Wedding

Wedding

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Groom's Tuxedo Tips

A groom's tuxedo doesn't have to make you look like a penguin anymore. With new designers, new cuts, and new looks, guys can look both classy and unique on their wedding day. Here's some hints and tips for looking great on the greatest day of your life.

MAKE SURE IT FITS.

Do you really want to remember your wedding day as the one where you split your pants doing the Electric Slide? We didn't think so. To avoid this embarrassing scenario, make sure you try on everything a week before the wedding, to see if it still fits. That way, in case you're sporting a new pair of highwaters or you feel like you're wearing a straitjacket, there's plenty of time for last-minute alterations.

Another part of ensuring a good fit is getting it right the first time. Make sure you get measured for your waist size, inseam (the length between the crotch of your pants and the bottom of the leg), and jacket size. Make sure that you are measured around the upper arms and thighs as well, especially if you are a beefy or muscular guy.

More fit facts:

Your tuxedo jacket should fit well and give you a full range of motion, both buttoned and unbuttoned. Remember that you will be dancing, hugging, and shaking hands. Make sure you are not constricted.
You should be able to fit one finger between the collar of your shirt and your neck, but no more than that. The shirt cuffs should not ride up when you stretch your arms. If you are wearing a button-cuff shirt, the cuffs should break exactly at the wrist; if it's a French-cuff shirt, the cuffs should break about 1/2 inch further.

Your vest should button comfortably and hit just below the waistband of your pants. If you are wearing a vest to a summer wedding, make sure it has a full back, so that you are still looking good when the jackets inevitably come off. 

Pants should break over the instep, about 1/3 of the way down the shoe.


DRESS RIGHT FOR YOUR BODY TYPE.
You want to look dashing and debonair in your duds, not like a kid getting swallowed up in his dad's sportcoat. If you're a shorter guy, stick to single-breasted jackets – double-breasted jackets will give you that drowning-in-fabric look and make you appear smaller. If you're bigger around the middle, wear a lower-buttoning jacket rather than one with a higher placket. It will give you the long silhouette you're looking for.

STAY COMFORTABLE.

While this is a formal occasion, you need not spend your honeymoon nursing the blisters from your shoes, or spend a July wedding sweltering under heavy wool. Make sure you can walk around in your shoes, and pick a fabric for your wedding suit that matches the season and the climate. If you're a guy who sweats easily, consider getting a second shirt to change into halfway through the day. That way, you'll stay looking crisp and cool.

KEEP IT TASTEFUL.

Today's formally dressed man shies away from the frills in favor of a more tailored, classic look. You're going for Cary Grant in An Affair to Remember, not Tom Hanks in Big. With that said, you have plenty of opportunities to express yourself in your choice of tuxedo. Depending on the level of formality and time of day of your wedding, you have a wide range of options. If you're having a formal daytime wedding, you may want to forego the standard tux for a dapper morning suit, with a cutaway jacket, gray pinstripe trousers, and an ascot. Or, if you're getting married in the summer, you could opt for a white dinner jacket instead of a standard black jacket. Let your formalwear dealer know what season and time of day you'll be getting married, and they'll likely offer you more choices than you even knew you had.


The Groom's Attire: 
Accessories, Ties, Vests, Cummerbunds and Cuff Links

It's not enough to just have a dapper suit on your wedding day; accessories turn a nice tuxedo into a great ensemble. Here are some ways you can really own your wedding day outfit: 

Neckwear. You've got a few different choices here. While, in general, you should tend to the conservative side in your choice of color and pattern, you can really juice up a nice tuxedo with a classy tie, be it a long tie or a bow tie. Try a silver silk tie with a black tux, or a subtle stripe or weave. Long neckties tend to be slightly less formal with a tux than bow ties. Also, white ties are ultra-formal, black ties formal, and colored ties can suit a range of occasions. 

