Freezing at an Outdoor Winter Wonderland Wedding

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We’ve all misjudged or ignored winter weather to wear something sassy to a holiday party, and frozen our cute patooties off.  The less fortunate among us have stood at an outdoor wedding ceremony wishing a bad cold upon the head of Alfred Angelo or whoever designed the bridesmaids’ dress

Chances are, any bride whose maids are freezing is also trying to keep her own teeth from chattering.  And let me just tell you, that does not make for pretty pictures. If you’re dreaming of a strapless gown (and having your girls echo your style), here are three ways to combat the cold.

1)  Wrap it up!  Your bridesmaids will thank you if their gift is not jewelry but a lovely wrap to wear at your outdoor New Year’s Eve ceremony.  In Alaska. Your Maid-of-Honor can carry one for you, and wait for your “I’m cold” signal.

2)  Shrug it…on!  Many strapless gowns look lovely with a little shrug.  Look at your bridal shop or at an elegant boutique –

Photo courtesy of Emery & Company http://www.emerycophoto.com

chances are you’ll be able to find a look just cozy enough if you and the girls need that extra layer

3)  Go Solar-flo! That’s the rental biz name for the mushroomish heaters you see at events. Use them near your ceremony area to keep things toasty, and get them wrapped by the rental company so they aren’t quite so un-decorative.

So there are a few of our favorite things in terms of keeping girls in white dresses (and her sisters in blue satin sashes) warm. Julie Andrews can keep the snowflakes that sit on her nose and eyelashes, K?

Stay warm y’all.

-Dinah

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Minding our Ps, Our Qs, and Occasionally, Our Beeswax

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English: Detail of a New York Times Advertisem...
All the etiquette that's fit to print!

“Sunday Styles” is my favorite section of the New York Times. (No big mystery – that’s where all the wedding coverage is). It’s also home to the wise and fabulous Philip Galanes, writer of the ever-pithy “Social Qs” column, and now a Social Qs book. New material for the etiquette library!

I’ve used his columns as jumping off points before – like this chat about a sticky invitation situation, and so in honor of his new book, here’s a Social Q brides would be well advised to take!

R.S.V.P.? M.Y.O.B.

A friend asked why I don’t attend a weekly television-watching party at the home of a mutual acquaintance. I didn’t want to tell the truth: “I’m not invited.” I didn’t want to embarrass him or give the impression that I’m offended at being excluded. I’m not. How to reply?

Talya, Brooklyn

If your friend had thought about it for a millisecond, he might have realized there was a chance you hadn’t been asked. Note to the invited: Never assume that other folks were. You may hurt their feelings.

But that’s not the case here. So, be straightforward: “John didn’t invite me. But that’s O.K. I’m not much of a fan of ‘Toddlers (and Mascara and False Eyelashes) and Tiaras.’ ” If your pal feels a little red-faced, so be it. He may learn not to do it again.

Heed Philip’s call brides, maids, moms and friends.  With weddings turning into epic celebrations with pre-parties galore, if someone’s at the shower, it doesn’t mean she’ll be at the bachelorette, or the brunch after the wedding.  Hush up about who’ll be where lest you put your foot in your mouth.

Cheers to Philip on the new book, and here’s to all of us minding our Ps and Qs.

-Dinah


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Tossing the Bouquet Toss – All The Single Ladies Will Thank You.

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It’s an iconic image – the bride leaving the reception and tossing a bouquet into a cheering crowd of happy single gals.  In real life, when the DJ fires up the Beyoncé song and calls out all qualified bouquet catchers frequently, women of a certain age or mindset disappear into the woodwork.  Or the ladies room.  When I was on bridesmaid duty, I always found that was a perfect time to go sprinkle rose petals in the bridal suite.

An inspired bouquet. Let us inspire you!

So, how do you incorporate this tradition without setting your single friends’ teeth on edge? Here’s my favorite spin.  Instead of throwing your flowers at someone, which is a little hostile when you think about it, GIVE them away to a lady (or gentleman – we don’t judge) you love and wish to honor.  Grandma, Man of Honor,  childhood best friend,  you pick.

I’m betting there’s someone attending your wedding who’d be thrilled to pieces to be presented with a special posy.  And I can tell you from personal experience, there are girls who will be thrilled with the peace of not having their marital status paraded around the dance floor.

Love to all the Single Ladies!  And Love to that handsome fella who made me a Mrs!

-Dinah

Dinah, her GORGEOUS bouquet and her even MORE GORGEOUS husband.
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