The Dazzling Blog
Hey Dazzlers! Who’s ready to figure out what their next steps are after an engagement? First, congrats to anyone who is engaged! This is a huge milestone and I can’t wait to join the ride with you. Before we get started, I want to remind you about the last blog post. If you remember from the last post, I asked you to do some homework. Last time we spoke, I told you to get out a sheet of paper and draw a line in the middle. On one side write down what you would want to pay the most money for and your budget. On the other side, write down what you are willing to spend less on and add the budget. Also, on both sections include the reason as to why you want to spend more or less. Keep this list in to consideration whenever you are reaching out and doing your research. You’ll definitely need to keep that homework in mind for this blog post!
I’m going to break this post up into 5 parts. These upcoming topics will be something you think about immediately after being proposed to...well I take that back. You’ll probably be fascinated over your ring, over how you got proposed, or even on what you plan to post. Eventually, you will need to start thinking about next steps, and that’s where I come into play.
Bridesmaids
Getting the right bridesmaids may not be hard for some, but remember finding the right people to take on the role is important. Your bridesmaids will be able to help you through your day, and most of all your maid of honor will be your right hand woman. If you have siblings, best friends, family members, etc. that you cherish then they can be a great candidate! Think about the ones who support your smallest or largest endeavors. Think about the ones you're first to call/text. Think about the ones who are eager to help. Start there, and start picking the ones you want in your wedding.
New Trend with Asking Someone to be Your Bridesmaid
This may not be new to some but it is definitely new to the overall wedding sector. We have seen a trend in creating gifts or surprise gifts in asking someone to be your bridesmaid. Here are a few examples below:
(Found on Hitched: https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-planning/fun/will-you-be-my-bridesmaid/)
(Found on Hitched: https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-planning/fun/will-you-be-my-bridesmaid/)
You’ll also need to consider how you want your bridesmaids to look. Will you have a theme, a specific color, hair theme, etc.?
(Found on Brides: https://www.brides.com/gallery/fashion-forward-bridesmaid-dresses)
Groomsmen
This would typically be something for the groom to consider. If you feel the need to put your input on this as the bride/groom then feel free to. The same applies to choosing bridesmaids. The groomsmen will support the groom in all of his wedding endeavors and typically the best man is the right hand man. The groomsmen can be your sibling, relative, best friend, etc. Think about who will support and help you out the most. You’ll also need to consider the theme, color, boutonnieres, etc. Here are some ideas on how to ask someone to be your groomsman, and how to stick with a specific look or theme:
(Found on Marrygrams: https://marrygrams.com/products/your-service-is-requested-groomsman-cigar-card-deco-style)
(Found on Hariom’s: https://hariomstailor.com/4-groomsmen-suit-color-inspiration-in-2022/)
Flower Girl/Ring Bearer
If you don’t have a flower girl or ring bearer, then you can always put your spin on this. Do you have a dog, cat, beloved pet, another relative, etc.? Think outside the box on this one. If you are traditional then make sure the flower girl and ring bearer attends rehearsal(s) and know what their role is. For the ones who are considering pets, then I would suggest you rehearse with your beloved animal. Make rehearsals fun and show them the importance of their role. Kids are wonderful and vibrant. I was a flower girl for my aunt’s wedding, and I was a “The Bride is Coming” bell ringer for my older cousin’s wedding. You can also implement other roles into your wedding like a “The Bride is Coming” role.
Here is me as the Flower Girl for my Aunt’s Wedding:
(Found on Brides: https://www.brides.com/story/dog-ring-bearer-after-wedding-ceremony-ideas)
Finding the Right Wedding Officiant
Your officiant can literally be anyone, but you don’t want to pick just anyone. Make sure your officiant is properly ordained. They need to understand how you want to be ordained. Each wedding is different. Some weddings incorporate cultural aspects into their wedding, and others may just want an easy-going wedding. As an officiant, it is our responsibility to make you feel comfortable during the ceremony. We not only direct/instruct you during the ceremony but we make the audience feel involved.
You will need to let your officiant know how you want your wedding script to be. A traditional wedding script will include the welcoming of the congregation, declaration of intent, vow and ring exchange, pronouncement, and closing statement. Ceremonies are typically around 20-30 minutes long. If you want to include jumping the broom, a sand ceremony, and more then let your officiant know. As The Dazzling Wedding Officiant, I will make sure to incorporate a ceremony of your choosing. Whether that be traditional, secular, religious, civil, and more! The officiant can also give you advice on certain vendors, caterers, bakers, etc. to choose from. Use your officiant wisely!
(Found on ARAG: https://www.araglegal.com/individuals/learning-center/topics/family-and-relationships/how-to-choose-officiant#:~:text=Treat%20them%20like%20any%20other,previous%20people%20they've%20married.)
What if you Need More Marriage Support
Wedding planners are always great! You can also utilize your family or friends. I have vendors that I know and support in the DFW area who do a great job! If you are in the DFW area check out PS I Love You Events (www.psiloveyouevents.com) and 323 Occasions (323occasions.com). Wedding planners can make the process much easier for you. They help incorporate an easier process to wedding planning, and according to their services they may be able to help set up, tear down, direct the wedding, and more. Wedding planners are everywhere so always make sure to do your due diligence when selecting the wedding planner of your needs!
Summary
Being engaged is the first step. Now it’s time to incorporate some skill into your wedding party, and wedding planning. Sure wedding planning can be fun, but it can also be stressful. That’s why it’s always important to do your homework. If you got through this blog post, then you are on the right track! Continue researching and reading up on wedding topics. You’re one step closer to enjoying your big day.
Dazzlers, I had a good time sharing advice after an engagement with you. I’ll see you in April with another amazing blog post (My FAVORITE Month - Birthday Month)! Remember, a little razzle dazzle never hurts!
Love,
MaKayla
The Dazzling Wedding Officiant