Vests. Also known as waistcoats, these are a good way to personalize your tuxedo. Again, white vests are the most formal. You may also want to choose a color or pattern in the vest that complements what your wedding party is wearing. You'll find that a backless vest is typical in a rental tuxedo, but that a full-backed vest is more stylish.

Cummerbunds. A cummerbund is a large band of pleated fabric worn around the waist in lieu of a vest. Again, you can go for the complementing effect here, or stay with classic black. Two things to remember: the ruffles point up, and while you're wearing one, your jacket should stay on. A cummerbund with no jacket looks unkempt and uncool. 

Cuff links. These tiny flourishes can make a big statement, and you should absolutely have them as part of your accessories. You can go with a classic silver square, or again take an opportunity to express yourself. Football fan? Wear cuff-links with your favorite player's number. Devoted to cars? Try ones featuring your favorite ride. Many jewelers will custom design cuff-links to your personal tastes, or you can look around for ones that suit your style. Ebay can be a great resource for unusual cuff-links. 

Stud set.These four little pieces of jewelry are used instead of buttons on a formal shirt. If you're renting your tuxedo, they should provide you with a set to wear. Since these are typically not high-quality, many men own their own studs. Often a stud set will include cuff links. If you're going for a creative touch with the cuff links, find studs that will complement but not match. 

Shoes. Above all, don't forget to get some great shoes! If you're wearing a tuxedo, you'll need a simple yet elegant patent leather shoe. Most guy's renting a tuxedo rent shoes as well, but don't worry; rental tuxedo shoes have gotten far more comfortable and attractive over the years. For guys wearing a nice suit, don't be afraid to wear shoes you already own, as long as they match and are in good shape. Put in the time and effort to shine them to a rich polish, or get a professional shine to have them looking their best.

Whether you are a jeans-and-T-shirts man, or wouldn't be caught dead leaving the house in sweats, your wedding day is a time where you get to show the best side of yourself. Make sure you look and feel your best, and your wedding day will be one you'll always remember. Blumz by JRDesigns has a full service tuxedo rental stores inside their floral shops, stop by, get measured and we will make your you look good!

Blumz by JRDesigns

A Few Great Ideas to Make Your Wedding Day Unique

Some couple's take the traditional route when they are planning their weddings and some couples try to shake things up. Here a few unique ideas for the couple who wants to try to do something different on their big day! 

1- Serve pre-ceremony cocktails-  Invite your guest to have cocktails before the fun starts, it's a great way to get everyone to show up on time and ready to party.  This is especially easy to do when your ceremony and your reception are in the same space.  Just come up with a special cocktail that represents you as a couple and have them passed out before the wedding even starts.  Everyone has a lot more fun when they have loosened up a bit, so why wait till the reception?

2- Create a D.I.Y flower station- We recently saw this idea presented on The Knot and it blew our minds.  Couples have been setting up flower stations at their wedding receptions where guests can stop and create their own corsage or boutonniere to wear for the evening.  It's easy to do, just order flowers and pick up some ribbon and pins, and creativity will do the rest!   Everyone will enjoy making their own body flowers and it will make your wedding an extra special night to remember.

3- Have pizza delivered at the end of the night-  Traditionally, the meal is served right at the beginning of the reception. But, sometimes guests end up drinking and dancing so much that they are hungry again before the party is even over. Instead of making them leave to get their late night fix, have some pizza delivered a half hour before the end of the night.  They will appreciate the end of the night snack and leave with a full belly!

4- Change your dress after the ceremony- Most women dream about wearing their wedding dresses but don't realize how confining they will be. After a few hours the corseting and layers can get heavy and are usually hard to dance in.  Think about changing into a more party friendly dress after the ceremony to give yourself some room to move around and have fun. Plus, what lady doesn't want two dresses? We say, why not three!

5- Buy wedding favors that will make for memorable pictures-  You would be surprised how much fun a group of adults can have with a few props.  Think funny glasses, a mask, or funny hats. Your guests will love taking pictures with  gag gifts and posting them online. A few selfies with grandma wearing a sticky mustache, yes please!

