As long as you’re married to the love of your life at the end of the day, your wedding was a success. But you want to make sure that your guests have just as wonderful of a time as you are having. I remember one wedding I went to where the toasts went on for an hour (including the bad jokes) and the food took way too long to come out. Although I was elated for the happy couple, I wasn’t as thrilled about the reception. But don’t worry, we’ve got some of the top guest complaints to help you avoid any unwanted bumps in the road on your wedding day:

Cash bar
Alright, let’s be real. One of the best parts of attending a wedding is the open bar. Think about it this way: You would never ask a guest in your own home to pay for a drink, so why would you do the same at your wedding? Skip the cash bar and go with open bar instead. You could even have a limited open bar with tea, soda, beer, champagne and wine.

An inconvenient date
Just because you’re not the biggest football fan doesn’t mean that your guests aren’t. Specific dates, like the Super Bowl, should probably be avoided. Instead of watching you exchange vows, they might be checking their smartphone for scores instead. Don’t ask your guests to give up time spent with family and friends on dates like Christmas, the World Series, Olympics or any other holidays. Be courteous to others and consider a date that will work best for everyone.

Squished seating
At one ceremony I went to, the chairs were set up so close to each other that I felt as though I was sitting in the lady’s lap next to me. For both your ceremony and reception, make sure that guests have enough room to comfortably move around.

Cocktail hour
Cocktail hour should be just that – an hour. Coming from a girl who wore five-inch heels to the last wedding she attended, definitely have comfortable seating if your cocktail time is going to exceed an hour and a half. It’s also a good idea to have a fully stocked bar, appetizers and unique activities so guests aren’t impatiently waiting to enter the reception venue.

Do you have any other wedding faux paus future brides should know about before they walk down the aisle? Share your thoughts with us!

When it comes time for you to make your grand entrance and face your better half, the walk down the aisle is going to be quite memorable. It’s oftentimes when the happy couple first lay eyes on each other, and it’s also when the bride will be given away to her future spouse. You’re going to want the aisle to look (almost) as beautiful as you do on your big day. Find some inspiration below on how to transform your walkway:

A timeline
How romantic would it be to literally look back on the years as you walk down the aisle toward your spouse-to-be? The beginning starts off with the date the two of you met and continues through all of your exciting, hilarious and romantic moments and milestones. Once you get to the end of the aisle, you’ll see your wedding date with the words “We got married.” Feel free to include plenty of photos - they will be a perfect keepsake to look back on for years to come.

Flower design
You could simply sprinkle the aisle with petals of your choice, or you could make an elaborate design out of it. The flowers could spell out your names, lay in the shape of hearts or flow in intricate swirls all the way down the aisle. This will look fantastic in any wedding photo.

Bows
The decorations don’t have to be directly on the aisle – they can be on the chairs or pews next to it! Grab a bunch of ribbon in the color and style of your choice and tie it in big bows on each row or chair. This is an easy way to add a pop of color into your reception venue. If you don’t want to go with bows, a cluster of flowers is another great option.

Candles
Set the mood for a romantic evening by lining the aisle with votive candles. One candle is beautiful, but when you put them all together, it looks like a scene straight out of a romance film. You could also go with paper lanterns, which will give off a warm glow. Just be sure to place them strategically so there is no risk of your dress catching on fire!

Seashell-filled vases
If you’re having a destination or beach wedding, set clear glass mason jars or vases in the sand and fill them with all of the seashells you found on the beach nearby. They’re super easy to put together and will fit the wedding style perfectly.

Will you be decorating your aisle when you exchange vows? Share your thoughts with us!

Photo credit: Dig This Design

I’m beyond obsessed with this week’s style board all about blush. This color evokes romance, femininity, beauty and a delicateness unmatched by any other shade. Here’s how you can get this perfect color into your upcoming nuptials:

Wedding invitations
Set the tone right for your big day by sending out this Faded Pink Filigree – Invitation. There is just enough color to make the invitation stand out and the invite gives off a feel of elegance when combined with the intricate design and bold text.

