TIPS | CREATIVE WAYS TO ASK YOUR MAIDS

Congrats girl, you're engaged!! Let the wedding planning begin! There are lots of details to start considering and plenty of work to be done, but one of the best parts of the whole process is having your best gals (or guys!) by your side. So how will you pop the question? We’ve helped by gathering a few unique and creative ways to ask your maids!

1. Give JOY! Who doesn’t need a little French macaron action in their life? JOY Macarons is a specialty bakery in Dallas, Texas that handcrafts small batches of French macarons. They're light, delicious and perfect just the way they are, but let’s take it a step further and customize! For DIY brides, Michael’s sells an edible metallic candy paint that would be perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to the top of each macaron.

PHOTO | JOY Macarons

2.     Thanks for the memories! Parabo Press offers a customizable accordion fold zine that can display 14 different photos, so scroll through that Facebook timeline and Instagram feed and select the best photos that sum up your friendship. The zine is a great option to show your bridesmaid that you really took time to think of them and create something special that will last.

PHOTO | Parabo Press Accordion Zine

PHOTO | Personal Wine

3.     Ladies Night! This last idea is more of an experience and has two main components: dinner reservations and wine. First step, grab a great bottle of wine and design a personalized label. It's easier than you think! Personal Wine has so many great options for creating a customized label. You can select a photo, add text, and even have the bottle engraved with a message for each bridesmaid. Etsy has pre-made labels for wine or beer bottles and they are super cute! The second step is to plan dinner for your friend(s) and bring the bottle! If you go out to a restaurant, ask the waiter to serve the bottle as an added surprise!

We're pretty sure all of these options would put a smile on any bridesmaid’s face and have them thinking you’re creative AF. Go ahead and check "Ask Bridesmaids" off your wedding to do list! 

SHOP | FLOWER PRINTS ON ETSY

Hi friends!

Today we're sharing a super fun, inexpensive way to add a little flower magic to your everyday life! We have started a little etsy shop to sell some of our prettiest flower photos as instant downloads!

That's right, a few dollars and a printer are all you need to enjoy these fun flower tetris and arrangement prints! And we're adding more all the time!

It's the simplest way we could think to share our love of flowers with everyone everywhere! Hop over to snag yours now!

TIPS | WEDDING REGISTRY

Creating the wedding registry seems like the best part of the wedding planning process - that and the food + cake tastings, but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t prepare in advance. Today, we are sharing 5 tips to enjoy creating your wedding registry.

1. Use a checklist. You can either download lists available online or you can create your own. Remember to only register for items you really need. Just because the list you downloaded included an ice cream maker, doesn’t mean you really need one. Having a registry checklist will help you keep track of your items in case you register at more than one store.

2. Give yourselves enough time. It can take a few hours to roam the entire store registering for items you need, especially if you two are getting a new place together and starting from scratch. You may spend several minutes discussing what color the bath towels should be and whether or not you really need a place setting for 10. Trying to do a whole registry in one day can be really exhausting so try breaking it into departments – kitchen, bedding, bath, etc.

3. Register for items in a variety of price points. Although it would be nice to have extremely fancy glassware, not everyone on your guest list will be able to afford luxury brands. You want to make sure your guests have a variety of different price ranges of items to choose from.

4. Register at 2-3 different stores. Yes, Bed Bath and Beyond is where everyone goes for their wedding registry, but there are also several different stores that offer nice perks to complete a registry. This also allows your guests to choose a store that is closest to them. Don’t forget to ask what their return policy is because I can guarantee you will receive more than 3 cutting boards.

5. Update your registry. Ensure that your registry is up-to-date. Depending on how far in advance you start the registry, some items may be discontinued or some are already purchased by guests. Maintaining your wedding registry also helps prevent receiving duplicate items.

Hopefully these tips help you have fun scanning your little hearts out. We’d love to hear what your favorite tips are to create a stress-free wedding registry!

Photos | Chelsea Kaye, Jeff Brummett, Decor Inventory

INSPIRATION | POPPING THE QUESTION TO YOUR MAIDS

It's engagement season and we're so freakin' excited for all the new brides and grooms out there! If you're in Dallas, come meet us at the Swoon Event on January 28th! We can talk floral designs, planning dilemmas, or just say hello! You can get your tickets here and hurry because they always sell out!
xo, Megan + Caitlin

After a proposal from your fiancé, the most important question you will ever ask is, "Will you be my bridesmaid/man?" While you can go a more conservative approach and ask your squad all at once say over brunch, we believe in making every moment of your wedding experience magical. So let's pop some champagne and roll out the carpet, it's time to wow your gang.

Photo | Sweet Sisters Cupcakes

Photo | Petite 25

If your friends are anything like mine, they won't turn down sweets. So tuck your proposal inside sugary confections like these hot pink fortune cookies or pie in a jar!

Photo | The Party Posse

Get literal and pop the question using a balloon. Stash your secret question inside a balloon and blow your bridesmaids away!

Photo | I Do! by April Heather Art

If your friends would be sorted into Ravenclaw, try a puzzle or riddle for your proposal. Nothing says, "I'd love to stand next to you at the alter" quite like a completed 50 piece puzzle. You can even customize the puzzle to include a picture of you + your fiancee or you and the friend you are courting.

Photo | Hey Let's Tie the Knot

Photo | The Blue Eyed Dove

Go more traditional and create a custom package for your bridesmaids/groomsman. You can even use the items in the package to reveal your wedding theme, colors, or venue location.

Photo | Stamped Macarons from Etsy

For all the sassy maids [and men], you can't go wrong with these witty macaroons and cards! How will you ask your crew? 

Card | This and That Creations

Card | Catch22 Cards

TIPS | WEDDING FAVORS YOUR GUESTS WILL WANT TO TAKE HOME

Think about the last several weddings you’ve attended. Do you remember the wedding favors? Let’s be honest, the personalized matchbooks and mints aren’t favors that your guests will remember. In fact, they may be left behind at the reception tables only to be tossed away. You want your wedding favors to be unique, memorable and appreciated.

Here are a few wedding favor ideas that your guests will actually want!

Pretty Little Plants

Who wouldn’t want these adorable succulents sitting in their living room or on their night stand? I’ll take one for each room in my house, please and thank you!

Photo | Rachel Solomon Photography

Cute Coffee Mugs

If you’re having a fall or winter wedding and a majority of your guests are avid coffee drinkers, you can’t go wrong with a coffee mug and beans.

Photo | Wendy Laurel

Kits for the Kids

Don’t forget favors for the kids! A little basket of gadgets, games, and snacks will surely keep them entertained all night!

Photo |KT Merry Photography

Cigars

Men may not be fans of pretty little plants, but they sure do love their cigars!

Photo | Brian Dorsey Photography

Donuts!

Because nobody can resist a donut! Send your guests home with a sugary treat!

Photo | Leila Brewster Photography

Ice Cream Scoops

Come on, how charming! After all, we ALL scream for ice cream and you can be sure that your guests will use these at home a lot!

Photo | Carmen Santorelli Photography

Remember one thing: You know your guests the best. If you have a guest list filled with food lovers, a midnight snack will be the way to their hearts. If your crowd really enjoys to have a good drink, you know they won’t leave behind a mini bottle of tequila! Give them a small gift to show your love and appreciation for accompanying you on such a special day!

What would you like to take home with you as a wedding favor?