6- Choose a Hashtag for guests to use so that you can look up all the pictures that they took after the wedding- A hastag is a searchable link on social media.  You can come up with your own hashtag for the night and post it around the wedding. Ask guests to tag their photos when they post them, then you can look up the photos after the party and see all the things that you missed.  This is a great way to get your hands on all the photos from the wedding without bothering people or waiting for the photographers shots!


There is no right or wrong way to plan your wedding. A good wedding planner will work with you and make sure that your ceremony is special.  Just make sure that your wedding is true to you as a couple and most of all, that it is a fun night that you can remember for years to come!


~Blumz by JRDesigns
Blumz.com
Ourprettywedding.com

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

The Wedding Checklist



Your Wedding Checklist: 10 to 12 months before your wedding


____Tell your parents, important family members, and close friends the good news!

____You might also want to announce your engagement in the newspaper, on a wedding website with an email sent out to all your friends, or in the most traditional way, with mailed engagement announcements.

____Have an engagement party, if you'd like.

____Envision the tone of your wedding: Formal or casual? Day or evening? Religious or secular?

____Consider having a wedding theme, which will help pull together the style, look, and feel of your wedding.

____Choose your wedding colors, which will add visual unity.

____Set your budget.

____Decide who will pay for the wedding. Will your parents cover it all? Can you contribute? How will expenses be split?

____Start your guest list.

____Select date and time. Have backup dates in mind, in case a key element is unavailable.

____Select and reserve your ceremony and reception sites.

____Hire a wedding consultant, if you're using one.

____Choose and book your wedding officiant.

____Choose bridesmaids, groomsmen and ushers.

____Meet with florists, caterers, and musicians.

____Arrange for a tasting with your caterer.


Your Wedding Checklist: 8 to 10 months before your wedding


____Shop for and order your wedding dress and accessories, including veil, gloves and shoes.

____Sign a contract with your wedding caterer.

____Book wedding florist and choose arrangements.

____Book your musicians and/or DJ for both ceremony and reception.

____Select and confirm your wedding photographer (and your videographer, if you're using one.)

____Look into wedding insurance and decide if it's a good option for you.

____Plan your honeymoon.

____Shop for and order your bridesmaid dresses.

____If you're making your own wedding favors, start doing so now.

____Meet with wedding cake designers or bakers and arrange for a tasting (Yum!)


Your Wedding Checklist: Four to six months before your wedding


____Send save-the-date announcements or call out of town guests to let them know the final date, time, and location of the wedding.

____If you're purchasing wedding favors, do so now.

____Start planning your rehearsal dinner. Give the host(s) your guest list.

____Examine your beauty regimen. Read Five months to perfect wedding day beauty.

____If your caterer isn't doing it for you, reserve any rental equipment you'll need, including dishes, tables, chairs, linens, tents.

____Register for gifts.

____Select your wedding cake designer, and order your wedding cake.

____Arrange wedding transportation.

____Order stationery.

____Select a calligrapher, if you're using one.

____Select the groom's tuxedo or other attire, what the groomsmen will wear, and arrange to purchase or rent.

____Purchase your wedding rings.

____Book wedding night accommodations and accommodations for out-of-town guests.

____Buy gifts for your wedding party, parents, and each other.

____If you're changing into "going away outfits" before you leave the reception, purchase those now.


Your Wedding Checklist: 2 to 3 months before your wedding

____Give a list of "Must Take" photographs to your wedding photographer.

____Discuss your wedding menu with your caterer.

____Meet with your officiant to discuss the wedding ceremony.

____Write your wedding vows.

____Attend any bridal showers.

____Mail your wedding invitations.

____Think about your wedding hair and makeup - If you're doing your own, try out hairstyles, purchase any extra makeup, think about having a "makeover party" with your girlfriends.

