IT'S YOUR WEDDING - HAVE FUN WITH IT

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

You've been planning this day since you decided to share your life with your forever love, make sure you have fun with it! Add one or all of these fun ideas to your wedding make sure a great time is had by all.
 
 
Mix-matched Wedding Party
Think outside the box when it comes to selecting your wedding party. Maybe your groom is super close to his sister and prefers to have a Best Maid rather than a Best Man, or perhaps your BFF is a guy and has earned the title of Man of Honor in your wedding party. Don't be afraid to have your wedding party truly represent the relationships in your life. It's 2014 and it's perfectly acceptable for you to choose an all male or all female wedding party or any combination of the two. It's your day so it should be a true picture of your life and the special people in it. Terms like Bridesmen and Groomsmaids are gaining more popularity all the time.
 
 
 
 
Signature Drinks
Whether you are hosting a spiked or virgin event, creating a signature drink to serve to your honored guests is a fun idea and a great way to add a little pop of your personality to the affair. Your Signature Drink may have a story behind it that you could share with your friends and family like how you two created the concoction or it what was you ordered on your first date. Theres also an app for that...you can enter elements of your relationship and personalities and the drink that is right for you will be produced for you. The cocktail hour is a great time to serve these Signature drinks with an explanation for your guests. You can also have them served at the bar or passed all evening.
 
 
 
 
Midnight Snack
Last but not least, send them out with a smile. A great way to signal that the evening is drawing to a close is to serve a “midnight snack”. Although your party may not be rockin' till the stroke of 12, the idea of something a little extra after dessert to finish off the event is a fun way to say goodnight. Popular midnight snack ideas are milk and cookies, fries with special dipping sauces, ice cream, or popcorn. Pick something that speaks to you. This is a great place to get creative with packaging, too. Include a send off message thanking your friends and family with their special treat, and its sure to be talked about it for events yet to come.
 
 
 
 
Remember to have fun while planning the big day. The perfect combination of somber and celebration makes for a charmed affair. Happy Planning!

WHAT TO WEAR TO A SUMMER WEDDING: FOR HIM

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

So your summer calendar is once again filled weddings. What do you wear to these nuptials? Depending on the setting, and by following these simple rules, you'll be dressed to impress at each of the “I Do's.”
 
 
The City Wedding
If your loved ones are tying the knot in a city setting, a classic traditional look will serve you well. You can't go wrong with a dark suit and a classic shirt and tie. Keep it pretty formal and ad a pop of color with a great tie and/or pocket square. Check your invitation for mention of the event being black tie, if so, allow time to shop or rent a great tux to complete your look.
 
 
 
 
The Country Wedding
A country setting gives you more breathing room in your wardrobe choices. A light suit, even seer-sucker if you're inclined, is a great idea for a country wedding. Wear a more casual shirt, maybe in a gingham check or floral pattern without a tie. Have fun with accessories like hats and boldly colored pocket squares. Relax, you're in the country.
 
 
 
The Beach Wedding
The beach is the most causal setting for a summer wedding. So it goes that your wedding attire should follow suit. Wear cotton or linen pants and a light breezy shirt. A light jacket is a great way to dress your look up for the ceremony. Accessorize with a fun pocket square and shades are a must! Wear sandals that are easy to get on and off so you can slip them off if you like.
 
 
 
 
Above all, being comfortable with what you're wearing and dressing with confidence is always the ultimate fashion tip for any occasion. Be yourself and you'll look great!

WHAT TO WEAR TO A SUMMER WEDDING FOR HER PART 2

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

This post originally appeared in The Budget Fashionista.
 
But by all means, do dress
 
 
Yes, it’s summer, but that’s not an excuse to wear shorts and a tank top to a wedding. Even a low-key backyard affair calls for a skirt. While others may wear jeans to their friend’s special day, a fashionista doesn’t stray from decorum. Show the bride and groom that you understand the importance of their wedding and dress up.
 
Casual Wedding Attire
 
 
 
Keep Color in Mind
 
Many weddings now have color themes, so if the invite is red and blue, you may not want to wear that color because the bride and bridesmaids will probably be wearing something of that hue. And while wearing white after Labor Day is no longer a fashion faux pas, it’s still disrespectful to wear white to a wedding. Also stay away from black. You don’t want to look like you’re going to a funeral.
 
