I saw we did a post on brides popping the questions to their girlfriends asking them to be in the bridal party. But, if you’ve ever seen the incredible film, “I Love You, Man,” you know how hard it can be to find those groomsmen to support you on the big day. You can’t just go the same route as the ladies and bake him pink cupcakes or hand him a personalized hanger for his suit. But I think the guys deserve to have some fun too, and if you or your groom wants to do something special for his friends, I have a few ideas that are perfect for the occasion:

Personalized beers
Alright, what guy doesn’t love beer? Grab a six-pack of your favorite craft beer, but before you hand them out, they need to be changed up a little. Slap a new label on them that reads their names and the question “Will you be my groomsman?” Then when they say yes (hopefully) you can crack open a few cold ones to celebrate.

Ask them with food
Think about the kinds of foods that your guy friends are into the most. Send their favorite food to their house with a note attached asking them the important question. Treats could include pizza, popcorn, beef jerky, peanuts and more. They’ll love the fact that they just got some free food to chow down on.

Get creative with puns
If you and your guy friends are on the goofier side, opt to send them each a watch with a note attached saying “time for a wedding!” Keep in mind, these don’t have to be Rolexes. However, if you want the boys to sport these on your wedding day, you might want to keep it classier than the plastic watch you found in your cereal box.

A shaving kit
If you’re looking for a way to have your guys clean up for the wedding and be your groomsman, there’s no better way to say it than with a shaving kit. This is something they could (and should) use when the wedding day rolls around, and they can thank you for their fresh look.

A glass mug
Personalize a glass mug with their favorite sports team etched into the glass. This will be a gift they’ll use over and over again. If they’re a Chicago Bears fan, this Bears NFL Glass Mug is perfect.

How would you propose to your best guy friend? Share your thoughts with us!

A wedding website is essential for a wide variety of reasons. It allows you to share wedding information with your friends and family easily, saves you time and money, gives you one place to manage all of your wedding details and allows your guests to delve into your relationship with your sweetie and how it came to be. Wedding websites are truly a lifesaver for everyone.

There are even wedding website templates that match popular wedding invitations! Check out which website is perfect for you right here.

Here are some essentials to include on your wedding website:

The vital information
Of course the most obvious information should be the date, time and location of the nuptials. This is helpful if guests are away from the house and can’t get to the beautiful invitation that you sent out to them. This way, they can hop right on their smartphone and make sure that the doctor appointment they’re scheduling doesn’t fall on the same date as your big day.

A schedule of events
List anything that your guests will need to know about the ceremony – will it take place in a variety of locations? Are there several events leading up to the big day? These are the types of things that your guests are going to want to know so that they can make travel plans in advance.

Travel information
Your guests will surely appreciate a convenient location where they can find all of the maps about how to reach the various venues or information about where to park. For out of town guests, make a list of accommodation options, whether that’s a nearby hotel or a bed and breakfast. Provide them with driving directions from the nearest airports or information about car rental companies if they’re flying in without a vehicle.

RSVP right online
This will make the RSVP process easier for both you and your guests. They won’t have to pick up the phone to dial a number and you won’t have to nag them to do so. Instead, just include the option to RSVP right on the website with the click of a button.

Contact information
Should your guests have questions about the dress code, driving directions or location of the ceremony, they’ll know exactly how to reach you.

Fun stuff
Optional elements like photos, information about you and the lowdown on how you got engaged are also fun additives to contribute to your website.

When you do create your wedding website, you’ll need a place to spread the word and let your guests know where they can find all of this information. Instead of printing the web address on your invitation, go for other enclosed items in the invitation packet like a map or a response card.

What other elements will you be including on your website? Share your thoughts with us!

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!