____Book your hairstylist and/or makeup artist, if you're using them. Meet with each of them to experiment with styles and colors.

____Schedule your wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

____If your state requires it for a marriage license, make blood test appointments.

____If you're going to change your name, complete those documents.

____Send wedding announcements to local newspapers.


Your Wedding Checklist: The month of your wedding


It's finally here! There's just a few more things to do to make sure everything's perfect.

____Apply for your marriage license.

____Have your final gown fitting. It's helpful to have a bridesmaid with you to learn how to bustle your train and fasten any tricky buttons (and help you go to the bathroom, if you've got a big wedding dress!)

____Check with your bridesmaids and groomsmen to make sure they've gotten their attire, confirm arrival times, and answer any last minute questions.

____Contact your vendors (caterer, officiant, cake baker, photographer, videographer, florist, musicians, transportation, hotels) to confirm arrival and delivery times.

____Write and print your wedding program.

____Create welcome baskets or bags for out-of-town guests.

____Send change-of-address information to post office.

____Write thank you cards as you receive wedding gifts

____Ask your mother or maid of honor to contact any guests who have not RSVP'd.


Your Wedding Checklist: One to Two Weeks Ahead


____Arrange seating plan, and write place cards.

____Give your final head count to your caterer, and confirm any last minute details.

____Write toasts for the rehearsal dinner and reception.

____Try on your wedding shoes, and wear them on carpeted surfaces around the house.

____Arrange for a plant waterer/pet sitter/babysitter while you are on your honeymoon.

____Pick up your wedding dress.

____Attend your bachelor party or bachelorette party, if you're having them.

____Send your travel plans and contact information to a family member and your house sitter (in case of emergency).

____Finalize seating chart.


Your Wedding Checklist: The Day Before Your Wedding

____Do something to relax and enjoy the company of your out-of-town friends.

____Assign responsibilities to your wedding party (handing out corsages and boutonnieres, greeting and seating guests, checking on vendors).

____Confirm wedding day transportation.

____Have a manicure and pedicure or other pre-wedding spa pampering.

____Give your wedding party gifts.

____Rehearse ceremony.

____Hold the rehearsal dinner .


Your Wedding Checklist: Day of the Wedding


____Give thank you gifts to your parents.

____Enjoy your wedding!


Blumz by JRDesigns
Ourprettywedding.com

Monday, May 11, 2015

Planning a Wedding: Frequently Asked Questions

Here at Blumz, we love questions; they help us understand your needs and concerns and allow us the opportunity to explain our products, services and policies. Many times, we have not had the pleasure of meeting you and getting to know you prior to our first consultation. It’s through these questions that you will feel comfortable with us and confident in our commitment to excellence.

Below are listed some questions most frequently asked by brides. We hope this will answer some of your questions, too. Additional questions may be directed to us at blumz@blumz.com or call us at 248-398-5130 or 313-964-5777. We will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns with you.


When should the flowers be ordered?
Four to six months before your wedding and after you have chosen your bridesmaids' dresses is usually the best rule of thumb. The color of the bridesmaid dresses typically influences the overall color scheme of the wedding. If your wedding date falls on or near a major floral holiday such as Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, then you should probably order sooner as this will allow us ample time to staff sufficiently for both the holiday and your event.

I don’t really know a lot about flowers… does that matter?
None what so ever! If you already knew everything about flowers, you probably wouldn’t need us. Surf our web site to get familiar with things that we have done for others. Then make an appointment to meet with one of our wedding consultants. During the consultation, we will discuss flower availability, floral challenges, solutions and expectations, and design. We want you to feel confident and comfortable with all your decisions, and we want to help you make your special day beautiful and memorable. It is a good thing to remember that certain types of flowers may or may not be available due to season, weather, and other factors. These will be discussed during the consultation so that you will have a clearer understanding as well as allow you a better opportunity to make the right decisions.

