5 Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping With The Bride
5 Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping with the Bride

Let’s go, ladies! Tamra of The Real Housewives of Orange County, led the group as she went wedding dress shopping with her mother and maids of honor

For most brides, wedding dress shopping is one of the most important and most emotional decisions a bride can make. For this reason, a bride typically selects those closest to her to accompany her while shopping. However, Brides.com warns, “you don’t want too many cooks in the kitchen—the more opinions in the room, the more opinions you’ll get.” Here are 5 tips to keep in mind as an invitee of the bride-to-be while she finds the dress of her dreams.

  1. Choose something that fits her personality, not yours – Guests that are invited to go dress shopping are just as excited as the bride-to-be.  But you must keep in mind her style, her personality, and her vision.  If the bride-to-be is a southern belle and you are an edgy city gal, consider selecting something for her that has lace versus a more structured, modern style.  Remember, it is her dress, not yours!
  2. She’s looking to you for support – She chose you for a reason.  She values your support and opinion, but be careful not to be too opinionated.  Your facial expressions and choice of words can either be her deciding factor or a dream crusher.  Support her in the dresses she likes, even if you don’t particularly care for the style.
  3. Bring along something old, borrowed, or blue– According to the 2012 American Wedding Study, 86% of brides wear something old, new, borrowed, and blue.  As most brides think of their wedding dress as their “new”, consider bringing along something old, borrowed or blue to the dress appointment as a surprise.  Not only will it help the bride envision the entire package, the sentimental value alone is priceless.
  4. If the dress is slightly over her budget, consider chipping in – Most brides go shopping with a specific budget in mind.  However, a dress might strike her fancy that is above her budget.  If you’re a bridesmaid, friend, or family member along for the appointment, discuss with the others about chipping in toward her wedding dress instead of buying a wedding gift.  Most brides won’t expect this, and it would make for a wonderful, emotional gesture.
  5. If she has tears in her eyes, she’s in love – Wedding dress shopping is always emotional.  But when the real tears come streaming down the bride-to-be’s face, you know that she has found “the dress” and that she has never felt more of a bride than in that instant.  So, when you see those tears of joy, be sure to embrace her in that special moment.

Real Housewives of Orange County

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xoxo
Jen

Embellished Events
Luxury Wedding Design and Planning :: Serving Hilton Head, Savannah and Beaufort
Phone: (843) 757-7762
Email: Hello@EmbellishedWeddings.com

A Hilton Head Golf Tradition: Mad About Plaid

For the past 45 years, Hilton Head Island has been home to the PGA Tour’s Heritage Golf Tournament. Founded by Sea Pines designer Charles Fraser in 1969, the first tournament brought some of golf’s greatest to our tiny island. Over the years much of the Heritage Golf Tournament remains the same: the course, the legendary players, the large and rowdy crowds and of course the traditional plaid!

Tomorrow kick’s off the start of the tournament so I thought I would pay tribute and “Get My Plaid On” by providing our readers with some gorgeous photos of inspiration that incorporate this fun pattern. From favors and linens to even your attire, there are many ways to play up this theme without going over the top.

Happy Heritage y’all!

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Martha Stewart Weddings

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Heritage Shortbread Cookies are made locally on Hilton Head Island. They make the perfect favor for your guests because well they will be the best cookie they’ve ever tasted. They literally melt in your mouth!

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Gift idea from Etsy

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Monogrammed shawls for chair jackets – LOVE!

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It’s a bit wintery, but I am inspired by the colors and textures of this beautiful wedding cake.

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Would you? Could you? Dare to go bold with these plaid bridesmaid’s dresses!

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Simple plaid wrap on the bride’s bouquet

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Bring out their personality with a plaid bow tie – LOVE!

EEMonogram xoxo
Jen

Embellished Events
Luxury Wedding Design and Planning :: Serving Hilton Head, Savannah and Beaufort
Phone: (843) 757-7762
Email: Hello@EmbellishedWeddings.com

Etiquette 101: When To Send Wedding Invitations?
Photo by Concept A Photography | Invitation Design by Emily McCarthy

Photo by Concept A Photography | Invitation Design by Emily McCarthy

Question: My fiance and I got engaged last month and are planning an October wedding. When should we be sending our Save The Dates and wedding invitations?

