"We forgot the Marriage License"

Let's be real for a moment, the major reason why you have a wedding is to legalize your commitment to one another; and according to the great state of Washington and the other 49 states in the US, you are required to obtain a marriage license.

For our state, one must secure a marriage license at least three days prior to their wedding. We tell all of our couples to go get the license as soon as they are eligible, and that means no more than 60 days prior to wedding day to avoid this real life situation.

We had a couple actually forget to bring their license on wedding day. In the hustle and bustle of packing up on the big day, this was a slight oversight. When we found the license was nowhere to be found we were on the case. We were able to locate the very important document in the couple's apartment and returned to the venue without any guest knowing.We recommend handing off your wedding marriage envelope to your officiant at the rehearsal or to your wedding planner.

Styling your Wedding Party

Finding the right style, fit and color for all your bridesmaids can be a challenge. As it comes a bit easier for the groomsmen, it can take a little longer for you to narrow down the right match for all your bridesmaids. Here are a few different styling and dress ideas for your ladies and gentlemen walking with you on your special day.

1.      Same color palette, different styles. The biggest trend in the wedding world for the last couple of years has been all bridesmaids wearing the same color of dress, but all in different styles. This is a wonderful way to keep your wedding colors consistent while highlighting all of your ladies’ best features. It’s more often than not that your girls will have different body types, and different styles flatter different figures. You can keep your wedding party happy and comfortable while simultaneously showcasing an aesthetically pleasing ceremony with an eclectic mix of dresses that are all within the same color palette.

2.      Same style, different colors. The reverse of the above might be more your taste; all bridesmaids in the same style of dress, but different colors. This is especially beautiful with variations of the same color palette. For example, playing a soft lavender in with a deep plum can create visual texture and keep your guests intrigued as each bridesmaid walks down the aisle.

Photo by Kate Price

Photo by Tasha Owen

3.      Traditional uniform. If you want to follow a more traditional speed, all around same style and color for all your girls is always classy and beautiful. This look compliments the men’s attire especially well if your event will be a military ceremony—it looks crisp and clean.   

Photo by Shane Macomber

4.      Let your Own Style Shine. A trend we have seen a few times that we have really loved is when a Bride gives her Maids her color palette and lets them choose their dress. This really gives their maids a chance to show their own personality while still working with the bride's vision for her ladies.

Photo by Alante Photography

Photo by Clane Gessel

5.      All in white. An idea immediately accepted across the world with open arms the minute Pippa stepped out of the car with Princess Kate goes against the most traditional rule of all; dress your bridesmaids in white. Putting your wedding party in white gives the overall pictorial effect of a contemporary, yet airy feeling. We don’t recommend this for your groomsmen, as that may be just a little too much. If you decide to go with this idea, be sure to break up all the white with a touch of soft color in your men’s attire. 

6.      Maid of honor/best man different from the rest. You can do this with color and/or style. Your maid of honor or best man can wear a different color from the rest of the group, or he/she can wear a different style than the others. If you want to take it a step further, put them in a totally different style and color. Or, you can go with any of the options above and simply adorn them with a unique accessory.

Photo by One Love Photography

Photo by Juan Kis

7.      Suspenders.  Everything old is new again, as they say! Suspenders have been trending as of recent because of their simplicity and versatility while still being dressy enough for an important event. These can be worn under jackets for a more formal look, or no jackets for a more laid back, casual appearance. They are a vintage touch for groomsmen in any modern wedding!

There are so many different ways you can dress up or dress down your bridal party and these are only just a few. We hope that whatever you decide upon introduces the true, unparalleled combination of your style as a couple!

What's the best wedding dessert to serve!

Unveiling a sweet treat toward the end of your celebration is just the icing on the cake (pun intended) for a well-executed, fabulous event. Do you want to get creative with your dessert of choice on your special day, or are you more of a traditional couple? What about both? Whether you decide upon a cornucopia of desserts or stick with just one, here are a few different options on how to make your sweet fantasies come true! 

1.      Classic cake. First and foremost; we have the classic cake. One, two, three tiers…the choice is yours. Display a small two-tiered cake and serve an equally tasty sheet cake prepped behind the scenes to your guests, and enjoy the small cake with your other half. Or, go big and choose a four-tiered cake, and serve this to your guests. Budgeting tip; it will be cheaper to go with the small display cake and sheet cake for your guests.  Either option is a good option in our eyes.

Cake by Gayle Orth Catering

2.      Cupcakes. Lately there have been quite a few cupcakes coming onto the wedding scene. Why, you ask? Well, they are simple, delicious and easy to serve—making for an easy clean up too! You can arrange and display cupcakes on a vintage appetizer rack or an actual cupcake stand. You can even use them as décor on your dessert table if you are serving more than one treat.

3.      Pies. In most cases, the pie gets overlooked and underrated. This is a shame because pies are not only delicious, but in this day and age, they are very unique to the wedding scene. If you are having a wedding in a country setting and you want that warm, home town feel, go for the pie. One of our favorite bakeries in the northwest is the Snohomish Pie Company. Not only do they bake delectable classic pies, but they also bake pie pops and an assortment of mini, bite sized pies. Hot, fresh and flakey to perfection, their creations are anything but ordinary. Check them out for more information!

4.     Cookies. Another unappreciated dessert; the cookie. If you are a cookie lover and you don’t know how to make this part of your wedding, fear no more. We are here to let you know that you can serve it through the medium of a cake, a cupcake, or that traditional cookie you grew up loving. This is your day so choose something you love and you can always make it work.   

5.      Ice cream sundae bar. Treats are extra delicious when you’re building your own sweet dream and making it exactly the way you want it. Guests will have a blast choosing from a buffet of all the best sundae toppings you have to offer.  This is a great idea for a summer wedding when you know it’s going to a bit on the warm side. Everyone always welcomes a cool indulgence on a hot day.

If you can’t choose just one of the above, make it a dessert buffet with an array of different options. You don’t have to decide on just one treat. And if you do, that’s wonderful too! The point of your celebration is to celebrate you and your partner with the people you love. Don’t feel like you have to sacrifice everything you like for fear that your guests won’t…because if they don’t, that means more for you! 

Photo by Van Wyhe; Deserts by Better Than a Boyfriend Bakery