Can Blumz… by JRDesigns also help us with other decorative rental items?
Absolutely, our wedding consultants can show you all the wonderful options. Blumz  has many items such as trellises, arches, candelabras, pedestals, rises, cake plateaus, gift/money holders, plants, chair covers and sashes, runners, lighting and much, much more. Give us the opportunity to show you all the possibilities.

Are all flowers available year round?
While many flowers are available throughout the year, there are those that bloom during specific
seasons. Peonies, heather, tulips and lily of the valley are seasonal in availability and while they may be available out of season from other countries, prices may be prohibitive. Other flowers, such as roses, fujis, gerbera daisies, and alstroemeria are readily available yearlong. Our wedding consultants are knowledgeable concerning which flowers are most readily available during specific times of the year.

How do I know which florist to select as my wedding florist?
Treat the consultation as a job interview where you are the one looking to feel a position. Listen to all the answers of the consultant. Ask for referrals and surf the internet for references to the business. The best rule of thumb is to find a professional that you feel comfortable with. One that you feel understands your “vision” and desires and listens to your needs. A florist that brings much experience and knowledge to the table and is willing to work with you as it apply to your budget, design style and personal tastes. When you find that florist, then you will feel more confident and willing to trust them with your most special event.

Can I see a sample of my arrangements?
Yes, we do samples however, depending upon the complexity of the design and the flowers selected there may be an additional fee. Simply ask, and we can make a recommendation.

When will the flowers be delivered?
Blumz delivery personnel will deliver wedding flowers when and where needed. We can deliver to your home, church and reception. Bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres can be delivered to the ceremony site along with the service decorations. Typically, he flowers arrive at least one – two hours prior to the ceremony, depending upon the desires of the bride. Do you need the bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres delivered to an off-site for preliminary photographs? No problem, we can do that, too. Flowers for the reception will be delivered to the hall or club as necessary depending upon hall restrictions and necessary set up time required.

What are your guarantees for flower availability, freshness and substitutions?
During the consultation process, our wedding consultants will inform you of the flower choices that will be available to you at the time of your wedding. They will also direct you as to possible substitutions when those flowers desired are not readily available. The consultant will also inform you as to the limitations certain flowers have as it applies to durability, longevity and suitability for the designs you have selected and the time requirements. When your arrangements are prepared, our design professionals use only the freshest, best quality flowers available to us. If a substitution becomes necessary for any reason, we will select flowers of equal or greater value and in the case of specifically requested flowers, we will communicate with the bride. We have many varieties of flowers at all times from which to choose a substitute. You will always get a flower that is comparable to your original selection and complementary to your arrangement.

How do the flowers stay fresh? Will they last all day?
We are frequently asked these questions. Based on the types of arrangements you choose, we advise you how to care for your particular selections as well as give you general flower care information. For example, a hand tied bouquet should rest in a water source, like a glass or a vase, when you are not carrying it. When you receive your flowers, it is best to handle them as little as possible before the ceremony. Flowers are delicate and naturally sensitive to bruises and temperature extremes. It is best to not expose your flowers to extreme temperatures. At 40 degrees or less, flowers can become damaged and discolored when they are returned to a warmer temperature. The opposite extreme can be just as damaging. Scheduling a ceremony and or photographs early in the day may require a second bouquet for the reception, as certain flowers will simply not hold up due to their delicate nature. Wearing coats over corsages or boutonnieres will crush them. It is best to transport your flowers in the container in which they are delivered. A little care and common sense will insure that your wedding flowers stay as beautiful all day as possible.

How do I make an appointment to meet with a Blumz Weddding Representative?
Easy. Simply e-mail us at blumz@blumz.com , go to our wedding consultation request form, fill it out and send it in, or call us at 248-398-5130 or 313-964-5777. We will schedule a time, date and location that is convenient for you. The average appointment takes about 1-1/2 hours. There is no fee for the consultation.


Blumz by JRDesigns