Welcome back to a little inside look into the LK Events team! This week we’re answering common questions about those special people in your lives and on your wedding day – your wedding party.
What are some creative ways to ask someone
to be in your wedding party?
Lauren:
In most cases, members of the bridal party live out of town – so sending a nice card in the mail with a small gift to say how excited you are to have them be a part of your day is perfect. Gifts may include a personalized piece of jewelry, personalized make up bag with essentials for the wedding weekend, a memory box with pictures and memories from the relationship you have had with that person and I always think, ANYTHING monogrammed can go a long way 🙂 If they live in the area – a dinner out to ask formally is always nice!
Jennifer:
One of my best friends sent us all a manila envelope full of paper dolls dressed in horrible bridesmaid dresses reassuring us that if we were to say yes we wouldn’t have to wear any of these dresses. It was a cute and fun way to ask us and was totally her personality.
Allison:
Pinterest has endless ideas of ways to ask your nearest and dearest to stand by your side that are so creative and unique! While I love seeing those DIY ideas, I am always drawn towards the simple, yet very personal, ways to ask your pals. One of my favorite ideas recently was seeing a bride write out heartfelt cards to her future bridesmaids along with a photo from their past that depicted one of the qualities that really lead her to want them to stand up next to her. While there are so many crafty ways to ask your loved ones, those personal touches always go such a long way!
Nicole:
As someone who loves all things paper, I love the adorable “Will You Be My…” notecards. Sending that with a little gift is about the sweetest thing.
What are some of the best gifts you have seen
from couples give to their attendants?
Jennifer:
Michael Kors Crossbody Bags with fun scarves to match each girls personality or custom Twiggy portraits for each girl. I really like custom sneakers for the guys.
Allison:
Oh, there are so many! I think a great gift is something that can be used again and again – some special jewelry that can be worn with more than a bridesmaid dress or a classic shaving kit for the groomsmen are always such great gifts! Or maybe treating your ladies and/or gents to a great experience – a night at the Aviary for the cocktail lovers or a spa day after the wedding to recap all the fun that was had.
Nicole:
For the ladies in your wedding party, I love the Plum Pretty Sugar robes. They look great in photos, they are so comfortable and they really are something the ladies will continue to use after the wedding day. For the gentlemen in your wedding party, I love a monogrammed leather shave bag or small travel bag. We know it’s something every guy needs and typically does not buy for himself.
Lauren:
Monogrammed Totes or Make-Up Bags – these are items you can use again and again. I still use my make-up bag from one of my best friend’s wedding which was 5 years ago. We all do! Jewelry is always nice – one less thing to worry about on the wedding day. Shoes or flip flops – ones that you can wear again and use for the wedding day. For the guys – monogrammed pocket squares, monogrammed socks or ties, cuff links or any article of clothing that they can wear on the wedding day and potentially wear again. I have seen all sorts of Groomsmen Gifts but one of the best was a Camping Chair. The Groom was a big camper and all his Groomsmen were (something they did together a lot) – I thought that was so unique and fun!
The Ideal Wedding Party. Is there a perfect size for a wedding party? What should couples consider when asking their friends and family to stand up?
Allison:
While I do not believe there is an “ideal” size for a wedding party, as every wedding is different and personal, I do think there are some things to consider when narrowing down the list of your best friends and confidants. With large wedding parties come additional costs, such as bouquets and boutonnieres which can really affect your floral budget. Also, our previous question of gifts! It can really add up when you have a larger party, just like thinking of hair and makeup, a larger suite for getting ready, and managing all of the expectations for those involved. When thinking of a smaller bridal party, the best thing to remember is how the responsibilities will fall on those few people you have included. Make sure to ask if they are comfortable taking on the job – you never want to lose friends in this happy time of your life!
Nicole:
If you are a numbers person, I personally think the ideal wedding party is 6-8 people. Of course, you want anyone that stands up with you to be a person that is important to you and someone that will be a support to you throughout your marriage. So depending on where you are at in your life and your relationships, you may want fewer than 6-8 people, more than that, and you may have more females or more males standing up with you. It’s really up to the couple!
Lauren:
Couples can do whatever they want! I never recommend a size – it’s all about who they want with them throughout the wedding events and who they want standing next to them as they marry one another. Remember that the larger the bridal party the more personal floral you will need so that can impact budget and of course impact what you are spending on gifts. Remember to consider the bridal parties’ budget when planning the attire – make sure the dresses and suits/tuxes are in a price point comfortable for everyone involved and keep in mind tailoring. We also see a lot more Groomsmen purchasing suits over renting as it ends up being the same cost and something you can wear again.
Jennifer:
Each couple picks the members of their wedding party for different reasons that are important to them therefore there is no perfect size for a wedding party and both sides don’t have to be the same. In my opinion it’s a very personal and important decision as these are the people they choose to have closest to them while they take their vows. I’ve even had a groom say he didn’t need anyone on his side as he was marrying his best friend…aaww!
Besides ditching the winter coat, what are you most excited
about with Spring and Summer approaching?
Nicole:
I think I am most excited to just be outside and feel the warmth of the sun. I cannot wait to walk outside without a jacket, to share a glass of bubbles or pint of beer on a sidewalk patio and to see gardens and trees in full bloom!
Lauren:
Sitting outside on a hot summer day with a glass of Rose and a Cheese Plate. Oh, and spending my last summer with my kiddo (before his siblings arrive) swimming and enjoying the sun because we all know this winter was TOO long!
Jennifer:
Telling Ollie we’re going to the “big park” & him leading me all the way there. I also cannot wait for outdoor patios with friends and cocktails.
Allison:
Oh, there are SO many things I am excited about! One of the most exciting parts of warmer temperatures is having access to outdoor dining. One of the things I love most about summer is being able to put together a delicious cheese and charcuterie board while sitting on my patio with friends and family enjoying the fresh air with a glass of bubbly. And above all else, it is Wedding Season in Chicago! I just love seeing all of the planning come to life!