Answer: Traditionally, wedding invitations are sent out six to eight weeks before the big day. This will give the guest time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if they are coming from out of town. If you are planning a destination wedding it is customary to send out your invitations up to three months in advance to allow guests to set up travel.

Request to have your RSVPs back 4 weeks before the wedding. This gives you time to follow up with non-responders and update quantities on rental items and flowers with plenty of time to spare.

If you are planning to send out Save The Dates, they are traditionally sent out six to eight months before you wedding. Make sure you have your wedding website complete so you can include this information on the Save the Date.

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Embellished Events
Luxury Wedding Planning and Design :: Serving Hilton Head, Savannah and Beaufort
Phone: (843) 757-7762
Email: Hello@EmbellishedWeddings.com

Etiquette 101: Who Hosts The Engagement Party?
Etiquette 101 Engagement Party

Photo by: Hopkins Studios

My fiancé and I got engaged over the holiday season and our friends have asked us when the engagement party will be. Who typically hosts the engagement party? Is there any special protocol for this type of celebration that we should keep in mind?

Traditionally, the bride-to-be’s parents will host the engagement party; however, in today’s world, it’s very common for the groom’s family or even friends to host this celebration.  If families live in different parts of the country, it may be decided to host separate parties.

Cocktail parties and dinners are amongst the most popular type of celebration, but there are no rules so have fun and get creative!

It can be hard to decide who to invite to the party so it is usually kept to just family and close friends. Remember it is generally thought of as poor taste to invite someone to the engagement party and not to the wedding itself. If you’re having a destination wedding, this does not apply as your guests will be happy to celebrate with you in person since they will not expect to be at the wedding.

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Embellished Events
Luxury Wedding Planning and Design :: Serving Hilton Head, Savannah and Beaufort
Phone: (843) 757-7762
Email: Hello@EmbellishedWeddings.com

Top Picks for Your Rehearsal Dinner

Hilton Head Rehearsal Dinner Locations

A rehearsal dinner and welcome reception sets the tone for what the rest of the wedding weekend will entail. It’s important to plan an evening that includes all of your out-of-town guests. Your guests do not expect you to throw another reception the night before the wedding, but it is a hospitable gesture to invite them to partake in festivities with you!

With destination weddings, it’s popular to host an intimate rehearsal dinner with only family and the wedding party, followed by an open invitation gathering, also called the “Welcome Reception.” This is an event that all guests attending the wedding are invited to attend. It typically starts after dinner hours, say 8:00pm. This communicates to guests that they should not expect a full blown dinner, but rather lighter fare such as hors d’oeuvres and desserts accompanied by cocktails. Throw in a little live music from a steel drum band or acoustic guitarist and you’ve created the perfect way to start off the weekend!

Hilton Head and Bluffton offer a wide variety of perfect locations for rehearsal dinners and welcome receptions. From casual to five star, we’ve listed some of our top favorites to help get you started with planning the perfect kick-off party to your weekend long wedding celebration.

Sage Room: Located on the south end of Hilton Head near Coligny Plaza, this fine dining establishment is just a short walk from the beach and is known for its open kitchen. Along with the open floor plan, Sage Room has a private wine room, which is perfect for intimate gatherings of __  people. $$$

Rehearsal Dinner Location Sage Room Hilton Head

Truffles Cafe: Truffles has three locations for you to choose from: Pope Avenue, Sea Pines and off-island in Belfair Towne Village. The Bluffton and Sea Pines locations are more upscale while the location on Pope Avenue is a bit more casual. Each location has private dining options available. $$-$$$. www.trufflescafe.com

Rehearsal DInner Locations Truffles Cafe HIlton Head

The Smokehouse: Known for its BBQ and wings the Smokehouse is a great location for a casual dinner. With a large restaurant and a large bar area it can house a large party. The bar section is complete with a stage for live music and a shuffleboard table, while the outside has a brand new bar and fabulous fireplace. The outdoor deck can be rented for parties and accommodate up to 50 people. The Smokehouse also has catering available and is willing to travel to any location.  $. www.smokehousehhi.com

Hilton Head Rehearsal Dinner Smokehouse Restaurant

Old Fort Pub: Inside of Hilton Head Plantation, Old Fort Pub is a fine dining restaurant with a fabulous view off the back deck. The delicious menu caters to all types of foodies, young and old. $$$. www.oldfortpub.com