Don't Wear Black
 
 
 
Choose Complementary Accessories
 
A metallic pair of sandals or shoes are the perfect partner to a summer dress. For a ballroom affair, select strappy stilettos or peep-toes. If the event is taking place out doors, you may want to opt for wedges or flats that won’t get stuck in the grass or sand.
 
 
It’s also important to choose the right bag. Find a small clutch or wristlet that complements your outfit and fill it with your essentials, among which should be powder. Summer means heat, and heat means sweat, so be prepared.
 
Summer Accessories
 
 
Go Light on Makeup and Jewelry
 
 
Fresh, minimalistic makeup is more flattering for a summer wedding. Ditch the heavy lipstick and apply a shimmering gloss to keep lips moist and shiny. Be sure to wear a sunscreen if you’ll be outdoors, but go light on the foundation or wear a light coating of powder instead.
 
Summer Makeup
 
 
Because you’re probably wearing a light, breezy dress, you should also go light on the jewelry. Cumbersome baubles look awkward with an airy ensemble, so trade your chandelier earrings for pearls or studs. A little bling goes a long way in the summer time. Keep it light, and you’ll look and feel better.
 

 

Summer Jewelry

No matter what type of wedding you're attending, Mr Burch can help.  Stop by our Trussville location to shop our dress collection.

WHAT TO WEAR TO A SUMMER WEDDING FOR HER PART I

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

This post originally appeared in The Budget Fashionista
 
 
It may not be your special day, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to look gorgeous. The problem is that what to wear to a summer wedding can be tricky. Because you shouldn’t have to stress out about a wedding that isn’t yours, we’ve put together some tips to ensure that you’ll turn heads while sticking to the dress code. Now all you’ve got to worry about is how to get that cute groomsman to dance with you.
 
 
What to Wear to a Summer Wedding: Basic Dos and Don’ts
 
Do Wear
 
 
Do
- Wear summer colors like turquoise, melon, strawberry, and kelly green
- Wear cute pumps and/or sandals for an inside wedding/reception
- Wear black (with color) to an evening wedding
- Wear something sexy- but tasteful
- Wear a linen pants suit
- Wear a cool straw hat
 
Don't Wear
 
 
 
Don’t
- Wear white, unless the bride requests it. People will talk about you (and not in a good way)
- Wear black to an afternoon/morning wedding. Pick something colorful
- Wear heels for an outside wedding/reception (your heel with get stuck in the grass)
- Wear ultra low cut dresses, short-short dresses, shorts. If you wouldn’t want your grandma to see you in it, then don’t wear it.
 
 
What to Wear to A Summer Wedding: Dressing Tips
 
 
Dress for the time and place
Afternoon ceremonies tend to be more casual than evening soirees, so first take into account what time the event is taking place. At noon, it’s perfectly appropriate to wear a summer sundress or pastel skirt, while at six, it’s more fitting to wear a satin or chiffon cocktail dress. Many weddings nowadays call for a wardrobe change between a low-key ceremony and fancy reception. Determine how much to dress up or down according to the time and venue of the event.
 
 
 
Afternoon Wedding
 
 
Evening Wedding
 
To Be Continued...

HOW TO HOST A BBQ WEDDING RECEPTION

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

There is nothing like a barbecue that says Southern hospitality and cuisine.  What a great idea for your summer nuptuials.  A wedding reception barbecue allows guests to kick back and enjoy great food in a welcoming atmosphere.  Some couples host a BBQ before the wedding as welcome dinner for out of town guests or as part of a themed shower.  A BBQ reception can be an affordable option for a couple on a budget or dressed up for a more event.  You have limitless options when planning your BBQ but might consider the following guidelines.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Select a date with the BBQ idea in mind.  This is Alabama.  It gets hotter than the face of the sun in July and August (and sometimes June and September).  If you're planning an outdoor shower or reception, you might want to plan for early summer or early fall so your guests don't melt or get eaten alive by mosquitos.
 
