Category: Wedding Advice

Wedding Advice: Pregnant Bridesmaids

Posted on by Glendalough Manor

Lots of things may pop up in the planning of the wedding and one of those things may be a pregnant bridesmaid!  As much as you may want everyone to put their lives on hold during your wedding, you have to realize that won’t happen.  No need to worry.  There are so many bridesmaid dresses out there nowadays that accommodating a pregnant bridesmaid is easier than ever.

Photo provided by 2013 Wedding Dresses

First off make sure she is still comfortable being in the wedding.  You should have an idea of her due date and can determine how far along she will be. If she is still on board for the wedding, there are just a few things to consider to make your bridesmaid comfortable in your wedding.  Never tell a bridesmaid she can no longer be in the wedding since she is pregnant….that’s just not right.

Photo provided by Snippet and Ink

When looking for dresses you don’t have to dress your pregnant bridesmaid in an unflattering dress.  Just because she is pregnant doesn’t mean she can’t wear a similar dress and style to the other bridesmaids.  Be open to mixing and matching the bridesmaids dresses.  Consider choosing the same fabric and color but a few different styles.

Photo provided by Wedding Bee
Photo provided by Lil Sugar

Also look at choosing dresses with a fabric that stretches around the belly.  You may even want to consider a dress with straps for extra support.

Photo provided by Etsy
Photo provided by Wedding Bee

Alterations will be her best friend.  Prepare for alterations the week of the wedding so the dress not only fits her correctly but she feels comfortable as well.

You don’t have to throw out those heels just because of one girl.  Find a lower heel for your pregnant bridesmaid and keep the other girls in the higher heel if you want.  Another great idea is to provide flip flops or flats for all of the girls to wear during the reception.  That way they can all kick back and dance the night away in comfort.

Hope this has helped with what to do with your pregnancy pop up!

Happy Planning!

 

Wedding Advice: What Would You Do Differently?

Posted on by Glendalough Manor

How many times do you hear past brides say, “I wish I could redo my wedding”?   According to an article I got from the Huffington Post,  New York Magazine asked 100 recent brides what would be on their “do over” list and what they would keep the same if they had a chance to have their wedding over.  I found a few things very interesting that I wanted to share and get your thoughts on.

The first part of the article I found interesting was the question that asks brides what they regret spending so much money on.  Out of 100 brides 17% said they regret splurging on flowers which was very surprising to me.

Photo provided by Huffington Post

Interestingly enough recent brides said they wish they had spent more of their budget on photography and flowers!  Seems that setting your priorities on what is important to you is key.  Try not to go overboard or you may regret spending too much in one area.

Photo provided by Huffington Post

New York Magazine also asked what were some of the best gifts that they registered for and kitchen knives were the number one answer.  When asked what they wished they had left off of their registries brides answered a blender.

Photo provided by Huffington Post

And my favorite question asked was what do brides wished they had paid more attention to on their wedding day and the number one answer was lipstick.  This made me chuckle since I wish I would have reapplied my lipstick more often too!  What about you?

Photo provided by Huffington Post

Did this study make you change or rethink any of your decisions so far?

Do you agree with these recent brides answers?  Let us know your thoughts!

Happy Planning!

How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost?

Posted on by Glendalough Manor

Creating a budget is probably the hardest thing you will do during your wedding planning and sticking with that budget can be even harder.  Being realistic with your numbers and more importantly your expectations of what that amount will get you is extremely important.

I found this information on TheKnot.com and just had to share with you!  According to theknot.com, on average couples are spending $28,427 for a wedding excluding a honeymoon. So many people have no idea that a wedding on average costs this amount so this can be a great tool for you to use when creating a budget (especially when other family is involved in helping to pay for the wedding).

Photo provided by The Knot

As I looked over these amounts I did see some areas that you could save some money. This looked like a wedding budget for approximately 200 guests.  Of course the more people you invite the more the wedding costs will be and a great way to save money is to narrow down the guest list.

If cutting your guest list is not an option for you try only using a DJ instead of a band.  This can save almost $3,000. Or have a friend video the ceremony or reception to save about $1600.

My biggest piece of advice when creating a budget is to ask yourself what are the three most important things to you in your wedding.  Once you have determined what those things are then create your budget with the focus on those three items and find ways to save in other areas.

At Glendalough Manor we offer a Cost Calculator tool that is helpful in determining a budget customized for you!  Try it and see if your budget is the same as the national average!

We would love to get your thoughts on the national average cost?  Do you think it is accurate?  Do you think it could be helpful to you in determining your own budget?

We want to know your thoughts!!