A Gal’s Guide to a Happy Bride

As a bridesmaid, you have responsibilities and tasks that need to be completed to ensure the day of the wedding runs as efficiently as possible. Because of this, we have provided below, a list of what not to do in order to make this happen. Ladies; listen carefully because your girl needs all the support she can get the day she says her vows!

Asking questions. Chances are your bride is already juggling thoughts about whether or not the caterer arrived on time, the cake is intact, and if she remembered something blue—asking her critical questions or posing any slight possibility of stress is not going to help her out at all. Instead, ask a family member or take the initiative to deliberate with the other bridesmaids to come to a solution unless it is dyer bride business that only she can attest to.

In case of an emergency... The first thing you must do when there is an emergency behind the scenes on her special day, is to recruit friends, family and/or venue staff that can help, and then try and resolve the issue amongst yourselves. Unless she absolutely has to know what’s going on, don’t spoil her bliss by adding uneccesary stress to her plate.

Complaints. There is a big possibility that your bride is going to be physically and mentally drained by the time the day is over. Although exhilarating and fun, celebrations take a lot of energy, and chances are your couple won’t have had much time to even eat much during their reception. Not to mention the emotional exhaustion that goes along with it! Chase away any negative vibes that may arise by avoiding complaints and encouraging positive comments. Everyone is there to celebrate a happy union after all!

Offer help. Your bride will be so appreciative if you offer a hand when you see her struggling. Even if this means just holding her dress while she uses the restroom, she will be eternally grateful for any help she receives that destresses her. Bringing her little snacks while she goes from one task to the next, keeping the atmosphere light and cheerful, and offering help, like fixing a piece of her hair that’s gone rogue, will make her day even more enjoyable.

Help guide others. You will most likely know a little bit more about the event since you have been behind the scenes while the bride has been planning and prepping for her big day. If you overhear guests with questions and are able to answer, jump in and do so! By doing this, you’re relieving the couple of answering one more question to already many questions they may receive on their day.

The easiest way to assist your bride on her special day is just to simply be a good friend. Keep in mind that she is most likely stressed and nervous, and in need of support from you and the rest of her ladies. Be there for her and remember to keep it light and have fun!

Put a Little Pep in your Prep

Having your wedding ceremony and reception outside is a wonderful idea, but doing so in the Pacific Northwest requires a bit of extra preparation. Don’t ruminate about the possibility of disaster without taking action! Instead, take the time to consider reasonable precautions. Take a look at our preparation checklist and remedies to get you started.

Possible problem: Rain.
Remedy: Tent or umbrellas.

The first thing comes to mind for any PNW couple hoping to celebrate their nuptials outside is the possibility of R-A-I-N. To avert this disaster, look into renting a large tent (they don’t have to be solid white; you can rent clear top tents also) just as backup in case of a storm. We recommend to always include a tent for the reception as an undercover option to help shield from the possibility of a very hot sun or torrential downpour—in case the weather goes either way. If you are willing to risk it without the tent for your ceremony but still want to take slight precaution, provide umbrellas for your guests to take with them to their seats. This makes for stunning and unique photos as well!

Photo by The Popes

Photo by Julie Harmsen Phtoography

Possible problem: Wind.
Remedy: Tent curtains, outdoor heaters, afghans or shawls.

The wind can pick up unexpectedly at the most inconvenient times around the PNW. Instead of panicking the minute it does, be ready with curtains on your tent. Tent curtains are a game changer and can make your space more intimate and cozy. Add some outdoor heaters to warm the space up and keep the cold out if you foresee a storm in the forecast. Another great idea is providing lightweight afghans or shawls for your guests to throw over their shoulders when the sun goes down and it starts to get chilly. This can double as a wedding favor if you are able to find afghans in bulk, making it easier to afford.

Possible problem: Hot hot heat.
Remedy: Handheld fans, cold beverages.

The warmest months in our neck of the woods usually consist of July and August with temperatures that can reach up to 88 degrees. Rare but still plausible, make sure to be checking the weather forecast as frequently as possible in the days leading up to your wedding during these two months. Handheld fans may not resolve the issue completely, but they will help your guests fight the heatwave until they can indulge in a cool beverage after the ceremony. This leads me to my next remedy; provide plenty of cold water…emphasis on the “cold!” Guests will be craving a refreshing drink and cocktails alone will just make them thirstier while creating a perfect storm of dehydration. Make access to chilled water easy and plentiful.

You can definitely have a successful wedding outdoors; you just need to make sure you have a backup plan in case something goes awry. Being prepared is important, so take these ideas into consideration when you’re planning your outdoor festivities. 

Getting Green

A couple weeks ago we discussed winter décor, and one of the biggest trends we highlighted was the use of greenery throughout your space. Today we’re going to elaborate on that idea and include a few more options to consider if you want to incorporate greenery into your special day. Not only can you work greenery into the general décor, but you can also work your green thumb into drink ideas and apparel.

Eucalyptus. First of all, let’s look at the different types of greenery that are our favorite right now. We are in love with eucalyptus everything. It smells like heaven and looks like a dream when added to pretty much any floral arrangement; bouquets, garland, centerpieces and anything else you want to throw some extra green into!

Photo by Clane Gessel

Ferns. Much like eucalyptus, ferns are easy to add to bouquets, garlands, floral crowns and pretty much anything else you need to add a splash of green. Ferns aren’t as pungent as eucalyptus, so if you’re looking for the greenery without any scent, this may be the best choice for you.

Photo by Picture Marvelous

 Wreaths. Wreaths aren’t only for holidays; you can utilize this circular, floral arrangement in any unique manner to add a little extra greenery to your venue décor. Nix the holly and consider adding your favorite flowers, or your wedding flowers of choice, then hang them generously throughout your space. You will be surprised with the fresh and gorgeous ambiance they create.

Photo by Azzura Photography

Garland. We just can’t over how much beauty garland can add to any space. The best thing about garland is that it’s versatile and can be used universally. For example, you can simply drape garland around your bar to add that little bit of green without going overboard. Garland is uncomplicated and a stunning asset to a space.

Photo by Melissa J. Soule Photography

Photo by Ryan Flynn Photography

Arbors. One of the best backdrops to any ceremony is a unique arbor created for you and yours framing you both as you express your vows to one another. An arbor doesn’t have to be in any particular style either. In the spirit of highlighting greenery today, a general base of greenery of your choosing infused with the flowers you love the most will be a perfect addition to your ceremony décor. Some of the most beautiful arbors are already climbing with roses or honeysuckle, combining gorgeous greenery with pleasant aromas and color.

Photo by Jerome Tso Photography

Photo by Jerome Tso Photography

Beverages. Some of the most refreshing drinks, virgin or otherwise, are herb infused. If you’re looking to carry on with the earthy feel throughout the entirety of your event, think about including beverages at your bar created with herb infused alcohol, such as lavender vodka or sage whiskey. Or, a mocktail like basil lemonade is always light and refreshing!

Floral crowns. Here at Elegant Affairs, we LOVE the use of floral crowns for bridesmaids, flower girls and even the bride herself! There are so many floral options when creating a floral crown, you have the freedom to make the most unique crown to express your very own style while continuing with the natural theme.

We love the use of greenery in any event, and with so many options, it’s sure to be incorporated in a unique and stunning way every time! Fresh, earthy and natural, adding that hint of green can make your day truly magical.