The Youngest Wedding Party Attendant

Your wedding party- the people you want standing next to you on your very special day. From bridesmaids to groomsmen, but last but certainly not least, your flower girl. The flower girl, a long lasting tradition that was started centuries ago and has remained a part of today’s weddings. Although the traditions of flower girl’s have changed drastically over the last couple of centuries, some of the symbolism has remained true.

In Ancient Rome, flower girls carried bundles of wheat that symbolized fertility and prosperity for the bride, the flower girl’s accessories then transitioned to garlic in order to ward off evil spirits from entering the newlywed’s lives. Then eventually, the flower girl baskets full of petals became the norm. Over the years, the basket full of petals has morphed into kissing balls, unique signs, flower garlands, bouquets, and in some cases, even given flower girls a new responsibility of walking the couple’s furry friend down the aisle.

With all the changes to the flower girl’s accessories, one thing has remained the same. This one thing is the close connection and symbolism of the child’s relationship with the soon to be newlyweds. Often times, it is a way to incorporate even the smallest of family members or close family friends into your special day.  

Photography by Rick Dean Photography LLC

 

Boutonnieres on the Brain

Alright guys, this ones for you. Now you can probably remember the last time you wore a boutonniere- it may have been a friend’s wedding, graduation ceremony, but most likely it was your high school prom. Well it is out with the old, and in with the new for your big day! So long are the days of stuffy flower boutonnieres strategically pinned to your jacket lapel, and hello to the days of unique, personality fitting jacket accessorizing.  Now some of you may be asking yourself, “how can such a small detail capture so much personality?” Well, I’m going to tell you how some grooms have made their boutonnieres just right!

Whether it be a beach themed wedding or a good ole’ southern wedding, there are plenty of fitting boutonnieres for you and your wedding party. Don’t be scared to step out of the box and create your own ideas, it’s your day - do what works for you. Recently, we have started to see grooms getting away from the traditional floral boutonnieres and opting for a more natural look. Some of our favorites include seashells for the beach wedding, a small bundle of wheat for the country chic affair, and succulents for the outdoor garden nuptials. Remember, creativity is key. Think of your favorite activities or hobbies you enjoy. Do you and your buddies get together and play poker every Tuesday night or head out to the farm on the weekends to shoot some sporting clays? If so, don’t be afraid to gain some inspiration from these activities. See if your florist or planner can make a boutonniere out of your lucky poker chips or incorporate your favorite shotgun shells. These small details will add a little extra meaning to your wedding day, and will have you looking superb! 

Charleston Wedding Photography 

Photography by Rick Dean Photography LLC

Five Ways Brides Can Upset Bridesmaids

Well it’s your wedding, and the photos and videos are going to depict exactly what you’re envisioning, as they should; its your special day. Finding the love of your life is such an amazing experience, that it’s celebration should show how you feel inside, and you have every right to call the shots. For this day, your choices are priority and everyone wants you to be happy, and you spend the day with your soul mate. 

 

For the most part, brides take this knowledge and make their special day awesome, but they’re still respectful to everyone’s feelings and thoughts. But we’ve all seen the shows about the brides who go way too far, and request some unreasonable things. 

For fun, or for what NOT to do, there’s a list below of some things the wedding party may not be fond of. If you’re really adamant about your request, try talking to that person in an understanding way, because, hey, maybe they’re cool with it. It’s important to respect the answer, even if it’s the one you don’t want to hear. 

#1 On an episode of Bridezillas, one bride expected her sister to dye her hair, as she wanted blonde bridesmaids. Her sister refused, and was removed from the wedding.

 

#2 Having one style of dress is a thing of past. Your bridesmaids likely aren’t the same shape, so a strapless gown might not be ideal for everyone. Making sure the bridesmaids feel confident and happy is a big part in having a wonderful night.

#3 Asking the wedding party to do a quick and simple dance is fun. Forcing the wedding party to do break it down MJ style in front of 200 people, well that’s a different story. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT6InvLJUzA

#4 If someone in the wedding party can’t or won’t sing, leave it at that. 

#5 It’s one thing if bridesmaids don’t like their dress… tough you know what; it’s your wedding. It’s another thing if the bride purposely chooses a hideous dress, in an attempt to downplay the beauty of her bridesmaids. TheKnot.com recently addressed this:

“The quickest way to perturb your best friends? Invite them to be in your bridal party, then turn them into fashion victims. Don't dress your friends in something hideous so you'll look better in comparison, and try not to choose bridesmaid dresses that make your maids look heavy or sexless.” Read more: Bridesmaid Dresses: 12 Tips for Choosing the Right Look - Bridal Fashion