design mason jars, the possibilities are endless!

If you have a friend that really wants to help, but doesn't exactly have anything to contribute, try assigning a task. For example, you can have somebody direct guests in the right direction for seating. Somebody can overlook the decorations to make sure that they look perfect. These types of things should be done and can help take a load of stress off of the bride! 

While you will be saving a ton of money, you will also be bonding with your friends and family members who will most likely be honored to take part in your wedding preparations! 

Weddingstar Wedding Supplies

Unity Sand Ceremony Shadow Box Set

 

For a few years, brides have been snagging up the Heart Shaped Sand Ceremony Vase Set by Weddingstar. In recent years, this set has a competitor. The Unity Sand Ceremony Set by Cathy's Concepts. This set is available in white and black and loved by brides and grooms around the country! 

 

A beautiful alternative to the traditional unity candle, our Unity Sand Ceremony Shadow Box Set creates a sentimentally chic way to display your love. Perfect for outdoor ceremonies or destination weddings, this keepsake kit includes everything you'll need to create a memorable unity ceremony, as well as provide your home with a unique piece of decorative home decor after! Simply display your finished sand artwork and use your pouring vases for candles, flowers, or whatever else you see fit, and you'll see just how amazing a symbolic centerpiece can be!
This unity sand ceremony kit includes:

• Large shadow box
• Personalized glass insert
• Two pouring vases

Brides like to customize these by adding a touch of flair with various colored sands to match their theme or color scheme.  The best part about these sand ceremony kits? They can be kept as keepsakes and passed on for generations! A lovely sentiment.

Unity Sand Ceremony Shadow Box Set

Honoring the Mother of the Bride

All brides would like to honor their mother during their wedding. The question is, however, how would you like to do so? If you are close with your mother you may want to do a few of these memorable traditions!

1) The Dress or Veil - Many brides honor their mother by wearing her dress or veil. If the dress is too old fashioned, ask if it can be altered. If the dress doesn't work, you can also incorporate her veil into your dress.

2) Dress the Mother or Mother In Law - If you have already picked out your wedding dress as well as your bridesmaids gowns, you may want to select dresses for the mother of the bride (and the mother of the groom as well!). This helps them feel as though they are part of the wedding party.

3) Ceremony Seating - The mother of the bride is usually the last person seated before the ceremony begins. In Christian wedding ceremonies, she sits on the left side in the front row. In Jewish ceremonies, it's tradition for the bride's mother and father to process up the aisle with their daughter. These days, it's not uncommon for ANY religion to have the mother AND father walk the bride down the aisle. 

There are many other ways that brides can honor their mother during the wedding and reception. The mother can be presented with flowers and a personalized handkerchief. A toast can be given during the reception to honor and thank her for all that she has done.

Wedding Essentials