Sweet Treats

Source: shaunayounge.blogspot.com via Lisl on Pinterest

Who doesn't love cake pops?  They're a fun, versatile and bite-sized dessert that's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, especially for wedding events.  Whether it's a cake pop cake or individually wrapped pops for gifts or display, these yummy treats can add a fun and personal touch to any wedding event. Their popularity makes them available at the majority of bakeries, but if you'd like to make them yourself Rock Ur Party by Tablespoon has a great recipe as well as some very cute decorating ideas!

Satisfy your sweet tooth.

xo, Alaina

The Blushing Bridesmaids need your help!

Source: stylemepretty.com via Angela on Pinterest

Have any ideas about what you would like to see on our blog? Take our survey! We'd love to hear your thoughts.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6JBNZ6M

A special thank you from your Blushing Bridesmaids!

xo, Stephanie, Lauren, Alaina & Lisl

Will You Be My Blushing Bridesmaid?

Any brides out there trying to think of a fun and creative way to ask your girls to be your bridesmaid? Not to worry, the Blushing Bridesmaids have a couple ideas to help you out.

Lauren David Style designed a special box full of goodies for your bridesmaids. This blog gives you a step-by-step tutorial on how to put together this cute invitation. All you need are a couple supplies from a local craft, liquor and grocery store. Feel free to personalize these boxes according to each blushing bridesmaid. These boxes are great because not only can they be re-used, but they also contain items that your bridesmaid will love!

Lauren David Style Bridesmaid Invite

Another cute way to ask your blushing bridesmaids is with some jewelry. Let's be honest-- every girl loves to sparkle with some bling. This perfect, yet simple way to invite the bridal party is inspired by the Wanelo website. This bride attached the adorable saying, "I couldn't say I do without you!" It is up to you what else you include, but the Blushing Bridesmaid gurus love this idea!

Wanelo Bridesmaid Invite

If you can't get enough of the jewelry boxes, we got another one coming for you.  Wedding Chicks also provides girly boxes for brides to give to their bridesmaids. Check out this blog to see all the items included in these invitations. To name a few, the bride provided thoughtful notecards summarizing the actual wedding day, each bridesmaid's specific role, a list of the bridal party and information on the bridesmaid attire. We love this idea because it gives a lot of detailed information that the bridesmaid might want to know right away. It also gets each blushing bridesmaid excited for the big day and their role in the bridal party.

Wedding Chicks Invite

We always want to know how the groom proposed to the bride. To make the entire wedding process more exciting, brides can come up with unique ways to ask their girlfriends to be their bridesmaid. These ideas above are obviously creative ways to do so, but don't stop there. Have fun with this by making your bridesmaids feel even more special and loved.

xo,

Steph

Wine a Little

Whether it's a red, white or blush wine we all have our favorite.  But did you know that pairing it with certain foods can enhance your tastebuds' experience while other foods can detract from or conflict with the flavor of the wine?  Foodandwinepairing.org provides insight on what to consider when you're selecting wine and food pairs, whether for a bachelorette party, bridal party brunch or a gift for the newlyweds.  Here are just a few examples from the site.

Bourdeaux: This red wine tends to pair best with red meats and strong cheeses.  Avoid pairing it with seafood or dishes flavored with citrus, cream or vinegar.

Champagne: This celebratory wine has a wide range of rich, full, light, dry or sweet varieties which typically go best with caviar, lobster, oysters and lightly buttered chicken.  Foods that will detract from champagne's flavor include strongly flavored red meats, sauteed scallops, smoked salmon and rich, creamy sauces.

Chardonnay: This rich and full flavored white wine pairs well with lobster, full flavored fish like sea bass, shrimp, white meats, avocado, spinach and squash.  Sauces with butter, basil, cream, garlic and saffron are must-haves with this wine.  Just don't pair it with hyper-flavored fish such as tuna or anchovies, red meats or highly acidic sauces such as barbeque, lime or tomato.