Bridal ensemble
The traditional white wedding dress is always beautiful, but little else compares to this gorgeous blush strapless gown. It’s the perfect way to add a hint of color to your outfit without going too over-the-top. Pair it with nude heels or strappy sandals and natural makeup, and you’ll have yourself a look that is both unique and stunning. I absolutely love the detailing on the bottom half of the gown on our style board. The celebs have already picked up on this blush trend, with Gwen Stefani, Jessica Biel, Anne Hathaway and Reese Witherspoon all rocking this one-of-a-kind color during their nuptials.

Place settings
Stray from the white napkins and go for blush. They pair outstandingly well with stark white plates and glassware. For the centerpiece, opt for different shades of pink, which will add the perfect contrast to the light-colored napkins.

Sweet treats
Yes, even your dessert can be blush-colored! Top your favorite flavored cupcake with a boatload of blush frosting and white sprinkles. My favorite part, however, is the lace cupcake liners – how adorable!

The bouquet
You can never have too much blush in your ensemble. When you walk down the aisle, hold an arrangement of blush peonies – a delicate flower for a delicate color! Add in some greenery for just the right amount of color and you have yourself a bouquet that will wow your crowd.

A blush backdrop
Backdrops are all the rage these days – they look stunning in pictures and amp up the space. Some brides choose to set up a backdrop right behind the altar, while others choose to leave it during the reception so guests can take advantage of the killer background as well. In our style board, streamers of light and darker colored blush tones rain upon the altar, giving it just the perfect hint of color and helps the venue to stand out in a big way.

Would you rock a blush colored wedding gown on your big day? Share your thoughts with us!

If you have a rebellious spirit, a love for cats and value true love over status, then you and the beloved Disney princess, Jasmine, have a lot in common. If you’re unfamiliar with the exotic tale, here’s a quick summary: Jasmine is the heir to Agrabah and must wed a Sultan from another land before her next birthday. Unfortunately, the suitors usually leave with a few bruises and tears in their royal robes because Jasmine lets her tiger loose on the foolish men who have come to claim her hand in marriage. Desperate to find true love, Jasmine leaves the palace and meets Aladdin, aka the “street rat.” Although a power-hungry villain threatens to destroy Jasmine’s true love and her kingdom, good triumphs over evil and Jasmine is granted permission to wed her peasant boyfriend.

Take a cue from this Disney princess and turn your wedding into an exotic, colorful venue filled with magic, mystery and lots of love. Here are a few ideas to inspire your Arabian themed wedding:

Wedding Invitations
Invite your guests in style by sending out the Exotic Romance Invitation – Jasmine before the last grain of sand falls from the hourglass. The exotic pattern, and royal purple and gold color combination reflect the dress Jasmine wore during the last scene as she and her prince rode off into the night on their magic carpet.

Cake Tassels
You may not be able to sail away on a magic carpet, but you can definitely recreate the design and pattern detail of the colorful rug on your wedding cake. Ask your pastry chef to create a three-tiered masterpiece that looks just as good as it tastes. Colored fondant, gold icing and few flower petals should do the trick.

Skip the Veil
Instead of wearing a veil with your dress, opt for a pretty headpiece to finish off your wedding hairstyle. A knotted chain headband can be a perfect accent, but if you prefer a gold finish like the jewelry Jasmine wears, try a golden head chain. It may be just what you’re looking for!

Colorful Accents
Set the mood at the reception by using colored lanterns to light the tables. Turquoise bird cages look pretty with tropical flowers nestled inside for centerpieces. Purple, ruby red or emerald green tablecloths add a splash of color to the venue as well.

Show Off Your Figure
Although we love Jasmine’s body confidence, skip the crop top and try a form-fitting trumpet or mermaid silhouette for your wedding dress to show off your figure instead. This off-the-shoulder beaded trumpet gown by Sissi is definitely princess approved. A sweetheart neckline and curve hugging organza dress is a little sweet and a whole lot of sexy.

There’s one guy that’s going to be by your side when you get married, and no, it’s not the groom, it’s your dad. He has watched you grow up and been there for all of the good and bad times. If you’re lucky enough to have your dad join you for the big day you say “I do,” you’ll want to capture every special moment. Here are a few memorable ways to show your dad how much you care for him on your special day:

Capture the first look
The moment a father sees his daughter all dressed up in her white gown, it can be just as heartfelt as when the groom sees his/her bride. A father’s face can say more than words in this photo, so make sure you make time for it before you walk down the aisle.

