Watch. Weep. Repeat.

(click above)

... it's like a real life screening of sofia coppola's marie antoinette... sans tragic ending, plus adorable groom...

enjoy!

A long awaited return...

POOF!

Sincerest apologies for my absence recently... I was busy fluttering my way to NYC! Happy to be back on thefairybridesmaid and even happier to show you all my next post.

Realer than the Crown Jewels...

The Royal Family of Sweden has thrown us quite the bouquet for this new budding blog! Her Royal Highness, the sassy Crown Princess Victoria wed her long time boyfriend and former personal trainer, formerly Daniel Westling, now known as PRINCE Daniel, Duke of Vastergotland. We love every bit of this romance and Victoria and Daniel's resilient relationship, and you can love it, too! Just click HERE or HERE for the re-cap of their presh story. We have saved you the trouble of the endless google searches: Click HERE or HERE for the picture galleries that put the icing on the cake.



I'm eating the above pic with a silver spoon.



(Taken the night before the wedding)



LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.



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Perusing for the perfect gown, while fun and fantastic, can also be incredibly intimidating. Marianne did it right, and was kind enough to share the hushhush with us!
Marianne in her gorgeous gown...

*Bring someone with you, but not more than 1-2 well-wishers. Make sure they are not only dear to you (like a mother or sister or best friend) but also respect your style and preferences. (It also helps if you admire theirs!)



*Be clear and concise when speaking with the sales staff. Don't be afraid to tell them what you like, love, dislike, and detest. Their job is to help you, and to make you feel comfortable.



*Don't be afraid to quit early and look around another day if you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Trying on billowy dresses can be exhausting!



*Sip the champagne. Note: sip. While you may be a hot mess on your weekends out on the town, you probably want to stay relatively sober when dropping the benjamins on a beautiful gown.



The end result? Pure, sweet, shopping bliss.

Picture Above: Marianne in her gown by Brides by Demetrios, Platinum Collection.

CURTAIN CALL

...this gem of a dress deserves its own! For a plot twist, pop on pretty lavender peep-toe pumps or sandals with this purely decadent confection of layered tulle flowers. Top with a little sparkle, and you'll be the star of your very own Midsummer Night's Dream!

Great for an engagement party or the rehearsal dinner, this look says sassy and sweet, all at the same time.

Dress, H&M Garden Collection, $35

Shoes, Kate Spade, $340

Necklace, Forever 21, $15

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sarcasm

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

Elizabeth Bennett, with sarcasm, in Pride and Prejudice.

I mean...

I'm all for creativity, nostalgia, and originality, but this here might be taking it a bit too far...

A better plan? Have the baker paint orange aprons on the mini caketopper people!

RAINDROPS ON ROSES

GREEN

So fresh, so rich, green adds depth and texture to any ceremony. I especially love the deep forest greens paired with chartreuse, fig, and creamy white-- the mixture evokes the natural whimsy of forest fairytales. Another perk? Even the darkest greens still look appropriate in summer when paired with fresh whites and pretty pale pinks!

dress: vera wang

flowers: martha stewart weddings

*hush hush: evening wedding? darker golds pair beautifully with all shades of green, and add a special sheen to your affair! try dark gold bracelets for the gals for the ceremony... at the reception, use deep gold candles or lanterns on the tables*

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Miss Post would be proud...

Shower Basics:


Who hosts?

Quite a few factors should be considered when deciding this, and of course, the bride-to-be's situation should be your ultimate guide. In any situation, if you would like to host, you should make your offer to the bride to host, and politely act according to her wishes. Close family friends make fantastic hosts, and usually have few other responsibilities for the wedding, so they are able to dedicate time to the effort. If you are the Maid of Honor, you are most likely either a relative or a best friend. In either case, you should offer to host a shower for the bride as long as you have the financial means. As the Maid of Honor, it is your responsibility to ensure that someone has offered to host the shower. Bridesmaids too-- confirm with the Bride that someone has offered. If she says no, respond with "I would love to host one for you!" (If you feel that your income, schedule, or circumstances do not allow you to host, suggest to the other bridesmaids a joint-hosted shower.) Traditionally, immediate family does not host the shower, though in recent years, I have been to many lovely showers hosted by a sister of the bride.


