The 4th of July Non-Weekend. Bad for Brides? Good for Guests? You decide.

Ah the calendar.  Tomorrow, the 4th of July falls on a WEDNESDAY for the first time in many years.  For those with office jobs whose vacation days are comparable to certain rare truffles in the food world, this is a big deal. There are calculations by which you can take only a few days off, and yet stretch your vacation and/or wedding weekend to five days, all with the aid of a well placed Monday or Friday out of the office.  Thanksgiving is the ultimate centerpiece to the art of stretching PTO: you can take a full seven days and only “spend” three.

But this year (darned Gregorians) Fourth of July isn’t participating.  And some are breathing a sigh of relief.  Hint: it’s not the brides.  People who might have attended weddings this holiday, are attending barbeques.  And parades.  And celebrating Independence Day well, independently.  There are many people who don’t want to have their summer plans set for them by receiving a “save the date” in February and being expected to clear their calendars.

As a bride, it’s hard to see outside the bubble where your wedding is the Most Important Thing In The World, but sometimes people have fun things scheduled at the same time or want to have that option.  And that’s OK. (Well your sister really ought to keep her schedule open, but let the rest of your list plan their own vacations, and lead their own lives. It’s not anybody’s fault, and there shouldn’t be any lasting drama or upset about who had something else going on that day ).

All thoughts running through my head on a summer’s day… enjoy your barbeques tomorrow.  And the weddings that are happening this weekend!  Remember, you can always have sparklers no matter what time of year it is*  And no matter who comes, or what the season, your wedding will light up with joy and memories for everyone.

Live well, and love well.

Dinah

 

* please check the fire regulations in your area and at your venue!

What Makes A Bride Feel Like A Bride? Her Bouquet.

All brides’ bouquets are very important to the way they feel on their wedding day, but none so much as the women we meet who are here in Palm Springs to elope or have tiny family weddings.  The bouquet is central in making that bride feel no less important than Kate Middleton taking her vows in front of the entire world.  This inspiration board we’re sharing is from an elopement at The Lucy House here in Palm Springs. The bride, in an adorable cocktail style dress, was definitely in love with her bouquet. Oh yeah – and the groom too.  Enjoy.  Photography by Debi Parker.

 

Wedding Centerpiece Peace Of Mind

One day, a bride arrived at My Little Flower Shop in complete panic mode. People were asking about her wedding centerpieces, and everyone was horrified to learn that (gasp!) she had no earthly idea.

Her mother had obviously watched too many Katherine Heigel movies about girls longing for the big day, and having detailed plans worked out in their heads. The rest of the craziness making this poor girl feel underprepared must have been a combination of pressure from the bridal magazines, wedding shows, and probably well-meaning friends and family just wanting to feel like they are a part of things.

Centerpieces on a tablescape from a wedding at the Viceroy, Palm Springs

But here’s the point: if you don’t know what you want…that’s ok. You’ll still have a beautiful wedding. As you settle in to the role of “bride-to-be” you’ll find inspiration all over the place. Hotel lobbies, elegant department stores, anywhere you like the “feel” of, get that phone out and snap a few photos. Soon enough you’ll have an idea of what you love, and what you hate.

So resist the idea that you must know, right away exactly what everything will look like. Let it go, and embrace some Wedding centerpiece Peace of Mind

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