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Choosing your bridesmaids can be a very stressful
decision. One that you may not be
wanting to add to your list of stresses.
Instead of worrying about whether you’re going to ask Cousin Betty or
hurt Aunt Gertrude’s feelings, think about how much fun you can make this part
of your wedding! Planning your
wedding and having fun should go together! Not only are you excited about your wedding, why not get your closest friends and family just as enthusiastic? Don’t get lost in the process though, just
remember to be you! Here are some easy, creative ways to “pop the question” when asking your
bridesmaids to be in your bridal party.
1. Is it just me or is anyone else absolutely losing their minds over this idea?
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| photo from weddingchannel.com |
How adorbs!
Um, yes I will be your bridesmaid, please and thank you. Who doesn’t love the movie 27
Dresses? Always a bridesmaid,
never a bride… tear :(. This idea
is so perfect for the bride that wants to personalize every step in the planning. You could send these in the mail as a
postcard size or print a large poster for them to display! A special note can be written on the
dress portion of the photo, ending with the question…will you be my bridesmaid?
Precious!
2. A more traditional way of asking your bridesmaid can be
accomplished by taking them to your favorite restaurant or bakery. Maybe it’s the same way your fiancé
popped the question to you - and you are recreating your experience
for them! Call the restaurant beforehand to really personalize the experience with fun little details.
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| photo from weddingchannel.com |
3. This idea came from a bride that was just walking through a toy aisle and noticed several Barbie’s that looked similar to her friends. She purchased all of the Barbie’s and actually found tiny matching dresses to fit all of the dolls. The note attached to the doll’s hand could be personalized for each bridesmaid. You could make a display of these Barbie’s and present them to all of your friends at once! How amazing would this be if you remember playing with Barbie's with some of the girls you are asking?! So special!
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photo submitted by Amici Events on createmyevent.com
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4. This idea is so cute.
Plus, come on ladies, photo shoot!! Snap different shots of yourself holding up signs, or in
this case letters, spelling out the question for them. This picture is done in a film strip
fashion, but you could even take the pictures yourself and create a fun
collage.
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| photo from weddingchannel.com |
5. Whoever created this is a genius. Invite your friends over and pop the question to them! Include a ring pop and....yum!! I think the deal will be sealed.
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photo found on pinterest.com
Overall, just remember to be the unique you that they love you for already. Take the time to make your bridesmaids
feel special long before wedding day. Brides can get
consumed by all of the details and need to take a break to have fun with their
friends - especially the ones that will be right beside them while they are taking their vows. Try asking your
bridesmaids by using one of these ideas and I guarantee they will be
ecstatic. Don’t make the decision
stressful…make it memorable!
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Christine
Christine Foulke
BCE Intern
Hey everyone! I'm Christine Foulke, the new intern here at Boldly Chic Events! Today is my first day and I'm so excited to start working! I am a senior at IUPUI majoring in Tourism, Conventions, and Event Management and will be graduating in December. I have always been obsessed with weddings, galas, and parties of any kind pretty much. I love being creative and the best way to express that is being in the special events industry! I've had a lot of event experience in the past through classes and jobs, but I can't wait to learn more about weddings and I know I will be able to do that here at BCE! Here's a few more details about myself!
Favorite Special Event I have Attended: I attended the Heartland Film Festival Awards Gala held in downtown Indy and it was amazing. The theme was "The Pink Palace," everything was covered in pink; pink illuminated the walls and tables and white feathers and jewels adorned all of the centerpieces. There were celebrities everywhere and I was completely starstruck!
Favorite Part about Weddings: The meaning behind weddings is what I love. To be a part of someone's special day and creating something that they envisioned is an amazing feeling.
Looking Forward to Most at BCE: I'm really looking forward to getting to know all of the brides and making their visions come alive. I can't wait to hear their ideas and actually make it actually happen. At the end of the day, I'm looking forward to seeing a really happy bride and groom!
Favorite Indy Spot: Can the mall be my first choice?? There are sooo many favorite places I have in Indy. The canal, Mass Avenue, and Tastings (a wine bar and bistro) are just naming a few!
Favorite Magazine: Cosmopolitan, that's a no brainer! I love fashion and seeing the latest trends. I can be consumed by these magazines for hours!
I cannot wait to start working with Lori and to be consumed by wedding bliss!!
Boldly Yours,
Christine
We are so excited to introduce you to this exciting and beautiful new Noblesville event venue! The grounds and barn are beautiful, the staff is outstanding and we really think you are going to love this Bold Business as much as we do! Here is some fun info about Mustard Seed from Megan, the venue event coordinator:
Mustard Seed Gardens
Photo by Sara and Mallary Photography Venue Wedding Coordinator: Megan Skipper
What sets Mustard Seed apart from other wedding venues in the area?
Mustard Seed is the only venue in Hamilton County that has a rustic and unique bank barn. The Barn was built in 1892 across the White River and carried over by horse and buggy to where it currently stands. All of the exposed posts and beams are hand carved which adds a ton of character. There are so many different spaces in our gardens to have a ceremony, whether it is in our Gazebo or off to the side under a tall Oak Tree. We are an open venue so we allow the bride to come in and make the space her own.
