Bridesmaids in White?

With the arrival of fall comes the debate of "winter whites" and whether or not we're allowed to galavant in white pants after Labor Day regardless of if they are made out of wool or not. We've noticed another "white" debate happening lately too--should the bride be the only person wearing white?

There's been an increasing trend in not just the bride wearing white, but dressing her bridesmaids in white as well! We've put together some photos following this trend below.

Do you like the idea of letting the bridesmaids wear white or are you a firm believer that the bride alone should wear white? Let us know in the comments section!

Sweating for the Wedding: Getting in Shape for the Big Day

One common top concern for the bride-to-be is getting in shape for the wedding day. Some brides swear by the barre method, some start pounding the pavement, and others get hooked on CrossFit. We've compiled some of the current trendiest pre-wedding workouts for you to try in the months leading up to your big day! We've also found some pretty cool wedding themed workout gear to keep your motivation high!

Barre workouts have been all the rage as of late, particularly with the pre-wedding crowd. Barre fuses ballet, pilates, and yoga to create a workout that does serious toning through muscle isolation while allowing you to feel poised and settled. Don't let the dainty look of these moves fool you, these ballerinas will make your muscles burn like you've never before experienced. Many barre studios offer pre-wedding packages. (Junebug Weddings)

CrossFit. You've probably heard of it. It sounds to us like one of the most addictive ways to get in shape. People LOVE it. Some people even go so far as to theme their wedding after it. But it's a group strength and conditioning program with varied workouts at each individual's level. Like Barre studios, many CrossFit gyms offer pre-wedding packages. Check out these sample WOD.

One of most simple ways to get into shape before the wedding is to just get outside and run. It doesn't require any special equipment or memberships and it's incredibly easy to train on your own. Plus, you could celebrate your success with a race before the wedding!

Not to mention there are so many cute, wedding centered workout tees available that will get your message across to everyone in the gym with you. We found these on Etsy. (And while you're there, we'll remind you that we're on Etsy, too!)

Friday Favorites

We stumbled over a few things this week that we just can't stop thinking about.

Replace traditional rice with these DIY eco friendly hearts for tossing at your wedding. (100layercake.com)

We'll admit it. We've got apartment envy. (jacquelynclark.com)

This might just be the best birthday ever. (stylemepretty.com)

Doughnuts + Wedding Cake = Doughnut Wedding Cake. (projectwedding.com)

Sending wonderful weekend wishes your way!

xoxo

Wedding Festivities & Football Season

You wouldn't think that football season and wedding season would automatically go hand in hand. They both dominate your weekends and require a very high degree of devotion from those involved. Besides, we all have those friends who won't let anything stand in the way of them and their team (or maybe we're those friends, whatever) no matter what important events we have to miss to see it. 

These couples, however, have found a way around all of this. Follow their lead and enjoy a fall shower or engagement party AND the big game with a Tailgate Party!

To throw the perfect tailgate party, listen to this girl. She sounds like she's got it down.

And this girl sounds like she definitely knows a thing or two about planning around football season.

A tailgate engagement party or shower might just be the perfect place to start handing out your Anniversary Box cards... just a thought. ;)

xoxo,

The Anniversary Box Team

Lucky Number 7: Katie's Anniversary Box Story

A few weeks ago, we asked for your Anniversary Box stories to be featured on our blog. Here is a story from Katie Wright of Richmond, VA:

I bought an Anniversary Box for a long-time friend prior to her wedding. Knowing that we were not able to attend some of the special events leading up to her wedding, we chose one card, wrote our message and sealed it. We then sent the box with instructions so other cards could be completed at her showers & rehearsal dinner. My boyfriend and I strategically picked out Anniversary Year #7 and decided to have our message be a little different for the Bride and Groom. We wrote about Lucky #7 and how lucky in love they must be to have found each other. We encouraged them to remember how blessed they are and though times are not always easy to remember that others are not so lucky. Then, we put a "game" on the back for the two of them to complete together…to list the 7 things they love most about each other. Great thing about this game? Everyone wins, and they are reminded of why they fell in love in the first place. I won't know for several more years, but I can't wait to share their reaction when they open the card.

Visit Happily Ever AfterWords today to begin your Anniversary Box story.

E-mail us at info@happilyeverafterwords.com to share your story.

Friday Favorites

Here's what we've been distracting ourselves with this week.

