Stock the Bar

The bar  is typically somewhere that guests frequent a lot during your wedding, and yet it tends to go unnoticed in the planning stages. Here are a few great options to spruce up your wedding watering hole.

personalized drink buckets are a great option to store iced wine, beer to go, or water before the ceremony.

credit: Etsy seller “A Southern Bucket”

Vintage bath tubs, old canoes, or a wheel barrow are great for “drinks on the go”. Store just about anything in them, but make sure to have a small bucket near by for guests to put drink tops after popping their favorite beverage.

credit: theknot.com

Never be afraid of signage! Hanging a unique Bar sign or banner behind the bar draws focus in just the right way to a really awesome setup.

credit: Mazel Moments

credit: Green Wedding Shoes

 

Have a bar within a bar. Setting up a Brandy or Whiskey Bar is the perfect way to pay tribute to your favorite drink. When setting up a brandy bar make sure to bring it special brandy glasses, a few of your favorite options and signage to describe what guests are drinking.

credit: Grey Likes Weddings via SheFinds.com

Renting specialty bar furniture can transform a space into a glamorous and unique atmosphere. Custom furniture can be created by the best vendors in the area such as Amaryllis, or brought in by Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

credit: Events by Design

Small details in Coasters and stir sticks are easy finds and tie back into the overall theme. Make sure to keep them personal and fun so guests are drawn to use them.

credit: The knot

credit: Miss Pickles press

 

Collect vintage and glass decorative bar bottles to hold your liquors instead of boring containers they are purchased in. Have the bartender keep them up on the top of the bar for guests to admire.

credit: Engaged and Inspired

If your budget allows, add in flowers and props to the ends of the bar. It helps to soften the space and it is a small touch that goes a long way.

credit: Braedon photography via Lover.ly

Give take home champagne favors to guests that they can pickup adjacent to the bar. These are not only a crowd pleaser but look glamorous staged together with ribbon bows and oversized tags.

credit: Elizabeth Anne Designs

My personal and always favorite favor is a really bad ass koozie. I have a collection that is quite ridiculous and I think it’s the perfect gift to the beer drinkers at your wedding.

credit: Etsy

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Beauty Finds for the Big Day

As you gear up for your wedding scanning through pintrest, talking to your vendors, and finalizing your timeline you might overlook one important part of prepping for your big day…. Beauty! I wanted to share a few of my favorite beauty products to help you look your best for your wedding and going into your honeymoon. Later this week you will also get a chance to see some great health tricks to prepping for your wedding also.

1. Essie Borrowed and Blue nail polish line. Great subtle colors for portraits, bridal showers, and a touch of fire red for that wild Bachelorette party!

2. Eos Lip Balm- Great for keeping lips smooth and your smile better. Found at Target and most major drug stores. $3.99

3. Kokokahn Coconut Orange Salt Scrub- to keep skin exfoliated and radiant. Smells divine also! $25

4. Tatcha Blotting Papers- Especially in the heat you want to keep oils and dirt off your face to prevent breakouts and keep skin clear. $12

5. Keratin Complex shampoo and conditioners- From my own experience I shout the benefits of Keratin shampoos to the world. They help to smooth frizz and keep hair shiny and supple. It is also does not leave hair greasy or with a film. $41

6. Estee Lauder Bronze goddess- Get a nice summer glow without the damaging lights of the tanning bed. Everyone looks better with a tan and if anyone says different they are a liar. $25

7. Shiseido Eye Cream- With stress comes lack of sleep, and with lack of sleep comes bags under the eyes. make sure to talk with your prefered beauty consultant to make sure to pick the right cream for your skin type, age, and needs. I like this Shiseido version (especially now that I’m up with a little one all night)

8. Booze- I know it’s not a beauty treatment.. but between the waxes, plucking, hair coloring, blowouts, exfoliation and what ever other beauty treatments you put yourself through to look your best sometimes you just need a glass of champagne. Always drink in moderation and with all alcohol pair with equal amounts of water the next day!

Dress Shopping Tips

I wanted to share a few great dress shopping tips for those brides who are out looking for their “perfect dress”!

 

1. Start with a Budget

Keep your budget in mind before you step foot into your first store. Do your research on local stores and make sure that you are looking at stores that carry designers and dresses in your price range. You will only be setting yourself up for disappointment or sticker shock if you shop at a retailer that is out of your reasonable budget. Also always try and throw in a curveball when setting your appointments. By trying a shop off the beaten path you may be surprised to find a great steal or designer you didn’t consider before. A perfect example in the area is I Do I Do in Rockville, they specialize in consignments and bridal closeout at great prices. Once you have set a budget… STICK with it!! Dont put yourself in debt over a dress that although beautiful will break the bank.

2. Keep your Entourage in Check

Make sure to choose your shopping companions wisely! You want people to come with you who will be honest but kind about the dresses you try on.  Remember that you have a vision for your wedding and stay true to that idea, don’t let others ideas sway you away from the dress you love because it is what they have always envisioned for your wedding day. Also, dress shopping can be exhausting so shop with people who can keep up and be in good spirits all day long!

 

3. Keep an Open Mind

Although you might have picked out “the one” from online or a bridal magazine, keep an open mind about other dresses that the bridal consultant will bring to you. They are the bridal dress professionals and know what will and wont look good on your body type. They also have a great knowledge of what is in the shop and if they listen to your ideas and vision can pick out great options to try on. I can’t tell you how many times I have had clients leave having bought a dress that is the opposite from “the one” they imagined. Try different shades of white, necklines, and also beading to make sure that you have a clear idea of what you love and don’t love.

4. Don’t Shop after You Found the One

I can only say this once!! Do NOT keep shopping around after you have found your dress!! It will drive you crazy, and remember that you loved your dress when you bought it and just will need to try it on again!! Stop shopping!!

5. Keep all factors in mind

Once you pick out your dress keep all the outside factors in mind before paying. Check on alterations needed and if you are allowed to take your dress to an outside seamstress (to save money) or if you will need to have it cleaned (if it is a sample). Also ask how long shipping time will take and that you can get it on time without a rush fee. Lastly, check if you need a bustle or special undergarments when trying on your dress. These items cost extra money and should be factored into your budget.