 
 
 
 
Choose a location depending on what type of wedding reception or shower you want.  For a casual gathering, the backyard of a friend or family member might work.  Want something a little more upscale?  Check out a public garden or venue.  Make sure you call and reserve your date.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Send invitations that indicate the type of reception or shower you're hosting.  Select stationery that keeps to the level of formality.  Be sure to include the word "BBQ" so guests know what to expect.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plan the food.  For a more casual gathering, you might choose to make some or all of the dishes yourself.  You might contact a caterer for a more formal event.  Definitely use some local flavor like offering multiple flavors of BBQ sauce.  Offer food that can be eaten with a fork and knife to keep it less messy.  Remember your vegetarian guests as well by offering a few meatless options.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Select your seating.  If you're going for casual buffet style with fewer than 50 guets, you might want to set up picnic tables and allow guests to select their own seat.  If the occasion is more formal, table assignments are a good idea.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Select favors that reflect your theme and personality.  Small bottles of BBQ sauce make adorable favors.  You might print labels with your wedding date or favorite romantic quote.  You can include a recipe from your party or even a message of apprectiation.
 
 
 
As a Southern gal, BBQ is part of your history.  Don't be afraid to embrace it for your wedding reception or shower.  As long as you stay true to your personality and theme, it can be a great option.  As always, don't hesitate to contact Mr. Burch for any of your wedding needs.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING FAVORS

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Wedding favors are optional gifts given to wedding party guests as a token of the bride and groom's appreciation for participation in their wedding.  They don't have to be elaborate or expensive.  They just need to reflect your wedding and personality.  
 
 
Summer is a wonderful opportunity to give favors that fit your theme and season.  Now that you have your theme and date selected, how do you know what kinds of wedding favors to select?  Keep these simple rules in mind.
 
 
Budget
Consult your budget.  Decide how much of your wedding funds you will set aside for favors and shop with that number in mind.  No matter the amount, you need to make that work.
 
 
 
Groom
Talk to your fiance about what he wants.  The gift will be from both of you so he should have input.
 
 
Style
Figure out what style of favor you want.  Do you want classic or whimsical?  Knowing beforehand can save time shopping for favors that don't match your personality.
 
 
Theme
Remember your theme.  Bubbles are fun but might not have anything to do with your beach wedding.  You want your guests to be reminded of your wedding and the wonderful time they had when they look at your favor.
 
 
Decor
Look for gifts that add to the decor of your wedding.  Is the reception outdoors?  You might want to provide a parasol to keep the sun off your guests.  By supplying parasols in your wedding colors, you add to the decor and the wedding photos.
 
 
 
 
Personalize
Think of ways to personalize your gifts.  You might consider adding a tag with each guest's name written in script.  You might attach your favorite quote or ribbon.
 
 
No matter what you decide for your wedding favors, remember they are a token of appreciation to thank your guests.  You want everyone to enjoy your wedding as much as you will.

WHAT HAS SOCIAL MEDIA DONE TO THE WEDDING INDUSTRY?

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

From Youtube, Pinterest, Lover.ly, to Instagram and Facebook -– social media has dramatically changed how brides explore and discover ideas for wedding planning. In addition, brides are connecting with communities of similar women to share their experiences. It is ever more critical for wedding vendors and businesses that are active in the wedding industry to understand this trend and become engaged in communicating with these women on popular social networks and communities.




Brides are glued to their tablets or other mobile devices scrolling through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds. Gone are the days of brides carrying a heavy wedding magazine with lots of post-it notes plastered throughout the pages, which was the norm not too long ago. Social media and interactions within the wedding community have become very visual based. For comic relief, brides can type ‘wedding meme’ into Google Images for instant laughs. In addition, Pinterest has rocked the wedding industry. Florists and wedding planners get direct links to their brides' wedding Pinterest boards. Much of the creativity and vision that the wedding planner once had seems to have shifted onto the Pinterest boards of brides-to-be.

 

 

Social media is also a great way to include family members and friends scattered around the world in your wedding plans. Brides are often using Skype and other online formats with family friends to help with selecting a wedding dress. Couples can create specific hashtags for their wedding photos captured by friends to share during and after the wedding day. Beautiful moments are captured and rapidly spread across social networks. Don’t be surprised to see brides creating “social media rules” for their weddings. Brides and grooms may want to be the first to post any pictures of their wedding onto social networks.

 

As much as social media has enhanced the wedding planning process and made it much more easy to explore and discover brands, venues, makeup artists, hair stylists, and wedding dress designers, it has also put more pressure on brides, mothers of brides, and mothers of grooms to demand perfection on the wedding day. There are now over 20 reality TV wedding shows focusing on how wedding planners create elaborate weddings and how brides are determined to find the perfect wedding dress.