Choose the perfect first dance song
There are a boatload of songs to choose from when it comes to the first dance with your dad. If you’re prone to tears and know that the second you hear a sappy note you’re going to fall apart, may I suggest going with a more upbeat song, like “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder? Other precious daddy songs include “I Loved Her First” by Heartland, “Daddy’s Little Girl” by Michael Buble, “Gracie” by Ben Folds and “My Girl” by the Temptations. Another option would be to have your dad choose the song ahead of time so you’re completely surprised when the time comes!

Present a gift
Before you walk down the aisle, give your dad a gift that he will cherish forever. One of my favorites has got to be a personalized handkerchief to dry his tears. Have a cute message sewn in along with the date and you’ve got yourself a perfect gift. Other unique gifts include a wedding photo book, cuff links or even a custom frame reading “Today a bride, tomorrow a wife, forever your little girl.” Every day he sees it, he will look back and smile, remembering your special day.

Write him a letter
If you’re like me and can express your feelings better when they’re written on paper, you may want to consider writing your dad a letter or a poem before the wedding. He will hold onto these special words from you forever.

How do you plan to include your dad in your nuptials? Share your thoughts with us!

When you two love birds have tied the knot, one of the first things you’ll want to do is get a picture of the two rings. Sure, you could take a traditional photo of the rings on your fingers, but there are so many creative options when it comes to showing off those sparklers. In fact, there are many unexpected places to capture photos of your new rings. Here are a few ideas for inspiration:

With fruit
At first, fruit doesn’t sound like it would be the best idea. But, think about it. Fruit gives your ring a vibrant color in the background so that your rocks stand out even more. Place the rings on top of a bright green apple or red strawberry or laid on top of a deep purple grape. It will look like a professional work of art.

With literature
Even if the two of you aren’t exactly literature junkies, the results of this photo shoot can be beautiful. Open up the book and place the ring standing up in the middle of the spine. With the correct lighting, it should form a shadow in the shape of a heart (aww). If you and your spouse-to-be are spiritual, place the rings over your favorite religious verse.

With flowers
Another great way to get a splash of color into your photos is with flowers. Slide the two rings over the stem or place them right in the middle of the flower for a natural shot that shows off the true beauty of the gems.

With your shoes
If you’re opting to wear heels down the aisle, these babies can be the perfect addition to your wedding ring photo. Slip the two rings on over the heels for a creative photo that shows off both your sparkler and your shoes! If you opted for flats, place the rings on the tip of the toe.

With wine
Let’s be honest – pretty much anything pairs well with wine, even your rings! Grab the wine bottle that was served on your big day and lay it on its side. Place your rocks in just the right spot so you can see the label and maybe even the date!

With sports
If the two of you are sports fanatics, use that as inspiration for your photo shoot! Balance the rings on top of a baseball, basketball, volleyball or any other ball of your choice that suits the two of you.

How do you plan on showing off your new rock? Share your thoughts with us!

If you have a little one in your bridal party, they probably won’t share some of the same roles as the older adults. However, that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t feel just as special. Plus, they look adorable walking down the aisle. If you’re not quite sure how to get the kiddies in on the wedding day fun, here’s how:

Flower girl
The most traditional role for a child in a wedding is of course the flower girl. You get to dress her up in an adorable ensemble and send her off down the aisle with a basket of beautiful flowers. All eyes will be on her cute face. But if your little one tends to get nervous or anxious before big events, calm her nerves by giving her an activity kit that will keep her occupied up until she has to walk down the aisle.

Ring bearer
The little boys almost always get the privilege of being the ring bearer. Dress them up however you would like, whether that’s a suit to match the groom or even a shirt that prints the saying “Security.” Give him a safety deposit box containing the ring to amp up the cuteness level. He’s sure to feel very important! But as a general tip, it’s always a good idea to have either the maid of honor or the best man follow both the flower girl and the ring bearer to make sure they make it all the way down the aisle (kids tend to get distracted).

Carry a sign
“Here Comes the Bride” signs are continuing to gain popularity – and it’s no surprise why. The sayings you can print on the sign are endless and somehow, a child carrying it makes it all the more adorable. Common and popular sayings include “Wait ’till you see her” or a more quirky phrase like “This is your last chance to run.”