This fun engagement shoot in Havana. (100layercake.com)

This how-to in planning the perfect wedding weekend straight from Charleston. (borrowedandblue.com)

This wedding straight from Wonderland. We're late for a very important date! (whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com)

The return of the typewriter. (bustleevents.blogspot.com)

Happy Friday!

xo

The Farm to Table Wedding

"Farm to Table" is commonly heard among the foodie and restaurant groups, but what about in the wedding world? Couples are beginning to ditch the standard indoor seated and served wedding reception in favor of providing their guests with a more local experience. They are working closely with farmers and chefs to take advantage of what their area has to offer so that only the freshest, in-season ingredients are used in their wedding feast. But don't think that this farm to table movement is only translating in the food because it's taking over the entire atmosphere of weddings. Local craft beers and wines are replacing the big name brands and small seated tables are being swapped out for long farm tables with platters of family style food that guests can serve themselves. Couples are also hosting these soirees in the great outdoors rather than in the age old ballrooms. We've compiled a few photos via Pinterest that best represent this farm to table phenomenon.

Fall 2013 Wedding Trends

Here's a look at what's trending for upcoming fall weddings! 

Short Wedding Dresses

Knee length wedding dresses are gaining popularity this season, particularly with the addition of sleeves and/or a mesh overlay. 

 Farm to Table Dining

Farm-to-Table dining is huge everywhere right now and weddings are no exception. Couples are utilizing fresh, local ingredients and planning their menus around what's in season. This type of menu planning has also inspired the use of long, rustic farm tables and inspired family style dining.

 Wildflowers

Wildflowers are becoming increasingly valued as wedding flowers because of the whimsical yet easygoing atmosphere that they create. Wildflowers also allow the use of a large color palette.

Champagne Bars

Champagne bars are replacing signature cocktails at weddings because they allow guests to not only customize their drink, but to serve themselves which cuts down on serving costs without diminishing any of the glamour.

Friday Favorites

Here's a look at everything that we've been distracting ourselves with this week...

Ever thought of having a wedding photo shoot inspired by your favorite indie movie? Take a look at this "Moonrise Kingdom" inspired shoot and think again. (greenweddingshoes.com)

This classic woody wagon. (100layercake.com)

The return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte has reminded us to appreciate the simple pleasures of fall. This autumn wedding weekend does, too. (imogeneve.blogspot.com)

Sunday Brunch. (stylemepretty.com)

Happy Friday!

The Bachelorette Party

Bachelorette parties are a great time for the bride-to-be to go out on the town with her girls for one last time as a single lady. These days, bachelorette parties can be anything from a wild night out to an afternoon at the vineyard. Here are a few of our favorite bachelorette trends.

Winery Tour

The winery tour is gaining popularity, particularly if you want to add a hint of education to your bachelorette party! You'll feel extremely sophisticated at the end of the afternoon after all that you've learned about the wines that you've sampled, just be sure to hire a car service to assist in your vineyard hopping!

Beach Weekend

The beach weekend has got to be THE most popular style of bachelorette celebrations. What better way to celebrate then a weekend away with your best girlfriends? By creating an escape, all elements of a bachelorette can be incorporated. There's the relaxing aspect of being on vacation mixed with the added element of being away from home so no one will know if the party gets a little rambunctious!

Day at the Spa

The ultimate in relaxation parties. Calm all those pre-wedding jitters and pamper yourself with your besties at your side. You'll look and feel great at the end of this bachelorette party.

Sweating It Out 

Another feel good bachelorette party. Spend your last bit of singleness working on your figure at the barre or in your favorite yoga studio. Who knew sweating it out with your fav girls could be so much fun?

The Timeless "Girls' Night Out"

The age old wild night out on the town with your best friends. You really can't beat it.

5 Creative Wedding Gifts

Sometimes you have to get creative in order to find the perfect wedding gift, particularly if there isn't a registry provided. We've compiled different, unique wedding gifts to get your wheels turning when you can't stand the thought of giving one more set of linen napkins.

1.  A bottle of wine labeled with a significant "first" to celebrate such as First Anniversary, First House, First Fight, First Christmas, the Newlywed Toast, and a bottle of sparkling cider or lemonade to celebrate the First Baby.

2.  This clever "Life is a Picnic" marriage survival kit found on creativetryals.blogspot.ca.  The kit includes a Lawn Blanket, Thermos, Bug Net, Ice Pack, Water Bottles with Lemonade Packets, and Food Containers with clever marriage reminders attached--all packed into a cooler and ready for the newlyweds' next trip to the park.

3.  Can of Dates available from mycreativestirrings.com. For those nights when the newlyweds want to do SOMETHING but don't have the brainpower to figure something out on their own and are really over the typical dinner and a movie date. This can gives the couple a creative new thing to do by just pulling out a piece of paper!

4.  This couple received a toaster and a bag of "bread" from one of their wedding guests. Hysterical.

5.  The Anniversary Box gives newlyweds the chance to relive their wedding on each Anniversary for the next 50 years by opening a letter written by loved one on their wedding day. Anniversary Boxes can be found at www.happilyeverafterwords.com.

We hope that we've provided you with some creative inspiration when picking a gift for the next wedding that you're attending!