Today’s post is from Kathryn, a Bridesmaid Trade.com co-founder. 

We love a wedding contest, and we especially love it when people we love are in them! For years now, Karima Sefiane has been like a sister to my sister, and I am so happy to be in her cheering section for this contest. The amazing Karima and her also amazing fiancé Keith are finalists for the Northern Virginia Magazine Dream Wedding Giveaway.  These are two wonderful people, y’all. You would love to have them over for dinner, and you’d be sad when they left.  They are the real deal. Funny, compassionate, courageous, brilliant human beings. And it would just be just THE BEST if they won this wedding.

To vote: Head over to the Northern Virginia Wedding Magazine website and when you get there, vote for Karima and Keith. Their video submission can also be seen on the voting page. You can vote once every 24 hours until March 14th.  We hope you’ll check it out, vote, and share it, too!  Go Karima and Keith!

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Even though a wedding day is about joining together two people, it’s also about joining together two families – and they can come in all shapes and sizes.  If you’re walking down the aisle and you’re already a parent, your children play a huge role in such a life-changing event.  Sons and daughters can participate in all steps of the wedding process…from the planning, to the ceremony, to the party!  We have some tips if you’re looking to incorporate your blended family into your big day.

• Have your child help with the planning.  Put him or her in charge of an easy-to-make decoration, like gift bags, or stamping napkins with a special monogram.  Consult them with ideas for color and theme.  Small contributions, like picking out a favorite centerpiece, will make your son or daughter feel more connected to the wedding.
• During the actual marriage ceremony, say “family vows.”  You and your fiance will exchange rings, then have your child come up and stand with you.  You can all promise to love and support each other as a family.
• A unity candle, or sand vial, is a great way to symbolize the blending together of a family.  It also makes a beautiful momento!
• Invite other children to the reception to make the entire celebration feel like a family affair.  Your child may feel out of place if they are surrounded by a sea of adults.  Kids love party favors, so silly sunglasses or noisemakers will be a big hit with the younger crowd.  Another idea is to have your son or daughter throw a bouquet made out of candy, just like the bride will throw her floral bouquet.
• Have your child show off their unique talents by performing a musical instrument or reading a poem they’ve written.

Here’s some of our favorite inspiration when it comes to blended family weddings:

(Image via indulgy.com)

 

Image via bayarea.weddings.com

(Image via offbeatbride.com)

(Image via greenweddingshoes.com)

(Image via Pinterest)

What are some of your ideas for incorporating children into the wedding ceremony and celebration?

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Lanterns not only fill space when you are decorating your reception area, they add instant romance and ambiance to any room.   Because lanterns can come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, the possibilities are really endless when it comes to incorporating your theme or color scheme.  They can be used indoors (hanging from the ceiling, for instance) or outdoors (from tree branches or the eaves of a building), and also by day or by night – though lanterns really become magical after the sun has set and they’re lit.  You can, of course, simply order plenty of varieties online, but the internet is also great for wedding planning because there are tons of DIY tutorials out there!  Here are some gorgeous lanterns that are easy to make too!

 

We love the mixture of prints and solids used in these fabric lanterns featured on  fun.kyti.me.  Take a look at their easy instructions!

thenaturalweddingcompany.co.uk has ab easy how-to for making lights out of jars.  You can dress them up with fabric, stamps, and charms. (Image via thesweetestoccasion.com)

michaels.com has step-by-step instructions  on how to make these yarn lanterns.  (Image via ruffledblog.com)

Like with fabric lanterns, these paper ones from domesticfits.com have endless possibilities for color and style, but are a less expensive option.

 Paper bag lanterns are easy to personalize with cutouts.  Check out the tutorial for these on designsponge.com

Last but not least, have a look at these incredible flannel lanterns.  greenweddingshoes.com featured them from Free People, and the post includes a video tutorial!

 

Which of these lanterns is your favorite?  Which do you think would be easiest to make at home?

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We’re still feeling inspired by the Oscars last week!  Not only was it a great celebration of talent, but from the red carpet to the stage, there were tons of fantastic wedding ideas! Channing Tatum and Charlize Theron’s opening dance  to “The Way You Look Tonight”  had us wanting to sign up for ballroom dancing classes before they made their final dip.  Definite “first dance” material.  Not to mention, there were lots of stars thanking their spouses so sweetly as they went up to collect their awards.  Anne Hathaway’s acceptance speech, where she told her husband “by far and away the greatest moment of my life was the one when you walked into it”…now THAT had us welling up. We’ve pulled some of our favorite bridal looks from the red carpet, too.  Take a look!

Jennifer Lawrence may have tripped on her way up to collect her award, but she looked SO beautiful doing it.  (Dior Couture, Image via blackbridalbliss.com) 

 

Charlize Theron (before she put on her dancing shoes) looked beautiful in this peplum column gown.   Her bare neck and edgy haircut really pull the look together. (Dior Couture, Image via blackbridalbliss.com)

This dress definitely has the wow-factor.  Amy Adam is stunning in Oscar de la Renta. (Image via capitalbay.com)

 

 We love the bold layered ruffles on Zoe Saldera’s dress.  (Alexis Mabille, Image via blackbridalbliss.com)

Queen Latifa is looking so sleek in this Badgley Mischka.  The subtle sparkle on her straps is gorgeous! (Image via blackbridalbliss.com)

For anybody walking down the aisle with a bump, this Marchesa gown worn by Georgina Chapman is ultra-flattering, and very romantic! (Image via au.lifestyle.yahoo.com)

 

We didn’t forget about the bridesmaids!  Pops of color in the purple/pink family were very popular on the red carpet and would look great on your bridal party.  (Image via romanticdramaqueen.com)

Which of these looks is your favorite?  Did you watch the Oscars?

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Indulging in a signature cocktail at the wedding is a great way for your friends and family to celebrate the happy couple.  Planning a unique drink menu is a fantastic opportunity to really personalize your reception, plus extend your color scheme or theme. If you want to get inspired, look no further than theknot.com!  They have compiled the “Ultimate Signature Cocktail Finder,” which organizes drink ideas by color, season, and ingredients.   Beyond the actual recipe for what you chose to serve to your guests, personalizing the exterior look of your wedding beverages will make your refreshments feel totally special!

Forgo a traditional open bar (they can get pretty pricey!) and serve bowls of punch at your reception instead.  Adorable AND cost-efficient – the best combination when planning a wedding. (Image via lovellabridal.com)

 

Individual bottles of champagne just scream celebration, and can be brought home as wedding favors, too. (Image via Pinterest)

A specialty drink picked by each person saying “I do!” is a great way to personalize cocktails even further. (Image via marthastewartweddings.com)

 

Making your own labels is the perfect way to put your individual stamp on bottles of wine.  You and your partner can make a glass of whichever wine you choose an anniversary tradition. (Image via Pinterest)

 

Bottles of wine are not the only beverage personalized labels can be used for.  If you want to serve non-alcoholic refreshments at your reception, a unique label is perfect for your  favorite bottled soda or juice.  Keep an eye out for brands with interesting or colorful bottle caps to add even more charm to your drink decor. (Image via Pinterest)

 

Do you have any delicious ideas for signature cocktails?  

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