Kid’s table
If you know there are going to be a large number of children at your wedding, consider putting them all together at a kid’s table. This will help them feel like they are a special part of the celebration. Keep them occupied with toys on the table (but make sure it’s nothing that can be thrown or swung}. I would recommend something like a coloring book.

How do you plan to include your little ones on the day of your wedding? Share your thoughts with us!

Succulents are always in style and their versatility make decorating for a wedding a breeze. If you’re not quite sure what these are, these are plants that store water in their leaves and stems, making them perfect for a hot summer wedding. Their waxy leaves and bold colors are available all over the world, and different varieties come in shades of pink, red, chartreuse, blue-green, yellow, white, burgundy, almost black and more. My guess is you won’t have any trouble finding one that matches your colors or wedding style.

Centerpieces
If you’re having a hot destination wedding or exchanging vows in the middle of August, you’re likely going to have some humid conditions to deal with. Therefore, you’ll want to stay away from any delicate flowers – while they’re beautiful, they won’t stand up to the weather like succulents will. These plants are natural-looking and provide a simple elegance that is unmatched by any other plant. Stick some succulents in water in a large glass bowl filled with river rocks. These will be sure to last throughout the entire day and are perfect for a rustic affair.

Bouquet
Pair succulents of your choice with a flower in your floral arrangement. Roses are usually the best flower for warm weather ceremonies. Pairing the two together create a unique and special bouquet that won’t wilt by the time you share your first kiss with your better half. There are so many ways you can create a bouquet that will match your color palette. Go for a purple and gray, green succulents with green flowers, or white roses and varied succulents. All are perfect!

Boutonniere
Stick this gorgeous plant on your gorgeous man or woman’s lapel to match your bouquet. Simply select your favorite variety and color.

Favors
After your guests see how well these beautiful plants stand up through the heat of an entire wedding and reception, they’re going to want to take one home for themselves. Succulents are a perfect house plant because they like the dry humidity and warm conditions found in most homes. One of the best succulents to give your guests as a favor would be the jade plant. This old-fashioned favorite is so easy to grow and has thick stems with glossy, green leaves tinged with red. Re-potting is seldom necessary because of the small root system, making it one easy plant to care for!

Will you be having any succulents at your wedding? Share your thoughts with us!

Photo credit: Mirelle Carmichael Photography via The Frosted Petticoat

Do you recall the movie “Bride Wars?” Well, although you may want Kate Hudson’s dress and Anne Hathaway’s hairstyle, I’m guessing you don’t want the feud seen throughout the film. If you and your bff are getting married around the same time, you don’t have to turn into battling bridezillas. There are plenty of ways to balance multiple wedding celebrations, including your own. Take a note from Katherine Heigl in “27 Dresses,” attending and celebrating a variety of weddings is entirely possible, and you won’t have to pay a cab driver to turn the taxi into your own personal dressing room. Here are some tips to keep in mind that will help save your money and your sanity:

Keep your competitive nature out of the process
If you and your friend have planned to get married in the same month, you’re likely going to be searching for a venue, dress, baker, florist and more all at the same time. Don’t let it turn into a crazy competition of who can get the best. Instead, do your own thing and if your friend asks for an opinion or for help choosing which dress looks best, be her friend, be happy for her and stay supportive. And just think – you’ll have someone to vent to about crazy in-laws, wedding invitations, dresses and expensive food with.

Plan ahead
If you know your best friend is getting married just a few weeks before you, make plans ahead of time. Book the flight and figure out travel dates early so you can save money. The earlier you book it, the better. This way, you won’t be racing to find last minute flights that will drain your wallet. If the wedding is nearby, make sure you still make travel arrangements so you know exactly how you’re going to get there and when. This way, you’ll know that your friend’s wedding won’t interfere with your appointment with your florist.

Re-wear dresses
No girl ever wants to get caught dead wearing the same dress twice. But guess what? Dresses can be a little pricey. Thankfully, there are more ways than one to wear a dress. You can pair it with different jewelry, shoes, hairstyle and makeup to create a completely varied ensemble. Dress an outfit up for a formal affair or dress it down for an upcoming casual wedding celebration. Buy a simple dress, like a little black number, that can easily be changed with accessories or jackets.

Do you have anymore tips to share when it comes to balancing multiple wedding celebrations? Share your thoughts with us!