Guest post on Perpetually Engaged

 

Behold BHLDN guest post

On September 27, I guest posted for Nikki at Perpetually Engaged! Check out my new fall picks from Anthropologie’s BHLDN. Thanks to Nikki for having me!

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Mission MOH speech: Complete!

On Saturday I finally gave my maid of honor speech at the A’s wedding! I was very nervous about the speech leading up to my moment. I went through several drafts and couldn’t have done it without the proof-reading help of my mom and brother (thank you!).

(that’s me!)

I started out with a story of how the bride and I met, continued on into how friendship has grown, then included thoughts about her now husband. I ended using the first few lines from the poem I Carry Your Heart by e.e. Cummings .

I had a bit of trouble with the microphone, but overall was very happy with how the speech turned out- I got lots of compliments after too!  I didn’t cry but was shaking some- as I predicted. These toast giving tips (here and here) really helped, and the only thing I would say is practice, practice, practice! I only did a few times and once in front of the mirror. If I do it again, practicing will be my mantra. Also- have fun! I had to remind myself why I was giving this speech and it helped me not to be so scared.

PS: It’s been a while(!) and now that the craziness of my summer weddings is nearly over- just one more to go on September 24th- I will be posting more regularly. I have lots to share with you!

More Wedding Speech Tips

I posted a bunch of tips earlier this summer for making a maid of honor wedding toast/speech. With my big MOH toast just 5 days away, the nerves are really setting in. The speech is written and I’ve practiced a few times, as practice makes perfect!, but I am now getting nervous for how I am going to be during the toast. Will I cry too much or shake too much?  I know a sip of champagne…or two, or three, or four…will help calm my nerves, but can I really make it through it!?

I found this How to Write a Wedding Toast post on A Practical Wedding, that really helped me write/format my speech.  They suggest splitting the toast into four parts:

Part 1: I love you both so much.
Part 2: A lovely anecdote about the couple’s relationship and how awesome they are. (This should be the bulk of your speech.)
Part 3: I hope you are always as happy, joyous, and in love as that moment. OR This proves how madly in love you two are. May you continue to be an inspiration to us all. Etc.
Part 4. (Actually make the toast.) Everyone drinks!

I am also heeding the advice to keep it short and sweet, not only for the listeners’ sake, but my own!

Wish me luck!

image via Etsy

More Varying Bridesmaid Dresses

Discussed here previously, what do you think of varying bridesmaids dresses in a wedding party? Check out the bridal parties in these two recent weddings: the first from Naomi at Rockstar Diaries, the second posted on Lovely Little Details.

I love the vintage feeling of both of these weddings, and the bridal parties connect due to the fact that they are carrying the same flowers.

Bachelorette Favor: Mixtape

For the future Mrs. A’s bachelorette, I wanted to give a favor to each of the girls who attended. I had seen a favor mix-tape for a wedding on the blog Silver Lining last year. I book-marked the page, knowing I wanted to do something like this for a bachelorette.

A few weeks before the bachelorette, I emailed all of the girls attending asking them to send me a song or two that reminded them of the bride in some way, with a note about the memory/song. I told them I was making a gift for the bride. I had made a list of a few I wanted to add in honor of her engagement, the bachelorette, and the wedding.  Most of the girls responded, and I was able to put together the playlist. I had my brother, who has helped me with all of my DIY paper products this wedding season, create the CD cover using the city-line image that was on the bachelorette invitation.

I listed the songs in chronological order and put a little note next to each one. I then tied a pink ribbon with a fake ring around each to give to the guests.

Real Bachelorette: future Mrs. A

Here are some photos I have been meaning to post of the bachelorette I organized for the future Mrs. A.

Ten of us girls went out in Boston for drinks & dancing. Starting with a pre-game with games and drinks at the Seaport Hotel, we then moved on to dinner at Papagayo, a new tequila cantina restaurant. Dancing and a now-infamous bachelorette dare card game ensued. The bride was a bit under the weather the next day, and while I felt bad, I couldn’t help but smile knowing we showed her a good time on her “last night” as a single lady. 😉

Sambuca for cheers-ing, in honor of a tradition in the bride’s family.

Panty line game- bride had to guess who brought which. It was A LOT of fun to see her try!

With the correctly guessed panty from me!

All ready to head out!

Dinner at Papagayo‘s Tequila Table.

Ladies out and about.

If you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it.

Bachelorette dare card game.

Getting serenaded….”how wonderful life is, now you’re in the world”.

Engagement Gifts

Even before the wedding, there’s the engagement!  These diamond ring measuring spoons and diamond paperweight are cute engagement gifts to give your best friend, sister, work friend, etc. Not only will she have the ring on her finger, but she can have one in the kitchen and at work.

Inspired by: Sunflowers

bridesmaid dress, flowers & watering can, Paper Source stamp, place setting, cupcakes, bridesmaids

Real Bridal Showers: The Future Mrs. A

This weekend’s showers in Maine for the future Mrs. A were such fun. As the maid of honor, I am throwing her a small Boston shower for her (our) friends down here in a couple of weeks. The bride has quite a large family, so each side hosted a shower this past weekend. Myself and another bridesmaid (also my roommate) went up to celebrate.

Saturday started with a English-themed shower, where fascinators were a must!

Sunday’s was a shower brunch complete with a fabulous bellini/champagne bar! Let me tell you, I tried the peach bellini and the pomegranate…twice 😉

 

Sunday’s shower had a cute idea for a “game”. The hosts put out a white apron and fabric markers, so each guest could write a short note to the bride-to-be. More useful and unique than a standard guest book, I love this idea!

My friend was in charge of making the bowquets– she did an amazing job!

Favor idea: DIY Candles

I love this eco-friendly, unique favor idea featured on Ruffled.  These DIY soy candles will add a personal touch to any bridal shower and can be a fun project for the bridesmaids or those hosting the shower.

You’ll need:

– Soy wax flakes
– Wick
– Containers: Ruffled suggests vintage teacups, recycled jars, old tumblers. I like the idea of mason jars.
– Pitcher with spout
– Fragrance oil: Ruffled recommends looking on Etsy.
– Popsicle sticks, chopsticks, or something to hold the wick
– Candle dye (optional)

See all the step by step directions here.

What do you think of DIY favors?