JAMISON EVENTS BLOG!
From wedding advice to real weddings to create your DREAM WEDDING, we truly have it all. With 20 years of wedding planning under my belt, this is the best wedding advice site for newly engaged, engaged, and couples thinking about engagement.
Emma and Kevin's Colorful Garden Wedding: Los Robles Greens
Designing Emma and Kevin’s wedding was a flurry of colorful fun! They had a beautiful floral vision carried out through Vibe Florals, if you happen to know this recognized florist. Their colorful palette fit well into the Los Robles Greens garden venue. We even brought in a dramatic black color with the Bridesmaids dresses, linens and Groomsmen attire.
The Wedding Day
Emma was probably the most joyful brides I’ve ever met. She had a bright smile on the entire wedding day. Her first look with her Bridesmaids was even one of the sweetest, bringing almost everyone in the room to tears. Check out the most adorable bridesmaid photos below:
To bring in their Jewish faith, Emma and Kevin held a traditional Jewish ceremony, celebrating with a traditional Ketubah signing. After the ceremony moved along and photos were taken with family & friends, the guests made their way to the seating cards.
These were my FAVORITE seating cards! Emma and Kevin set up small, plant favors with the guests’ first & last names and table number.
And while the guests mingled during cocktail hour, Jamison Events helped allocate extra space in the wedding timeline for the Couple to sneak away for trail photos. Not every couple that hosts their venue at Los Robles Greens does this, so use this fun trick for a unique addition to your wedding photos (shown below):
And it ended with a grand sparkler exit & amazing desserts by Sweet Art Bakeshop!!
Overall, it was such a joy getting to plan & coordinate Emma and Kevin’s Colorful Garden Wedding. Here are all of the lovely vendors involved in their special day.
Venue @eventslrg
Photography @elizabeth.victoria.photography
DJ @djsotaentertainment
Planning @jamisonevents
Beauty @blissbridalbeauty
Cake @sweetartbakeshop
Photobooth @soireephotoboothco
Florals @vibe_florals
Dress @lazarobridal
So You’re a Bridesmaid, Now What?
This got me thinking, what are the Do’s and Don’ts of being a Bridesmaid? If you’re a newly engaged bride, a bridesmaid, or hoping to be a bridesmaid or have them in the future, you are going to want to check this out!
When saying “Yes” to the Bridesmaid role… know that it will not only be a time commitment, but also a financial one. Asking someone to be in their Wedding Party is an honor, so don’t take the responsibility lightly and know that no matter where you are standing, your role is very important to them.
I’ve seen my share of Wedding Party “types” in the last 20 years of planning weddings. From small to large, and mellow to rowdy, the group is almost always a direct reflection of the Couple. I have also had the opportunity to be in a couple weddings of my closest friends, but recently I was speaking to my Sister who is a bridesmaid at her Best Friend’s Wedding, this upcoming year. The question came up, “Now that I’m a Bridesmaid, what do I do?”
Cred: Judy & Gavin
This got me thinking, what are the Do’s and Don’ts of being a Bridesmaid? If you’re a newly engaged bride, a bridesmaid, or hoping to be a bridesmaid or have them in the future, you are going to want to check this out!
When saying “Yes” to the Bridesmaid role… know that it will not only be a time commitment, but also a financial one. Asking someone to be in their Wedding Party is an honor, so don’t take the responsibility lightly and know that no matter where you are standing, your role is very important to them.
Cred: Judy and Gavin
What Your Role Will Include:
Attend important wedding functions, such as; the engagement party, Bach party, dress selection or fitting, shower, rehearsal dinner, after wedding brunch. Etc.
Help plan and put on the Bach party/weekend activities. This includes making sure there are games, decor, reservations, transportation, etc.
Help setup and cleanup of the bridal shower. While often a family member will throw the Shower, the Wedding Party will offer their time to help ensure it goes smoothly.
While not always required, you may be asked to give a speech at the wedding or rehearsal dinner.
Plan the night before the wedding day and after the rehearsal dinner. Typically a mellow option like mud masks and a movie, but remember things like snacks, drinks and spa items are important.
Assist in the organization of the wedding morning. Remember items like mimosas, snacks, etc.
Be there for the Couple during the process emotionally and physically when needed.
Attend the Rehearsal which typically is during the week day at an odd hour. So, if you work full time, make sure your work knows you might need extra time for this responsibility. (remember to be on time or early!)
It’s important that you are there for the Couple to ensure they feel pampered and treated special at each event. After all, this is their wedding!
Hair and Makeup Note: One of the biggest places of stress for my Bride’s is organizing the Hair and Makeup situation. If you plan to have both your Hair and Makeup done by the morning of the Wedding, make sure the Bride knows this early in the planning. Also, note- for larger Wedding Parties- early call times to start Hair and Makeup is necessary. If you are given your time for Hair and Makeup (no matter how early) don’t complain and be on time for it! By even starting 5 minutes late, you will cause an issue with the overall timeline!
Cred: Jessica Lynn Photography
What Are Items You Can Expect to Pay For?:
The dress or suit and all the accessories (shoes, spanx, etc)
Your portion + part of the Bride or Grooms hotel/airfare/transport for the Bach party/weekend. Plus fun decor items.
A gift at the shower.
Hair and Makeup the day of the wedding plus tip!
Hotel and transportation the night of the wedding.
A gift on the wedding day.
Cred: Judy & Gavin
As I said before, being a part of the wedding is a special honor & responsibility, so there are big things you should avoid doing as a bridesmaid as well...
What NOT to do:
Say yes and then pull out or change your mind.
Say yes without understanding the costs and responsibilities associated.
Complaining about anything. This includes the dress, another wedding party member or the overall experience, etc.
Forget it’s about the couple first and foremost.
Overly drink at any function so you’re the one who needs assistance.
Go missing during photos.
Show up late for your hair and makeup (morning of the Wedding).
Complain about your hair and makeup start time.
Cred: Judy and Gavin
Are you the maid or matron of honor? Along with the above, here are a few extra responsibilities you’ll be asked to perform.
Maid/Matron of Honor Duties:
Ensuring the Wedding Party is in the loop on all activities.
Typically the MOH will ensure everyone attending the Bachelorette weekend or other activities shares the costs associated and covers the Bride’s portion. The MOH usually will organize the money and ensure every reservation, payment, etc is paid.
Being the Bride’s right hand person, the ENTIRE event.
Prepare and give a speech.
Making sure the entire Wedding Party gets to know each other and is having a good time.
Cred: Judy and Gavin
Overall, being a part of the wedding party can be SO much fun, but don’t forget the responsibility of being one! And to the bride, if someone kindly declines the offer of being a bridesmaid, it’s totally okay and you can still be friends.
Know any new bridesmaids or brides-to-be? Share this blog with them so that they can learn all about the Bridesmaid Role! And check out + get inspiration from all of the amazing bridesmaid & groomsmen parties Jamison Events has worked with on Pinterest.