The Nina, The Pinta, And…That Other One Nina didn’t ask to be a bridesmaid.

There were three boats Columbus sailed – and they roll off the tongue as a group.  “The Nina, The Pinta, The Santa Maria.” We all know (or are part of) groups of girlfriends who are the same way.

So what happens when the trio is not kept whole in a wedding party? Everybody is wearing purple taffeta to the wedding except one gal, bless her heart.  And she likely feels left out.

bridesmaids Palm Springs wedding florist
Bridesmaids – all in a row. Photo by Jennifer Yount

A lot of etiquette books will say be sensitive blah blah blah and give the non bridesmaid friend a job handing out wedding bubbles.  So maybe the being sensitive part isn’t blah blah blah.  But it is more specific to your friend – you have to treat these situations individually.  Don’t just say “you’re really important to me” and shove a stack of programs in her hands.  The best solution of all? Call us biased, but flowers speak volumes.  Special friends not wearing “special” (and oh boy are some of them special) dresses are often thrilled to pieces to be honored with a corsage.  Nothing says you’re in the in-crowd at a wedding like official flowers.

So, Nina, get the Santa Maria a wristlet.  And keep sailing happily along.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Working For The Weekend…On Something Other than your Wedding

Everybody’s working for the weekend. Really? Everybody? Brides tend to focus on their weddings all week – and definitely on the weekends.  It’s prime time for visiting locations, trying on dresses and tasting cakes. But every so often, over the year or so of planning, it’s important to have a wedding-free weekend.  Why? The rewards are many.  These types of breaks…

Non wedding-related goofing around. Good for the relationshp!
– Keep your feet on the ground – the world does not revolve around your wedding, and not being Princess Focus-Puller for a few days keeps up your bridezilla antibodies.
– Keep your relationship intact.  Remember that guy who gave you the shiny ring? He wants his girlfriend back. Your fiancee self is wrapped up in layers of tulle and fondant. Remind him you are who you are (no Ke$ha karaoke please).
– Keep on keeping on. You’ve got miles to go between now and “I do.” In order to stay sane and focused you have to give yourself a break.
There you have it – 3 ways taking a break from wedding planning does right by you.  Now get out there – you worked for this weekend. Make the most of it.

I’m not a Revolutionary War era bride, but I played one at a re-enactment.

funny wedding photos - Their Love Was Revolutionary
see more Wedinator

Talk about a theme wedding…phew!  This apparently was a couple who met at Revolutionary War reenactment events.  They had their regular wedding, and then they, um, reenacted it at the reenactment.

So the question is, where is the line between, “oh I loved the touches that made things feel French” and “I am forever scarred: The Sound of Music played and she worked the whole nun-to-bride arc into her walk down the aisle, expecting us to yodel.”

The answer is: Less Is More. if at any point you say to yourself or your little sister “is this too much?” then it probably is.

In a wonderful charming movie we love, L.A. Story, MariLu Henner’s character, a corporate gift specialist, offers this style tip if you feel something’s hinky with an outfit.  Stand with your back to the mirror, and turn around quickly. The first accessory or item that catches your eye is the one you should take off.  Nine times out of ten, you’ll mutter “I knew that,” and take it off.

The point of the story is, you already know what’s right for your celebration.  You already know what’s too much , like the re-enactors, who cleverly had their modern era wedding for the friends who would be forever scarred by all the tri-cornered hats, and then reenacted with their reenactment buddies.  What a wonderful thing: planning sensitive to all involved, and that met the desires of the bride and groom.  Why it’s practically… revolutionary.