What is your favorite part about your job?
Seeing all of the different personalities come out in each event. These brides work so hard for so long and each wedding truly reflects each individual.
What recent project or client have you worked on/with that screamed “unique”?
We just booked a corporate event this summer right around the 4th of July. Their décor is all about hot air balloons, fireworks, mason jars, red white and blue. Everything and anything summer is featured in their event. They are going all out and are even giving tethered hot air balloon rides for the guests.
Where is your favorite place to relax and be inspired?
There is something about the Barn… I look at all the new renovations we have done and I can’t help but think of all the possibilities for the future. We have so many visions for Mustard Seed and every time I’m walking around the property I have even more ideas.
What do you love to do when you are not behind the scenes at a Mustard Seed Event?
I love wine!! However, I don’t consider myself a wine connoisseur by any means. I spend most of my time with my amazing and inspiring boyfriend. Go Ravens!! And I love my cat of course.
Describe Mustard Seed Gardens in 3 words.
Rustic. Vintage. Classic.
For more info, be sure to visit their website, Facebook and Twitter pages! Thanks to Megan and Mustard Seed Gardens - we can't wait to work with you!
Boldly Yours, Lori
Photo from The Bridal Blog
I have had many, many clients decide to use friends and/or family as one of their wedding "vendors". Whether for the photography, cake, music or other - I still will always tell them I don't recommend it. Of course, I will work with whoever they choose to hire (or use at no cost), but I will always, always, always be a little nervous doing so...and some of my clients have been very upset/stressed/crazed that they went through with it in the end.
So, I thought I would draft a little blog for my reasoning behind these feelings and I must note - these are all based on true stories and real happenings in my professional planning life. Here goes...
1. Family and Friends should be guests, not workers.
When you send your friend or family member a wedding invitation, they should have no other job that day than enjoying the beautiful vows, food and celebration. And, this is what they will put as their first priority. Trust me. Don't assume that because you have discussed with them what they will be responsible for that day that they will take those jobs too seriously. If they aren't a PRO, then just say NO! You will be very thankful you did so.
2. Only the PROS know the "in's and out's" of a successful wedding day.
If the person you have chosen to create your wedding cake has never created, charged for, designed, set up....and on and on...a cake for hundreds of guests then the chances of it turning out perfectly are slim. Especially if, as mentioned in #1, they are also playing "guest" on wedding day.
When you hire a PRO, their only thought/goal of the day is to get you exactly what you ordered - on time and perfectly executed. They know what it takes to get the job done correctly, efficiently and in line with all the other elements surrounding them that day.
3. PROS keep it real.
Unless your vendor (any of them) is a true, licensed business - having many weddings under their belt - they won't know how to keep it real. They will make promises that will be broken, they will tell you "yes" to everything and they won't be able to help you stay realistic in your planning. That is because they don't have a solid understanding of how vendors work together during a wedding. Not only that, they many times simply don't know the answers to your questions and will just spit out "yes, we can do that...". A friend or family member - especially one you are not paying - will not be able to distinguish what can and cannot be done. A PRO will - because they have seen and dealt with it all.
4. Contracts and Costs go further than nada.
Yes, the PRO will cost you money and you will sign a contract that details all the deliverables on your end and theirs. This will go much further than a verbal agreement with zero dollars exchanged between you and your bestie. What happens if bestie and you have a fight or she gets sick and has no back up plan? If that happens with your PRO - the event goes off - seamlessly. If that happens with bestie - one week before wedding day - stressssss! After all, bestie has no real responsibility to you, whatsoever.
5. PROS are professional.
A PRO will act like, look like and treat your guests as a professional. If your aunt is making your cake or you friend is the videographer - they may have no idea how or desire to do this. This makes for a very sticky dynamic between vendors. Believe it or not - all your vendors are super tightly knit on wedding day - because they share the same goal - making it wonderful for YOU. Non-PROS just won't be able to mesh well if they have zilch experience, no business license, no tax-ID and no real aspiration to do this for a living. Instead...they are just doing this as a "gift" or "favor" to you.
So, all in all, most wedding planners will (should) let you know about their concerns when you tell them you are hiring your best friend's cousin as your florist. What you don't see behind the scenes on wedding day are some of the most important happenings, on your behalf. And, at BCE, we do our very best to make the vendor team a cohesive unit on wedding day no matter what - but when a non-PRO is in the mix...we work just a little more carefully.
If you want to avoid any concern for disaster - we highly recommend hiring a PRO for all areas of your wedding day - no matter how big or small!
Boldly Yours, Lori
Photo by Ed Lausch
One of the first challenges couples may face when beginning the planning process is choosing a venue. And, for many brides, exchanging vows outdoors has always been a dream. Whether on the beach or in a garden setting, outdoor weddings can be so romantic…but there are several factors to consider before booking the perfect outdoor venue...
If you are planning to host the activities here keep in mind, as you probably already know, Indiana weather is very unpredictable. One week you are wearing sandals and tank tops, and the next you are pulling your winter jacket out of your closet!