 

 



Like all tools, social media in wedding planning should be used in moderation. It's a great way to connect scattered friends and family and include so many in the planning process. Brides should just keep their perspectives in check and hold realistic expectations when it comes to working with their vendors. Pinterest boards are a great jumping off place to set ideas in motion and when accompanied by an experiences team of local vendors, brides will have a great time seeing their plans come to fruition.

 

SUMMER 2014 WEDDING COLOR TRENDS

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

When choosing a color palette for your wedding, there are several parameters to keep in mind. The colors will set the mood for the entire event. For example, if you choose soft muted colors, you will convey elegance and sophistication, whereas bold bright hues will suggest a lighter, more fun mood for your event.


Summer 2014 color trends offer something for everyone. Blue seems to be the super color of the year. Navy blue especially is being paired with everything from traditional white to bolds like canary yellow and lime green. Other than blue, the major color trends for summer weddings are bright and fun or soft and serene.

 

 

If your venue is more casual and light, the bright and fun colors may be a great way to create the kind of atmosphere you're after. Teals, Fuchsias, Yellows and Oranges can be used in fabrics and florals to enhance the special day you have planned.

 

If your venue is more traditional and you have elegance in mind, then soft and serene may be the way to go. This palette uses creams and grays as a backdrop for mint greens and light pinks and peaches. Table linens and florals done in these soft tones will create a classic refined look that you'll cherish in photos for yours to come.

 

 

Whether you're bold and bright or soft and serene, 2014 has color trends to compliment your plans for a perfect day. Happy Planning

POPULAR ACCESSORIES FOR GROOMS AND GROOMSMEN

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Accessories are a great way to express personality through clothing. And they aren't just for the ladies on wedding day anymore. Guys can let everyone know who they really are and have fun with accessories while still keeping style in the forefront.

 

 

Ties:
While black tie isn't a must anymore, most wedding attire for men usually still includes a tie, and with all the options available now, no one will feel stuffy when sporting this dressy accessory. Tuxedos and suits can be accessorized with traditional long ties that either coordinate with the suit, or make a bold statement with color or pattern. Bow ties have also made a large comeback in recent years. Some wedding parties even represent their own personal style by choosing their own ties in a coordinating color or length but are slightly different from one another to celebrate the individual.

 

 

Pocket Squares:
The pocket square is another accessory that has made a recent comeback. The pocket square is a great way to add a pop of color. Guys can sport these accessories in the most traditional sense coordinating with one another and the overall color scheme of the wedding, or totally break away calling attention to each guy in their own unique way.

 

Fun Extras:
Accessories like cuff links, sunglasses, and splashy socks are a great way to get guys who aren't always on board with being dressed to the nines to relax into formal wear. These also make for the most fun photo ops. So, if you can assign a favorite super hero, sports team, color or pattern to each of the special guys that make up your wedding party, these fun choices are the way to go.

 

Above all, have it your way when selecting which style, color and type of accessories are right for your guy group.

BRIDESMAID DRESSES: NO RULES APPLY

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

As recent as ten years ago, the length of dress selected for the bridesmaids at most traditional weddings in the US were set by the clock. Morning and early afternoon ceremonies could sport short dresses, afternoon weddings carried the tea-length option, and anything 4:30 pm or later would be floor length gowns. Slowly and surely those rules have relaxed to today's anything goes.
 
 
 
If you fall in love with dresses that flow to the floor but are getting married at 10:00 am, go for it! If your maids come in all shapes and sizes, and would really feel more comfortable selecting styles for themselves, and you're ok with it, go for it! If guys can wear undershirts and socks representing their favorite super heroes, then you can absolutely have all different color and length of dress in your lineup.
 
 
 
 
It has been popular for quite some time now for maids to wear a slightly different style of dress in the same color to make everyone feel comfortable. However, you might like the idea of same dress, different color. Perhaps you want to celebrate each ladies unique style and give them no style and color parameters at all-it's your day, your way!
 
 
 
 
When selecting dresses for the special gals that make up your team, it might be a good idea to ask for color and style suggestions from your photographer so the ladies will look great for photos. Have Fun!