bridesmaids

Revamp The Bridal Party

Today, gender roles in weddings have become much more relaxed. Gone are the days of having to have either gender in any specific roles.

If you want a woman as your ‘best man,’ then there’s no rule to say you cannot go for it. Similarly when it comes to the bridesmaids there’s been a move toward including grandmothers in the bridal party too. Or if the couple getting married has children, why not ask them to step in to some of the key roles, such as the ‘best man?’

This goes for the walk up the aisle too. While it’s traditional to have the father walk the bride up the aisle, this might not be something that is right for every family for a number of reasons, so don’t be afraid to change it up.

The main thing to keep in mind is that, you need to do what suits your family best and with same sex marriage now finally legalised in Ireland for the last couple of years, there’s a very real sense that now more than ever that traditional roles no longer apply.

So remember, there’s no need to stick to any set or traditional lines of convention and while in the past that might have been harder to pull off, thankfully today there is more openness and inclusivity than ever before.

Here’s some ideas to get you thinking. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you wish to chat about any aspect of your wedding planning and décor.

 

The Best Person

Some grooms may have a close friend who is female, or an aunt or a sister who they’d be more comfortable with filling the role of the ‘best man.’  And there’s no reason why that cannot be the case. Just be sure that your partner-to-be is also happy with the choice.

 

Kids Filling Roles

These days many couples already have children before they decide to tie the knot. So why not have them get involved in the key roles of the day. It will make them feel included and special and it’s something they will always remember too.  From the best man to a maid of honour or even escorting mum down the aisle, there’s lots of ways to get your children involved.

 

Get Grandparents Involved

Not all couples are lucky enough to have their grandparents around when they get married. So many of those how do, can often be very close to them and realise how special it is to have them be a part of their wedding day. So why not get them involved in the bridal party? Be it your granny as a bridesmaid or your granddad as your best man, it’s a lovely tribute and something you will both always remember.

 

The Walk Up the Aisle

Recently the world watched as Meghan Markle tied the knot with Britain’s Prince Harry. She walked up the first half of the aisle by herself and was then joined by her husband-to-be’s father Prince Charles who escorted her up the second half of the walk. Gone are the days when the father has to do the walk up the aisle. These days it’s all about what suits the couple and the family best. Sometimes a father and step father might share the role, sometimes a mother will do the walk, sometimes both parents will walk on either side, or sometimes a bride will want to walk alone. Chose what is right for you and your family situation.

 

Images via Pinterest 

Alternative Hen Party Ideas

The hen party is very much a rite of passage for all brides. But that said, not every bride wants to opt for your standard night out or even weekend away that can often revolve around alcohol or the nightclub.

In fact, these days the idea of an alternative hen party has very much become mainstream. Today, brides-to-be are opting for adventure style outings, afternoon teas, farm stays, glamping, and high end foodie nights out.

Whatever it is you are interested, chances are there’s a tailor made hen party out there for you. So if you’re a chief bridesmaid charged with organising something special for your best pal and bride-to-be, then we’ve got some suggestions of how you can create the perfect hen party.

If you’d like to chat about your upcoming wedding day planning or décor, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.

 

Vintage

Whether you want to rock your inner Sandy from Grease with a retro makeover or go back to the Victorian era with servants and long gowns there are a range of fantastic vintage style themes to choose from around the country.  Be it a retro photo shoot full of boudoir glam or a full weekend’s activities these are super fun and great for cool chicks everywhere. Image Decade Darlings

 

Foodie

Cookery classes are a superb idea for a hen party for a bride-to-be who adores all things foodie. Many of these cookery schools outside of Dublin offer accommodation, such as Ballyknocken House in Wicklow, so you can really make a weekend of it. If you’re planning a smaller affair, then why not really treat yourselves with a meal in a Michelin star restaurant?

