Category: First Things First

Will You Be My Bridesmaid? Part 2

Posted on by Glendalough Manor

I love the idea of asking your friends to be a bridesmaid in your wedding in a unique way!  Being a bridesmaid takes up not only time but also money.  Why not put a little extra effort in to letting your girls know how much you care for them and how much you want them to be a part of your special day?

Photo provided by Ultimate Bridesmaid

There are so many cute ideas out there and I have found a few more that I couldn’t wait to share with you.  A simple idea is to send a card.  You can make it fun by giving them a Mad Libs or a crossword puzzle to fill in!

Photo provided by Etsy
Photo provided by Etsy

A great DIY idea is to take a ring box and put the scrabble letter “B” inside with the word bridesmaid behind it.  Too cute!

Photo provided by Something Turquoise

Another fun idea is to have a towel with the phrase “Will you be my…” hanging on a “bridesmaid”  hanger.  Not only is this a cute idea but they can also use the hanger on the day of the wedding for their bridesmaid dresses!

Photo provided by Wedding Window

A handkerchief or a bag filled with a piece of jewelry with the words “Will you be my bridesmaid?” are also great ways to ask your girls.

Photo provided by Duke City Fix
Photo provided by Etsy

Giving a personalized gift is always a thoughtful way to ask. My favorite idea is to put together a box filled with some of your favorite items or things that they can wear or use on the day of the wedding.  Also including pictures of the two of you or ideas you have for the wedding is a nice touch!

Photo provided by Beloved Blog
Photo provided by Lauren David Style

Don’t forget about the guys!  I am in love with the idea of taking their favorite beer and replacing the label with a customized one reading “Dude, will you be my groomsmen?” How awesome is that idea?

Photo provided by Stephanie Hunter Blog

Check out the Part 1 blog for more ways to ask your friends to be in your wedding!

What idea is your favorite? We want to know!

Happy Planning!

Top Five Things to Do After You Become Engaged!

Posted on by Glendalough Manor

Congratulations on your engagement!   If you are recently engaged you may still be up in the clouds about your engagement!  After he proposes there is so much to do….you have to call all of your friends and scream that you just got engaged, post it on Facebook so everyone knows, bask in the attention of friends and family congratulating you, show off your beautiful ring, and then……start planning the wedding of your dreams.  Once reality hits that you now have to plan a wedding many brides are left with the question….now what?
We have created a list of the five most important things to do over the next few weeks to start your wedding planning!

1. SET A DATE:

Photo provided by Khaos Studios

Setting a date may not be as easy as it sounds!  Of course your need to think about the time of year you want to get married.  Do you want a Spring, Summer or Fall wedding?  You will want to consider the day of the week to get married.  To save money look at getting married on a Friday evening or even a Saturday afternoon versus an evening wedding.  Make sure the date you choose allows enough time for planning and enough time to pay for the wedding of your dreams. Giving between six months to a year to plan and pay for a wedding is usually best.  Also, try not to be too specific on a date before you visit venues.  Having a few dates in mind (maybe 1st, 2nd, 3rd choices) can open up available venues for you!

2. CREATE A BUDGET:

Photo provided by Buzzle

One of the hardest things you will do during your wedding planning is to decide on a budget.  Talk with both sets of parents and see what each will contribute, if anything.  This will help in deciding on an overall budget.  Most parents have no idea how much a wedding costs.  Preparing a sample budget is a great way to show realistic numbers to your parents.  A great tool available for any bride to use is the Cost Calculator at Glendalough Manor.  This tool gives you accurate numbers on everything from your venue to your flowers.

3. WEDDING PLANNER?

Photo provided by Taste of Temucula

You will need to decide on whether or not you will need a wedding planner.  How much time do you have to plan a wedding?  If you don’t have much time to contribute to planning a wedding, consider a planner that will take some of the stress off of you.  Are you planning a destination wedding that requires local knowledge and expertise?   Do you want someone to be there on your wedding day to execute the day so it runs smoothly?  Answering these questions will help in determining whether you may need a planner and how much help you will need!

