The Birdcage Bridal Veil

Mother of the Bride, if your daughter still needs to select a veil, be sure she considers the birdcage veil among her choices. The bridal veil is one of the bride’s most important accessories in completing her look on the big day, and it’s always a good idea to consider all the possibilities.

Birdcage veils looks very classic and elegant, and believe it or not, they include lots of variety. They can complement many different styles of gowns and hairstyles as well. Have your bride-to-be take a look at these current styles featured in Brides online and Birdcage Veils on Pinterest to get an idea of the choices that are out there.

Initially, MOB, your daughter may not see herself in a birdcage-style veil, but as with the gowns themselves, she’ll never know how beautiful they can be until she tries some with her dress. Even if she doesn’t think she wants one, encourage her to try at least one. She might be surprised. She might just fall in love with the style!

*You might also like to read In Lieu of a Veil: Floral Bridal Combs or Hairpins, Bridal Veils: The Corded Veil, and A Blogging Change Plus a Bridal Veil to Consider.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*The current issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, came out earlier this month. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign-up is FREE! *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*Flickr photo by melissajean_98Creative Commons License

A Twist on a Traditional Ring Bearer: A Dog!

Yes, Virginia, weddings with dogs as ring bearers do indeed happen. I’ve never been to one myself, but we all know people who love their doggies so much they want to include them in the wedding in some way. Having the dog act as ring bearer is one fairly simple way to do it since the rings can be secured on a pillow and then tied around the dog’s neck.

And yes, there might be some challenges when going with this plan so the happy couple needs to think through the possible scenarios in their particular situation and be ready for come what may. They first need to check with their venue to see if dogs are allowed, and then they can come up with the best plan for their dog’s participation.

So, Mother of the Bride, if your Mr. & Mrs.-To-Be happen to have a dog they love and also like to be a little unconventional, they might just opt for a “man’s best friend” ring bearer. Curve balls come in all shapes and sizes so be prepared if your sweet couple throws you one in the shape of a dog. Don’t say you weren’t warned!

*You might also like to read Sweet Engagement Photo with Your Favorite Pooch and Burlap Ring Bearer Pillow and Flower Girl Basket.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*The current issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, came out today. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign-up is FREE! *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*Flickr photo by shannylynneCreative Commons License

Wedding Slide Show: Gather Photos Early

Mother of the Bride, I have some short and sweet advice for you today—gather photos for the wedding slide show early in your wedding planning journey. This is something you don’t want to put off until crunch time.

Yes, you’ll want to include some of the happy couple’s engagement photos which won’t be ready until later on, but you can start going through old photo albums and/or files on your computer as soon as you know a wedding is on the horizon. Select your favorite photos from your sweet girl’s growing up years right on up through the days she started dating her knight in shining armor. And make sure the groom knows that he and his family should be selecting their photos too.

Give yourself a break, MOB, and do your part for the slide show before things start piling up on you. You’ll be so glad you did when you’re coming down the home stretch!

*You might also like to read Wedding Day Checklist: Containers for Leftover Cake, Wedding Day Need: Corsage and Boutonniere Pinner, and Day Before Wedding Tip: Preview Flowers.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, comes out in early May. One lucky subscriber (new or current) will receive a $15 gift card to Barnes & Noble and a signed copy of my book to use personally, give as a gift, or donate to a library. *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*Photo by Analia Ferrario on Unsplash

Sugar Roses Still Gorgeous on Wedding Cakes

Mother of the Bride, if your bride-to-be wants roses as décor on her wedding cake, be sure she considers sugar roses as well as fresh ones.

Fresh roses adorn many wedding cakes today, but rest assured that handmade sugar roses can look just as gorgeous. Take a look at the examples above and below. Such exquisite detail!

The key lies in finding a cake baker/designer who excels in an impeccable finished product. Be sure to ask to see photos of her other cakes before making a decision about fresh vs. handmade sugar roses. It’s also a good idea to ask other MOBs and brides who have used her services how pleased they were with their own wedding cakes.

If your daughter doesn’t have a strong preference for one type of rose over the other, ask your baker/designer if sugar roses will be more or less expensive to do than fresh ones. You might as well take advantage of a possible opportunity to save a little money if the prices for each will be different, right?

Fresh or sugar—both can be beautiful. But above all, MOB, enjoy indulging in that fabulous cake on wedding day!

*You might also like to read Wedding Cake Idea: Beautiful Brooch Accents! and Wedding Cake Idea: The Drape Effect.

8055533226_c3de3ea1ea_b

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, will come out in early May. Sign-up is FREE! *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*Flickr photos by Whipped BakeshopCreative Commons License

Wedding Day Portrait: Father of the Bride

-5074Mother of the Bride, if getting the Father of the Bride to pose for a picture seems as impossible to do as catching a unicorn, wedding day is the answer to your prayers. Don’t miss your chance. Who knows when such an opportunity will roll around again!

What better time to capture a great photo of the former main man in your little girl’s life? After all, he’s all dressed up with nowhere to go while he waits to walk your daughter down the aisle. The Father of the Bride above just happens to be my husband on the day of our younger daughter’s wedding. I’m so glad the photographer thought to take this photo. It’s one of the best ones we have of Don.

So MOB, just ask your photographer to pull the FOB aside at some point before the ceremony and do an impromptu portrait session. A good photographer can snap three or four great shots before the FOB decides he’s had enough. Quick and painless—and you’ll end up with a dynamite photo!

*You might also like to read Wedding Day Photo Idea: The Groom and Minister.

*Photo by Flowers Photography