But do not fear this crazy Midwest weather…I have gathered some tips that will help insure your dream day doesn't have weather-related hiccups that come when you don't plan correctly...
Be Flexible Be sure to have a backup plan determined between you and the venue. Even if it may not be your first choice, consider creative ways to make it work and become comfortable with the possibility of putting it into place if needed. Otherwise, you really will set yourself up for a terrible day if the weather doesn't cooperate.
Consider the Wardrobe Make sure to think about your wardrobe as well as your wedding party's digs. Depending on the time of the year, you want to make sure everyone is comfortable versus miserable during outdoor photos and happenings.
Photo by Soda Fountain Photography
Compliment Your Surroundings There are so many beautiful outdoor spaces and they all offer something unique. Play off the natural setting you have chosen and use decor, color schemes and other elements that work with and not against the scenery.
Photo by Nate Crouch Photography
Create a Seasonal & Regional Menu Make sure to choose your menu based on seasonal and regional options. Adding in this touch will, once again, tie together all the elements of the outdoor space where you are hosting your guests.
Assign a Weatherman Designate a “Day-of Weatherman”. Have this person keep track of the weather conditions via a reputable source (The Weather Channel) 48 hours before the ceremony all the way through the end of the reception. This will be one less thing you have to be tracking and worrying about. If something pops up on the radar, this person will alert you and your vendors and the appropriate action can be taken at that time. Because of Smart Phones, they will be able to do this right from their phone, onsite!
Photo by Nate Crouch Photography
I hope all of these tips are helpful as you begin planning your outdoor affair. If you consider these few simple things throughout the process, your wedding will be a beautiful time for everyone!
Boldly Yours,
Courtney
Hi All!
Over the past two months, I have gained some insight about planning the perfect vintage wedding and I want to share it with you. It is important to have your big day reflect your personality and style, so, for all those "old-soul" brides out there....here is a simple list of ideas for your wedding.
It’s All About The Accessories
The Vintage era is all about accessories…from the birdcage veils to the jewels. No matter what season your wedding is, just add something small to give it that extra touch.
Photo from WeddingMusings.com
Lace
To get that extra vintage feel, just add some lace. If your wedding dress has lace on it…add it to your invitations or table centers. Lace adds a little something extra and gives that vintage flair. Being able to pull in small amounts of lace throughout the décor will tie everything together.
Adding Vintage "Glitz"
Incorporating a little bit of vintage gold and glam into your décor can have a big effect. To add that extra something, consider using the following items:
Photo from Etsy.com
-Brooches -Antique Trunks -Gold Trim on anything! -Antique Keys -Tattered Candlestick Holders
There are plenty more vintage items that you can use, but those are just a few examples!
Photo from HillCityBride.com
Three important decisions
What I find to be the most important decisions when planning a vintage wedding include choosing your dress, the venue, and the photographer. With these three items, you can easily capture the romantic, old era you are looking for.
I hope these tips help get you started in planning your vintage wedding and it comes together just how you imagined!
Boldly Yours, Courtney
Hi All!
As I am just wrapping up my fourth week as an intern with BCE, I have had the opportunity of sitting in on multiple meetings…specifically florist meetings! While weddings have all kinds of details and logistics, one of the most important things is the florist. And that is why I thought I should give you all my tips when trying to choose the perfect one for you!
Consider these following steps throughout your florist search:
OPTIONS: About 6-8 months out from your wedding, you should begin your search for a florist. Choose a couple of florists you think match your personality and meet with them. If you are working with a planner, ask them for their suggestions, since they know your style best!
DETAILS ARE EVERYTHING: After you explain your ideas and vision to them, it is important to ask questions and see what they envision for your wedding. Every florist has a different style and it is essential to find the one person who matches yours. Make sure you are comfortable with the florist when making requests and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if they begin to talk about things you aren't sure you will like. Be sure you are getting the most for your budget and don’t be afraid to inquire for references and reviews. Florists have portfolios for you to look at so take advantage of those as well.
REQUEST A PROPOSAL: Once you have met with a few different florists, make sure to have them send you a formal quote. Make sure it includes the ceremony, reception and all the other little details discussed. Most florists will get this to you within a week of your consultation. If they have a less formal process, be sure you are comfortable with that and don't feel pushed against the wall to make a decision on the spot, ever!
A few questions to ask during your floral consultation: - What are your set up and tear down fees?
- Can flowers be moved from the ceremony to the reception and will you handle this transfer?
- Are they familiar with your venue?
- How many weddings or events have they done in the past?
- What are the deposit and balance requirements?
- Are there any additional charges you may not know about?
 NEXT STEP: After you have secured the florist you loved, it is important that you mark your calendar for the next important step. About 3-4 months until your wedding you will need to meet with the florist to discuss details and tie up any loose ends. Make sure you both are on the same page and are set for your big day!
THE BIG DAY: Trust your florist. They know what they are doing and you chose them for a reason. Let them handle all the details and enjoy this amazing day! A good florist will always go above and beyond what you were expecting!
I hope these tips were helpful and you are now prepared to begin your search to find the perfect florist for you!
Boldly Yours, courtney
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