Image Ballyknocken house 

 

 

Afternoon Tea

Is there any treat nicer than afternoon tea? Mini cakes, sandwiches, scones, clotted cream and prosecco? It’s heaven and there are so many options for this you’ll be spoiled for choice. You could do city chic and opt for something classic like the Shelbourne Hotel, or why not head into the country for a laid back sort of pampering.

Image Shelbourne hotel 

 

Spa

What bride-to-be doesn’t deserve some pampering and what hens don’t enjoy some TLC too? A spa day or weekend is the perfect hen party activity where you can enjoy some luxury and combine it with any location be it city or country. Powerscourt Hotel Spa in Co. Wicklow is a great example. Plus it’s easy to add in lots of other activities and night out with this one if you so wish.

Image Powerscourt hotel spa

 

Adventure Girl

Everything from Glamping, to farm days, quad bike riding and even paintballing are an option for hens who want a something a little more out of the ordinary! Think wellies, campfires and lots of craic. There’s a whole host of options to choose from, such as glamping in Teapot Lane or farm days in the Farmyard.

Image Teapot lane glamping 

Images via Pinterest

 

Choosing Bridesmaids Dresses

There can be quite a few things on a busy bride’s to-do list outside of the immediate wedding plans themselves. Choosing the dress of your dreams is of course right up there on top, but after you’ve found the gown, you need to start thinking about the attire for the rest of the bridal party!

Finding dresses for your bridesmaids is one of those tasks that can sometimes cause a bit of friction and headaches, especially when you have bridesmaids of different ages, figures or heights to contend with, as well as different personalities and tastes. It’s important to try and balance their feelings with your overall wishes for how you want them to look and fit into your wedding day décor. It can be a fine line at times to find a dress that your bridesmaids like and feel comfortable in, as well as being one you are happy with and you may find yourself dreading the shopping trip instead of looking forward to it. But don’t panic, with a few simple steps choosing your bridesmaids dresses can become a doddle, rather than a chore.

If you’d like to chat to me about this or any other aspect of your wedding day décor and planning, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

 

Make it Fun!
If you have a feeling that the shopping trip for the bridesmaid’s dresses may be tinged with friction, why not try and make it a bit of a fun outing. Organise a nice lunch or prosecco stop midway through the day and make it as social and laid back as possible.

 

The Colour
Choosing the colour is probably the first thing you should think about for bridesmaids dresses. Consider how the colour will fit into your wedding theme or palette, but also consider how your chosen colour will work with your bridesmaids. For example, you may desperately want a vivid yellow or green, but if one of your bridesmaids has a pale complexion it’s going to likely wash her out and that won’t make her feel comfortable or indeed look good in your wedding photos. If you’ve got different complexions and hair colours to contend with then try and go for colours that are universally flattering such as dusky pinks, greys, sand and of course black.

 

Multiway Dresses
One handy way to get around different body shapes is to look for identical dresses that have multiway fits. So for example the dress style and colour are the same, but the top part allows it to be worn as a halter neck, off the shoulder, strapless or with straps, etc. That way you can keep everyone happy, including yourself!

 

Different Dresses Same Colour
This is not a look all brides want, but if you have a variety of ages and body types, considering differing dresses should be a real option. While many brides prefer uniformity for the photos, different dresses can look really well too. For example you can keep things looking more in step if you decide to keep to one colour palette, say dusky pink, but allow the bridesmaids to choose different styles and dresses within that colour palette, that way they’ll be comfortable and you still get the one colour for your theme.

 

Mismatched Dresses
Similar to having different dresses, but one step further. Mismatched dresses don’t even have to be the same colour or hem length. Instead the idea is you allow each of your bridesmaids to have different styles and colours of dress. Keeping them the same hem length will add some visual, uniformity but’s not a must.

 

Comfort and Weather
Finally don’t forget to consider the time of year you’re getting married and the location! While you may desperately want a shorter length for your bridesmaid’s dresses, if you’re tying the knot in winter it may not be practical or comfortable for the ladies. Equally if you’re getting married in sunnier climes, then long gowns in heavy material will not be a runner, unless you want the sweaty Betty look!