Help! I've been asked to be MOH!

Okay. Don't panic. Your closest girl has asked you to be her head chica in her wedding. Now, I'm not going to lie.  Those "maids of horrors," you've heard of do exist. They put a damper on the special journey for a bride and groom and it really is unfortunate. 

But guess what? Relax. Yes you've got a H-U-G-E responsibility to your friend or sister, but you're going to fill that role so perfectly!

Here's a few simple tips to keep your head straight and act as the perfect, top maid!:

• Get to know the other bridesmaids. This is really important. You're all sharing an important part in your friends' life and have a special role in her wedding. You're all different young women, with different ideas on how to help. As MOH, you have to get to know each one and get their minds thinking of ways to help--under your direction. You have to provide the parameters. If you say "let's all think of some ideas for a bridal shower," you could end up with all sorts of ideas and possibly hurt a lot of feelings. Instead, it's better to come up with the framework (that is, of course, what a MOH should do!) and say "I know "Emma" loves XYZs restaurant, maybe we can host a shower there. What do you think?"
• Get a binder. Seriously. If not, you should have good e-management. Contact names, addresses and phone numbers for the brides' mother, maids, the groom and the best man are essential. You've got to be your girl's "right hand (wo)man" and you've got be organized. I expect to see the week of the wedding to be highlighted & circled (at the very least the day of!)!
• Welcome the PhD in you. Get ready to be a consoler, a mediator, a decider and fashion consultant (I'm sure I'm missing more).  Remember to keep your cool.  This is an exhilerating and stressful event for the bride and she needs everyone to keep their cool around her. Even when it can seem impossible. ( Just think: One day it could be her turn. >;) jk.)

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Want to feature this article in your blog, e'zine or otherwise? You can, as long as you attach the following to the article:

Gabriela is the partner and certified wedding/special event consultant for No Limit Events LLC as well as the main writer for the company blog, No Limit Events LLC: Bloggin’ It. She enjoys sharing fun and unique wedding ideas, which include helpful wedding and party related posts, inspirational photos and advice for those planning special celebrations. Gabriela lives in New Jersey with her husband and business partner, Justin, and their 2 lovable cats. Planning a luxurious wedding or special party? Please visit her blog and website for specials and helpful advice.

How to Add That DIY Touch for Any Party!

The inspiration for today's dish came from ideas we discussed internally. We love getting those "lightbulb" moments. It's like you've struck gold sometimes! So, here's our quick-list of some DIY inspirations that can come in handy for all sorts of party occassions:

Combine textures.
This works especially well for invitations and table settings. Incorporate lace with the softness of silk. Take an invitation for a beach-themed wedding and lightly glue some sand or a small shell or two to add dimension and texture!
See some of the fab ideas we found below.

Love how these customized wedding invitations include three textures: soft (paper), textile (building cut outs) and dimensional (jewel at the top of the skyscraper on the left)!




Courtesy of LelaNewYork

"Arlene and Thomas were having a winter wonderland theme and what's better than using silvers, greys and whites with lush fabrics like velvet and suede to create winter wedding invitations. Lela New York added a little extra sparkle with a Swarovski crystal embelishment and silver ribbons."  -Maria Cerff

Courtesy of LelaNewYork


Think "out of the box."
Sometimes you can really save money, time and materials by thinking creatively for party favors.  Many companies offer bulk discounts or sell items that come in a package of 4, 6 or 12.  Consider purchasing items like these and remove them from the common packaging.  Add some ribbon and a thank you tag and consider it a personalized, DIY favor!  See below for some ideas/inspiration.



Offered through our friends at The Knot:
"These DIY favor kits are just the thing for your springtime wedding or bridal shower! The cheerful butterfly baskets present packets of wildflower seeds for your guests’ gardens. Eco-friendly wedding favors at their best, these adorable butterfly baskets add a colorful touch to your tables. Each set includes 12 baskets (four each of three pastel colors: lavender, pink, and green), a packet of grass filling, and 12 wildflower seed packets. Baskets measure 2 1/8” l x 7/8” each. Some assembly required."


Consider the yummy!
There's some of you out there who refuse to get all arts 'n craftsy or were born with the two left-hand syndrome.  Fear not! Consider baking some simple yet yummy treats as favors for your guests!  You can bake sugar cookies (from scratch add 2 bonus points) and decorate them with some frosting! Have a 'maid or your SO outline a white wedding gown on one cookie and a black bowtie on another.  Or how about a balloon for a birthday party, or red-hot lips for a bachelor/bachelorette party? Get a package of organza bags (small ones, make sure the cookies fit!), insert the cookies in each one and consider it done! 

Courtesy of Beau Coup
Remember, you don't necessarily have to use sugar cookies. They can be any cookie!  Or skip the hassle of pretending to be Van Gogh and purchase m&ms (personalized ones are always fun!) and insert them in a cute, small bag. Add a little thank you tag and you're all set!

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Want to feature this article in your blog, e'zine or otherwise? You can, as long as you attach the following to the article:

Gabriela is the partner and certified wedding/special event consultant for No Limit Events LLC as well as the main writer for the company blog, No Limit Events LLC: Bloggin’ It. She enjoys sharing fun and unique wedding ideas, which include helpful wedding and party related posts, inspirational photos and advice for those planning special celebrations. Gabriela lives in New Jersey with her husband and business partner, Justin, and their 2 lovable cats. Planning a luxurious wedding or special party? Please visit her blog and website for specials and helpful advice.

1,000 Cranes and a Whole Lotta Inspiration!

When my newest bride, Amanda, came to me asking me to incorporate 1,000 handmade origami cranes into her wedding, my wheels were spinning!  I've heard of the wedding tradition involving the cranes, but definitely thought it was worth digging further.  (We always love a challenge!)


According to Lisa Shea, "The ancient practice of a man and woman folding 1,000 cranes for their wedding is called sembazuru. The tradition itself is called Tsuru wa sennen. The time and energy put into the thousand hand-folded origami cranes symbolized the patience and trust necessary to sustain a happy marriage. A couple who could weather the long, time intensive folding process together, supporting each other, talking with each other for weeks while taking on a challenging task was proving their ability to maintain a long term, content relationship." 


Lisa also mentions how color is also important.  Some choose pastels for Spring, others choose warmer, deeper tones for Autumn.  Regardless of color choice, the end result is a visible sign of the couples testament to one another.  Making 1,000 origami cranes is no easy task for any bride planning a wedding!  But in Amanda's case, it's important, personal and absolutely necessary.


Here are some pictures of some inspirational shots we found:

Courtesy of theflirtyguide.com

Courtesy of Green Wedding Shoes

Courtesy of Green Wedding Shoes

What do you think of this tradition?  Have you incorporated this into your wedding?  What inspirational ideas do you have to share with this?   :)