When should I throw this shindig?

Typically, showers occur anywhere from a few weeks to a few months before the wedding. Work with the bride to find a date that works within her work and planning schedule. The bride may have other showers (such as office showers), so ensure that both the date and location are convenient for her.


Should I send invites?

Yes, and I struggle to think of a situation where the answer is no. Even when you know the guests very well, you should send REAL invitations. The only clear exception to this is for office showers: Hard-copy invites are still acceptable, but they are not required.


Should the shower have a theme?

Totally up to you and the bride. If you have a theme, make sure you discuss with the bride in advance to make sure she is comfortable with your idea. Themes showers can be a blast: keep your eyes peeled, as The Fairy Bridesmaid will share some soon!


So, I've never hosted a shower before. What's the drill?

This depends a great deal on how formal your shower will be, what time of day it is, and also, if there is a theme. However, drinks are usually served as guests arrive, followed by a meal (usually brunch or lunch), and then the opening of gifts. If you insist on playing embarrassing shower games, you may carry on either before or after the meal.


I've heard of a lot of co-ed showers recently. Thoughts?

Co-ed showers can be a blast! They prove a fantastic option in situations where more than one shower is being held for the bride. It also gives the bride a chance to introduce the groom to close friends and family that have not yet met him (and vice-versa). As with girly showers, only very close friends should be included on the guest list. I recommend a daytime barbecue or an evening fiesta for the co-ed crowds. I shouldn't have to say this, but make sure the bride wants a co-ed shower before inviting the groom's entire rugby team over for margaritas!



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Les Couleurs

Roses are red, sometimes pink too, classic and sweet, fragrant to boot!

*hush hush: Remember, every flower has a very specific scent, some stronger than others. Don't forget to discuss with your florist! What if your mother in law simply detests the smell of lillies? Wait 'til after you're wed to peeve her...*

Fragrant Flowers:

Roses (obvi!)

Peonies

Lillies

Lilacs

Sweet Peas

Orchids

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The Icing on the Cake...

Necklaces add pop, poise, and pretty to the wedding party:

park avenue pearl ball charm necklace, kate spade, $325.

*hush hush: for especially presh ladies in waiting, pair this necklace with matte gold pumps*

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SOMETHING BLUE

No one ever said you had to see the something blue...

For the blushing (quite literally) bride or the slutty bridesmaid (no judgement), nothing says "I'm too sexy" like Agent Provocateur. This gorgeous garter runs at $60, so make sure you have a back-up if you are planning to have your hubby toss one to the dogs... I mean, gentlemen...

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Realer than homemade buttercream frosting...

From this real wedding...

Keeping within their fresh, preppy, and youthful vibe, Lauren and Justin opted for cupcakes instead of a traditional cake for their August nuptials. Love the added whimsy of the big one on top!

Cupcakes, besides being adorable, also please the guests without breaking the bank. The idea has grown in popularity, and no wonder! The perks are endless:


*Choose as many flavors as your little heart desires... coconut cream, please!
*The yummy bundles of sugar make fantastic favors: Ask the baker to provide individual boxes, or wrap them ahead of time and tie them with a grosgrain or satin ribbon!
*So personalized! Not only can you choose your favorite bakery to provide them, but if you are feeling particularly preppy, have them "monogrammed" with the initials of you and your soon-to-be!

POOF!

RAINDROPS ON ROSES

Loving the grey and pink pairings popping up! The Seraphina dress is a cool breeze on a warm summer's day! (Merci, J. Crew) For the lady in love who doesn't mind dressing her fave gals in a pale color, the chiffon makes for quite the ethereal look.

Pair it with pearls and light roses for a classic look, or for a refreshing pop, wrap anemones in a bold black ribbon (Merci, Martha) and send your beautiful besties floating down the aisle before you.

POOF!

POOF!

thefairybridesmaid has arrived...