Port: Typically an "after dinner" wine, its rich and sweet flavor pairs well with chocolate, blue cheese or even a celebratory cigar.  This wine is often not paired with food because of its overpowering flavor.

Zinfandel: The robust flavor of Zinfandel harmonizes best with flavorful spicy dishes.  Stick with meats like beef, pork and sausage in sauces and side dishes with either tomato, pepper, basil or oregano.    Avoid serving it with seafood, chicken or turkey as well as buttery or creamy sauces.

xo, Alaina

Beautiful Weather Means New BB Photo Shoot...

Your bloggers at Blushing Bridesmaids took advantage of the beautiful weather, dressed up in their finest pink attire and hit the quad at James Madison University for some new photos.  Hope you all enjoy them!

Calling All Single Ladies!

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Raina on Pinterest

Weddings elicit happiness and excitement for the bride and groom on their big day, but for single bridesmaids who are asked to take part in the bridal party, it may be a little daunting. Finding that perfect date to bring to the wedding may also bring high levels of anxiety, but with so many pre-wedding celebrations, there’s no time to sit around and mope. Calling all single ladies! Before you ask just any old eligible male friend to be your date, consider these tips (courtesy of Match.com) that will help you work your magic before your friend’s big day.

Make the most out of pre-wedding celebrations. From the bachelorette party to rehearsal dinners, you will be exposed to plenty of eligible men. Compared to your responsibilities on the big day, you will have less on your plate during these pre-wedding festivities and more time to scope out your match. According to Anja Winikka, an editor at TheKnot.com, the rehearsal is a great way for you to get a sneak peak of the key wedding guests. “Maybe you can meet a guy there, and that turns into saving one of the slow dances for each other at the wedding reception,” says Winikka.

Think positively and bask in that extra attention. Although the wedding day isn’t about you, remember that you will look equally as amazing and all eyes will be on you when it’s your turn to walk the aisle. You spent so much time and effort with the dress, shoes, hair, nails (and the list goes on!), so if you got it, flaunt it. Staying in a positive mindset will only benefit you as you mingle and meet new people.

Break out of your shell and showcase the best version of yourself. Tend to be a wall-flower? Do something about it! You’re in charge of your actions and mindset, so it’s all about walking the walk and talking the talk. Keep it smooth—be bold, be daring and most importantly, be happy!

Chat someone up. At the reception, you have ample opportunity to chat with an array of people. Use this time to your advantage and mingle as much as you can. It may be awkward talking to someone you don’t really know, but you never know—some of the most intriguing convos await you!

Remember your role. It is exciting to meet new people, but always remember your primary role on your friend’s big day. Keep your dating aspirations in perspective and remember that you are first and foremost her bridesmaid. Whether a brawl erupts or there’s a dress malfunction, don’t ditch the bride for your opportunity to chat up a bachelor. Friends come first!

While so much hard work and dedication is demanded from you as a bridesmaid, don’t forget about your needs and happiness. Single? Who cares? Weddings offer ample opportunities to meet new people and broaden your social circles. No need to stress about finding the perfect date—he might be easier to find than you think!

xo, Lisl

A Sequel to Bridesmaids, Can it be True?

Bridesmaids hit theatres last May with a bang, grossing over 288 million dollars worldwide.  The movie had critics raving and viewers laughing and wanting more.  There were many rumors about a sequel to the comedy, but director Paul Feig as well as many of the actors denied any intentions of working on a second film. 

But have no fear, there is a sequel and your Blushing Bridesmaids team will be featured in the new film!  Although we can't give you too many details, we can let you in on a few secrets.  One of the characters from the previous film will be planning her wedding and using the Blushing Bridesmaids team to keep her bridesmaids up to par.  But no matter how much you try, you can't always control how things turn out...