Hilton Head Rehearsal Dinner Location: Old Fort Pub

Skull Creek Boathouse: Known for its amazing waterfront views, The Boathouse is perfect a casual indoor or outdoor event. The Boathouse is equipped with two bars, both indoor and outdoor and their menu features everything from Lowcountry cuisine and Southern favorites to a full, fresh sushi bar. They have also recently opened “Sunset Landing,” their own private event venue for up to 120 guests. $-$$. www.skullcreekboathouse.com

Hilton Head Rehearsal Dinner Location Skull Creek Boathouse

Chart House: Located next door to The Boathouse, The Chart House is more upscale than its neighbor to the right. Inside the restaurant is a beautiful formal dining area separate from a relaxed bar area. The dock out back provides breathtaking views of the Skull Creek. $$-$$$. www.chart-house.com

HIlton Head Rehearsal Dinner Locations Chart House Restaurant

Cheers Charters: If you care to take a sunset cruise before dinner at The Chart House or Boathouse, Cheers Charters docks their gorgeous Schooner right out back. This fun 2 hour excursion is one of my favorite things to do pre-dinner and if you have enough people, they will close out the boat to other parties. The price is also very affordable considering you can bring your own wine and food aboard! $$. www.cheerscharters.com

Hilton Head Rehearsal Dinner Ideas Sunset Cruise

Old Town Dispensary: Recently opened in Old Town Bluffton, the Dispensary is the perfect combination of southern rustic. It has a fabulous outdoor area with fire pits and an amphitheater for regular live music. It also has an indoor and outdoor bar. This casual location is brought to you by the same owners as the Sage Room. $-$$. www.otdbluffton.com

Rehearsal Dinner Locations Bluffton Old Town Dispensary

Vineyard 55: Directly across the street from the Old Town Dispensary in Old Town Bluffton is Vineyard 55. With the exterior of an old house this laid back restaurant bring the feel of a Napa Valley Vineyard to the south. With tables made from old wine barrels and large leather couches, Vineyard 55 is great for an indoor or outdoor event. $-$$. www.vineyard55.com

Rehearsal Dinner Locations Vineyard 55 Bluffton

The Spirit of Harbor Town: The Spirit is the only heated and air-conditioned luxury dinner yacht offered on Hilton Head Island. With an open upper deck and a lower covered deck the yacht can comfortably accommodate 148 passengers. Hilton Head’s only on-board dinner cruise offers a full bar, full crew and waitstaff and beautiful views of the Lowcountry. This one of a kind dinner cruise offers transportation to the annual fireworks at Shelter Cove and beautiful, historic Savannah and hosts over 100 special events each year, including private wedding parties. Hilton Head Rehearsal Dinners Vagabond Cruise

EEMonogram xoxo
Jen

Embellished Events
Luxury Wedding Design and Planning :: Serving Hilton Head, Savannah and Beaufort
Phone: (843) 757-7762
Email: Hello@EmbellishedWeddings.com

Kind Words from Megan and Brian


Megan and Brian Peachtree Photography

Nothing makes me happier in this industry than hearing from my newly married clients after the honeymoon to say how perfect their wedding day was thanks to the successful execution of the planning team.  Today, I received a sweet note from Megan and Brian that they shared with the rest of the world on Wedding Wire:

“Brian and I were so thrilled with the way that Jen was able to translate our ideas into a truly gorgeous event. Due to our schedules, we couldn’t be in the area for much of the planning, so we had to rely on her judgment– and we’re so glad we did! We enjoyed every minute of the big day, and could not have imagined a better outcome.”

Thank you Megan and Brian for  your kind words and for giving me the pleasure and honor to work with you the past year. Watching your wedding day go from concept to reality and then exceeding expectations while doing so is the reason I am so passionate about wild wedding world I work in. There is no greater reward than hearing how happy you were with the experience. Congratulations and best wishes you two!!

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xoxo
Jen

Embellished Events
Luxury Wedding Planning and Design in the Lowcountry
   :: Serving Hilton Head, Savannah and Beaufort
Phone: (843) 757-7762
Email: Hello@EmbellishedWeddings.com