4. OVERALL THEME:

Photo provided by Wedding Wire

Think about what you want your wedding to look like.  Do you want an outdoor or indoor ceremony and reception?  Do you want a traditional venue or untraditional venue?  Do you have certain wedding colors you want to use?  Make a list of the top five words you would use to describe your dream wedding.  Keep these words in mind as you make decisions along the wedding planning process.

5. BOOK WEDDING VENUE:

Photo provided by Glendalough Manor

Most brides say finding the perfect wedding venue is one of the most difficult decisions you will make.  Make sure to do your research.  Come prepared with questions.  Look for hidden costs that can add up as well as making sure you can afford any minimum requirements on food or alcohol.  Trust your gut.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Once you set a date, create a budget, hire a wedding planner, decide on an overall theme for the wedding and book a wedding venue you can start on what we like to call the “fun stuff”.  Buy magazines and search the internet looking at wedding dresses, cakes, flowers and all of the fun and exciting wedding details.  Try to enjoy the experience as stressful as it can be sometimes.  At the end of the planning you will be marrying the man of your dreams so that is what is most important!

Congratulations again and happy planning!

Mother of the Groom Roles and Responsibilites

Posted on by Glendalough Manor

Are you a Mother of the Groom that is not sure what your roles and responsibilities are?  Well, you are not alone. There are many other parents unsure how to tread these sometimes uncharted waters.  Recently at Glendalough Manor we met a Mother of the Bride that was discussing how her son was also getting married and planning a wedding at the same time as her daughter.  She was now acting as the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom.  She expressed how different the experience was on each side. As a Mother of the Bride you are involved in the entire process but as a Mother of the Groom the roles and responsibilities aren’t as clear.

Photo provided by Indulgy

Below we have listed guidelines on the roles and responsibilities you should adopt as a Mother of the Groom.

-Custom dictates that the parents of the groom contact the parents of the bride to set up a dinner to talk and celebrate the engagement with the couple.  If you live in different states this may not be as easy but a simple phone call can make all the difference.

Photo provided by 143 Bridal

-You will also need to set up a time to talk with your son and his fiance about financial responsibilities. Although there is no hard rule, traditionally the parents of the groom are responsible for:

the rehearsal dinner
the groom’s tux
the bride’s bouquet and boutonnieres for the groomsmen
transportation to and from the ceremony/reception
Honeymoon
Ceremony Officiant

-Create a list of guests from the groom’s side to submit to the bride.  Remember to stick to the allotted number you are allowed to invite even if this may be difficult.  If you are having difficulties make sure to talk openly with your son and bride-to-be to find a way to come to an agreement. This may mean paying for the additional guests you would like to invite.

Photo provided by Philly Mag

-Offer to help!  In some cases, the bride may need help with researching wedding vendors.  More commonly the craft projects, seating assignments, out of town guest arrangements and any other tedious work leading up to the wedding can be the most stressful and a helping hand is always appreciated.

Photo by TomBow USA

-Recommend songs for the mother/son dance for the reception.

Photo provided by Elegant Event Entertainment

-Ask the bride to accompany you or give suggestions on what to wear for your Mother of the Groom dress.  It is also nice to discuss your thoughts with the Mother of the Bride to see what she will be wearing.

-Plan and Host the rehearsal dinner (the groom’s family traditionally pays for this event); make sure to involve bride and groom in major decisions. For example, location and food selections to ensure they are okay with your choices.

We hope this list has helped and given you guidance on the best practices as a Mother of the Groom.

Remember, this is not your wedding and some decisions will be made you may not agree with. Find a way to work through any disagreements with your son and bride-to-be.  This process should be a fun and exciting experience for both sides of the family so enjoy it and let some things go.  Having a great relationship with your son and future daughter in law are what will be the most important thing in the end.

Happy Planning!