Exit in Excellence: Creative Ways to Leave Your Wedding Reception

Gone are the days of rice being thrown, apparently the birds won’t let us be great. Necessity is the mother of invention and we have definitely come up with some amazing ways to drive off into the sunset. 

Let’s look at some creative ways Newlyweds make their way out into the world, and off to start a new life together.

Sparklers

Photo Credit: USA Sparkler Company

If your reception goes into the night, sparklers are a great option for your exit and really make a big impact on your photos. A company I love to send all my clients to is USA Sparkler Company They have an amazing variety of sizes and styles to fit the look of the sparkler you want. They have incredibly fast shipping, and the customer service is top-notch! Pro Tip: Make sure you have a safe way to extinguish the sparklers, like using a bucket filled with water or sand to ensure they are completely out.

Flower Petals

Photo Credit: Snake River Flowers

I love this idea for an afternoon or garden-themed wedding. Folklore tells us that throwing flower petals in this fashion symbolizes fertility. Select flower petals that match the colors of your wedding to brighten up your photos, as guests toss them in the air, the petals will cascade around you. It’s a beautiful sight to see captured on film. Be Earth-friendly and talk to your florist about getting red flower petals for your guests to toss on your day.

Ribbon Wands 

Photo Credit : Amazon.com

A throwback to the days of old. I’m a sucker for all things Victorian era, and this is on my list of fun and swoon-worthy exits. These particular Ribbon Wands have bells on them, and when you shake them the soft fabric and ringing fills the sky signaling for a lovely couple to kiss. It's a romantic and whimsical thing to witness. 

Bubbles

Photo Credit: Wedding Wire

If you’re still able to have some daylight after your reception, bubbles are an easy, inexpensive, and clean-up free option. I mean, who doesn’t love bubbles? It brings us back to our childhood and all the nostalgia that comes with it. You can find them virtually everywhere, from your party retailer to Amazon, to Walmart. Remember, keep these out of the hands of very young children.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about these examples of how to supe-up your send-off. There are several other creative ways, however, these are just a few of the most popular you can do and save a few bucks. Now, please keep in mind that the venue you’ve selected may have a policy or two that may keep you from doing the send-off you may want, so be sure to check your contracts or speak with the venue management before ordering your items. As I always say, these tips aren’t for everyone, tweek and change what you want to suit your event in the best way possible. If you like what you’ve read, give us a like and share this blog on your socials. If you’re getting married or have an event to be planned, be sure to contact us today for a free consultation.

Until next time!

Keep it Chic,
XOXO
Amaris T.

The Bridesmaid Mambo: A Wedding Party Guide

I want to start this blog with a personal situation of my own. While I was planning my wedding, I fired one of my bridesmaids. While the facts of what compelled me to make that decision won’t be disclosed, I will let you know that I am not the first bride that has had to do it. Sometimes it’s the best option for the bride to keep her sanity. My job as a planner, from time to time, is to help both brides and their lovely line of ladies (and grooms and groomsmen too…we are all inclusive here *wink*) preserve friendships and have fun times while in the wedding planning process. The title of this post really speaks volumes to the actions that must be taken during this time, because it is a dance. These can be very stressful times for a newly engaged couple, and there is a right and wrong way to convey feelings about the day to day wedding activities. 

Let’s talk about how to be the best Brides and Wedding Party during your wedding planning process!

For The Maid/Matron of Honor

Photo Credit: jacoblund / Getty Images

M.O.H.’s, make sure you take the helm the moment you are handed this title! As the second in command, it is your job to ensure a stress free environment for the bride. Set a meeting with all the bridesmaids to let them know the coming events and take ideas at that time. Have the bridesmaids come to you with issues before going to the Bride-to-be, it will say so much time and frustration. Who knows, you may have the solution to the problem yourself and the bride never even has to know. Be that sounding board that the bride needs to feel comfortable about decisions she needs to make. Some things you may need to be in charge of:

• Creating the bridesmaid social media page

• Organizing the Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party

• Helping solidify the bridesmaid dresses and schedule alterations

• Helping with the RSVPs and registry

For The Bridal Party

Photo Credit: Emma Bauso

Hard truth time: THIS DAY IS NOT ABOUT YOU. Period. Ok…now that I got that out of the way, let’s chat. I know that we all have our personal preferences such as what colors look awesome with our skin tone, or if we lack the capability to walk well in heels. When we sign up to be a bridesmaid, we put what we want aside to show full support to the Bride-to-be. What we like may not be something that works well with her vision of the day. This doesn’t mean that your opinions aren’t important, however they may not be requested at that time. Be prepared to pay for your dress, shoes, and jewelry. If you know the financial obligation may be too much, don’t be afraid to say something. It’s best to let the bride know upfront what you can and can not do to be apart of her day, and I guarantee you she will thank you for it. Don’t criticize every little thing, don’t complain about having to wear your hair in an up-do. It’s a real honor to be asked to be a bridesmaid because you are a person the bride holds in high regard. Although some of the requests may be a bit outlandish it’s literally only for one day, so pull up your spanks and be there for your girl! 

For The Bride

Photo Credit: Kayla Renee

I, if not more than anyone, understand how much stress you and your fiancé are going to go through when planning your very special day. With that being said, please place stress where it belongs and don’t take it out on your bridesmaids. Go to the gym, and workout the aggravation. If they are your real friends (they should be if you’re selecting them to stand up with you) they will turn the world counterclockwise to make sure you have what you need to be happy. Remember, they are there to support you and not be a slave to every insane request you may have. Give your bridesmaids options, don’t take away their voice completely, and give them a chance to have a bit of fun too. An example of this is letting the ladies as a collective pick out their dresses. It takes stress off of you and they work together to make sure they all look stunning for your wedding. If you do have a request that you’d like them to follow, let them know why. You may have a sentimental reason for the request, and if you communicate to the ladies properly you’ll reduce the chances of an impending issue. Some other ways you can incorporate the bridal party to assist with planning are:

• Give each one a job. The bridesmaid with the biggest foot, have her find the shoes. One of your girls in the group a foodie? Have her select an awesome catering company for the rehearsal dinner or restaurant for an outing. 

• Have one of the ladies help make calls, or assist confirming appointments.

• If you like to D.I.Y. or you have a bridesmaid thats crafty, have them help you create your wedding favors or gifts for the wedding party (per my last blog).

To sum this up, a wedding, no matter what your role is a wonderful thing to be apart of. As a bridesmaid, the memories of how you were integral in prepping the bride and groom get down the aisle will be cherished for a lifetime. Be present in the moment as a bridesmaid, and understand the day is bigger than you. At the end of the day it’s about two people expressing their love for one another. Brides, be thankful for the women (and gents) that are in your corner and feel blessed to have a crew that has your back. Don’t take true friendships for granted, however don't allow stress and strife to enter from anyone who you truly feel may not be with you for the best intentions. Honestly, they won’t be hard to spot, and you’ll know the right thing to do when it’s time. I don’t want this blog entry to come off as negative, but I do want this to serve as more of a reality check. We are all different people with different personalities, and during these times we need to be cognizant of the goal. If everyone puts the beautiful couple in the forefront, it will be an even more beautiful experience.

If you like what you’ve read, give us a like, and share this blog on your socials. If you’re getting married or have an event to be planned, be sure to contact us today for a free consultation. 

Until next time!

Keep it Chic,

XOXO

Amaris T.