This film will be a must-see for brides and bridesmaids alike.  Keep a lookout for previews and movie trailers with your favorite bridesmaid team (the lovely and talented Lisl, Lauren, Stephanie and Alaina).

...Happy April Fools' Day...

xo, Alaina

Made of Honor

Your partner just popped the big question and you're itching to tell the entire world. Who do you call? Your family and close besties, of course. Is one of your best friends a male--say, someone you might even consider standing in as your man of honor? That's right--a man of honor!

Before you give me the crazy eyes and shrug it off, take a quick second. For those of you who have yet to see Made of Honor, don't worry, I've got you covered (click here!) While it's not as common as having a standard maid of honor, some bold women have considered including a man of honor. 

According to The Knot, "More and more brides and grooms are asking close friends of the opposite sex to be their attendants -- and it's about time. If you want him to be your honor attendant, call him the man of honor."

Worried that your man of honor will have trouble  fitting in with the rest of your wedding party? Wedding experts at The Knot have more advice for you. "If you want him to stand with the bridesmaids, call him a bridesman. Your guy should wear whatever the groomsmen are wearing. Also, let your photographer know that he should be photographed as one of your attendants in group wedding party pictures."

It's possible to have a man of honor without things getting weird. Start thinking outside of the box and don't rule out this idea if your sidekick just happens to be a male!

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

xo, Lisl

Blushing Bridesmaids Rocking Out

We all know our blushing bridesmaids love to work it down the aisle with their bride. Why not listen to this upbeat playlist to get you ladies in the mood? These tunes are perfect to groove to on the dancefloor after the wedding. Who knows-- maybe you all you single ladies out there will meet your future hubby thanks to your awesome dance moves. If he likes it maybe he'll put a ring on it ;)

Blushing Bridesmaids Playlist

xo,
Steph

Junior Bridesmaids: Beyond the Flower Girl Role

                                                                  Source: photosdemode.blogspot.com via Thea on Pinterest

Do you have a special little lady that is too old to stand in as your flower girl and too young to be one of your bridesmaids (typically between the ages of 9 and 14) but still want her to play part in your wedding? Well, think about promoting her as one of your junior bridesmaids. Although younger in age, junior bridesmaids often take on their role with great seriousness and are eager to engage with their elders.  

According to The Knot, there are a handful of traditional junior bridesmaid duties that must be fulfilled:

• While junior bridesmaids are not expected to give showers, they should plan to attend and help out with cleaning up, favor-making, and more.
• At bride's request, go wedding gown shopping and give input (especially if the junior bridesmaid is a sister or daughter).
• Buy a dress similar (or the same) in color and style to the bridesmaids', plus a matching corsage (or bouquet).
• Attend the ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
• Help out the ushers by seating guests.
• Hand out programs at the ceremony or bubbles, confetti, rice, and other send-off props afterwards.
• Walk down the aisle in the procession, and stand at the altar/stage along with the other attendants.
• Stand in the receiving line, if requested by the bride.
• Write to the bride and her parents to thank them for including her.

xo Lisl

Bridesmaids Gifts You'll WANT to Keep

Step aside, engraved ballpoint pen & jewelry box. Here are five bridesmaid gifts you'll actually want to keep.

xo, Lisl

Bridal Shower 101

                                                                        Source: stylemepretty.com via Samantha on Pinterest

Have a close friend or family member that is heading for the altar? What better way to celebrate and show her some love than with a fabulous bridal shower? With a little planning and creativity, you'll be able to organize an event she will never forget. Here five important things to remember when planning the special soiree:

1. It's all about the timing - You're looking to host the bridal shower anywhere from two months to 3 weeks before the actual ceremony. Aim for a Saturday or Sunday - plan for a brunch, luncheon or afternoon tea that will last three to four hours.
2. Head Count - Plan to invite and accommodate for 30-40 guests (more or less depending on your preference!) Only invite guests that are invited to the wedding, and mail the invitations at least six weeks before the shower date.
3. Location, location, location - While some traditional ceremonies are held at a close family member's home or in a private room in a restaurant, don't rule out activity-centered showers. Some ideas include pottery shops, design studios for flower arranging or jewelry stores to create new, precious gems.
4. Rethink the "girls only" aspect - Showers aren't just for the ladies anymore! It's common for couples to have a joint shower, such as a a cocktail party, barbecue or gathering for drinks at a favorite nightclub. Just consider it!
5. Celebrate & enjoy - This day is devoted to the bride and her girls (but don't forget that it's OK to include the men!). Eat, drink, open gifts and mingle with other guests.

While this is one of the first bridesmaid tasks, remember that starting off on the right foot can be easy and fun. Get creative with your theme (click here and here for some fun and buzz worthy ideas) and you'll be sure to amazing all your guests.

xo Lisl

P.S. - Here are some fun bridal shower games to consider! 

Inside Scoop: My First Bachelorette Party

This past weekend I attended my FIRST EVER (and definitely first of many) bachelorette party.  It was for my long time family friend, and soon to be bride in April, the beautiful Kimberly Baxter.  I was so excited to come home and celebrate one of the last single nights of my good friends life.

Kim’s best friend Brenna threw the SURPRISE bachelorette party, and I thoroughly enjoyed having an inside scoop and look to one of the most fun times in the wedding process.  Now, I was the youngest one at the party, and also one of the few single gals, so I wasn’t sure what I was in for, but boy, did these women know how to have a fun time and really show Kimmy a good “last” night out. 

We started off the bachelorette party at a restaurant in my town, Kim’s favorite restaurant, where she thought she was just going to dinner with her Mom before her cousin’s play.  She was so excited when she saw us all there.  Dinner was delish, definitely put on some pounds for that one, but it was worth every bite!  After we drove about an hour north to Colorado Café.  Now, I’ve never been to this bar, but I was for sure excited to try something new.  We first went to the hotel, where we decked Kim out in her bachelorette attire, toasted to champagne and got excited for the night ahead.  I was a little skeptical when I saw Kim’s attire contained a cowgirl hat, I couldn’t even imagine the type of place we were going to.  This is where I learned bachelorette parties all didn’t have to have a set script or stereotype.  Some may love the Vegas, Mardi Gras, Tropical getaway type of bachelorette party, but this night and events were perfect for the perfect bride.  At Colorado Café, the place was packed.  There were people of all ages, of all types and all ready for some fun.  There was line dancing, bull riding, a live cover band, so many bars, a pool room, dance floor and lots of drinks.  It was the perfect scene for this small group of friends, and exactly what Kim’s cup of tea would entail.  We had a book of “coupons” that Kim had to do throughout the night, and she really had fun completing all the tasks.  Dancing with a random guy, dancing on a bar, telling everyone she was a bride and so much more.  She enjoyed going from one new, crazy task to the next.  She rode the bull, while everyone was cheering “Bride to be,” she danced on the bars and stage and even learned how to line dance.  She took all her drinks like a champ but never once was THAT sloppy embarrassing girl.  After all the fun at the bar, we went back to the hotel and continued the night with fun stories and more good times.  The night was perfect FOR Kim, and everything I would want it to be, and hopefully what she would have wanted.

 

The bridesmaids really did their part in planning a bachelorette party that Kim would love, not what they would necessarily love.  That is the most important thing to remember when planning a bachelorette party for your bride.  This night is about the bride to be, and what she would want to do, and what makes her feel comfortable.  You never want to put the bride in a position she won’t feel comfortable in just because that is what the stereotypical bachelorette party entails.

There are so many fun and different ways to throw the best bachelorette party.  Kim’s was perfect for her and I enjoyed every bit of it.  It truly is a great night to step away from all the stress and planning of the wedding and to go out and have fun with the friends who mean the most to you.  The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to plan many more bachelorette parties down the road!